US Shutdown Causes Flight Delays, Unpaid Workers
The ongoing US government shutdown is causing significant travel disruptions and financial stress for federal workers, with no immediate end in sight. Airports across the country are experiencing increased flight delays due to staffing shortages. Air traffic controllers, who are required to work without pay, have been calling in sick at higher rates, leading to safety-related slowdowns at major hubs. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged a "rebellion" by controllers who are stressed about putting "food on the table." Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are furloughed or working without pay. Capitol Police are set to miss their first paycheck this Friday, with a larger wave of 1.3 million active-duty military personnel due to be unpaid next Wednesday. Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked a Republican-backed funding bill, prolonging the political standoff.