Passengers under the microscope
The week's news at a glance.
Washington, D.C.
The government plans to do background checks on all airline passengers and assign everyone a threat level. A computer screening system will be tested at three undisclosed airports next month. It will scan terrorism watch lists, and search credit reports and bank records for anything suspicious. Those cleared will be rated green. Anyone labeled yellow will get extra screening. Red won’t fly. Civil liberties groups complained that the new checks, approved by Congress after Sept. 11, would be a violation of privacy and could “create a permanent blacklisted underclass of Americans who cannot travel freely.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The struggles of Aston Martin
In the Spotlight The car manufacturer, famous for its association with the James Bond franchise, is ‘running out of road’
-
The end of ‘golden ticket’ asylum rights
The Explainer Refugees lose automatic right to bring family over and must ‘earn’ indefinite right to remain
-
Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibe
The Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort