Starting February 1st, 2026, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee for air travelers who arrive at airport security without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or trusted traveler card. Travelers will be charged this fee to use TSA's ConfirmID identification verification system. The verification is valid for a 10-day period, so it may cover a return trip within that window.
To avoid unnecessary costs and potential security delays, travelers without a Real ID are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.
Click here to make an appointment with the CT DMV.
Access Health CT reminds residents that the deadline to enroll in health or dental coverage starting January 1, 2026 is December 15, 2025. Those who enroll between December 16 and January 15 will have coverage beginning February 1, 2026.
Free enrollment help is available online, by phone, or in person. Visit AccessHealthCT.com to schedule an appointment, find a Navigator site, or attend an enrollment fair. Financial assistance is still available, and some residents may qualify for no-cost coverage through programs like Covered CT or HUSKY Health. For phone assistance, call 1-855-805-4325 (help available in 100+ languages).
The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), is designed to support diverse students who graduate from public high schools in priority school districts and enroll in teacher preparation programs. The program offers up to $10,000 annually for tuition, with the application deadline set for February 6, 2026. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to diversify the educator workforce and address the teacher shortage.
