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<p>After years of delays and extensions, the Department of Homeland Security will officially begin enforcing the REAL ID requirement next month. Yet despite nearly 20 years to prepare, most states are still not fully compliant, and millions of Americans may find themselves scrambling to meet the deadline.</p>

<p>According to the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/12/2024-20616/minimum-standards-for-drivers-licenses-and-identification-cards-acceptable-by-federal-agencies-for#citation-1-p74137" target="_blank">DHS</a>, over 40% of Americans still don&rsquo;t have a REAL ID, leaving them vulnerable to travel disruptions, denied entry at TSA checkpoints, and costly last-minute alternatives.</p>

<h3>What is a Real ID, and why does it matter now?</h3>

<p>The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was designed to strengthen identification standards after 9/11. To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit your state&rsquo;s DMV and present specific documents, such as a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. REAL IDs are marked with a gold or black star in the top corner and are valid for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.</p>

<p>Enhanced Driver&rsquo;s Licenses (EDLs), available only in five states&mdash;Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington&mdash;also meet federal travel requirements. Unlike REAL IDs, EDLs include a U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" on the card and can also be used for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.</p>

<p>Starting May 7, without that star, a valid passport, or an <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification#:~:text=Beginning%20May%207%2C%202025%2C%20if,Border%20crossing%20card" target="_blank">approved alternative</a>, you won&rsquo;t be allowed to board a domestic flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And if you think TSA will give you a break, think again.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/04/11/tsa-begins-real-id-full-enforcement-may-7" target="_blank">Transportation Security Administration </a>says 81% of travelers currently use compliant forms of ID. That still leaves 1 in 5 people at risk of being stopped at security. And the stakes are high: if you show up with a non-compliant ID and no alternative, you&rsquo;ll face extra screening, major delays, or flat-out denial.</p>

<p>Due to the slow and uncertain backup identity verification process, TSA warns travelers without a REAL ID to arrive at least three hours early for domestic flights. Even TSA PreCheck members aren't exempt&mdash;REAL ID applies to everyone.</p>

<h3>A national lag</h3>

<p>A recent <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/real-id-deadline-weeks-away-most-states-not-fully-compliant-yet/" target="_blank">CBS News analysis</a> found that 30 states remain under 70% compliance, and at least 17 are below 50%. States like New Jersey (17%), Pennsylvania (26%), and New York (43%) are among the slowest to convert.</p>

<p>Even in more compliant states like California (55%), last-minute DMV appointments are hard to find, and licenses can take three to four weeks to arrive by mail. Temporary paper IDs won't work at airport checkpoints&mdash;you need the physical, star-stamped card.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Maryland are approaching full compliance, thanks to earlier rollouts and wider public outreach. But for much of the country, it&rsquo;s a race against the clock.</p>

<h3>What you can do right now</h3>

<p>If you don&rsquo;t already have a REAL ID or a valid passport, here&rsquo;s what to do:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Check your ID:</strong> Look for the star in the upper corner. If it&rsquo;s not there, it&rsquo;s not compliant</li>
	<li><strong>Bring your passport:</strong> If you already have one, this is the easiest alternative for travel</li>
	<li><strong>Make a DMV appointment ASAP:</strong> Visit your state&rsquo;s DMV site to see what documents you need</li>
	<li><strong>Don&rsquo;t rely on temporary IDs:</strong> TSA will not accept them</li>
</ul>

<p>Remember that your current license is still valid for everyday use if you don&rsquo;t fly or visit federal facilities. But now is the time to act if you&rsquo;re planning a trip, especially for summer.</p>


TSA’s May 7 Rule Could Cancel Your Summer Travel Plans

Travel Alert: Real ID Required for Flights May 7 Onward

<p>The escalating tariffs have had a pronounced effect on the US economy. Major stock indices experienced significant declines earlier in the month, with the S&P 500 dropping over 10% in a matter of days, erasing more than $3 trillion in market value. The tech sector has been particularly affected, as companies like Tesla and Nvidia face supply chain disruptions due to China&rsquo;s export restrictions on critical minerals.</p>

<h3>Government responses and market reactions</h3>

<p>In response to the economic fallout, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the unsustainability of the current tariff levels, suggesting that both the US and China need to reduce tariffs to facilitate trade talks. President Trump has indicated that tariffs on Chinese goods will &ldquo;come down substantially,&rdquo; though he emphasized that reductions would not be unilateral and would depend on reciprocal actions from China.</p>

<p>These statements have provided some relief to financial markets. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all posted gains following the announcements, reflecting investor optimism about potential de-escalation. However, analysts caution that the situation remains fluid, and further policy shifts could lead to renewed volatility.</p>

<h3>Speculation and future outlook</h3>

<p>While official statements suggest a willingness to negotiate, insiders and analysts remain skeptical about the prospects for a swift resolution. Some view the tariff measures as a strategic move by the Trump administration to pressure China into broader economic concessions. Others warn that the prolonged trade conflict could have lasting negative effects on global supply chains and economic growth.</p>

<p>China, for its part, has signaled openness to dialogue but insists that any negotiations must be based on mutual respect and equality. The Chinese government has also taken steps to mitigate the impact of US tariffs by diversifying its trade partnerships and investing in domestic industries.</p>

<h3>Final thoughts</h3>

<p>The US-China tariff dispute has introduced significant uncertainty into the global economic landscape. While recent statements from both governments offer a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, the path forward remains unclear. Businesses and investors are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential fluctuations as the situation evolves.</p>


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<h2 id="inside-conclave--a-vatican-whodunit-meets-history">Inside Conclave: A Vatican Whodunit Meets History</h2>

<p>For those who haven&rsquo;t seen it yet, Conclave centers on the secretive voting ritual that happens after a pope dies. The plot kicks off with the fictional Pope (in the film) dying unexpectedly, and cardinals from around the globe assembling in Rome to elect his successor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who presides over the conclave. As the cardinals sequester themselves in the Sistine Chapel to vote, the film layers on intrigue: factions form, scandals loom, and Lawrence uncovers explosive secrets about the leading candidates. It&rsquo;s part suspense thriller, part chamber drama, set against the ornate backdrop of Vatican City. Conclave doesn&rsquo;t shy away from the political maneuvering, either. The movie imagines clear factions among the cardinals: a reformist liberal bloc versus traditional conservatives, with various power brokers angling behind the scenes.</p>

<p>Crucially, Conclave is based on a novel by Robert Harris, and the filmmakers strove to get the details right. Director Edward Berger and screenwriter Peter Straughan have talked about their meticulous research process​. They couldn&rsquo;t film inside the actual Vatican, so they did the next best thing: interviewed numerous cardinals for insight, toured Vatican grounds, and then recreated locations like the Sistine Chapel on a studio lot. They even consulted clergy about obscure traditions &ndash; for example, what happens to the Pope&rsquo;s Ring of the Fisherman after death (it&rsquo;s ceremonially smashed, a detail shown in the film). All this homework paid off in giving Conclave an authentic atmosphere. As Catholic historian Kathleen Sprows Cummings noted, &ldquo;They got a lot of the details right&hellip; The movie did a really good job of balancing the human &ndash; people, men who are ambitious &ndash; and the Holy Spirit&rdquo; in the process​. In other words, it captures both the earthly politicking and the spiritual weight of a conclave.</p>

<h2 id="streaming-surge-after-pope-rsquo-s-death">Streaming Surge After Pope&rsquo;s Death</h2>

<p>It&rsquo;s no coincidence that Conclave has suddenly shot up in popularity. The day after Pope Francis died, Conclave made its debut on Amazon&rsquo;s Prime Video streaming service &ndash; almost as if timed for the moment​. Previously, the movie had been available only by rental or on Peacock, but as of April 22, it&rsquo;s now included for Prime subscribers​. The result? A Conclave craze. Amazon&rsquo;s trending charts showed the film racing into the Top 10 in multiple countries; in fact, it hit #2 on Prime Video&rsquo;s worldwide movie rankings on release day​, second only to a big-budget action flick. In heavily Catholic countries like Argentina and Brazil, Conclave even grabbed the #1 spot among streaming films​. The film grossed $116 million worldwide with a production budget of $20 million. It garnered 8 Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture); and won Best Adapted Screenplay.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 id="what-conclave-gets-right-about-electing-a-pope">What Conclave Gets Right About Electing a Pope</h2>

<p>Religious commentators and Vatican experts largely agree: Conclave nails many of the essentials of a papal election. Rev. Thomas Reese, a longtime Vatican analyst, was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy. &ldquo;The voting procedure was done very well,&rdquo; he noted, pointing out that even the special urn and paper ballots in the movie are perfect replicas of the real ones used in the Sistine Chapel​. Indeed, the film shows cardinals each writing a name, folding their ballot, and placing it in a golden urn &ndash; just as it happens in reality. The subsequent burning of ballots (to produce the black or white smoke) is also depicted correctly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reese, who has written books on the Vatican, confirmed that Conclave accurately portrays the cardinals being locked away with no outside contact until a two-thirds majority vote elects the new pope​. That secrecy and isolation &ndash; known as &ldquo;conclave&rdquo; from the Latin cum clave (&ldquo;with a key&rdquo;) &ndash; is very much real. The filmmakers had religious advisors on set to ensure archaic procedures were portrayed correctly​. One advisor even helped choreograph the destruction of the late Pope&rsquo;s ring, an old tradition rarely seen by outsiders​.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perhaps more importantly, Conclave captures the human dynamics of a papal election in a credible way. The movie shows informal conversations among cardinals over meals and in private apartments before they begin voting. In real life, these behind-the-scenes talks (called &ldquo;general congregations&rdquo;) absolutely happen &ndash; elder cardinals and power brokers will gather for dinners and discussions in Rome as they feel out who has support​.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 id="where-to-watch-conclave-now">Where to Watch Conclave Now</h2>

<p>If you&rsquo;re now itching to watch (or re-watch) Conclave amid all this real-world papal drama, here&rsquo;s how you can tune in:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Amazon Prime Video:</strong> The film is available to stream for Prime subscribers as of April 22, 2025​. (It&rsquo;s included free with your Prime membership.)</li>
	<li><strong>Digital Rental/Purchase:</strong> For non-Prime members or those who prefer other platforms, Conclave can be rented or bought digitally on services like Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. It&rsquo;s typically around $5.99 to rent and $14.99 to purchase in HD</li>
</ul>

<p><span style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</p>


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<h3>The end of &ldquo;blind voting&rdquo;: A push for accountability</h3>

<p>In a dramatic shift, the Academy now mandates that voters watch all nominees in a category to participate in final-round voting. This rule, effective for the 2026 ceremony, seeks to combat &ldquo;coattail voting&rdquo; &mdash; where members vote based on reputation rather than merit &mdash; and accusations of favoritism.</p>

<p><strong>How it works</strong>:</p>

<ul>
	<li>The Academy will monitor viewing via its members-only Screening Room platform</li>
	<li>For films seen at festivals or screenings, voters must submit verification forms</li>
	<li>Ballot access is restricted to categories where viewing is confirmed, mirroring BAFTA&rsquo;s system</li>
</ul>

<p>This change responds to past controversies, such as voters admitting they skipped lengthy nominees like <em>The Brutalist</em>, 2025&rsquo;s 3.5-hour Best Picture contender. By ensuring informed votes, the Academy hopes to elevate deserving winners and restore public trust.</p>

<h3>Stunt design finally takes the stage</h3>

<p>After decades of advocacy, the Oscars will debut an <strong>Achievement in Stunt Design</strong> category at the 100th Academy Awards in 2027 (honoring 2026 releases). Stunt professionals, including over 100 Academy members, celebrated the move as overdue recognition for a craft integral to cinema since its silent-era pioneers like Buster Keaton.</p>

<p>The push for inclusion gained significant momentum through high-profile advocates such as director David Leitch (known for <em>Deadpool 2</em> and <em>The Fall Guy</em>) and actor Ryan Gosling, who have consistently highlighted the artistry behind stunt work in major blockbusters like the <em>Mission: Impossible</em> and <em>John Wick</em> franchises. Beyond honoring these often-unsung heroes of filmmaking, the new category may also serve as a strategic move to boost Oscars viewership by acknowledging action films, a wildly popular genre that has historically been overlooked in major award categories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This addition could help bridge the gap between critical acclaim and mainstream entertainment, potentially attracting younger audiences who are drawn to high-octane cinema while finally giving proper recognition to the daring professionals who make these spectacular sequences possible.</p>

<h3>Additional reforms: Casting, AI, and global inclusion</h3>

<ol>
	<li><strong>Achievement in casting</strong>:

	<ul>
		<li>Debuting in 2026, this award will shortlist 10 films via a &ldquo;bake-off&rdquo; where casting directors present their work</li>
		<li>Recognizes collaborations in assembling ensembles, a critical yet underappreciated aspect of filmmaking</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>AI guidelines</strong>:
	<ul>
		<li>Films using generative AI tools will neither gain nor lose favor. Voters must assess the &ldquo;human creative authorship&rdquo; behind projects</li>
		<li>This neutral stance follows debates over AI&rsquo;s role in 2025 nominees like <em>The Brutalist</em></li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>International film expansion</strong>:
	<ul>
		<li>Filmmakers with refugee or asylum status can now submit through their host countries, as Germany did for dissident Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof&rsquo;s <em>The Seed of the Sacred Fig</em> (2025)</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Procedural tweaks</strong>:
	<ul>
		<li>Earlier deadlines for Best Picture, as linked to Producers Guild submissions, and music categories (Original Song: October 15; Score: November 3)&nbsp;</li>
		<li>All nominees&rsquo; names, and not just films, will appear on ballots, aiding perennial contenders like songwriter Diane Warren</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ol>

<h3>Implications for the Oscars&rsquo; future</h3>

<p>The Academy&rsquo;s efforts to promote fairness through a required viewing rule mark a clear move toward more informed and equitable voting. While the intention is admirable&mdash;giving lesser-known and independent films a fairer shot&mdash;questions remain about enforcement. Can the Academy realistically track which members have watched what, particularly among older or less tech-savvy voters? Critics suggest the policy could unintentionally discourage participation, though supporters argue it ultimately strengthens the credibility of the awards.</p>

<figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="A stunt perfomer" loading="lazy" src="https://dwy9ix7d387oz.cloudfront.net/attachments/2025/3/66a67723-3408-4c54-8f6d-53b064f98118.jpg" />
<figcaption>With the upcoming recognition of stunt design, will the Oscars succeed in appealing to younger viewers?</figcaption>
</figure>

<p>Beyond fairness, the Oscars are also grappling with a viewership crisis. The introduction of a stunt category, long advocated for by action film fans, may help broaden the ceremony&rsquo;s appeal and draw in younger audiences. At the same time, spotlighting international stories and refugee voices reflects a commitment to global relevance and inclusivity, helping the Academy stay aligned with evolving cultural values.</p>

<p>Transparency is another area under the spotlight, especially around the use of AI in production and the integrity of the voting process. Clear communication and accountability could help reduce accusations of elitism or bias, but whether these efforts build trust will depend on consistent, well-executed implementation.</p>

<p>Initial reactions from within the industry have been largely positive. Stunt coordinators and casting directors, often overlooked in the past, have welcomed the changes as overdue recognition. Still, some traditionalists worry that expanding categories may dilute the prestige of an Oscar win. Yet, with the 2025 ceremony already receiving praise for its energy and accessibility, these reforms might represent a long-awaited recalibration: one that balances artistic integrity with broader mainstream engagement.</p>

<h3>Looking ahead</h3>

<p>The 98th Oscars on March 15, 2026, will be the first test of these rules. Key dates include preliminary voting (Dec. 8&ndash;12, 2025) and nominations announcements (Jan. 22, 2026). As the Academy navigates these changes, its ability to balance tradition with innovation will shape not just the Oscars&rsquo; credibility but its role in an evolving cinematic landscape.</p>

<p>By mandating engagement and broadening recognition, the Oscars are betting on a future where fairness and spectacle coexist, a formula that could reignite public passion for the awards season.</p>


Oscars Overhaul Voting Rules & Introduce Stunt Category in Bid for Relevance

<p>Odometer readings aren&rsquo;t just a stat&mdash;they&rsquo;re the basis for every automaker&rsquo;s warranty coverage. Most vehicle warranties, including Tesla&rsquo;s, are based on mileage. Cross the threshold&mdash;say, 50,000 miles&mdash;and your free repairs vanish. That&rsquo;s why accurate mileage is crucial. For many owners, it&rsquo;s between a covered repair and a five-figure invoice.</p>

<p>Hinton's lawsuit, recently moved to federal court in Los Angeles, claims Tesla is blurring that line with an odometer system that doesn&rsquo;t track miles in the traditional sense. Instead, according to the complaint, it uses predictive algorithms, energy consumption data, and driving behavior to generate mileage figures&mdash;figures that, in his case, allegedly exaggerated how far he was driving by at least 15 percent.</p>

<p>The numbers, he says, didn&rsquo;t add up. Hinton noticed that daily mileage began to spike not long after he took delivery of the vehicle. He had purchased the 2020 Model Y in December 2022 with just under 37,000 miles&mdash;comfortably within the bounds of Tesla&rsquo;s 50,000-mile basic warranty. But he noticed the car was logging significantly more miles within months despite driving roughly the same routes. According to his calculations, the car reported 13,228 miles over six months&mdash;more than double the average of his previous vehicles during similar use.</p>

<p>To make matters worse, Hinton alleges that some miles were logged while the vehicle was idle at a Tesla service center for days. He took the car in multiple times between March and June 2023 for persistent suspension issues&mdash;problems that Tesla eventually said would cost him thousands to repair once the warranty &ldquo;expired.&rdquo;</p>

<p>By July, he had crossed the 50,000-mile mark. By October, the suspension was completely gone, leaving the car inoperable and needing a $10,000 repair. At that point, he claims, a Tesla service rep revealed that repairs are covered for one year, meaning the fix might&rsquo;ve been free if Tesla hadn&rsquo;t deemed his warranty expired.</p>

<p>That revelation led to a deeper dive and, ultimately, the lawsuit. The suit accuses Tesla of breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment. By artificially accelerating odometer readings, it claims Tesla reduces their repair obligations, boosts service revenue, and pressures drivers into buying extended warranties sooner than necessary.</p>

<p>Other than moving the lawsuit to federal court in Los Angeles, Tesla has denied all wrongdoing and has not publicly commented on the case. It has previously denied similar allegations in related litigation, including lawsuits over exaggerated battery range estimates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If granted class-action status, the case could involve more than a million Tesla vehicles in California alone. Hinton&rsquo;s legal team says many other Tesla drivers may have been affected by the same odometer practices, especially if warranty coverage was unexpectedly cut short.</p>

<p>As the case progresses, it raises serious questions about how Tesla calculates something as fundamental as mileage and whether customers are footing the bill for data they can&rsquo;t verify.</p>


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