US Adjusts Screening Rules

This is a move that should be seen as expected by most - the United States has adjusted the screening policies for all travelers coming to the country, especially those from fourteen countries that were considered potential risks. Basically, most passengers were being screened before boarding their flights, which was annoying. Not to mention, some of those fourteen countries were offended since they were allies in the war on terror. There were all changes that came in the aftermath of the attack Northwest Airlines flight 253.

Not surprisingly, now that a few months have passed the rules have been relaxed a bit.

The new strategy isn't all that exciting - basically those passengers who will be screened are only those who match intelligence reports. So one day authorities might screen males from a certain country in a certain age range. It's not a huge change, but at least this will reduce inconvenience for many.

Upgrades at Orange County Set to Fuel Economic Growth

Often citizens of communities forget what their local airport really is - a driver of economic growth and development. Of course, an airport needs lots of employees in order for it to keep humming along, and air service, I think, is a necessity for a community that wishes to participate in the global economy. A recent study examining the effects of upgrades to Orange County's airport really displays the impact an airport (in this case, an airport improvement project) can have - according to the study every $1 spent on the project will produce $2 in the local economy. The project, slated to cost $543 million, will also create 6,670 jobs.

Airport director Alan Murphy said that "it is gratifying to know that not only are we able to bring much-needed improvements to Orange County’s only commercial service airport, but at the same time we are making a positive contribution to the local economy and job market."

The project includes the construction of a new passenger concourse (Terminal C), which will have six gates. The new terminal is taking the place of a parking garage, so a new garage is being constructed as well.

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