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Department of Justice files lawsuit against 6 of nation’s largest landlords for price fixing

Que Onda Editorial
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Department of Justice files lawsuit against 6 of nation’s largest landlords for price fixing

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Rents are rising, and in some cases, the Justice Department says it may be illegal.

On Tuesday, the DOJ filed an antitrust lawsuit against six major landlords. It accuses them of working together to keep rent prices high.

Those landlords include Houston-based Camden, Greystar, Cushman & Wakefield, LivCor, Cortland, and Willow Bridge. Together, they control 1.3 million apartment units.

“It’s not just cooperating. It’s collaborating. It’s conspiring,” legal analyst Brian Wice said.

In an alleged April 2022 conversation between rival companies, a LivCor executive is quoted as saying, “Prices for almost everything are up 20%. Therefore, unless there is a good reason not to, should we be increasing rates on rentable items by 20%?”

A Camden executive allegedly responds, “I like your thinking.”

“It’s just a shame. It’s an absolute shame,” Christa Stoneham, CEO of the Houston Land Bank, said.

Stoneham said many of the people she’s working to get into homes have struggled with increasing rent prices.

“It must be discouraging to know that people are just, unfortunately, probably taking advantage of them and the situation that they’re in,” she said.

According to the lawsuit, one property manager declined to share information with another company, citing price-fixing concerns.

When a Greystar property manager recounted this to a Cushman & Wakefield property manager, the Cushman & Wakefield manager allegedly replied, “Hmm … Price fixing laws, huh? That’s a new one! Well, I’m happy to keep sharing, so ask away.”

In August, the DOJ sued Texas-based company RealPage over its YieldStar software, which pools non-public rent data to help landlords set prices.

The landlords named in Tuesday’s amended lawsuit are accused of using the software.

“They are able to universally create an artificially high market for rents even in the most desperate of times,” Wice said.

The DOJ has already proposed a settlement with Cortland, which controls 12 apartment complexes in the Houston area.

“Cortland is pleased to announce the US Department of Justice filed a proposed settlement that would resolve the Antitrust Division’s civil investigation into Cortland related to antitrust violations in the multifamily housing industry,” the company wrote in a statement.

Greystar, which owns over 160 apartment complexes in the Houston area, released this statement:

“We are disappointed that the DOJ added us and other operators to their lawsuit against RealPage. Greystar has and will conduct its business with the utmost integrity. At no time did Greystar engage in any anti-competitive practices. We will vigorously defend ourselves in this lawsuit.”

None of the other landlords named in the lawsuit returned Eyewitness News’ requests for comment.

WWE Raw Makes Historic Netflix Debut

Michael Esparza
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WWE Raw Makes Historic Netflix Debut

In a groundbreaking move for professional wrestling, WWE Raw premiered on Netflix on January 6, 2025, ushering in a new era for sports entertainment. The star-studded event, broadcast live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, marked the beginning of a 10-year partnership between WWE and the streaming giant.

Record-Breaking Attendance

The Rock, making a special appearance, announced that the Los Angeles show boasted the highest entry gate in WWE history, with an estimated 17,500 fans packing the arena. This record-setting attendance underscored the immense anticipation surrounding Raw’s streaming debut.

Star-Studded Lineup

The premiere episode pulled out all the stops, featuring appearances from wrestling legends and celebrities:

The Rock’s Promo

The Rock opened the show with a surprising promo that deviated from expectations. Instead of his anticipated heel persona, he delivered a more subdued appearance, surprisingly praising both Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. He embraced Rhodes at ringside and even shook hands with Reigns, handing over the ula fala. Notably, he was the first to drop an uncensored swear word just 15 minutes into the Netflix debut

John Cena’s Farewell Tour

John Cena kicked off his retirement tour with an emotional and strategic announcement. He declared his entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble, teasing a potential record-breaking 17th world championship. Cena acknowledged his recent struggles, joking about his chances, but ultimately declaring his intention to win the Rumble and potentially challenge for a world title at WrestleMania 41

Hulk Hogan’s Controversial Appearance

Hulk Hogan‘s surprise appearance turned into an unexpected disaster. The 71-year-old WWE Hall of Famer was met with profane chants and widespread booing from the audience. Attempting to salvage the moment, Hogan tried to promote his “Real American Beer” alongside longtime manager Jimmy Hart, but was roundly rejected by the crowd.

Main Event Highlights

Tribal Combat

Roman Reigns emerged victorious in a 25-minute “Tribal Combat” match against Solo Sikoa, securing the ula fala and solidifying his family leadership. The match featured intense action and interference from The Bloodline members.

Championship Changes

In a thrilling turn of events, Rhea Ripley captured the Women’s World Championship from Liv Morgan in a brutal 15-minute match that saw interference from the rest of The Judgment Day.

First Netflix Raw Main Event

CM Punk claimed the honor of winning the inaugural Netflix Raw main event, defeating Dominik Mysterio in a hard-fought 20-minute contest that showcased both wrestlers’ technical skills.

Production Enhancements

Netflix’s influence was evident in the show’s production values:

  • New augmented reality graphics enhanced wrestler entrances
  • A 360-degree camera rig provided immersive replays
  • Picture-in-picture interviews during matches added depth to ongoing storylines

Mixed Reception

While the event garnered significant attention, reactions from critics and fans were mixed:

Praise

  • The opening match between Reigns and Sikoa received accolades for its storytelling and audience engagement
  • John Cena’s Royal Rumble announcement promo was well-received by viewers
  • The enhanced production values were widely appreciated

Criticism

  • Some felt the show overemphasized the Netflix partnership at the expense of wrestling content
  • The lack of major surprises or storyline developments left some fans wanting more
  • A few technical glitches during the live stream caused frustration for some viewers

Looking Ahead

As WWE Raw settles into its new home on Netflix, fans can expect live broadcasts every Monday at 8 p.m. ET in the US, Canada, UK, and Latin America. The wrestling world will be watching closely to see how this streaming era unfolds and impacts the future of sports entertainment.WWE has hinted at exclusive Netflix content, including behind-the-scenes documentaries and original series featuring WWE Superstars, to be released in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more Entertainment stories at QueOndaMagazine.com

UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell stepping down to head up SMU

Que Onda Editorial
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UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell stepping down to head up SMU

University of Texas President Jay Hartzell is leaving his post atop one of the state’s most influential public schools and will join Southern Methodist University (SMU) as its next leader.

The SMU Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Hartzell its next president, the university announced Tuesday morning. He will begin his new job on June 1.

“I am honored to serve as the next president of an exceptional institution like SMU in one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing cities in the nation, and excited to see how I can make the greatest impact as a leader,” Hartzell said in a statement.

SMU’s longtime president, R. Gerald Turner, announced in August that he was stepping down after 30 years. He was credited with restoring the university’s football program with a membership to the Atlantic Coast Conference and securing the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

The UT-Austin president faced widespread criticism from hundreds of faculty who said they lost faith in his leadership following layoffs related to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and the heavy police presence at a student-led pro-Palestinian protests last April.

In an open letter, the UT-Austin chapter of the American Association of University professors said they “no longer have confidence” in Hartzell.

The letter pointed to Hartzell’s decision on April 2 to shutter the Division of Campus and Community Engagement in response to Texas law banning DEI offices and programs at public universities and colleges, which resulted in 49 staff members being laid off. They also said they no longer trusted the UT presidentafter his decision to call in law enforcement agencies to respond to a peaceful protest on campus calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Still, the outgoing president of SMU praised the school’s new pick. “With Dr. Hartzell taking the reins, I am confident that SMU will continue building on a generation of remarkable success,” Turner said in a statement.

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SMU, a private school that costs about $86,000 for tuition, fees, housing and food, has seen its enrollment grow over the years to roughly 12,000 students. More than half of its undergraduates hail from outside Texas, according to its profile. UT-Austin, in comparison, has about 54,000 students.

The private institution recently made headlines for its battle with the United Methodist Church, which is now trying to regain control over the university. The UMC and SMU have been engaged in a nearly six-year legal battle over how the school should be governed. 

4 years after Jan. 6 insurrection, Kamala Harris certifies Trump’s election win

ABC13 Houston
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4 years after Jan. 6 insurrection, Kamala Harris certifies Trump’s election win

Four years ago, a mob of Donald Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol, sending lawmakers scrambling for safety and throwing what was traditionally a routine ceremonial process — certifying the electoral vote — into chaos.

Trump later was charged criminally in an unprecedented case with an alleged scheme to overturn the results 2020 election, a case only recently dropped following his presidential election victory on Nov. 5.

On Monday, Trump’s win was officially certified by lawmakers in a joint session of Congress.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who was defeated by Trump, presided over the ceremony as president of the Senate.

Republicans cheered loudly as she announced Trump’s 312 electoral votes, while Democrats did the same for her 226 votes.

Monday’s events marked a return to the ministerial task at had long been a subdued affair until Trump’s challenge of his loss to President Joe Biden, though heightened security measures remained in place.

A winter snowstorm blanketed Washington but lawmakers forged ahead with the constitutionally mandated responsibility. The House floor was packed with lawmakers for the count, which was the final step in validating Electoral College results.

This year, President Biden emphasized the importance of America’s bedrock principle of a peaceful transfer of power but urged the country to never forget what happened in 2021.

“We should be proud that our democracy withstood this assault,” Biden wrote in an op-ed published late Sunday by the Washington Post. “And we should be glad we will not see such a shameful attack again this year.”

Harris, too, called it a “sacred obligation” — one she said she would “uphold guided by love of country, loyalty to our Constitution and my unwavering faith in the American people.”

As she made her way to the House chamber, Harris was asked what people should take away from Monday’s events.

“Democracy must be upheld by the people,” she said, raising one finger in the air.

Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., at a joint session of Congress, Monda…Show more

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Speaker Mike Johnson, who was just elected to a second term to lead the House with Trump’s assistance, and Vice President Harris called the chamber to order shortly after 1 p.m. ET after the procession of ballots and senators through the Capitol.

Harris opened the votes from each state and handed them to the House tellers, who read aloud the result.

Unlike in 2021, there were no objections to the results. Harris conceded to Trump the day after Election Day, and no Democrats have challenged the outcome as many Republican allies of Trump did in 2020.

Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a senator from Ohio after being tapped to be Trump’s running mate, was seated in the front row during the count.

Trump, ahead of the certification, posted on his social media platform that it will be “A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA!”

The president-elect will be sworn in on Monday, Jan. 20.

Trump has claimed his win is a “mandate” from the American people to implement his agenda for the economy, immigration and more.

He is returning to the White House with Republicans controlling both the House and Senate. The 119th Congress was sworn in last Friday.

Texas power grid operator, ERCOT, issues Weather Watch through Friday due to arctic air

ABC13 Houston
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Texas power grid operator, ERCOT, issues Weather Watch through Friday due to arctic air

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Texas power grid operator is keeping a close eye on the grid as we deal with below-freezing temperatures.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, issued a Weather Watch Monday through Friday because of the arctic air. Officials say grid conditions are expected to be normal.

FULL FORECAST: Below-freezing temperatures, dangerous wind chills Monday morning

Freeze Warnings and a Cold Weather Advisory are in effect Monday morning with temperatures dropping below-freezing…Show more

Because of that, customers need not take action. The Weather Watch is an alert ERCOT sends out to say they are aware of higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves.

The company said it completed pre-winter safety and readiness actions in the Houston area, including testing and inspecting critical equipment and repairing damaged insulation and waterproofing materials.

The cold conditions this week are causing some anxiety for some neighbors, including Kendra Johnson. Four years ago, her pipes burst after losing power during a winter storm.

“You’re still frantic,” Johnson explained. “Your nerves are still at ease being a homeowner. You are still frantic. It’s up in the air. We really don’t know.”

A University of Houston study shows that 91% of Harris County neighbors lost power for an average of two days, and 40% of UH respondents also suffered water damage from burst pipes.

Johnson and her family know these statistics too well, which is why they’re worried about this week.

“The family, we’re all talking about it,” Johnson said. “We’re texting each other. ‘It’s going to get cold. Beware and wrap your pipes.'”

Energy Ogre COO David Kinchen believes this week won’t be like we saw four years ago.

“That was a very bad storm, and it really checked every box for the worst possible scenario,” Kinchen explained. “I don’t see much overlap. Right now, if you got to ERCOT’s website and look, we have plenty of reserves.”

Kinchen said that over the last four years, the state has made providers winterize, increased solar, and added storage-improvements, but not enough to remove risks.

“We could say, ‘Hey, we want a grid that never has a weather watch, you don’t need to have constraints, and I don’t want to worry about having the weather be a problem and have a really robust grid.’ Well, we’d all have to pay ten times more for power,” Kinchen said.

With the cold snap here, Star of Hope, which has helped people experiencing homelessness in Houston since 1907, will be working to pass out coats, hats, and blankets to the city’s homeless starting at 12:30 p.m.

READ MORE: Cold weather preparations begin in Houston as officials look to safely shelter the homeless

Ahead of a significant cold snap arriving in SE Texas next week, plans are being made to help those who are unhoused.

There are an estimated 3,200 unhoused people in Houston.

Star of Hope could use your help if you have any cold-weather gear to spare. They are collecting new or gently used coats, hats, and blankets of all sizes-anything you’d use to stay warm.

You can drop off donations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. this week at either their Lamar Street location downtown or their Reed Road location off SH-288.

Star of Hope is trying to help as many people as they can. They say both of their shelters are either at or near capacity.

Authorities search storage unit near NOLA attack suspect’s Houston-area home

ABC13 Houston
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Authorities search storage unit near NOLA attack suspect’s Houston-area home

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Law enforcement searched a storage unit at a facility in north Harris County overnight as part of their investigation into the deadly New Orleans attack.

ABC13 cameras captured a heavy police presence at Sparebox Storage on Walters Road near Spears Road — less than two miles away from the residence of the suspect in the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans.

According to a statement from the FBI, the location was cleared and there is no threat to public safety.

“I can confirm that FBI Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office were present at the 11900 block of Walters Rd last night conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity related to the Bourbon Street attack,” a spokesperson with the FBI said in a statement. “FBI Houston cleared that location at approximately midnight. There was, and is, no threat to public safety at this time in relation to that activity.”

It’s been nearly a week since the attack left 15 dead, including the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar.

The FBI continues to ask anyone with information to reach out with tips, photos, or videos.

This comes as ABC News obtained new images related to the attack showing two homemade explosive devices that, thankfully, didn’t go off.

READ MORE: Newly released images show IEDs New Orleans suspect attempted to detonate

The special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms said the explosive devices Jabbar planned to detonate were made in a way that indicated inexperience and a lack of understanding as to how the devices actually work.

One photo shows an improvised explosive device inside an ice chest. Authorities say it included a steel pipe and dozens of nails.

The other photos show what’s being described as a similar device, but inside of a water cooler.

SEE ALSO: ‘Precursor chemicals’ found in NOLA attack suspect’s Houston home, where he moved out of days before

Investigators found precursor chemicals at Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s Houston home after the deadly terror attack in New…Show more

Authorities said there are a couple of theories as to why neither went off. One could be that Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police before he had the opportunity to detonate them. The other could be that they didn’t work properly.

Authorities said they also found jars of flammable liquid inside the truck Jabbar used in the attack and a large quantity of powdered material at a rental property in New Orleans where he stayed.

The New Year’s Day attack killed 14 victims, but it could have been more had the explosives gone off.

Former Harris County DA Kim Ogg hired as senior policy advisor in commissioner’s office

Edward Saenz
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Former Harris County DA Kim Ogg hired as senior policy advisor in commissioner’s office

By Edward Saenz

Less than a week after ending her time as Harris County District Attorney, Kim Ogg has secured a new role within the county government.  

On Sunday, Jan. 5, it was confirmed that Ogg has been appointed as a senior policy advisor for Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey.  

A spokesperson for Commissioner Ramsey’s office told KPRC 2, “[Commissioner Ramsey] is looking forward to the wealth of knowledge she’ll bring to Precinct 3.”  

Edward Saenz/QOM

Ogg served as Harris County District Attorney from January 2017 to December 2024. She sought a third term but was defeated in the Democratic primary by Sean Teare, who subsequently won the general election. Teare was sworn in on Jan. 1, 2025.  

Tragic Death Occurred in East Houston From Freezing Weather

Que Onda Editorial
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Tragic Death Occurred in East Houston From Freezing Weather

Early morning at 7:29 A.M. in Second Ward at 6700 N. Cesar Chavez & Canal Street, a Houstonian was found dead due to this freezing Monday weather. The lowest temperature felt this morning was as low as 25 degrees over night, lower 30s, however felt like 15 degrees from the constant winds. Lots of individuals in the streets of Houston are in need of warm areas, prompting Houston to open up warming centers. Star of Hope passed out coats, hats, and blankets to the homeless in the city early this afternoon.

The identity of the deceased individual found right in front of bus shelter has not been announced, and the incident is still under investigation by the METRO Police Department.

“It’s important to stay weather aware and to seek shelter,” stated a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Lester Grestch. “Weather is going to be a major talking point in our city over the next few days with subfreezing temperatures occurring pretty much every night. This can be life-threatening, and your life can suffer greatly if you don’t have the necessary resources.”

“Emilia Pérez” and “Shōgun” Lead the Pack at 2025 Golden Globes

Michael Esparza
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“Emilia Pérez” and “Shōgun” Lead the Pack at 2025 Golden Globes

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on Sunday, celebrated exceptional achievements in both film and television, with Emilia Pérez and Shōgun emerging as the night’s biggest winners.

Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical directed by Jacques Audiard, dominated the film categories with four prestigious wins. The film took home the coveted Best Musical or Comedy award, along with Best Non-English Language Film, and Best Original Song for “El Mal.” Zoe Saldaña’s performance in the film earned her the Best Supporting Actress award.

In the drama category, The Brutalist claimed the top honor for Best Motion Picture. Adrien Brody was recognized with the Best Actor award for his compelling portrayal, while Brady Corbet won Best Director for the film, noted for its ambitious 215-minute runtime and stunning 70mm format.

Other notable film victories included:

  • Demi Moore’s unexpected win for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for The Substance, marking a remarkable career comeback.
  • Fernanda Torres won Best Actress in a Drama for I’m Still Here.
  • Sebastian Stan received the Best Actor award in a Musical or Comedy for A Different Man.
  • Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain.
  • Wicked was honored with the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award.
  • Flow won Best Animated Motion Picture.

FX’s Shōgun made a historic clean sweep in the television drama categories, winning all four of its nominations. The series claimed Best Television Series – Drama, while its stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, and Tadanobu Asano each earned acting awards.

Other television winners included:

  • Hacks won Best Comedy or Musical Series.
  • Jean Smart received an acting award, likely for her role in Hacks.

The ceremony, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Glaser made history as the first woman to host the Golden Globes solo.

List of winners:

Film Categories

  • Best Motion Picture – Drama: “The Brutalist”
  • Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: “Emilia Pérez”
  • Best Director: Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist”
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Sebastian Stan, “A Different Man”
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama: Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”
  • Best Animated Motion Picture: “Flow”
  • Best Original Score: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, “Challengers”

Television Categories

  • Best Television Series – Drama: “Shōgun”
  • Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy: “Hacks”
  • Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: “Baby Reindeer”
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Tadanobu Asano, “Shōgun”
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama: Hiroyuki Sanada, “Shōgun”
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama: Anna Sawai, “Shōgun”

Other Categories

  • Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: “Wicked”

Boeing shares updates on safety plan 1 year after door plug incident

ABC13 Houston
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Boeing shares updates on safety plan 1 year after door plug incident

One year after a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines jet, Boeing said it is “on track with progress showing tangible improvements” in its efforts turn the struggling aerospace giant around and produce safe airplanes.

Boeing shared an update on Friday morning about the company’s safety and quality plan, which it had developed shortly after the Alaska Airlines incident in January 2024.

The plan was a key part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s increased oversight, featuring dedicated efforts to address the company’s systemic safety and quality-control issues.

The FAA said that this was “not a one-year project” in its assessment of the progress that Boeing has made to date.

In its update, Boeing highlighted several key improvements it has made including: reducing defects in 737 fuselage assembly at Spirit AeroSystems by increasing inspection points and introducing a customer quality approval process; addressing more than 70% of action items in commercial airplane production based on employee feedback during quality stand-down sessions; and applying “move ready” criteria across final assembly for the 737 and 787, as well as parts of the 767 and the 777, to manage traveled work and mitigate risks.

The plane maker also reported adding hundreds of hours of new curriculum to quality and safety training programs for its employees. It has introduced new random quality audits of documented removals in high frequency areas to ensure process compliance. Additionally, the company said it has mapped and prepared thousands of governance documents and work instructions for revision.

The company added that it has invested in its Speak Up program to strengthen confidentiality and keep employees informed about the status and resolution of their reports. This comes after numerous Boeing whistleblowers have raised concerns in recent years about the company’s safety and workplace culture practices.

On Jan. 5, 2024, a defective door plug on an Alaska Airlines plane opened up midflight, depressurizing the cabin and exposing passengers to open air thousands of feet above the ground.

No one was seriously injured and the plane safely made an emergency landing.

Reflecting on Boeing’s progress one year later, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker said in a blog post that the company is “working to make progress executing its comprehensive plan in the areas of safety, quality improvement, and effective employee engagement and training.”

“We’re actively monitoring the results and keeping a close eye on work at key Boeing facilities,” Whitaker said.

He outlined the company’s progress, saying: “FAA safety experts continually review the effectiveness of the changes; senior FAA leaders meet with Boeing weekly to review their performance metrics, progress, and any challenges they’re facing; we have conducted an unprecedented number of unannounced audits; and we conduct monthly status reviews with Boeing executives to monitor progress.”

“Our enhanced oversight is here to stay,” Whitaker added.

“But this is not a one-year project,” Whitaker continued, emphasizing that Boeing must prioritize safety over profits. He said the effort will “require sustained effort and commitment from Boeing, and unwavering scrutiny on our part.”

He also reiterated the agency’s support toward the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation of last year’s Alaska Airlines incident.

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