Daily Briefing: Keys, phone ... REAL ID

Good morning!🙋🏼‍♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. Get free Krispy Kreme with your REAL ID today.

It's a big news Wednesday:

• The REAL ID deadline is here.
• A conclave begins today to select a new pope.
• Economists expect Fed officials to hold rates steady.

Wondering what happens if you don't have a REAL ID? You're not alone.

Travelers flying within the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an approved alternative – like a passport – to pass through airport security as of today, May 7.

This comes after years of deadlines and delays: The REAL ID Act was signed into law 20 years go ... so why are we just making a big deal about this now?

• Why was the REAL ID created? The REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It aimed to create a unified national standard for states to issue more secure identity documents.
• Why did REAL ID take so long? The short answer: many states were slow to implement their Real ID programs for a variety of reasons, and then COVID hit, which interrupted things even further. 
• Look for the star: You can tell if your state-issued ID is compliant because it will have a gold or black star, or a gold or black circle with a star cutout typically in the upper right-hand corner (see photo below).

What happens if I don’t have a REAL ID?! TSA-approved alternatives include a U.S. passport or other federally issued ID cards, among this list of acceptable documents.

Historic conclave commences

Roman Catholic cardinals enter a secluded conclave in the Vatican to select a pontiff to replace Pope Francis, a beloved figure whose 12-year reign ended with his death April 21 at age 88. Now, the gathering of 133 voting cardinals must decide whether to continue in the direction of Francis or elect a pope likely to choose a more traditional path for the church: A pope willing to confront world leaders in defense of the marginalized or a pope who confines his commentary to strictly church matters. How will the voting for pope take place?

• Paste BN will stream coverage of the papal conclave on its YouTube channel.

More news to know now

• Five people were charged after a boat capsized near San Diego.
• Prepare now for hurricanes.
• Newark controllers lost radio, radar contact with planes, leading to days of disruptions.
• Indian strikes hit Pakistan in the aftermath of Kashmir tourist killings.
• Karen Read’s words to John O’Keefe played in court. What did she say the morning he died?

What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

What the Fed is (likely) waiting for before lowering interest rates

If you’re hoping a first-quarter contraction of the nation’s economy will spur the Federal Reserve this week to hint that it could soon resume its market-friendly interest rate cuts, you may want to curb your enthusiasm. Economists expect Fed officials to repeat that they’re in no hurry to lower rates after a two-day meeting starting Wednesday. They're likely to say they'll wait for further clarity as they struggle to navigate the effects of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on their two key missions: keeping inflation low and employment high. Inflation is still moderately above the Fed’s 2% goal, with Trump’s import duties set to propel prices higher.

Congressional Democrats attack Donald Trump's 'corrupt' crypto connections

Congressional Democrats are increasingly concerned about President Trump's personal connections to the cryptocurrency industry, and that's throwing a wrench in bipartisan efforts to regulate the digital currency. In one case, two of the cryptocurrency investments owned by Trump-affiliated entities have made at least $300 million in trading fees alone on sales of his meme coin and other digital currency since January. Nine Democrats withdrew support for regulatory crypto legislation last week, citing concerns that the legislation doesn't do enough to prevent money laundering and protect national security. At least seven Democrats would be needed to pass the legislation in the Senate.

Today's talkers

• The "Fyre Fest of book festivals" left romantasy fans feeling not so hot.
• Why are some homes disappearing from Zillow?
• This Pride, expect fewer rainbow logos and less corporate revelry.
• Should horse racing realize the Triple Crown must change?
• Here's a look at the NBA conference semi-finals bracket and the next games to be played.

Oil well spews thousands of gallons into Louisiana marsh

After a week of uncontrolled spillage, a leak pouring more than 70,000 gallons of oil into a Louisiana marsh has been contained, according to the Coast Guard. However, cleanup of the area surrounding the 83-year-old oil well at the heart of the spill is still ongoing. The World War II-era well was capped over a decade ago, according to local outlets WWNO and Nola.com. While the Coast Guard announced the leak had been contained, its cause has yet to be determined.

Photo of the day: Just a touch away

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup hits an inflection point in this year's tournament as Major League Soccer teams enter the competition. The Round of 32 — which will take place May 6 to 7 — features teams from four different leagues, with 16 of those teams representing MLS. Here's what to know about the Round of 32 games and which teams are involved.

Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at Paste BN, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.