Beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept standard state-issued IDs that do not meet federal standards.

How to Check Your REAL ID Status

To verify your compliance, look for a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of your Utah Driver License or ID card. If the star is present, you don’t need to do anything else.

What to Do If You’re Not Compliant

If your ID does not have a gold star, you must visit a Driver License Division office and bring documentation proving your identity, Social Security number, and Utah residency. A full list of acceptable documents is available at https://dld.utah.gov.

Key Reminders:

• REAL ID is only required for federal purposes like boarding flights or entering federal buildings.
• You can still drive with a valid Utah license, even if it’s not REAL ID-compliant.
• TSA also accepts other forms of identification, and details are available at tsa.gov.

— Utah Department of Public Safety press release

Residents of Utah saved more than 100 million gallons of water through landscape conversions in 2024

Over 100 million gallons of water will be saved each year through landscape conversions in the 2024 Landscape Incentive Program. This vital initiative, led by the Utah Division of Water Resources and Central Utah, Jordan Valley, Washington County, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy Districts, empowers residents and businesses to save water while reducing water bills and contributing to Utah’s long-term water resilience.

“Every drop saved helps us secure Utah’s water future,” said Candice Hasenyager, Director of the Division of Water Resources. “With improved programs and new initiatives, we’re excited to make it even easier for residents to save water and make a difference in their communities.”

Three million square feet of lawn was replaced with waterwise landscaping in 2024, with residents receiving over $7 million in funding from the state and water conservancy districts.

— Utah Division of Water Resources press release

Red Cross of Utah celebrates National Volunteer Week

During the 52nd National Volunteer Week (April 20-26, 2025), the American Red Cross of Utah honors the incredible efforts of volunteers who selflessly serve their communities. These community heroes provide essential support at home and across the country, offering hope in the face of natural disasters and emergencies.

“National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate the selfless dedication of volunteers who strengthen our communities and bring hope to those in need,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “The Red Cross of Utah takes immense pride in supporting these heroes who inspire us all to make a difference.”

Across the nation, more than 275,000 Red Cross volunteers dedicate their time to responding to emergencies, assisting military families, supporting blood collections and preparing communities for disasters. Here in Utah, over 1,500 dedicated volunteers contributed their time and skills over the past year. Efforts included responding to more than 200 home fires, aiding over 800 individuals and delivering critical support to those in need.

So far this year, Red Cross volunteers from Utah have deployed to support disaster responses in California, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee and Indiana.

Volunteering with the Red Cross offers meaningful ways to make a difference. Disaster response volunteers are trained to handle local crises, such as home fires, by providing immediate on-site support or helping remotely. With additional experience and training, volunteers have opportunities to deploy to larger-scale emergencies across the country. Learn more about disaster response roles at http://redcross.org/DAT.

— The American Red Cross press release

Sacred Music Evening at the S. L. Tabernacle

On Sunday, April 27th at 6pm, at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square, there is the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable’s annual Sacred Music Evening.

This interfaith event includes devotions, music, and dancing from our diverse faith communities. Participants and congregants gather to enhance understanding and harmony in Utah. Elder Bruce Boucher, Area 70, will offer a welcome from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Carole Mikita from KSL will be emcee.

The Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable commenced the annual Sacred Music Evening after the 2002 Winter Olympics. Rabbi Alan Scott Bachman, who has chaired the event for many years, says that this event brings together thousands of people of all ages and belief systems in a shared sacred space.

Pastor Curtis, Co-Chair of the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable, says, “Music is an almost universal way for a people to express their unique place in the world, and there has never been a more important time for events like this one that brings together people of differing faiths, differing cultures, and differing world views and experiences.”

Admission and parking are free.

— Interfaith Roundtable press release

Living Traditions Festival program announced

The Living Traditions Festival will take place at Washington and Library Square for a free, three-day festival May 16-18, 2025.

The Salt Lake City Arts Council has announced the full programming for the 2025 Living Traditions Festival, a free three-day event celebrating Utah’s diverse cultural communities. Taking place May 16 to 18, 2025, at Washington and Library Square, the festival will feature music and dance performances, craft artists, youth activities, and a vibrant food market. Visit livingtraditionsfestival.com for the full schedule.

Living Traditions is a celebration of the many communities and cultures that call Utah home. Each year, the Salt Lake City Arts Council brings together over 1,000 artists, some who are new to the festival and others who have participated since it began in 1986. The event honors both traditional and evolving cultural expressions through art, food, music, and community storytelling.

— Salt Lake City Arts Council press release