Even though the government is now shut down, people traveling to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport may not feel the impact just yet. So far, it’s business as usual at Sky Harbor.
A spokesperson with the airport told KJZZ that they do not anticipate many visible impacts to operations due to the federal government shutdown. That’s because most essential federal workers, including air traffic controllers, are required to continue working without pay.
The National Air Traffic Controller Association urged its members to “rise to the occasion and continue delivering the consistent, high-level of public service” provided on a daily basis.
“Congress must act now to end this shutdown," said NATCA President Nick Daniels. “When the federal government shuts down it introduces unnecessary distractions and our entire aviation system is weakened. Congress must restore federal funding so that the safety and efficiency of our National Airspace System is not compromised."
In the last government shutdown, 10 air traffic controllers called in sick after more than a month. Their absence eventually triggered an end to the shutdown.
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Arizonans are speaking out after the Trump administration announced it would rescind the key scientific finding that allows the Environmental Protection Agency to put limits on carbon pollution. -
Last September, the Trump administration announced major cuts to Minority-Serving Institutions, including so-called Hispanic-Serving Institutions. There are 21 of those in Arizona. -
Arizona’s largest power company, Arizona Public Service, is losing out on $1.8 billion from the federal government. The money would have been used for clean energy projects. -
The Institute of the American Indian Arts — or IAIA — is synonymous with the Southwest. Housed in Santa Fe, it’s where some of Indian Country’s most creative minds have gone to hone their craft in New Mexico. More than 4,000 students have graduated from there since 1962. -
Public health agencies faced a chaotic few days after the Trump administration canceled more than $2 billion in grants for mental health and addiction programs, but then quickly reversed course.
