FAA to slash air traffic by 10% at 40 airports amid shutdownVideo
WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed on Wednesday that he would order a 10% reduction in scheduled air traffic at 40 major airports starting Friday unless a deal to end the federal government shutdown is reached. The shutdown, now in its 36th day, has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers...
Shutdown may force U.S. to close some air space next week, official sees ‘mass chaos’
WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Tuesday that if the federal government shutdown continues another week it could lead to “mass chaos” and could force him to close some of the national airspace to air traffic, a drastic move that could upend American aviation. “If you bring us...
Lack of air traffic controllers hits almost half of major U.S. airports
Nearly 50% of the 30 busiest U.S. airports are grappling with shortages of air traffic controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday, leading to flight delays nationwide as a federal government shutdown hit its 31st day. The absence of controllers is by far the most widespread since the shutdown...
American passports decline in global power, now ranked 12th
The United States passport is no longer among the top 10 most powerful passports, according to a group monitoring global travel. It’s now ranked 12th on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. American passports allow...
Former airplane hangar, grain silo offers country-chic Airbnb stay in Butler County
A former grain silo and airplane hangar are two combined apartment-style lodging options offering upscale accommodations at a Butler County farm on more than 200 acres. Co-owners Jan and Cathy McDonald bought their farm in 1999 and later opened a wedding/event barn-themed venue called the White Barn, separate from the...
U.S. expects more flight disruptions as government shutdown enters Day 31
WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday delayed flights at airports in Austin, Newark and Nashville as air traffic control staffing problems continue to snarl flights and a government shutdown hits its 31st day. At least nine FAA facilities were facing staffing issues on Friday and the agency said...
Senators urge Trump to reconsider dropping Biden airline compensation plan
WASHINGTON — A group of 18 Democratic senators urged the Trump administration to reconsider its intention to drop a plan by the prior administration to require airlines to pay passengers cash compensation when flight disruptions are caused by carriers. In December, the U.S. Department of Transportation under then-President Joe Biden...
U.S. expects more flight delays as controllers soon to miss paychecks
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday said he expects more flights to be delayed, with air traffic controllers set to miss their first paycheck as a federal government shutdown enters its 24th day. Some 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers must work without pay...
Holiday tours at Hartwood Acres canceled as Pa. budget impasse continues
Holiday tours of the mansion at Hartwood Acres will be canceled this year because of the state budget impasse, Allegheny County spokeswoman Abigail Gardner told TribLive. The cancellation, announced Friday, is part of a spending freeze because the county is dealing with a $100 million shortfall because the state has...
Pittsburgh lands on National Geographic’s list of ‘best places in the world to travel’
National Geographic thinks Pittsburgh is a world-class city. Not only has the publication dubbed it “one of America’s most underrated cities to visit in 2026,” it has included the Steel City on a list of the “best places in the world to travel to in 2026,” a compilation of locations...
Starboard CEO to Tripadvisor: Sell TheFork
NEW YORK - Starboard Value CEO Jeff Smith said Tuesday Tripadvisor should consider selling its restaurant booking platform TheFork and possibly the entire company. Smith, speaking at the annual 13D Monitor Active Passive Investment Summit in New York, said Tripadvisor has an “amazing” brand, but “there is a huge opportunity...
Weather balloon may be responsible for mid-air United flight cracked windshield
WASHINGTON — The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday that a weather balloon may be responsible for cracking the windshield of a United Airlines jet at 36,000 feet, prompting an emergency landing. WindBorne Systems said in a statement late Monday that it believes one of its balloons...
Glamping coming to some Pennsylvania state parks next year
Those looking to enjoy Pennsylvania’s state parks will no longer have to choose between comfort and roughing it. The commonwealth next year will offer glamping — glamorous camping — at eight state parks. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will offer “glampsites” at Poe Valley, Hills Creek, Laurel Hill,...
2-tank trip takes Western Pennsylvanians to hobbit resort built by Penn State gradVideo
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — It’s an eight-hour, 500-mile drive from Pittsburgh, but for fans of “Lord of the Rings” and “Harry Potter,” a visit to a Middle Earth-inspired mini-resort might fit the bill, especially as leaves burst with fall color. Mountain Shire offers travelers perhaps the best approximation of J.R.R....
Pittsburgh airport joins others in nation in not playing Noem video blaming Democrats for shutdown
Airports big and small — including Pittsburgh International Airport — will not play a video with a message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in which she blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown and its impacts on Transportation Security Administration operations. Airports in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas,...
U.S. air safety at risk with traffic controllers as ‘pawns’ in shutdown, official says
ARLINGTON, Virginia/NEWARK-More than 13,000 U.S. air traffic controllers face rising stress and financial insecurity after Tuesday’s disbursement of what will be their last paycheck during the government shutdown, posing potential risks for air travel, the head of an employee union said. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said last week that staffing...
Airlines brace for 3rd day of flight delays as shutdown persists
BALTIMORE - Major U.S. airlines are bracing for a third straight day of delays on Wednesday as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration faces higher-than-normal staffing issues for air traffic controllers as the stalemate over funding the government continues. There were nearly 10,000 flight delays in total on Monday and Tuesday,...
Pittsburgh airport’s traveler satisfaction likely to rise with new terminal, survey says
Pittsburgh International Airport has ranked 13th for medium sized airport in this year’s North America Airport Satisfaction Study, just ahead of the unveiling of the new terminal project. A travel intelligence expert says the new terminal could help to improve Pittsburgh’s rankings. Mike Taylor, senior managing director of travel intelligence...
2nd public trial added for Pittsburgh airport’s new terminal
The Allegheny County Airport Authority said Wednesday it has added a second public trial of Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal to test systems and processes ahead of the official opening later this year. The airport’s first public trial is scheduled for Sept. 20. Over 2,000 members of the public are...
Amazon’s Zoox launches its robotaxi service in Las Vegas
Amazon’s Zoox on Wednesday launched its robotaxi service in Las Vegas, offering free rides through parts of the entertainment mecca for anyone willing to gamble on the safety of a driverless vehicle. The Las Vegas debut of Zoox’s long-planned ride-hailing service reflects the Amazon-owned robotaxi maker’s confidence in the safety...
London’s restored Big Ben clocktower is up for a top architecture prize
LONDON — A facelift that restored London’s 166-year-old Big Ben clocktower to a sparkling shine was nominated Thursday for Britain’s leading architecture award. The RIBA Stirling Prize committee said the five-year refurbishment of the tower at Parliament is “a veritable masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship” that preserves a “defining symbol...
Summer Stock: Now’s the time to make the most of the final days of the season
As Labor Day looms, it’s time to take stock of summer. Beyond the big-ticket activities — like trips south to the Outer Banks, Gulf Coast or Disney — are staples of the season that fill the memories of Pittsburghers. They’re things as simple (and sumptuously satisfying) as hot Potato Patch...
Don’t put these in your luggage: TSA has added new items to its banned list
Trying to figure out what you should and shouldn’t take with you on a trip can be a frustrating experience (especially if you’re the type who happens to overthink things). And then, of course, you have to try and remember what the Transportation Security Administration won’t allow you to take...
Las Vegas tourism is down. Some blame Trump’s tariffs, immigration crackdownVideo
LAS VEGAS — Tourism in Las Vegas is slumping this summer, with resorts and convention centers reporting fewer visitors compared to last year, especially from abroad, and some officials are blaming the Trump administration’s tariffs and immigration policies for the decline. The city known for lavish shows, endless buffets and...
Outer Banks communities face evacuations as Hurricane Erin looms
With the threat of Hurricane Erin growing, a state of emergency was issued Sunday in portions of the Outer Banks, prompting evacuations. The Outer Banks is a popular summer vacation hub in North Carolina for many families in Western Pennsylvania. The state of emergency includes all of Dare County, North...
