Here are the rumors.

1) The airline is going to get run into the ground. Alaska files for bankruptcy, gets federal funding and all of the union contracts are null and void. Alaska ruins their reputation, but they can rebuild as a "low cost carrier."

2) Once the US/HP merger is final, Alaska buys them with the largest control over the three. Alaska comes out on top.

3) Bill Ayer will "step down" by the year's end.

Yes, it is sad. People are pissed to say the least. Customers as well as those employees who have to deal with the customers. Reservations is basically Marine Corps boot camp. They're getting yelled at constantly.