Air traffic controller fatigue, coffee, and a costly phone bill.

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Big Stories

Air traffic controller fatigue raises concerns after close calls on runways

Two airplane near-misses on runways in just one week have intensified concerns about air traffic controller fatigue.

• At New York's JFK International Airport and Virginia's Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, pilots were forced to abort takeoffs due to errors by air traffic controllers.

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes air traffic controller fatigue as a growing threat and is implementing changes to address it. Mandatory rest time between shifts has been increased from 9 to 10 hours and 12 hours before an overnight shift.

• The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) supports the FAA's efforts to combat fatigue but is worried that the increased rest requirements, while necessary, could exacerbate staffing shortages. The concern is that these shortages might lead to more mandatory overtime, negating the intended benefits of the new rest rules and potentially causing even greater fatigue.

• The staffing shortage is significant, with 1,000 fewer certified controllers today compared to a decade ago.

Over 70% of world’s workforce exposed to extreme heat each year

The UN's International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that millions of people get hurt at work and nearly 19,000 workers die annually due to extreme heat.

• Over 70% of the global workforce faces excessive heat exposure at least once annually and the number is expected to rise as global temperatures climb.

• Extreme heat exposure increases deaths and injuries and reduces worker productivity. Workers in agricultural settings, emergency responders during heatwaves and wildfires, construction workers, and waste collection personnel are especially susceptible to heat-related illness and death.

• The response to protecting workers from extreme heat varies significantly. Some US states have implemented heat safety measures for workers, including mandated breaks in extreme heat. However, other states like Florida and Texas, have banned local governments from establishing heat exposure protections for outdoor workers.

Protests intensify on US college campuses

Protests have erupted on multiple US campuses in response to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

• The unrest is most prominent at Columbia University, where protests led to the cancellation of in-person classes. Similar demonstrations are ongoing at other institutions, including MIT and Yale.

• The protests have ignited a firestorm of controversy, pitting free speech advocacy against concerns about antisemitism and the safety of Jewish students. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have been accused of using antisemitic rhetoric, while some Jewish students report feeling targeted and unsupported on campus.

• University administrators are struggling to find a balance. They are committed to upholding the right to free speech but must also ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Columbia established a working group to find a resolution, whereas Yale opted to arrest trespassing protestors.

• The long-term impact of these protests remains to be seen. They may lead to increased awareness of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a reevaluation of university policies on free speech and inclusivity.

Little Stories

• A recent survey by the National Coffee Association shows that coffee consumption in the US is at an all-time high. Over two-thirds (67%) of adults reported drinking coffee in the past day, which is significantly higher than levels seen in 2004. While drip coffee remains the most popular brewing method, there's a growing trend towards espresso-based drinks, with lattes being the leader. (More)

• Express, a clothing retailer, is filing for bankruptcy but may be saved by a consortium of investors. The company plans to close 95 stores and its UpWest brand entirely. The goal is to keep the core business operational while shedding underperforming parts. (More)

• A mass grave containing nearly 300 bodies was discovered at a hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, after Israeli forces withdrew from the area. According to the Director of Civil Defense in Khan Younis, 73 bodies were recently recovered, bringing the total to 283. Some bodies showed signs of being tied and field executions, although the exact causes of death remain unverified. (More)

• On Earth Day, President Biden announced $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects benefiting over 900,000 households in low- and middle-income communities. Biden highlighted the importance of maintaining funding for such projects and preserving clean air and water protections. (More)

• UK’s Parliament OK'd sending asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing. Prime Minister Sunak's policy, aimed at stopping dangerous Channel crossings, faced delays due to opposition and legal challenges. While it aims to deter migration, details on rejected asylum seekers remain unclear. The measure hasn't resulted in any deportations yet. (More)

Extra Credit

A resurfaced photo shows the iceberg that sunk the Titanic. 

A US man faces a $143,000 T-Mobile bill after a Europe trip.

The science of volcanic lightning. 

Charting how much Americans sleep.