Flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport could be cut by up to 10% in the coming week amid air traffic controller shortages linked to the longest-ever government shutdown.

Why it matters: The unusual measure from federal transportation officials comes as air traffic controllers go unpaid and staffing shortages trigger slowdowns at airports coast to coast.

Driving the news: The list of affected airports covers many of the nation's busiest U.S. airfields, including MSP.

• A 4% "reduction in operations" took effect today, per a statement from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford.
• They plan to ramp it up to 6% by Tuesday, 8% by Nov. 13 and 10% by Nov. 14.

The big picture: A 10% cut could translate to thousands of flights across the country, per data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

• It estimates that a full reduction could result in the cancellation of dozens of flights a day at MSP.

Between the lines: Cuts at major airports could also affect travelers elsewhere, depending on how they're implemented.

What we're hearing: Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesperson Jeff Lea told Axios that the airport is "actively monitoring updates regarding announced FAA-mandated flight reductions."

• While operations remained normal as of yesterday afternoon, he said travelers should be prepared for disruptions.

The latest: United, American and Delta say they're trying to minimize disruptions — by axing flights at periphery airports, for example.

Zoom in: Delta, MSP's largest global carrier, said yesterday that "most flights, including all long-haul international service, will operate as scheduled."

• Customers whose travel plans may be impacted can cancel or change their flights for free.
• Twin Cities-based Sun Country said it's also bracing for reductions and encouraged travelers to check their flight status online.

What's next: More cuts could follow, potentially upending the busy Thanksgiving travel season.

Go deeper: What to do if the FAA cuts or cancels your flight

Minneapolis teachers picketed at six sites across the city yesterday as they prepare to strike on Tuesday if they don't reach a contract agreement with the district.

State of play: The Minneapolis Federation of Educators (MFE) said yesterday that negotiations were active and that "promising movement" had been made in recent days.

• They're seeking teacher pay increases of 7% this school year and 6% next year, plus smaller class sizes and caseload relief in special education.

The other side: Minneapolis Public Schools said it's offered to accelerate teacher salary schedules and reduce class size and caseloads, "but the district cannot afford all of MFE's current proposals."

• The district is facing a $75 million budget gap this year.

🐼 Beloved halftime performer Red Panda, who broke her wrist July 1 during a Lynx game at Target Center, is returning to Minnesota Saturday night for St. Thomas basketball's first game at its new St. Paul arena. (Sports Take)

🌎 New international student enrollments at the University of Minnesota dropped 9% after the Trump administration made changes to the student visa process. (Sahan Journal)

• The data shows a 27% decline in new students from India, one of the top home countries for Gophers who hail from abroad.

🚗 E-ZPass lanes on I-394 between Highway 100 and downtown Minneapolis will reopen Sunday, ending more than three months of construction-related closures. (KARE 11)

🗳️ State Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) will retire next year after over four decades at the Capitol.

• Pappas, who chairs the influential capital investment committee, is the 16th legislator to announce that they won't run for reelection in 2026, according to the Legislative Reference Library.

🏚️ The St. Paul City Council ordered the demolition of the vacant former CVS building at Snelling and University avenues. (Pioneer Press)

The Department of Natural Resources still doesn't have a target launch date for its new mobile app and online licensing system.

Why it matters: The tech upgrade, originally set to debut in March 2025, is meant to streamline and "modernize" applications and paperwork for Minnesotans who hunt, fish, boat and drive off-road vehicles.

• Outdoor recreation boosters hope that replacing an outdated — and glitchy — system will reduce headaches for current hunters and anglers and attract more young people to the traditions.
• It's also just the latest example of a delayed or bumpy launch of state technology.

State of play: People can still buy their licenses in person or online and store digital copies on their phone.

• State officials say over 200,000 have already done so for the firearm deer season that starts tomorrow.

What we're hearing: DNR commissioner Sarah Strommen said this week that moving the state's "incredibly complex" licensing system to a new platform is "not an easy task."

• While DNR isn't setting a new launch date yet, she said the aim remains to roll it out by the end of the year.

The bottom line: Making licenses easier to buy has an impact on Minnesotans, whether they hunt, fish and boat or not.

• That's because the proceeds fund conservation and other environmental programs.

What we're hearing

🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Prairie Fire Choir Closes Its 2025 Season with "Great Big Hill of Hope" at the Cedar Cultural Center tomorrow: Join the Prairie Fire Choir for an unforgettable evening celebrating community, creativity, and connection, featuring dynamic new rock/pop choral arrangements plus a special collaboration with local legends Barbara Cohen & Little Lizard.

Rise and Shine Breakfast Fundraiser at The Town & Country Club on Nov 13: Join allies for breakfast, networking, and advocacy in support of elder justice. Learn how efforts to end abuse and exploitation are making a difference for older and vulnerable adults.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

When it comes to scheduling in-person work meetings, the early bird gets … a lot of side-eye.

State of play: Close to 90% of the readers who responded to our survey said IRL meetings should start at 8am or later.

What we're hearing: Most of you cited early-morning constraints — like school start times — or a need for more shut-eye.

• "It's called a '9 to 5' for a reason," quipped Austin G. of Minneapolis.

Our thought bubble: While we take turns getting up at the crack of dawn to ship this newsletter, our team's first (virtual) meeting of the day is at a much more civilized 9:30am — cameras off!

More reader responses