Morning Business Report: FAA orders merit-based pilot certification as Apple expands and Wendy’s closes stores

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered U.S. airlines to certify pilots based strictly on merit rather than DEI.

(LILAMAX)- The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered U.S. airlines to certify pilots based strictly on merit rather than diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Sean Duffy said the directive is aimed at ensuring the highest safety standards in aviation.

“The American people don’t care what their pilot looks like, or the gender, just that they are the most qualified,” Duffy said.

Major carriers including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines have previously embraced DEI initiatives. The FAA says it will investigate airlines that fail to comply with merit-based hiring standards.

In tech and media news, Apple Inc. announced plans to expand into video podcasting, positioning itself to compete with YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix. According to Edison Research, 37% of consumers age 12 and older watch video podcasts monthly, signaling a growing market.

Artificial intelligence platforms are also expanding services in unexpected ways. Tools such as Teal, Jasper, and Grammarly now offer features that help users draft resignation letters, reflecting continued shifts in workplace trends.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 1.8 million Americans qualify as “long-term unemployed,” meaning they have been searching for work for six months or longer. That figure marks the highest level in three years.

As housing affordability remains a challenge, younger adults are increasingly turning to the stock market to build wealth. According to The Wall Street Journal, Americans ages 25 to 39 have tripled their investing activity over the past decade. Many younger consumers believe renting while investing may yield stronger financial returns than homeownership in the current market.

In the restaurant industry, Wendy’s announced plans to close approximately 350 U.S. locations in the coming months as it works to reverse declining sales, which are down 11%. At the same time, the company is expanding value menu options in an effort to attract customers. The list of affected locations has not yet been released.