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A Porter Airlines flight from Victoria to Toronto was cancelled after a young child refused to sit in the assigned seat and fasten the seat belt. The incident happened on flight PD444 at Victoria International Airport in British Columbia. The aircraft had already left the terminal. It was preparing for takeoff when crew members noticed the child standing on the seat. Flight attendants tried to resolve the situation. The child’s parents also attempted to convince the youngster to sit down. However, the child continued to resist. The crew could not proceed with the flight while the safety issue remained unresolved. Aviation safety rules require passengers to remain seated and use seat belts when instructed. The aircraft therefore had to return to the terminal. The family was removed from the plane. Their baggage also had to be taken off the aircraft. Airport and airline staff then had to complete the required travel and security procedures. The process took considerable time. The procedures continued beyond 12:30am. Victoria International Airport closes its main runway at 12:30am every night. Because the runway had already closed, the aircraft could not take off again that night. The cancellation caused further inconvenience for the other passengers. They were forced to spend the night in Victoria. Porter Airlines apologised to the affected passengers for the disruption. The airline arranged alternative flights for them the following day. The incident highlights how even a seemingly minor safety issue can cause major delays when an aircraft is preparing for departure. Airlines are required to ensure that all passengers follow safety instructions before takeoff

WASHINGTON: The United States has taken an unusual step in its fight against international cybercrime by allowing selected private companies to conduct government-approved hacking operations against foreign criminal organisations. President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the departments of Justice and Homeland Security to establish a framework under which approved private-sector partners can investigate, infiltrate and disrupt transnational cybercrime networks. The move is aimed at tackling growing threats including ransomware attacks, online fraud and so-called sextortion schemes. The White House said such crimes caused more than $20 billion in losses to Americans during 2025. Under the new framework, authorised companies could potentially infiltrate cybercriminals’ computer systems, deploy spyware or disrupt servers used to conduct criminal activities. However, each operation would require approval from the US government before any action is taken. Participating companies would also be required to provide a bond of at least $1 million. Operations involving actions that could cause death or physical injury would remain prohibited. Activities that could qualify as the use of force under international law would also be excluded. The initiative has drawn comparisons with privateering, a practice used centuries ago when governments authorised private vessels to attack or seize enemy ships. Supporters argue that private technology companies possess specialised cyber expertise and access to data that government agencies may not have. They believe combining those capabilities with government authority could help disrupt criminal networks more effectively. However, cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about accountability, oversight and the possibility of unintended consequences. Critics warn that allowing private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations could create diplomatic complications and make it difficult to control activities once they begin. The policy also represents a notable shift in the Trump administration’s previous position. Earlier this year, senior US officials had indicated that the government was not interested in using private companies to fight cybercriminals through offensive operations. It remains unclear what prompted the change in policy. Some cybersecurity specialists believe the programme contains important safeguards because operations will be conducted under government authorisation. Others remain concerned that existing oversight institutions may not be strong enough to monitor such activities effectively. The initiative could also expose participating technology companies to new risks. Experts warn that firms involved in government-sanctioned cyberattacks could become targets themselves and face retaliation from criminal groups or foreign governments. The Trump administration has 60 days to finalise the programme’s operational framework, while some details are expected to remain classified.

WASHINGTON: US Senator Richard Blumenthal has called on the Pentagon to explain why the USS Abraham Lincoln has remained at sea for more than 250 days, raising concerns about the health, safety and readiness of thousands of sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier. Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao seeking detailed information about the carrier’s prolonged deployment. The senator said the USS Abraham Lincoln left Naval Base San Diego on November 21, 2025, for what was originally expected to be a seven-month mission. Its deployment was scheduled to end in May but has since been extended, with no publicly announced date for its return. According to Blumenthal, the carrier has spent more than 200 consecutive days without a port visit, setting a record for the length of time it has remained at sea without such a stop. The prolonged deployment has triggered concerns about conditions aboard the carrier, including reported shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing problems and difficulties with mail deliveries. Blumenthal also raised concerns about the mental health and morale of crew members, as well as deck safety and general living conditions. He said reports of fatigue, deferred maintenance and limited opportunities for rest could increase the risks faced by personnel working aboard an aircraft carrier. The USS Abraham Lincoln carries around 5,000 sailors and Marines and operates in an environment involving aircraft, fuel, weapons, heavy machinery and complex electrical systems. Blumenthal warned that prolonged exposure to these conditions could create additional safety risks if crews are exhausted or equipment maintenance is delayed. The senator asked the Pentagon to provide information about reported habitability problems aboard the carrier, including issues involving hygiene supplies, mould, toilets, laundry facilities and water systems. He also requested details about the Navy’s measures for monitoring crew fatigue, morale, mental health and operational readiness. Blumenthal wants officials to disclose whether the extended deployment has been linked to increases in safety incidents, medical problems or disciplinary cases. Reports cited by US military publications have also described incidents in which sailors aboard the carrier allegedly attempted to go overboard during its prolonged deployment, intensifying concerns about the psychological pressure on personnel. The senator has asked the Navy to explain what measures are being taken to address such concerns and protect the wellbeing of the crew. The extended deployment comes as the United States continues military operations and maintains a significant naval presence connected to tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East. Blumenthal questioned the Pentagon about the strategic purpose of keeping the carrier deployed for such an extended period. He asked officials to explain the military objectives linked to the Lincoln’s continued presence in the region and how the Navy determines whether the carrier remains operationally necessary. The senator also sought details about every extension of the carrier’s deployment, including who approved the extensions and what operational requirements were cited. He further questioned whether the Navy’s existing fleet structure and deployment system can maintain the current demand for aircraft carriers without undermining crew welfare, equipment readiness and future maintenance requirements. Blumenthal warned that maintaining a high operational tempo for an extended period could create a readiness problem in the future if the impact on personnel and equipment is not properly addressed.