Big Stories

FAA gives Beoing 90 days to fix quality control issues

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a directive requiring Boeing to address its quality control issues within 90 days.

• The move reflects growing impatience with Boeing's handling of safety issues. Boeing's CEO, Dave Calhoun, has pledged to cooperate with regulators and make comprehensive changes to address the concerns.

• Instances of missing bolts and flaws in the engine anti-icing system have raised concerns among pilots and regulators. The issues have led to questions about the broader quality of Boeing’s manufacturing processes.

• Critics, including former Boeing employees and watchdog groups, argue that the issues with the 737 Max extend beyond isolated incidents like missing bolts. They point to systemic problems in the plane's design, certification, and production processes, which have been exacerbated by deadlines and rushed decision-making.

• While Boeing vows to prioritize safety and implement necessary changes, some people, like Michael Stumo who lost his daughter in a Max crash in 2019, advise against flying on Max jets until they are confident in its safety standards.

Texas wildfire

A massive wildfire is burning through the Texas panhandle.

• Fueled by dry grass, high temperatures, and strong winds, it is the second-largest fire in Texas history. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster warning for 60 counties.

• The fire has forced evacuations in several towns and neighborhoods, causing power outages affecting over 4,500 homes and businesses. It also led to the temporary closure and evacuation of staff at the Pantex nuclear weapons facility.

• The biggest burn, the Smokehouse Creek Fire, has scorched over 1,300 square miles of land since it started Monday afternoon and is 3% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

McConnell to step down

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel (R-KY.) has announced that he will step down as the head of Senate Republicans following the 2024 election.

• McConnell, 82, cited his age as a contributing factor in his decision and emphasized the importance of recognizing when to transition to the next phase of life. McConnell intends to fulfill his current term until 2027.

• The announcement follows a series of health concerns last year, including a hospitalization due to a fall and instances of freezing up during public appearances.

• Following the election, Senate Republicans will convene to select a new leader who will take on the role in January. Senators John Thune, John Barrasso, and John Cornyn are considered leading contenders.

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Little Stories

• The Food and Drug Administration plans to introduce a new logo for "healthy" foods this year to address food labeling confusion. Approximately 3% of manufactured foods currently meet the criteria to claim they are healthy. Foods like raw fruits and vegetables will automatically qualify for the "healthy" label and could use the new symbol. (More)

• The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether former President Donald Trump has immunity from prosecution for actions during his presidency. Arguments will be heard during the week of April 22. Proceedings in the case will be on hold until the court issues its decision by the end of June. (More)

• Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS.) stopped a bill from passing on Wednesday that would have ensured people nationwide could still get in-vitro fertilization (IVF). She said the bill went far beyond ensuring legal access to IVF and “would subject religious and pro-life organizations to crippling lawsuits.” (More)

• Politicians in Transnistria, a region backed by Russia and separated from Moldova, have asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for support against pressure from Moldova. However, they didn’t ask Russia to integrate Transnistria. The region has functioned as an unrecognized state since the fall of the Soviet Union. (More)

• President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to protect Americans' data from foreign threats. The order empowers federal agencies to prevent the large-scale transfer of personal data to countries deemed risky. It targets commercial data brokers and shadowy companies that traffic personal data. (More)

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