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Alaska Airlines said its operations have resumed Friday after it had to ground its planes for hours because of an information technology outage. The airline said in a statement that 229 flights were canceled because of the outage and that more flight disruptions were expected as it worked to reposition aircraft and crews. Alaska Airlines said it is working on getting travelers affected by the disruption to their destinations. It asked that passengers check their flight status before heading to the airport. The grounding Thursday affected Alaska Air and Horizon Air flights. Hawaiian Airlines, which was bought by Alaska Air Group last year, said its flights were operating as scheduled. In July, Alaska grounded all of its flights for about three hours after the failure of a critical piece of hardware at a data center. There has been a history of computer problems disrupting flights in the industry, though most of the time the disruptions are only temporary. The story has been updated to correct the time element of operations resuming to Friday, from Thursday, and the day of the grounding to Thursday, from Wednesday.
Category:
E-Commerce
President Donald Trump announced he’s ending “all trade negotiations” with Canada because of a television ad opposing U.S. tariffs that he said misstated the facts and called “egregious behavior” aimed at influencing U.S. court decisions.The post on Trump’s social media site came Thursday night after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he aims to double his country’s exports to countries outside the U.S. because of the threat posed by Trump’s tariffs. Trump’s call for an abrupt end to negotiations could further inflame trade tensions that already have been building between the two neighboring countries for months.Trump posted, “The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs.”“The ad was for $75,000. They only did this to interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, and other courts,” Trump wrote on his social media site. “TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A. Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”Carney’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The prime minister was set to leave Friday morning for a summit in Asia, while Trump is set to do the same Friday evening.Trump, a Republican, was still at it on Friday morning, furiously posting on his social media site that “CANADA CHEATED AND GOT CAUGHT!!!” on the tariff ad.“THE UNITED STATES IS WEALTHY, POWERFUL, AND NATIONALLY SECURE AGAIN, ALL BECAUSE OF TARIFFS!” he wrote in a separate post on his Truth Social account. “THE MOST IMPORTANT CASE EVER IS IN THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!”Earlier Thursday night, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute posted on X that an ad created by the government of Ontario “misrepresents the ‘Presidential Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade’ dated April 25, 1987.” It added that Ontario did not receive foundation permission “to use and edit the remarks.”The foundation said it is “reviewing legal options in this matter” and invited the public to watch the unedited video of Reagan’s address.As for the Supreme Court, Trump is referring to a case scheduled for early November in which the justices will consider the legality of his sweeping tariffs. Two lower courts have determined that Trump cannot unilaterally impose wide-ranging tariffs under an emergency powers law. His administration argues otherwise, saying he can regulate importation and that includes tariff policy.Carney met with Trump earlier this month to try to ease trade tensions, as the two countries and Mexico prepare for a review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade deal Trump negotiated in his first term but has since soured on.More than three-quarters of Canadian exports go to the U.S., and nearly $3.6 billion Canadian ($2.7 billion U.S.) worth of goods and services cross the border daily. Trump said earlier this week that he had seen the ad on television and said that it showed that his tariffs were having an impact.“I saw an ad last night from Canada. If I was Canada, I’d take that same ad also,” he said then.In his own post on X last week, Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario, posted a link to the ad and the message: “It’s official: Ontario’s new advertising campaign in the U.S. has launched.”He continued, “Using every tool we have, we’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada. The way to prosperity is by working together.”A spokesperson for Ford didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday night. But Ford previously got Trump’s attention with an electricity surcharge to U.S. states. Trump responded by doubling steel and aluminum tariffs.The president has moved to impose steep U.S. tariffs on many goods from Canada. In April, Canada’s government imposed retaliatory levies on certain U.S. goods but it carved out exemptions for some automakers to bring specific numbers of vehicles into the country, known as remission quotas.Trump’s tariffs have especially hurt Canada’s auto sector, much of which is based in Ontario. This month, Stellantis said it would move a production line from Ontario to Illinois Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim in Washington and Rob Gillies in Toronto, Ontario, contributed to this report. Will Weissert, Associated Press
Category:
E-Commerce
I will never forget the day I realized how rare it is to see businesses support parentsor what a huge impact even the tiniest efforts can make. Were just going to run into the store for a few quick things! I called to my two kids with confidence as I unloaded them from the car, skipping the bulky stroller and putting my 1-year-old in the shopping cart seat. But what should have been a simple trip took a turn when we unexpectedly needed to visit the restroom. As any mom knows, this is where things can start to unravel: You cant take the cart inside, so what are you supposed to do with your not-yet-walking child while you help the bigger one use the toilet? And how are you supposed to use the toilet yourself while also holding a squirmy baby? {"blockType":"creator-network-promo","data":{"mediaUrl":"https:\/\/images.fastcompany.com\/image\/upload\/f_webp,q_auto,c_fit\/wp-cms-2\/2015\/08\/Two-Truths-single.png","headline":"Subscribe to Two Truths...","description":"a newsletter that explores the many truths of motherhood through news round-ups, trend reports, and expert-backed deep dives on topics that matter to moms. To learn more visit twotruths.substack.com","substackDomain":"https:\/\/twotruths.substack.com","colorTheme":"salmon","redirectUrl":""}} I opened the door and braced myself for the chaos that would certainly comeso when I stepped into a large stall and saw a strap-in baby holder attached to the wall, I could have wept with relief. Then, the appreciation rolled in: These wall-mounted baby safety seats are a game changer for parents who are tasked with taking kids to the restroom. But then I was hit with confusion: Why are simple considerations like this one so rare to see? Why am I so impressed with what should really be considered the bare minimum when it comes to supporting parents in public places? Since thenduring countless visits to kid-friendly spaces like the zoo, the pediatricians office, department stores, and public parksIve always noticed and questioned how businesses support (or dont support) parents. (You know what would make life unbelievably easier for parents? A $15 step stool so kids can reach the sink to wash their hands. I think about this almost every day.) https://www.threads.com/@motherspeak/post/DMaDCwwOV6G?xmt=AQF0ERX0a5kpyUnw-O98LoVt3rNq8jKzxZktM8aRA52h-A&slof=1 Appealing to parents isnt just a do-good strategy, eitherits good business. Gen alphaborn between 2010 and 2025is on track to be the biggest generation ever in history, says Lauren Smith Brody, founder of The Fifth Trimester, a business strategy firm focused on moms. So anything retailers and public spaces can do to welcome that generation now will only build brand loyalty that will pay off later. Kid-friendly policies and spaces signal a friendly, inclusive, thoughtful culture overall, she says. The step-stool in the bathroom and the animatronic ear of corn [at Stew Leonards, a grocery chain in the northeast] attracts and retains parents as customers, but they also signal to everyone: Humanity is valued here; joy and ease are a part of this experience. Numerous studies indicate that Gen Z and younger millennials are also values-driven in their shopping. Recently, we asked our audience what considerations theyd like to see businesses make to better appeal to parentsand hundreds of moms weighed in. What did we learn? One: Prioritizing parents isnt unheard of; some industries and places are already getting it right. And two: The most common requests from parents and caregivers are mostly minor, reasonable, and would go a long way for families and businesses. Heres a look at what categories are getting things rightand how businesses can improve their family-friendly policies. Hotels have long catered to familiesand are doing even more today Many hotels offer smart amenities to make life a little easier for parentsincluding complimentary kids gear, babysitting services, and much more. The Four Seasons, in particular, has long been known to cater to families. The Philadelphia and Baltimore properties will provide you with a Baby Brezza bottle washer, bottle dryer, breastmilk & formula warmer, and more. The Four Seasons Hotel Boston features a kids toy closet located behind the check-in desk for little ones to explore while caregivers check in and out. This allowed us a few moments to get everything sorted, and the kids were in heaven, said Cassie Shortsleeve, a mom of three in Boston (and a cofounder of Two Truths). In Orlando, you dont need to worry about packing swim diapers (theyre provided), and you can request items to childproof a room. Properties like Carmel Valley Ranch (see: the “Munchin Menu”) and Wequassett Resort & Golf Club also have partnerships with major childrens brands, such as Nuna and Maxi-Cosi, to borrow or rent gear like strollers, playards, baby carriers, and more. Some shopping destinations have become more family-friendly Ikea was a big winner among our responses. They have that Scandinavian family-friendliness, says Marissa Lanterman, a mom of one in Baltimore. Family parking, cart and stroller accessibility, high chairs in all eating areas, changing tables in bathrooms, step stools for kids at sinks, comfy baby care rooms, Smland . . . you really cant beat it. For new moms in particular, Nordstrom was a standout shopping destination mentioned multiple timesmostly for its family restrooms and clean, comfortable lactation lounges with couches and sinks. Another favorite: Wegmans. They have built-in stepping stools in the bathroom at the sinks, a baby holder in the stalls so you can use the toilet in peace, a wall of every size diaper available for free if needed, and little car carts to keep toddlers occupied while shopping, says Sara Creary, a mom of one in Pittsford, NY. Many eateries keep kids in mind One (potentially surprising) space that many moms praised? Breweries. Our loal brewery is like our own little Europea public space for play and relaxation for kids and adults alike, says Lily Dunlop, a mom of two in Seattle. Kelsey Glynn, a mom of three, says her favorite brewery even brings out complimentary kid snacks: At BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse here in Arizona, they immediately serve a plate of fruit and Goldfish to help manage kids hunger before their food arrives at the table. A coffee shop I went to had a kids corner with a play kitchen and espresso machine, says Christa Ursini, a mom of one in South Salem, NY. It was magicparents could enjoy their coffee while their kids played. Public spaces can be kid-friendly Its not just specific businesses that cater to kids and families, but public places more generally, as well. Some popular family travel destinations are full of family-friendly spots, but also put families first when it comes to strategic planning and development: Newport, RI, for one, is dotted with parks and playgrounds throughout and in between more formal stops like an aquarium or an old-school arcade that may be on an itinerary. To that point, moms we spoke to highlighted that public places that attract kids, such as playgrounds and parks, should have some key components: water fountains, bathrooms, shade, and fencingall critical aspects for parents that can make or break the decision of where to spend your time. Pop-up lactation podssuch as Mamavaare another great feature for businesses of all sizes, but especially handy in spaces like airports, zoos, and amusement parks. Theres more to be done: Heres what parents want When we asked our audience how businesses could improve for parents, we were struck by the similarity between responseswith many requests, especially very basic ones, appearing again and again. Here are the main takeaways. In bathrooms: Baby changing tables in both the womens and mens rooms, ideally located within a stall for privacy. (Its really jarring to go to a restaurant that has high chairs and crayons at the table, but not a single baby changing table in any bathroom, one mom told us. Am I supposed to put my baby on the floor?) Lower sinks or step stools that allow small kids to wash their hands Paper towels as an alternative to loud hand dryers (which many kids are afraid of or sensitive to) Bag hooks and/or shelves near sinks and changing stations Within dining establishments: Disposable table covers so kids can eat off a sanitary surface High chairs and booster seats that areand this is important!kept clean Food-safe wipes available for parents to clean tables and high chairs as needed Stainless steel kid-sized cutlery Kids cups with lids Disposable bibs Activities for kidsfrom basic (crayons and coloring sheets) to bonus (toy basket, Magna-Tiles, books, etc.) Healthier, lighter kids’ menu options (fruit, cheese, crackers, nuts, veggies & dip, etc.) Outdoor play areas (when space allows) are huge bonus that many parents will seek out In stores: Aisles that are wide enough to accommodate strollers Increase curbside pick-up options More parking spots reserved for families (either near the door or near the cart return) Simple treats that make kids excited to visit (like stickers, la Trader Joes) In a society that is woefully lacking systemic support for parents and often unconducive to kids, businesses have a powerful opportunity to step up and set new standards that show families they are seen, appreciated, and valued. Any business that goes the extra mile for parents really stands out, driving word of mouth and customer loyalty, says Brody. And any public space that makes parents feel good about the love and work theyre pouring into their kids is going to win that business in a big way. {"blockType":"creator-network-promo","data":{"mediaUrl":"https:\/\/images.fastcompany.com\/image\/upload\/f_webp,q_auto,c_fit\/wp-cms-2\/2015\/08\/Two-Truths-single.png","headline":"Subscribe to Two Truths...","description":"a newsletter that explores the many truths of motherhood through news round-ups, trend reports, and expert-backed deep dives on topics that matter to moms. To learn more visit twotruths.substack.com","substackDomain":"https:\/\/twotruths.substack.com","colorTheme":"salmon","redirectUrl":""}}
Category:
E-Commerce
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