Terror Attacks Shake U.S. as Funding Fight Impacts TSA

Friendship Remembered After ODU Tragedy as Travel Rush Strains Staffing

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:18pm

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The U.S. is reeling from terror attacks at a synagogue in Michigan and the campus of Old Dominion University. Carlos Ortiz, a friend of ROTC Instructor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah who was killed in the ODU attack, shares memories of their time as cadets and maintaining their friendship over the years. Meanwhile, the spring break travel rush is straining TSA staffing as employees miss their first full paycheck due to the funding fight over the Department of Homeland Security.

Why it matters

The recent terror attacks have shaken communities across the country, raising concerns about public safety and national security. The funding issues impacting the TSA could further strain the agency's ability to effectively screen travelers and respond to potential threats, especially during busy travel periods.

The details

In the ODU attack, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, an ROTC instructor, was killed by a gunman on the university's campus. Carlos Ortiz, a friend of Shah's from their time as cadets, shared memories of their training and maintaining their friendship over the years. Meanwhile, the spring break travel rush is putting a strain on TSA staffing as employees miss their first full paycheck due to the ongoing funding fight over the Department of Homeland Security.

  • The terror attacks occurred in recent weeks.
  • The spring break travel rush is happening this weekend.

The players

Carlos Ortiz

A friend of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah who was killed in the ODU attack.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah

An ROTC instructor at Old Dominion University who was killed in a recent terror attack on the campus.

Aaron Barker

The president of the union at the world's busiest airport in Atlanta, who explains the impact of the funding fight on TSA employees.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The recent terror attacks and funding issues impacting the TSA highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety and national security, especially during busy travel periods. The community's response and support for those affected will be crucial in the aftermath of these events.