The Boeing 737 MAX 8 which carried an almost fatal accident on the Southwest Airlines Flight WN425, bound toward Columbus and Tampa, has caused a heavy squee back into the frightening debate surrounding aviation security and supervision in the United States.

The ongoing government shutdown continues to disrupt flights at times at Newark Liberty International Airport and put pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay.

With around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents working without pay, airports from Los Angeles to Chicago are beginning to feel pressure from staffing gaps.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked most layoffs. But federal employees who have already received RIF notices say they’re afraid of what happens next.

Fifteen days after the federal government shutdown began, Miami International Airport had so far escaped any impact, Aviation Director Ralph Cutié said last week while warning that during a longer shutdown impacts would surely come.

Federal workers are feeling the effects of the government shutdown, which is approaching its fourth week. Ahead of the shutdown, President Donald Trump warned of possible layoffs. Now, hundreds of employees have been furloughed or laid off as it continues.

Crime crackdown: The president touted a federal court’s ruling that clears the way for his administration to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, saying demonstrations in the city are “like an insurrection,” despite reports to the contrary. Oregon, with Portland, is pushing for an appeals court to reconsider the ruling.

A ground stop was issued at Chicago O'Hare Airport due to an equipment outage late Saturday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration's website said.