Featured Stories
U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command: Becoming Bulletproof - Dave Grossman Speaks to Altus AFB Airmen
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news:
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Becoming Bulletproof: Dave Grossman speaks to Altus AFB Airmen
Oct. 15, 2026
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airmen assigned to Altus Air Force Base gathered to hear a motivational speech titled Bulletproof Mind training by retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dave Grossman on October 9, 2026. During his presentation, Grossman spoke to Airmen about the importance of understanding human behavior under extreme stress, preparing for the realities of combat, and building
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news:
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Becoming Bulletproof: Dave Grossman speaks to Altus AFB Airmen
Oct. 15, 2026
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airmen assigned to Altus Air Force Base gathered to hear a motivational speech titled Bulletproof Mind training by retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dave Grossman on October 9, 2026. During his presentation, Grossman spoke to Airmen about the importance of understanding human behavior under extreme stress, preparing for the realities of combat, and buildingthe resilience needed to overcome life's most difficult challenges.
Drawing on his experience studying combat psychology and training military and law enforcement personnel, Grossman emphasized that readiness extends beyond physical fitness and technical proficiency. Understanding how the mind and body respond to danger can help Airmen make better decisions under pressure, recover from stressful experiences, and remain prepared for future challenges.
A major focus of Grossman's presentation was the relationship between sleep and performance. He explained that sleep deprivation can significantly impair judgment, reaction time, emotional regulation and decision-making, creating risks comparable to alcohol impairment. He also highlighted the effects of modern technology, including video games and social media, which can encourage habits that interfere with adequate rest. For military personnel, insufficient sleep can compromise mission effectiveness and increase vulnerability to mental health challenges. Grossman encouraged individuals to prioritize at least seven hours of sleep each night, limit caffeine later in the day, and create an environment that supports consistent, quality rest.
Grossman also addressed the physiological responses people experience during high-stress situations. When faced with a perceived threat, the body's automatic survival systems can take over, making rational thought and fine motor control more difficult. He explained that experiences such as tunnel vision, changes in hearing, distorted perceptions of time and temporary memory gaps can occur during extreme stress. Understanding these reactions helps individuals recognize that the body's response to danger is not always something they can consciously control. Grossman emphasized the importance of preparation and practical techniques, including tactical breathing, to help regulate stress and regain control when circumstances become overwhelming.
Another central theme was the importance of resiliency in preventing long-term psychological harm. Grossman challenged the idea that individuals must either endure hardship in silence or view themselves as permanently damaged by traumatic experiences. Instead, he encouraged a balanced approach that recognizes the value of seeking help, processing difficult experiences and finding purpose in adversity. He also stressed the importance of discussing stressful events, supporting one another and recognizing when professional treatment may be necessary.
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Clint Eissler, 97th Wing Staff Agencies senior enlisted leader, reinforced this message, stating, "Resiliency is not just about enduring tough or stressful situations, it is about developing and equipping the mind of Airmen so that they can adapt, recover, and remain ready for the next challenge either in life or combat."
Leadership and connection were also important parts of Grossman's message. He emphasized that sharing pain can make difficult experiences more manageable, while compassion and a willingness to listen can help leaders build trust and de-escalate tense situations. Rather than approaching every challenge with aggression or suppressing emotions, he encouraged individuals to acknowledge what others are experiencing and offer meaningful support. Grossman also discussed the importance of having a clear sense of purpose, explaining that believing in the value of one's service can provide a foundation for navigating hardship. For military leaders, these lessons reinforce the responsibility to foster an environment where Airmen can speak openly, support their peers and seek assistance without unnecessary stigma.
Ultimately, Grossman's presentation underscored that resilience is built through preparation, self-awareness, discipline and connection with others. Whether facing the demands of military operations, personal hardships or everyday stress, Airmen benefit from understanding their own responses and developing the tools needed to recover and move forward. His message challenged attendees to view readiness as more than the ability to perform a mission; it also means protecting their well-being, supporting those around them and maintaining the strength to face whatever comes next.
As Grossman emphasized, "Sometimes, the greatest love is not to sacrifice your life, but to live a life of sacrifice." This perspective reinforces the importance of serving a purpose greater than oneself, caring for fellow Airmen and building the resilience to continue making a difference both on and off duty.
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Original text here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4626756/becoming-bulletproof-dave-grossman-speaks-to-altus-afb-airmen/
Surface Transportation Board Issues Decision Involving Alameda Belt Line, Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, Union Pacific Railroad
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Surface Transportation Board issued the following decision (Docket No. FD 36946) entitled "Alameda Belt Line - Operation Exemption - Board of Harbor Commissioners of the Port of Los Angeles, Board of Harbor Commissioners (Long Beach), Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, and Union Pacific Railroad Co.":
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On September 16, 2026, Alameda Belt Line (ABL), a Class III railroad, filed a verified notice of exemption pursuant to 49 C.F.R. Sec. 1150.41 to assume common carrier operations over various tracks and terminal facilities
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Surface Transportation Board issued the following decision (Docket No. FD 36946) entitled "Alameda Belt Line - Operation Exemption - Board of Harbor Commissioners of the Port of Los Angeles, Board of Harbor Commissioners (Long Beach), Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, and Union Pacific Railroad Co.":
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On September 16, 2026, Alameda Belt Line (ABL), a Class III railroad, filed a verified notice of exemption pursuant to 49 C.F.R. Sec. 1150.41 to assume common carrier operations over various tracks and terminal facilitiesin the Los Angeles Basin area (the Lines). Notice of the exemption was served and published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2026 (91 Fed. Reg. 62,804). The exemption is scheduled to become effective on October 16, 2026.
As explained in the October 2 notice, ABL states that it would replace Pacific Harbor Line, Inc. (PHL), the current operator of the Lines. Because the verified notice did not state whether PHL consented to the replacement, the October 2 notice indicated that PHL would retain all existing common carrier operating authority over the Lines. On October 7, 2026, PHL filed a request for a housekeeping stay, arguing that a stay should remain in place "until ABL provides the Board, PHL, and the shipping public with sufficient information to evaluate whether the proposed transfer of operations qualifies for the class exemption process and can occur without disruption." (Stay Request 1.)
ABL responded in opposition to PHL's request on October 13, 2026. ABL argues that PHL's request has no merit and that no additional information is necessary for the Board to allow the exemption to take effect. (ABL Reply 1-2, 11, 13.) ABL also provides updated information about the planned transition. (Id. at 11-12.)
To allow the Board sufficient time to consider the issues raised in PHL's request and ABL's reply, the effective date of ABL's exemption will be postponed until further order of the Board.
It is ordered:
1. The effective date of ABL's exemption is postponed until further order of the Board.
2. This decision is effective on its date of service.
By the Board, Anika S. Cooper, Chief Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel.
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Original text here: https://dcms-external.s3.amazonaws.com/DCMS_External_PROD/1792092955148/53288.pdf
Justice Department Files Complaint Against California Ticket Broker for Using Unlawful Tactics to Purchase Millions of Tickets to Popular Live Events
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release:
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Justice Department Files Complaint Against California Ticket Broker for Using Unlawful Tactics to Purchase Millions of Tickets to Popular Live Events
October 15, 2026
Today, the Department of Justice, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced the filing of a complaint against REPS & Company Inc. (REPS), a California corporation, along with three of its executives -- Ryan Pancheri, Brian Archibald, and Nicholas Totagrande -- for violations of the FTC Act and the Better Online Ticket
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release:
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Justice Department Files Complaint Against California Ticket Broker for Using Unlawful Tactics to Purchase Millions of Tickets to Popular Live Events
October 15, 2026
Today, the Department of Justice, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced the filing of a complaint against REPS & Company Inc. (REPS), a California corporation, along with three of its executives -- Ryan Pancheri, Brian Archibald, and Nicholas Totagrande -- for violations of the FTC Act and the Better Online TicketSales (BOTS) Act, which prohibits circumventing the measures Internet ticket sellers use to ensure equitable consumer access to event tickets.
"The Justice Department is committed to holding accountable individuals and businesses that drive up the cost of event tickets by illegally exceeding ticket purchase limits and reselling those unlawfully obtained tickets with exorbitant markups," said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "Working alongside the FTC, we will continue to enforce the BOTS Act to protect consumers from such conduct."
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, alleges that since 2022, the defendants have routinely circumvented ticket issuers' controls to purchase tickets in excess of purchase limits for thousands of events. The defendants then resold tickets to these events on the secondary market. Defendants spent more than $1.3 billion to amass over 18.5 million tickets for these events and generated at least $120.8 million in profit.
The United States is represented by Assistant Director Marcus P. Smith and Trial Attorneys Meredith L. Reiter and Austin T. Mendes of the Civil Division's Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch in coordination with the Federal Trade Commission.
The claims made in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-complaint-against-california-ticket-broker-using-unlawful-tactics
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving Blitz & Blitz 777 Air Rifles
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert:
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Name of Product: Blitz and Blitz 777 air rifles
Hazard: The recalled air rifles can fire unexpectedly when releasing the bolt before the air rifle is fully cocked, posing a risk of serious injury or death from projectile hazard.
Remedy: Replace
Recall Date: October 15, 2026
Units: About 16,170
Consumer Contact: HatsanUSA toll-free at 877-750-3375 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email at blitzrecall@hatsanusa.com or online at https://hatsanairgunsusa.com/recalls/blitz-and-blitz-777-recall/
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert:
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Name of Product: Blitz and Blitz 777 air rifles
Hazard: The recalled air rifles can fire unexpectedly when releasing the bolt before the air rifle is fully cocked, posing a risk of serious injury or death from projectile hazard.
Remedy: Replace
Recall Date: October 15, 2026
Units: About 16,170
Consumer Contact: HatsanUSA toll-free at 877-750-3375 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email at blitzrecall@hatsanusa.com or online at https://hatsanairgunsusa.com/recalls/blitz-and-blitz-777-recall/and enter password "Hatsan2026!" or https://hatsanairgunsusa.com and click "Warranty & Safety" and then "Recalls" for more information.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves all units of the Hatsan Blitz and Blitz 777 pellet shooting air rifles sold from February 2020 through March 2026. Both the Blitz and Blitz 777 pellet air rifles were sold in .22, .25 and .30 calibers. The pellet air rifles are gas operated and select-fire (semi-auto/full-auto) pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). They are black and feature a synthetic stock, a carbon fiber air tank mounted beneath the barrel and a rotary magazine feed. Serial numbers and manufacturing dates are engraved on the right side of the receiver above the bolt. On the left side of the receiver is the Hatsan logo, featuring a circular mark, with the word "HATSAN" next to a graphic of a bow and arrow. The model name "BLITZ" or "BLITZ 777" is also marked on the left side of the receiver.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled air rifles immediately, make sure they are unloaded and contact HatsanUSA for a free trigger assembly replacement which will be mailed along with instructions. If the consumer does not want to complete the replacement of the air rifle trigger assembly on their own, HatsanUSA will provide a prepaid package label to ship the product to HatsanUSA for inspection and replacement.
Incidents/Injuries: The company has received one report of an accidental misfire. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: In store and online at various sporting goods stores and gun shops nationwide, online at hatsanairgunsusa.com and catalog sales including Utah Airguns, Airgun Depot and Pyramyd Air from February 2020 through March 2026 for between $800 and $1,100.
Importer(s): HatsanUSA, Inc., of Bentonville, Arkansas
Manufactured In: Turkey
Recall number: 27-025
Fast Track Recall
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2027/HatsanUSA-Recalls-Blitz-Air-Rifles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Projectile-Hazard
CBP Officers Seize Over $30 Million in Meth at Laredo Port of Entry
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release:
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CBP officers seize over $30 million in meth at Laredo Port of Entry
10/15/2026
LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized methamphetamine valued at more than $30 million.
"The steadfast dedication of our workforce remains the cornerstone of our border security strategy," said Alberto Flores, port director. "This successful enforcement action underscores our resolve to protect our communities from dangerous
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release:
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CBP officers seize over $30 million in meth at Laredo Port of Entry
10/15/2026
LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized methamphetamine valued at more than $30 million.
"The steadfast dedication of our workforce remains the cornerstone of our border security strategy," said Alberto Flores, port director. "This successful enforcement action underscores our resolve to protect our communities from dangerouscontraband."
The seizure occurred on Oct. 12 at the World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2020 International LT625 tractor hauling a trailer manifested as salt for an enforcement inspection. Following a secondary inspection and nonintrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 76 bags containing 3,395.91 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the commodity.
The narcotics has a street value of $30,355,444.
Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the dedicated men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, alongside our law enforcement partners, have arrested and removed thousands of criminal aliens from the country - including gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers - to make our communities safer.
CBP seized the narcotics. The driver, tractor and trailer were released. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizure.
Follow the Director of CBP's Laredo Field Office on X @DFOLaredo, Instagram @dfolaredo and Facebook @LaredoFieldOfficeOFO and CBP's South Texas Operations on X @CBPSouthTexas for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.
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Original text here: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-officers-seize-over-30-million-meth-laredo-port-entry
Bureau of Transportation Statistics: U.S. Cargo and Passenger Airlines Gained 933 Jobs in August 2026
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics issued the following news:
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U.S. Cargo and Passenger Airlines Gained 933 Jobs in August 2026
October 15, 2026
This release is published on a fixed schedule as required by the Office of Management and Budget, and statistics in this release may be revised when inputs to the statistics are corrected or updated. Data on the program page of this website are the most up-to-date and complete.
Note: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have merged and employment from both companies is now reported
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics issued the following news:
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U.S. Cargo and Passenger Airlines Gained 933 Jobs in August 2026
October 15, 2026
This release is published on a fixed schedule as required by the Office of Management and Budget, and statistics in this release may be revised when inputs to the statistics are corrected or updated. Data on the program page of this website are the most up-to-date and complete.
Note: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have merged and employment from both companies is now reportedsolely under Alaska Airlines. Hawaiian Airlines no longer reports separate employment numbers.
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U.S. Airlines: Total Number of Employees (both Full-Time and Part-Time)
U.S. airline industry (passenger and cargo airlines combined) employment increased to 1,038,900 workers in August 2026, 933 (0.09%) more workers than in July 2026 (1,037,967).
U.S. scheduled-service passenger airlines employed 553,911 workers in August 2026, or 54% of the industry-wide total. Passenger airlines lost 1,648 employees in August 2026. United Airlines led scheduled passenger carriers, adding 237 employees; Breeze Aviation Group added 125, and PSA Airlines added 50.
U.S. cargo airlines employed 480,518 workers in August 2026, or 46% of the industry-wide total. Cargo carriers gained 2,548 employees in August. FedEx, the leading air cargo employer, increased employment by 2,536 jobs.
U.S. Airline Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs)
BTS calculates FTEs by dividing the number of part-time employees by 2 and adding that figure to the number of full-time employees. The August 2026 industry-wide numbers include 746,951 full-time and 291,949 part-time workers for a total of 892,926 FTEs, a decrease from July of 96 FTEs (0.01%).
The 24 U.S. scheduled passenger airlines reporting data for August 2026 employed 523,304 FTEs, 1,500 FTEs (0.29%) fewer than in July 2026. Data by passenger carrier category can be found in the accompanying tables.
U.S. cargo airlines employed 365,238 FTEs in August 2026, up 1,370 FTEs (0.38%) from July 2026.
Reporting Notes
Data is compiled from monthly reports filed with BTS by commercial air carriers as of October 13, 2026. Additional airline employment data and previous releases can be found on the BTS website. The month-to-month numbers are not seasonally adjusted.
Passenger, cargo, and charter airlines that operate at least one aircraft that has more than 60 seats or the capacity to carry a payload of passengers, cargo, and fuel weighing more than 18,000 pounds must report monthly employment statistics. Regulations require U.S. airlines to report employment numbers for employees who worked or received pay for any part of the pay period(s) ending nearest the 15th day of the month.
See the tables that accompany this release on the BTS website for detailed data (Tables 1-15) and industry summary monthly data since 1990. Additional individual airline numbers are available on the BTS airline employment web page. The web page provides full-time and part-time employment numbers by carrier by month from 1990 through May 2026.
The next update for U.S. airline employment is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026.
To receive updates from BTS directly to your email, please consider subscribing to our GovDelivery service.
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Original text here: https://www.bts.gov/newsroom/us-cargo-and-passenger-airlines-gained-933-jobs-august-2026
AETC Symposium Prepares Religious Support Teams for Future Fight
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news:
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AETC symposium prepares religious support teams for future fight
Oct. 15, 2026
By Nicholas J. De La Pena, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Senior Chaplain Corps leaders from across Air Education and Training Command gathered here Oct. 14-15 for the 2026 AETC Senior Religious Support Team Symposium to prepare teams to support Airmen, families and commanders at home station and in deployed environments.
The
... Show Full Article
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Oct. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news:
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AETC symposium prepares religious support teams for future fight
Oct. 15, 2026
By Nicholas J. De La Pena, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Senior Chaplain Corps leaders from across Air Education and Training Command gathered here Oct. 14-15 for the 2026 AETC Senior Religious Support Team Symposium to prepare teams to support Airmen, families and commanders at home station and in deployed environments.
Thesymposium took place as the Department of the Air Force implements Secretary of War-directed Chaplain Corps reforms that place greater emphasis on chaplains' core ministry functions, including religious services, pastoral care, commander advisement and operational religious support.
Chaplain (Col.) Chris Conklin, AETC command chaplain, and Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Torres, AETC religious affairs functional manager, led wing chaplains and senior enlisted religious affairs leaders in discussions on planning, resourcing and professional development.
"A Bold and Ready Force for Good begins with deliberate preparation," Conklin said. "This symposium gives our leaders an opportunity to turn broad guidance into practical plans, strengthen partnerships and take a clearer understanding of the mission back to their installations."
The opening AETC Chaplain Corps vision and mission brief set the strategic direction for the symposium, framing how the Chaplain Corps can translate its core responsibilities into support for Airmen, families and commanders across the command.
Lt. Gen. Clark Quinn, commander of Air Education and Training Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, AETC command chief, emphasized senior-leader support for the Chaplain Corps and highlighted the connection between character, resilience and mission effectiveness during a leadership brief.
"The Department of War and Department of the Air Force are taking deliberate steps to strengthen the Chaplain Corps and make its support more accessible across our force," Quinn said. "At AETC, that support helps forge Airmen of character who can meet training demands and further develop into combat-effective Airmen."
At the installation level, those priorities take shape through Annual Ministry Plans. Installation Chaplain Corps teams use the plans to forecast ministry programs, manpower and funding needs for the upcoming fiscal year, providing a foundation for deliberate stewardship and support to the base community.
"Our Ministry Plans are more than a calendar and funding request," Conklin said. "They help our teams anticipate where Airmen and families may need support most, make deliberate choices about limited resources and remain aligned with the commander's priorities throughout the year."
That deliberate planning extends beyond home station. The symposium examined how the Chaplain Corps can build and sustain cohesive teams for deployed operations, beginning with a deployment-pairing approach designed to keep chaplains and religious affairs Airmen from the same or nearby installations together when possible.
The approach builds on established team cohesion and improves synchronization in deployed environments.
"Readiness is built long before a team deploys," Torres said. "When chaplains and religious affairs Airmen train together, understand each other's strengths and have a clear picture of the resources available, they can spend less time building a team after arrival and more time caring for Airmen and advising commanders."
To make informed sourcing and deployment decisions, leaders also need an accurate picture of available personnel, qualifications and resources. The AETC Chaplain Corps uses the Envision readiness reporting tool to help leaders identify available personnel, specialized training and on-hand resources.
A readiness update from the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center addressed potential FY28 changes to how Chaplain Corps personnel are sourced for deployment, as well as recent updates to deployment qualification requirements. The changes may affect how leaders assess personnel availability, maintain readiness and schedule training.
Training discussions addressed the development of religious affairs Airmen from initial skills instruction through advanced professional development. A planned force protection and weapons familiarization initiative provided one example of how the Chaplain Corps is preparing teams to operate safely alongside warfighters in deployed environments.
Sustaining Chaplain Corps capability also depends on recruiting, retraining and developing religious affairs Airmen. Recent changes to accession standards, along with retraining opportunities and career-development pathways, support HQ AETC Chaplain Corps efforts to build and retain the enlisted force that enables religious support across the force.
By integrating religious support throughout accession, training and education, AETC helps Airmen carry character, resilience and spiritual readiness into the operational force.
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Original text here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4626878/aetc-symposium-prepares-religious-support-teams-for-future-fight/
