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Do you think you could live with no money? asks shady patriarch Timothy Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) in the season three finale of HBO hit The White Lotus. I mean, no money, no house, nothing. In a remarkable, if not exactly serendipitous coincidence, the show comes out at a time when fiscal austerity is top-of-mind for so many Americans. (And fair warning: spoilers ahead.) Perhaps the biggest moral quandary of the series third season belongs to Piper Ratliff (Sarah Catherine Hook). Stuck within the lush, amenity-packed grounds of the titular Thai resort, Piper is convinced shed rather spread her budding Buddhist wings at a nearby monastery. Her arc throughout the season hinges on whether she will ultimately be willing to cast off her familys estimable fortune and embrace a monks spartan living conditions for a year or more. Complicating this decision, unbeknownst to her, Pipers father Timothy has just become embroiled in a federal finance investigation, and it appears the familys fortunes are about to go up in smoke. Whether Piper chooses to live in the monastery or not, her lifestyle is about to inadvertently become far more monk-like. Thats why Timothy spends much of the season feeling out each family member about whether they could (hypothetically!) live without a cushioning biome of wealth. Interestingly, several MAGA-friendly influencers have spent the past few days in a Timothy Ratliff-like quest to prepare their supporters for lean times ahead. Their approach might be even less straightforward, though. Ask any billionaire what success means. They wont say more money. They wont say more stuff. Theyll say: My Family, wrote popular conservative commentator Benny Johnson in a post on X last Friday. It was one of multiple tweets downplaying the importance of materialism, just as markets crashed around the globe in direct response to policies he supports. Johnson is far from alone, either, in spreading this anti-prosperity gospel. Right-leaning YouTuber Jeremy Hambly, who goes by the handle The Quarterling, tweeted on Thursday about the unimportance of worldly possessions in the grand scheme of things. (You do NOT need the new iPad, he posted on X. You do NOT need the new Cell Phone. You do NOT need the new video game console. You WANT them.) Meanwhile, MAGA influencer Milo Yiannopoulos tweeted about how men with BS email jobs will find more satisfaction in life from working in factories againan outcome current Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick also suggests is on the way. It remains unclear whether any of these content creators plan on joining their followers in glorious servitude for the greater good. What seems obvious, though, is that the sudden pivot to Walden-like simplicity, among supporters of a tax cut-craving cabinet of billionaires, sure seems like a coping mechanism for crashing markets. As for The White Lotuss Piper, her journey toward monastic enlightenment ended with a reluctant embrace of material wealth. Despite her admiration for head monk Luang Por Teera (Suthichai Yoon) and her discomfort with economic inequality, she chooses a life of comfort. I know that Im not supposed to be attached to this kind of stuff and I dont want to think that I am, she said. But, like I think I am. I know I am. Elsewhere on the show, Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell) accepts a $5 million bribe rather than inform on globetrotting murderer Greg Hunt (Jon Gries.) Apparently, she was unwilling to settle for an ethically pure but far less materially satisfying lifestyle. Belindas betrayal of her own morals packs even more of a punch given that her new windfall leads her to abandon business plans with new paramour Pornchai (Dom Hetrakul). Its a direct echo of how Jennifer Coolidges socialite Tanya McQuoid bailed on her plan to finance Belindas own spa in the first season finale. Although a character whom the audience is meant to root for does indeed sail off into the sunset $5 million richer, its by no means a happy ending. Piper, meanwhile, is set to be force-fed the spartan lifestyle she just opted out of. Like much of the series altogether, the finale archly illustrates moneys corrosive effects; the way it eats through our morality and higher reasoning. The ending of White Lotus highlights the fact that almost nobody would willingly give up any of their own material comfortat a time when Trump supporters are being asked to embrace just such a mindset of scarcity. Trump has telegraphed, again and again, that some temporary pain would accompany his not-even-half-baked tariff strategy. Now that the pain is right at Americans doorsteps, along with the rest of the worlds, Trumps messengers have changed their tune. The pain, it seems, might not be temporary, nor should it be perceived as pain. Will the MAGA faithful be willing to recalibrate their values as prices rise and 401ks fall? That remains to be seen. Perhaps theyll never need to do so. Trump could decide tomorrow that his approach to tariffs needs some rejiggering, and the markets might stabilize as a result. Until then, the only new mindset one might do well to embrace is one of uncertainty. As The White Lotuss head monk says in the finale: It is easier to be patient once we finally accept there is no resolution.
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If you’ve ever battled your way through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at rush hour, you know that comfort can feel like a luxury. Between TSA lines, flight delays, and a race to find a seat with an outlet, air travel isnt always relaxing. Thats exactly the stress Delta is trying to relieve with the launch of its newest Sky Club in Atlanta Mondayits biggest yet by guest count. Located in Concourse D, the new 24,000-square-foot space is the eighth Delta lounge in ATL and is designed to offer more breathing room, literally and figuratively. With seating for 506 guests, its the second-largest Sky Club by square footage in the airportbut the largest when it comes to sheer capacity. This lounge is not just about space, Dwight James, S.V.P. of Customer Engagement & Loyalty for Delta Air Lines tells Fast Company. Its about experience. Its about hospitality. Were always looking for ways to reduce the stress that naturally builds up during travel, especially right after TSA. Thats the moment we think about the mosthow do we help someone shift from feeling anxious to feeling cared for? Hospitality meets hometown pride The lounge includes amenities aimed at all types of travelers: a 16-seat bar, theater-style media wall, soundproof phone booths, and ample workspace. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the airfield. Theres a full buffet and two beverage stations. But beyond the layout and amenities, what makes this club unique is its sense of place. Delta leaned into Atlantas dual identity: Southern charm meets city sophistication. We always try to bring in local flavor, James explains. Youll see that in the art, in the design choices. When people visit our lounges, we want them to feel something familiar, like a quiet respite. Something that reminds them of homeeven if theyre far from it. [Photo: Delta] We always try to bring in local flavor, James explains. Youll see that in the art, in the design choices. When people visit our lounges, we want them to feel something familiar, like a quiet respite. Something that reminds them of homeeven if theyre far from it. In this case, theres a custom tile mural of lush greenery behind the buffeta subtle nod to Atlantas nickname, City in a Forest. Guests riding the elevator are greeted by a vibrant mural featuring magnolias and dogwoods by local artist Ryan Coleman, and the lounge also features sepia-toned photography from Pam Moxley that manages to make you nostalgic for summer eveningseven if youre en route to Minneapolis. Were not just building lounges as places to sit before a flight, says James. Were building experiences. Our goal is that when someone leaves the lounge, they carry that feeling with them onto the aircraft. Solving the lounge crowding problem Of course, as any frequent flyer knows, lounges can get crowded. Really crowded. Delta faced backlash (and some angry Reddit threads) when it rolled out changes to its loyalty program for SkyMiles members last year, intended to help with overcrowding. Change is hard when youre emotionally connected to a brand, James admitted. But it also showed us how passionate people are about Delta. We made some tweaks, and now were seeing record engagement. According to Delta, credit card signups are at an all-time high. Base-tier membersthose who havent yet earned statusare rating the SkyMiles program higher than before. And for travelers who hit top-tier Diamond Medallion status, new incentives are now built in to keep them engaged past the finish line. We want to make it feel like, hey, Delta sees me, James said. Even after Ive hit my status, theres still more value to earn.The new space in Concourse D is also meant to help with overflow, especially in a city that accounts for nearly a third of Delta lounge visits systemwide. ATL handles nearly 1,000 peak-day departures to over 200 destinations worldwide. Weve taken steps to ensure our most premium customers get the experience they deserve, said James. But we also want our lounges to feel more welcoming. Thats why were continuing to modernize and expandnot just in Atlanta, but across our network. That roadmap includes upcoming lounge openings in Seattle and Salt Lake City, plus future expansions in Philadelphia and Denver. But in Atlanta, the focus is on more than just expanding the physical footprint. Its also about making lounges feel like experiences rather than just rooms with snacks and decent Wi-Fi. We may have a local chef come in and do a live demo, or even set up something like a farmers market-style event, James said. People walk in and are like, ‘Wait, is that a chef? In the airport?’ Its something different, something memorable. The goal, he added, is to build those moments into Deltas broader loyalty strategynot just offering a clean seat and a drink, but creating a kind of brand consistency from the lounge to the gate to the air. [Photo: Delta] Its a different kind of energy. It surprises people in a good way, he says. These curated experiences tie into how we think about loyaltybecause for us, loyalty isnt just about a program. Its about giving people reasons to choose Delta again. The new lounge arms race As a whole, airlines are expected to cut 2025 outlooks when they report earnings starting this week (Delta’s earning are expected Wednesday). Last month, Delta cut its first-quarter expectation citing weaker-than-expected corporate and leisure bookingsanother reason for the airline and others to focus on their high-spending travelers. Delta isnt the only airline rethinking the lounge experience. United Airlines recently announced it is raising fees for its airport lounge memberships and co-branded credit cards, part of a broader effort to manage crowding and cater to high-spending travelers. The new structure introduces two tiers: $750 annually for individual United Club access, or $1,400 to bring up to two guestsmore than double the previous cost for a guest-inclusive pass. Yes, there are fee increases, United MileagePlus head Richard Nunn told reporters last month, but we were very, very cognizant of ensuring that the value increments and the benefits that are delivered outweigh any increase. Like Delta, United is leaning into perks like rideshare credits, award flight discounts, and lounge upgrades to retain loyalty in a market where travelers are demanding more than just a comfy seat and free snacks. Capital One, a relative newcomer to the airport lounge space, is also making moves. Since opening its first lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2021, the company has gradually expanded to five locations, including Washington D.C.s Reagan and Dulles airports, as well as Denver and Las Vegas. By the end of 2025, that number is expected to grow to seven, with new lounges planned for New Yorks JFK, and a Capital One Landing at LaGuardia. While still small compared to legacy players like American Express, Capital Ones lounges are carving out a niche by partnering with local businessesthink regional breweries, bakeries, and distilleriesto create a more personalized, locally inspired experience. As Jenn Scheurich, head of Capital One Travel, puts it: We honestly always want to make sure the local market is represented everywhere we go. Deltas investment in this new Sky Club fits into a broader effort to modernize and expand its lounge network. Other clubs in Atlantaspecifically in Concourses A and Care set for updates. The expansion of Concourse D will also allow Delta to operate more gates and accommodate larger aircraft. And its not just Atlanta. Later this year, the airline will open a Delta One Lounge and a new Sky Club in Seattle, with additional projects planned for Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, and Denver.
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Nations are trying to reach an agreement to charge commercial vessels a fee for their emissions in what would effectively be the worlds first global carbon tax. The International Maritime Organization, which regulates international shipping, set a target for the sector to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by about 2050, and committed to ensuring that fuels with zero or near-zero emissions are used more widely. Its Marine Environment Protection Committee meets Monday through Friday in London. The committee, comprised of IMO member states, is working to approve proposed new global regulations to put a price on maritime greenhouse gas emissions and to set a marine fuel standard to phase in cleaner fuels. The measures are more than climate aspirations they will become mandatory for ships operating globally, said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who thinks the industry must do more to cut carbon pollution. The committee will set the course for a net-zero future for the maritime sector, he told The Associated Press in a statement Thursday. The future of clean shipping hangs in the balance, said Emma Fenton, senior director for climate diplomacy at a U.K.-based climate change nonprofit, Opportunity Green. Fenton said a high price, simple flat-rate levy on shippings greenhouse gas emissions is the only way to decarbonize the industry equitably. If an agreement is reached, it would represent a huge moment of solidarity in the fight to tackle climate change, Fenton said. For the first time, we will have, hopefully, an effective global framework tackling this international issue. Most emissions are tackled domestically.” Heres what to know: What are the talks about? Emissions from shipping have increased over the last decade to about 3% of the global total, according to the United Nations as vessels have gotten much bigger, delivering more cargo per trip and using immense amounts of fuel oil. Maritime nations agreed in 2023 to slash emissions from the shipping industry, though several experts and nations were critical of the deal since it did not set 2050 as a hard date. The IMO is now in the process of adopting regulations to achieve the goals agreed to in 2023. Why are they important to the world? A simple climate levy paired with a green fuel standard would help narrow the price gap between fossil fuels and green fuels, such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia, according to the Global Maritime Forum, a nonprofit that works closely with the industry. Shipping relies heavily on fossil fuels and the sector won’t transition off those on its own, said Jesse Fahnestock, who leads the forums decarbonization work. And it will take time to build up a supply of e-fuels based on renewable electricity so investments need to happen now, he added. Most ships today run on heavy fuel oil, releasing carbon dioxide and other pollutants as it’s burned. Dominguez has said that major decarbonizing requires an overhaul of shipping fuel. The Clean Shipping Coalition is calling on governments to commit to a high price on all ship emissions and a strong fuel standard. The alliance of environmental non-profits is also urging countries to revise the IMO’s tool for measuring a ship’s carbon intensity, to quantify and raise their efficiency transparently and drive down the amount of fuel burned long-term. What is the status of the negotiations? Led by Pacific island nations, whose very existence is threatened by climate change, more than 60 countries support a flat levy per metric ton of emissions to reach net zero in a fair way. The shipping industry supports a fee, too. The International Chamber of Shipping represents over 80% of the worlds merchant fleet. Its secretary general, Guy Platten, said a pricing mechanism for maritime emissions is a pragmatic solution and the most effective way to incentivize a rapid energy transition in shipping. Some countries, notably China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, want a credit trading model instead of a fixed levy, where ships get credits for staying under their emissions target and ships purchase credits if they go over. Other countries want a compromise between the two models. Some fear that anything short of a universal levy would jeopardize climate goals and allow wealthier ship owners to buy compliance while continuing to pollute. Ambassador Albon Ishoda, Marshall Islands special envoy for maritime decarbonization, said IMO’s climate targets are meaningless without the levy. Revenue from a levy could be used to help developing countries transition to greener shipping, so they aren’t left behind with dirty fuels and old ships. What’s expected by the end of the meeting? If the committee agrees and finalizes text for the regulations, they could be formally adopted in October and take effect in 2027. That could send a powerful signal that the green transition is happening and that it’s possible for a global industry, according to the IMO. The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Jennifer McDermott, Associated Press
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