A Congolese refugee's 8-year struggle to reunite with her family in the US
Reuniting with her family has been a more difficult journey. For eight years, she clung to hope through delays and setbacks as she navigated a U.S. program that reconnects refugees with family members already in the country, and her dream of seeing them again seemed close to becoming a reality.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Famtrak-acela-exterior-AMTRAKMEAL0821-867b0210d04141e4a143e635cd1c4320.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
15 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
Amtrak's New High-speed Acela Trains Launch This Month—What Travelers Should Know
The countdown is on for a major railroad revival. On Aug. 28, Amtrak will launch its brand-new NextGen Acela trains, debuting the company's newest generation of high-speed cars. The rail company will roll out 28 larger trains through 2027, each offering upgraded amenities and increased capacity. 'In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel,' Amtrak's President Roger Harris said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. 'NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it's an evolution of travel.' The trains will feature maximum speeds of 160 mph and utilize a new 'tilt system' which provides a "smoother, quieter ride," according to Amtrak. Currently, Acela trains run with a maximum speed of up to 150 mph. On board, travelers will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi with 5G speeds as well as upgraded interiors, including seats with new power outlets and USB ports. As for the seats themselves, travelers can expect an ergonomic design and winged privacy headrests and individual reading lights. The company will initially debut five new trains with more planned after that. Amtrak's Acela service travels between Boston and Washington, D.C. with stops in popular Northeast cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore along the way. Before the new trains even hit the tracks, Amtrak's first-class cabin has already undergone several updates. Last month, Amtrak updated its Acela first-class menu with dishes designed by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr. The menu takes inspiration from regional dishes across the Northeast, like charred bobo chicken and crab enchiladas with coconut, poblano peppers, and corn. Travelers who are in business class will be able to enjoy new cart service on the upgraded trains. During last month's menu launch, Amtrak told T+L the 'elevated touches will add to the experience on board and improve expectations for what to expect on Amtrak and Acela First Class." This isn't the end of Amtrak's expansion plans. The company also expects to introduce new Airo trains next year, which will feature modern, spacious interiors, including extra legroom, bigger tray tables, moveable headrests, and more. Even the cafe cars will get an upgrade complete with self-service options. These new trains will be rolled out across several lines, including on the Cascades line, which operates along a scenic route in the Pacific Northwest with stops in cities like Seattle and Vancouver.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
My family took our 90-year-old grandma on an RV camping trip. It reminded us to never underestimate older relatives.
When my family invited our grandma on an RV camping trip, we weren't sure how she'd react. She didn't hesitate to join us, and we rented a golf cart to help her make the most of the trip. I made memories that I'll keep forever, and I learned not to underestimate my older relatives. When I tell friends that my grandmother is 90, they're usually stunned. Thanks to the skincare regimen that keeps her skin smooth and the crossword-puzzle habit that keeps her mind sharp, she definitely doesn't seem like your typical nonagenarian. Nonetheless, she is still 90. Her balance isn't perfect, she walks with a cane, and requires assistance with going up or down stairs. Save for some quick weekends away for her grandnieces' weddings, she hasn't traveled in a few years because of her physical limitations. One of the last times we took her on a real vacation, she left with a broken patella. Still, my grandma is a go-getter. Whatever she can physically muster, she will attempt. So, when my parents and I decided to take a semi-last-minute camping trip in our RV, we invited her along with us — and she jumped at the opportunity. Our campground had tons of activities, including several that my grandma could enjoy We drove our RV from our home in New York to the campsite in Pennsylvania. Our camper sleeps up to six people, but with only four of us traveling, our grandma had plenty of extra room to get comfortable at night. Because our trip came together fairly late in the game, we weren't left with many campsite options. We decided on Jellystone Park, a Yogi Bear-themed campground franchise geared toward families with young children. The campsite featured a main store, an activity area complete with water slides, and basketball courts. With my grandma's physical needs in mind, we rented a golf cart to bring her around the grounds. We may not have been the campground's target demographic — most of the on-site activities seemed designed for kids, and I saw younger families everywhere I looked — but it's safe to say that we had more fun than anyone else there. My grandma stayed away from the water slides, but she happily played mini-golf. (It brought out a competitive side of her that we'd never seen before!) Although the campsite's mini hiking trail was a bit too much for her, she happily joined us to take our dogs on walks around the property. Even just driving the golf cart around the campground became a fun activity — my grandma and I took turns pointing out the various license plates we saw from different states. The experience reminded me not to underestimate older relatives It was amazing to watch my grandma's confidence grow every day as her body adapted to certain challenges. On day one, she needed her cane and someone to hold her arm as she mounted the four steps into the RV. By day three, she was able to hoist herself up and down the stairs into the RV by herself. I also loved how the trip gave us time to unplug and be present, letting nature bring us all closer together. As we sat outside listening to the subtle chirping of birds, my grandma shared stories about her early summers spent on a farm in upstate New York. Her eyes twinkled as she recalled memories from bygone days as if they'd happened just yesterday. While I listened to her stories, a thought crossed my mind: When I'm 90 years old, I hope I'll also be telling stories just like this one about the incredible camping trip I took with my grandma. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Moss Breaks Ground on The Dunes Fort Lauderdale, an Autograph Collection Hotel
Refined Beachfront Project Marks the First Autograph Collection Hotel in Fort Lauderdale FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., August 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Moss, a top-ranked national construction firm, joined G. Holdings and Marriott International to break ground on The Dunes Fort Lauderdale, an Autograph Collection Hotel, a new upscale hotel that is set to mark the first Autograph Collection property in Fort Lauderdale. Located along A1A at 441 South Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, the project adds a thoughtfully designed hospitality destination to a prominent location along Fort Lauderdale's celebrated beachfront. The Dunes Fort Lauderdale is being developed by GraniteFL LLC, a member of the G. Holdings Group, with Moss serving as construction manager. The 16-story, approximately 206,000-square-foot hotel—estimated at more than $175 million—will feature 205 guest rooms, an ocean-facing restaurant, mezzanine-level event venue, third-floor pool and bar deck, and a rooftop bar and dining venue with panoramic views. Guest vehicles will be accommodated via a valet-operated subterranean garage. "The Dunes Fort Lauderdale represents a long-held vision for Fort Lauderdale Beach," said Harry Gross, founder and CEO of G. Holdings. "We're proud to work with Marriott and Moss to bring to life this distinctive destination — a place for locals and global travelers to gather, recharge, and enjoy the vibrancy of the neighborhood." Designed by FSMY Architects & Planners, the hotel blends contemporary form with coastal inspiration, using natural materials and clean lines to reflect its setting. Interiors by Studio Munge will feature textural layers, warm tones, and locally resonant details, enhancing the sense of place and ease that define the guest experience. "We are excited to welcome The Dunes Fort Lauderdale to the Autograph Collection portfolio," said Liam Brown, group president, U.S. and Canada, Marriott International. "The Dunes Fort Lauderdale reflects the distinctive style, purposeful design, and sense of place that defines this brand. This project brings a meaningful new addition to our Florida offerings—and one that we anticipate will be an important first for Fort Lauderdale." The groundbreaking ceremony brought together local officials, civic leaders, project partners, and the design team to celebrate a development that is set to contribute lasting value to Fort Lauderdale Beach. "This project reflects everything Moss values—collaboration, community, and excellence," said Brett Atkinson, president of Moss. "We're honored to work alongside G. Holdings, Marriott, and the talented design and engineering team to shape a new chapter in Fort Lauderdale's architectural story." For more information about Moss, visit About Moss Moss ( is a national privately held construction firm providing innovative solutions resulting in award-winning projects. With regional offices across the United States, Moss focuses on construction management, solar EPC, and design-build. The company's diverse portfolio encompasses a wide range of sectors, including luxury high-rise residential, wood-frame multi-family, landmark mixed-use developments, hospitality, K-12 and higher education, solar energy and battery storage, and sports. Moss is ranked by Engineering News-Record as the nation's top solar contractor and one of the top 50 general contractors. Moss prides itself on a strong entrepreneurial culture that honors safety, quality, client engagement, and employee development. Its employees consistently rank Moss as one of the best places to work. About G. Holdings Founded in 1977 by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Harry Gross, G. Holdings is an international, multi-discipline real estate development company active in the development of real estate in the United States and Europe. The company has been involved in all aspects of the industry, including raw land development, single-family homes, multi-family residential (rental and condominium), retail, industrial, office, self-storage, and hospitality. View source version on Contacts Danny JovicMossdjovic@ Sign in to access your portfolio
