Charlie from the Radio Charlie Harger

The 737 MAX is slowly returning to service around the world. And now, there is a new report on the FAA's failures to provide oversight into the plane's initial certification process. The report title is blunt: "Weaknesses in FAA’s Certification and Delegation Processes Hindered Its Oversight of the 737 MAX 8."

The FAA Inspector General's report says there were "limitations" in the way FAA inspectors reviewed the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System known as "MCAS." That system is blamed as the primary cause for the two 737 MAX crashes that led to the deaths of 346 people.

The report cites "communications gaps" between the FAA and Boeing. It also says certain inspections conducted by Boeing workers known as "Organization Designation Authorization," or ODA, were not ensured to be "adequately independent."

The Inspector General's report concludes with 14 different recommendations to improve the safety process, and FAA leaders have agreed to adopt the changes.

In a statement, Boeing says, in part, it has "cooperated fully and extensively with the Inspector General’s review." It goes on to say the company has made meaningful changes to "further ensure transparent safety and quality reporting."

In this podcast, KOMO's Charlie Harger speaks to reporter Jack Hersch. His recent book is called "The Dangers of Automation in Airliners: Accidents Waiting to Happen."  Hersch says there's blame to be spread around, and that Boeing and the FAA should have communicated better about what exactly the MCAS was for.

A new report in the Wall Street Journal focuses on a shareholder lawsuit against the Boeing Company.

The suit claims the company board of directors didn't react quickly enough to the crash of the first 737 MAX.

Aviation analyst Scott Hamilton of the Leeham Company is a critic of Boeing's board. But, in today's podcast, he explains why he thinks assigning blame over the board's actions are a bit of a stretch.

Hamilton also gives us a look at the complexities facing Boeing and its relationship with the Puget Sound area, and what the future looks like for the 737 MAX.

This is it. Later this evening (Friday), the biggest snowstorm of the year is projected to hit western Washington. Last night, forecasters began to fear this was overblown, but new models have us back on track for significant snow.

KOMONews.com meteorologist Scott Sistek walks KOMO Newsradio reporter Charlie Harger through the timing of the storm and what the latest projected totals are. Scott also discusses what factors could lead to LESS snow than forecast, and what could lead to MORE snowfall totals as well.

What's going through the minds of local meteorologists? Scott describes their wide range of concerns and feelings ahead of the storm.

That, and much more in this episode, along with some bonus content at the very end for people who were carefully listening to the show.

Gina Carano, one of the actors in the hit Disney Plus show "The Mandalorian," was fired by Lucasfilm Monday.

ABC's Jason Nathanson talks to KOMO's Charlie Harger about the reasons why.

Thursday AM update: The snow is already falling in parts of southwest Washington, and KOMONews.com meteorologist Scott Sistek says it's just a taste of what we might get tomorrow (Friday).

Scott talks about some of the variables that might affect the snow totals: how the east winds could "eat" some of the snow before it falls, and how those juicy tropical systems on the way may have a lot of moisture in them to add to the snow totals.

We talk about the timing of the Thursday storm, the Friday storm, and get Scott's latest thinking about a storm headed our way Sunday night.

Snowmageddon or Snow Way?

We're now about a day out from snow hitting much of western Washington.  This time around, I ask KOMONews.com meteorologist Scott Sistek about the timing and location of the snow. He's still on board with us getting enough to be disruptive. Turns out, it's three-course frozen meal: three different storms with different amounts starting Thursday and into the weekend.

Scott also answers an important question: will this snow be any good for a snowball fight?