Category: News

Explore Gwinnett, the premiere marketing initiative for Gwinnett County, Georgia, has introduced the Seoul of the South Pass, a free mobile pass designed to enhance your dining experience. It features a curated selection of authentic restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and spas throughout the county. Users can sign up online, check in at participating locations to earn points, and redeem them for Seoul of the South-themed prizes.

“We’re excited to expand the Seoul of the South™ experience with this digital pass,” said Lisa Anders, chief operating officer of Explore Gwinnett. “With the largest Korean population in the South, Gwinnett County offers a vibrant, self-guided way for locals and visitors to discover the cultural richness and authentic experiences that shape our community.”

The Seoul of the South™ Korean Food Tour, an annual Explore Gwinnett program, invites participants to join Sarah Park on a guided Korean dining adventure across the county. Celebrating its 10th year, the consistently sold-out tour inspired the creation of the Seoul of the South™ Pass.

This digital pass brings Sarah Park’s expert recommendations to users, enabling them to explore Gwinnett’s acclaimed Korean dining scene at their own pace.

2025 Seoul of the South Korean Food Tour Dates

• May 31st (sold out)
• June 28th (sold out)
• July 19th
• August 9th
• September 27th

Purchase tickets.

Powered by the technology company, Bandwango, the free digital passport features 32 Korean-owned destinations throughout Gwinnett County. Once registered, users can check in at participating locations using their mobile device to earn points, which can be redeemed for the following prizes:

• 4 points: Seoul of the South™ sticker pack and entry into a quarterly drawing for a $50 SpaLand gift card (Winners will be contacted via email and must respond within 72 hours to claim the gift card.)
• 8 points: Reusable Seoul of the South™ chopsticks and straw
• 12 points: Toiletry bag filled with K-beauty essentials
• 16 points: Seoul of the South™ T-shirt (Sizing is limited and subject to availability. Wait times may apply.)
• 20 points: Kimchi-making kit

There’s nothing like getting in some physical exercise for a good cause. That’s exactly the opportunity you’ll have this fall.

The Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer is hosting its annual two-day Walk for Breast Cancer on October 4-5 2025.

The Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer 2-Day Walk: What To Know

The Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (GABC) has as Its mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

The organization focuses on raising funds to support breast health and breast cancer programs across Georgia, particularly for underserved, uninsured, and underinsured individuals.

Here’s what to know about the annual event:

GABC’s flagship fundraising event, held annually on October 4-5, 2025, in Cobb County, covering 30 miles over two days.

Unlike the Avon 3-Day Walk (60 miles, camping), this “kinder and gentler” walk allows participants to choose walking 30 miles (both days), 20 miles (Saturday only), or 10 miles (Sunday only), with hotel accommodations provided.

Since 2002, the event has raised over $20 million, funding 570 grants for breast cancer education, screening, early detection, support services, and continuing care across more than 100 counties in Georgia.

Final Word

Walks for good causes are always good — but Georgia’s largest city has a lot more. Atlanta has just about everything you need for a fun time in a big-city. If you love to laugh, you should check out the best comedy clubs in Atlanta.

For those who feel like dancing or vibing to some music, Atlanta’s got some of the best clubs in the South.

Want to get out of the house during the day? Why not get some shopping in the city by patronizing local vendors with handmade goods, arts, crafts, candles, soaps, vintage and more.

Choosing high-quality luggage is a smart choice, providing better reliability, convenience, and protection for your items. It enhances your travel experience by making it more enjoyable, seamless, and stress-free, letting you focus on the journey instead of worrying about your luggage.

While it’s true that travel right now is getting more expensive, having the best luggage can give you peace of mind.

This article will show you some of the best carry-on luggage brands that you can buy at some of the best prices you’ll find online.

Best Carry-On Luggage Brands For Your Travel

Most major airlines require that your carry-on bag be 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters) including handles and wheels.

If you’re planning a trip in the near future, keep these bags in mind:

Here Are The Best Luggage Brands

• Bric’s
• Eagle Creek
• eBags
• Calpak
• Away
• Samsonite

Here Is The Best Carry-On Luggage

The best carry-on luggage brands come in different shapes, sizes and materials, but they should all work within your budget. We’re going to show you some affordable bags that do just that.

Are you interested in trying to save money on travel this year? One main way you to save is on luggage costs.

Here are the best carry-on luggage along with reviews from real people:

DELSEY PARIS Chatelet Air 2.0 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels

Buy It

Here’s what one reviewer says about eBags: “I have had this bag a year or so now, and must say it’s great. There is some serious capacity to this bag, with very smart compartments which you can use for storing all kinds of things for easy access. Particularly like the like the hook in one of the front compartments for attaching your keys.”

Kenneth Cole REACTION Madison Square Lightweight Hardside Chevron Expandable Spinner Luggage

Buy It

Pathfinder Gear 36 Inch Rolling Drop Bottom Duffel, Olive, One Size

Buy It

Bric’s Milano Unisex By Bric’s Ulisse 28″ Expandable Spinner

Buy It

Here’s what one reviewer says about this Bric’s luggage bag: “Love this suitcase-easy to handle-has plenty of packing space but wonder why there is no zipper pulls with inside zippers.”

Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels – 31″ 120L Foldable Weekender Bag

Buy It

Here’s what one reviewer says about the Eagle Creek bag: “This is one of the only suitcases that meets international flight size requirements for carry on luggage. The wheels and handle work well. However, the handle takes up a large amount of space in the suitcase and the spacing of the handles makes packing anything else awkward. The zippers are also fragile and a bit hard to zip.”

TUMI – Voyageur Celina Backpack – Travel Backpack for Women

Buy It

Here’s what one reviewer says about this Tumi bag: “This is the perfect back pack for me. Not to big, and not to small. I used this as my carry on for a recent flight. The material is easy to clean. There are 2 zippers at the top of the main compartment that go to each side so it opens wide and it is easy to get into the bottom of bag.”

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Carry-On

Buy It

Here’s what one reviewer says about this Briggs & Riley bag: “Pretty nice but expensive bag.
Quality appears to be very good. CX feature great.
Once and for all, this bag does not measure 21 inches tall overall!
Ground to top of bag 21 inches, handle extra is making it just under 22 inches.
Lack of side and bottom handles and outside ID card also detract.”

How Do You Know Your Luggage Is High Quality?

There are several ways to know whether you have well-made luggage or not.

In many cases, you can tell good luggage by the quality of the zipper. Also, the handle should be made out of a material that is easy on the skin and isn’t prone to ripping at the seams.

You’ll also want to pay attention to whether the exterior is soft or a hard shell, which would protect your belongings better.

How To Choose Good, Quality Luggage

Choosing quality travel luggage can make your trips much smoother. Here are some key tips to help you pick the perfect bag:

1. Consider the Type of Luggage

• Carry-On: Ideal for short trips or avoiding checked baggage fees. Check airline size restrictions.
• Checked Luggage: Great for longer trips when you need more space.
• Duffel Bags: Lightweight and versatile, perfect for casual travel or road trips.
• Backpacks: Excellent for adventure or budget travel.

2. Durability is Key

• Material:
  • Hard-Shell (Polycarbonate or ABS): Offers better protection for fragile items but may scratch.
  • Soft-Shell (Nylon or Polyester): More flexible, often lighter, and easier to fit in tight spaces.
• Zippers: Look for sturdy, smooth-gliding zippers. YKK zippers are a good benchmark for quality.
• Handles and Stitching: Ensure handles are sturdy and stitching is reinforced.

3. Check the Wheels

• Spinner Wheels (4 wheels): Provide 360-degree maneuverability and are easier to move.
• Roller Wheels (2 wheels): Better for rough terrain but require more effort to pull.
• Test the wheels for smooth rolling and stability.

Final Thoughts

Are you wondering if it’s time for you to travel again? Perhaps, it’s been a while. The only way to do so comfortably is to have the right luggage.

The primary purpose of luggage is to protect your belongings during travel. Good-quality luggage provides better protection for your items, especially fragile or valuable possessions. It is designed with features like padded compartments, internal straps, and secure closures to keep your belongings safe and secure. This reduces the risk of damage, breakage, or loss during transit.

No matter what type of luggage you buy, airlines prefer soft luggage rather than hard suitcases. The softer your bags, the less damage they are likely to incur.

Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.  

To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.

Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.

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A new variant of COVID-19 has been identified by researchers even as warmer weather spreads across the hemisphere.

As of June 2, 2025, the most recently identified COVID-19 variant widely discussed is NB.1.8.1, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, according to news reports.

New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads Across U.S.

The new variant has been detected in California, Washington state, Arizona, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Arizona, and Hawaii, and more places. The good news is that scientists from China, where it was first found, report that the illness is not as severe as some variants that have emerged previously.

“Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily,” Subhash Verma, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News. “In other words, it is more transmissible.”

The new variant was first detected in samples collected on January 22, 2025, and designated a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 23, 2025.

According to available data, the symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are broadly similar to those of previous Omicron subvariants, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract.

What Are the Symptoms of the New COVID Variant?

Here’s a list of common symptoms of the new COVID variant based on current reports:

• Fever or chills: Often a low-grade fever, though it can vary in intensity.
• Cough: Typically mild, but persistent in some cases.
• Sore throat: A common early symptom, often reported as scratchiness or irritation.
• Runny nose or nasal congestion: Similar to symptoms of a cold.
• Fatigue: General tiredness or weakness, which may be pronounced.
• Muscle aches or body aches: Soreness or discomfort, particularly in the back or limbs.
• Headache: Can range from mild to moderate.
• Shortness of breath: Less common than with earlier variants but may occur, especially in severe cases.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, noted in some instances.
• Loss of taste or smell: Less frequent than with earlier strains like Delta, but still reported in some cases, particularly with variants related to JN.1.

Key Observations:

• Similarity to Prior Strains: Experts, including those from the CDC and WHO, indicate no evidence of distinct or more severe symptoms with NB.1.8.1 compared to other Omicron subvariants. The symptom profile aligns closely with what has been observed in recent years.
• Variability: Symptoms can vary depending on factors like vaccination status, age, overall health, and whether someone is immunocompromised. Mild symptoms are common in most cases, but severe illness remains a risk for high-risk groups, such as the elderly or those with underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).
• Incubation and Duration: Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure and may last from a few days to two weeks, depending on severity and individual response.

Will the New COVID Variant Show Up in Georgia?

it’s too early to tell whether the new variant will emerge in Georgia, although with Atlanta having the world’s busiest airport, there’s a good chance.

A source from the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer notes that local cases in Georgia have not been confirmed, though it highlights the variant’s presence in the U.S. and advises residents to stay informed.

Given the variant’s detection in international travelers and its spread in 22 countries, it’s possible it could emerge in Georgia, but as of the latest available data, no cases have been explicitly reported there.

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Hooters, a sports bar known for its chicken wings and scantily clad waitresses, is in financial trouble.

The restaurant’s parent company, Hooters of America, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 31, 2025.

The company is using this process to restructure its $376 million debt and has plans to sell its 151 company-owned restaurants to a franchise group backed by its original founders.

While the bankruptcy process unfolds, Hooters intends to keep its restaurants operational, expecting to complete the deal and emerge from bankruptcy in three to four months with $35 million in financing from its existing lenders.

“With over 30 years of hands-on experience across the Hooters ecosystem, we have a profound understanding of our customers and what it takes to not only meet, but consistently exceed their expectations,” said Neil Kiefer, CEO of Hooters Inc., on behalf of the Buyer Group. “As we look toward the future, we are committed to restoring the Hooters brand back to its roots and simplifying HOA’s operations by adopting a pure franchise model that will maximize the potential for sustainable, long-term growth.”

Is Hooters Closing Any U.S. Locations?

No specific announcements have been made about permanent closures tied to this filing. However, the situation could evolve depending on the outcome of the sale and financial restructuring.

The bankruptcy filing follows months of speculation and preparations reported earlier this year, driven by challenges like declining foot traffic, rising costs, and a significant debt load, including $300 million in asset-backed bonds from 2021.

What Is the History of Hooters?

Hooters, the restaurant chain known for its casual dining and sports bar atmosphere, was founded on October 4, 1983, in Clearwater, Florida.

The concept was the brainchild of six businessmen: Lynn D. Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste, Billy Ranieri, Ken Wimmer, and Dennis Johnson.

The group aimed to create a place where they could enjoy good food, cold beer, and a fun, laid-back vibe—essentially, a spot they’d want to hang out at themselves.

The name “Hooters” came from a mix of playful inspiration and branding savvy. It’s a nod to the owl logo (with “hooters” being slang for an owl’s call) and a cheeky wink at the chain’s focus on attractive, scantily clad waitresses—later dubbed “Hooters Girls.”

The founders reportedly tossed around hundreds of name ideas before settling on this one, knowing it would stick in people’s minds. They weren’t wrong.

The first Hooters opened its doors with a simple menu: wings, burgers, sandwiches, and seafood, paired with a beachy, Florida vibe.

The wings, in particular, became a signature item, served with a variety of sauces that remain a draw today. The original location was a modest spot, but it quickly gained traction, fueled by its unapologetic blend of sex appeal and comfort food.

The founders had no grand franchise plans at first—they just wanted a successful local joint—but the concept took off.

By 1984, the chain started expanding through franchising, with new locations popping up across the U.S. The Hooters Girls became central to the brand, wearing the now-iconic uniform of white tank tops and orange shorts.

The chain peaked in the U.S. with over 400 locations by the early 2000s, though it’s since scaled back to around 300 domestically as of recent years.

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Atlanta looks like a giant tennis ball exploded. That’s because the city’s pollen count on Saturday, March 29 was 14,801. This is the highest recorded count in 35 years and with spring here, the yellow fallout may just be beginning.

Dealing with pollen can be a real challenge, especially if you’re prone to seasonal allergies.

This article will share some steps to take to deal with high pollen.

Here are some practical strategies to help you manage exposure and symptoms:

Monitor Pollen Levels

Check local pollen forecasts (websites like Pollen.com or apps like Weather and Underground can help).

Pollen counts tend to peak in the morning, on windy days, or after rain, so plan outdoor time when levels are lower, like late afternoon or after heavy rain.

Limit Exposure

Stay indoors during high pollen times if you can. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with a clean filter (HEPA filters are great if you’ve got one).

When outside, sunglasses can shield your eyes, and a mask (like an N95) can cut down on inhaled pollen.

Clean Up

Pollen sticks to everything. Shower and change clothes after being outside—wash your hair too, since pollen loves to hitch a ride there.

Wipe down pets if they’ve been out, and vacuum or dust with a damp cloth to trap particles instead of kicking them up.

Over-the-Counter Relief

Antihistamines (like cetirizine or loratadine) can tackle sneezing and itching. Nasal sprays (like fluticasone) help with congestion.

Saline rinses, like a neti pot, can flush pollen out of your sinuses—just use distilled or boiled water to keep it safe.

Natural Options

Some swear by local honey to build tolerance, though evidence is shaky. Quercetin (found in onions, apples) might act as a natural antihistamine—small studies suggest it could help, but it’s not a slam dunk.

Final Word

If it’s bad for you this year, see an allergist. Allergy shots or sublingual drops can desensitize you over time, but they’re a commitment (months to years).

What’s your situation—mild annoyance or full-on allergy meltdown? That’ll tweak the approach.

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Another day, another discount retailer closing its doors. This time, it’s Dollar General, the cheap shopper’s #1 resource across America. The company recently announced that it will shut the doors on nearly 100 store locations.

The store closures will be a mix of Dollar General and pOpshelf locations, which will happen soon. As of now, 96 Dollar General stores and 45 pOpshelf locations will shut down in the first quarter of 2025, the company disclosed in a March 19 announcement.

Dollar General To Close Stores ‘Challenging’ To Operate

The company announced these closures in its latest earnings report on March 13, 2025, following a “store portfolio optimization review” that evaluated individual store performance, expected future performance, and operating conditions.

CEO Todd Vasos noted that many of the stores targeted for closure, particularly the 96 Dollar General locations, are in urban areas that have become “increasingly challenging to successfully operate,” though no precise cities or addresses have been disclosed yet.

In recent comments, Vasos also noted that consumers are hurting, which hurting store sales. He said, “Many of our customers report they only have enough money for basic essentials, with some noting that they have had to sacrifice even on the necessities.”

The 45 pOpshelf closures represent about 22% of that brand’s footprint, but similarly, no specific sites have been named.

Additionally, six pOpshelf stores will be converted into Dollar General stores.

These closures represent less than 1% of the company’s total store base, which exceeds 20,000 locations across the U.S. Despite these closures, Dollar General is also planning to open approximately 575 new stores and remodel around 2,000 existing ones throughout 2025, indicating a net growth in its overall store count by the end of the year.

Why Is Dollar General Facing Financial Difficulties?

Operationally, Dollar General is grappling with declining profitability. Its operating profit fell 49% year-over-year in Q4 2024, driven by lower sales volumes, shrinking gross margins (down to 30% in Q2 2024 from 31.1% the prior year), and increased costs.

These costs include higher markdowns, inventory damages, and “shrink” (losses from theft or damage), as well as rising operational expenses like rent, labor, and supply chain logistics.

The decision to close certain stores stems from an internal review aimed at optimizing performance, particularly in underperforming or challenging urban locations, while the company continues to expand elsewhere. So, while some individual stores are shutting down, Dollar General as a company is not ceasing operations and is instead adjusting its footprint.

What Other Stores Are Facing Financial Troubles?

The year has been rough not only for Dollar General, but for several U.S. retailers. Here’s a look at those that have reported issues with their bottom line.

• Target: On March 4, 2025, Target reported a sales drop for February and forecasted flat comparable sales growth for 2025, citing economic volatility and “meaningful pressure” on profits due to new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, alongside other rising costs. Profits and sales slipped in late 2024, with consumer hesitancy evident ahead of the holidays, and shares are down nearly 15% year-to-date.
• Walgreens: The pharmacy chain is in the midst of closing 1,200 stores by 2027, with 500 slated for fiscal year 2025, as part of a cost-cutting strategy amid financial strain. This follows years of challenges, including declining foot traffic and profitability in its retail pharmacy segment.
• Joann: The craft retailer has faced severe financial distress, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice—first in March 2024 and again in January 2025. It plans to close 500 of its roughly 850 stores nationwide as part of its restructuring, burdened by $1 billion in debt despite securing $132 million in new financing in 2024.
• Kohl’s: The department store chain announced on January 10, 2025, plans to close 27 underperforming stores by April 2025, representing less than 3% of its 1,150+ locations. This follows closures in San Diego due to unmet financial expectations, pointing to broader difficulties in maintaining profitability.
• Party City: After filing for bankruptcy in 2023, Party City continues to struggle, with reports indicating 695 store closures in 2025 alone. Private equity ownership has been blamed for loading the company with debt, exacerbating its financial woes.
• Big Lots: The discount retailer is among those hit hard, with 1,728 total store closures reported across struggling chains in 2025, including a significant number from Big Lots. Its financial difficulties stem from a weakening consumer base and operational inefficiencies.
• Forever 21: The fast-fashion chain filed for bankruptcy for the second time in six years in 2025, citing inflation, competition from online rivals like Shein and Temu, and shifting consumer preferences as key factors in its decline.
• Advanced Auto Parts: Facing a tough retail environment, the company plans to close over 700 locations by mid-2025 as part of a new three-year financial recovery plan, reflecting broader struggles in the auto parts retail sector.
• Macy’s: While undergoing a restructuring, Macy’s is consolidating its physical locations in 2025, with shares slipping 2% in early March amid long-standing difficulties. Consumer uncertainty has hit middle-market retailers like Macy’s harder than discount or luxury brands.

Other retailers like Starbucks, Dollar Tree, Office Depot, and JCPenney are also closing select underperforming locations in 2025, though their overall financial situation has not as of yet appeared to be as dire as those named earlier.

Final Word

Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Putnam County officials have confirmed that they have recovered the body of a coach that went missing mfore than a month ago.

Sheriff Howard Sills has confirmed that Gary Jones’ body was discovered around 1 p.m. in approximately 45 feet of water, not far from where the body of his fiancée, Joycelyn Wilson, a Spelman College instructor, was found.

The gruesome discovery made Sunday, March 9, 2025, marks almost exactly one month since Gary Jones and his fiancée, Joycelyn Wilson, disappeared while boating on Lake Oconee.

Wilson’s body was recovered after they both went missing during the first week of February. The 47-year-old was a senior track-and-field instructor in the Department of Mathematics at Spelman College, where she had been since 2007.

Jones was a faculty member and varsity track-and-field coach at Westminster, a private Christian school in Atlanta.

Gary Jones: Body of Well-Like Coach Found in Lake Oconee

Gary Jones, a faculty member and varsity track-and-field coach at Westminster Schools in Atlanta, has been missing since February 8, 2025, following a boating incident on Lake Oconee. He and his fiancée, Joycelyn Nicole Wilson, a senior instructor at Spelman College, were last seen together when their unoccupied boat was discovered circling near Wallace Dam.

Joycelyn Wilson’s body was recovered the next day, but despite extensive search efforts—including the use of divers, cadaver dogs, and aerial assistance—Gary Jones had not been found. The search was suspended indefinitely after 22 days, but resumed shortly after.

Authorities have noted certain peculiarities in the case, leading them to treat it as more than a routine drowning. Items such as Wilson’s fanny pack containing cash and credit cards, along with a cell phone, were found, prompting further investigation. The Secret Service began assisting in attempting to unlock Wilson’s phone for additional evidence.

Gary Jones’ family had expressed their unwavering commitment to finding him, stating, “We will not rest until he is found.”