Articles by Katharine Wroth

Which airlines are going down?

Two major U.S. airlines, Delta and Northwest, have declared bankruptcy, citing high fuel costs as a reason. "Hurricane Katrina was probably the last straw," said a securities analyst keeping an eye on the proceedings.

Carriers in other countries are also feeling the petroleum pinch: Air China, British Air, and others are increasing the fuel surcharges that pass costs along to customers.

The two U.S. airlines -- the nation's third- and fourth-largest, respectively -- will keep plying the friendly skies. But don't expect extra pretzels.

Ah, the magic of cable

On Monday, I mentioned that Jon Stewart was dedicating this week's shows to evolution. What I didn't know at the time (but found out at 11:20 p.m.) was that Chris Mooney was that night's guest. We love Chris Mooney! We love Jon Stewart! What a combination.

Earlier, on his blog, Chris had described the upcoming interview -- part of his book tour -- as a "biggie." But the only sign of nervousness was that he couldn't quite decide what to do with his hands. (Frankly, if I were in the hot seat, I'd probably forget how to speak.) He did well, and even slipped in two (count them!) mentions of global warming. Now that's entertainment.

Will Brits pull off another gas-price protest?

Looks like the U.S. isn't the only place where people are getting riled up at the pump. Fuel costs have shot up across Europe -- thanks in part to the effects of Katrina -- and protests are springing forth. This week, with prices in England reaching the equivalent of about $9 a gallon, the same folks who waged crippling fuel protests in 2000 are threatening to start a blockade tomorrow. Anxious Brits have responded by queueing up to fill their tanks.

Can I type queueing again? That was fun.

Condi’s coulda, woulda, shoulda

Over the last couple of weeks, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has used some careful (and chill-inducing) modal verbs to weigh in on the idea that race was a factor in the Katrina mess. Last week, she fumed that "Nobody, especially the president, would have left people unattended on the basis of race."

And yesterday, meeting with the New York Times, she acknowledged that race and poverty do still collide in this country. She added, "The United States should want to do something about that."

Yes. Shouldn't it?