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London travel news LIVE: Elizabeth line and trains blocked from Heathrow Terminal 5

LIVE – Updated at 06:43

Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express trains are unable to run to part of Heathrow Airport after a tunnel was closed over safety concerns.

Trains are unable to run to Heathrow Terminal 5 due to faulty tunnel ventilation, Transport for London has warned.

There is no service between Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 and Heathrow Terminal 5 and disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Meanwhile lines have reopened on the London Overground between Clapham Junction and Willesden Junction after disruption due to an earlier faulty train. There is now a good service on the Overground.

Earlier on Thursday, Eurostar trains in and out of London St Pancras International were delayed by up to two hours due to a power cut.

Live updates below.

Queues on major road after crash

A busy London road close to King’s Cross Station is closed after a crash.

There is queuing traffic on the A501 Pentonville Road Eastbound from A5200 Gray's Inn Road (Kings Cross Station) to A201 King's Cross Road after the collision on Thursday afternoon.

Congestion is being reported up to University College Hospital.

Disruption to tram services in south London

There is no tram service between Arena and Elmers End, according to TfL.

There are also minor delays on all other routes due to a shortage of trams.

Severe delays on London Overground

There is currently no service between Willesden Junction and Clapham Junction and severe delays between Stratford and Richmond while TfL fix a faulty train at Willesden Junction.

Severe delays on Metropolitan Line

TfL says there are severe delays on the Metropolitan Line, between Rickmansworth and Amersham/Chesham, following an earlier signal failure.

Heathrow Express investigating tunnel issue

The Heathrow Express has said it is investigating an issue that has suspended services to and from the airport.

No trains to Heathrow Terminal 5 due to safety concerns

Elizabeth Line trains and the Heathrow Express are unable to travel to Heathrow Terminal 5 after a tunnel was closed for safety reasons.

Transport for London has said the it is fixing faulty tunnel ventilation between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow.

Disruption is expected until 8pm.

Part of Victoria station closed due to flooding

Victoria Station is closed to some District and Circle Line services due to flooding, TfL has said.

40-minute delays on the M25

Drivers are facing 40-minute delays on the M25 due to a collision between a car and a lorry.

The collision has been cleared but there is around four miles of congestion.The incident happened between Junction 15 (M4) and Junction 16 (M40).

Power outage fixed but Eurostar delays expected to continue

All lines have reopened, following the earlier power outage between Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International.

But National Rail warns Southeastern trains could still be cancelled, or delayed by up to 30 minutes.

Eurostar also said on X that delays are to be expected.

The disruption is expected until 3pm.

Euston trains hit by hour-long delays after person was hit by train

Trains to and from London Euston have been delayed by up to an hour after a person was hit by a train.

National Rail said lines have reopened between Rugby and Milton Keynes Central after the incident and emergency services have safely completed their work.

But trains may still be delayed by 60 minutes or cancelled.

Disruption is expected until 3pm.

Trains unable to run on Elizabeth Line to Heathrow

There is no service on the Elizabeth Line between Heathrow Terminals 2&3 to Heathrow Terminal 5 while Transport for London fix faulty tunnel ventilation.

South Western Railway apologies for 'extensive disruption'

South Western Railway has apologised for extensive disruption on its network on Wednesday.

A police incident at around 3.30pm meant all four tracks at Wimbledon, one of the busiest parts of its network, were turned off.

Trains were unable to move for around 90 minutes sparking lots of cancellations.

Stuart Meek, interim managing director at South Western Railway, said: “As trains were then unable to leave London Waterloo there were large crowds at our stations and delayed services were exceptionally busy.

“We are now working with Network Rail to review last night’s incident and avoid such extensive disruption in the future.

“I know many of you faced a long wait to return home last night, and so once again, we’re very sorry for last night’s disruption, and appreciate your patience.”

Trains unable to run on Metropolitan and Piccadilly Lines

There is no service on sections of the Metropolitan and Piccadilly Lines due to a trespasser on the track in Hillingdon.

Trains are unable to run on the Metropolitan Line between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Uxbridge.

Trains are also unable to run on the Piccadilly Line between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge. There are also severe delays between Acton Town and Rayners Lane.

Euston trains hit by delays and last-minute cancellations

London Euston services are suffering long delays and last-minute cancellations after a person was hit by a train.

The incident happened between Rugby and Milton Keynes Central.

National Rail has warned that trains may be delayed by up to 30-minutes.

Disruption is expected until 12am.

Eurostar passenger complains of being stuck in Channel Tunnel

One Eurostar passenger has complained about being stuck in the Channel Tunnel due to the power cut.

The traveler said they have been stuck on the train to London for an extra two hours.

Eurostars arriving into London delayed by up to two hours

Eurostar trains travelling into London have been delayed by up to two hours due to a power cut.

The 7.42am service from Paris is not expected to reach St Pancras until 11am, according to the service’s departure board.

Meanwhile two services are predicted to be an hour late into London.

Eurostar service delayed by over an hour

Two Eurostar services have been hit by long delays following a power cut.

The 8.01am service to Paris was hit by 70-minute delays because of the issue, according to the Eurostar’s live departure board.

The 9.31am service to Paris has also been hit by 40-minute delays due to the problem.

Trains from London St Pancras International hit by hour-long delays

Trains between St Pancras and Kent have been delayed by up to an hour due to a problem with overhead power lines.

A failure of the electricity supply between Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International means some lines are currently closed. There are delays between St Pancras and Broadstairs, Dover Priory, Faversham, Maidstone West, Margate, Ramsgate and Sandwich.

Disruption is expected until 10.30am.

Minor delays on the Piccadilly Line

There are minor delays on the Piccadilly Line between Acton Town and Uxbridge due to train cancellations.

Trains to London Victoria hit with delays

Trains between West Croydon and London Victoria have been hit with delays due to a points failure.

The issue between Norwood Junction and Crystal Palace means journeys are taking 20 minutes longer than normal.

Trains to London Waterloo running as normal

Following the police dealing with an incident near the railway on Wednesday South Western Railway services are now able to run through Wimbledon as normal.

Minor delays on the Jubilee Line

There are minor delays on the Jubilee Line due to a shortage of trains.

South Western Railway trains hit by second day of delays

Lines have reopened after a police incident near the railway at Raynes Park on Wednesday evening.

Services running through Wimbledon are returning to normal but some trains may still be cancelled or delayed.

Disruption is expected until 10am.

Thameslink are no longer affected by the disruption.

Minor delays on the Northern Line

There are minor delays on the Northern Line due to a shortage of trains.

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Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 44 Million Travelers Leaving Town for Unofficial Start of Summer

Second highest memorial day holiday travel forecast since aaa began tracking in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.  

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”   

Road trips are expected to set a record. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand , with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.  

This Memorial Day weekend drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.  Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.  

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.  

  Nearly two million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.”  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro 

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.   

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT

Source: INRIX   

Source: INRIX  

Top Destinations 

This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. European cities dominate the international list. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.  

Travel Trends   

As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends:  

• Bucket Lists : Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips  
• Milestones : Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips  
• Asia : More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan   
• Solo Trips : More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves  
• Luxury Vacations : More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours  
• Trains : Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe  
• Adventure in Nature : Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific  

  Travel Agent Survey  

A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips:  

• Travel Insurance : 51 % of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips  
• 77% of agents say ocean cruises  
• 70% of agents say all-inclusive vacations  
• 67% of agents say river cruises  

Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology   

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024.   

*Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period   

For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.   

AAA Travel Agent Survey Methodology 

AAA clubs distributed surveys to a random sample of their travel agents between March 18 and March 29, 2024 to understand recent traveler trends over the past 60 days. 186 AAA agent responses were collected from 13 AAA clubs (representing 97% of AAA membership overall as of February 2024).  

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

State Department issues travel alert for LGBTQ people, events abroad

The alert follows a similar warning from the FBI and the DHS.

The U.S. State Department issued a "Worldwide Caution" alert on Friday, warning U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution due to "the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events."

According to an administration official familiar with the matter, the alert is connected to the recent announcement from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security that foreign terrorist organizations might seek to exploit "LGBTQIA+-related events and venues," including events during 2024 Pride month, which begins in June.

MORE: New Title IX regulations intensify fight over transgender youth restrictions in schools

The alert comes on the same day the State Department is commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.

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• May 13, 2:07 PM

Last year's Pride month was also marked by safety concerns after the Department of Homeland Security issued a report warning that domestic violence extremists and people who commit hate crimes have increased threats of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in recent years.

MORE: 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' visits LGBTQ+ seniors

LGBTQ advocacy groups have issued a "state of emergency" in the U.S. following record-breaking waves of anti-LGBTQ legislation as well as a spike in reports of hate incidents.

The State Department alert also advises traveling Americans to exercise increased caution because of the potential for more generalized terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions "against U.S. citizens and interests."

Related Topics

Arrests of US tourists in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition prompt plea from three governors

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• May 16, 12:12 AM

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Ukraine Derails Russian Freight Train in Drone Attack, Russian Media

MOSCOW (Reuters) -A Ukrainian drone attack derailed a freight train and sparked a fire in a diesel tank in the southern Russian region of Volgograd, mangling several hundred metres of track, Russian media said on Tuesday.

Russian Railways said simply that the derailment was caused by interference by unauthorised persons, but Russian media said the train was attacked by a drone.

Footage published by Baza, a Telegram channel linked to Russia's security services, showed freight wagons strewn alongside a railway line.

"As a result of interference by unauthorised persons into the operation of railway transport, cars of a freight train derailed at the Kotluban station," Russian Railways said.

"According to preliminary information, there were no injuries. At this time, train traffic in the area of the Kotluban station is suspended."

The storage tank and cars with lumber caught fire and the blaze was extinguished, Russia's RIA state news agency reported, citing the emergency ministry.

TASS, another state news agency, cited emergency services as saying that 300 metres of track had been damaged in the incident.

There was no immediate word from Ukrainian officials about the incident. Kyiv has said in the past it has carried out sabotage attacks on Russia's railway system to disrupt military logistics, including far from the front lines in the nearly 27-month-old war.

The Latest Photos From Ukraine

Ukraine says that targeting Russia's military, transport and energy infrastructure undermines Moscow's war effort and is an answer to the countless deadly attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure by Russia.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne and Guy Faulconbridge in Moscow; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Stephen Coates, Peter Graff)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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The best cities to live in America: See the U.S. News and World Report list for 2023-2024.

The list is in. Did your city make it?

U.S. News & World Report released its annual list of the of the 150  "Best Places to Live in the U.S."  this week.

Here's how editors said the magazine determined its picks: Analyzing the 150 most populous metropolitan areas and evaluating several factors including  job prospects, affordability, growth and quality of life. 

Topping the 2023-24 list: Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The magazine called Green Bay "The perfect mix of big-city amenities complemented with a Midwestern, small-town feel."

In addition to being home to its National Football League team, the Green Bay Packers, the city "boasts a thriving entertainment and arts scene, revitalized downtown, and two college campuses, creating an energy that may appeal to young families as well as retirees."

After ranking the country's 150 largest metropolitan areas, Huntsville, Alabama ranked the 2nd best place to live in America beating (3) Raleigh Durham, North Carolina ; (4) Boulder, Colorado and (5) Sarasota, Florida.

Last on the list this year: The tropical island of Puerto Rico .

The top 25 included five Florida cities while Colorado and North Carolina both had three cities each on the list.

New State Department travel advisory State Department urges travelers to ‘reconsider’ visiting Jamaica, Colombia

The top 25 ranked from the best

• Green Bay, Wisc.
• Huntsville, Ala.
• Raleigh Durham, N.C.
• Boulder, Colo.
• Sarasota, Fla.
• Naples, Fla.
• Portland, Maine
• Charlotte, N.C.
• Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Fayetteville, Ark.
• Madison, Wisc.
• Boise, Idaho
• San Jose, Cali.
• Ann Arbor, Mich.
• Melbourne, Fla.
• Jacksonville, Fla
• Albany, N.Y.
• Myrtle Beach, S.C.
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Knoxville, Tenn.
• Syracuse, N.Y.
• Fort Collins, Colo.
• Tampa, Fla.
• Hickory, N.C.

Traveling on Memorial Day? Read this Memorial Day weekend travel may be busier than last year. Here's what to know

To view the full list, visit the Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2023-2024 .

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.

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Lumo to launch new London to Manchester low-cost trains

Six return trains a day will run between london euston and rochdale via manchester victoria, article bookmarked.

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New train services between London Euston and Rochdale via Manchester Victoria could be launched by the low-cost train operator Lumo.

Transport company FirstGroup , which owns the brand, plans to run six returns a day using new UK-built trains powered by electricity and batteries.

Services would also call at Eccles , Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay.

The station at Eccles provides connectivity for Salford’s Media City area, while the last time Rochdale had a direct London link via the Manchester city centre station was in 2000.

FirstGroup estimates that the new services, which could begin in 2027, would provide 1.6 million people in the North West with a “convenient and competitively priced direct rail service to London from stations that are more local to them”, helping to stimulate a shift in transport mode from coach and car travel to rail.

The Lumo brand, which currently runs services between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh, was launched in October 2021 on an open-access basis, meaning it receives no taxpayer-funded subsidies and takes on all revenue risk.

Most train operators in England are paid a management fee, with the government holding responsibility for costs and revenue. FirstGroup is the majority owner of Avanti West Coast, the current franchisee for the main line from Euston to Birmingham, Manchester, northwest England and Glasgow.

FirstGroup also runs another open-access operator, Hull Trains.

The company has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road seeking permission to launch the London-Rochdale route.

FirstGroup chief executive Graham Sutherland said: “We have extensive experience of running open-access rail operations and we want to bring our successful Lumo service to this new route that connects Rochdale and London.

“We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with open access, as well as the positive effect it has on the wider market, including economic and environmental benefits.

“In addition, the new service will help to drive modal shift from road to rail between the North West and London. We will be working closely with stakeholders as we build our application and our case for this new service.”

This latest application brings the number of proposed new open-access rail routes in Britain to eight.

Ministers are planning measures to encourage further schemes, such as providing more certainty over the duration of the application assessments, reconsidering the required balance of costs between taxpayers and operators, and ensuring all unused track access slots are made available.

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No wallet, no problem: You can have your ID on your phone. Here’s how

Floridians can get digital driver’s license through app..

Erika Briguglio , Producer

Lisa Bell , Anchor

It seems like you can get everything on your phone these days: your credit card, boarding pass, and now, in Florida, your driver’s license.

The state launched its Florida Smart ID app back in 2022, and News 6 wanted to find out whether people are using it.

Jennifer Cashen of Apopka swears by it.

“It has your registration for your vehicles. It also has your insurance included there,” she said.

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos ]

Cashen said she found out about the application while at the DMV, and she calls it a lifesaver after her loved one was involved in a crash.

“It had triggered the entire airbag deployment, so we couldn’t get the glove compartment completely unlocked. We could get it open, but like not get a hand in there, not getting anything, and so I was able to prove that we own the vehicle, that it had insurance,” Cashen told News 6.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles told News 6 that more than 521,000 people have used the app since May 5. According to state data, there are more than 18 million licensed drivers in the Sunshine State. The agency said it spent $1,953,000 for application development.

So why aren’t more people using it?

[VOTE IN POLL | STORY CONTINUES BELOW]

Well for one: in Florida, you still have to carry your physical license if you are driving. Another reason, Cashen said, is many people do not know about the digital driver’s license and stores might not accept it.

“I’ve checked into hotels with it. I have used it at different venues. I’ve only had it rejected at two venues so far,” said Cashen. “I’ve definitely had it be accused of being a fake. I was like, ‘No, no, no. This is from the DMV. This is a real thing.’”

News 6 asked Publix and Winn Dixie if they accept Florida Smart ID. We received these responses:

"We do not use Florida Smart ID at our locations. " Hannah Herring, Media Relations Manager for Publix Super Markets, Inc.

"Winn-Dixie does not accept the Florida Smart ID at this time. We are always listening to our customers and consistently looking for ways to innovate our shopping experience. " SEG Media

As for flying, TSA told News 6 it does accept digital driver’s licenses, but not yet for Florida Smart ID and not at Orlando International Airport.

“I think people would be way happier if they had this option to them. I really do think if the state of Florida would build it in with your renewals, I would think you would see an uptick in usage, too,” Cashen said.

News 6 asked Florida Highway Safety Motor Vehicles if it is happy with the number of people who enrolled in Florida Smart ID and if there are plans to raise awareness about the technology. The agency did not respond to our questions.

Florida Smart ID can be downloaded through the Apple and Android app stores. If you want more information on how it works, and the security features, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has a list of frequently asked questions on its website.

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About the Authors

Erika briguglio.

Lisa Bell has been in Central Florida since 2007, covering the big stories that impact our community. Lisa was promoted to News 6 evening news co-anchor in May 2014.

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But How Does the Worm Get in Your Brain?

And other questions about parasites.

By Dana G. Smith and Dani Blum

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s disclosure that a doctor apparently found a dead worm in his brain has sparked questions about what brain parasites are, the damage they can cause and how, exactly, they get there.

How do parasites turn up in people? And what can they do to the brain?

Brain parasites encompass far more than worms. There are “legions” of organisms that can affect the brain, said Scott Gardner, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who specializes in parasites. In addition to worms, common brain parasites include single-celled organisms such as Toxoplasma gondii and some amoebas.

The damage varies depending on the type of parasite and where it ends up in the brain. “Some of them actively invade the tissues and destroy tissues,” said Dr. Daniel Pastula, chief of neuro-infectious diseases and global neurology at University of Colorado Medicine. Others cause problems because of the inflammatory reaction that they trigger.

Humans are typically exposed to tapeworms through raw or undercooked food or through food contaminated with feces.

“A lot of these things are transmitted to humans through feces,” said Dr. Edith L. Graham, a neurologist at Northwestern Medicine.

Doctors consulted by The New York Times speculated that Mr. Kennedy described symptoms of an infection with larvae from the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, one of multiple types of tapeworm that can infect the brain. When a person accidentally swallows pork tapeworm eggs, the eggs hatch in the intestines, and the larvae can travel to other organs, including the brain. There, they form cysts, causing a condition known as neurocysticercosis .

It can take months, or even years, for people to show signs of infection. Symptoms vary based on how many cysts develop and where they are. (Cysts can form in the eyes, muscles and spinal cord.) Generally, though, people with neurocysticercosis experience headaches and seizures, and they sometimes feel confused, struggle to pay attention and have issues with balance. The condition can be fatal.

Another type of parasite that can affect the brain is known as a brain-eating amoeba . Infections of this kind are extremely rare but can lead to a potentially fatal swelling of the brain or spinal cord, said Tajie H. Harris, an associate professor of neuroscience at the University of Virginia. The organisms enter through the nose when people swim in lakes and rivers, and then travel to the brain. People have also been infected through using neti pots or other sinus rinses with untreated or non-sterile water.

Toxoplasma gondii

One of the most common parasitic brain infections is toxoplasmosis. Over 40 million people in the United States may be infected with the parasite that causes that infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . People can be infected by eating undercooked meat or shellfish that is contaminated, by drinking contaminated water or by accidentally swallowing the parasite when they encounter it in cat feces, as when cleaning litter boxes.

The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis can linger in humans for years — potentially, for someone’s entire life — but most people will not develop symptoms. “For the most part, our immune system does an amazing job at just handling and dealing with this parasite, allowing us to live our lives without ever knowing,” Dr. Harris said.

But it can make some people feel like they have the flu. People with compromised immune systems are at risk of serious illness and brain damage if infected, and developing fetuses can be severely affected if pregnant women are exposed. (That’s why doctors sometimes advise pregnant women to avoid coming into contact with cat litter.)

How do you figure out if you have a parasite?

“You wouldn’t know yourself, unless someone is looking,” Dr. Gardner said. Sometimes a patient’s blood can be tested for antibodies that are produced in response to a parasite. In other cases, doctors diagnose infections with an M.R.I. or C.T. scan.

Treatment options vary because infections span such a wide range. Many are treatable with antiparasitic drugs, which patients may need to take for weeks. Doctors may also prescribe steroids to help with inflammation. Some patients will undergo surgery to remove cysts.

In the United States, severe infections from brain parasites are rare, Dr. Pastula said, “but in other parts of the world, they’re more common.”

Fortunately, many of these infections are preventable, Dr. Pastula said. To lower your risk, especially while traveling internationally, he advised washing hands thoroughly before you eat or prepare food, cooking food properly and ensuring that the water you’re drinking is clean.

Dana G. Smith is a Times reporter covering personal health, particularly aging and brain health. More about Dana G. Smith

Dani Blum is a health reporter for The Times. More about Dani Blum