Second FAA Outage in Two Weeks Disrupts Newark Air Traffic, Highlights Aging Infrastructure

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff   

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo

A new telecommunications outage at a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facility temporarily disrupted air traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport early Friday morning, marking the second such incident in two weeks and reigniting concerns over the aging infrastructure of the U.S. air traffic control system.

The outage occurred at approximately 3:55 a.m. ET and lasted around 90 seconds. It impacted both communications and radar displays at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), the facility currently responsible for managing air traffic in and out of Newark.

According to a recording cited by The New York Times, an air traffic controller informed a FedEx pilot during the incident: “Our scopes just went black again,” indicating a sudden loss of radar visibility.

The latest disruption follows a similar incident on April 28, when air traffic controllers lost contact with aircraft for up to 90 seconds. Since then, operations at Newark have been hampered by a combination of FAA equipment failures, runway construction, and staffing shortages.

United Airlines, the largest carrier at Newark, confirmed its operations were affected by the outage but did not provide further details. The airline has been calling for the FAA to limit flights at the airport to alleviate persistent delays. “Decades of failing to properly invest in the system has prevented good-faith efforts to make technology upgrades and bolster the staffing of our nation’s hard-working air traffic controllers,” United CEO Scott Kirby wrote in a Fox News op-ed.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the growing concerns on Thursday, announcing a multi-billion dollar proposal to modernize the air traffic control system over the next three to four years. The FAA also stated it is taking immediate steps, including adding three high-bandwidth telecom connections, deploying a temporary backup system at the Philadelphia TRACON, and increasing controller staffing.

Although the FAA claimed that two redundant communication lines were operational, it has not yet explained why the most recent outage was not prevented.

Flight tracking service FlightAware reported nearly 300 flight delays and 135 cancellations on Friday. In response, lawmakers are increasing pressure on the FAA to expedite reforms and secure additional funding to stabilize operations at one of the nation’s busiest air travel hubs.

The Rise of Afrobeat: Africa’s Global Music Phenomenon

Khoshnaw Rahmani, JadeTimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture.

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Image Source: Joseph Okpako

How Afrobeat Took Over the World

Once a regional sound rooted in West Africa, Afrobeat has now conquered global music charts and become a defining force in modern pop culture. With its infectious rhythms, distinctive beats, and deep cultural roots, the genre has evolved beyond Africa and gained massive popularity worldwide.

From humble beginnings in Nigeria’s underground music scene to collaborations with international superstars, Afrobeat’s rise has been fueled by digital streaming, social media influence, and global award recognition. But how did Afrobeat reach such heights? And what does its future hold?

The Origins and Evolution of Afrobeat

Afrobeat was pioneered by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti in the 1970s, blending traditional African sounds with jazz, funk, and percussive elements. His politically charged lyrics and socially conscious themes resonated deeply, making Afrobeat a symbol of African identity and resistance.

As the genre evolved, artists modernized the sound, giving birth to Afrobeats (with an “s”), a more commercial version incorporating hip-hop, electronic music, and R&B influences. The introduction of Afrobeats allowed African music to penetrate international markets, appealing to wider audiences through dance-friendly rhythms and genre fusion.

Today, artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, and Davido have propelled Afrobeat into mainstream success, securing record deals, global tours, and top-charting singles.

How Afrobeat Became a Global Sensation

Several major factors contributed to Afrobeat’s worldwide rise:

International Collaborations

African artists have partnered with Beyoncé, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Ed Sheeran, blending Afrobeat elements into Western pop hits. These collaborations introduced Afrobeat’s unique sound and style to new audiences, boosting its global reach.

Streaming & Social Media Influence

The digital revolution played a pivotal role in Afrobeat’s success. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube enabled African artists to reach global listeners without relying on traditional record labels. Viral TikTok trends and dance challenges further amplified the genre’s visibility, making Afrobeat an essential part of pop culture.

Award Recognition & Industry Validation

Afrobeat’s presence in major award shows solidified its impact. Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning album "Twice as Tall" and Wizkid’s Grammy nod for collaborations with Beyoncé proved that Afrobeat is not just a regional trend but a global movement.

Music Festivals & International Concerts

Massive music festivals such as Afro Nation, Coachella, and Glastonbury have placed Afrobeat artists on their main stages, further validating the genre’s mainstream status. Sold-out concerts in London, New York, and Paris reflect Afrobeat’s growing international fanbase.

Afrobeat is set to continue expanding its influence across music, fashion, and film. The genre is expected to:

• Shape new musical trends, fusing Afrobeat with electronic and Latin sounds.

• Strengthen Africa’s position in the global entertainment industry, creating more opportunities for African talent.

• Establish deeper collaborations with Hollywood and fashion brands, integrating Afrobeat into mainstream culture.

With its rich history, dynamic beats, and cross-cultural appeal, Afrobeat is positioned to remain a dominant force in global music for years to come.

Afrobeat’s Legacy in Modern Music

Afrobeat’s journey from local African sound to global sensation represents more than just a musical evolution—it’s a cultural movement that has reshaped the industry. With every hit song, viral dance challenge, and international festival appearance, Afrobeat reinforces Africa’s creative brilliance and artistic resilience.

This genre is no longer confined to Africa—it belongs to the world, influencing generations of artists and setting new standards in modern music.

The Economics of Football Transfers: Record-Breaking Deals Explained

Khoshnaw Rahmani, JadeTimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports.

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Image Source: Scott Heppell

The Business Behind Football Transfers

Football transfers are among the most lucrative financial transactions in the sports world. Beyond simply signing talented players, clubs engage in complex negotiations involving market valuation, financial strategies, sponsorships, and global brand influence. In recent years, the sums involved have skyrocketed, with clubs spending hundreds of millions of euros to secure world-class talent.

This trend raises important questions about the economics of football transfers. How are transfer fees determined? What factors influence player valuations? And what are the financial consequences of record-breaking deals?

What Determines a Player’s Transfer Fee?

Football transfers are shaped by multiple factors, including player performance, club reputation, financial health, and contract conditions. Some of the key elements influencing transfer fees include:

1. Player Performance and Market Value

A player’s skill level, age, experience, and achievements play a fundamental role in determining their worth. Young players with high potential and international recognition command higher fees, while those with proven track records in top leagues or international tournaments see their values surge.

For example, after winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Kylian Mbappé’s market value skyrocketed, making him one of the most expensive players in history. Clubs are willing to invest heavily in players who consistently perform at the highest level and have long-term career potential.

2. Contract Duration and Release Clauses

Players under long-term contracts with their current club often have higher valuations, as their transfer requires significant compensation. Some contracts include release clauses, which set fixed amounts that clubs must meet to acquire a player. Neymar’s €222 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 was driven by his release clause, setting a new global transfer record.

3. Club Financial Power and Spending Strategies

Wealthy clubs such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain dominate the transfer market due to strong revenue streams from sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and merchandising sales. Their financial muscle allows them to pay premium prices for top-tier talent, significantly influencing overall market trends.

Lower-budget clubs, on the other hand, rely on youth development and scouting networks to acquire players at lower costs and later sell them at higher profits. This transfer strategy enables them to compete financially without overextending their resources.

4. Agent Influence and Negotiation Tactics

Player agents play a crucial role in modern football transfers, negotiating higher salaries, bonuses, and contract incentives for their clients. Some high-profile agents influence transfer fees by manipulating demand and creating bidding wars between multiple clubs, driving valuations even higher.

Record-Breaking Transfers and Their Financial Impact

1. The Most Expensive Transfers in Football History

Over the years, the football transfer market has witnessed astronomical deals, setting new financial benchmarks. Some of the highest transfers include:

• Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain (2017) - €222 million

• Mbappé to Paris Saint-Germain (2018) - €180 million

• Coutinho to Barcelona (2018) - €145 million

These transfers reflect the enormous spending power of top clubs while highlighting how football has evolved into a billion-dollar industry.

2. The Broader Economic Effects of Transfers

Record-breaking transfers do not just benefit the selling club; they create economic ripples across the football ecosystem. The financial impact can be seen in several areas:

• Commercial Revenue Growth: Superstar signings drive merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, and broadcasting rights negotiations, generating massive profits for clubs.

• Market Inflation: Large transfers set higher expectations for player valuations, leading to inflated prices for even mid-tier players.

• Development of Youth Talent: Smaller clubs shift focus toward developing young players to compete financially, resulting in better youth academies and talent discovery programs.

The Future of the Transfer Market

Football transfers are more than player acquisitions; they are financial investments that shape club identities, influence global market trends, and define competitive success. As spending continues to rise, clubs must balance financial sustainability with their desire to dominate the sport.

With economic forces constantly shifting, the transfer market remains one of the most intriguing and impactful aspects of modern football, shaping both financial strategy and on-field competition.