FAA Allows Boeing to Sell 35 More 777F Freighters Beyond 2028 
Australia Defends Social Media Algorithm Law Amid US Concerns 
FCC Approves Foreign Investment in $110B Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal 
Rodrigo Duterte Makes First Public Appearance at ICC in 18 Months 
FDA Weighs Safety Standards for Psychedelic Therapies 
Vietnam, U.S. Firms Plan 29 Deals Across Energy, Tech and Aviation 
Iran Economic Crisis Forces Afghan Families to Return Home 
Australia Tightens Student Visa Rules, Targets Migration Cut by 2028 
France Urges Faster AI Push Despite Safety Risks 
South Korea’s Lee Rules Out Military Role in Middle East War 
US Delegation Visits Myanmar, Secures Release of American Adam Castillo 
SEC Seeks ISS Client Voting Records in Proxy Adviser Probe 
Venezuela Nears Deal to Move $4 Billion in Gold to New York Fed 
Nvidia-Groq AI Chip Deal Faces U.S. Antitrust Probe 
Pentagon Restarts Testosterone Testing for US Troops 
Japan, U.S. Discuss $19 Billion GlobalFoundries Chip Plant 
Houthis Seize Bab el-Mandeb as Military Power Grows 
Add as a preferred source on Google
U.S. airports are facing growing flight disruptions as air traffic controller shortages worsen amid the ongoing government shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that 22 “trigger” incidents of staffing shortages were reported on Saturday — one of the highest numbers since the shutdown began on October 1. The shortages have already led to widespread delays and cancellations across major airports.
According to FlightAware, over 5,900 flights were delayed across the United States by 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, following 5,300 delays the previous day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported ground delay programs at major hubs, including Chicago O’Hare, Washington’s Reagan National, and Newark Liberty International airports, due to limited controller availability. Los Angeles International Airport also experienced a temporary ground stop on Sunday caused by staffing issues.
Duffy warned that the situation is likely to worsen as the shutdown continues and air traffic controllers miss paychecks. The Trump administration has cautioned that missed payments could increase absenteeism, putting additional strain on an already understaffed system. Currently, the FAA is short about 3,500 air traffic controllers, forcing many employees to work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks even before the shutdown began.
Roughly 13,000 controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are required to work without pay during the shutdown, prompting many to seek second jobs to cover expenses. The stress and financial strain could soon impact air travel safety and efficiency nationwide.
In 2019, a 35-day government shutdown led to a spike in worker absences, causing significant delays at airports in New York and Washington. As political gridlock continues, both parties are trading blame — with Republicans calling for a clean funding bill and Democrats demanding negotiations over expiring health care subsidies.
