Airport Travel is About to Get Even Worse After TSA Workers Hit Back Following Funding Fiasco

Airports across the U. S. faced significant operational challenges recently due to a large number of absences among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers. This situation worsened because of a partial government shutdown, which affected pay for many federal employees.

• On Tuesday, about 2,700 TSA employees, representing 10% of the workforce, did not report to work. Major airports like Atlanta and New Orleans were particularly impacted, with nearly 40% of officers calling in sick.

• Typically, only around 2% of TSA personnel are absent on any given day. The surge in absenteeism was coincident with the issuance of $0 paychecks to TSA staff due to the ongoing funding dispute in Washington, D. C.

• Adam Stahl, acting Deputy Administrator of TSA, warned that smaller airports might have to close security lanes or even suspend operations entirely if staff shortages persist.

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attributed the absences to congressional Democrats, whom they accuse of causing government shutdowns that lead to TSA officers going unpaid.

• The DHS spokesperson emphasized that many TSA workers struggle to meet basic needs, such as paying rent and buying food, due to the lack of pay, ultimately leading to increased sick calls.

• Former President Donald Trump also criticized Democratic lawmakers, suggesting they are responsible for the chaos at airports caused by the funding issues.

The current TSA staffing crisis has led to longer wait times at airports, presenting challenges for travelers. The situation is linked to larger political disputes over funding and government operations, with significant implications for airport security and traveler experience.

In light of these events, it will be crucial for lawmakers to address funding issues to restore stability to airport operations and ensure TSA workers are adequately compensated for their roles. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/03/airport-travel-get-even-worse-tsa-workers-hit/

Warning: the AI Theme is Officially Dead

 The recent stock market rally, initiated in mid-2022 and driven by the AI revolution, has seen significant contributions from major tech firms. However, questions linger about the true effectiveness and potential of AI technology.

1. Market Influence of AI:

• Since late-2023, AI-related companies have represented a substantial part of market gains: 75% of S&P 500 gains, 80% of corporate profits, and 95% of capital expenditures.

• The "MAG-7" tech firms (Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, and Tesla) have had their profits and market capitalizations triple, largely due to investor excitement about AI.

2. Philosophical Debate on AI:

• A key question is whether AI can truly "think" or if it merely organizes information. This distinction could impact corporate productivity and future profits.

3. Issues with AI Models:

• AI Hallucinations: AI models tend to generate incorrect but convincing information without verifying facts, leading to significant inaccuracies in their outputs, with hallucination rates between 15% and 52%.

• Lack of Creativity: Recent studies showed AI models provide repetitive and unoriginal answers to open-ended questions, indicating they lack the ability to innovate or think creatively.

4. Market Implications:

• The current valuation of AI-related stocks may not be sustainable given the technology’s shortcomings. If AI fails to meet investor expectations, a significant downturn in these stocks could occur.

• Predictions suggest that a market correction could see the S&P 500 decline to the 6,300s, or potentially lower in the event of a recession and continuous inflation.

While AI has driven stock market gains, its limitations in reasoning, creativity, and accuracy raise concerns about its long-term impact on company profits. As market enthusiasm wanes, a potential reevaluation of AI-related stocks looms on the horizon. The importance of understanding these dynamics cannot be overstated for investors looking to navigate the future market landscape.

Memo To Senate: Saving America’s Elections Is Your No. 1 Job Right Now

The ongoing debate in the U. S. Senate regarding election integrity and particularly focuses on the proposed SAVE America Act, which aims to require proof of U. S. citizenship and photo identification for voter registration and voting in federal elections.

• Senate Dynamics: Senator Lisa Murkowski is highlighted as opposing the SAVE America Act, favoring issues like the recognition of Indigenous women's contributions instead. Murkowski's alignment with Democrats on this issue is seen as detrimental to election integrity efforts.

• The SAVE America Act: This legislation seeks to mandate voter identification and proof of citizenship. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans, including around 70% of Democrats, support voter ID laws.

• Challenges in Senate: The Senate is described as prioritizing less pressing matters, with major votes and debates on the SAVE America Act being overshadowed by secondary legislation. Senators, including Cynthia Lummis, advocate for both environmental and electoral issues but struggle to gain traction on urgent election reforms.

• Political Repercussions: The article notes that opposition to the SAVE America Act could endanger the political careers of some lawmakers, given strong public support for voter ID.

• Advocacy for Contacting Senators: The article encourages readers to contact their senators, especially Democrats, to express support for the SAVE America Act. Specific instructions are provided for contacting Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The article calls for heightened action from citizens to advocate for voter verification reforms seen as vital for maintaining election integrity. The SAVE America Act is framed as a necessary step for restoring public confidence in U. S. elections, with significant bipartisan public support underscoring its importance. 

https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/20/memo-to-senate-saving-americas-elections-is-your-no-1-job-right-now/

James Comey subpoenaed in Justice Department's 'grand conspiracy' probe

 Former FBI Director James Comey has been subpoenaed as part of the Justice Department's investigation into alleged political conspiracy against former President Donald Trump.

• The investigation, described as a "grand conspiracy" probe, examines claims that Democrats worked to undermine Trump, involving potential weaponization of law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

• The investigation is led by Jason A. Reding Quiñones, the U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and is overseen by U. S. District Judge Aileen Cannon.

• Comey has not publicly commented on the subpoena, which was issued recently. He has previously characterized accusations of a "grand conspiracy" as attempts at political persecution.

This subpoena marks a significant development in the ongoing investigations surrounding allegations of misconduct in U. S. political processes. The details and outcomes of this inquiry may have broader implications for the political landscape.

https://justthenews.com/government/federal-agencies/james-comey-subpoenaed-justice-departments-grand-conspiracy-probe

News roundup:

 Pentagon plans to keep National Guard in DC into 2029, 2 US officials say

Treasury taking over federal student loans amid dismantling of Dept. of Education

US targets mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid disruption of oil traffic

Why high beef prices are driving more Americans to steakhouses

White House eyes Friday rollout for AI framework

States challenge “broadcast behemoth” mega-merger

Comey subpoenaed in alleged “grand conspiracy” against Trump

Angus King: We Should Make Doxxing Agents ‘Serious Offense’ as Part of DHS Deal and End Masking

Democrats Vote Against Deporting Migrants Who Harm Animals

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Holds ‘Very Difficult’ Talks with Trump

U.S. Tech Firms Demand Security Restrictions Against Chinese Robots

Cardboard Khamenei, Still Hiding from Public, Issues Ominous Written Message: ‘All Blood Has Its Price’

Feds charge 3 in $2.5b scheme to smuggle us AI tech to China using dummy servers

Ukraine peace talks on ‘situational pause’ as Middle East conflict intensifies: Kremlin

Denmark secretly prepared to blow up Greenland’s runways to stop US aircraft: report

UC Berkeley to pay $1M, overhaul policies after antisemitism lawsuit settlement

ICE agents told by relatives they will ‘answer in hell’ as families fracture over politics

California to change Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day after sexual abuse scandal

California building with dozens of health care, hospice providers raises eyebrows amid fraud speculation

Democrats blast White House request of $200 billion to help finance Iran conflict

FCC approves Nexstar’s $6.2 billion merger with rival TV station owner Tegna

Two former FBI agents sue Patel, Bondi for wrongful termination related to ‘Arctic Frost’ probe

James Comey subpoenaed in Justice Department’s ‘grand conspiracy’ probe

Trump to appear on 24K gold coin to commemorate America’s 250th birthday after federal arts panel approval

San Diego hospital pulls plug on child trans treatments — families cry ‘discrimination’

California’s ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ has cost you $77M so far — but expert says that’s just the start

EPA sued by two dozen states, 10 cities over repeal of ‘endangerment’ finding

Shutdown enters critical phase as TSA shortages expected to expand

Federal workforce unhappy, disengaged, new survey finds

Trump is poised to take Iran’s Kharg Island. Here’s what could unfold next.

California Republican Party Plans To Block Candidates Aligned With Nick Fuentes

State AG Subpoenas Popular Gaming Site Plagued By Pedophilia

Did Joe Kent Leak Classified Intel To Tucker Carlson?

Planned Parenthood Chapter Hit With $500K Settlement Over Discrimination Against White Employees

Their Parents Run The Iranian Regime. They’re Teaching Your Kids At American Universities

6 Squad Members, Including 2 Muslims, Lose in Illinois Dem Primaries

 Recent Democratic primaries in Illinois saw unexpected defeats for several progressive candidates, leading to speculation about the current state of Democratic voter sentiment. The results could indicate a shift in voter preferences, challenging the narrative of a dominant leftist movement within the Democratic Party.

• Six potential candidates, including two Muslims, lost their races in the Illinois Democratic primaries.

• Analysts are questioning how these losses occurred in an area that typically favors leftist candidates.

• The defeat is attributed in part to "radicalism fatigue," as traditional Democratic voters may be growing tired of the extreme left wing's popularity.

• Despite dissatisfaction with the current political climate, the leftist agenda—presented as economic populism and anti-Zionism—did not resonate positively with voters in this instance.

• The results contrast with hopes from leftist factions, particularly around the candidacy of Mamdani, indicating that smooth-talking radicals might not appeal to voters.

• The defeat of several progressive candidates signals that the current Democratic base may prefer more moderate options rather than those identified with extreme left ideologies.

The outcomes of the Illinois Democratic primaries suggest a significant moment for Democratic voters, who may be rejecting the more radical elements of the party. This may serve as an important indicator of voter sentiment ahead of upcoming midterm elections, challenging the enthusiasm surrounding the progressive agenda. As sentiments shift, the Democratic leadership may need to reconsider their strategies to regain voter support.

https://www.frontpagemag.com/6-squad-members-including-2-muslims-lose-in-illinois-dem-primaries/

Utilities Efforts Would Undermine President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge

Recent trends in electricity demand and the political dynamics surrounding electricity pricing and utility management in the United States. It highlights the Ratepayer Protection Pledge signed by President Trump and major tech companies, focusing on how some electric utilities might undermine this pledge.

1. Rising Electricity Demand:

• Electricity demand is increasing for the first time in decades, driven by new data centers, reshoring of manufacturing, and increased electrification.

• President Trump's administration is committed to keeping electricity prices affordable, as indicated in discussions at the Electric Power Supply Association’s annual summit.

2. Ratepayer Protection Pledge:

• Trump and several large tech firms signed a pledge to ensure data centers are responsible for their own electricity costs.

• This pledge aims to protect American households from rising electricity prices due to increased demand from these facilities.

3. Utility Challenges:

• Utilities in the mid-Atlantic region are suspected of undermining the pledge by shifting risks from building new generation onto customers.

• In the past, U. S. electricity markets embraced competition to encourage independence among power producers, but some utilities are attempting to monopolize generation, transmission, and distribution.

4. Monopoly vs. Competitive Markets:

• Advocates of competitive markets argue these systems provide better accountability, innovation, and lower costs.

• Utilities under a monopoly structure could guarantee returns, but may also impose risks related to cost overruns or failures on consumers.

5. Progress of Competitive Utilities:

• Competitive entities, such as National Grid Ventures in New York, are pursuing generation projects without requiring ratepayer guarantees, showing an active response to market demand.

• Conversely, some states with monopolistic practices, like Virginia, struggle to meet energy demands despite these systems being designed to provide reliability.

6. Issues in Virginia:

• Virginia relies heavily on electricity imports while facing high capacity costs, suggesting that monopoly systems may not be as effective as claimed.

• Under competitive market conditions, investment risks are absorbed by producers, while ratepayers are shielded from potential losses.

7. Concerns Over Forecasting:

• There are doubts about the accuracy of utility forecasts for demand, which some suspect may be exaggerated to secure guaranteed profits.

• For example, a significant decline in projected demand for data center capacity in Ohio raised questions about previous demand estimates.

• The ongoing debate highlights the importance of maintaining competition in the electricity market to ensure lower prices and better service for consumers.

• Policymakers are encouraged to prioritize competitive solutions over returning to monopolies, which may not provide the efficiency or accountability needed in the changing energy landscape.

The article emphasizes that while utilities face rising demand pressures, returning to monopoly systems may not be the right solution. Competitive markets are presented as a more favorable alternative for ensuring consumer protection and efficiency in the energy sector.

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/03/19/utilities-efforts-would-undermine-president-trumps-ratepayer-protection-pledge/