Category: News

Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, leaving behind not only a selfless legacy that bolstered Georgia, but the United States.

When Is Jimmy Carter’s Funeral?

The Carter estate has released the plans for Jimmy Carter’s funeral, which will be a national event:

Carter’s state funeral is set to take place in Washington, D.C., on January 9. In his honor, President Biden has directed that flags at all government buildings nationwide be flown at half-staff for 30 days.

Who Was Jimmy Carter?

Jimmy Carter, born James Earl Carter Jr. on October 1, 1924, is a former President of the United States and a prominent humanitarian. His life and career span decades of public service, marked by his contributions to politics, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts. Here’s an overview of his life and legacy:

Early Life and Career

• Born in Plains, Georgia, Carter grew up in a modest farming family.
• Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served as a Navy officer, working on nuclear submarine technology.
• Returned to Georgia in the 1950s to manage his family’s peanut farm.

Political Career

• Entered politics in the early 1960s, serving in the Georgia State Senate from 1963 to 1967.
• Elected as the Governor of Georgia in 1970, focusing on civil rights, government reorganization, and environmental issues.

Presidency (1977–1981)

• Elected as the 39th President of the United States in 1976 as a Democrat.
• Known for a presidency focused on human rights, energy policy, and diplomacy.
• Key achievements include:
  1. Camp David Accords: Mediated a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel.
  2. Panama Canal Treaties: Transferred control of the Panama Canal to Panama.
  3. Department of Energy and Education: Established these federal agencies.
  4. Focus on Renewable Energy: Advocated for reducing reliance on foreign oil.
• His presidency faced challenges such as high inflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and energy shortages.

Post-Presidency and Humanitarian Work

After leaving office, Carter became one of the most active and respected former presidents in U.S. history:

• Founded the Carter Center in 1982, promoting peace, human rights, and public health worldwide.
• Worked extensively on global health issues, eradicating diseases like Guinea worm disease.
• Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need.
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his lifelong dedication to peace and human rights.

Personal Life

• Married to Rosalynn Carter since 1946, with whom he shares a deep partnership in his humanitarian efforts.
• Known for his humility, faith, and dedication to service, Carter remains a beloved figure, especially in his home state of Georgia.

Jimmy Carter is celebrated as a statesman who prioritized ethics, human rights, and the betterment of humanity throughout his life.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been removed from Georgia election case against President-Elect Donald Trump. The effects of the ruling are wide-ranging.

A Georgia appeals court on Thursday ruled to disqualify Willis from overseeing the criminal election interference prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump and other defendants.

The ruling is a victory for MAGA Republicans, who have vowed to upend Willis’ case for political reasons. Months earlier, leading Republicans aligned with Trump tried to stop the indictments brought by Willis and have tried to reprimand her over the charges. Although as a county prosecutor, she’s not alone, Willis is the first prosecutor to bring charges against Trump related to the 2020 election.

Last September, Willis wrote a scathing letter to Ohio Congress Jim Jordan, a Republican that has attempted to derail her investigation.

Despite this decision, the Court of Appeals allowed the indictment against the defendants to stand, but it is unclear who will take the helm. What is clear is that the case won’t proceed anytime soon.

The charges stem from their alleged efforts to overturn Trump’s loss to President Joe Biden in Georgia’s 2020 election.

However, Trump’s defense attorney later argued that the court’s ruling regarding Willis effectively ended the case against the president-elect.

In response, Willis’ office filed a statement indicating that it planned to request the Georgia Supreme Court review and potentially overturn the appeals court’s decision to disqualify her from handling the case.

The appeals court’s decision reversed a ruling by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who had previously allowed Willis to remain on the case. Trump’s attorneys had argued that Willis should be disqualified due to concerns about her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the lead prosecutor she had appointed to handle the case.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeals stated that Judge McAfee’s remedy—allowing Willis to stay on the case as long as Wade withdrew—was insufficient.

“After carefully reviewing the trial court’s findings, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office,” the appeals court wrote.

The court added that the trial judge’s approach did not adequately address concerns about the appearance of impropriety during the crucial pretrial phase, when Willis held significant discretion over prosecution decisions and charges.

Rapper Young Thug successfully petitioned for milder probation terms that will allow him to return to Atlanta much sooner that originally planned.

Young Thug, real name Jeffrey Atkins, was granted permission to visit Atlanta for two weeks at a time, up to four times per year, starting in October 2027, according to new terms set by the judge.

When Can Young Thug Come Back To Atlanta?

Young Thug can return to visit his Atlanta home starting Oct. 31, 2027, only if he does not violate his probation over the first three years.
When he does come back, those visits are limited to up to two weeks at a time, up to four times per year, on a non-consecutive basis, according to the court order.

Following a plea deal, Atkins was released from jail on Halloween 2024, which marked the end of the longest trial in Georgia history.

Video footage that night showed a dark sedan pulling off from the Fulton County jail with Young Thuginside.

As terms of his plea deal, Young Thug must also:

• Stay away from metro Atlanta for 10 years.
• Refrain from using any illicit drugs.
• Avoid association with any gang paraphernalia.
• Speak against drugs/gang violence four times a year.

Many people, including Young Thug’s father, did not agree with the state’s demand that his son stay away from Atlanta, effectively banning him from his hometown.

“I feel great that he’s going home, but by the same token, I wanted him to fight,” he said, referring to his son taking a plea deal. “As an adult, he has to make his own decision.”

The friends, family and community around Bankhead Seafood’s iconic owner Helen Brown Harden is mourning after her death was announced on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.

“For more than 50 years, Ms. Harden shared a culinary treasure with our community, creating a beloved institution. As we recently celebrated the reopening of Bankhead Seafood by Mike and T.I., we’re reminded of Ms. Harden’s lasting impact on our city,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement. “Her legacy will live on, not only through her food but in the hearts of everyone who was touched by her dedication and vision in serving our community.”

Harden was on hand just two weeks ago when the famed Bankhead Seafood re-opened under the ownership of hometown entrepreneurs and rappers T.I. and Killer Mike.

The restaurant posted a tribute to Ms. Harden on Facebook, saying “It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a true Atlanta legend, Mrs. Helen Harden, affectionately known to the neighborhood as ‘Mama.’ We extend our deepest condolences to the Harden family as we join in mourning this extraordinary woman who graced our lives and community with her unmatched kindness and love.

The message continued, “For over 50 years, Mrs. Harden nourished the city of Atlanta, both with her cooking and her boundless spirit. Her unwavering dedication and compassion touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Final Word

The black Atlanta restaurant community will no doubt miss Ms. Harden, but the great food continues. If you like that part of town, don’t sleep on College Park either.

If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.

As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.

More Food Coverage:

Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

• Best Restaurants To Try In East Point
• Where To Eat In Atlanta
• Best Restaurants On The Atlanta Beltline Right Now

Sola Salons Johns Creek, an upscale salon suites concept, is set to open its doors in the coming days and is celebrating the occasion by offering an invitation to the public to get a sneak peek.

The sneak peek, hosted by Sola Salons and local general manager Mike Balsamides will be on Monday December 9^th at 11:00am – 2:00pm.

The opening of Sola’s newest salon in Johns Creek, Georgia, is located in Old Alabama Square at the crossroads of Roswell, Alpharetta and Johns Creek.

The new Sola Salons features a collection of boutique, move-in-ready salon studios with floor-to-ceiling walls and glass doors that fully close. This unique layout and intentional design allows beauty professionals to operate their individual businesses in complete privacy and customized one-on-one spaces. 

The local team is excited to welcome beauty professionals in the area for a tour of the new salon and the opportunity to learn more about life at Sola Salons. You are invited to enjoy light snacks and beverages, pick-up some Sola swag and meet with a sheer sharpener on-site offering free sharpening for any interested beauty professionals who attend the event.

“We are thrilled to expand the Sola Salons family in Atlanta to the Johns Creek area. There are incredible possibilities for salon professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit to expand their businesses at Sola Salons, while still feeling like part of the thriving salon community in Atlanta” said Mike Balsamides, General Manager of Sola Salons Atlanta. “We’re excited to welcome the beauty professionals in the area to join the over 20,000 independent salon owners running their businesses at Sola Salons.”

Sola provides a turnkey environment for experienced hair stylists, cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, barbers, waxers, med spa professionals, massage therapists, makeup artists, lash specialists, professional micro bladers, hair extension specialists, health and wellness professionals and more. Studios are equipped with:

• Oversized sliding/locking door
  
• Floor-to-ceiling sound-insulated walls
  
• Modern custom cabinetry and high-end hydraulic styling chair
  
• Full spectrum LED lighting with dimmers to emulate natural daylight
  
• Utilities and WiFi included in weekly rental fee
  
• On-site laundry facilities and a comfortable break room to relax between clients
  
• BookNow to help grow your clientele and operate your business
  
• Sustainability is at the forefront of design, construction and operations
  
• Unmatched service and support from a local management team

Since its inception in 2004, Sola has grown to more than 750+ locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Sola is committed to industry leading innovation and a fun salon environment to better support its rapidly growing community of more than 20,000+ independent beauty professionals.

“As the dominant brand in the salon suites segment, we have created a turnkey solution for thousands of beauty professionals to explore a better life as an entrepreneur. We are driven by our desire to use real estate to help aspiring business owners achieve their dreams and live their best lives,” said Ben Jones, CEO of Radiance Holdings (parent company of Sola Salons). “With a wide variety of proprietary resources and tools, such as state-of-the-art technology and integrated marketing features, we ensure that our Sola beauty professionals are set up for long-term success from the very beginning.”

Where Is Sola Salons in Johns Creek?

Sola Salons Johns Creek is located at 3005 Old Alabama Square, Unit 410, Johns Creek, GA  30022. Here is a map to help you find it.

The salon offers 37 studios and 7,500 square feet of first-class amenities for salon professionals and their clients. A limited number of private suites are still available for rent. For more information or to take a tour, visit solasalons.com, or call 470-567-5583 or email inquiries@solaatlanta.com.

Check out the best hair salons in Atlanta. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.

• 15 of the absolute best barbershops in Atlanta, Georgia
• Best eyelash extensions in Atlanta
• Here are the best hair salons in ATL

There’s going to be a new fried chicken joint in Atlanta, and it punches above its weight in the Southeast. Raising Cane’s is expanding throughout Georgia, with plans to open in Midtown Atlanta as well in Cumming, Conyers and Kennesaw in 2025.

In Atlanta, Raising Cane’s will take over the spot where Krystal is now at the intersection of 14th Street and Northside Drive.

Raising Cane’s is a fast-food restaurant franchise known for specializing in chicken fingers, and it has grown into a popular chain with locations across the United States and internationally. Here’s an overview of the history of Raising Cane’s.

What Is Raising Cane’s Menu Known For?

Photo credit: Raising Cane’s/Instagram

Raising Cane’s is primarily known for its chicken fingers (look out, Chick-fil-A). The restaurant’s menu is simple and focused, offering high-quality, hand-battered, and fried chicken tenders as its main offering. Here’s what Raising Cane’s is particularly known for:

1. Chicken Fingers: The restaurant’s main dish is its chicken fingers, which are freshly prepared, hand-breaded, and fried to a crispy golden perfection. These tenders are the foundation of their menu.
2. Cane’s Sauce: Raising Cane’s has a signature dipping sauce, called Cane’s Sauce, which is a creamy, tangy sauce made with a secret recipe. It’s widely popular and often considered the perfect complement to their chicken fingers.
3. Simple Menu: Unlike many fast-food chains that offer a broad variety of items, Raising Cane’s has a streamlined menu, focusing on just a few items: chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast. This simplicity allows them to focus on perfecting each item.
4. Texas Toast: Their Texas toast, a thick slice of buttered and grilled bread, is another fan favorite, often served as a side dish with their chicken fingers.
5. Crinkle-Cut Fries: Raising Cane’s serves crispy, crinkle-cut fries, which pair perfectly with their chicken fingers and Cane’s Sauce.

Raising Cane’s: A History

In 1996, entrepreneur Todd Graves opened the first Raising Cane’s location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, near the Louisiana State University (LSU) campus. The restaurant’s concept was straightforward but effective: it specialized in high-quality, fresh chicken fingers, served with crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, and their signature dipping sauce.

The restaurant’s slogan, “One Love,” emphasized the idea of focusing on one thing and doing it exceptionally well, which became the brand’s central philosophy.

The early success of the Baton Rouge location paved the way for expansion. By the early 2000s, Raising Cane’s began opening new locations in Louisiana and other southern states. The restaurant chain’s focus on offering a simple, limited menu of chicken fingers allowed them to streamline operations and maintain high food quality, which resonated with customers.

Today, the company remains privately owned by Todd Graves and a few other key executives. Its focus on chicken fingers and its commitment to quality, paired with its distinctive culture and customer experience, have made it a beloved brand in the fast-food industry.

Key Points About Raising Cane’s

• Founder: Todd Graves
• Founded: 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Signature Dish: Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, and signature Cane’s sauce
• Expansion: Rapid national and international growth, with over 500 locations as of 2024
• Philosophy: “One Love” – focusing on doing one thing (chicken fingers) exceptionally well
• Employee Culture: Emphasizes employee satisfaction and leadership development

Final Word

Raising Cane’s is also planning to open more than 100 new locations in 2024 in new markets. The Baton Rouge-based fast-food chain is opening soon in the following markets:

• Atlanta — Raising Cane’s plans to open restaurants in Cumming, Conyers, and Kennesaw in late 2024, and its first intown location in West Midtown in spring 2026. 
• Snellville –Raising Cane’s is moving forward with plans to open a restaurant in Snellville. 
• Findlay — Raising Cane’s has submitted a site plan for a new location in Findlay. 
• Boston — Raising Cane’s plans to open at least three new locations in Greater Boston, including one at 101 Arch St in Downtown Crossing. 
• Michigan — Developers are considering a Raising Cane’s location near the corner of Milham Avenue and Westnedge Avenue in Portage.

Chicken tenders are about to explode in popularity with the entry of Raising Cane’s to the Atlanta fast-food market. For a more full-service experience, check out the best places to eat in Midtown Atlanta.

More From AtlantaFi.com:

• Cool Things To Do This Weekend in Atlanta
• How Many Food Halls Are In Atlanta?
• Cool Things To Do In Midtown Atlanta

If you want to try some diverse cuisine in a small-town atmosphere, you might want to check out Sandy Springs. Yes, you can now eat Sandy Springs.

What does the city taste like? Greek, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Brazilian, French, Indian and more.

Eat Sandy Springs Along the City’s Restaurant Row

The city on Nov. 16 i​ntroduced its Restaurant Row, a corridor of culinary goodness that is quickly becoming a dining mecca.

How Many Restaurants Are Located in Sandy Springs?

More than 120 independent eateries are located along the 10 miles that run through Sandy Springs on Roswell Road, the city says.

You can find everything from Mediterranean fare to pho, vermicelli bowls, Italian, Mexican and more along the corridor.

Among the newest eateries in Sandy Springs are Pendolino, an Italian concept from famed local chef owner Kevin Maxey, and Social Bites Food Hub, a two-story food hall with a mix of fun offerings and live entertainment on the weekends.

A short distance from the Skate City Springs, you can find more great places to eat.

What To Eat at Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs has some great places to eat and what I love are the particular dishes you can find on their respective menus. Here are some of the faves:

C&S Seafood & Oyster Bar – Sandy Springs

6125 Roswell Rd Suite 700, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 | (470) 427-3826

Here’s what one customer says about C&S Seafood & Oyster Bar. “Can you say amazing!!! The best charbroiled oysters ever! The Cesar salad was great I loved the dressing! The bread was even great! Great simple Atmosphere great vibe! Our Waiter  was wonderful great experience!”

The Charbroiled Oysters on a Half Shell at C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar are to die for, served with garlic sauce and parmesan.

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

4600 Roswell Rd Bldg C Ste 110, Sandy Springs, GA 30342 | (404) 649-6334

Here’s what one diner at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar says. “Cute atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for freebies and discounts on your meal. The ingredients seem fairly high quality and well prepared. Definitely recommend the Tupelo Shrimp and Grits and the Fried Green Tomatoes, some of the better versions of those dishes I’ve had anywhere. The Creole Shrimp Linguine, while decent and filling, was a bit bland so not really worth ordering compared to the shrimp and grits.”

Abuelos Mexican Kitchen and Cantina

6631 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 |  (404) 565-0410

Here’s what one customer says about Abuelos. “Definitely looking forward to our second visit here. Hands down best margaritas and oh did I mention the outstanding and superb steak tacos we had. Best homemade salsa ever!!! And best customer service bar none. So if your looking the best go to Abuelos mexican. Roswell rd Sandy Springs.”

And at Italian eatery Tre Vele, you don’t want to miss Tuesdays, when you can enjoy freshly grated cheese from the cheese wheel.

There’s also the Media Noche at Cubanos​ and the Cazuelita Barcelona at Pisco Latin Kitchen. If you love Shawarma, you’ll love Rumi’s Kitchen as well as SabaRaba’s.

Final Bite

You don’t have to travel to downtown Atlanta or Midtown to find excellent restaurants, Sandy Springs is where it’s at for new restaurants as well as old faithful spots. Check out these great restaurants in Sandy Springs.

More Articles From AtlantaFi.com:

• Things To Do This Weekend in Atlanta
• Check Out Our West Midtown Food Guide
• Affordable Things To Do in Midtown Atlanta