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REAL ID Act Enforcement Begins May 2025 For Federal Facility Access And Air Travel

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, will require state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to meet federal security standards for certain official purposes. These include accessing federal facilities, boarding commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants.

Starting May 7, 2025, federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, will only accept REAL ID-compliant licenses and identification cards, which feature a star marking, at airport security checkpoints. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also valid for these purposes, even without the star.

Travelers should ensure their identification meets the REAL ID requirements before the enforcement date to avoid disruptions when flying or accessing federal sites.

For more information, visit: dhs.gov/real-id.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer And MiLEAP Encourage Families To Enroll In Free Pre-K Programs

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), are urging families to enroll their four-year-olds in free, high-quality pre-K programs available through local school districts.

A historic investment in the state’s Pre-K for All initiative, part of Michigan’s new budget, will provide nearly 59,000 children across the state with access to free pre-K.

As of Aug. 15, enrollment has expanded to all families regardless of income level, with priority given to those who need it most. “This is a huge win for Michigan families,” said Governor Whitmer. “It saves parents thousands of dollars on child care costs while giving kids the educational foundation they need.”

 

For more information, visit: MiPreKforAll.org.

 

Reporting for WGRT -Choze Powell

TSA Prepares For Record Labor Day Travel, Expected To Screen 17 Million Passengers

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gearing up for the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, spanning from Aug. 29 to Sept. 4. 

TSA expects to screen over 17 million passengers, with the peak travel day projected for Aug. 30, when 2.86 million passengers will be processed.

Air travel volumes this summer have reached historic highs, with passenger numbers up 8.5% from last year. TSA has already screened 239.8 million passengers since Memorial Day.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske praised the agency’s workforce for their commitment to security during this busy time. He encouraged travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck® to reduce wait times. PreCheck members experience shorter lines and a streamlined security process by not removing shoes, belts, or laptops.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NIMHD Launches Online Portal To Improve Minority Health And Reduce Health Disparities

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has unveiled the HDPulse Interventions Portal, a new online resource designed to help address health disparities and improve minority health. 

The portal offers healthcare providers, researchers, and community groups access to a repository of evidence-based interventions tailored to specific populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.

Users can easily search and filter interventions by population, targeted diseases, and geographical area, helping them make informed decisions for their communities. Supporting materials, including participant education tools and research publications, are also available.

The HDPulse Interventions Portal is part of NIMHD’s effort to close the gap between research and practical interventions, aiming to boost the dissemination and adoption of effective health strategies.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Heatwaves In Michigan Spark Surge In Rodent Infestations, Warns Expert

As Michigan grapples with summer heatwaves, residents are facing an unexpected consequence: a rise in rodent activity. 

Zachary Smith, from Smith’s Pest Management, warns that the intense heat and drought conditions are driving rodents from the wild into homes, seeking food and shelter. “The summer heatwaves have created the perfect storm for increased rodent invasions,” says Smith.

With vegetation dying and natural food sources dwindling, rodents like rats and mice are turning to homes for survival. Common signs of infestations include droppings, gnaw marks, and scurrying sounds in walls. Smith urges homeowners to seal entry points, store food properly, and eliminate water sources.

“The time to act is now,” Smith advises, stressing that prevention is the best way to protect homes from rodent infestations this summer.

Source: smithspestmanagement.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

21st Annual Empty Bowls Event Brings Community Together Hunger Awareness

Mid City Nutrition is excited to host its 21st Annual Empty Bowls event on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Colonial Woods Church, located at 3240 Pine Grove Ave, Port Huron. 

Empty Bowls is part of an international hunger awareness campaign, where local organizations host events serving a modest meal of soup and bread. Artisans from the community create beautiful bowls, which each attendee selects to keep. It’s an evening filled with generosity and a strong sense of community.

Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased online, at St. Clair County Community Mental Health, or Mid City Nutrition. The evening will also feature raffles and a silent auction, with all proceeds supporting the organization’s mission to fight hunger locally. 

For more information, visit: midcitynutrition.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell