Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed O'Hare International Airport during Labor Day travel. He announced the FAA's successful hiring of 1,500 air traffic controllers this year, totaling 2,600 controllers in training. In response to recent near-collision incidents at airports nationwide, Buttigieg revealed $121 million in funding for eight airports to improve taxiways, lighting, and airfield layouts. Unruly passenger incidents have also increased after two years of decline. Buttigieg emphasized that endangering flight crew or passengers could result in criminal prosecution and hefty fines.