Air travel across the United States plunged into disarray Monday as airlines scrapped more than 1,500 flights and delayed hundreds more, stranding passengers and snarling schedules nationwide on the 41st day of the record-breaking government shutdown.
By early morning, the ripple effects were already felt coast to coast. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — the busiest in the country — 11% of incoming flights and 5% of outgoing ones were canceled, totaling over 200 flights, according to FlightAware.
Chicago wasn’t spared either. Data showed that over 300 flights were grounded at O’Hare International Airport, while more than 100 were canceled at Chicago Midway, creating gridlock for travelers trying to move through the Midwest hub.
The chaos extended to New York City’s trio of airports, which all faced heavy disruptions. LaGuardia saw 61 departures and 58 arrivals — each accounting for about 10% — wiped from the schedule. Newark Liberty lost 47 outgoing and 39 incoming flights, while JFK International canceled 30 departures and 49 arrivals.
In total, more than 1,300 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. were delayed by early Monday, adding another layer of frustration for passengers still reeling from the weekend’s upheaval.
Sunday had already marked the most disastrous day for air travel since the shutdown began, with nearly 3,000 flights canceled and more than 10,800 delayed. “Almost 3,000 flights were canceled by US airlines Sunday and more than 10,800 were delayed,” one industry report confirmed, underscoring the mounting pressure on the nation’s aviation system.
Compounding the crisis, the Federal Aviation Administration entered its fourth day of reduced staffing levels. The agency has been forced to cut about 10% of its workforce at 40 of the country’s busiest airports, further crippling operations. “Monday marks the fourth day of the FAA’s air traffic staffing reductions, where the agency has been forced to shed 10% of its workers across 40 high-volume airports,” officials said, warning of continued turmoil ahead.
With no end in sight to the shutdown, America’s skies have become a vivid symbol of gridlock — both political and literal.
{Matzav.com}
WATCH:
11President Donald Trump has granted a wide-ranging pardon to dozens of individuals linked to efforts to dispute the outcome of the 2020 election, according to U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin.
The sweeping clemency includes well-known allies such as Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, Boris Epshteyn, John Eastman, and Mark Meadows, along with 72 others accused of working to challenge the election’s results.
Trump reportedly signed the pardon on Friday, extending protection to all of his co-defendants in the Georgia prosecution that alleged a coordinated scheme to overturn the state’s vote tally.
Four individuals who accepted plea deals in the Georgia case were among those covered by the new measure.
“This proclamation ends a grave national injustice perpetrated upon the American people following the 2020 Presidential Election and continues the process of national reconciliation,” the pardon reads.
However, the document is clear about one limitation. “This pardon does not apply to the president of the United States,” it states, leaving Trump himself outside the scope of the clemency order.
{Matzav.com}The chasunah celebrated the marriage of the grandson of Rav Ephraim Fishel Motzen, Gaavad of Kiryas HaBaal Shem and son-in-law of the Shefa Chaim of Sanz, Rav Shalom Oberlander’s son, with the granddaughter of the Lelover Rebbe of the United States, daughter of his eldest son, Rav Aharon Biderman.
From the emotional chuppah through the spirited mitzvah tantz, the night was filled with simcha, niggunim, and heartfelt dancing that united chasidim and admirers from both courts. Leading rabbonim and dayanim attended to share in the joy and to honor the illustrious families.
The unforgettable moments — from the chuppah to the concluding mitzvah tantz — were beautifully captured by photographer Moshe Goldstein.
{Matzav.com}
