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The US Justice Department accuses TikTok of gathering user data on sensitive topics like abortion and gun control, transferring it to ByteDance in China. Concerns arise over China potentially manipulating content to disrupt US democracy. The government deems TikTok's security measures insufficient and insists a ban wouldn't violate free speech. TikTok's internal tools allegedly allow data gathering on controversial subjects, with lawmakers also expressing worries about anti-Israel content. A looming law could prompt a TikTok ban if ties with ByteDance aren't severed, leading to a potential Supreme Court battle.

NASA astronauts from Boeing's Starliner capsule face an extended stay on the International Space Station until mid-August due to technical problems delaying their return. Issues with thrusters and helium leaks have plagued the mission, leading to postponed departures and ongoing tests. Despite the setbacks, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams praise the Starliner's capabilities but acknowledge the challenges faced. The teams are diligently working to identify and address the root causes of the malfunctions to ensure a safe return. While NASA plans to have backups like SpaceX's Crew Dragon, there are no current plans to use it for rescuing the stranded astronauts, who remain optimistic during their prolonged stay in space.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections for over 2,600 Boeing 737 aircraft to address potential issues with oxygen masks. Concerns have arisen regarding the correct positioning of oxygen generators, which could impact passenger safety during emergencies. Airlines have been given a 120 to 150-day window to verify and rectify any discrepancies. This directive adds to Boeing's existing challenges with safety and production, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in ensuring air travel safety.

Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to fraud in connection with the fatal 737 Max crashes, leading to the loss of 346 lives in Indonesia and Ethiopia. The guilty plea aims to conclude the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation, with Boeing facing a criminal fine of $243.6 million and committing to invest over $455 million in safety and compliance programs over three years. This plea deal could tarnish Boeing's reputation as a convicted felon, potentially impacting its future contracts with entities like the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA. Despite the resolution with the Justice Department, relatives of the crash victims have expressed disappointment with the agreement, highlighting the tragic consequences of Boeing's actions.

Boeing's recent $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems in an all-stock transaction aims to enhance plane quality and safety by reuniting the supplier with its manufacturing chain. The deal, valued at approximately $8.3 billion including debt, is crucial for the benefit of the flying public, airline customers, employees, shareholders, and the aviation industry. By reacquiring Spirit, Boeing plans to address production line issues and prioritize safety and quality, marking a significant shift from outsourcing key components. As part of the agreement, Airbus will take over certain aspects of Spirit's business in Northern Ireland, further solidifying the strategic realignment in the aerospace sector.

Boeing has finalized a deal to bring back supplier Spirit Aerosystems into its corporation, aiming to address quality problems and regain control. The strategic $4.7 billion acquisition marks a shift towards internalizing key operations for better quality control. The decision comes after a period of talks and significant corporate and industrial crisis affecting Spirit Aerosystems. The move includes Airbus taking over certain activities at Spirit AeroSystems plants as Boeing seeks to reform safety issues and stabilize production amidst market share losses to Airbus.

Boeing is anxiously waiting for a decision from the DOJ regarding potential criminal charges or a settlement linked to a door plug blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. The DOJ's choice to potentially revoke legal protections granted to Boeing in 2020 adds to the tension. Any criminal conviction could significantly damage Boeing's reputation and affect its government contracts. The Justice Department is reportedly urging Boeing to plead guilty to fraud over the 737 Max crashes, risking the company's stock performance and contractual relations. The proposed plea deal, including a hefty financial penalty and corporate oversight, has sparked outrage from families of crash victims and legal representatives, accusing the DOJ of offering Boeing a 'sweetheart deal.'

Boeing faces sanctions from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for breaching regulations by disclosing non-public information and speculating on causes of a door plug blowout incident on a 737 Max 9 aircraft. The NTSB condemned Boeing's actions as a 'blatant violation' and restricted the company's access to investigative details while maintaining its involvement in the probe. This violation has led US regulators to consider referring Boeing's conduct to the Department of Justice for further action, highlighting the seriousness of the breach in investigative protocol.