In a troubling turn of events early Friday morning, a massive global computer outage wreaked havoc across various sectors, including the Valley’s own Sky Harbor International Airport and the Phoenix Police Department. However, as the day progressed, many services began to return to normal, much to the relief of travelers and residents alike.

Airport Chaos

Sky Harbor International Airport was one of the first institutions to report issues, posting an alert on X (formerly Twitter) about significant delays and cancellations. By mid-morning, over 50 flights had been affected, although it remained unclear how many were directly related to the outage versus other operational challenges. FlightAware, a flight tracking service, indicated that thousands of flights were experiencing delays and cancellations nationwide.

Sky Harbor urged passengers to check directly with their airlines for the most accurate information regarding their flights. They warned travelers to expect longer lines as airline staff worked diligently to check in passengers amidst the confusion. By around 11:45 a.m., the airport announced that operations had returned to normal, though the ordeal had left many travelers frustrated. One traveler recounted waiting for hours and fearing he would miss an important graduation ceremony.

Mesa Gateway Airport also felt the impact of the outage, with all flights in and out of the airport canceled until at least 11 a.m. on Friday.

Impact on Public Safety

The ramifications of the outage extended beyond air travel, affecting public safety communications as well. Early reports indicated that numerous police departments across the U.S. experienced disruptions in their 911 services. In Phoenix, the Police Department confirmed that their 911 call center systems were restored after the widespread outage began late Thursday night. They encouraged the public to use non-emergency lines during the disruption, highlighting the importance of patience as they addressed the backlog of calls.

The Phoenix Fire Department also faced challenges, having to revert to manual processes to manage calls due to impacts on their computerized dispatch center. Thankfully, technology professionals were able to restore their systems swiftly.

Healthcare Sector Strain

The healthcare sector was not spared from the disruptions. Valleywise Health reported that some of its IT systems were impacted, necessitating a return to paper for certain patient charting processes. However, the emergency departments and the Level I Trauma Center remained operational, and scheduled surgeries continued as planned.

Banner Health, on the other hand, communicated to its employees that most ambulatory services would be closing for the day to focus on acute care facilities. Their official statement confirmed that while hospitals were open for inpatient care and emergencies, many other locations would remain closed due to the outage.

A Broader Impact

The ripple effects of this global computer outage reached beyond airports and emergency services. Gas stations, retailers, and shipping companies also reported disruptions, leading to inconvenience for consumers during their daily errands.

Fortunately, as the day unfolded, Microsoft 365 announced that services were beginning to return to normal, though residual impacts continued to affect some applications. According to tech expert Ken Colburn, the underlying issue had been identified, but required technical expertise to resolve for those affected.

Protecting Personal Data

While the CEO of Crowdstrike reassured the public that this incident was not a security breach or cyberattack, it did raise concerns about personal data safety. Here are some proactive measures consumers can take to protect themselves:

• Enhance Password Protection: Regularly change passwords, avoid reuse, and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Monitor Credit: Take advantage of free annual credit reports from major bureaus to keep an eye on your credit health.
• Consider a Credit Freeze: This adds an extra layer of security, preventing new accounts from being opened without your knowledge.
• Be Cautious with Links: Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments unless you are expecting them.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Exercise caution with peer-to-peer payment platforms that may lack consumer protections.

As Valley residents and travelers breathe a sigh of relief with services returning to normal, this incident serves as a reminder of our growing dependence on technology and the importance of being prepared for unexpected disruptions. Stay informed, stay safe, and always protect your personal information.

For detailed information on this unfolding event, visit ABC News 15 Arizona’s website: https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/sky-harbor-airport-impacted-by-global-internet-outage.

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Shannen Doherty, known for her iconic roles in ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ and ‘Charmed,’ has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the hearts of many. With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a talented actress, a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who fought a courageous battle against cancer.

Shannen Doherty

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty faced her illness with remarkable strength and resilience. Despite the challenges she encountered, she remained determined to live her life to the fullest and inspire others with her unwavering spirit.

Throughout her journey, Shannen Doherty shared her struggles and triumphs with the world, becoming a beacon of hope for those fighting similar battles. Her openness and honesty touched the lives of many, showcasing bravery in the face of adversity.

In 2017, Doherty’s announcement of her cancer’s return shed light on the harsh reality of the disease. Despite the difficult news, she continued to face each day with courage and grace, demonstrating incredible fortitude in the midst of uncertainty.

As we reflect on Shannen Doherty’s legacy, we remember a woman who embodied resilience, positivity, and compassion. Her impact on both the entertainment industry and the cancer community will be remembered for years to come.

Our thoughts are with Doherty’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. May her memory live on as a symbol of strength and perseverance, inspiring us to cherish each moment and embrace life’s challenges with courage and grace. Rest in peace, Shannen Doherty.

Link related to the story: https://people.com/tv/shannen-doherty-dead/

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The world of fitness and wellness mourns the loss of Richard Simmons, the iconic fitness guru, who passed away at the age of 76. His longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed the news to PEOPLE, stating that Simmons died at his Los Angeles home one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. The initial report was made by TMZ, which noted that law enforcement responded to a call from a housekeeper on Saturday, July 13, and no foul play was suspected.

Estey expressed the profound impact Simmons had on the world, saying, “The world has truly lost an angel.” Despite retreating from the public eye since 2014, Simmons continued to connect with his fans through social media. His final posts were made on the morning of his passing and the day before, thanking fans for their birthday wishes and sharing his gratitude for life.

Richard Simmons

Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Simmons had humble beginnings. He was the son of vaudeville performers and worked various odd jobs to support his family. As a child, Simmons struggled with his weight, reaching 270 lbs by the time he graduated high school. A pivotal moment came when he received an anonymous note on his car windshield, urging him to lose weight to avoid an early death. This led him to embark on a drastic and unhealthy weight loss journey that landed him in the hospital. Determined to find a sustainable path to health, Simmons moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s, where he delved into nutrition and fitness.

In 1975, Simmons opened Ruffage and Anatomy Asylum, a health food store and exercise studio that quickly gained popularity, attracting celebrities and launching Simmons into the spotlight. Over the next four decades, Simmons became a beloved fitness icon, known for his infectious energy and dedication to helping others. He released five bestselling books, produced over 50 workout videos, hosted weight loss cruises, and taught countless classes at his Slimmons studio in Beverly Hills.

Simmons’ vibrant personality and genuine compassion made him a fixture on talk shows and speaking tours. However, in early 2014, he stepped back from the public eye, citing the need to recover from a knee injury. His last public appearance was in January 2014, and he taught his final class at Slimmons in February of that year. Despite rampant speculation about his well-being, Simmons reassured fans in a 2016 interview with the Today show that he was in good health and simply taking time for himself.

“I do what I want to do as I’ve always done,” Simmons said. “I’ve taught, like, thousands and thousands of classes and, you know, right now I just want to sort of just take care of me. I just really don’t want to do anything. I just don’t want to be traveling anymore. It certainly has taken its toll on me.”

Richard Simmons’ legacy is one of inspiration, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to helping others achieve their fitness goals. His impact on the fitness world and the lives of countless individuals will be remembered and cherished. As we reflect on his life, we celebrate the joy and positivity he brought to so many and honor his enduring spirit.

Link related to story: https://people.com/richard-simmons-dead-76-7503091

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