In Other Brews…
Still no takeoff in sight. Boeing machinists rejected a new labor contract proposal on Wednesday, extending their weeks-long strike. The proposal included a 35% raise over four years, a $7,000 bonus, and increased company contributions to 401ks, but did not resurrect the company’s pension––a key demand of many union members. Analysts estimate the strike is costing Boeing $1 billion/month.
While Boeing is stuck on the tarmac, air taxis may take to the skies soon(ish). The FAA just issued the final rules to clear the electric-powered flying vehicles for takeoff—and they’re straight out of “the Jetsons” (see pics). Tech optimists predict the vertical-takeoff, compact, low-flying, quiet aircraft will be used daily for zero-emissions ride-sharing and deliveries by the 2040s.
The U.S. has evidence of North Korea sending 3,000 troops to Russia, possibly for deployment in Ukraine––a move that could mark a significant escalation in the neighbors’ war. U.S. Defense Secretary Austin said it would be “very, very serious” if North Koreans fought alongside the Russians. Moscow and Pyongyang dismissed the reports as false and baseless.
The basketball doesn’t fall far from the tree. In the LA Lakers’ season opener Tuesday night, Lebron and Bronny James took to the court together as the NBA's first father-son duo. James Sr. began his career the year before Bronny was born and tipped off his record-tying 22nd season this week; Tuesday’s game was James Jr.’s regular-season debut.
The Dodgers and Yankees will play ball tonight in the 120th World Series. You’ll probably have to watch from the couch… seats at Game 1 were >$1,100— the spendiest in Fall Classic history. The star of the Series will be Shohei Ohtani, whose historic 50/50 ball (50 homers and 50 swipes in one season) was auctioned for a record $4.39M.