Good evening. A United Airlines Boeing 767 arriving at Newark Liberty from Venice had a close call today, clipping a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike as it landed. The FAA has opened an investigation; officials have not yet released how many passengers were on board.
In breaking airline news, Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations this weekend — the first U.S. carrier collapse in 25 years — leaving travelers stranded nationwide. At Newark Liberty, passengers described canceled flights and crowded, chaotic gates. Plagued by heavy debt and rising jet fuel costs, Spirit’s shutdown has industry leaders and analysts rethinking the viability of the ultra-low-fare model. Rival carriers, including JetBlue, are pursuing gates and market share; analysts warn consumers may see higher fares as airlines factor in tens of billions in extra fuel expenses this year. The collapse has become politicized: Republicans have criticized the Biden administration over a blocked JetBlue merger, while Democrats point to soaring fuel costs as a key driver. With pump prices climbing above $4.40 per gallon nationally, many travelers say they’re reconsidering summer plans.
Meanwhile, the ongoing U.S.-Iran confrontation, now in its third month, is contributing to higher gasoline and grocery prices and putting pressure on President Trump’s political standing. The national average for gasoline sits around $4.44 per gallon — more than $2 higher than before the conflict began. The Pentagon’s publicly reported war costs are under scrutiny, with some sources suggesting actual spending could be substantially more than the $25 billion estimate. U.S. officials have not ruled out further strikes and say the U.S. will begin escorting neutral ships through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any interference could be met with force. The confrontation has also strained relations with some European partners.
In southern Morocco, what began as a training exercise turned into a search-and-rescue operation after two U.S. service members were reported missing when they reportedly fell off a cliff into the ocean while off duty. U.S. forces and multinational partners involved in the exercise have mounted extensive air and sea searches. Defense officials confirmed the missing personnel were U.S. Army soldiers; their names have not been released.
Closer to home, crews battled a fast-moving wildfire west of Phoenix, Arizona. Driven by drought conditions, the blaze has consumed hundreds of acres and remained uncontained. Fire officials warned that rising jet fuel prices are adding to the cost of aerial firefighting — some large tanker operations now cost tens of thousands of dollars an hour. Agencies are adapting by using simulators for training and positioning aircraft to reduce flight time, but officials say higher aviation fuel costs will strain budgets and could hamper responses if conditions worsen.
Meteorologists say this tornado season has been historic, with nearly 600 tornado reports so far and many states affected. April’s activity was well above average; May has started quieter, but forecasters warn of severe weather moving through the Plains and Midwest in the coming days, with threats of damaging winds, hail and tornadoes. A strengthening El Niño also raises the prospect of an unusually hot summer.
On Sunday, Pope Leo marked the anniversary of his election and used Mass to recognize World Press Freedom Day and honor journalists who have died covering conflicts.
On national security, the U.S. is moving forward with a major modernization of its land-based nuclear deterrent. The Sentinel missile program will replace the 60-year-old Minuteman III system with new missiles and infrastructure intended to be safer and more reliable against advancing nuclear threats. The program is costly, behind schedule and facing significant budget overruns, with full deployment stretching into future decades. Defense leaders argue the upgrade is necessary to keep the deterrent credible and to reduce risks tied to aging systems.
In entertainment, the summer box office kicked off with The Devil Wears Prada sequel opening at number one, earning a strong $77 million domestically. Other notable releases included a Michael Jackson biopic and an animated Super Mario film.
Pop star Britney Spears is scheduled to appear in court Monday for an arraignment related to a March arrest; she faces charges of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and recently completed a period of voluntary rehab.
Internationally, an estimated two million people turned out for a free Shakira concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, continuing the city’s run of massive global music events.
In sports, the Kentucky Derby produced a dramatic finish as a longshot surged from last place to win. The victory was especially significant because it gave the horse’s trainer — a woman — her first Derby win, a landmark moment in a sport long dominated by men.
That’s the CBS Weekend News for this Sunday. Have a great week.