Chris Wikoff, who helped found the Aloha Freedom Coalition, is now urging people to stop protesting vaccinations and to take the disease seriously. A poster in an airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. AP Photo/Caleb Jones The founder of a Hawaii group opposing COVID-19 rules and vaccine mandates has asked people to stop. Chris Wikoff, who was recently hospitalized with COVID-19, previously dismissed it as "a little flu." He told local media he is considering getting vaccinated now. See more stories on Insider's business page. The cofounder of a Hawaiian group protesting vaccine mandates and COVID-19 rules is now calling people to end the cause after being hospitalized with the disease himself. Chris Wikoff, 66, said he no longer wanted to participate in the group and asked for his name to be removed from the members' list, Hawaii News Now reported Monday."I want to mind my own business and isolate," he told Hawaii News Now. Wikoff cofounded the Aloha Freedom Coalition in October 2020 in response to a lockdown order which the group said was ruining business and threatening individual liberties, Hawaii News Now reported.The group now opposes vaccine mandates and vaccine passports. On Sunday it called the White House "traitors" for considering vaccine passports for air travel. -Aloha Freedom Coalition (@alohafreedomco) September 19, 2021Wikoff said he previously believed vaccine mandates and passports seemed "over-the-top totalitarian control" because he didn't believe the disease was that serious, Hawai News Now reported. "We were told the COVID virus was not that deadly, it was nothing more than a little flu," he told Hawaii News Now."Well, I can tell you: it's more than the little flu."Wikoff's change of position came after he was hospitalized after catching COVID-19 in August, per Hawaii News Now. "I was afraid I was going to die," he told the outlet.He urged people to stop participating in the protests and rallies his group was organizing, including those taking part outside of Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor Josh Green's house, Hawaii News Now reported."Before I thought Josh Green was exaggerating the situation and after my experience, he sounds very rational to me," he said, per Hawaii News Now. A picture of Wikoff, who according to Hawaii News Now still needs help breathing, can be seen here:-KFYR-TV (@KFYRTV) September 21, 2021Wikoff says now he is considering getting vaccinated because his family and doctors recommended it, Hawaii News Now reported."Probably getting COVID again would be more dangerous than getting the reaction from the vaccines," he told Hawaii News Now, adding: "The COVID vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective."In a statement, the Aloha Freedom Coalition said it would "continue to fight against blanket mandates and for an individual's right to choose," Hawaii News Now reported. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

The J.D. Power study that found satisfaction rates at U.S. and Canadian airports have fallen steadily over the past two quarters from early 2021 highs as travel volumes have crept closer to pre-pandemic levels......»»

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has joined the U.S. Department of Justice and other states in an antitrust lawsuit that seeks to block a partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue. The 42-page lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court in Massachusetts, targets a so-called “Northeast Alliance” in which the airlines would share revenues and coordinate flights at airports in Boston, New York and Newark, N.J. The lawsuit contends the partnership will eliminate competition between the….....»»

A Scott's Cheap Flights Elite subscription alerts you to deals on premium economy, business class, and first class airfare. Here's how it works. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Scott's Cheap Flights Scott's Cheap Flights is a free newsletter and website for cheap flight deals. The best deals are for Premium members, while business and first class fares are for Elite level. Elite costs $199 per year and includes Premium. I tried it out to see how it works. Table of Contents: Masthead StickyElite service (per year) (small)They say once you fly first class, you can never go back to coach. There's nothing like going past the first class curtain to plush, and in some cases, lie-flat seats, while tucking into chef-prepared meals and sipping champagne.I know personally that the saying is true. But unfortunately, I've made the long walk back to economy many times after experiencing the indulgent front of the plane.That's because for most fliers, business or first class is often prohibitively expensive and a rarity saved for special occasions or occasional upgrades.However, Scott's Cheap Flights, a newsletter and website for finding the best flight deals, has an Elite tier specifically for cheap premium economy, business class, and first class flights. It's not free like their basic newsletter, but if you like to stretch out in style, it's worth checking out.I tried out an Elite subscription, comped for review purposes, and for just under $17 per month, think it's one of the best ways to find good deals on upgraded cabins. Here's how it works, how it compares to the free service, and some of the best deals I spotted.What is Scott's Cheap Flights?Scott's Cheap Flights is a newsletter and website that shares incredible flight deals, in some cases, even 90% off a typical flight price. They have a team of researchers who religiously research flights and if you opt in to email subscriptions, you'll be alerted when airlines have sales or mistake fares. Basic membership is free, but for tailored and exclusive deals, you'll have to upgrade to Premium, while Elite (which includes Premium) is exclusively for premium economy, business class, and first class flight deals. Here's a full breakdown of how it works.What is Scott's Cheap Flights Elite?While a standard membership shares limited deals, and Premium alerts you to significantly more deals on international and domestic economy flights, mistake fares, and some of the most popular destinations, Elite focuses specifically on premium economy, business class, and first class flights.However, because it also includes Premium membership, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds - in other words, all the best deals without limitations. Deals are available based on membership levels. Scott's Cheap Flights Deals arrive daily in your inbox or can be found on the website. Online, you'll see deals reserved only for Premium or Elite members.To find the best cheap flights for you, you'll want to "follow" airports where you typically depart. Free members may select up to five airports, premium members can follow up to 10, and Elite members have unlimited choices. Tailor your search results by setting "home" airports. Scott's Cheap Flights How much does an Elite subscription cost?Elite is $199 per year, which is significantly more than Scott's Cheap Flights' Premium service that costs $49 for an annual subscription. Regular memberships are free.But if you travel often, love to jump on good deals, and specifically want to fly in upgraded cabins, that's just under $17 a month, which is pretty cheap.You may also try it for free for 14 days at no cost if you decide it isn't for you.How do I sign up for Scott's Cheap Flights' Elite subscription?Signing up for a Scott's Cheap Flights Elite account is easy:First, create an account, by going to their homepage where you'll submit your name, email, and create a password. You'll also answer prompts to make sure you see the best deals.For Elite, you'll then be prompted to input your credit card information.That's it. Signing up for Elite, or any membership, takes only a few minutes. Scott's Cheap Flights Is Elite better than Premium or Free?That depends on how often you fly or plan to jump on deals, and how important elevated cabins are to you. However, to see how many more deals an Elite member receives (which, again, includes Premium), I also signed up for a free account on another email to track how many I received for each tier. Over a five-week period, here's how they compared:Free service: 30 email deals for economy domestic and international flights16 emails with destination-related content, travel tips, and offers for discounts on paid memberships Newsletter and Deals (small)Premium service:121 email deals for economy domestic and international flights16 emails with destination-related content, travel tips, and offers for discounts on paid membershipsPremium service (per year) (small)Elite service:9 email deals for domestic and international premium economy class flights26 email deals for domestic and international business and first class flights126 email deals for economy domestic and international flights16 emails with destination-related content, travel tips, and offers for discounts on paid membershipsElite service (per year) (small)So, looking at deals specifically, since all members receive similar promotional emails, being a Premium member earned significantly more deals than a basic membership.Elite included all the same Premium emails, with the addition of upgraded cabin deals, which were mostly for business class over any other. While I didn't receive nearly as many premium or business class deals as I did for economy flights through Premium, the number of premium/business/first class sales totaled just about the same as all the emails I received in entirety as a free member, which is a pretty good showing. Flying first, business, or premium economy comes with lots of plush perks. Scott's Cheap Flights What are some of the best deals Elite members receive?While I received a lot of great deals as an Elite member, these offered some of the most significant savings to popular destinations. Do note that these were tailored to my residence on the East Coast:New York City to Quito, Ecuador in premium economy: $505New York City to Barcelona, Spain in premium economy: $778Boston to Copenhagen, Denmark in premium economy, $990New York to Bangkok, Thailand in premium economy, $1,186New York City to Nassau, Bahamas in business class, $623New York City to Quito, Ecuador in business class: $755Boston to Seattle in business class, $997Boston to Rome, Italy in business class, $1,568Hartford to Madrid, Spain in business class, $2,210New York, to Cape Town, South Africa, $2,704The bottom lineMost major travel requires a flight, which can be a long, uncomfortable journey. Flying business or first class is an indulgence that removes many pain points, but is also expensive and discounts are hard to come by.However, Scott's Cheap Flights Elite service hones in specifically on them, offering major savings. If you fly often and are open to paying more for premium economy, business class, and first class, then Scott's Cheap Flights Elite service is one of the best ways to find cheap airfare on these cabins. And at roughly $17 per month for a year, this price is cheaper than buying dinner. While I didn't purchase airfare during my testing period (I have a baby and we're trying to limit travel with her during the pandemic), I would definitely sign up for Elite if I were flying at pre-pandemic levels, or knew I'd be traveling on long haul routes. However, if you don't fly much or are perfectly comfortable in coach, you're better off trying Premium, which still nets great deals for about $4 per month. Or, start with the free version and upgrade if you like what you see.Elite service (per year) (small)Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Passenger satisfaction at America’s airports is starting to dip from all-time highs as airports get busier, with O’Hare International Airport ranking last and Midway Airport in the bottom half, according to a study released Wednesday.Passenger satisfaction at America’s airports is starting to dip from all-time highs as airports get busier, with O’Hare International Airport ranking last and Midway Airport in the bottom half, according to a study released Wednesday......»»

The company will have a second phase at the Kissimmee airport......»»

By 2030, Shell (RDS.A) wants SAF to constitute at least 10% of its worldwide aviation fuel sales. Per the reports published, Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS.A) plans to generate about 2 million tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within 2025. By 2030, it wants SAF to account for at least 10% of its worldwide aviation fuel sales.Shell does not yet produce its own SAF. Instead, it obtains it from other parties, such as the Neste refinery in Finland. This currently Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) Shell claims that SAF, which is made from waste cooking oil, plants and animal fats, may reduce aircraft emissions by up to 80%. Currently, SAF accounts for less than 0.1% of aviation fuel demand. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.The SAF production target is consistent with Shell's goal of being a zero-emissions energy company by 2050. The ambition comes a week after the company made a final investment decision to construct an 820,000-tonne-per-year biofuels facility at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam in the Netherlands. When completed, the plant will be one of the largest producers of SAF and renewable diesel from trash in Europe.The majority of oil and gas supermajors including BP plc BP and TotalEnergies SE TTE, promised to become net-zero energy firms by 2050 and heavily invest in renewable and low-carbon energy alternatives, such as SAF.The development of SAF is a strategic path pursued by most companies to achieve carbon neutrality as biojet fuels help reduce emissions from air transportation.Earlier this year, TotalEnergies announced that it started producing SAF at the La Mèdebio refinery in southern France and the Oudalle facility near Le Havre. SAF, which is made from used cooking oil, animal fat and other waste will be supplied to France’s airports from April 2021 and aid the company in curbing toxic emissions from air transportation.Recently, another oil biggie Chevron Corporation CVX along with renewable energy firm Gevo, Inc. signed a letter of intent to jointly invest in the construction and operation of one or more new facilities to turn inedible corn into SAF, thereby lowering the lifecycle carbon intensity of aviation fuels.Shell’s SAF InitiativesThis July, Shell signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc as part of its efforts to decarbonize the aviation industry and reach net-zero emissions.Per the terms of the agreement, Shell and the engineering company Rolls-Royce will explore opportunities to bring 100% SAF to certification. Both companies plan to enhance their cooperation on SAF and fully certify its use in planes as it produces 70% less carbon than conventional fuel.In December 2020, Shell’s Shell Aviation entered into an agreement with the global logistics services provider DHL Express to supply the latter with SAF at the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.The deal sets an excellent example of how the aviation industry will expedite its shift toward net-zero emissions as the fuel industry aims to increase the supply of SAF. As the commercial airlines are operating with lower capacity, Shell considers this deal an opportunity for the cargo sector to increase the uptake of SAF in the aviation industry. Further, the oil and gas major believes that cargo operators can play an important role to prompt the demand signals to boost investment and the use of SAF.Shell has seen its shares surge 62.7% in a year’s time compared with the  industry's growth of 57.4%.Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 7 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How to Profit from Trillions on Spending for Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BP p.l.c. (BP): Free Stock Analysis Report Chevron Corporation (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A): Free Stock Analysis Report TotalEnergies SE Sponsored ADR (TTE): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research.....»»

The return of travelers from Europe later this fall could mean longer lines at airports and higher prices for certain destinations......»»

Macquarie's (MIC) sale of the Atlantic Aviation and MIC Hawaii businesses are part of its strategic alternatives announced in October 2019. The moves will help it strengthen shareholder value. Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation MIC announced the results of the shareholders’ vote at a special meeting held virtually yesterday. Unanimously, shareholders cast their votes in favor of the divestment of the company’s MIC Hawaii businesses and the Atlantic Aviation business.Notably, Macquarie’s shares gained 0.47% yesterday, ending the trading session at $40.23.Inside the HeadlinesAs noted, holders of nearly 67% of Macquarie’s outstanding shares participated in the voting process and 99.6% of them gave a green signal for the above-mentioned divestments. With this, Macquarie will be in a position to reorganize itself into a listed limited liability company (“Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings LLC”). MIC Hawaii businesses will be distributed to Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings LLC. This, in turn, will divest the businesses to an affiliate of Argo Infrastructure Partners, LP.Macquarie anticipates the MIC Hawaii businesses’ distribution to be complete in a day and predicts the divestment of the Atlantic Aviation business to consummate in a couple of days. The divestments are in sync with the company’s strategic alternatives (announced in October 2019), which include disposing of businesses to unlock values for its shareholders.A brief discussion of important events/announcements related to Macquarie’s strategic alternatives is provided below: June Announcements: On Jun 14, 2021, Macquarie entered an agreement to divest its MIC Hawaii businesses to Argo Infrastructure’s affiliate. Subject to the receipt of necessary approvals and the fulfillment of customary conditions, the company anticipates the transaction to be complete in the first half of 2022.Macquarie’s unitholders will likely receive $3.83 per unit if the transaction gets completed on or before Jul 1, 2022. On closing after this date, unitholders will be entitled to get the consideration of $4.11 per unit. On the completion of the transaction, the MIC Hawaii businesses will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Argo.Macquarie’s MIC Hawaii segment comprises an energy company — Hawaii Gas — which processes and distributes gas, and provides related services as well as several smaller businesses. These are collectively engaged in reducing costs as well as improving reliability and the sustainability of energy in Hawaii.On Jun 7, 2021, Macquarie announced that it agreed to divest its Atlantic Aviation business in a transaction worth $4.475 billion to New York-based KKR & Co. Inc.The Atlantic Aviation business offers aircraft hangaring, fuel, terminal and other services primarily to owners and operators of general aviation jet aircraft at 69 airports throughout the United States. It also caters to freight, commercial, government and military aviation customers. May Announcement: On May 6, 2021, Macquarie received its shareholder approval to reorganize the company into a listed limited liability company. The reorganization plans, announced in February, will be accomplished before the completion of the Atlantic Aviation divestment. Earlier Events: In December 2020, Macquarie completed the divestment of its liquid storage and handling business, International-Matex Tank Terminals, for $2.67 billion to an affiliate of Riverstone Holdings, Inc.Zacks Rank, Price Performance and Estimate TrendWith a market capitalization of $3.5 billion, the company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Cost-control measures, investments in growth opportunities and divestment activities are likely to be beneficial. Higher costs and expenses are concerning.In the past three months, the company’s stock has gained 4.5% compared with the industry’s growth of 6.3%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Macquarie’s earnings is pegged at $2.12 for 2021 and $2.58 for 2022, reflecting no change from the 60-day-ago figures. Also, the consensus estimate for third-quarter 2021 earnings has been stable at 49 cents in the past couple of months.Macquarie Infrastructure Company Price and Consensus  Macquarie Infrastructure Company price-consensus-chart | Macquarie Infrastructure Company QuoteStocks to ConsiderThree better-ranked stocks in the industry are Carlisle Companies Incorporated CSL, Raven Industries, Inc. RAVN and Crane Co. CR. While both Carlisle and Raven presently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Crane carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for the companies have improved for the current year. Also, earnings surprise for the last reported quarter was 3.35% for Carlisle, 100.00% for Raven and 31.65% for Crane. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 7 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How to Profit from Trillions on Spending for Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Raven Industries, Inc. (RAVN): Get Free Report Carlisle Companies Incorporated (CSL): Free Stock Analysis Report Crane Co. (CR): Free Stock Analysis Report Macquarie Infrastructure Company (MIC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Omaid Sharifi's Artlords covered Kabul in murals promoting women's rights and social justice. Then the Taliban came back and painted over them. People painting a mural in Afghanistan. Omaid Sharifi. The Taliban painted over dozens of murals, including one of George Floyd, after seizing Kabul. The murals were done by an artist group named Artlords, who wanted to cover up Kabul's blast walls. Insider spoke to its founder, who fled the country convinced the Taliban would kill him. See more stories on Insider's business page. Omaid Sharifi wanted to remind people that Afghanistan could be beautiful despite the war.He wanted to cover Kabul's blast walls, the huge concrete walls erected to protect buildings from bombings."We were fed up with these high blast walls," he told Insider. "It was making Kabul look like a prison."So in 2014 he founded Artlords, a collective of more than 150 artists that painted murals encouraging human rights and social justice in Kabul and other Afghan cities. Afghan men ride their bicycles past blast walls protecting the Ministry of Interior Affairs in Kabul in July 2021. AP Photo/Rahmat Gul A mural in Afghanistan. Omaid Sharifi. The goal was "to claim back back our space, to paint these ugly, concrete walls and make sure these blast walls are turned into something beautiful," Sharifi said.But one of the first things the Taliban did when they retook Afghanistan in mid-August was paint over the murals and, in many cases, replace them with their slogans.As of last week, around 100 Artlords murals had been covered up, Sharifi said.One of them was of George Floyd, the Black man who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis last year. Sharifi said Artlords painted it to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, "to show Afghanistan is not separate from the whole world," and to connect Floyd's death with the plight of Afghan refugees around the world. A mural showing George Floyd and the words "I can't breathe" in Kabul on September 4, 2021. West Asia News Agency with Reuters An image of the Floyd mural covered up, taken by Omaid Sharifi's colleague on September 16, 2021. Omaid Sharifi Sharifi said the Taliban started painting over murals before even announcing their government, leaving him convinced the militants were out to get him first."I might be the first to be punished or even killed because the Taliban showed that the first act of their new government was to destroy our murals," he said. Omaid Sharifi in August 2019. AP Photo/Rahmat Gul Artlords' murals went against the Taliban's principles, Sharifi said: The art promoted empathy and women's rights, and opposed violence, injustice, and Islamic extremism."I knew that I would not be able to have a voice under the Taliban," he said. Artlords members painting a message on a wall that reads "I am back because education prevails" at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul in February 2018. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani. 'Hell on earth'Sharifi said he was helping paint a mural in Kabul the day the Taliban seized the city. A post shared by ArtLords (@artlordsnet) "I saw people panicking and running. We asked them what was happening while painting a mural about empathy, unity, and kindness. And they told us the Taliban were in the city," he said."I asked my staff and colleagues and artists to leave, go to their homes, and make sure their families are safe."Sharifi also decided to leave given how the Taliban used to treat artists."When I lived in their previous regime, from 1996 to 2001, I remember that any expression of art was banned," he said. "They destroyed a lot of paintings ... the punishment was severe for artists."Last time the Taliban were in power, they destroyed books and art, banned many types of music, and killed artists.-NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) September 6, 2021-Omaid H. Sharifi-امید حفیظه شریفی (@OmaidSharifi) September 13, 2021Sharifi said he tried for five days to leave Afghanistan, finally managing to escape on August 22 after joining a convoy of cars entering Kabul's airport around 3 a.m.For days after the Taliban takeover, that airport was the scene of chaos as people frantically tried to escape, with some latching onto moving jets on the runway.Sharifi called it "hell on earth." Members of the Taliban Badri 313 military unit near the destroyed CIA base in Deh Sabz district on September 6, 2021, after the US pulled its troops out of the country. AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images Vow to continueSharifi is now in a refugee camp in the United Arab Emirates, with only his backpack and no idea of what might come next."I have left all my life behind," he said."When I'm talking about this, my eyes are teary." Artlords members painting a mural of journalists who were killed in 2018 in Kabul in September 2018. AP Photo/Massoud Hossaini He said he and his wife, through working with NGOs, had already evacuated 53 artists and their families to countries including France, Albania, and Uganda. He told Insider last week that 103 members of Artlords - including LGBT artists - were still in Afghanistan, and he's working to get them out.But he said Artlords would continue their work, and one day hold exhibitions around the world."We will continue painting those murals the Taliban destroyed," he said."We will never stay silent."Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Jack Rossi most recently an associate general counsel for SeaTac-based Alaska Airlines and its regional airline affiliate Horizon Air......»»

The FAA has proposed $1 million in fines for unruly passengers, but flight attendant union leader Sara Nelson asked the US for more protection. PROSPEROUS BAY, SAINT HELENA - OCTOBER 21: An air stewardess waits for the steps to be placed at the aeroplane door on the runway at St Helena airport on October 21, 2017 in Prosperous Bay, Saint Helena. Following the introduction of weekly flights to the island, resident St Helenians, known locally as 'Saints', are preparing for a potential influx of tourists and investment as well as enjoying the possibilities brought by much faster transport links with South Africa. Previously, travel to the island involved travelling for a week by the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) 'Saint Helena' from Cape Town. Saint Helena is a 46 square mile island in the South Atlantic which has been under British control since 1834. Leon Neal/Getty Images The FAA has asked airlines to step up their efforts to curb passenger violence on planes. The FAA has received about 4,000 reports of unruly passenger violence between January and September. Flight attendants union leader Sara Nelson has asked the FAA to take more action to protect workers. See more stories on Insider's business page. The Federal Aviation Administration asked airlines to provide information on their efforts to reduce passenger violence within one week.The FAA met with trade groups representing Delta, American, United, and other airlines on Tuesday regarding the country's passenger violence crisis, Reuters reported. The federal agency reportedly told airlines to "commit to take more action" to stop violence on board."Aviation safety is a collaborative effort," FAA administrator Steve Dickson said in a tweet. "Thank you to [Airlines for America], [Regional Airline Association] and [National Air Carrier Association] for your continued partnership and substantial work to help reduce unruly behavior. Look forward to continuing our work together to protect passengers and crew."-FAA Steve Dickson (@FAA_Steve) September 21, 2021The FAA will hold similar meetings with airport and labor representatives, Reuters reported.The FAA has received about 4,000 reports of unruly passenger violence between January and September 2021. Most of the reports related to passengers refusing to wear a mask.Flight attendants have born the brunt of violence on airlines. One in five flight attendants said they've had a passenger get physically angry with them, according to the industry's largest union.Flight attendants told Insider they've feared for their safety due to the risk of violence on board after many have reported being punched, spat on, and called racial slurs by passengers. Attendants said their mental health has declined due to regular verbal harassment from frustrated passengers.The federal agency has proposed more than $1 million in fines for unruly passengers this year, but flight attendant union leader Sara Nelson asked the FAA and Department of Justice for further protection."It is time to make the FAA 'zero tolerance' policy permanent, the Department of Justice to utilize existing statute to conduct criminal prosecution, and implement a series of actions proposed by our union to keep problems on the ground and respond effectively in the event of incidents," Nelson said in July......»»

The threat from long-range weapons has the Air Force looking to disperse its forces, and special operators have been crucial to those operations. An A-10 takes off on a highway in Alpena, Michigan, August 5, 2021. US Air Force/Master Sgt. Scott Thompson The US military is preparing for a potential conflict for a capable adversary, namely Russia and China. Part of that preparation is finding ways to distribute forces so they can keep operating if fighting starts. For the Air Force, that means using new airfields, and its special operators have been crucial to that. See more stories on Insider's business page. In a conflict with a near-peer power, such as China and Russia, the US military would be challenged by the size of its rivals' arsenal and the range of their weapons.China is now seen as the US's "pacing threat," and the sheer scale of its manpower and arsenal demand prudent distribution of forces to avoid a nightmare scenario in which one strike takes out a large number of troops or weapons.So the Air Force has been training to disperse its forces to non-traditional and sometimes improvised airfields. Air Force special-operations forces have been crucial to that preparation.America's Air Commandos US Air Force pararescuemen board a US Army CH-47F helicopter after an exercise at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, March 14, 2018. US Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Gregory Brook As the air component of US Special Operations Command, Air Force Special Operations Command provides air transport; close air support; precision strike; and intelligence, surveillance, global access, and reconnaissance capabilities to special-operations units.AFSOC also oversees highly skilled battlefield commandos who get attached to other special-operations teams, merging air and ground power.These battlefield commandos work in four main career fields: Pararescuemen, who are elite medics and personnel recovery experts; Combat Controllers, who coordinate airfield operations and close air support; Tactical Air Control Party airmen, commandos who specialize in calling in airstrikes; and Special Reconnaissance operators, the newest career field that specializes in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.Although they are an important part of SOCOM, Air Commandos are often overlooked because they support other special-operations units. Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen are often attached Navy SEAL platoons or Army Special Forces detachments. They do operate on their own teams but not as often.AFSOC is equally active in the air, however. It operates several rotary- and fixed-wing platforms, such as the MC-130 Commando II transport plane, the AC-130 Spooky gunship, the CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and the MQ-9 Reaper drone.Winds of Change A C-146A Wolfhound prepares to land on a highway in Alpena, Michigan, August 5, 2021. US Air Force/Master Sgt. Scott Thompson Air Commandos recently conducted a unique exercise that reflects the shift in thinking about military operations.During exercise Northern Strike 21 in northern Michigan in early August, Air Commandos facilitated the first landing of a modern aircraft on a US public highway. The goal was to prepare pilots and commandos for impromptu operations in austere locations.During the exercise, Air Commandos practiced infiltrating and securing the highway and then setting it up to function as an airfield.A-10 and C-146A aircraft then landed and took off from the roadway. In a real-world scenario, especially during expeditionary operations, the highway-turned-airfield would ideally be close to the front lines to provide quick and accurate logistical and close air support for conventional and special-operations troops."We're working on agile combat employment concepts, which basically makes the force more flexible, more maneuverable, and creates challenges for our adversaries in different environments," Lt. Col. Jeff Falcone, the Air Commando in charge of the exercise, said in a press release."It also increases the survivability of US forces as we're able to move around to more unpredictable locations to resupply, refuel, or anything else we may need," Falcone added.Besides the Combat Controllers who conducted air traffic control, Pararescuemen were on standby to provide medical attention to forces at and near the highway, as they would be during a real operation. An A-10 lands on a highway in Alpena, Michigan, August 5, 2021. US Air Force/Master Sgt. Scott Thompson The US military isn't the only one who trains for such contingencies. Taiwan's military operates aircraft on a specially designed public highway as part of exercises simulating defense against a Chinese invasion.During such an invasion, China's military would already know where Taiwan's military and civilian airports are and target them accordingly. Conducting air operations in non-traditional, austere environments makes it harder for an enemy to target your aircraft.Airfield operations Combat Controllers' "the bread and butter," a former Combat Controller told Insider."People often mistakenly think that our only job is to sit by the SF [Army Special Forces] or [Navy] SEAL ground force commander and call in airstrikes on bad guys, but actually that is a very small portion of our job," the former controller said, adding that not all combat controllers are qualified as joint terminal attack controllers, which allows them to call in airstrikes"A primary aspect of our job is airfield ops - identify, assess, mark, and operate airfields, often in austere environments. We are the first in to establish the conditions for follow-on forces. It takes years of training to get to that place," the former Combat Controller added.This exercise in Michigan showed that AFSOC is adapting to the new challenges of great-power competition.Lt. Gen. James Slife, AFSOC's commander, acknowledged earlier this year that Air Commandos need to adapt and evolve in order to remain relevant, calling the current period an "inflection point" for the command.ACE and FARP F-35s wait to refuel from a C-130J during Agile Combat Employment training at Northwest Field on Guam, February 16, 2021. US Air Force/Senior Airman Jonathan Valdes Montijo For example, in a war with China, instead of relying on an F-35 group - two squadrons with roughly 50 aircraft - to operate from a large island, the Air Force would deploy a single squadron or even a half-squadron to a smaller island.Agile Combat Employment, or ACE, and Forward Arming and Refueling Points, or FARP, are not entirely new operations, but AFSOC has investment in them more as tensions have risen with Russia and China.ACE seeks to enable larger, operational-level air forces to function in smaller, tactical-level units in the event of a near-peer conflict. By doing that, the Air Force makes it harder for adversaries to target its aircraft and personnel.ACE operations also make it a more unpredictable and thus more effective force. Special-operations airmen refuel an F-22 from an MC-130J during Forward Area Refueling Point training in Alaska, January 30, 2020. US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Ridge Shan F-35s conducted just such an exercise earlier this year, deploying from their main base in Alaska to the main US base in Guam, from which they redeployed to an austere airfield on the small island nation of Palau for refueling.FARP goes hand-in-hand with ACE. Aircraft need to be refueled and rearmed wherever they are, especially if they have to deploy to remote, austere bases on short notice.The "Nightstalkers" of the US Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and the US special-operations community as a whole have used FARP for decades to support operations in unfriendly territory or behind enemy lines. In early 2020, Special Tactics Airmen practiced refueling fighter jets in the extreme cold of Alaska for the first time.Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

JetBlue and American Airlines pledged to forge ahead with their planned partnership at northeastern U.S. airports after the Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit to block the deal......»»

Here are 10 cool, photogenic US hotels to post about on Instagram, with over-the-top decor, dramatic architecture, and eccentric rooms. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. The Saguaro When choosing a hotel, social media-minded travelers place a high value on a visual appeal. Many hotels design with Instagram in mind, with decor ranging from highly curated to eccentric. We found the most photogenic hotels across the US with options for all budgets and travelers. Table of Contents: Masthead StickyThe saying goes, "pics or it didn't happen," and when it comes to travel, that is especially true. After all, vacation visuals that get posted to social media serve as photogenic proof that you had an incredible time away, inspiring others' travel decisions, and perhaps even a bit of travel envy.Whether or not you're an influencer commanding a major social media presence, it's nice to visit somewhere that is visually appealing, both on and off the 'Gram. That's why we rounded up some of the most Instagram-worthy hotels across the United States, each catering to a variety of aesthetics.You can be sure that each and every hotel on this list has gorgeous decor that'll photograph perfectly, even if you're relatively inexperienced behind the camera.Browse all the most Instagrammable hotels in the US below, or jump directly to a specific area here.The most Instagrammable hotels in the USFAQ: Instagrammable hotelsHow we selected the most Instagrammable hotelsMore photogenic accommodationsThese are the most Instagrammable hotels in the US, sorted by price from low to high. The Roxbury This suite is inspired by the tale of "Cinderella" with a bathroom entrance fashioned out of her pumpkin carriage. Roxbury Hotel Book The RoxburyCategory: Budget Location: Roxbury, NYTypical starting/peak prices: $95/$138Best for: Couples, families, friendsOn-site amenities: Pool, spa, hiking trails (to a waterfall!)Pros: Between the property's two hotels, there are about two dozen room themes, meaning there's something to tickle everyone's fancy.Cons: There's no on-site restaurant, but daily breakfast is included. Guests are charged to use the pool (a one-time, not daily fee), which eliminates the need for a resort fee.When it comes to themed hotel rooms, no one does them quite like The Roxbury in New York's Catskills region.Made up of two hotels, the Roxbury Motel and the Roxbury at Stratton Falls, there are 28 whimsical rooms and suites. Entry-level rooms are fairly traditional, though still bold in colors, but it's the suites and cottages that really dazzle.Themes range from Maryann's Coconut Cream Pie, where the ceiling looks as if it's coated in undulating meringue; and The Wizard's Emeralds, a riff on "The Wizard of Oz" complete with a yellow brick (or, in this case, yellow tile) road and a glittering green bedspread worthy of the Emerald City. Additionally, the Tower Cottages are standalone duplex suites with themes like the Faerie Forest, where interiors resemble whimsical woods plucked out of a fairy tale, with flowers, ferns, mushrooms, and gnarled tree branches adorning every inch.The Roxbury also has a pool with a spa that appears warped to create the illusion that it's defying gravity, alongside a hot tub, dry sauna, and treatment rooms. There are also hiking trails, one of which leads to a 50-foot waterfall.COVID-19 procedures are available here. The Saguaro Palm Springs The colorful Saguaro is one of Palm Springs' most recognizable hotels. Tripadvisor Book The Saguaro Palm SpringsCategory: BudgetLocation: Palm Springs, CATypical starting/peak prices: $129/$350Best for: Couples, friends, solo travelersOn-site amenities: Pool, restaurants, bars, gym, spaPros: The pool is the place to see and be seen — and to take your Instagrams. Pool parties are particularly boisterous, and the rainbow backdrop of the hotel brightens up any photographs.Cons: There's a mandatory $38 (plus tax) resort fee, which makes seemingly affordable room rates less appealing.Palm Springs is a desert oasis primarily known for two things: amazing midcentury architecture and a raucous party scene, particularly at its hotels. The Saguaro Palm Springs is no exception to either.The hotel was built in 1971 but underwent a major renovation in 2012 by the same group behind the ultra-hip Ace Hotels. That refurbishment brought about the brightly painted exterior with a gradient rainbow effect for which the hotel is best known. These vibrant, cheerful colors carry throughout the entire property, most notably in the courtyard pool area. Paired with swaying palm trees, bright yellow umbrellas, and the cool blue of the pool, and it's positively photogenic.  That pool area, by the way, is one of the hotel's biggest draws. Lively parties are thrown regularly and often spill over into the Saguaro's restaurants and bars. Be sure to reserve a cabana in advance for the best spot for photos.Inside, guest rooms are similarly colorful with lemon yellow walls, royal purple carpets, and furniture done up in lime green, hot pink, or electric orange alongside technicolor striped bedspreads.COVID-19 procedures are available here. TWA Hotel Built into an old airline terminal, the TWA hotel offers a retro feel infused with heavy doses of '60s glam and nostalgia. TWA Hotel/David Mitchell Book TWA HotelCategory: BoutiqueLocation: New York, NYTypical starting/peak prices: $200/$280Best for: Couples, families, friends, solo travelers, aviation and design enthusiastsOn-site amenities: Restaurants, bars, gym, rooftop pool, event space, museums displays, ice/roller rinkPros: The main building is legendary among aviation geeks and architecture lovers, but anyone who appreciates funky design will enjoy the hotel. Don't miss the cocktail bar inside an old airplane. And, of course, if you're flying out of JFK, it doesn't get more convenient than staying here.Cons: The rooms are pretty small, even the suites. Mixed reviews cite cleanliness issues, too. You're far better off hanging out in the public spaces, which are more visually interesting anyway.As the only hotel within John F. Kennedy International Airport, the TWA Hotel is, of course, a place for those who need a place to rest pre- or post-flight. But it's also so much more, as a design-forward gem that feels like a slice of preserved history with front-row views of airplanes taking off and landing.Designed by midcentury architecture icon Eero Saarinen in 1962 (originally as a flight center for Trans World Airlines), the TWA hotel has jaw-dropping interiors. The main building, which houses the front desk, restaurants, and bars, features soaring, curved white ceilings that are not unlike a Jetsons-style spaceship with bright red carpets, classic midcentury furniture, and an old-school departures/arrivals board. Throughout the hotel and in some guest rooms, enjoy iconic views of the runway as planes land and depart, a boon for aviation enthusiasts. Rooms are small, but feel like you've stumbled onto the set of "Mad Men" with bright red Saarinen-designed Womb chairs, retro TWA travel posters, dark wood paneling, and brass accents on furniture, including a martini bar.Visiting this hotel is a lot like, walking into a time capsule, especially when you enter the hotel's cocktail bar housed within an actual 1958 Constellation airplane.COVID-19 procedures are available here. Madonna Inn The Floral Fantasy is one of 110 over-the-top themed rooms. Tripadvisor Book Madonna InnCategory: BoutiqueLocation: San Luis Obispo, CATypical starting/peak prices: $220/$580Best for: Families, friends, couplesOn-site amenities: Restaurants, bars, bakery, pool, spa, gym, dance floor, boutique, tennis, basketballPros: Every room is unique, meaning you can stay 110 times and have an entirely different experience for each visit. Cons: The decor is undoubtedly kitschy and even borderline gauche, which may not appeal to some guests. For others, it's the entire reason they're here.When it opened in 1958, the Madonna Inn in the midst of San Luis Obispo's wine country, had just 12 rooms. Today, it has 110, from economy kings to three-bedroom suites, and each one has its own absolutely one-of-a-kind, at times tacky, but highly memorable decor.In the Fabulous 50s room, teal walls are framed by pink trim, while gilded mirrors form a focal point in the bathroom. In the Victorian Gardens room, a four-post bed is matched with floral wallpaper, pink walls, and pink-velvet chairs and sofas. And in the Caveman room, the ceiling, walls, and floors are all made with rough-hewn rock, while furnishings are upholstered with animal print to complete the prehistoric theme.The rooms are spread across a 1,000-acre resort, which includes basketball and tennis courts, a pool, a retro gas station (a nod to the hotel's roots as a classic road trip stop, though today you'll find Tesla Superchargers there), a spa, a bakery, and several restaurants and bars.The eclectic decor doesn't stop in the rooms, either. Alex Madonna's Gold Rush Steak House is decked out in topsy-turvy pink and gold colors that recall either the Mad Hatter's tea party or the "Be Our Guest" scene in Beauty and the Beast." Hot pink circular banquettes are trimmed with gold, while a pink floral carpet provides punchy patterns. An organic, tree-like candelabra rises in the center of the room, its golden tendrils supporting dozens of electric candles. COVID-19 procedures are available by phone at 805-543-3000. The Greenbrier Bright colors mix heavily with punchy prints. The Greenbrier Book The GreenbrierCategory: ResortLocation: White Sulphur Springs, WVTypical starting/peak prices: $240/$425Best for: Families, couples, friends, solo travelersOn-site amenities: Restaurants, bars, casino, shopping, pool, tennis, golf, spa, ropes course, bowling, art studio, Cold War bunkerPros: Everything you could possibly want to do at a mountain resort, you can do here, whether falconry or jewelry making. It's almost shocking how many activities are offered.Cons: Some might find the decor a bit too traditional — there are lots of florals — but there's no denying it makes for a great Instagram post.Opened in 1778, the Greenbrier is an iconic American resort in West Virginia, having hosted 27 presidents throughout its history. Naturally, there have been many changes to the property over the centuries, but perhaps the most dramatic was a 1946 redecoration by lauded interior designer Dorothy Draper, who introduced lurid colors and punchy patterns into the historic buildings.Take the Greenbriar Avenue lobby, where black-and-white houndstooth club chairs sit atop bright red carpet, surrounded by teal-and-white striped columns, tropical-print wallpaper, and black-and-white checkered floors. Then in the Victorian Writing Room, rainbow-colored floral armchairs and drapes contrast with forest green walls and a bright red carpet.The guest rooms feature similar idiosyncratic decor, though perhaps not as in-your-face. Entry-level rooms all feature floral wallpaper with floral drapes to match, while higher room tiers have slightly more vibrant approaches to interior design. In the Windsor Club Rooms, you'll likely find brighter pink wallpaper, whole beds are covered by canopies, and furniture and carpets feature gingham or plaid patterns. The Greenbrier is also known for its many on-site activities, ranging from sports facilities, studios, and workshops for creative types to a casino, more than a dozen dining options, and plenty of shopping on the 11,000-acre grounds. But its most unusual amenity is a formerly secret Cold War-era bunker designed to house Congress. It's now declassified and open for tours.COVID-19 procedures are available here. Urban Cowboy Catskills Room designs are a feast for the eyes. Urban Cowboy Catskills Book Urban Cowboy CatskillsCategory: BoutiqueLocation: Big Indian, NYTypical starting/peak prices: $250/$500Best for: Couples, friends, solo travelersOn-site amenities: Restaurant, bar, games room, libraryPros: Despite being a wilderness lodge, there's very strong Wi-Fi for the WFH (or can't-be-disconnected) crowd.Cons: There are often minimum stay requirements, usually two to three nights on weekends.In New York's Catskills region, a popular weekend trip for city dwellers, the Urban Cowboy sits on 68 forested acres with plenty of outdoor recreation, but we wouldn't blame you if you wanted to spend your entire stay indoors.That's because the hotel's 28 accommodations feature super cool decor that focuses on quintessential rustic elements like deer antlers, live-wood furniture, rough-hewn wood beams, and outdoorsy accent pieces like snowshoes or oars. Colorful Native American pattern work covers the ceilings, beds, chairs, and rugs, creating a visual cacophony that feels high-design. And then there's the matter of the absolutely gorgeous copper soaking tubs set in front of big picture windows.This rugged-chic mountain style continues in public spaces, especially in the bar with a massive stone fireplace and columns that look like trees. The vibrant patterns make an appearance, too, from the walls to the sofas to the rugs.COVID-19 procedures are available here. Faena Hotel Miami Beach An attractive pool scene sets a sleek tone. Booking.com Book Faena Hotel Miami BeachCategory: LuxuryLocation: Miami Beach, FLTypical starting/peak prices: $445/$1,350Best for: Couples, friends, familiesOn-site amenities: Restaurants, bars, gym, spa, beach club, kids' clubPros: Despite its opulent, perhaps frenzied look, this is actually a surprisingly family-friendly hotel. Cons: It's 10 blocks north of South Beach, so you're not right in the heart of the action. However, there's plenty to do on-site.If it feels like Faena Hotel Miami Beach is some sort of phantasmagoric movie set, that's because it basically is. Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and production and costume designer Catherine Martin, a husband-wife team, spearheaded the design of this Mid-Beach property, and they went all out.Public spaces are filled with sumptuous colors, dazzling metallics, and all manners of prints and patterns, from leopard spots to Art Deco geometry. Even the spa, a typically soothing space, is filled with bright colors, a neon-colored pom-pom chandelier, and bird-filled, floral landscape wallpaper.In fact, public areas are absolutely buzzing with visual elements, with a gold-covered woolly mammoth skeleton by the pool (a Damien Hirst artwork) that takes center stage.Guest rooms, however, are a bit more subdued, with white walls and wood floors to keep things grounded, accented by red and turquoise furnishings. Bits of animal print are thrown in for good measure and as subtle reminders of your larger surroundings. COVID-19 procedures are available here. The Inn of the Five Graces Guest rooms, spaces, and even bathrooms are bursts of colors, prints, and international influences. Tripadvisor Book The Inn of the Five GracesCategory: BoutiqueLocation: Santa Fe, NMTypical starting/peak prices: $715/$1,175Best for: Couples, friendsOn-site amenities: Bar, spa, gymPros: A made-to-order breakfast is included, as is a wine and cheese reception on Fridays. The spa's Tibetan-style treatment room is beautiful.Cons: There's no true on-site restaurant, but in-room dining is available via the restaurant next door.From the outside, the Inn of the Five Graces is just another (450-year-old) adobe dwelling in Santa Fe. But inside, it's a global journey along the Silk Road.Public spaces and all 24 rooms burst with colors and patterns, whether from mosaic tiles, Central Asian textiles, or South Asian works of art. The look is definitely maximalist, but the blend of international styles is somehow never overwhelming thanks to the smooth and soothing adobe walls that serve as a calming backdrop. Natural elements like wood-beamed ceilings and stone hearths also provide simple contrast.The boutique property is limited on amenities, though it has an exceptional spa treatment room inspired by Tibetan tradition (both in decor and in therapies), a gym, and in-room dining provided by a neighboring restaurant.The Inn of the Five Graces is a five-minute walk from downtown Santa Fe, but thanks to its global influences, it seems to transport you to the other side of the world.COVID-19 procedures are available here. The Villa Casa Casuarina Gianni Versace's former mansion is now a luxury hotel showcasing his ostentatious style. TripAdvisor Book The Villa Casa CasuarinaCategory: LuxuryLocation: Miami Beach, FLTypical starting/peak prices: $750/$1,400Best for: CouplesOn-site amenities: Pool, restaurant, barPros: The hotel's old-world-inspired grandeur truly is unmatched in Art Deco-filled South Beach.Cons: Because this is a major tourist site in Miami, there can be many people around snapping photos at all hours. Diners at the restaurant are loud, and noise can reach the rooms.Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace was tragically murdered in 1997, but his lavish Miami Beach mansion was preserved to pay homage to his life, and now, operates as a luxury hotel. Today it's called the Villa Casa Casuarina, and was inspired by the Alcázar de Cólon in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Spanish-style mansion, built in 1930, captivated Versace, who bought it in 1992 and renovated it to suit his extravagant taste. It's still exquisitely over the top.The hotel's suites feature ostentatious decor in various themes. In the Azure Suite, blue-and-white decor abounds with Roman-inspired architectural details, like the medallion-inlaid pediments above the windows in the bedroom and the tromp l'oeil "plasterwork" in the bathroom. In the Signature Suite, however, there's a far more sultry vibe, with animal print upholstery, a sumptuous warm-tone marble bathroom, and gilded furnishings.But the visual highlight of the entire property is the Million Mosaic Pool, which is comprised of thousands of 24-karat gold tiles. COVID-19 procedures are available by phone at 305-908-1462​​. Amangiri Utah's luxury Amangiri resort is a favorite with celebrities. Amangiri Book AmangiriCategory: LuxuryLocation: Canyon Point, UtahTypical starting/peak prices: $1,931/$3,500Best for: CouplesOn-site amenities: Spa, restaurant, bar, poolPros: This is desert minimalism at its finest — the hotel blends perfectly into its landscape with earth-toned decor. The luxury service is unmatched.Cons: This is not the easiest property to get to, as the closest major airports are more than four hours away. But the remote location is one of the many reasons why people visit.Arguably one of the most exclusive resorts in the US, Amangiri is a lesson in understated elegance. Architecturally, the sleek hotel is designed to blend in with the stark, rocky landscape surrounding its 600 desert acres in Utah, with color palettes that match near perfectly.Despite the indulgent luxury price tag, everything here is understated. Furnishings are made of sinuous wood or matte concrete with white upholstery to maximize the natural surroundings, which are often framed by views so beautiful, they appear like a work of art. With so many clean lines, use the sky for color and take pictures at different times of day to create variation. Though it'd be easy to rest in your luxurious suite all day long, you'll want to spend time in the dramatic Aman Spa, which covers 25,000 square feet. With looming concrete walls, it can at times feel cavernous, akin to the deep canyons found just a few miles away. While expensive, the rate covers all meals (sans alcohol), some activities, and some spa treatments, too. Stunning nature, hiking, horseback riding, or climbing, are all activities that await. COVID-19 procedures are available here. FAQ: Instagrammable hotels What are other unique hotels in the US?For unusual hotels, consider the Dog Bark Park Inn in Cottonwood, Idaho, where the main building is shaped like a beagle; ​​The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where Christmas is celebrated year-round; and the Railroad Park Resort in Dunsmuir, California, where guests sleep in converted train cars.How do I find cool hotels to stay in?If you're looking for an Instagrammable hotel, head to Instagram to get inspired by other travelers. Search hashtags like #beautifulhotels or #coolhotels. Or trust the experts, like us!What makes a hotel Instagrammable?Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Styles that some might consider Instagram-worthy might not be quite right for the aesthetic of your feed. But in general, bold interior design is key or a stunning setting. And bold doesn't necessarily mean maximalist. A stark, minimalist interior can be visually dynamic in photographs, too.What are some of the most photogenic hotels in the world?There's no shortage of beautiful hotels in the world, whether you're looking for the classic Italian style of Villa d'Este on Lake Como, the over-the-top safari lodge Ol Jogi in Kenya's Laikipia region, or the futuristic ME by Meliá Dubai, designed by Zaha Hadid. How we selected the most Instagrammable hotels in the US As a travel writer who focuses on architecture and design, I determined that every hotel has photo-worthy design elements, whether in the guest rooms, public spaces, or exterior areas.Each property on the list is highly rated on traveler review sites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia.High-design hotels range greatly in budget. We've selected properties from each end of the spectrum; they cost anywhere from $95 to $$3,500 per night.Tastes vary, so we've picked a selection of decor styles. There's everything from kitschy-themed suites to magazine-worthy interior design.While COVID-19 policies vary from state to state, these hotels still have strict health and safety policies in place to protect both guests and staff. More photogenic hotels The Setai Miami Beach The best luxury hotels in the USThe best themed hotel suites for familiesThe best bucket-list Airbnbs in the US Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Without a robust intelligence network on the ground, it's difficult for the US to know who it's targeting with drone strikes. Ajmal Ahmadi, weeps alone in a room after members of his family were killed on Sunday, in an American drone strike that targeted and hit a vehicle in their home in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. Marcus Yam/Getty Images Biden's "over-the-horizon" strategy could lead to more civilian deaths in Afghanistan, experts warn. Without a robust intelligence network on the ground, it's difficult for the US to know who it's targeting. An August 29 drone strike in Kabul killed 10 Afghan civilians, including seven children. See more stories on Insider's business page. A US drone strike in Kabul on August 29 killed 10 civilians, including an aid worker and seven children. It was not an isolated incident. Drone strikes conducted by the US, in Afghanistan and beyond, have often resulted in civilian casualties.The Biden administration last week apologized for the strike, pledging to take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.President Joe Biden has vowed to continue going after ISIS-K in Afghanistan via an "over-the-horizon" approach, which essentially involves conducting operations or strikes without boots on the ground. The White House on Monday signaled that he remains undeterred in this regard despite the controversy over the August 29 strike. "The President's desire to continue to go after ISIS-K has not changed," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.But Biden's strategy could result in even more civilian deaths moving forward and is likely illegal, experts warn. "I'm definitely concerned that the Biden administration's 'over-the-horizon' approach will result in more civilian casualties, because the accuracy of drone strikes depends heavily on the quality of intelligence, and if the US does not have an actual presence in Afghanistan, it's hard to see how it can determine whether the information it's getting from any supposed partners on the ground is reliable," Daphne Eviatar, Amnesty International USA's director of Security With Human Rights, told Insider.'Strikes are only as accurate as the targeting intelligence' Relatives and neighbors of the Ahmadi family gathered around the incinerated husk of a vehicle targeted and hit earlier Sunday afternoon by an American drone strike, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. Marcus Yam/Getty Images The drone strike on August 29 came after an ISIS-K attack near the Kabul airport, which killed 13 US service members and 169 Afghans. The US military initially offered a full-throated defense of the drone attack, calling it a "righteous strike." The US thought it was targeting a car packed with explosives for another ISIS-K attack. But a report from the New York Times revealed that the military actually launched the strike at a vehicle that an aid worker, Zemari Ahmadi, was filling with water containers for his home. "Drone strikes create the illusion that there's some sort of high tech, antiseptic, risk-free way to use force, but no matter how fancy the technology is, such strikes are only as accurate as the targeting intelligence," Rosa Brooks, a professor of law and policy at Georgetown University, told Insider. "The tragic results of the strike that followed the Kabul airport attack is a case in point: precision targeting technologies count for nothing if you have bad intel."Brooks, who also served as counselor to undersecretary of defense for policy Michele Flournoy from 2009 to 2011, added that having assets on the ground is also not necessarily "sufficient to prevent mistakes." Local informants can be wrong and even lie at times, Brooks said, and we've seen "plenty of drone-strikes-gone-wrong in places and time periods in which we did have assets on the ground."To this point, it's estimated US drone strikes have killed between 4,126 to 10,076 people in Afghanistan since January 2004, including between 300 to 909 civilians, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, a UK-based organization that has tracked US drone strikes for years.Not having troops in the country does not necessarily mean the US has no intel or resources in Afghanistan, Brooks went on to say, but the withdrawal has made it "even more difficult to get good ground level intelligence." Complicating the matter is the fact that ISIS-K is a decentralized group that's made up of semi-autonomous cells, making it harder to track. The US pullout from Afghanistan has "decimated" its intelligence network in the country, Charles Lister, a senior fellow and the director of the Syria and counterterrorism programs at the Middle East Institute, told Insider last month."The dispersed and cellular challenge like ISIS-K requires constant air surveillance and an extensive and ground force effort - and that really is beyond the realm of reality now," Lister added.'It will be virtually impossible to use drone strikes legally' Mechanics trail an MQ-9 Reaper as it taxis for takeoff August 8, 2007 at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. The Reaper is the Air Force's first "hunter-killer" unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), designed to engage time-sensitive targets on the battlefield as well as provide intelligence and surveillance. The jet-fighter sized Reapers are 36 feet long with 66-foot wingspans and can fly for up to 14 hours fully loaded with laser-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images The use of drones by the US in counterterrorism operations dates back to the earliest days of the war on terror, and the practice has consistently raised myriad ethical and legal questions. Similarly, experts are expressing serious concerns about the legality over-the-horizon approach . "Not only do remote pilots have only a vague idea in most cases who they are killing, now that the war is over in Afghanistan, it will be virtually impossible to use drone strikes legally," Mary Ellen O'Connell, Notre Dame Law School professor and expert on international law in relation to the use of force, told Insider."During on-going armed conflict hostilities, target selection could be made based on who was fighting against US and allied forces," O'Connell added. "Going forward, everyone has the presumption of civilian status and cannot be summarily killed with a drone strikes."Along these lines, Eviatar questioned what authorization the US has to use lethal force unless the strike is in response to an actual imminent threat to human life, which "will be difficult to determine from 'over the horizon.'"Such concerns underscore the need for greater transparency from the government when it comes to drone strikes, Brooks said. "There will always be disagreement about what level of inadvertent civilians casualties - if any - is 'too much,' but without transparency we can't even begin to have that discussion, and without accountability our conclusions won't change anything," Brooks said. If reporting from the Times and other outlets like the Washington Post hadn't undermined the US military's narrative on the strike in such glaring ways, it's an open question as to whether the Pentagon would've admitted that the drone attack killed civilians. Drone strikes, which the US has conducted everywhere from Somalia to Yemen, tend to occur in remote areas and far from reporters or watchdogs. This has opened the door for the Pentagon to be opaque about the bombings and their consequences."In the past, the US has often refused to admit that the victims were civilians, even when confronted with detailed evidence from groups like Amnesty International and others demonstrating the victims' civilian status," Eviatar said. "And the US has almost never provided reparations or any sort of compensation or assistance to the civilian victims it's harmed."'A positive step' Men look at wall graffiti depicting a U.S. drone along a street in Sanaa, Yemen, November 9, 2013. REUTERS/Mohamed al-Sayaghi Biden is hardly the first US president to look to drones as a means of combatting terrorism without putting American forces in harms way. The use of drone strikes in counterterrorism operations began under the Bush administration. President Barack Obama accelerated the use of drone strikes when he was in office, facing rampant criticism over civilian casualties in the process.The Obama administration eventually took steps that aimed to reduce civilian deaths from drone strikes, which were ultimately reversed by the Trump administration. There was a massive spike in civilian deaths in Afghanistan from airstrikes under President Donald Trump, who in 2017 relaxed the rules of engagement for strikes.Biden initiated a review of US drone policy after coming into office that's ongoing. Eviatar said it's "a positive step" that the Biden administration has acknowledged the harm caused by the August 29 trike and that the Pentagon expressed a willingness to pay reparations to the families of the victims. But "we'd like to see a much stronger break with past policies than what we've seen so far," Eviatar added. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Taliban Say No ISIS, Al-Qaeda In Country Despite String Of ISIS-K Terror Attacks Via Southfront.org, A string of explosions struck Taliban vehicles in Afghanistan’s provincial city of Jalalabad over the weekend, killing eight people, among them Taliban fighters. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks. The Taliban are under pressure to contain ISIS militants, in part to make good on a promise to the international community that they will prevent the staging of terror attacks from Afghan soil. There is also a widely held expectation among conflict-weary Afghans that the new rulers will at least restore a measure of public safety. “We thought that since the Taliban have come, peace will come,” said Feda Mohammad, a brother of an 18-year-old rickshaw driver who was killed in one of September 19th’s blasts, along with a 10-year-old cousin. “But there’s no peace, no security. You can’t hear anything except the news of bomb blasts killing this one or that,” Mohammad said. The weekend bomb blasts served as a reminder of the threat the militants pose. On September 21st, the Taliban said that there was no evidence of Islamic State or al Qaeda militants being in the country, despite the attacks. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected accusations that al-Qaeda maintained a presence in Afghanistan and repeated pledges that there would be no attacks on third countries from Afghanistan from militant movements. “We do not see anyone in Afghanistan who has anything to do with al Qaeda,” he told a news conference in Kabul. “We are committed to the fact that, from Afghanistan, there will not be any danger to any country.” On August 26th, as American and foreign troops completed their withdrawal and frantic airlift from the country, ISIS suicide bombers targeted U.S. evacuation efforts outside Kabul international airport in one of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan in years. The blast killed 169 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members. The events have bolstered fears of more violence, as ISIS militants exploit the vulnerability of an overstretched Taliban government facing massive security challenges and an economic meltdown. “They’re making a very dramatic comeback,” Ibraheem Bahiss, an International Crisis Group consultant and an independent research analyst said of Islamic State. “There could be a long-term struggle between the groups.” Despite the significant Kabul Airport attack, Mujahid denied the movement had any genuine presence in Afghanistan though he said it “invisibly carries out some cowardly attacks”. “The ISIS that exists in Iraq and Syria does not exist here. Still, some people who may be our own Afghans have adopted the ISIS mentality, which is a phenomenon that the people do not support,” he said. “The security forces of the Islamic Emirate are ready and will stop them,” he said. Tyler Durden Tue, 09/21/2021 - 12:10.....»»

Springfield has become a hotbed for advanced air mobility, with the military, state government agencies and several companies utilizing the city's airport for research, testing and development of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and flying cars. And if all goes to plan, this ecosystem will see continued growth with more businesses in the pipeline and a new facility that would bring all this work together in one campus. The city of Springfield, in coordination with the Dayton Development Coalition,….....»»

More businesses and events are requiring proof of vaccination. If you're skittish about losing your card, use a photo or an app instead. Thierry Monasse/Getty Images Restaurants, music venues, and other businesses are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination. But toting around an important health document in paper form can be worrisome and inconvenient. Here are a few ways you can carry that proof on your smartphone like you would a boarding pass. See more stories on Insider's business page. We're now at the proof-of-vaccination stage of this 18-month-long pandemic.Restaurants, concert venues, airlines, and other businesses are requiring people to show proof that they are vaccinated before they can enter. The increased safety protocols coincide with the spread of the Deta variant, a more infectious strain of COVID-19.But the prospect of carrying around a valuable piece of paper that doesn't fit neatly in your wallet can be daunting.So here are some ways you can digitize your vaccine card and carry that proof on your phone - and leave your actual card at home, safely tucked away in a desk drawer alongside your passport.Take a photo of itJust make sure it doesn't get lost in your thousands-strong sea of a photo reel. Create a new album just for the photo so it's easy to access when you need it.You could also use a photo widget app to create a button that lives on your home screen so your vaccine proof is even easier to pull up, as PC Mag pointed out. It's worth noting that you should check to make sure that the place of business you're trying to enter will accept a digital copy over a physical one.Scan it with the Notes app on your iPhoneThe iPhone's Notes app can be a lifesaver when you need to scan something, and you can use it to scan your vaccine card too.It's a similar route to simply snapping a photo of it, but by scanning it, there may be a better chance that it's both more legible and easier to access when you need it. You could also use Google Drive in the same way.Apple's new iOS 15 update includes a Health app for iPhone users to carry a digital form of their vaccination proof. Providers can plug your health history, including your vaccination records, into the app.You can add it to your Apple WalletBe wary when you're looking for apps to download that can help you prove you're vaccinated. But they go a step beyond just taking a photo or scanning your card - they verify your identity and your immunization status using state records.Certain apps, like Vax Yes, are compliant with federal rules restricting the release of medical information, including vaccination status. The platform verifies your personal data and immunization status with state records and then gives you a QR code to scan when you enter a business that requires proof.It's also compatible with Apple Wallet so you can toss it right into the app on your iPhone and carry it as you would a boarding pass. For Android users, you can add the digital vaccine card to Google Pay.Clear - the biometric-centric airport security app - has a free vaccine feature called Health Pass and has partnered with organizations from the NBA and pharmacies like Rite Aid to OpenTable, the restaurant reservation app. You have to upload a government-issued form of ID and a selfie to use the app.Some states have official vaccine passportsNew Yorkers can use the "Excelsior Pass." The app verifies your identity and immunization and then displays a QR code for you to show. It's available on both Apple and Google's app stores.California has a digital system that intakes your personal information, verifies it, and then also provides a QR code. The state also the MyIR platform as well, as do Arizona, North Dakota, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and Mississippi.And Minnesota, New Jersey, and Utah use a similar app called Docket. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

“The lifting of travel restrictions for double jabbed visitors to the US provided the thrust needed to send the recovery in airline stocks full throttle. After months riding the stomach wrenching turbulence of rolling restrictions with red lights flashing on transatlantic travel, the industry is now set on a smoother ride to recovery ahead. Q2 […] “The lifting of travel restrictions for double jabbed visitors to the US provided the thrust needed to send the recovery in airline stocks full throttle. After months riding the stomach wrenching turbulence of rolling restrictions with red lights flashing on transatlantic travel, the industry is now set on a smoother ride to recovery ahead. if (typeof jQuery == 'undefined') { document.write(''); } .first{clear:both;margin-left:0}.one-third{width:31.034482758621%;float:left;margin-left:3.448275862069%}.two-thirds{width:65.51724137931%;float:left}form.ebook-styles .af-element input{border:0;border-radius:0;padding:8px}form.ebook-styles .af-element{width:220px;float:left}form.ebook-styles .af-element.buttonContainer{width:115px;float:left;margin-left: 6px;}form.ebook-styles .af-element.buttonContainer input.submit{width:115px;padding:10px 6px 8px;text-transform:uppercase;border-radius:0;border:0;font-size:15px}form.ebook-styles .af-body.af-standards input.submit{width:115px}form.ebook-styles .af-element.privacyPolicy{width:100%;font-size:12px;margin:10px auto 0}form.ebook-styles .af-element.privacyPolicy p{font-size:11px;margin-bottom:0}form.ebook-styles .af-body input.text{height:40px;padding:2px 10px !important} form.ebook-styles .error, form.ebook-styles #error { color:#d00; } form.ebook-styles .formfields h1, form.ebook-styles .formfields #mg-logo, form.ebook-styles .formfields #mg-footer { display: none; } form.ebook-styles .formfields { font-size: 12px; } form.ebook-styles .formfields p { margin: 4px 0; } Get The Full Walter Schloss Series in PDF Get the entire 10-part series on Walter Schloss in PDF. Save it to your desktop, read it on your tablet, or email to your colleagues. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Q2 2021 hedge fund letters, conferences and more Airline Stocks Are Rising British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlns Grp SA (LON:IAG) was one of the biggest risers on the FTSE 100, climbing 11% as the prospects look brighter for a surge in bookings by UK and EU travellers. There was much needed respite for beleaguered Easyjet which rose 4% and tour operator TUI, up 2.2% with expectations that winter sun holidays to destinations like Florida will see a surge in demand. Rolls-Royce Holding PLC (LON:RR) also caught a ride higher given that its core business of making and servicing engines for long-haul aircraft, is based on the number of hours its engines are in the air. The journey back to health has also taken a big step forwards for Ritazza and Upper Crust owner SSP in the FTSE 250 which rose 5.8%. The company, which runs concessions across 180 airports, relies on the travelling public to pick up snacks and treats on journeys, and there are high hopes the hustle and bustle will return at its outlets dotted across the transport network now. The travel sector may be flying into brighter skies, helping the FTSE 100 claw back some losses, but still nervousness hangs over the financial markets, with inflation worries nagging investors, particularly with gas prices sky high. Concerns are also mounting that problems are piling up in the Chinese economy due to the precariousness of Evergrande, the property conglomerate. Shares in the company have sunk yet again, and there are now fears that it defaults on its huge debts, there could be contagion, spreading right across the financial system. There may be pockets of recovery right now, as Covid restrictions ease, but it’s feared the global economy could now be hit by a fresh barrage of problems." Article by Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown About Hargreaves Lansdown Over 1.64 million clients trust us with £135.5 billion (as at 30 June 2021), making us the UK’s largest digital wealth management service. More than 98% of client activity is done through our digital channels and over 600,000 access our mobile app each month. Updated on Sep 20, 2021, 1:56 pm (function() { var sc = document.createElement("script"); sc.type = "text/javascript"; sc.async = true;sc.src = "//mixi.media/data/js/95481.js"; sc.charset = "utf-8";var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(sc, s); }()); window._F20 = window._F20 || []; _F20.push({container: 'F20WidgetContainer', placement: '', count: 3}); _F20.push({finish: true});.....»»