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Now the FAA says gamers are the answer to its air traffic controller shortage

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Now the FAA says gamers are the answer to its air traffic controller shortage

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has struggled for years to have enough air traffic controllers to address shortages, with the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) saying in January that the number of people in the job in the US has declined by around 6 percent “in the last decade.” Now the Trump administration is rolling out a recruiting campaign targeting gamers ahead of the opening of the annual air traffic control hiring window on April 17th.

Even with the campaign, getting qualified individuals through training and into the role may still be a challenge: according to the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), the FAA is facing “considerable challenges with training, including a shortage of qualified instructors, training capacity limitations, an outdated curriculum, and high training failure rates.”

An FAA video full of clips of things like Madden NFL, Fortnite, League of Legends esports, and the Xbox One stinger from commercials promises an average salary of $155,000 per year after three years and says that “you’ve been training for this.”

In a press release, the FAA says that air traffic controllers said in exit interviews that gaming was an influence on “their ability to think quickly, stay focused, and manage complexity.” The FAA’s website about the application process encourages applicants to “level up” their career. However, the Trump administration isn’t the first to target gamers for the role; according to The New York Times, the Biden administration launched a “Level Up” recruiting push in 2021, encouraging gamers as well as women and members of minority groups to become air traffic controllers.

Getting more air traffic controllers has been a focus for Sean Duffy, President Trump’s secretary of transportation, and he announced a plan to “supercharge” hiring shortly after he was sworn in for the job last year. That campaign closed in March 2025 and “attracted more than 10,000 applications,” resulting in about 600 trainees entering the Controller Training Academy, the OIG says. And the GAO says that some attrition during the air traffic controller hiring process “may be preventable,” noting that the hiring process can be “difficult to navigate” and that applicants may have already accepted other jobs by the time they get an employment offer.

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The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union representing air traffic controllers, “welcomes innovative approaches to expanding the candidate pool,” including “outreach to individuals with high-level aptitude skills such as gamers,” according to a statement from NATCA president Nick Daniels.

Technology

Fox News AI Newsletter: AI girlfriend dumps Hollywood filmmaker

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Fox News AI Newsletter: AI girlfriend dumps Hollywood filmmaker

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Oscar-nominated filmmaker disappointed his AI girlfriend dumped him

– AI layoffs may be backfiring on companies

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– Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warns China has ‘all the chips they need’ despite US bans

BAD BREAK-UP: Dating in the digital era isn’t easy, as one Oscar-nominated filmmaker learned the hard way. Paul Schrader, the screenwriter of Martin Scorsese classics like “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull,” revealed in a Facebook post that he had dabbled in developing an “AI girlfriend.”

ROI MIA: A lot of workers have had the same uneasy thought lately: “Is AI coming for my job?” It is a fair question. Companies keep talking about automation, AI agents and lower costs. Some workers hear that and wonder whether their next performance review will come with a chatbot-shaped shadow in the room. However, a new Gartner study suggests the story may be more complicated. Many companies are cutting jobs while adopting AI, but those cuts are not clearly producing better returns.

‘ALL THE CHIPS THEY NEED’: In a stark warning to Washington policymakers, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revealed that U.S. technology export bans may be triggering unintended consequences, declaring that China-backed rival Huawei is actively “flourishing in our absence.”

TOUGH CROWD: Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was met with boos during a University of Arizona commencement speech after discussing artificial intelligence and fears the technology could reshape – or replace – parts of the workforce.

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PAINFUL ERROR: Students at Glendale Community College revolted against AI when it was revealed during their graduation ceremony that the robot tasked with announcing the names of the new graduates experienced a glitch and skipped over hundreds of students who were set to hear their names as they walked across the stage.

BATTLE OF THE TITANS: A federal jury ruled against Elon Musk in his lawsuit accusing OpenAI of abandoning its nonprofit roots, finding that neither the tech company nor CEO Sam Altman could be held liable in the matter because Musk waited too long to bring the case.

NEXT-GEN WARFARE: A top U.S. defense contractor pulled back the curtain on AI-powered systems designed to hunt down and destroy swarms of enemy drones as the U.S. rapidly expands its next-generation warfighting capabilities.

‘UNSETTLING’: Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters on Wednesday walked back comments he made at an investor event Tuesday when he said the bank plans to cut thousands of jobs as it replaces what he called “lower-value human capital” with tech powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

OPINION: There’s a revolution underway in American education, and first lady Melania Trump and the White House are leading the way, Arthur Herman and Beth Herman write.

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SLOW DOWN: Waymo is temporarily halting freeway operations for its robotaxi service in several U.S. markets as the company works to address performance issues in construction zones, FOX Business has learned.

‘NOT GOING AWAY’: New York Times staffers got up from their workspaces inside the paper’s New York City headquarters on Wednesday and gathered outside to rally against management, demanding a fair contract and insisting the company puts profits over people. The event, dubbed “Rally for a Fair Contract,” came as the Times Guild is fighting for protections against artificial intelligence, guaranteed hybrid work, affordable health care, pay increases that match the rising cost of living and keeping work within the union. 

SWEET MOVE: A Florida community has deployed AI-powered robotic beehives as declining bee populations continue raising concerns about the future of the US food supply.

BLOCKBUSTER DEAL: NextEra Energy is making a massive $66.8 billion bet that America’s artificial intelligence boom will drive a historic surge in electricity demand, announcing plans to acquire Dominion Energy to create the world’s largest regulated utility by market value.

BEAM ME UP: New York City’s LaGuardia Airport is bringing science fiction to the terminal with the debut of an AI-powered hologram concierge designed to help travelers find gates, lounges and baggage claim through face-to-face conversations.

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DISAPPEARING ACT: Chatting with AI can feel casual until the question gets personal. Maybe you want to ask about a health concern. Maybe you need help understanding a loan. Or maybe you want career advice without feeling like your question is sitting in a data file somewhere. That is the idea behind Incognito Chat with Meta AI, a new private chat mode Meta says is coming to WhatsApp and the Meta AI app.

APP OVERHAUL: Airbnb is pushing far beyond home rentals, rolling out airport pickups, grocery delivery, luggage storage, car rentals, boutique hotels and exclusive travel experiences as it expands deeper into travel services. The app is also adding boutique and independent hotels in major cities including New York, Paris, London, Rome and Singapore, alongside new AI-powered features like review summaries, listing comparisons and smarter customer support tools.

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

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Twelve South’s AirFly Pro 2 has hit one of its best prices ahead of summer travel

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Twelve South’s AirFly Pro 2 has hit one of its best prices ahead of summer travel

With Memorial day weekend kicking off the travel season, we’re seeing a lot of deals pop up on travel gadgets, from portable power banks to noise-canceling headphones. One of the best right now is Twelve South’s AirFly Pro 2 Bluetooth adapter, which lets you use your wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment systems so you can enjoy your flight a little more. It’s currently down to $49.99 ($10 off) at Amazon and directly from Twelve South, which is one of its best prices to date.

The Bluetooth transmitter lets you ditch the airline’s wired earbuds in favor of your own Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, which makes for a much better in-flight listening experience. All you need to do is plug the AirFly Pro 2 into the headphone jack on a seatback entertainment system, pair your headphones, and you’re set. It also supports two pairs of headphones at once, so you can watch movies or listen to podcasts with a travel companion.

As Twelve South’s premium AirFly model, the Pro 2 also adds a few welcome improvements that make it even easier to use. That includes the cheaper AirFly SE’s dedicated onboard volume controls as well as an upgraded processor, which enables faster pairing and improved sound quality with less background noise. Its battery should also last up to 25 hours on a single charge, which should comfortably last you through even the longest flights.

The AirFly Pro 2 remains useful long after you land, too. As it works with any standard audio jack, you can also use it to connect your wireless headphones to devices like a Nintendo Switch , older car stereos, and even compatible gym equipment like treadmills.

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Inheritance scam email looks real but steals your data

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Inheritance scam email looks real but steals your data

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

It starts with something that feels exciting. An email lands in your inbox claiming you may be entitled to an inheritance. No warning. No backstory. Just a formal message and a ticking clock.

That is exactly what happened to Tim C., who wrote us:

I received an email this afternoon that I have never received before. Just wondering if you have seen anything like this before. I think it is a scam, but it sure looks real.

— Tim C.

Tim trusted his instincts. This is a scam. And it is one of the more convincing ones making the rounds right now.

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 INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

This inheritance email looks official, but the vague details, fake registry and 48-hour deadline are major red flags. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the ‘Heir Research Registry’ email looks like

This email looks official at first glance. Every part of it is designed to build trust fast and push you to click before you question it.

The message claims you are a “Primary Potential Beneficiary” tied to an unclaimed estate. It warns that the funds could be reassigned to the state if you do not act within 48 hours.

There is also a button that says “Check My Unclaimed Inheritance.” That button is the trap.

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What makes this scam more believable than most

This version is more polished than the typical scam email. That is what makes it dangerous.

It uses your real name

“Tim C” makes it feel targeted and legitimate. Scammers often pull names from leaked data or public records.

It mimics legal and financial language

Phrases like “probate holding period” and “estate allocation” sound official but are intentionally vague.

It includes a reference ID

The ID makes it feel trackable and real, but it cannot be verified.

It looks structured and professional

The layout, table format and compliance tone resemble real financial notices.

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It removes obvious scam signals

There are no spelling errors or strange formatting. That lowers your guard.

SCAMMERS NOW IMPERSONATE COWORKERS, STEAL EMAIL THREADS IN CONVINCING PHISHING ATTACKS

Scammers rely on quick reactions, so taking a moment to question unexpected messages can help you avoid costly mistakes. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The red flags hiding in plain sight

This message appears legitimate. But several details give it away.

‘2026 National Heir Research Registry’ does not exist

There is no official registry by that name at the federal or state level.

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The 48-hour deadline is a pressure tactic

Real estate and probate processes do not operate on urgent email deadlines.

No law firm, executor or court is named

Legitimate inheritance notices always include verifiable legal contacts.

The explanation is intentionally vague

You are told there is an estate, but not who it belongs to or how you are connected.

The ‘Check My Unclaimed Inheritance’ button is the trap

This is likely a phishing link designed to collect personal data.

The fine print tries to sound legal

References to the “Unclaimed Property Act” are generic and not tied to a real case.

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Why this email is so effective

This scam hits three emotional triggers at once.

  • Curiosity. Who left me money?
  • Urgency. I only have 48 hours
  • Opportunity. I might lose something valuable

That combination pushes you to act quickly rather than slowing down to verify.

What this scam is trying to do

This isn’t about giving you money. It is about getting your information. If you click the link, a few things can happen:

  • You land on a fake form that asks for personal details
  • You are prompted to verify your identity with sensitive data
  • You may be asked for banking information
  • In some cases, malware can install in the background

Once scammers have your data, they can use it for identity theft, financial fraud or future scams.

SCAMMERS ARE ABUSING ICLOUD CALENDAR TO SEND PHISHING EMAILS

Clicking a single link in a scam email can expose your personal data and open the door to identity theft or financial fraud. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How real inheritance notifications actually work

A quick reality check makes this easier to spot. Legitimate inheritance notices follow a very different process:

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  • They come from a named attorney, executor or law firm with verifiable contact details you can confirm independently
  • They include clear information about the estate and your relationship to it
  • They do not pressure you with short deadlines
  • They do not ask you to click random links to claim funds

If someone truly left you money, the legal system does not rely on mystery emails.

How to stay safe from inheritance scam emails

If you receive an email like this, take a step back and follow these steps. Scammers rely on speed. Your best defense is slowing down.

1) Do not click anything and use strong antivirus software

Avoid links, buttons or attachments in unexpected messages and make sure you are protected with strong antivirus software that can block malicious sites and downloads. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

2) Do not reply

Engaging can confirm your email is active and lead to more scams.

3) Delete the email or mark the email as spam

This helps your email provider block similar messages.

4) Hover over links before clicking

On a computer, place your cursor over links to preview the real URL.

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5) Check the sender’s email address carefully

Scammers often use addresses that look official but include small misspellings or unfamiliar domains.

6) Verify through official channels only

Search your state’s unclaimed property website directly. Never use links from the email.

7) Search the organization name yourself

Typing the name into Google can quickly reveal if others have flagged it as a scam.

8) Use a data removal service

Limiting how much of your personal information is available online makes it harder for scammers to target you with personalized messages like this. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

9) Report the scam email

Forward it to reportphishing@apwg.org or report it through your email provider.

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10) Protect your personal information

Never share your Social Security number, date of birth or banking details through unsolicited messages.

Kurt’s key takeaways

That unexpected inheritance email can feel exciting for a moment. Then reality should take over. If you do not recognize the name, if there is no clear paper trail and if there is a countdown clock, it is almost certainly a scam. Tim paused before clicking. That pause is what protects you. Real money finds you through legal channels, not through a random email with a deadline.

If an email promised you money but gave you only 48 hours to act, would you click first or verify first?  Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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