After a series of delays, the TSA says you have to get your Real ID by May 7.

Why it matters: After that date, Real IDs or valid passports will be required for domestic travel and entry into certain government facilities.

State of play: The Real ID is 20 years in the making after Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government should have one standard source of identification, rather than accepting state driver's licenses, which have state-specific requirements.

• It looks just like your driver's license but has a symbol in the upper right corner; in Illinois it's a yellow star, in California it's a yellow bear, for example.

Friction point: Some reasons for the decades of delays include states not wanting federal oversight of their ID systems, low compliance with actually getting the Real ID and administrative hurdles because of the pandemic.

You need a Real ID if:

• You travel on a plane in the U.S. (and don't have a valid passport)
• Visit a secure federal building like a courthouse

Take the Illinois Secretary of State's quiz if you're still not sure whether you need a Real ID.

How it works: You have to go to a Secretary of State facility to get your Real ID — can't do this online.

• You need proof of ID like a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form.

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Last week, UChicago celebrated its famous "Chicago Principles," a policy adopted by more than 100 colleges and universities that codifies free speech for students and scholars while urging institutions to remain neutral on political matters.

The big picture: In the past few days, tenets of the Chicago Principles have been challenged by President Trump and local writer and activist Jamie Kalven, whose father, Harry Kalven Jr., created the policy on which they are based.

Driving the news: Last week, Trump signed an executive order to deport foreign students deemed "Hamas sympathizers" and "pro-jihadist" protesters.

• The order asks officials to show universities how to find grounds to "monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff relevant to those grounds."

The latest: The Trump administration upped the ante late Monday, announcing that the Department of Education will investigate five universities, including Northwestern, for "cases of antisemitism" during the Israel-Gaza war.

Meanwhile: Jamie Kalven pushed back on a different aspect of the principles in a Sunday Tribune op-ed, saying that the time for university neutrality is over.

Yes, but: Kalven doesn't think this contradicts his father's 1967 Kalven Report, citing one part that warns when "society, or segments of it, threaten the very mission of the university and its values of free inquiry," the university must "oppose such measures and actively defend its interests and its values."

Go deeper

President Trump's tariffs are likely to make stuff more expensive as companies pass higher costs along to consumers.

Catch up quick: Trump on Saturday announced tariffs of 25% on Mexican and Canadian goods and 10% on Canadian energy imports, plus issued new 10% tariffs on Chinese imports.

• But on Monday Trump delayed the tariffs against Mexican and Canadian goods for a month, after reaching deals with both countries.

By the numbers: The tariffs as issued Saturday would have an estimated $232.7 billion national impact, per economic research firm Trade Partnership Worldwide and based on trade from January to November 2024.

Zoom in: The tariffs would cost Illinois businesses an estimated $15 billion — a 441% increase from existing tariffs.

• The impact on Canadian goods would be $8.1 billion;
• $4.4 billion on Mexican goods;
• $2.2 billion on Chinese imports.

Zoom out

🎨 A City Council committee meeting yesterday about an art exhibit at the Cultural Center that some alders allege is antisemitic included accusations, shouting and the ejection of Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez. (Tribune)

📧 President Trump's administration sent more than 100 Chicago EPA workers an email saying their jobs could be at risk as the federal government continues to cut positions. (Sun-Times)

🥁 Shakira, Grupo Frontera and Sorry Papi will headline this year's Suenos Music Festival in May. (WBEZ)

If you want your mother-in-law close when she visits, but not actually in your house, a new apartment building guest suite may be the answer.

The big picture: On top of amenities like multiple pools, pickleball courts and planned events, some high-end apartment buildings in Chicago are luring in renters by offering on-site, fully furnished apartments that residents can rent for visiting friends and family.

State of play: Optima Signature apartments in Streeterville, Wrigleyville and Wilmette have one- and two-bedroom apartments that are fully furnished with cooking supplies, cutlery, dishwashers and washers and dryers, making it more like an Airbnb.

Between the lines: The arrangement could be especially appealing for international renters who have family visiting for long periods or new parents who want grandparents nearby (but don't want to share a wall).

By the numbers: A two-bedroom is $375 on weeknights and $400 on weekends.

• A one-bedroom is $325 on weeknights and $375 on weekends.

The bottom line: On-site guest apartments may become another amenity buildings offer as the rental market heats up.

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🌱 Discover new local events.

Cupids Ball On The Yacht at Burnham Harbor on Feb 14: Your cruise experience includes a scenic 3 hour cruise of Lake Michigan, captivating views of the Chicago skyline including the Navy Pier, the gold coast and much more. $40-$450.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

Most of you guessed correctly that Justin was at Roeser's Bakery on North Avenue in Humboldt Park!

The classic Chicago bakery has been around for more than 100 years and still has a line out the door most weekends.

• It's a great place to get a custom birthday cake, cookie or paczki while marveling at the decor.

Want to guess more spots? Check out our archive here.