Southwest

Rapper Rick Ross outfitted his estimated $40 million Gulfstream G550 private jet with Starlink internet service. SpaceX highlighted Starlink as its key technology, noting that several major airlines have adopted it and considering using a less convenient flight path to ensure connectivity. The service allows users, such as Ross, to maintain phone calls and streaming while airborne.

Tonight, conditions are described as warm and muggy with increasing cloudiness. A low chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm exists after midnight, covering 20% or less of the metro area. Saturday is expected to become mostly sunny, featuring moderate humidity and high temperatures ranging from the mid to upper 80s.

SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell stated that some customers are choosing shorter flights with Starlink capabilities over direct options. MrBeast mentioned he would prioritize Starlink-equipped flights even with layovers, though 13 contacted airlines did not confirm this behavior. SpaceX announced new Starlink partnerships with American Airlines, Southwest, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, and Aer Lingus.

A Southwest passenger met a nurse who saved his life during a mid-air emergency by sitting on him. The incident involved a life-saving action by the nurse while the passenger was on a flight.

Southwest has revised its most controversial policy following years of customer complaints. The airline announced significant changes aimed at addressing long-standing issues.

Former Virginia Sen. Janet Howell, a trailblazing Reston lawmaker, died at 82. Additional headlines include unspent Southwest flood relief funds, Virginia’s state primary, local bans on gas-powered leaf blowers, and a $2 million Powerball ticket sold in Virginia.

A person received a letter from a bill collector claiming a toll bill they don't recognize. The license plate listed in the letter doesn't match any of their vehicles, and their toll account shows no negative balances or recent activity. The phone number on the letter differs from the official website's number, leading them to suspect a scam.

The western United States is experiencing a weekend of record heat, with peak temperatures expected Saturday and Sunday, reaching up to 117°F in the Southwest.

Firefighters in France's southwest are concerned that strong winds and an incoming heatwave could reignite fires as temperatures exceed 40°C. Paris is expected to reach 38°C, marking the fourth heatwave of the year.

ICE detained a Southwest flight attendant at Nashville airport. The individual is Jamaican-born, and family and friends are requesting his release from ICE detention.

Over 40,000 people are being evacuated from the Cap Ferret peninsula in southwest France due to spreading wildfires. More than 10,000 hectares have burned in the region.

A dangerous heat wave is building across the U.S., with triple-digit temperatures expected in the Southwest and Great Plains this weekend before spreading eastward under a high-pressure dome. Meteorologists warn oppressive conditions could persist for a week or more, advising people to stay hydrated.

A dangerous heat wave is developing across the United States, with triple-digit temperatures expected in the Southwest and Great Plains before spreading eastward. A high-pressure dome may trap oppressive heat for a week or more, prompting advisories to stay hydrated and seek shelter.

A dangerous heat wave is developing across the United States, with triple-digit temperatures expected in the Southwest and Great Plains this weekend. The event is described as widespread and potentially oppressive.

A dangerous heat wave is building across the U.S., with triple-digit temperatures expected in the Southwest and Great Plains this weekend. High pressure is causing oppressive heat to spread eastward, potentially lasting a week or more.

JetBlue launched new nonstop flights from Nashville International Airport to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting July 9, offering three daily flights. The route was added after Spirit discontinued service, and Southwest also provides nonstop service between the two cities.

South Korea's $518 billion semiconductor initiative seeks to leverage the AI boom for industrial advantage and compete with China. The plan focuses on securing advanced memory chips for AI data centers and establishing a second chipmaking hub in the southwest to reduce reliance on the Seoul metropolitan area.

A 'double heat dome' is causing record-breaking temperatures and dangerous heat indexes across the U.S., from the Southwest to the Northeast, prompting warnings to take the forecast seriously and stay hydrated.

A dangerous heatwave with high temperatures and humidity is expected to affect much of the central and eastern United States ahead of the Fourth of July and World Cup, with current temperatures exceeding 100°F in Phoenix, central Texas, and the southwest. The National Weather Service warns of severe wildfire conditions developing across much of the west as new fires emerge.

Wildfires are causing 'extremely critical' conditions in the Southwest as officials issue warnings. A firefighting helicopter is responding to the fast-moving Cottonwood Fire near Piute Reservoir.

The Nigerian Senate approved a bill allowing states to create their own police forces, raising concerns about potential power imbalances among governors. Recent events, including a mass school abduction in Nigeria's southwest, have highlighted ongoing security challenges.

Australia has confirmed its first mainland case of H5N1 bird flu in a remote part of the country's southwest, as announced by Agriculture Minister Julie Collins.

NOAA predicts a 63% chance of a strong El Niño this fall and winter, which may bring wetter conditions to the Southwest and warmer weather to the North, but Colorado's drought relief is expected to be limited. The event could cause flooding on the West Coast and impact global weather, including vector-borne diseases and Galapagos penguins' food supplies.

Aviation analysts say airfares are unlikely to decrease despite falling oil prices following a US-Iran peace deal, citing strong demand and airlines' focus on maintaining pricing power. Airlines have raised fares and checked-bag fees to offset fuel costs, with CEOs indicating no plans to reverse these increases even if oil prices continue to decline.

NITDA has partnered with DAWN Commission to enhance digital literacy in the Southwest region. The collaboration aims to develop a cohesive roadmap for regional digital transformation.

A potential super El Niño could lead to a wet winter in the Southwest and fewer Atlantic hurricanes. The phenomenon is reshaping global weather patterns with significant regional impacts.

Southwest is adding 9 new nonstop routes to its schedule next year. The expansion involves introducing direct flights to unspecified destinations.

Southwest adjusted its policy for plus-size passengers in response to backlash. The airline revised two major policies in 2026 but is now reversing one of the changes.

Southwest adjusted its policy for plus-size passengers following backlash. The airline revised two major policies in 2026, but one of these changes is now being reversed.

A Spirit Airlines pilot had an impromptu retirement party on a Southwest flight after his last commercial flight was cancelled due to the airline shutting down. The pilot was scheduled to captain his last flight on Saturday. The unexpected celebration took place on a different airline's flight.