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Home for the holidays? Show relatives you care with some tech supportPrime Minister and U.S. president-elect both shared thoughts on social media Saturday about their in Florida on Friday night. Trump offered his perspective about how the meeting at his Mar-a-Lago resort went with Trudeau in a post on Truth Social, saying they touched on a number of key issues related to border safety, illegal drug trafficking and, most importantly, trade. The meeting came days after Trump threatened to slap massive 25-per-cent tariffs on Canadian products being imported into the U.S. “I just had a very productive meeting” with Trudeau, Trump wrote on his social media network. “I made it very clear that the United States will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims to the scourge of this Drug Epidemic.” Donald Trump’s post from Truth Social Saturday. “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation of U.S. Families,” he continued. “We also spoke about many other important topics like Energy, Trade, and the Arctic. All are vital issues that I will be addressing on my first days back in Office, and before,” Trump said. In his own post on X Saturday afternoon, Trudeau shared a photo and thanked Trump for the dinner, writing “I look forward to the work we can do together, again.” “The Prime Minister and U.S. President Donald Trump shared a productive wide-ranging discussion over dinner last night, centered on collaboration and strengthening our relationship,” said Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson in the Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement to the Star. “As Canada’s closest friend and ally, the United States is our key partner, and we are committed to working together in the interests of Canadians and Americans,” Ghassabeh added. Thanks for dinner last night, President Trump. I look forward to the work we can do together, again. However, there was no indication that Trump has changed his mind about imposing a massive 25-per-cent surcharge on all imports from Canada, which would have a devastating impact on Canada’s energy, auto and manufacturing exports. Trump’s post on Truth Social did not address it. The Star reported Friday that the face-to-face meeting was suggested by Trudeau, according to sources familiar with the communications between the two sides. The meeting included Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Trudeau’s chief of staff Katie Telford and several of Trump’s advisers and their wives, including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, nominated for Interior Secretary and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, a staunch enthusiast of tariffs. “We had a positive discussion about shared border security priorities, including working together to combat fentanyl trafficking,” LeBlanc posted on X. “It is clear from the Prime Minister’s meeting with President-elect Trump that Canada needs to act quickly to strengthen border security, energy security, and national defence if we want to secure an exemption from future tariffs,” said Goldy Hyder, head of the Business Council of Canada. The friendly conversation at the dinner was one step towards a collaborative relationship with the Trump administration, a senior Canadia government source said on a background-only basis to disclose some details of the private meeting. The conversation also proved that Trudeau could handle Trump, despite criticism from those including Pierre Poilievre, the source added. Poilievre previously and without the “brains or backbone” he presumably has to stand up to Trump. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on X Saturday afternoon that he was glad Trudeau met Trump to learn more about the president-elect’s concerns. “Now we need the federal government to show us how they’ll honour their commitment to all premiers to make our border more secure,” said Ford. He added that Canada’s premiers are ready to meet at any time to review Trudeau’s promised plan to avoid “disastrous tariffs.” The two leaders and their teams discussed trade, border security, fentanyl, defence matters including NATO, Ukraine, and icebreakers (Canada, the U.S. and Finland recently agreed to a trilateral pact to rebuild their icebreaking fleets), the source said. Other topics on the table included China, energy issues and pipelines, including those that feed Canadian oil and gas into the U.S. like Keystone XL, Line 5, as well as the Trans-Mountain project and Canada’s liquid natural gas export capacity. The leaders also discussed next year’s G7 meeting, which Canada will chair in Kananaskis, Alta. It will be held seven years after Trump left the 2018 G7 at Charlevoix, Que. and in his opposition to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, the Star previously reported. Trump’s comments led many to believe he disliked Trudeau, but the two leaders managed a working relationship after the G7 summit six years ago and have had friendly conversations since Trump’s re-election, according to two Canadian sources, . Friday’s meetup was the first between the president-elect and a foreign leader, and comes just under two months before Trump is to be inaugurated as U.S. president.Sinn Fein actively pursuing route into government, insists leader McDonald
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The AI revolution has seen some significant players, and Palantir Technologies has emerged as a standout. Once priced at a low of around $6 during the 2022 bear market, the software company’s stock has skyrocketed over the past two years, multiplying its value more than 12 times. But as 2025 approaches, there’s uncertainty about whether this impressive growth can persist. While predicting the future is always challenging, examining Palantir’s business and financial health provides some clues. Palantir’s Growth Drivers The engine behind Palantir’s recent success is largely AI-driven efficiencies. Its platforms, Gotham and Foundry, have long utilized AI, but the launch of the generative AI-driven Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in 2023 took it to new heights. After introducing this technology through exclusive boot camps, clients reported significant productivity boosts. Notably, an equipment rental firm saw a 12-fold increase in its average revenue retention, leading many industries to secure seven-figure contracts with Palantir. The company’s government contracts have also flourished, especially with the introduction of TITAN, a cutting-edge intelligence ground station. Financial Upsurge The financial implications of Palantir’s advancements are notable. Over the first nine months of 2024, the company experienced a 26% revenue increase, reaching $2 billion. Yet, its operating expenses grew modestly at 9%, while net income surged 229% year-over-year to $383 million. Despite raising its revenue forecast for 2024 to over $2.8 billion, concerns about overvaluation remain. With a trailing P/E ratio of about 368, some investors are wary of the stock’s high price-to-sales ratio. Looking Ahead While Palantir’s software likely promises ongoing growth, the current stock valuation may discourage new investors. The prediction game is risky, but potential buyers might want to observe rather than purchase at this time. Is Palantir Technologies’ Stock Surge Sustainable? An In-Depth Analysis As Palantir Technologies continues to ride the wave of AI-driven growth, investors and market analysts are keenly anticipating the company’s trajectory towards 2025 and beyond. With its stock witnessing an exponential rise from its $6 low in 2022, understanding the factors at play and what the future holds is crucial for both current and potential stakeholders. Key Features and AI Innovations A significant catalyst behind Palantir’s ascent is the expansion and maturation of its AI platforms: Gotham and Foundry. However, it was the introduction of the generative AI-driven Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in 2023 that truly revolutionized its capabilities and market appeal. Clients engaging in AIP-exclusive boot camps have reported drastic improvements in productivity. Among the notable successes, an equipment rental firm achieved a staggering 12-fold increase in average revenue retention. Moreover, Palantir’s government contracts have been bolstered by TITAN, its sophisticated intelligence ground station, enhancing its reputation and securing long-term partnerships in both public and private sectors. Financial Performance and Market Evaluation Palantir’s financial health has mirrored its technological breakthroughs with robust growth indicators. From the first nine months of 2024, the company saw a 26% rise in revenue, reaching $2 billion. Operating expenses showed a modest increase of 9%, while net income skyrocketed by 229%, climbimg to $383 million. Yet, the significant growth has been met with concerns over valuation metrics like the exorbitant trailing P/E ratio of approximately 368, sparking caution among investors regarding the stock’s high price-to-sales ratio. With a raised revenue forecast exceeding $2.8 billion for 2024, Palantir still faces the challenge of balancing its ambitious growth targets with investor expectations of sustainable valuation. Trends and Insights Palantir’s stock price and market position are at the center of a broader tech-industry trend driven by AI integration and innovation. As more industries pursue digital transformation, Palantir’s comprehensive AI solutions have placed it in a compelling position. However, its high market valuations are closely scrutinized. Investors are likely to observe market trends meticulously before making new commitments to the stock. Predictions and Future Outlook Despite Palantir’s promising growth trajectory, the uncertainty of future valuations suggests potential buyers proceed with caution. The AI sector’s rapid evolution requires continuous innovation and performance to maintain its momentum. Market analysts might advise observing how Palantir navigates these dynamics before making investment decisions. For more insights on Palantir Technologies, visit their official website here .NEW YORK — Eager to preserve President-elect Donald Trump's hush money conviction even as he returns to office, prosecutors suggested various ways forward — including one based on how some courts handle criminal cases when defendants die. In court papers made public Tuesday, the Manhattan district attorney's office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books. The proposals include freezing the case until Trump is out of office, or agreeing that any future sentence wouldn't include jail time. Another idea: closing the case with a notation that acknowledges his conviction but says that he was never sentenced and his appeal wasn't resolved because of presidential immunity. Former President Donald Trump appears in Manhattan criminal court May 30 during jury deliberations in his criminal hush money trial in New York. The last is adopted from what some states do when a criminal defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether that option is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Judge Juan M. Merchan could innovate in what's already a unique case. "This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding," prosecutors wrote. But at the same time, it wouldn't "precipitously discard" the "meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers." Expanding on a position they laid out last month, prosecutors acknowledged that "presidential immunity requires accommodation during a president's time in office," but they were adamant that the conviction should stand. They argued that Trump's impending return to the White House should not upend a jury's finding. Trump wants the case to be thrown out in light of his election. His communications director, Steven Cheung, called prosecutors' filing "a pathetic attempt to salvage the remains of an unconstitutional and politically motivated hoax." Trump has fought for months to reverse his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. Former President Donald Trump returns to the courtroom May 30 at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York. He claims they didn’t and denies wrongdoing. Trump portrays the case as a political attack ginned up by District Attorney Alvin Bragg and other Democrats. Trump's legal team argues that letting the case continue would present unconstitutional "disruptions" to his upcoming presidential term. Trump's attorneys also cited President Joe Biden's recent pardon of his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted of tax and gun charges. Biden complained that his son was unfairly prosecuted for political reasons — and Trump's lawyers say he was, too. Trump's lawyers argued that the possibility of a jail sentence — even if it's after he leaves office — would affect his presidency. Prosecutors suggested Merchan could address that concern by agreeing not to put him behind bars. It's unclear how soon Merchan could decide what to do next with the case. He could grant Trump's request for dismissal, go with one of the suggestions from prosecutors, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump's parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. Former President Donald Trump gestures May 31 as he leaves a news conference at Trump Tower in New York. He was scheduled for sentencing late last month. After Trump's Nov. 5 election win, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president's sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump's prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump's conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office. The hush money case was the only one of Trump's four criminal indictments to go to trial. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith ended his two federal cases, which pertained to Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in each case. 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Flooding started, ice still thin: Here’s the latest update about the Rideau Canal SkatewayThe Mets also agreed to provide personal team security for the All-Star outfielder and his family at the team’s expense for all spring training and regular-season home and road games, according to details of the agreement obtained by The Associated Press. Major League Baseball teams usually provide security for player families in seating areas at ballparks. New York also agreed to assist Soto's family for in-season travel arrangements, guaranteed Soto will have uniform No. 22 and included eight types of award bonuses. Soto's suite will be valued at the Mets' prevailing prices, presumably for tax purposes, and after 2025 he can by each Jan. 15 modify or give up his suite selection for the upcoming season. He can request the premium tickets, to be used by family members, no later than 72 hours before the scheduled game time. The Yankees had refused to offer Soto a free suite. “Some high-end players that make a lot of money for us, if they want suites they buy them ... whether it's CC (Sabathia), whether it’s (Aaron) Judge, whether it’s (Gerrit) Cole, whether it’s any of these guys," general manager Brian Cashman said. "We've gone through a process on previous negotiations where asks might have happened and this is what we did and we’re going to honor those, so no regrets there." Cashman said the Yankees have a shared suite for player families and a family room with babysitting. Soto gets a $75 million signing bonus, payable within 60 days of the agreement’s approval by the commissioner’s office. The deal for the 26-year-old, which tops Shohei Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers, was reached Sunday pending a physical that took place Tuesday. Soto receives salaries of $46,875,000 each in 2025 and 2026, $42.5 million in 2027, $46,875,000 apiece in 2028 and 2029 and $46 million in each of the final 10 seasons. Soto has a contingent right to opt out of the agreement within three days of the end of the 2029 World Series to become a free agent again, but the Mets have the an option to negate the opt-out provision by increasing the yearly salaries for 2030-39 by $4 million annually to $50 million and raising the total value to $805 million. If the club exercises its option to negate the opt-out provision, Soto can make his opt-out decision by the fifth day after the World Series. He has a full no-trade provision and gets a hotel suite on road trips. Soto would receive a $500,000 bonus for winning his first Most Valuable Player award and $1 million for each MVP award. He would get $350,000 for finishing second in the voting and $150,000 for finishing third through fifth. Soto was third in the AL voting this year. He would earn $100,000 for each All-Star selection and Gold Glove, $350,000 for World Series MVP and $150,000 for League Championship Series MVP. Soto would get $100,000 for selection to the All-MLB first or second team, $150,000 for Silver Slugger and $100,000 for the Hank Aaron Award. Award bonuses are to be paid by the Jan. 31 after the season in which the bonus is earned. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlbBuying a new car comes with a few inherent downsides. Suddenly, you become a lot more conscious about door dings, stone chips, and interior scuffs. Finding the right setting on the car's infotainment system isn't as intuitive as it once was, and squeezing the car into tight spaces becomes a more stressful process than before. Of course, all these minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the biggest new car downside: depreciation. New cars will almost invariably lose value as soon as they're driven off the dealership lot, and will continue to lose value every mile they're driven and day that they're on the road. The average car will be worth 42.4% of its value after five years according to data from KBB . However, not all cars lose value quite so fast. In fact, some new cars significantly outperform the rest, and can retain over 50% of their value after half a decade of use. Buyers looking for a new SUV that retains its value better than most aren't short on choice, since top performers can be found in a wide variety of segments. Using valuation data from KBB, SlashGear identified the best SUVs for value retention across the SUV spectrum, from six-figure luxury off-roaders to budget-oriented family haulers. The Subaru Crosstrek is offered in a variety of flavors, from the everyday base-spec variety to the off-road oriented Crosstrek Wilderness that SlashGear tested earlier in 2024. Subaru's smallest crossover SUV is — in its cheaper trims at least — designed to be an affordable entry point to the brand's SUV range, and starts from just over $25,000 excluding destination fees. That makes it one of the cheapest cars in its segment, and as a bonus, buyers get the peace of mind of knowing that the Crosstrek retains its value over time too. According to KBB , the Crosstrek should be worth 52.3% of its original sticker price after five years on the road, placing it comfortably ahead of the average new car. Other Subaru SUVs like the Forester and Ascent might provide superior cabin space or increased all-terrain capability, but for value retention, the Crosstrek remains top of the table among its lineup siblings. Designed for families that might find a regular three-row SUV too cramped, the Toyota Grand Highlander is spacious across every row and offers plenty of luggage capacity too. That added space comes at a cost, with the top Hybrid Max Platinum trim costing almost $60,000. However, buyers should find that the Toyota holds on to much of that value when it comes time to resell, with KBB predicting a 53.3% value retention rate over five years. Aside from its cabin space, most other elements of the Grand Highlander are standard Toyota fare. That's no bad thing — the brand's Safety Sense suite of driver assistance technology is well equipped and comes standard on all trims, while the cabin is thoughtfully designed even if it's not the most exciting design in its segment. Buyers without a large family to transport might find better value — and similarly high value retention — elsewhere in Toyota's SUV range, but for those who need the space, the Grand Highlander is a highly competitive option. There are several key choices to make when buying a Honda CR-V , since the model has a variety of powertrains and trims on offer. However, no matter which option buyers go for, the CR-V should be a safe bet when it comes to retaining value over time. The latest data from KBB estimates that the Honda should retain 54.7% of its value over five years, making it one of the top performing SUVs on the market in any segment. Resale value is far from the only reason buyers gravitate towards the CR-V — its clean styling, frugal hybrid powertrain, and competitive asking price all further contribute to its appeal. The CR-V is also available with a long list of official accessories to suit all kinds of lifestyles, including surfboard attachments, bike mounts, and a six-person tent complete with Honda branding. And yes, the Honda tent looks way better than the Cybertruck's tent — although that was a low bar to beat. Most luxury SUVs depreciate steeply over their first few years on the road, but the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is not like the rest. In fact, the opposite is true — the iconic off-roader holds its value better than most budget-oriented vehicles. KBB estimates that, after five years, a G-Class will retain 54.6% of its sticker price. Thanks to the G-Class' sky-high MSRP, owners are still losing a lot of money in dollar terms, almost $70,000 over the five-year term. However, there are plenty of reasons why the G-Class is so expensive . Despite evolving considerably from its utilitarian roots, the G-Class has always retained its off-road abilities. It remains firmly among the best all-terrain vehicles in its class, even if most buyers will never take it too far off the asphalt. In G63 AMG form, the G-Class is also remarkably quick, with a 0-60 mph time that would trouble some sports cars. Buyers certainly get a versatile vehicle for their money, and for those who can afford it, it's a surprisingly sensible purchase in terms of resale value, too. For the 2025 model year, the Toyota 4Runner receives a long-awaited overhaul , ditching the dated interior and aging bones of the previous generation in favor of an all-new design. The new 4Runner has been brought closer in line with the rest of Toyota's SUV lineup both inside and out, although it hasn't lost the rugged charm that buyers of the previous generation found so appealing. As of this writing, KBB only has depreciation forecasts available for the 2024 model, but it seems unlikely that the new model will lose significantly more value than the outgoing car. A 2024 model is estimated to retain 57.6% of its value over five years, no mean feat considering the previous generation first debuted in 2009. The old-school construction of the last generation remained popular with buyers right up until its retirement, but with a choice of hybrid or gas powertrains, four-wheel-drive, and a plethora of off-road options available, there's plenty for 4Runner fans to like about this latest generation of the SUV. Alongside the CR-V, another Honda SUV with high value retention is the three-row Honda Pilot. Both new and used examples of the Pilot remain popular with buyers for much the same reasons as the CR-V — it's practical, economical to run, and affordably priced. KBB expects the Pilot to retain 52.3% of its value over five years, which is well above the rate of the average new car. The Pilot saw its last major refresh for the 2023 model year , with a more distinctive design, a revised range of trims, and some minor tech improvements. After spending some time with the car shortly after its launch, SlashGear found plenty to like, but thought the Pilot could have done with one or two standout features to set it apart from its competition. The three-row family SUV segment is a packed one, and although the car doesn't really put a foot wrong, it remains a sensible choice rather than an interesting one. One of the Honda Pilot's many rivals is the Hyundai Palisade , which like its Japanese competitor, holds its value better than most. Data from KBB predicts that the Palisade should retain 53.7% of its sticker price after half a decade on the road, with the average five-year-old example worth just over $20,000. That's despite the fact that no hybrid option is available, with the V6 engine remaining unchanged across all trims. Hybrids are an increasingly desirable option among buyers across all segments, but it seems buyers of the Palisade aren't too fussed about missing out on the electrification wave. After all, there are plenty of other ways the SUV makes a case for itself, with a spacious interior, attractive starting price, and Hyundai's usual generous helping of infotainment and safety tech. Plus, with up to eight seats available depending upon configuration, there's plenty of room for the whole family. Built on the same platform as the Hyundai Palisade and sharing a powertrain, the Kia Telluride is another safe bet for buyers looking for an SUV that holds its value over time. It's forecast to retain 52.6% of its value over five years, according to KBB . SlashGear put the Telluride through its paces earlier in 2024 and found its interior to be particularly commendable, with the top-spec trim of our tester boasting a cabin that rivals entry-level models from German and Japanese luxury brands. Its running costs are not so impressive, with the Telluride's only engine option being a 3.8L V6, much like the Palisade. As a result, the Telluride lags behind most of its competition in terms of efficiency, and doesn't benefit from the low-speed acceleration boost that most electrified models offer. It might cost more at the gas pump, but its competitive starting price and high value retention help offset that sticking point. Buyers who opt for Toyota's best-selling RAV4 won't win any prizes for originality, but there's a reason the SUV remains such a common sight on American roads. It ticks all the right boxes for a sensible, affordable family SUV, including holding its value during its first five years on the road. Over that period it will keep 50.6% of its initial sticker value, per KBB . That reputation for sensibility and affordability makes it a popular choice both new and used , and with the launch of the latest generation, buyers have more powertrain choices than ever to boot. Gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options are available, although the latter comes with a notable price premium. A range of trims is also offered, from basic to premium, while the TRD Off-Road and Woodland Edition trims cater to buyers who are willing to sacrifice a little on-road refinement in return for all-terrain capability. Combine the RAV4's individual talents with Toyota's brand-wide reputation for reliability, and the result is an SUV that continues to be a favorite with buyers even with an increasingly packed field of competition. Most of the top performers when it comes to holding value over time fall into one of two camps. The first are the sensible, highly regarded models that rely on their practicality and reliability to remain in demand with used buyers. Then, there are those models that simply rely on individual charm. The Ford Bronco arguably falls more towards the second category — it's difficult to justify buying one based on efficiency, space, or on-road manners, but that matters a lot less since it has so much personality. Ford has released a number of special edition Bronco trims including the Bronco Heritage Edition , but the basic SUV remains mostly unchanged since it was first launched in 2020. That's because it doesn't need to change, as Ford got the formula just right the first time around. It looks unlike anything else on the market, blending modern and retro touches, and it can be a handful to drive on the road. It's about as far from sensible or rational as you can get from most of the other family-oriented SUVs here, but it holds its value better than any of them. According to KBB , the Bronco will retain an exceptional 63.8% of its value over its first half a decade on (or off) the road.
Juan Soto gets free luxury suite and up to 4 premium tickets for home games in $765M Mets dealDALLAS — and became the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning back a significant share of travelers on a tight budget. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like , which recently protection. Some travel-industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate that travelers on a budget will be left with fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on much better financial footing than Spirit, but they too are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from . Most industry experts think and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum , and that there is still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. Spirit Airlines lost more than $2.2 billion since the start of 2020. Frontier has not reported a full-year profit since 2019, though that slump might end this year. is still profitable, but less so than before the pandemic. Those kind of numbers led to declare recently that low-cost carriers were using “a fundamentally flawed business model” and customers hate flying on them. Kirby’s touchdown dance might turn out to be premature, but many analysts are wary about the near-term prospects for budget airlines, which charge cheaper fares but more fees than the big airlines. A traveler speaks with a Spirit Airlines agent May 24 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day in Atlanta. Low-cost airlines grew in the last two decades by undercutting big carriers on ticket prices, thanks in large part to lower costs, including hiring younger workers who were paid less than their counterparts at Delta Air Lines, United and . Wages soared across the industry in the past two years, however, narrowing that cost advantage. The big airlines rolled out and refined their no-frills, “basic economy” tickets to compete directly with Spirit, Frontier and other budget carriers for the most price-sensitive travelers. The budget airlines became less efficient at using planes and people. As their growth slowed, they wound up with more of both than they needed. In 2019, Spirit planes were in the air an average of 12.3 hours every day. By this summer, the planes spent an average of two more hours each day sitting on the ground, where they don't make money. Spirit's costs per mile jumped 32% between 2019 and 2023. Another issue is that airlines added too many flights. Budget airlines and were among the worst offenders, but full-service airlines piled on. To make up for a drop in business travel, the big carriers added more flights on domestic leisure routes. The result: Too many seats on flights into popular tourist destinations such as Florida and Las Vegas, which drove down prices, especially for economy-class tickets. Rows of seats are shown Sept. 26 on a retrofitted Southwest Airlines jet at Love Field in Dallas. Low-cost airlines are responding by following the old adage that if you can't beat them, join them. That means going premium, following the rapidly growing household wealth among upper-income people. The top one-fifth of U.S. households by income added $35 trillion in wealth since 2019 and holds nearly nine times the wealth of the middle fifth, according to the . Frontier Airlines into four bundles in May, with buyers of higher-priced tickets getting extras such as priority boarding, more legroom and checked bags. The airline dropped ticket-change or cancellation fees except for the cheapest bundle. in August with similar changes, blocking middle seats and charging passengers more for the comfort of aisle and window seats. Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie received a $3.8 million retention bonus a week before the Florida-based carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Christie will retain the bonus if he remains with the company for another year. The airline's stock has dropped over 90% this year. It has faced challenges including a blocked $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue and failed talks with Frontier. The pandemic disrupted Spirit's operations and travel patterns, reducing its daily aircraft utilization and increasing costs. Demand has shifted to full-service airlines as higher-income travelers vacation more, while inflation impacts lower-income consumers. , which began flying more than 20 years ago as a low-cost carrier but with amenities, is digging out from years of steady losses. Under new CEO Joanna Geraghty, the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline, JetBlue is cutting unprofitable routes, bolstering core markets that include the Northeast and Florida, and delaying deliveries of $3 billion worth of new planes. Starting next year, Southwest Airlines will toss out a half-century — passengers picking their own seat after boarding the plane. Executives say extensive surveying showed 80% of customers preferred an assigned seat, and that's especially true with coveted business travelers. More crowded planes also might be pushing passengers to spend more to escape a middle seat in the back of the plane. A Frontier Airlines jet takes off July 5, 2022, from Denver International Airport in Denver. In other parts of the world, budget carriers are doing just fine. They bounced back from the pandemic just like their more highbrow competitors. Some industry experts say low-cost carriers in Asia and Europe have always attracted a more diverse mix of passengers, while in the U.S., affluent and middle-class travelers look down their noses at low-cost carriers. Jamie Baker, an analyst for JPMorgan, says he has many college friends who work in London and all the time, but he hardly knows anyone who has ever been on a Spirit or Frontier plane. A small plane tows a banner April 13, 2016, over Flint Bishop International Airport as part of ceremonies marking Allegiant Air joining the airport. is less dismissive of the “lower-end carriers” in the U.S. than United's Kirby. "I don’t see that segment ever disappearing,” Bastian said after Spirit’s bankruptcy filing. “I think there’s a market for it.” At the same time, he said the upscale moves by ultra-low-cost carriers are having no effect on his airline. Delta targets upscale travelers but also introduced basic-economy fares a decade ago, when discounters emerged as a growing threat to poach some of Delta's customers. “Just calling yourself a premium carrier and actually being a premium carrier are two totally different things,” Bastian said “It's not the size of the seat or how much room you have; it's the overall experience.” As frequent flyers know, air travel isn't cheap. With the summer months in full swing, demand for air travel is expected to reach in 2024 as airlines continue to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily for those who are looking for ways to , one way to cut costs on your next vacation may be in finding the right places to fly in and out of. looked at average domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. to learn which airports are best for travelers on a budget, as well as which ones to avoid if you are trying to travel affordably. Overall, the national average airfare cost decreased by 3.1% from 2022 to 2023 when adjusted for inflation (which translates to a 0.9% increase in non-adjusted dollars). The last time inflation-adjusted airfare costs dropped year-over-year was during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it fell 18% between 2019 and 2020. Largely, this is good news for consumers who can spend less on airfare and have more room in their budget for , restaurants, and other travel fees. In addition to earning rewards on airfare, most offer rewards for spending in these areas, which can offset overall vacation costs. Based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the above chart shows inflation-adjusted average airline fares over the past 25 years. For this report, we compared domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. using data published by the . Orlando International Airport (MCO) had the lowest airfare cost in the country at $265.58 on average. Home to iconic theme parks like Universal Studios, Sea World, and most notably, Walt Disney World, Orlando is one of America's top tourist destinations. This is welcome news for those bracing for expensive at the House of Mouse. Beyond on park-related purchases, visitors can also maximize savings by using a credit card like the which offers an annual travel credit, or even using a if you don't want to pay for your entire vacation at once. Another Florida-based airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), has the second-lowest average airfare cost in the country — tickets here are only about $5 more expensive than Orlando's. Just a few dollars behind FLL is Las Vegas's Harry Reid International (LAS), where fares cost $272.15 on average. LAS is also the last airport on our list where average airfare costs are less than $300. Oakland International Airport (OAK) has the fourth-lowest average airfare costs in the country at $303.79. And the fifth-least expensive airport, Chicago Midway International (MDW), comes in at $308.27. For the third year in a row, Dulles International Airport (IAD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have the two highest average fares in the country. Flights from Dulles cost $488.40 on average in 2023, while flights from San Francisco cost $444.59. Some silver lining for travelers who need to travel through Dulles: IAD is home to some of the best airport lounges in the country, including the recently-opened Capital One Lounge, available to credit card holders. With free food, drinks, and recharging stations, lounges can be one easy way to offset otherwise-expensive airport costs. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has the third-highest average airfare in the country, with an average cost of $438.34. Last on our top-five list of the most expensive airports are Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Average airfare from Charlotte cost $436.80 last year, while flights from Detroit had an average price tag of $427.05. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) was the biggest affordability winner over the last year, dropping prices by more than $18 on average. SEA jumped from 36th most-affordable place last year to 28th place this year — an increase of eight spots. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Portland International Airport (PDX) experienced similar jumps, rising by seven spots each. RDU went from 24th place in 2022 to 17th in 2023, while PDX went from 42nd to 35th. Two different airports fell by eight spots in our affordability rankings, tied for the biggest drop of the year. The average fare at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) rose by $18.66 year-over-year, which led SMF to go from 18th in last year's affordability rankings to 26th this year. Prices rose even more at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), going up by $19.64 on average from one year to the next. Consequently, STL fell from 21st to 29th place in terms of affordability. As you plan your travel, you'll find costs can vary widely at a single airport. With a little research and smart planning, you can find a deal at any airport. Here are a few tips to save on airfare: We looked at 2023 airfare data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation in May 2024 to compare domestic airfares by origin city. This report calculated average fares based on domestic itinerary fares. "Itinerary fares" consist of round-trip fares, unless only a one-way ticket was purchased. In that case, the one-way fare was used. Fares are based on total ticket value, including the price charged by the airline plus any additional taxes and fees levied at the time of purchase. Fares include only the price paid at booking and do not include fees for optional services like baggage fees. Averages also do not include frequent-flyer or "zero fares" or a few abnormally high reported fares. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
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A public appeal has been made to find a missing woman who may have travelled to Albury. or signup to continue reading NSW Police said Phoebe Wood, who may also go by the name Phoebe Mason, 22, was last seen at Central Railway Station, Sydney, about 6.45am on November 2. Murray River Police District officers were notified on November 23 that she could not be located or contacted and began inquiries. "Family and police hold concerns for her welfare," police said on Saturday, November 30. "Phoebe is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170 centimetres tall, with a thin build, light brown hair and blue eyes. "She was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt and grey track pants. "It's believed Phoebe may have travelled to Albury." Anyone with information about her whereabouts can contact Murray River Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A man has died in a single-vehicle crash at Nathalia on Saturday, November 30. The incident occurred about 6.35pm when a Nissan Pulsar travelling north on the Murray Valley Highway veered off the road and struck a tree. "The sole occupant, a 63-year-old Nathalia man, was located deceased at the scene," police said in a statement on Sunday, December 1. Wangaratta Highway Patrol officers are investigating the crash and police will prepare a report for the coroner. In other police news, and faced Parramatta Local Court on Saturday. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementUS lawmakers voted Wednesday after fraught negotiations to move forward with a contentious 2025 defense budget that raises troops' pay but blocks funding of gender-affirming care for some transgender children of service members. The centerpiece of the $884 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) -- which was green-lit by the Republican-led House of Representatives but still needs Senate approval -- is a 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted service members and 4.5 percent for other personnel. But talks over the 1,800-page-plus text were complicated by a last-minute Republican intervention to prevent the military's health program from covering gender-affirming care for children of service members if it results in "sterilization." "Citizens don't want their tax dollars to go to this, and underaged people often regret these surgeries later in life," Nebraska Republican Don Bacon told CNN. "It's a bad hill to die on for Democrats." Gender-affirming health care for children is just one of multiple fronts in the so-called "culture wars" that polarize US politics and divide the country, with Republicans using the issue as a cudgel against Democrats in November's elections. The funding block angered progressives, and prompted the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee to come out against the legislation. "As I said a few days ago, blanketly denying health care to people who need it -- just because of a biased notion against transgender people -- is wrong," Adam Smith, who represents a district in Washington state, said in a statement. "The inclusion of this harmful provision puts the lives of children at risk and may force thousands of service members to make the choice of continuing their military service or leaving to ensure their child can get the health care they need." Smith slammed House Speaker Mike Johnson for pandering to "the most extreme elements of his party" by including the transgender provision. The must-pass NDAA -- a bill that Congress has sent to the president's desk without fail every year since 1961 -- cleared the chamber in a 281-140 vote and now moves to the Senate, with final passage expected next week. The topline figure is one percent above last year's total and, with funding from other sources, brings the total defense budget to just under $900 billion. Some foreign policy hawks on the Republican side of the Senate wanted $25 billion more for the Pentagon but they are still expected to support the bill. "The safety and security of the American people is our top priority, and this year's NDAA ensures our military has the resources and the capabilities needed to remain the most powerful fighting force on the planet," Johnson told reporters. ft/mlm
Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the Senate