Government Shutdown Grounds Thousands of Flights, James Comey Faces Court

Government Shutdown Impacts Flights, James Comey's Arraignment Scheduled The ongoing government shutdown has resulted in disruptions to air traffic control, affecting thousands of flights across the United States. Meanwhile, former FBI Director James Comey is set to face a federal judge on charges related to his handling of classified information. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the shutdown has led to a shortage of air traffic controllers, causing flight delays and cancellations. "The FAA's ability to manage air traffic safely and efficiently is being compromised by the lack of funding," said an FAA spokesperson in a statement. The impact on flights is not limited to the United States. International airlines have also been affected, with some reporting delays and cancellations due to the shortage of air traffic controllers. In related news, James Comey's arraignment is scheduled for October 8 at the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. Comey, who served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017, has been charged with mishandling classified information related to his handling of a memo about President Trump's interactions with Russian officials. The charges against Comey stem from an investigation by the Department of Justice's inspector general, which found that he had shared sensitive information with a friend who was not authorized to receive it. Comey's lawyers have maintained that their client did nothing wrong and that the charges are politically motivated. As the government shutdown enters its eighth day, lawmakers remain at odds over funding for the Affordable Care Act subsidies. Democrats continue to push for an extension of the subsidies, while Republicans have refused to budge, saying they will not discuss the issue until the government reopens. President Trump has also weighed in on the issue, suggesting that some furloughed federal workers may not receive back pay once the government reopens. This proposal has been met with opposition from lawmakers and labor unions, who argue that it would be unfair to deny workers their rightful compensation. The shutdown is expected to continue until a deal can be reached between Democrats and Republicans. In the meantime, air travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and any potential disruptions. Background: The government shutdown began on October 1, when Congress failed to pass a spending bill to fund the federal government. The shutdown has resulted in the furlough of over 600,000 federal workers, including air traffic controllers. Additional Perspectives: "This is a classic case of prioritizing politics over people," said Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who has been leading the Democratic effort to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies. "We need to get this done for the American people." "The shutdown is a necessary step to hold Democrats accountable for their reckless spending habits," said Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). "We will not be intimidated by their demands." Current Status and Next Developments: Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans are ongoing, but no deal has been reached. The FAA has announced that it will continue to operate with reduced staff until the shutdown is resolved. James Comey's arraignment is scheduled for October 8 at the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. His lawyers have maintained that their client did nothing wrong and that the charges are politically motivated. The government shutdown is expected to continue until a deal can be reached between Democrats and Republicans. In the meantime, air travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and any potential disruptions. *Reporting by Npr.*