Airlines sue Biden Administration over new fee disclosure rule
Several major U.S. airlines, including Delta, American, United, Hawaiian, JetBlue and Alaska, filed a lawsuit against the Transportation Department. The group filed the lawsuit in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday, May 10.
In April, the Biden administration unveiled new rules that apply to checked bag fees. These rules require airlines and ticket agents to be more upfront about fees for seat selection, baggage and changing flight reservations.
According to Reuters, the lawsuit claims that the new rule is “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and otherwise contrary to law.”
Airlines for America, a trade organization that represents several major U.S. airlines, released a statement asserting that airlines already disclose all fees and that the new rules will confuse customers and complicate the buying process.
A study conducted by travel experts at IdeaWorks found that the top 20 airlines in the world collected nearly $118 billion in extra fees in 2023. That number included $33 billion in bag fees.
As of now, the Transportation Department has not responded to the lawsuit. Southwest Airlines did not join the suit.
Biden administration cracks down on flight refunds and hidden fees
The Biden administration is cracking down on some major air travel headaches. New rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) aim to enhance the refund process and get rid of hidden fees.
The department announced on Wednesday, April 24, that it will now require airlines to give automatic cash refunds for canceled flights or flights with “significant delays.” Airlines must issue refunds within seven days for a credit card and within 20 days for other forms of payment.
The new regulations also create a uniform standard for what constitutes a “significant delay” instead of letting airlines decide. All airlines will have to follow a single definition: When a departure or arrival is delayed by at least three hours for domestic flights and at least six hours for international flights, airlines must give a refund.
The rule also applies to refunds for checked-baggage fees if luggage is not delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15-30 hours for international flights. Automatic refunds will also be applicable to fees like seat selection or an internet connection if the airline fails to provide the promised service.
A separate stipulation requires airlines and ticket agents to be more upfront about hidden fees including fees for checked bags, seat selection and canceling or changing a reservation. Airlines websites will now have to show the fees the first time the customers see a price and schedule. The department said the aim is to prevent bait-and-switch tactic that hide the true costs of flights.
According to the Department of Transportation, the new rule will save customers around $500 million dollars a year. The department will implement the changes over the next two years.
Passenger advocate groups praised the new rules. However, in response, Airlines of America stated that its airlines already “abide by and frequently exceed” DOT consumer protection regulations. Airline complaints skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but carriers noted complaints dropped significantly over the past few years.
Boom Supersonic makes history with XB-1’s inaugural flight
Boom Supersonic achieved an historic milestone Friday, March 22, as its prototype aircraft, the XB-1, took its inaugural flight, signaling a significant leap forward in reintroducing commercial supersonic aviation. The XB-1 flew over the Mojave Desert, reaching a maximum altitude of 7,120 feet and a top speed of 283 mph before landing safely after a 12-minute flight.
According to Boom CEO Blake Scholl, the company aims to conduct approximately 15 test flights this year, with the ultimate goal of constructing and launching “Overture” — the first supersonic commercial aircraft since the Concorde.
Boom has forged partnerships with major airlines such as American Airlines and United, as well as collaborations with Florida Turbine Technologies and GE Additive.
The aviation startup is pushing forward with its own engine development for Overture, promising engines three times more powerful than those of the XB-1.
However, achieving the goal of supersonic commercial flights by 2030 presents financial challenges for the company. Boom hopes to raise over $8 billion to develop Overture, with the XB-1 serving as a primary fundraising tool.
Sustainability remains a critical concern, given the increased fuel consumption associated with supersonic travel, exacerbating environmental impacts. Scholl said that Boom is exploring sustainable aviation fuel to mitigate these effects.
As XB-1 undergoes further testing, Boom is ahead of schedule in constructing its “super factory” in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Overture will be produced.
President Biden speaks to the nation in his State of the Union address. The highlights and takeaways from the night. And — an Army soldier is indicted, accused of selling military secrets to a Chinese agent. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, March 8, 2024.
Biden’s State of the Union
In a State of the Union Address marked by the upcoming presidential election just eight months away, President Joe Biden stood before a divided Congress and the American populace, undeterred in his critique of former President Donald Trump, mentioning him 13 times.
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In a pointed critique of Trump’s tenure, Biden expressed, “A president, my predecessor failed the most basic presidential duty that he owes to American people, the duty to care. I think that’s unforgivable.”
Biden navigated through a plethora of voter concerns, touching on reproductive rights, the economy, border security, and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He also addressed concerns over his age, shared by 70 percent of American voters, with a mix of humility and clarity, “I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while. When you get to my age certain things become clearer than ever. I know the American story.”
On economic matters, Biden questioned the fairness of the current tax system, proposing, “Folks at home, does anybody really think the tax code is fair? No. The way to make the tax code fair is to make big corporations and the very wealthy finally pay their share.”
Highlighting his stance on reproductive rights, Biden criticized Trump’s efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade, stating, “My predecessor came to office determined to see Roe v Wade overturned. He’s the reason it was overturned and he brags about it.”
Republicans call on Biden to address Laken Riley murder
During his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden put immigration policy front and center, a topic recent polls identify as the number one issue for voters. The focus on immigration came hours after the House passed “The Laken Riley Act,” a bill mandating the detention by ICE of any migrant who commits burglary or theft.
Named after a Georgia student police say was killed by an individual who had illegally crossed the border, the bill saw bipartisan support, with 37 Democrats joining Republicans to secure its passage.
Biden directly acknowledged Laken Riley, meeting the demands of some Republicans who had called for him to do so. He used this moment to urge Republicans in Congress to pass a comprehensive border security bill, which has been stalled due to partisan disagreements on how to manage the border crisis.
“An innocent woman who was killed by an illegal,” Biden said. “That’s right. But how many of the thousands of people being killed by legals. To her parents, I say my heart goes out to you, having lost children myself.”
Biden emphasized the urgency of the situation, addressing his Republican colleagues: “Folks, I respectfully say to suggest that my Republican friends – you owe it to the American people to get this bill done. We need to act now,” met with applause from those in attendance.
Pro-Palestinian protestors block D.C. streets
While President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address garnered mixed reactions from lawmakers within the Capitol, outside the building, the scene was markedly different.
The demonstrators called for an immediate ceasefire and urged the U.S. to extend aid to the people of Gaza.
Biden announces new port off Gaza’s coast during State of the Union
President Joe Biden detailed plans to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the State of the Union. He revealed that a new port will be constructed off Gaza’s coast to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the famine-stricken region.
According to Biden, the U.S. military will oversee the construction of the temporary port, eliminating the need for ground troop deployment. This strategic move will enable the shipping of food, medicine, and other essential supplies directly to Gaza by sea.
The new port will complement existing efforts, as the U.S. is currently delivering aid via air drops.
Army soldier accused of selling military secrets to China
The classified documents pertain to Taiwan, various weapons systems, missile defense systems, and technical data regarding the F-22 stealth fighter and the Army’s newest combat rescue helicopter.
Schultz is accused of sharing this critical information with a Chinese agent, receiving a total of 14 payments amounting to $42,000. This arrest marks the fourth service member taken into custody in the past eight months for leaking sensitive U.S. military information.
Texas wildfire claims lives of thousands of cattle in historic blaze
In what has become the largest wildfire in Texas history, over one million acres of land in the Texas Panhandle, predominantly used for ranching, have been devastated. According to State Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, the fire has resulted in the death of more than 7,000 cattle, a number that is expected to rise beyond 10,000.
Texas, which boasts a cattle population exceeding 11 million, is grappling with the aftermath of the blaze. While officials anticipate no national impact on the beef market, the local effects are described as devastating.
House committee unanimously advances bill targeting TikTok
In a notable display of bipartisan unity, a House committee has moved forward a bill that threatens the availability of the widely used app TikTok in the United States, unless it is divested from its China-based parent company, ByteDance. The proposed legislation also empowers the executive branch to restrict access to any app owned by a foreign adversary deemed a national security threat.
The future of the bill in the full House remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether there are enough votes for its passage. Lawmakers have consistently expressed concerns over TikTok’s potential national security risk, attributed to its ownership by a Chinese entity.
Meanwhile, TikTok has countered, arguing that banning the app would infringe on users’ First Amendment rights.
Tire detaches from United Airlines flight, forces emergency landing
A United Airlines flight en route to Japan from San Francisco International Airport experienced a rare malfunction yesterday when a tire fell off during takeoff. The incident was caught on video, showing the tire detaching from a Boeing 777, then landing in an employee parking lot and shattering the back window of a car.
The aircraft, carrying nearly 250 passengers, was diverted to Los Angeles International Airport for an emergency landing. Aviation experts have commented that losing a tire is an uncommon event, usually resulting from maintenance issues rather than manufacturing defects.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident.
Boeing safety woes continue, CEO addresses lawmakers on Capitol Hill
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are seeking answers from Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun. The executive is facing questions about passenger safety following recent mechanical issues on Boeing planes.
“We fly safe planes,” Calhoun said to reporters. “We don’t put airplanes in the air we don’t have 100% confidence in. I’m here today in the spirit of transparency to one, recognize the seriousness of what you just asked. Number two, to share everything I can with our Capitol Hill interests and answer all their questions, because they have a lot of them.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded Boeing’s 737 Max 9 jets after a fuselage panel broke off of an Alaska Airlines plane just six minutes into a Jan. 5 flight.
Video shows the inside of the Alaska Airlines flight that was forced to make an emergency landing after a door plug blew out midair in early January. pic.twitter.com/rLWxaPlIi1
Sparks and flames were spotted shooting from a Boeing 747 Atlas Air cargo plane that took off from Miami International Airport on Friday, Jan. 19. The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing.
Engine fire on Atlas Air Boeing 747 departing from Miami Airport tonight. Flight circled back and landed a few minutes later.
Delta Airlines flight 982 was about to take off from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport when a nose wheel came off the Boeing 757 and rolled down a hill on Saturday, Jan. 20.
the wheel of a Delta Boeing 757 just flew off while it was preparing to take off at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The wheel then rolled down the runway…
could have been catastrophic if it happened a few seconds later
“Delta 982, this is the aircraft looking at you. One of your nose tires just came off, it just rolled off the runway behind you,” a pilot on another Delta flight warned.
All these incidents involved different models of Boeing airplanes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in any of these events.
Considering the panel incident on the Alaska Airlines flight, investigators believe the panel was not secured with bolts and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating to figure out if Boeing is at fault.
NTSB has recovered the door plug from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737-9 MAX. NTSB investigators are currently examining the door plug and will send it to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington, DC for further examination. pic.twitter.com/fqeemNeBPW
The FAA grounded all 171 Boeing 737 Max 9s and said the planes will be eligible to return to service after thorough inspections.
Alaska Airlines released a statement saying some of its Max 9s would be put back into service starting Friday, Jan. 26, but only after “rigorous inspections are completed, and each aircraft is deemed airworthy according to the FAA requirements.”
United Airlines’ CEO said its Max 9s are slated to be put back into rotation Sunday, Jan. 28.
Hundreds of flights have been canceled, leaving passengers scrambling to find alternate routes to their destinations, and leaders of the airlines are not holding back their frustration and anger.
“It makes you mad. It makes you mad that we’re finding issues like that on brand new airplanes,” Alaska Airlines’ CEO Ben Minicucci said.
The FAA also announced Wednesday, Jan. 24, that it has decided not to allow production expansion of Boeing’s Max aircraft until quality control issues are “resolved.”
Boeing said it will work with the airlines to complete these inspections. Alaska and United Airlines, which have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights daily, said they expect to have some of the planes back in service by this weekend.
At the same time, the FAA is not allowing Boeing to expand production of the 737 Max jets.
“However, let me be clear: This won’t be back to business as usual for Boeing” said Mike Whitaker, FAA Administrator. “We will not agree to any request from Boeing for an expansion in production or approve additional production lines for the 737 MAX until we are satisfied that the quality control issues uncovered during this process are resolved.”
The FAA said that the halt is needed to ensure accountability by Boeing, adding that it will not agree to any requests for expansion until Boeing resolves quality control issues. A delay that experts said is rippling across the industry already.
“We don’t put planes in the air that we don’t have 100% confidence in,” Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said.
According to a Reuters report, Southwest airlines has already changed its 2024 fleet plans due to supply-chain challenges and certification requirements that Boeing is facing. Southwest, a loyal Boeing customer, is expecting to receive 79 jets from Boeing in 2024, down from earlier projections of 85.
Alabama set to conduct first nitrogen gas execution in U.S.: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 25, 2024
Alabama is set to conduct the first execution of a death row inmate by nitrogen gas in U.S. history. And the FAA halts Boeing from expanding its production on certain planes following the Alaska Airlines midair scare. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Jan 25, 2024.
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Alabama to proceed with first nitrogen gas execution in the U.S.
The first execution of a death row inmate by nitrogen gas is expected to take place within hours in Alabama after the Supreme Court declined to halt the inmate’s request to pause the execution. The court did not explain its ruling on Wednesday, Jan. 24, as the justices did not side with Kenneth Smith and his attorneys.
Smith’s legal team was looking for more time to argue that the state trying to execute him for a second time would be unconstitutional, falling under the category of cruel and unusual punishment. An appeals court also declined to halt the execution.
Execution by nitrogen gas is only approved in three states: Alabama, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. But Alabama is the only state to outline its protocol so far, saying it will use a mask to deliver the nitrogen.
Critics of the new method include the United Nations, whose Human Rights Office said it “could amount to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment under international human rights law.” The Alabama Attorney’s General office claimed the use of nitrogen gas is the “most painless and humane method of execution known to man.”
Ohio bans gender-affirming care for minors
Despite a veto from Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio’s Republican-dominated senate voted to ban gender-affirming care for minors and bar transgender women and girls from competing on sports teams. In a senate vote to override DeWine’s veto, the law passed and bans gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapies and restricts mental health care for transgender patients under 18. The law also bars transgender girls and women from joining girls’ and women’s sports teams from K through 12 and collegiate sports.
The law is expected to go into effect in 90 days, after it was pushed through in a 24-8 vote in the state senate. One Republican voted against the measure. While Gov. DeWine vetoed the measure, citing government overreach, he did sign an executive order in early January banning gender-affirming surgeries for minors, even though medical professionals have insisted those surgeries aren’t happening in the state.
“This choice is clear. Joe Biden bet on the American worker while Donald Trump blamed the American worker,” UAW President Shawn Fain said.
In 2023, the UAW orchestrated a massive walk-out during negotiations with Detroit’s Big Three automakers for better wages. The months-long strike ended with historic deals signed by the union, and President Biden became the first modern-day president to hit a picket line in a show of support for the American worker.
This is why Fain said the choice is clear, calling former President Donald Trump a “scab,” and added that he is a billionaire who does not represent the American worker; he is the type of “company man trying to squeeze the American worker.”
UAW’s endorsement is a big win for Biden as he looks to garner more support from working-class Americans. The UAW also endorsed Biden during the 2020 election.
U.N.’s top court to make initial ruling in Israel genocide case
Should the 17-judge panel grant South Africa’s requests, it’s unclear if Israel will comply with the court’s order. While rulings by the court are legally binding, there is no way to enforce them.
Israel has called the genocide allegations “grossly distorted,” saying the country has a right to defend itself and it is fighting Hamas, not Palestinian civilians. The United States has called South Africa’s case meritless.
FAA approves path for grounded Boeing jets to return after panel incident
Boeing said it will work with the airlines to complete these inspections. Alaska and United Airlines, which have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights consistently, said they expect to have some of the planes back in service by this weekend. At the same time, the FAA is not allowing Boeing to expand production of the 737 Max jets.
The FAA said that the halt is needed to ensure accountability by Boeing, adding that it will not agree to any requests for expansion until Boeing resolves quality control issues.
Jon Stewart returning to host ‘The Daily Show’ on Mondays
This time around, Stewart will only be on Monday nights and only throughout the 2024 presidential election cycle. Stewart most recently hosted a show on Apple TV+, but it was canceled after two seasons following reports of conflict between Stewart and Apple over its coverage of China and artificial intelligence.
Along with part-time hosting duties, Stewart will also serve as executive producer for every episode of “The Daily Show” through 2025.
US, UK launch strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 12, 2024
The United States launches large-scale retaliatory airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. And eBay agrees to pay a $3 million fine in connection to a harassment scheme. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.
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U.S. officials said the airstrikes targeted 16 sites, hitting ammunition depots, launching systems, and air defense radar systems. The strikes marked the U.S.’s first military response to the Houthis’ persistent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
Though the U.S. and a dozen other nations issued a warning to the Houthi militant group last week, just days later, the U.S. and U.K. forces shot down a barrage of drones and missiles fired by the Houthi rebels in the group’s largest assault yet.
“These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea — including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
The president added that he will not hesitate to take further measures to protect U.S. personnel and the flow of international commerce from Houthi attacks if necessary. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a statement as well as he recovers in the hospital after complications from cancer treatment. Austin said the United States has a right to self-defense.
Trump delivers closing argument in New York civil fraud trial
James accused Trump of falsifying financial statements to gain more favorable loans. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. Though Trump’s attorney did not agree to the judge’s terms, the former president delivered a five-minute address to the court on Thursday, Jan. 11, while seated at the defense table.
Trump said he’s an innocent man and claimed he’s being persecuted by someone running for office. Trump spoke out against the judge, saying he had his own agenda and called the lawsuit a political witch hunt. James responded to the remarks after the proceedings, saying her case has never been about politics. The judge is expected to rule in the case by Jan. 31.
Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to tax charges
One day after the president’s son, Hunter Biden, sent the House Oversight Committee into hysteria, sitting front row at his contempt of Congress hearing, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to federal tax evasion charges in Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 11. Charged with 9 felony and misdemeanor counts of tax evasion, the president’s son is accused of not paying $1.4 billion in taxes between 2016 and 2019, despite allegedly earning more than $7 million and spending millions on drugs and escorts.
If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 17 years in prison; the trial is set to start on June 20. Biden is also facing federal criminal charges in Delaware, accused of lying about his illegal drug use to buy a gun, those charges carrying a penalty of up to 10 years.
More criminal charges could be coming as the full House gets ready to vote on the contempt of Congress resolution against Hunter Biden. If approved, the Department of Justice would decide whether to prosecute. Biden’s legal team called the tax charges persecution, adding that Hunter has been the target of the investigation because of his last name and that he has paid his back taxes.
FAA launches investigation of Boeing after panel incident
The Federal Aviation Administration has alerted Boeing that it has begun a formal investigation following the scare aboard an Alaska Airlines plane last week that saw a panel blow off midflight, forcing an emergency landing. Shortly thereafter, the FAA grounded 171 of Boeing’s 737 Max 9 jets, operated mainly in the U.S. by Alaska and United Airlines. The FAA sent a letter to Boeing about its investigation, saying the incident “should have never happened, and it cannot happen again.”
The FAA said its investigation will determine if Boeing’s manufacturing practices comply with safety standards, citing “additional discrepancies” in other Max 9 planes. Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating why the panel flew off. Boeing’s CEO said the company plans to cooperate fully with both investigations.
eBay to pay $3 million penalty in harassment case
Online retailer eBay has agreed to pay a $3 million penalty in connection to a harassment and stalking case that saw a Massachusetts couple receive strange deliveries, including live insects and a bloody pig mask. Seven employees and contractors were convicted in the harassment scheme conducted in 2019, which the Justice Department said stemmed from the victims criticizing eBay in their e-commerce newsletter.
eBay engaged in absolutely horrific, criminal conduct.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy
Prosecutors said eBay executives and other employees carried out an intimidation campaign against David and Ina Steiner that included threatening the couple on Twitter using fake accounts, installing a GPS device on the couple’s car, and publicly posting the victims’ address to encourage strangers to visit for sexual encounters.
“eBay engaged in absolutely horrific, criminal conduct. The company’s employees and contractors involved in this campaign put the victims through pure hell, in a petrifying campaign aimed at silencing their reporting and protecting the eBay brand,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
The couple was also sent a book on surviving the loss of a loved one and odd packages, including live spiders and a funeral wreath. Under the terms of the agreement, eBay will retain an independent corporate compliance monitor for three years. In a statement, eBay said the company has taken full responsibility for the conduct of its former employees and continues to extend its deepest apologies to the Steiners.
NFL star angered over NFL streaming deal giving away free subscriptions
For the first time in NFL history, a playoff game will air exclusively on a paid streaming platform this weekend. Not all fans are happy about that, and not all players are either. One player in particular is doing something about it.
Charles Omenihu of the Kansas City Chiefs spoke out on social media earlier this week about his disapproval of his team’s game against the Miami Dolphins airing only on NBC’s streaming service Peacock, calling the move “insane.” Last year, NBC struck a $110 million deal with the NFL that gave Peacock the exclusive rights to a Wild Card Weekend playoff game.
The Chiefs defensive end decided to reach out to Peacock directly on X, saying he had an idea about making it right. A couple of days later, Omenihu announced he was giving away free Peacock subscriptions so more fans could watch the game, 90 subscriptions in total, a nod to his jersey number. To qualify, you just had to respond to his social post. Omenihu said fans would learn if they won by Friday, Jan. 12.
“The FAA’s priority is always keeping Americans safe,” the agency said in a statement. “In that spirit, Boeing 737-9 aircraft will remain grounded until operators complete enhanced inspections which include both left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners.”
On Monday, Jan. 8, United said its preliminary checks found loose bolts on several panels; sources told Reuters that at least 10 of United’s Max 9 planes have been found to have this issue. The airline said it had to cancel 200 flights on Monday, Jan. 8, due to the emergency inspections and expects significant cancellations on Tuesday, Jan. 9, as well.
“Since we began preliminary inspections on Saturday, we have found instances that appear to relate to installation issues in the door plug — for example, bolts that needed additional tightening,” United said. “These findings will be remedied by our Tech Ops team to safely return the aircraft to service.”
Alaska Airlines also announced that its technicians found “loose hardware” on some of its planes. Federal investigators said late on Monday, Jan. 8, that they are looking into the possibility that the bolts to keep the panel in place were never installed before the piece blew off the Alaska Airlines flight.
“We are committed to ensuring every Boeing airplane meets design specifications and the highest safety and quality standards,” Boeing said. “We regret the impact this has had on our customers and their passengers.”
Blinken visits Israel to avert war from spreading in Middle East: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 9, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Israel to continue his tour of the Middle East as he looks to prevent a broader war in the region. And more than 20 people are injured after an explosion at a hotel in Texas. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.
Blinken in Israel to avert broader war as Hezbollah commander killed
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel today, Jan. 9, meeting with top officials as he continues his tour of the Middle East to try to avert the war from spreading in the region. Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday, Jan. 8, just as the Israeli military announced it was beginning to enter a new phase of its war against Hamas in Gaza, one with fewer troops and airstrikes.
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Before arriving in Israel, Blinken’s fourth trip to the region in three months saw him meeting with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, looking for support to avert a broader war. Shortly before Blinken’s arrival, Israel launched strikes into Southern Lebanon, killing a top commander of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Speaking to troops guarding the border of Northern Israel on Monday, Jan. 8, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was ready “to do whatever is necessary to restore security to the north.”
Blinken said during his meetings with Netanyahu, the war cabinet, and Israeli officials today, Jan. 9, he will discuss what he’s heard throughout his trip with the other nations’ leaders. He will also press Israel on protecting civilians in Gaza and increasing humanitarian aid to the territory.
United, Alaska Airlines find loose parts on 737 Max 9 planes
On Monday, Jan. 8, United said its preliminary checks found loose bolts on several panels; sources told Reuters that at least 10 of United’s Max 9 planes have been found to have this issue. Alaska Airlines also announced that its technicians found “loose hardware” on some of its planes. Federal investigators said late on Monday, Jan. 8, that they are looking into the possibility that the bolts to keep the panel in place were never installed before the piece blew off the Alaska Airlines flight.
Explosion at historic Texas hotel injures 21
An explosion at a historic hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, injured at least 21 people on Monday afternoon, Jan. 8. The explosion blew out windows and sent large sections of debris, including parts of doors and walls, all across the downtown streets. Investigators believe a gas leak was the cause of the blast at the 20-story Sandman Signature Hotel.
Five of those hurt suffered critical or serious injuries. Authorities said more than two dozen rooms were occupied at the time. Rescue crews found people trapped in the basement. Paula Snider, who witnessed it all, described what she saw.
“I heard the loudest boom I could ever hear,” Snider said. “And I looked up and underneath the awning at the Sandman Hotel, where the valet and parking lot is, was just a huge puff of black smoke, and I screamed, and then all of a sudden, when the smoke fades away, there’s just debris and metal and everything just flying everywhere.”
Driver in custody after crashing into White House gate
A driver was taken into custody on Monday evening, Jan. 8, after crashing into the gates of the White House. The Secret Service said a vehicle collided with an exterior gate around 6 p.m. Secret Service, D.C. police, and the fire department responded. The driver was apprehended at the scene, and no injuries were reported.
The collision caused traffic closures around the White House, which have since reopened. The Secret Service continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Tiger Woods, Nike announce end of 27-year partnership
Tiger Woods and Nike, a duo that has gone together for 27 years, is splitting up. In a social media post announcing the end of the partnership, Woods thanked Nike co-founder Phil Knight, citing his passion for the brand and for golf.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods said. “The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever.”
Tiger originally signed with Nike in 1996 for $40 million. At the time, it was considered one of the biggest deals in sports, but Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, later called the deal “chump change.” Tiger won 15 major championships with the Swoosh on his chest, and his name became synonymous with Nike; in 2013, Tiger signed his latest deal with Nike, making an estimated $200 million. In his social post, Woods noted that there will certainly be another chapter.
Michigan wins College Football Playoff National Championship
Congratulations go out to Michigan, as the Wolverines are national champions. Michigan defeated the Washington Huskies 34-13 to win the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night, Jan. 8, in Houston. It’s the team’s first national championship since 1997.
This season, the undefeated Wolverines had to battle obstacles not only on the field but off – including a sign-stealing investigation and two suspensions for their head coach, Jim Harbaugh. Michigan’s victory also marks the end of the college football playoff format as we know it; next year, it expands to a 12-team playoff. Our Simone Del Rosario took a closer look at what the new format could mean for players and media outlets; read her report here.