Backups from ban at checkpoints short-lived
Backups from ban at airport checkpoints short-lived — Security lines at U.S. airports returned to normal less than a week after a terror scare last month created some of the worst checkpoint backups ever, a USA TODAY analysis of security data shows. (USA Today)
Kentucky controllers had worries before crash — Months before the Comair jet crash that killed 49 people, air traffic controllers at the Lexington airport wrote to federal officials complaining about a hostile working environment in the tower and short-staffing on the overnight shift, according to letters obtained by the Associated Press. (AP)
Ohio woman reported missing from cruise — Authorities are investigating the disappearance of an Ohio woman who was reported missing Monday from a Carnival Cruise Lines ship. The 36-year-old woman, whose identity was not released, had been on a four-day cruise to Key West and Mexico.
Unruly passenger on United flight subdued by passengers, marshals — A passenger tried to open the exit door of a jet during a cross-country United Airlines flight on Tuesday night, airline and federal officials said. United Flight 890 from Los Angeles landed as scheduled at Washington Dulles International Airport at 8:35 p.m., said Amy Kudwa, Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman. No one was injured. (AP)
Are we safer now? You bet! — There has been a lot of weeping and wailing and finger-pointing among politicians lately, as election-seekers mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by indicting the nation’s airline security. I say, “Cut the posturing and look at the facts.†Airline security is better now than it has been in many years. (Joel Widzer on Tripso)
Delta plans to keep fliers entertained — Delta Air Lines Wednesday will unveil an in-flight entertainment system that gives every passenger on long domestic flights access to on-demand movies, TV, music and games. (USA Today)
Hong Kong Disneyland’s anniversary — Hong Kong Disneyland marked its first anniversary Tuesday after an inaugural year of poorer-than-expected attendance, bad publicity and chaos at the gates. (AP)
In Times Square, a naked cowboy sings — After eight years of playing guitar in nothing but cowboy boots, a hat and a pair of briefs (crudely marked “Naked Cowboy,” to point out the obvious), Times Square’s most famous street performer is taking his naked ambition to the next level. He’s working on a debut album as part of his plan for “dominating the commercial landscape of the world.” (AP)
New Atlantic tropical storm could form in day or so — Tropical Depression Eight could strengthen into Tropical Storm Helene in the Atlantic Ocean over the next 24 hours, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said on Wednesday. (Reuters)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.