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The Real ID requirement goes into effect today (Wednesday May 7, 2025). The deadline has been 20 years in the making, and its implementation today could cause some headachesor at least some confusionfor those trying to fly domestically. Heres what you need to know about todays Real ID deadline and what it means for you. What is Real ID? A Real ID is the name given to an updated form of drivers licenses and state IDs that have enhanced security measures. The federal government sets these standards, even though Real IDs are issued by individual states. From May 7, a Real ID will be required in most circumstances to board a domestic flight in America, enter certain federal facilities in the country, or enter nuclear power plants. However, while the Real ID requirements are going into effect today, the federal legislation mandating Real IDs was actually passed 20 years ago in 2005. The Real ID Act of 2005 was passed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and aimed to strengthen the requirements needed to enter facilities or vehicles that terrorists were likely to target. However, over the past 20 years, the Real ID requirement has been delayed multiple times. But those delays are now a thing of the past, and the Real ID requirement is now in effect. How do I get a Real ID? Though Real ID is a federal requirement, it is issued by individual states. A Real ID can take a few different forms, the most common one being a state drivers license. However, it may also be another form of state identity card. The usual way to get a Real ID is to go to your states drivers license agency and apply for a new drivers license. This new license will now be Real ID-compliant. And yes, though the Real ID deadline is today, you can still apply for one at any time in the future if you dont already have one. How do I know if I have a Real ID? Some states have been issuing Real IDs for years. The easiest way to tell if you have a Real ID or not is to look at your identity document. “REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security FAQ. You can view examples of Real ID stars here. What is an Enhanced ID? To make this situation more confusing, some states offer “enhanced IDs,” which are identified with a flag instead of a star. Both are considered Real ID compliant, according to DHS. What if still I dont have my Real ID? Though the Real ID requirement was 20 years in the making and finally goes into effect today, the fact of the matter is that the federal government knows that many Americans still do not have a Real ID. In April, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told CBS News that about 19% of travelers showing up at airports still did not have the new identification. Most Americans who fly domestically are used to boarding the plane with nothing more than their drivers license. But while technically the Real ID requirement goes into effect today, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, says people with non-Real ID drivers licenses will still be able to use them to board a domestic flight. Noem confirmed to a congressional committee that people without Real ID-compliant identification will still be able to flyfor now, reports the Associated Press. Noem said that those without a Real ID may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but added, But people will be allowed to fly. We will make sure its as seamless as possible, Noem told lawmakers. However, while non-Real ID holders will still be able to board flights with additional checks, its not clear how long this grace period will last. That means that if you dont have another acceptable form of identification that will get you on a domestic flight, its best not to delay getting your Read ID-compliant identification. Are other forms of identity still valid for air travel in the United States? While the Real ID requirement is now in effect to board a domestic flight, you dont need a Real ID document to get through security as long as you have a valid passport. Even if the flight is domestic only, you can still simply show a passport to board the plane in the United States. No other form of document is requiredprovided you have a passportnot even a Real ID. According to the AP, Noem also told lawmakers that tribal identification will be accepted at security checkpoints. Can I use a Real ID to travel internationally? One important thing to note is that while you can board domestic flights with your passport, things dont work the other way around. That is, you cannot use your Real ID to board an international flight. While a Real ID will allow you to get around via plane within America’s borders, other nations will still require a passport to enter their country. Finally, its worth pointing out that the Department of Homeland Security has a lengthy FAQ answering dozens of questions about the transition to Real ID, which is worth checking out.
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E-Commerce
Netflix is finally pushing out the major TV app redesign it started testing last year, with a top navigation bar and new recommendation features. It’s also experimenting with generative AI and TikTokstyle vertical video clips on mobile devices. Netflix first teased the new TV app in June 2024, with Reuters calling it the company’s biggest redesign in a decade. It’s unclear why the rollout has taken this long, but Netflix says users will start seeing it in “the coming weeks and months.” “Our redesigned homepage is simpler, more intuitive, and better-represents the breadth of entertainment on Netflix today,” Eunice Kim, Netflix’s chief product officer, told reporters. Netflix’s new menu The most obvious difference with the new design is the top navigation bar, with some different menu options than before. You can still filter for TV shows and movies, but the “New” section is gone and there’s an extra tab for Netflix’s gaming endeavors. Netflix is also replacing the “My List” menu with new section called “My Netflix,” which covers both watch list items and shows-in-progress. A new spotlight design at the top will also help Netflix highlight live events, such as its Christmas NFL games. [Image: Netflix] Netflix is making some subtler changes as well. Instead of using the entire top half of the screen for details on the current selection, the app will simply expand the selected cover art and put the description right underneath. The app will also use badges such as “Emmy Award Winner” or “#1 in TV Shows” to explain why it’s recommending something. But the most interesting change is one you might not really even notice. With the new home screen, Netflix says it will adapt recommendations on the fly based on how you’re interacting with the app at that moment. If you’re stopping to watch a lot of romantic comedy trailers, for instance, the recommendation rows further down the app may update to reflect that. “Because everything will happen seamlessly in the background, you won’t even notice it happening,” Elizabeth Stone, Netflix’s chief technology officer, told reporters. “It’ll just be magically easier to find something to watch.” AI and vertical video Netflix is also playing around with some new mobile app features, though these seem to be in the earlier stages. For instance, the company announced that it’s testing generative AI search on iOS as a “small opt-in beta,” confirming earlier reporting by Bloomberg. Stone says Netflix is using large language models from OpenAI for the feature, which will allow for queries like “I want something scary, but not too scary, and also maybe a little bit funny, but not, like, ha-ha funny.” [Image: Netflix] Netflix plans to test a vertical video feed on mobile devices as well, with clips that users can scroll through and tap on to watch full content. That feature will start to appear in “the coming weeks.” What it all means The new design follows a set of across-the-board price hikes for Netflix, whose standard ad-free plan jumped from $15.49 per month to $18 per month in January. Nonetheless the company reported 13% earnings growth last month, beating estimates. While Netflix no longer discloses subscriber numbers, it’s playing a somewhat different game now, squeezing customers for more revenue while also chasing engagement for its ad business. As such, serving up the right content to each user may be more important than it’s ever been. Much like Amazon Prime a few years ago, Netflix’s new design will help emphasize live events, but it’s also leaning into the idea that any two users could see completely different things when they open the app. The new recommendation system could mean that you see completely different things on subsequent visits as well.
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E-Commerce
Welcome to Pressing Questions, Fast Companys workplace advice column. Every week, deputy editor Kathleen Davis, host of The New Way We Work podcast, will answer the biggest and most pressing workplace questions. Q: How can I improve my teams morale?A: Team morale isnt an extra or a nice to have. Its critical to a functioning company. And its not looking good out there. According to the latest Gallup report, only 36% of employees say they feel engaged at work. That means 64% of employees are feeling some degree of unhappy at work.Low morale can take a lot of different formsfrom feeling less enthusiastic, less motivated, or less satisfied with work, all the way to feeling burned out, apathetic, and resentful.It probably goes without saying that when employees have low morale they do a worse job. Not only are they less productive, but theyre certainly not feeling inspired to come up with creative or innovative ideas, and theyre more likely to quit or spread the negative vibes to the rest of the office.If youre a manager, here are three things you can do to help boost your teams morale: Treat your employees like adults The number-one bad boss complaint is micromanaging. Most people like to have a sense of autonomy in their work lives. At the same time, most people crave structure. So the best thing a manager can do is give their employees clear (and reasonable) expectations, and get out of their way.That doesnt mean you are absentee, it means you make yourself available to help address questions and issues, and set up regular check-ins, but otherwise trust that employees will complete their work in their own way. (Remember, that might not be how you would do it.) One important part of that equation is letting employees work where they work best. Many surveys have found that employees want more flexibility to work from home, while more bosses are demanding they come into the office. Unless there is a compelling need for someone to be in the office, an easy way to boost morale and give employees a sense that you trust them is to trust them to get their work done even if they arent clocking eight hours in a cubicle. Make people feel like they belong Remember the Great Resignation? Back in 2021, when people were quitting their jobs at a higher rate, there were a lot of contributing factors. But beyond the obvious thingslike fair pay, benefits, flexibility, and work-life balancethere was a deeper issue that hasnt gone away just because the job market has tightened. One of the top reasons people resigned during that period was that they didnt feel a sense of belonging at work. Especially in a climate where the very concept of equity and inclusion is under attack, its important to help employees feel like their workplace is a place where they are valued. Contributor Mita Mallick says that one way to help employees feel included is to be intentional about building community. Share regular updates and ensure people feel like they are part of the mission, she advises. Talk about your organizations failures and struggles, and celebrate the big and small wins. Make everyone feel like they own a piece of the mission to deepen engagement and commitment.Another tip from Mallick: To make sure new hires feel included, pair them with current employees and help facilitate introductions to employees in other parts of your company. If your company has employee resource groups, thats another good place to help employees build community. Add perks that show meaningful appreciation Oftentimes managements ideas of perks and fun make employees roll their eyes. Awkward happy hours and cheesy employee appreciation events do little to boost employee morale because they dont feel genuine or give employees something they really value. What do employees actually value? Time, money, and genuine appreciation.There are pretty simple and low-cost ways you can give all of those things. To give the gift of time, consider offering summer Fridays, or even a year-round four-day workweek. Fewer working hours doesnt have to mean less work getting done. It will likely mean that people will be more efficient (and less tired) in the time that they are at work. Another way to give the gift of time is the option for remote work. Not only does it give employees more autonomy (see above), it cuts down on commute time, giving people back an hour or two of their day.The gift of money might seem hard in lean times, but if you cant give raises as you have in the past, you might still be able to offer monthly spot bonuses for those who do exceptional work.Finally, genuine appreciation costs you nothing and can go a long way. If employees have low morale its likely that they feel what they do isnt noticed and doesnt matter. Remembering and recognizing work anniversaries and life events is baseline for employees to feel seen. Praising and celebrating work is equally importantand not just the big splashy projects that bring in money. Pay attention to those who solve problems, toil away at the necessary but unglamorous behind-the-scenes work, manage relationships, and more. Want some more advice on building your teams morale? Here you go: Employees who quit have realized this 1 missing thing about their job This workplace perk may boost your employees morale New study finds that hybrid work boosts moraleand profits 10 ways managers accidentally destroy team morale
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E-Commerce
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