The fate of Northwest Airlines may not be known for weeks or months. But a number of observers say Northwest holds considerable leverage over American Airlines in merger negotiations. The two airlines began talks days after United Airlines stunning announcement in May that the nation's biggest air carrier had reached an agreement to buy US Airways. That deal has shaken up the airline industry, and may yet be rejected by federal regulators. Any sale of Northwest would probably mean a huge payday for the company's two most prominent investors, Al Checchi and chairman Gary Wilson. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.