Unusual Events: Snow in July, Hurricane Outages, and CrowdStrike Outage – Weekly Roundup
Over the weekend, an interesting weather pattern was recorded at Philadelphia International Airport, with trace amounts of snow falling in the middle of a July heatwave. The National Weather Service made this observation, bringing attention to the unusual occurrence.
As airlines brace for what is expected to be the busiest summer travel season ever, millions of passengers are likely to encounter the Transportation Security Administration’s facial recognition technology for the first time. Flyers may not be aware that they have the option to opt out of having their photo taken by security officers. The TSA plans to implement cameras in more than 430 airports for identity verification at checkpoints.
Hurricane Beryl caused significant power outages in Houston, adding to the already dangerous and miserable situation with temperatures soaring into the 90s. Many utility workers from out of state came to assist in restoring power across the city. Unfortunately, some workers faced threats, assaults, and even gun violence, prompting Texas Governor Greg Abbott to address the issue.
The U.S. air travel industry is a bustling one, with 45,000 flights serving 2.9 million passengers daily, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration. The frenzy in the skies was briefly calmed by a CrowdStrike software outage that affected the operations of United, Delta, and American Airlines, three of the largest carriers in the country.
Aerial firefighting is considered a thrilling profession, with firefighters swooping over landscapes to combat wildfires. North America’s iconic WWII flying boat is set to take its final flight, marking the end of an era for this unique aircraft.
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 has gained attention for its controversial blueprint for a theoretical Trump second term, which includes transportation policy proposals. The plan aims to transform the U.S. into a Christofascist ethnostate, drawing criticism from various quarters.
Cities often rely on traffic tickets to generate revenue and fill budget gaps, with fines contributing to 10 percent of the budget in 730 municipalities. However, some cities have a more significant dependence on traffic ticket revenue than others, highlighting financial challenges faced by local governments.
Calls have been made to preserve the International Space Station for future generations, as SpaceX plans to deorbit the station by 2030. NASA is paying Elon Musk’s private space company $843 million to carry out this task, raising concerns about the fate of this iconic space station.
Cruise ships, often dubbed as “vacations from hell,” have led some travelers to seek alternative modes of transportation for a relaxing getaway. Train travel is being promoted as a more serene and enjoyable way to escape the hustle and bustle of traditional vacations, offering a unique travel experience.
In conclusion, a series of unusual events and developments in various sectors, from weather patterns to transportation policies, have sparked discussions and debates on how to navigate these challenges and opportunities in our modern world.