Travel
State Department Announces U.S. Passports Can Be Renewed Online
American travelers it’s going to be possible to renew soon their passports online.
The U.S. Department of State announced on Sept. 18 that a brand new system will likely be implemented that may bypass an outdated method that required passport holders to print a form and mail a check. In a press release, the agency said the brand new method will likely be more efficient. “By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to provide the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” the statement reads.
“Thanks to increased staffing, technological advances and many other improvements, the average routine passport is now processed in about one-third of the time it took at this time last summer, and significantly less than the six to eight weeks announced.”
The public beta version of the brand new process was released in June 2024 and is on the market 24/7. For now, nevertheless, only adults and residents of a U.S. state or territory will give you the option to renew their passports online.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages led to long wait times for passport renewals, so long as 18 weeks as demand fell. In 2023, as travel restrictions eased, demand surged and strained the system much more. It wasn’t until late 2023 that the department announced processing times had returned to normal. Agency data revealed that 48% of Americans had passports in 2023, up from 5% in 1990.
According to Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter the means of for Americans living abroad, those trying to renew a second passport and passports for youngsters. “This won’t be the last thing we do,” she said.
“We want to see how this plays out and then we’ll start looking at ways to make this service available to more American citizens in the coming months and years.”
She said that whatever the recent process, processing times are still expected to be six to eight weeks. “The advantage of renewing your passport online is that it’s a more convenient service,” Bitter said. “We don’t expect the standard of service to be different for people who apply online than for people who apply by mail. We just want to make sure we give Americans the choice to do both.”
Travelers will still need to pay to renew their passports via a secure websiteThe $130 fee will remain in place.
Travel
ATL Restaurant “This is it!” Superseded by Eminent Domain
A famous metro Atlanta soul food restaurant has announced that it is going to soon be closing its Panola Road location, but not by selection.
This is it! is situated in DeKalb County on Panola Road near Interstate 20. The restaurant, which has 10 other locations within the Atlanta metro area, announced the closure on Instagram.
“Since 2010, our Panola Road location has been more than just a restaurant — it’s a place for family, friends and treasured memories,” the statement read.
“Due to GDOT’s new development, we will soon be saying goodbye to Panola,” the statement read.
According to the Instagram post, the restaurant plans to shut its doors on November 11 but hopes to stay open until December.
Customers who frequent the restaurant were surprised to learn that the restaurant was at risk of closing.
This is it! Patron of Mark Somerville they praised the restaurant employees for customer support.
“The food is excellent and the service is excellent. I’m a bit of upset,” said a Somerville patron
Restaurant owner Shelly Butch Anthony said the state is using existing eminent domain laws to shut the restaurant together with three other nearby businesses. Anthony says replacing the restaurant, which is in a main location, can be a challenge.
“We sit here on I-20 and Panola Road. Where can we find another way Panola?” said tconcerning the socket.
The Panola Road expansion is a part of the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. The Georgia Department of Transportation is planning develop the interchange at 1-20 and Panola Road. GDOT says the improvements will “address inefficient traffic flow and safety.
Eminent domain laws allow the federal government to seize private property if the owner refuses to sell. The Fifth Amendment states this seized property under eminent domain laws, they need to be for “public use” and owners must receive “just compensation.”
Anthony didn’t discuss the financial details of the acquisition, but said he has retained a lawyer to assist them navigate the method.
Travel
Luxury travel group for black women shutters, customers have not received their refund yet
After a luxury travel group for Black women shut down just days before an upcoming trip, customers are left wondering what happened to the cash they spent.
The now-defunct group “Ladies and Luggage” has abruptly canceled a visit to Dubai that was scheduled for this week. One woman, Virginia Gasber, sent a travel agent nearly $11,000 for the experience.
“I’m disappointed that the trip was canceled and I’m disappointed that she’s giving us a hard time about the money.” expressed Gasber to.
More women, including retiree Deborah Wells, spent 1000’s on business trips on the agency. This could be Wells’ second trip with the group she once considered a “sisterhood.”
Wells explained: “It was a sisterly bond. And now you can imagine your sister saying, “We’re not doing this anymore.” Wait, what?”
However, Ladies and Luggage owner Davia Woods posted a lengthy video on Facebook explaining their sudden closure. While expressing that it intends to repay all customers, refunds will not come as quickly as expected.
In a follow-up email, Woods explained that predatory lending, an “unexpected” tax break and the departure of a business partner had created quite a few financial challenges for the tour group. She also added that she would notify individuals who purchased insurance about reporting claims.
Woods also said she was unaware of the questionable business practices resulting in the financial collapse.
“Unfortunately, material details regarding the company and its operations have not been disclosed to me, and these undisclosed issues have ultimately contributed to the challenges we currently face,” Woods wrote on this news site. “I work closely with my attorney to follow up with each client individually, ensuring that each claim is reviewed and each person receives complete treatment.”
However, it’s unclear when or if the cash will likely be returned.
“But you’re not telling me how to get my money back,” Wells continued. “We have a steady income and are making payments on these promised great locations. And here we are.”
Still, the agency’s lawyer stressed that the clients’ money had indeed been used for “appropriate expenses.” However, there’s currently no deadline for refunds.
Travel
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After a luxury travel group for Black women shut down just days before an upcoming trip, customers are left wondering what happened to the cash they spent.
The now-defunct group “Ladies and Luggage” has abruptly canceled a visit to Dubai that was scheduled for this week. One woman, Virginia Gasber, sent a travel agent nearly $11,000 for the experience.
“I’m disappointed that the trip was canceled and I’m disappointed that she’s giving us a hard time about the money.” expressed Gasber to.
More women, including retiree Deborah Wells, spent 1000’s on business trips on the agency. This can be Wells’ second trip with the group she once considered a “sisterhood.”
Wells explained: “It was a sisterly bond. And now you can imagine your sister saying, “We’re not doing this anymore.” Wait, what?”
However, Ladies and Luggage owner Davia Woods posted a lengthy video on Facebook explaining their sudden closure. While expressing that it intends to repay all customers, refunds won’t come as quickly as expected.
In a follow-up email, Woods explained that predatory lending, an “unexpected” tax break and the departure of a business partner had created quite a few financial challenges for the tour group. She also added that she would notify individuals who purchased insurance about reporting claims.
Woods also said she was unaware of the questionable business practices resulting in the financial collapse.
“Unfortunately, material details regarding the company and its operations have not been disclosed to me, and these undisclosed issues have ultimately contributed to the challenges we currently face,” Woods wrote on this news site. “I work closely with my attorney to follow up with each client individually, ensuring that each claim is reviewed and each person receives complete treatment.”
However, it’s unclear when or if the cash can be returned.
“But you’re not telling me how to get my money back,” Wells continued. “We have a steady income and are making payments on these promised great locations. And here we are.”
Still, the agency’s lawyer stressed that the clients’ money had indeed been used for “appropriate expenses.” However, there may be currently no deadline for refunds.
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