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U.S. stock-index futures fell and oil prices surged again on Sunday, following sharp losses on Wall Street on Friday, as investors are waking up to the reality that the economic effects of the Iran war — now entering its fifth week — are likely to last longer than first expected.

Airport security checkpoints are facing a new strain, with longer lines, overworked officers, and a tension that feels different from the norm.What you are witnessing is the visible result of a political crisis in Washington that has made airport security unsustainable. The Transportation Security Administration officers who check your ID and scan your bags have been working without pay for more than six weeks now. These federal employees show up each day unsure when their next paycheck will come, while travelers pass through security without a second thought. They’re forced to choose between rent and groceries, mortgage payments and medicine, all while keeping passengers safe in the air. TSA workers have lost $1 billion in collective wages during the shutdownThe financial damage to TSA employees has reached staggering proportions that illustrate just how long this political standoff has dragged on without resolution. Approximately 61,000 TSA employees have been working without pay since the Department of Homeland Security shutdown began on Feb. 14, 2026, according to Congressional testimony from acting TSA administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. Related: The crazy airport lines have expanded to DisneyWorkers have collectively missed more than $1 billion in wages during this period, turning essential security personnel into unwilling volunteers serving their country. The human cost of this political standoff cannot be measured solely in dollars, though the financial impact on working families is severe enough. Nearly 500 TSA workers have quit their positions entirely since the shutdown began, unable to continue working indefinitely without the paychecks they desperately need. These resignations are worsening staffing shortages at checkpoints already strained by widespread sick calls.Call-out rates have skyrocketed from 4 to 50 percent at some airportsThe operational impact on airport security has been dramatic and measurable, directly affecting every traveler passing through American airports today. Call-out rates at some airports have skyrocketed from a normal baseline of approximately 4 percent to between 40 and 50 percent on certain days. Workers who might normally push through minor illness or personal challenges are staying home when there is no paycheck waiting anyway. The remaining workers who do show up face impossible demands with inadequate staffing to maintain normal checkpoint throughput and security standards simultaneously. Longer lines mean more frustrated passengers, which creates additional stress for officers already struggling with their own financial anxieties at home. The atmosphere at many checkpoints has become tense and volatile in ways that concern both travelers and the workers trying to protect them.Assaults on TSA officers have increased by more than 500% since FebruaryPerhaps the most alarming consequence of the shutdown has been the dramatic increase in violence directed at TSA officers by frustrated passengers at checkpoints. Assaults on officers have increased by more than 500 percent since the shutdown began, according to agency testimony before Congress examining the crisis. The combination of exhausted workers, long wait times, and stressed travelers has created a combustible environment at airports nationwide. You should expect significantly longer security lines if you are traveling in the coming weeks, especially at major hub airports during peak travel times. The agency has deployed ICE officers to some airports starting March 23, 2026, to assist with checkpoint operations and crowd management duties where possible. These deployments represent an extraordinary measure that underscores how severely the shutdown has stretched TSA’s operational capabilities across the national aviation system.Most TSA positions pay around $40,000, with unpaid work The financial reality facing TSA workers makes this shutdown particularly cruel compared to those affecting higher-paid federal employees in other agencies. Most TSA screening officer positions start at approximately $40,000 to $45,000 annually, which translates to relatively modest biweekly paychecks that many workers depend on completely. Missing even a single paycheck at these income levels can trigger cascading financial problems, including late fees, overdrafts, and missed essential payments. These workers often live in expensive metropolitan areas around major airports, where housing costs consume a substantial portion of their modest incomes each month. Six weeks without pay represents a genuine financial crisis for families already living paycheck to paycheck with minimal emergency savings to cushion unexpected gaps. The stress affects not just their personal finances but also their ability to focus on the critical security work that keeps millions safe.

Low pay and missed paychecks leave TSA workers financially vulnerable, turning government shutdowns into serious crises for families.Frame Stock Footage/Shutterstock

The shutdown began over immigration funding and shows no signs of ending soonUnderstanding how we arrived at this crisis requires looking back at the political fight that shut down the Department of Homeland Security entirely. The shutdown began on Feb. 14, 2026, when Congress failed to pass funding legislation to keep DHS operating through regular appropriations processes. The sticking point centered on immigration enforcement funding, particularly for agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, according to Congressional reporting on the shutdown. Related: Apple CEO Tim Cook drops strong immigration messageThe Senate passed a bipartisan bill that would have funded DHS, excluding ICE and CBP, in an attempt to separate the immigration dispute from essential security services.  The House rejected that approach, and Congress left for a two-week recess that extends until April 13, 2026, leaving TSA workers trapped in a political standoff.  Workers have absolutely no power to resolve the disagreement themselves, yet are still expected to show up every single day and protect travelers.A presidential memo promises back pay, but the delivery timeline remains uncertainPresident Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum on March 27, 2026, ordering that TSA workers receive their back pay as quickly as possible through available mechanisms. The Department of Homeland Security said workers could see paychecks as early as Monday, March 30, 2026, though the exact timing depends on various logistical factors.The funding source comes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocated $10 billion to DHS operations that can be redirected for payroll. Federal law passed in 2019 guarantees that essential federal employees receive back pay once a shutdown ends, in theory protecting workers from permanent wage losses. “Until that paycheck hits that account, you can expect the same,” said Aaron Barker, president of AFGE Local 554.You should know this guarantee exists, but it offers little comfort to someone facing eviction or utility shutoffs while waiting for a resolution. The promise of eventual payment does nothing to help workers pay their bills during the actual shutdown while they await political agreement.Steps travelers should take to navigate airports during the shutdownArrive at the airport at least three hours before domestic flights and four hours before international departures to account for screening delays.Check your airline’s mobile app and TSA’s website for real-time checkpoint wait times at your departure airport before leaving home.Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck if you travel frequently, as dedicated lanes typically have shorter waits during high-volume periods.Pack smart by removing prohibited items before arriving and keeping electronics easily accessible to significantly speed your screening process.Remain patient with TSA officers, who are working under extreme stress without pay and facing unprecedented challenges at checkpoints.The shutdown’s end remains uncertain, with Congress on recess until mid-AprilLooking ahead, the shutdown could extend well beyond the current duration, depending on how negotiations proceed when Congress returns from recess next month. The fundamental disagreement over immigration enforcement funding that triggered this crisis remains completely unresolved, despite the mounting pressure on essential workers and services. More Travel:The world fires back on Trump’s new travel banLow-cost airline adds 5 new flights to popular beach destinationsAmerican Air launching 15 new summer routes between U.S. citiesPolitical dynamics suggest neither side feels sufficient pressure to compromise its core position on border security and enforcement priorities. For travelers, this uncertainty means building flexibility into spring and summer plans where possible and accepting that airport experiences may remain degraded for weeks. The workers protecting your flights deserve far better than political gridlock that treats their livelihoods as acceptable collateral damage in Washington’s ongoing battles. Until Congress resolves this standoff, you will navigate an airport security system operating under extraordinary strain with uncertain timelines for relief.The situation also raises broader questions about how the country treats essential workers who keep critical infrastructure operating during political disagreements. These TSA officers cannot strike or walk off the job without severe consequences, yet they are expected to continue protecting millions of travelers without the basic dignity of a paycheck. The next time you pass through security, remember that the person checking your ID may have no idea how they will pay this month’s rent.Related: What flyers need to know about huge TSA airport delays

Karoline Leavitt called out the critics as people who “never built anything.”

Chevron (CVX) is raising a significant warning. The oil giant says there is a dangerous assumption about the Iran war.Oil prices fell after President Donald Trump said he remains “very intent on making a deal with Iran.” As a result of the move, many traders believed that the worst of the oil shock is over and the reverberations of the supply shock would become a thing of the past within a short period of time, with lagging effects limited.On the surface, that reaction looked rational. Any sign of diplomacy will help cool fears that a geopolitical crisis can become a full-blown energy emergency.Chevron CEO Mike Wirth does not, however, buy the argument. Speaking at CERAWeek in Houston, Wirth warned that the oil futures market still does not appear to fully reflect the physical disruption that took place as a result of the Iran crisis. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is significant, as CNBC reports, and the markets may not understand what just happened. That is what the CEO is suggesting.It matters because futures can move based on headlines, sentiment, and hope. Physical oil markets move on ships, storage, and export routes, and those take time to impact the markets. More importantly, these routes do not heal overnight.For Chevron investors, the oil market is the key story to watch. This is no longer just a question of whether crude is hurting from one volatile trading session. Instead, this is part of a larger question regarding pricing this crisis as a short-term scare when it may actually be the early stage of a longer supply squeeze.In that sense, Wirth’s message was not simply about oil. Instead, it’s about a complacency that can often haunt the markets.”There are very real, physical manifestations of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” Wirth told CNBC.He warned that those disruptions are not fully priced into oil futures.Why Chevron says oil traders are reading Iran wrongWirth’s argument makes perfect sense on multiple fronts. The paper market is transforming much more quickly than the physical one.Front-month prices still look elevated, but the futures curve also suggests traders expect the issue will become part of the past within a short period of time. More Oil and Gas:The world’s biggest gas field matters just as much as oil right nowGoldman Sachs reveals top oil stocks to buy for 2026U.S. economy will show resilience, despite rising oil pricesU.S. crude for May delivery settled at $88.13 per barrel, while Brent closed at $99.94. Later-dated U.S. crude contracts, however, were trading closer to $81, a clear sign of eventual cooling.Chevron says the confidence is premature and often does not match the facts on the ground.The company’s CEO said traders are still operating on “scant information” and “perception,” while the actual situation is much scarier. Before the war, roughly 20% of global oil supplies moved through the Strait of Hormuz, which is why the entire world’s demand is now in trouble.As the conflict worsens, tanker traffic is dropping sharply because Iran is attacking commercial shipping. Gulf Arab producers are cutting back on production because exports are limited, and some governments are keeping more fuel at home instead of sending it abroad.Even if diplomacy improves, Wirth cautions that the repair process will be time-consuming. Inventories must be rebuilt. Damaged facilities need fixing. Production needs to be dialed back; it cannot always be snapped back online at full speed.Related: JPMorgan’s shocking Iran forecast could change oil’s next moveThat lag is what makes Chevron’s warning more serious for the average consumer. Investors are accustomed to oil markets spiking on geopolitical headlines and then cooling once rhetoric fades. Wirth is suggesting this time is different because the disruption is not just psychological. It is logistical.And when logistics break down in energy markets, price signals change at a rapid rate.Trump’s Iran strategy is keeping energy markets off balanceWashington is also helping shape the market’s confusion.Trump has signaled that he still wants a deal with Tehran, and that softer tone led to a substantial selloff in crude. But the broader political picture is muddled. The BBC reported that the White House appears to be taking a multipronged approach, pursuing pressure and diplomacy at the same time.Related: Chevron, Shell make stunning Venezuela move as Iran crisis deepensThat strategy is often very difficult to pursue, considering that Iran rejected a reported U.S. peace proposal and publicly denied that meaningful negotiations were taking place.That leaves investors trying to price one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints while the politics of the matter keep changing by the minute.From the market’s perspective, there is a huge gap. Oil traders are not just trying to handicap war risk. They are trying to determine whether a diplomatic opening is real, whether the military situation is going to get worse from here, and whether the Strait of Hormuz can come back in the most effective and efficient fashion.Right now, none of those answers looks especially clear.That uncertainty is exactly why Wirth’s comments stand out. He is not telling investors that oil will immediately go higher. He says the market might be too focused on the possibility of a political off-ramp and not enough on the real damage already done to the supply chain.If that’s true, recent weakness in crude may not be a sign of safety. It may be a sign the market is still in guess mode.

Chevron’s CEO warns that President Trump’s Iran deadline could jolt oil.Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

What the Strait of Hormuz crisis means for Chevron stockFor Chevron shareholders, the takeaway is much larger than a one-day move in crude.If Wirth is right, the market may still be adjusting to a supply shock that will last longer. For a major, integrated producer such as Chevron, high oil prices can help its upstream earnings and cash flow stay strong. Related: Chevron stock sends loud message as oil panic grips Wall StreetIt doesn’t mean that war is “good” for stocks in general, but the market may need to look again at which companies are likely to do well if supply stays low longer than expected.That is why Chevron’s message matters so much. The company is not just describing turbulence, but also challenging the market’s timeline.A short-lived disruption means one thing. A prolonged bottleneck in a waterway that typically handles approximately one-fifth of the global oil supply presents a unique challenge. If ships continue to avoid the route, if export volumes stay under pressure, and if damage to infrastructure in the region slows the recovery, the current futures curve might look too relaxed.What Chevron investors should watch nextWhether tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz begins to normalizeWhether Gulf producers restore output or keep exports constrainedWhether front-month and later-dated crude contracts start converging higherWhether the White House delivers a real diplomatic breakthrough or more mixed signalsWhether Chevron and other oil majors become bigger relative winners in a tight-supply marketChevron investors also need to remember the situation will cut in both directions. A credible diplomatic breakthrough could cool crude quickly and push down the premium that is baked into the energy stocks. Broader equity markets could also remain volatile if war fears weigh on risk appetite, even while oil producers enjoy the best pricing situation they have enjoyed in years.But that is exactly why Wirth’s warning merits attention.He is warning Wall Street not to mix up a softer headline tape with an oil market that has healed. The futures market might be pricing hope. Chevron is pointing to a lack of physical scarcity.If shipping disruptions persist, inventories stay tight and damaged supply chains take longer to repair. Oil may reprice higher, very quickly. And if that happens, Chevron may look less like a cautious observer of the crisis and more like one of the first major companies to state that the market has got it all wrong.That is the real investor takeaway here. The danger is not only that the Iran war keeps oil elevated. It is that traders may still be underestimating how hard it is to unwind a supply shock once the barrels stay put.Related: Palantir just got access to something highly sensitive

Devin Haney called Moses Itauma “the next guy” after his KO of Franklin. Helwani and ESPN’s Hale also endorsed him. What’s next.

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealWhether you’re a frequent flier or need a commuter-friendly accessory to store your laptop to and from work, you’re going to want to check out travel backpacks. Since they’re designed to be spacious, comfortable, and durable, they make any trip — whether it’s a short train ride or a long flight — a breeze.Right now, the Matein Travel Backpack is on sale at Amazon during the Big Spring Sale, and it’s a deal that you don’t want to miss if you need a bag to carry all your essentials during your daily commute. At 48% off, you can get the $40 backpack for just $21.Matein Travel Backpack, $21 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?The backpack is both durable and spacious, made of water-resistant fabric, and measures 12 inches long, 7.8 inches wide, and 18 inches tall. The backpack is stocked with multiple compartments and pockets to house all of your tech and travel essentials, including laptops up to 15.6 inches in size. It also has a luggage strap in the back to slide over your luggage, so it’s also great for longer trips as well as daily use.For easy access charging, there’s also a built-in USB port, which you can attach a power bank to, that’s perfect for powering up your phone or wireless earbuds.Details to knowFabric: This backpack is made of water-resistant polyester.Colors: 28, but the best deal is on the Austere Grey at $21.What laptop size will it hold?: The bag holds laptops up to 15.6 inches.Last but not least, the backpack is designed with comfort in mind. The back has padded and breathable panels that provide extra comfort while you travel to your next destination. The adjustable straps also have some padding to help alleviate potential shoulder pain during longer trips, which is especially handy if you’re carrying a big laptop or several big school books. Related: Amazon’s no. 1 bestselling Puma travel backpack was a lifesaver on my Tokyo trip, and it’s on sale for $27″I love everything about this backpack,” one shopper said. They highlighted all the space and organization it provides with “countless pockets” and multiple sections, along with how travel-friendly it is. “As an extra bonus, there is a strap on the back to slide over a luggage handle. Works great for travel — saves your back at the airport!”Shop more dealsLixiin Business Backpack, $27 (was $32) at AmazonCoofay Travel Backpack, $29 (was $34) at AmazonLovevook Laptop Backpack, $35 (was $40) at AmazonAnother customer wrote that it’s “versatile and practical” and “perfect for daily commutes, business trips, or casual travel.” They also mentioned that it’s “stylish,” “comfortable,” “spacious,” and “well-organized.”Whether you want to invest in a new backpack or replace an old one that’s gotten worn out, at just $21, this highly rated travel must-have is a great deal. Add the Matein Travel Backpack to your cart while it’s still on sale. 

Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly’s talent remains, but his once-clear path to stardom is now crowded. Now, his previous trolling of a top star looks misguided.

A routine pre-race show Sunday turned into a career milestone as Kevin Harvick learned he’s officially on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2027 ballot.