As part of a broader security push last summer, the Transportation Security Administration began scrutinizing containers of powders in travelers’ carry-on luggage, and the TSA will soon ask foreign airports sending flights directly to the U.S. to do the same.

The Transportation Security Administration is considering implementing additional security measures for airport and airline employees, including enhanced airline-employee screenings, random security checks and additional TSA and law enforcement patrols in secure areas, said federal officials in a statement Thursday.

The number of passengers who tried, knowingly or not, to bring guns onto planes in their carry-on luggage nearly doubled in the past six years – from 976 in 2009 to 1,813 in the U.S. last year, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

It’s a busy week for the TSA, and not necessarily due to the holiday season. Tuesday, three bills were passed through the U.S. House of Representatives in regards to the Transportation Security Administration, all three receiving bipartisan support.

Can you bring a toy lightsaber on a plane? Ask the TSA app! The updated MyTSA app includes a search function, which can tell travelers whether or not an item is allowed on aircraft.

Mistakes in evaluating private screeners' applications have reignited the conversation over whether private screeners can be as efficient as TSA screeners.

Facing fierce opposition from lawmakers, flight crews and airlines, the TSA has dropped its proposal to allow passengers to carry small knives, souvenir bats, golf clubs and other sports equipment onto planes.

Before boarding an international flight, the 23-year-old was arrested, and Port Authority officials discovered a 3,800-watt stun gun in his carry-on luggage. 

A flight attendant headed for Dallas, Texas, allegedly forgot the gun was in her carry-on bag while going through airport security in Philadelphia. 

So far in 2012, 375,432,402 passengers have traveled through TSA checkpoints nationwide, but 30,204 of those have submitted complaints.