Salem News Channel

Trump administration clarifies nuclear testing plans

Energy Secretary Chris Wright says new tests of America’s nuclear weapons systems ordered by President Donald Trump will not involve explosions. In a Fox News interview Sunday, Wright explained that the upcoming evaluations will focus on systems and readiness — not detonations. The clarification follows Trump’s social media post last week, in which he said he had “instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis.” The administration now says the plan centers on modernization and deterrence, emphasizing it is not a move toward nuclear escalation.

Air traffic controller shortages lead to flight delays

Airports across the country are seeing increasing delays as staffing shortages in air traffic control facilities continue — now more than a month into the government shutdown. Controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1st, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that travelers can expect more canceled and delayed flights the longer the impasse continues. Most air traffic controllers are still covering mandatory six-day workweeks, leaving little opportunity for side jobs to make ends meet. Officials say the pressure is mounting as workers juggle bills, mortgages, and other expenses — unless they call out, further straining the system.