Americans will have more time to get the Real ID that they will need to board a flight or enter federal facilities.

The Department of Homeland Security announced Monday an extension of the Real ID deadline until May 7, 2025. The deadline had been May 3, 2023, but needed to be extended again due to the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initial implementation date had been Oct. 1, 2021.

Meanwhile, people are getting compliant IDs as they renew, but it takes time and the process has been slowed by the pandemic, with many state agencies operating at limited capacity.

"Many of these agencies took various steps in response to the pandemic including automatically extending the expiration dates of driver’s licenses and identification cards and shifting operations to appointment only," DHS said, which has created backlogs.

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission.

Older IDs will be suitable to allow people to drive, buy liquor or other age-regulated products, and gamble at casinos. Travelers also can use military IDs or passports to access flights and federal facilities.

Warning: Chicago's winter overnight parking ban starts Thursday.

It is enforced regardless of snow on 107 miles of main streets throughout the city.

You cannot park in the zones from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m.

It's to ensure those roads stay clear for snow plows and emergency vehicles.

Make sure you pay attention to those signs. The parking ban ends April 1.

On Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., the 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar will be held at 6701 S. Wentworth Ave. There will be free flu shots and COVID-19 boosters, coats and winter apparel, turkey giveaways and more! For questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting free virtual workshops as part of its continuing Building Blocks of Success series for firms interested in strengthening their skills, growing their business, and bidding on state construction projects. New and existing DBEs, as well as firms interested in becoming certified in the DBE program, are invited to participate.

November workshop dates and topics are:

• Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to noon: Accounting Best Practices & Financial Reporting
• Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to noon: Improving your Personal & Business (D&B) Credit Score
• Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to noon: Navigating the IDOT Website (Basic)
• Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to noon: Navigating the IDOT Website (Advanced)
• Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to noon: QuickBooks Part 2 – Performing Day to Day Part 2

Future topics covered include estimating and bidding, insurance, bonding, risk management, steps needed to be certified as a DBE firm and more.

Building Blocks of Success will continue through April 2023. Workshop information, including dates and times, is available through Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops. Advance registration is required.

Questions can be directed to IDOT’s DBE Resource Center at (312) 939.1100.