The highly anticipated “patriotic” T1 smartphone, unveiled in June by the Trump administration, is facing significant delays, with its promised late-August release date unmet. Promised as a “Made in the USA” device, the gold-plated smartphone, marketed with a new wireless service called “Trump Mobile,” has pushed its shipping date back multiple times. The project’s website has removed any specific release date, instead continuing to accept deposits while assuring customers of availability “later this year,” and the promise of full American manufacturing has been walked back. Industry experts have cited the immense challenges of manufacturing smartphones entirely within the United States as a primary cause for the setbacks.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has directed airlines to reduce flights at 40 major airports beginning Friday due to air traffic controller shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown. United, Southwest, and Delta airlines have announced flight cancellations in response to the directive. The flight reductions will start at 4% on Friday and increase to 10% during the hours of 6am to 10pm. Experts predict thousands of flights could be canceled, impacting major airports across the US and potentially causing delays for lawmakers and travelers.
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80% of NYC-area air traffic controllers absent amid a “surge” in callouts: FAA. Well, that’s a headline that grabs your attention, doesn’t it? It seems a significant chunk of air traffic controllers in the New York City area aren’t showing up for work, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is calling it a “surge” in callouts. This news is especially concerning, given the already delicate balance of air travel, particularly in a region as densely populated and aviation-dependent as the New York metropolitan area.
The absence of such a high percentage of controllers clearly indicates a major problem. It suggests that something significant is pushing these essential workers to stay away from their jobs.… Continue reading
Ground stop issued for LAX flights due to staffing issues: FAA, and it seems things are about to get interesting. The news is out, and it’s a bit of a perfect storm brewing, isn’t it? A ground stop at one of the busiest airports in the world, LAX, is already causing ripples, and the anticipation of how this might unfold across the country is palpable. It’s a situation that has many people bracing themselves, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner, as this could quickly turn into a travel nightmare for many families.
Ground stop issued for LAX flights due to staffing issues: FAA, and it sounds like this situation isn’t just about one airport.… Continue reading
On Monday evening, the air traffic control tower at Burbank Airport was unmanned due to the increasing number of air traffic controllers calling out sick amidst the government shutdown. The FAA anticipates the tower will be without controllers until 10 p.m., with Southern California TRACON taking over air traffic duties remotely. Although officials hope for minimal impact, delays and cancellations are expected as the shutdown continues, potentially leading to staffing shortages and longer security lines. This situation mirrors the 2018-2019 shutdown, where similar issues occurred, and could worsen as unpaid workers face financial strain.
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PepsiCo to rebrand Lays, Tostitos without artificial dyes, flavors. Okay, so it looks like PepsiCo is making some changes to its popular snack brands, Lays and Tostitos, by removing artificial dyes and flavors. Honestly, it seems like a small step, but it could be a sign of changing consumer preferences and maybe even some gentle pressure from the powers that be to clean up junk food a little bit.
PepsiCo to rebrand Lays, Tostitos without artificial dyes, flavors. From what I’ve gathered, this whole thing is sparking a wide range of reactions, and they’re pretty interesting. Some folks are welcoming the move, seeing it as a step in the right direction, especially if they’ve already been enjoying the “Simply” line of snacks.… Continue reading
The FAA’s main warning system for pilots, the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system, experienced a significant outage, leaving many understandably concerned. This nationwide disruption impacted air travel across the United States, causing widespread delays and cancellations. The gravity of the situation became immediately apparent, with the potential for serious consequences given the system’s critical role in ensuring safe flights.
The sheer scale of the disruption highlights the importance of the NOTAM system. It’s a crucial communication tool providing pilots with essential real-time information about potential hazards, such as runway closures, weather conditions, and equipment malfunctions, all factors that can impact flight safety.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood