Airport Security Lines Are Long. Here's What to Know if You're Flying Travelers are facing long waits at airport security checkpoints as the Department of Homeland Security remains shut down, leading to staffing shortages and delays. With spring break in full swing, major airports in Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans are reporting wait times of up to two hours, with some advising passengers to arrive three hours before their flights. In Philadelphia, three security checkpoints were closed entirely due to a lack of staff. The shutdown has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers without pay, as the agency is not funded by Congress. Over 50,000 TSA employees have been working without a full paycheck, and more than 300 officers have quit since the shutdown began on February 14. In Houston, nearly half of TSA staff called in sick, while a third did the same in Atlanta and New Orleans. These staffing issues are compounded by severe weather and school closures, which have further disrupted travel. President Trump has threatened to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports if Congress does not fund the Department of Homeland Security. He promised to use ICE agents to enhance security and make arrests of undocumented immigrants. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of senators is working with the White House to resolve the shutdown and address immigration enforcement reforms. Transportation officials warn that the situation could worsen if the shutdown is not resolved. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that a second missed paycheck could lead to more staff resigning, potentially forcing some smaller airports to close. Billionaire Elon Musk has offered to personally pay TSA staff during the funding impasse, though U.S.#georgia #texas #louisiana #department_of_homeland_security #transportation_security_administration
Another earthquake rattles Edgefield, Louisiana after second-largest in state history recorded last week A series of earthquakes struck northwest Louisiana on the morning of March 9, 2026, with four tremors occurring within a 10-minute window. The most significant of these events was confirmed to have a magnitude of 4.4, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was recorded 4.9 miles northwest of Edgefield, at a depth of approximately 3.1 miles. Initial reports had listed the magnitude as 4.0, but further analysis upgraded the measurement. This latest earthquake followed the second-largest recorded in Louisiana’s history, which occurred on March 5 around 5:30 a.m. The previous event, though less intense than the March 9 tremors, had already raised concerns among residents about the region’s seismic activity. The recent quakes have added to a growing pattern of small earthquakes in the area, prompting questions about potential causes and long-term implications. Residents in Edgefield and surrounding communities reported feeling the tremors, with some describing the shaking as mild but noticeable. The USGS encourages anyone who experienced the earthquake to report their observations through its official channels. Such data helps scientists better understand the frequency and distribution of seismic events in the region. The area has seen an increase in seismic activity in recent months, with multiple small quakes recorded. While none of these events have reached the magnitude of the March 5 incident, the cumulative effect has led to heightened awareness and concern. Local authorities and geologists are monitoring the situation closely, though no immediate threats to infrastructure or safety have been identified.#earthquake #usgs #louisiana #edgefield #arklatex
Louisiana experiences four earthquakes with magnitudes up to 4.0 | Fox Weather Four earthquakes, measuring between 3.1 and 4.0 on the Richter scale, shook Louisiana early Monday morning, March 9. The tremors occurred within a 10-minute window, starting at 4:33 a.m. Central Time and continuing through 4:41 a.m. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the first quake struck 2.5 miles northwest of Edgefield, Louisiana, at a depth of 3.1 miles. A second magnitude 3.1 earthquake followed shortly after, approximately 1.9 miles north-northeast of Edgefield at the same depth. A third tremor, measuring 3.9, hit around 4:40 a.m., occurring nearly at the same location as the previous quakes, 1.9 miles northeast of Edgefield. The final earthquake of the sequence reached a magnitude of 4.0 at 4:41 a.m., striking 5 miles west-northwest of Edgefield. Residents as far south as Coushatta and as far north as Minden reported feeling the shaking. This event follows a magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck the same area in Red River Parish just four days earlier, marking the strongest recorded earthquake in Louisiana’s history. Two of the Monday morning quakes are now among the four most significant in the state’s seismic record. The USGS noted no immediate reports of damage, injuries, or fatalities. The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office stated they are monitoring the situation and will provide updates if new information arises. The incident remains under observation, with Fox Weather advising readers to stay tuned for further developments. The occurrence highlights the potential for seismic activity in Louisiana, a region not typically associated with frequent earthquakes. While the U.S.#usgs #louisiana #edgefield #red_river_parish #fox_weather
Lockdown Lifted at Fort Polk After No Active Threat Confirmed A lockdown at Fort Polk was officially lifted this afternoon, with officials confirming there is no active threat to the public. The military installation, located in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, had its gates locked down earlier in the day as a precautionary measure. According to Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft, who spoke with KALB in Alexandria, there was no danger on the base, and reports of a shooting were not credible. Craft emphasized that the base is now resuming normal operations. All entrances have been reopened and are functioning as usual. Authorities did not release further details about the incident or the investigation into the initial lockdown. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The situation is currently under review by local law enforcement and military officials. The decision to lift the lockdown came after a thorough assessment of the circumstances, with no evidence of an ongoing threat. Residents in the surrounding area were advised to remain vigilant but are no longer under any immediate risk. The military installation continues to monitor the situation closely.#fort_polk #vernon_parish #kalb #louisiana #sheriff_sam_craft
