Delta Air Lines to retire Boeing 777 fleet as coronavirus crushes demand
Delta Air Lines said Thursday that it will retire its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft and remove them from service by the end of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on travel demand.The air carrier's decision to retire the Boeing jets, which entered service with the airline in 1999 and expanded to 18 aircraft, comes shortly after it announced that it would retire its fleet of aging single-aisle MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft in June."We're making strategic, cost-effective changes to our fleet to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while also ensuring Delta is well-positioned for the recovery on the backside of the crisis," Delta Chief Operating Officer Gil West said in a statement.The airline said in a regulatory filing on Thursday that the moves were made to "better align our network with lower passenger demand" and "streamline and modernize our fleet, and generate cost savings." It also said the move to retire the 777 and MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft will result in second quarter non-cash impairment charges of $1.4 billion to $1.7 billion, before tax.More than 650 of the carrier's mainline and regional aircraft have been parked due to the virus' impact on the air travel industry, which has been decimated since the outbreak of COVID-19 and the resulting stay-at-home orders issued by state and local governments.Nearly 177,000 passengers were screened at TSA checkpoints across the country on Wednesday, compared to more than 2.3 million a year ago – a more than 92 percent decrease.
Delta Air Lines said Thursday that it will retire its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft and remove them from service by the end of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on travel demand.The air carrier's decision to retire the Boeing jets, which entered service with the airline in 1999 and expanded to 18 aircraft, comes shortly after it announced that it would retire its fleet of aging single-aisle MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft in June."We're making strategic, cost-effective changes to our fleet to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while also ensuring Delta is well-positioned for the recovery on the backside of the crisis," Delta Chief Operating Officer Gil West said in a statement.The airline said in a regulatory filing on Thursday that the moves were made to "better align our network with lower passenger demand" and "streamline and modernize our fleet, and generate cost savings." It also said the move to retire the 777 and MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft will result in second quarter non-cash impairment charges of $1.4 billion to $1.7 billion, before tax.More than 650 of the carrier's mainline and regional aircraft have been parked due to the virus' impact on the air travel industry, which has been decimated since the outbreak of COVID-19 and the resulting stay-at-home orders issued by state and local governments.Nearly 177,000 passengers were screened at TSA checkpoints across the country on Wednesday, compared to more than 2.3 million a year ago – a more than 92 percent decrease.
Virus whistleblower tells lawmakers US lacks vaccine plan
WASHINGTON (AP) — Whistleblower Rick Bright warned on Thursday that the U.S. lacks a plan to produce and fairly distribute a coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Whistleblower Rick Bright warned on Thursday that the U.S. lacks a plan to produce and fairly distribute a coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available.
Groups partner to provide internet to low-income students in Tacoma
TACOMA - Several organizations are working together to help get technology in the hands of low-income students who are struggling during COVID-19.The stay home order has added extra challenges for students, and poverty exponentially increases those challenges.That's why the Foundation for Tacoma Students is partnering with Tacoma Public Schools and Rainier Connect to help those families.“Now more than ever, especially if we continue in these environments, access to technology will be critical for our students,” said Tafona Ervin.Ervin is the Executive director of the Foundation for Tacoma Students.She says this pandemic has highlighted a big problem, but it’s not a new one.“Lack of access to technology and WIFI has always been an issue,” said Ervin.The goal is to get the internet into households who are in need.Internet services would be available for one year to these families at no cost, thanks to the help of donations.Fifty homes are scheduled for installation this week.
TACOMA - Several organizations are working together to help get technology in the hands of low-income students who are struggling during COVID-19.The stay home order has added extra challenges for students, and poverty exponentially increases those challenges.That's why the Foundation for Tacoma Students is partnering with Tacoma Public Schools and Rainier Connect to help those families.“Now more than ever, especially if we continue in these environments, access to technology will be critical for our students,” said Tafona Ervin.Ervin is the Executive director of the Foundation for Tacoma Students.She says this pandemic has highlighted a big problem, but it’s not a new one.“Lack of access to technology and WIFI has always been an issue,” said Ervin.The goal is to get the internet into households who are in need.Internet services would be available for one year to these families at no cost, thanks to the help of donations.Fifty homes are scheduled for installation this week.
Nearly 90 jobs slashed at Pierce Transit as union worries about viral exposure
Almost 90 employees at Pierce Transit are being laid off or furloughed and it’s all because of coronavirus.
Almost 90 employees at Pierce Transit are being laid off or furloughed and it’s all because of coronavirus.
Uber to require drivers and riders to wear face masks beginning May 18
SAN FRANCISCO - Uber will start requiring all drivers and riders to wear face masks as part of new safety measures being implemented in order to help combat the spread of COVID-19 as states begin reopening and people return to work.Starting May 18, the ride-sharing company said it will begin requiring a mask or face covering in the U.S., Canada, India, most of Europe and Latin America.Uber said it will enforce the rule by making drivers upload a selfie in the app that can detect if they’re wearing a mask.
SAN FRANCISCO - Uber will start requiring all drivers and riders to wear face masks as part of new safety measures being implemented in order to help combat the spread of COVID-19 as states begin reopening and people return to work.Starting May 18, the ride-sharing company said it will begin requiring a mask or face covering in the U.S., Canada, India, most of Europe and Latin America.Uber said it will enforce the rule by making drivers upload a selfie in the app that can detect if they’re wearing a mask.
'It's hard to find masks': Protecting the homeless population from Covid-19 proves challenging
KING COUNTY -- More businesses and even entire counties are asking people to wear face masks when they're in public.King County issued a directive on Monday urging all of its 2 million residents to wear a mask when outside their own home.
KING COUNTY -- More businesses and even entire counties are asking people to wear face masks when they're in public.King County issued a directive on Monday urging all of its 2 million residents to wear a mask when outside their own home.
First glimpse into what school will look like this fall in Washington
About 200 people met online for the first time on Wednesday starting the process of answering the million-dollar question how do you reopen schools safely this fall amidst a pandemic?
About 200 people met online for the first time on Wednesday starting the process of answering the million-dollar question how do you reopen schools safely this fall amidst a pandemic?
Republican lawmakers voice concerns regarding Gov. Inslee's contact tracing plan
Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Tuesday discussed a new strategy in fighting against COVID-19, however, some lawmakers have concerns about the new plan.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Tuesday discussed a new strategy in fighting against COVID-19, however, some lawmakers have concerns about the new plan.
Trump’s push for opening school clashes with Fauci’s caution
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump called on governors across the nation to work to reopen schools that were closed because of the coronavirus, pointedly taking issue with Dr.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump called on governors across the nation to work to reopen schools that were closed because of the coronavirus, pointedly taking issue with Dr.
Former POW who spent years in captivity offers valuable lessons on overcoming isolation
NORTH BEND, Wash. -- There is no doubt, being told to stay home for months has many of us feeling stressed, anxious, and incredibly isolated.While mental health experts have offered up advice, we thought it may help to hear from a local man, who likely knows more about social isolation than any of us.You see, he lived it for years.“I couldn’t talk to anybody for eight months,” Joe Crecca of North Bend said about his solitary confinement.It was just part of the brutality Crecca faced as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.
NORTH BEND, Wash. -- There is no doubt, being told to stay home for months has many of us feeling stressed, anxious, and incredibly isolated.While mental health experts have offered up advice, we thought it may help to hear from a local man, who likely knows more about social isolation than any of us.You see, he lived it for years.“I couldn’t talk to anybody for eight months,” Joe Crecca of North Bend said about his solitary confinement.It was just part of the brutality Crecca faced as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.
Inslee to order widespread coronavirus testing in nursing homes
SEATTLE -- Gov.
SEATTLE -- Gov.
Seattle sees 1st case of childhood disease tied to coronavirus
Seattle has had its first confirmed case of a rare inflammatory disease in children closely tied to COVID-19. The disease being called “pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome" was identified and treated at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Seattle has had its first confirmed case of a rare inflammatory disease in children closely tied to COVID-19. The disease being called “pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome" was identified and treated at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Some US airlines reportedly won’t force passengers to wear masks during flights
Three of the largest airlines in the U.S. may be encouraging — but not enforcing — new policies requiring face coverings for passengers in flight amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report.American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines can deny boarding at the gate to anyone not wearing a face covering, and are providing masks to those without them.
Three of the largest airlines in the U.S. may be encouraging — but not enforcing — new policies requiring face coverings for passengers in flight amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report.American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines can deny boarding at the gate to anyone not wearing a face covering, and are providing masks to those without them.
'The American people are worth it': Pelosi defends $3T virus aid package
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday defended the stunning $3 trillion price tag on Democrats' pandemic relief package as what is needed to confront the “villainous virus” and economic collapse.“The American people are worth it,” Pelosi told The Associated Press.In an interview with the AP, Pelosi acknowledged that the proposal is a starting point in negotiations with President Donald Trump and Republicans, who have flatly rejected the coronavirus relief bill headed for a House vote Friday.“Unserious,” tweeted White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.As wary Americans wait on Washington, the stakes for all sides are enormous.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday defended the stunning $3 trillion price tag on Democrats' pandemic relief package as what is needed to confront the “villainous virus” and economic collapse.“The American people are worth it,” Pelosi told The Associated Press.In an interview with the AP, Pelosi acknowledged that the proposal is a starting point in negotiations with President Donald Trump and Republicans, who have flatly rejected the coronavirus relief bill headed for a House vote Friday.“Unserious,” tweeted White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.As wary Americans wait on Washington, the stakes for all sides are enormous.
Inslee orders hiring freeze, agencies prepare for 15% cuts
Facing a reduction in projected state revenues of billions due to the coronavirus crisis, Gov Jay Inslee on Wednesday issued a directive freezing most hiring and signing of personal services contracts and purchasing of equipment, and the state's budget office sent a letter to state agencies telling them to find ways to cut 15 percent from their current budgets.
Facing a reduction in projected state revenues of billions due to the coronavirus crisis, Gov Jay Inslee on Wednesday issued a directive freezing most hiring and signing of personal services contracts and purchasing of equipment, and the state's budget office sent a letter to state agencies telling them to find ways to cut 15 percent from their current budgets.
West Seattle Bridge closure doubles commute time for doctor treating COVID-19 patients
Traffic shrunk significantly since the stay-at-home orders were first issued, but a doctor who has been on the hospital front lines treating COVID-19 patients said her drive time has doubled ever since the West Seattle Bridge was closed.
Traffic shrunk significantly since the stay-at-home orders were first issued, but a doctor who has been on the hospital front lines treating COVID-19 patients said her drive time has doubled ever since the West Seattle Bridge was closed.
Walmart to give hourly employees another round of cash bonuses amid COVID-19 pandemic
BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart said it will give its U.S. hourly employees another round of cash bonuses in recognition of their contributions to communities across the country during the coronavirus pandemic.The bonus will be $300 for full-time hourly associates and $150 for part-time hourly and temporary associates, adding up to more than $390 million, the company said.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart said it will give its U.S. hourly employees another round of cash bonuses in recognition of their contributions to communities across the country during the coronavirus pandemic.The bonus will be $300 for full-time hourly associates and $150 for part-time hourly and temporary associates, adding up to more than $390 million, the company said.
COVID-19 outbreak at Twin City Foods puts Phase 2 reopening on hold in Kittitas County
Eight counties in Washington can now move into Phase 2 of Governor Jay Inslee’s Safe Start Washington plan, but Kittitas County is still waiting to get the green light on its variance application.
Eight counties in Washington can now move into Phase 2 of Governor Jay Inslee’s Safe Start Washington plan, but Kittitas County is still waiting to get the green light on its variance application.
Restaurant owners struggle with phase 2 reopening guidelines
SEATTLE -- Restaurant owners are paying very close attention to Governor Jay Inslee’s guidelines that detail what needs to happen before re-opening for business.The requirements are specific and numerous.
SEATTLE -- Restaurant owners are paying very close attention to Governor Jay Inslee’s guidelines that detail what needs to happen before re-opening for business.The requirements are specific and numerous.