Former TSA worker shares why he left his job during the partial government shutdown

NPR | By Leila Fadel

Published March 31, 2026 at 4:40 AM EDT

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with former TSA employee Robert Echeverria. After nine years at the Salt Lake City Airport, he left for another job after going without pay during the partial shutdown.

More Stories

Creator of 'Scrubs' and 'Shrinking' talks about his new HBO series 'Rooster'

Eric Deggans

Television producer Bill Lawrence has a new show on HBO called "Rooster." It's the latest in a run of hits that's quietly built him a small comedy empire.
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., discusses the White House's messaging on the war in Iran

Leila Fadel

NPR's Leila Fadel asks Rep. Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat and ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, about the White House's messaging on the Iran war.
Republican Party may face consequences for Trump's mixed messaging on the Iran war

Deepa Shivaram, Michel Martin

President Trump's mixed messages make it hard to see how the war with Iran will end, and it may lead to political consequences for his party in the upcoming midterm elections.
After loss to Belgium, US men's soccer team hopes to avoid a repeat performance

Becky Sullivan

The U.S. men's national soccer team scheduled a pair of friendly matches against two top European teams. After a 5-2 loss against Belgium, the U.S. is hoping to avoid the same against Portugal.
'We call it the walking bus': How kids are getting to school amid ICE operations

Leila Fadel

In cities where ICE operations have surged, community members are walking kids to school.