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North Star Stories: Voices from Where We Live is a daily, five-minute newscast that shines a spotlight on the stories and perspectives of Minnesota’s diverse communities, including Black, Latine, Asian American, East African individuals, people living with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ residents, laborers, veterans, and those from Greater Minnesota.
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HOST: You're listening to North Star Stories: Voices from Where We Live, a daily newscast about what it means to live in Minnesota.
ANCHOR: Today, why things may seem a little different the next time you visit the State Capitol. Then, a look at the new technologies and regulations for airport travelers. And, a big boost for food shelves in central Minnesota.
I'm Chantel SinGs.
You'll have fewer doors to choose from the next time you try and enter the Minnesota State Capitol. The Department of Public Safety has announced new safety measures at the Capitol, including fewer public entrances and more security officers at the entrances. The additional security comes in response to the assassination of Speaker Emerita Hortman, threats by a lobbyist, and security finding a naked man in the Senate Chamber when the building was supposed to be closed. The State Patrol is conducting a security assessment and consulting with the sergeant-at-arms and state lawmakers to determine if additional safety changes are needed.
In today's main story, as the summer travel season ramps up, we take a look at what regular and new travelers should know about changes in security regulations. Jamad Jama has more.
[Nat sound: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.]
Jamad Jama: Navigating the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport, or MSP, can feel stressful. And with new technology and procedures, it's a good time for a refresher on how to easily move through the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, also known as TSA.
Jessica Mayle: We have been upgrading technology at MSP and airports across the country over the past several years. One is called our credential authentication technology. A real time photo of you is taken and compared against the picture on your ID.
Jamad Jama: That Jessica Mayle, a regional spokesperson for the TSA. That real time photo is part of new security measures to speed things up. But travelers can opt out and have a TSA officer manually verify their identity instead. And this isn't the only recent change at the airport.
Jessica Mayle: No one has to remove their shoes anymore. It is a policy in effect nationwide. It's for all passengers, pre-check and standard, that's been really received well by the passengers. People really appreciate that.
Jamad Jama: And for those who haven't flown lately, the real ID requirements may be a bit confusing.
Jessica Mayle: So we began enforcement of Real ID on May 7. It has gone really smoothly so far. There are about eight or 10 other forms of acceptable ID, though it might be a Real ID, it might be a passport. Make sure you're bringing something that will work.
Jamad Jama: That could mean a veteran health ID card or a permanent resident card. Check the full list at tsa.gov before you head to the airport. But beyond these new updates, how you pack can make all the difference.
Jessica Mayle: First of all, it starts at home. So take a few minutes while you're packing. Go through your bag. We always say, unpack before you pack. Take everything out of the bag and then put back in what you need.
Jamad Jama: Being mindful of what you're packing in your bag is key to avoiding any delays at security. For liquids, stick to travel-sized containers of 3.4 ounces or less in your carry on and they must be in a clear, quart sized resealable bag. Anything larger will have to be checked.
Jessica Mayle: Tools have to be seven inches or less. Scissors have to be four inches or less. They are on the website: tsa.gov. And kind of check if you are not sure.
Jamad Jama: Firearms have strict rules too. They must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container and in checked baggage, as well as declared with your airline when checking the bag. It's also your responsibility to know the firearm laws of your destination. For those who travel, often staying ahead of travel security changes becomes a habit. Frequent Flyer Elijah James, a business consultant who flies out of MSP often, also has some tips.
Elijah James: TSA has become second nature to me at this point. I'd say the biggest thing is preparing and knowing what is and isn't allowed.
Jamad Jama: And that way, by the time he gets to the security line, things feel less stressful.
Elijah James: And honestly, it comes down to the little things like making sure to pack your liquids right, having your ID handy and being ready to move.
Jamad Jama: Minnesotans can check what is and isn't allowed with checked and carry-on luggage on tsa.gov. For North Star Stories, I'm Jamad Jama.
ANCHOR: You are listening to North Star Stories.
The Initiative Foundation has awarded one hundred thousand dollars in grants to 18 rural food shelves across Central Minnesota. The goal is to help under-resourced food shelves manage rising demand as food costs climb. Foundation leaders say the funding will provide immediate relief to organizations that serve as essential lifelines in their communities. Food shelves report seeing more visitors, including older adults on fixed incomes. The grants will help purchase fresh produce, dairy products, and other essentials.
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HOST: North Star Stories is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, with support from the McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota. Online at ampers dot org.