American Airlines and US Airways say they’re talking about a possible merger.
The companies today confirmed they have signed legal documents allowing them to confidentially exchange information.
In a letter to employees, US Airways CEO Doug Parker said it does not mean there is going to be a merger, but both companies are analyzing the possibility.
When American filed for bankruptcy last fall, executives were adamant that the airline would emerge as a healthier stand-alone. But earlier this year, CEO Tom Horton said he would entertain discussion about a possible merger.
BJ Austin, KERA News
British Airways also considering a stake in American Airlines
British Airways' parent company International Airlines Group says that it has signed a non-discourse agreement with American Airlines, allowing it to look at the company's books.
Foreign investors are prohibited from owning more than 25 percent of a U.S. airline. The two airlines already have a joint business agreement for flights across the Atlantic Ocean and were founding members of the OneWorld frequent flier alliance.
AP
Garland Police Kill Chase Suspect
Garland Police shot and killed a 25 year old man from Wylie during a high speed chase overnight.
Police say Michael Vincent Allen and a female passenger sped away when police tried to stop the pick up truck they were in. A high speed chase lasted about half an hour through Garland and Mesquite. It ended when Allen turned into a cul de sac and rammed a Garland police car trying to escape. The officer fired several times, killing the Allen. The 20 year old female passenger was unharmed.
BJ Austin, KERA News
Fort Worth Senior Citizens Get Insect Spray
Garland Police shot and killed a 25 year old man from Wylie during a high speed chase overnight.
Police say Michael Vincent Allen and a female passenger sped away when police tried to stop the pick up truck they were in. A high speed chase lasted about half an hour through Garland and Mesquite. It ended when Allen turned into a cul de sac and rammed a Garland police car trying to escape. The officer fired several times, killing the Allen. The 20 year old female passenger was unharmed.
BJ Austin, KERA News
Lewisville man held in girlfriend's fatal stabbing
Police say a North Texas man has been charged in the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend and the wounding of her 16-year-old son.
Lewisville police say a judge Friday set $2 million bond for 24-year-old Nelson Flores on murder and attempted murder charges. Flores was caught while seeking medical help for himself following Thursday night's attack.
Police are trying to determine whether Flores, who remained hospitalized Friday, caused his own injuries.
Officers responded to a 911 call from a bystander about a man and a woman fighting. Officers located 39-year-old Norma Gomez and her son at the scene. Both were transported to a hospital. She later died.
Further details on the wounded teenager weren't released.
Lt. Christopher Butterworth had no information on attorney for Flores.
AP
Obama visits Texas to mark Iraq war anniversary
President Barack Obama is serving up an election-year reminder that he ended the Iraq war, visiting a Texas military base two years to the day that he formally declared the end of the U.S. combat mission.
Obama's visit to the Army's Fort Bliss underscores a point Obama has made repeatedly on the campaign trail: He made a promise to end the unpopular Iraq war and kept it. Obama also visited Fort Bliss on Aug. 31, 2010, the day he announced the end of the U.S. combat role.
The White House says the visit is official business - not campaign-related, although the distinction is not always clear. The president will speak to troops and have a round-table discussion with military members and families.
Obama resumes campaigning on Saturday in Iowa.
AP
Study: scrapping school employee pensions costly
A new study finds that scrapping the guaranteed pension benefit for Texas' future school employees would be costly and reduce benefits for retirees.
The Austin American Statesman reports Friday that an analysis by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas says the $110 billion teacher fund can pay the benefits it owes through 2075.
But it will need additional state or member contributions to erase a $24 billion long-term funding liability.
That liability would increase, though, to $36 billion if new employees were closed out of the pension and instead received a retirement benefit akin to a 401(k).
The study was mandated by state lawmakers last year.
Despite its results, those opposing public pensions say they will press for changing the pension system during next year's Texas Legislature session.
AP