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Midtown Taco Mac Location Closes Within a Few Weeks of the Original
Midtown Taco Mac Location Closes Within a Few Weeks of the Original

Eater

timea day ago

  • Business
  • Eater

Midtown Taco Mac Location Closes Within a Few Weeks of the Original

Just a few weeks after the announcement of the closing of the original Taco Mac in Virginia-Highlands, the Taco Mac in Midtown suddenly shut its doors. According to a report by Atlanta News First, a sign in the window at the store on Peachtree Street read, 'Serving this community has been an incredible honor. We've cherished every moment — from cheering on our local sports teams together to celebrating special milestones. These memories will always be a meaningful part of our journey.' The first Taco Mac opened in 1979. and its expansion locations have been local hangouts for watching sports, baskets of wings, and draft beer. When the original location shuttered, the restaurant chain stated that it was focusing on growth in the Southeast, and the closure was a strategic move. In 2021, Taco Mac closed its long-time Lindbergh location, citing safety concerns. Then in 2023, the Decatur location closed after 22 years on West Ponce de Leon Avenue. Fresh Hospitality, led by CEO and Atlantan Harold Martin, Jr., bought the Taco Mac brand in 2018. Several Taco Mac locations are still situated in areas surrounding Atlanta. Sign up for our newsletter.

Unionized Kroger Drivers in Georgia Strike—What It Could Mean for You
Unionized Kroger Drivers in Georgia Strike—What It Could Mean for You

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Unionized Kroger Drivers in Georgia Strike—What It Could Mean for You

Kroger dates back to 1883, so the brand has been helping Americans find quality groceries for more than a century at this point. Kroger has an upwards of 2,800 stores in 35 states and annual sales of more than $132.5 billion, according to the company, making it one of the world's largest retailers. Now, a development at a Kroger fulfillment center could cause some issues in the Kroger camp if it's not addressed. Unionized drivers at Kroger's Forest Park Fulfillment Center near Atlanta have voted to authorize a strike, according to the group. While the strike has not yet been scheduled, union leaders say they're ready to move forward if negotiations don't improve. According to Atlanta News First, "If a deal is not reached, the drivers are prepared to go on strike, which could lead to bare shelves at stores across the southeast and potentially higher prices." However, it's unclear how the potential strike could impact Kroger's ability to keep items in stock or change prices, so that's not a guarantee. "Kroger needs to stop dragging its feet and deliver a real offer that respects the work we do," Marion Jackson, a Kroger driver and Local 528 shop steward, said in a statement. "This company can more than afford what we're asking for. We are ready to strike if Kroger doesn't start taking our demands seriously." Atlanta News First also reports that the Teamsters said both sides will start negotiations again on June 9. "We don't want to take the next step. We don't want to strike. Nobody wants to be out of work at all, but we just want Kroger to come to the table with a fair equitable contract," driver Marion Jackson added, per Atlanta News First. Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta president Rev. Shanan E. Jones also issued a statement about the strike. "The men and women who drive and deliver Kroger's products are the same ones driving Kroger's profits," Jones said via the Teamsters. "They deserve dignity, respect, and their fair share."Unionized Kroger Drivers in Georgia Strike—What It Could Mean for You first appeared on Men's Journal on May 30, 2025

Georgia police are warning of surge in stolen cars being sold on Facebook Marketplace — what to watch out for
Georgia police are warning of surge in stolen cars being sold on Facebook Marketplace — what to watch out for

Yahoo

time28-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Georgia police are warning of surge in stolen cars being sold on Facebook Marketplace — what to watch out for

Gwinnett County Police in Georgia are warning car buyers to be cautious when shopping online, especially on Facebook Marketplace. Authorities have uncovered a scheme in which thieves are selling stolen vehicles — specifically Honda CR-Vs — with altered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to unsuspecting buyers. The cars are primarily stolen from New York, given fake VINs and resold in the Atlanta area. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Public information officer Juan Madiedo of the Gwinnett County Police said the vehicles are being sold for between $29,000 and $30,000. 'They are pretty pricey,' he told Atlanta News First. 'They are making out with a lot of victims' money.' The investigation began when a local buyer reported VIN inconsistencies after taking their CR-V to a mechanic. That tip led police to uncover multiple victims and triggered a Facebook Marketplace sting, where investigators posed as buyers. The seller tried to flee but was caught. A second suspect, Karen Mendez, remains at large. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact 911. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs VIN fraud — or 'VIN cloning' — involves copying a legitimate VIN from a similar car and placing it on a stolen one. The scammer makes the vehicle appear clean and legal during resale. The fraud has reached beyond individual buyers. Atlanta Used Cars unknowingly purchased a stolen vehicle through a Carvana auction. They only learned the truth after a customer reported it stolen. Authorities later traced the vehicle back to Hertz Rental Car Company. 'Saving up money for a down payment or the whole car, purchasing it and being accused of stealing it definitely from law enforcement is definitely not a good experience,' said Shameel Shad, the dealership's general manager. Carvana reimbursed the dealership after confirming the fraud. Shad said the experience forced his team to tighten their inspection process. They now triple-check VINs on the windshield, driver-side door and vehicle computer. Gwinnett County Police and consumer advocates recommend several steps to avoid becoming a victim of VIN fraud: Meet in a public place: Complete private car sales at a police station or designated 'safe exchange' zone. Cross-check the VIN: Make sure the number matches on the windshield, driver-side door, and title documents. Any mismatch is a red flag. Use an OBD2 scanner: These tools reveal the VIN stored in the car's electronic system, which scammers can't easily alter. Run a vehicle history report: Use services like Carfax, AutoCheck or the free VINCheck tool from the National Insurance Crime Bureau to check for theft or salvage records. Trust your instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true or the seller avoids basic questions, walk away. 'There is an endless amount of ways that people can commit fraud in this business, VIN swapping is the simplest and easiest to catch,' Shad said. 'But there are a lot of other crafty ways.' With online car sales on the rise, Gwinnett County Police say vigilance is key. Taking extra steps now could save buyers thousands or prevent legal trouble later. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

20 Recreational Parks in Georgia Forced To Close Until Further Notice
20 Recreational Parks in Georgia Forced To Close Until Further Notice

Yahoo

time23-05-2025

  • Climate
  • Yahoo

20 Recreational Parks in Georgia Forced To Close Until Further Notice

Although the weather is warming up, several recreational parks in the United States have been shut down until further notice. People in Georgia noticed that Tidwell Park had barricades and signs at its entrance on Wednesday. It didn't take long for the Army Corps of Engineers to explain why it was closed off to the public. Due to limited staffing, the Army Corps of Engineers has been left with no choice but to close 20 recreational parks on Lake Lanier. Their main concern at this time is that they can't meet the necessary safety measures. It's unclear when these parks on Lake Lanier will reopen to the public. "With the current hiring freeze to shrink the overall federal workforce we have not been able to bring on summer hires nor backfill employees that took the option for the deferred resignation," Army Corps of Engineers public spokesperson Dustin Gautney told Atlanta News First. Several boat ramps on Lake Lanier were supposed to be closed this Memorial Day weekend, but that won't be the case any longer. "I joined Representative Rich McCormick on a call today with the Army Corps. Congressman McCormick advocated strongly for the re-opening of the sites and encouraged the Corps to reconsider their decision. The Corps leadership said they would discuss internally and see what they could do," Georgia state senator Greg Dolezal said. "They have informed us they will be opening all of the unmanned Lake Lanier boat ramps, and will temporarily close 11 recreation sites, so about half of what was planned. They will continue to assess traffic and adjust as needed through the weekend. He indicated they will be working with the Sheriff's office to help out with traffic management." We'll see if the Army Corps of Engineers can sort this situation before the start of summer. 20 Recreational Parks in Georgia Forced To Close Until Further Notice first appeared on Men's Journal on May 22, 2025

Homeless teen celebrates bright future as he's awarded several full scholarships
Homeless teen celebrates bright future as he's awarded several full scholarships

Daily Mirror

time22-05-2025

  • General
  • Daily Mirror

Homeless teen celebrates bright future as he's awarded several full scholarships

In a heart-warming defeat of homelessness, disadvantaged student Max Jones received several full scholarships to university after graduating high school as a homeless teen living in his car. A teenage student who had to live in his car is being celebrated for his heart-warming triumph as he graduated high school with several full college scholarships. 19-year-old Max Jones revealed that he had been living in his car for several months while he attended George Wythe High School in Richmond, Virginia. He would then leave school to work a shift at a local restaurant before returning to his bed - the backseat of his car. ‌ The teen shared his struggles with homelessness, telling Atlanta News First: "I went through a lot. I was homeless for a long period of time." Despite usual teens enjoying the freedom of adulthood and the end of their public schooling, Max was experiencing the terrifying results of a chaotic and unstable upbringing. ‌ "I still wore the same clothes. They were never clean, they were never dirty. [I was] just wearing the same clothes. Like sweats, joggers, crocs," he said. Unfortunately, the senior student - equivalent to the British Year 13 sixth form student - recalled how living with his mother and half-siblings had been difficult sue to a shortage of money, thus making stable housing even harder to come by. Max described how his mother was often absent because of their financial situation. He said "she did work a lot when we were growing up, an extreme amount" but that circumstances only got worse for himself after the father of his siblings resurfaced - only returning as a father to his biological children, opting to abandon Max and his mother. All things considered, Jones was left to make the executive decision to remove himself from the situation. "I know my life is bad, so I took the bus. I paid for a ticket," said Max, who travelled to Richmond and enrolled himself to George Wythe Highschool. Already an impressive feat, Max still suffered the instability of hopping across multiple homes, eventually running out of places to stay. In a last show of endurance, the teen managed to secure a car without the amount of money he had left, finally affording his own 'home'. But whilst most teens are guaranteed a warm bed, clean clothes and a constant supply of nutritious food, Max was unable to shower or eat regular meals. "I'm not able to take showers, I'm not able to eat," he said. ‌ With school spirit, Jones opened up about his teachers and mentors providing help whenever they could, some going so far as to feed and home him in hotels. "It wasn't every single day but every other day when they could," said the student. Finally, Jones was provided a home by his local house of worship. According to Max, Pastor Robert Winfrey from the New Life Deliverance Tabernacle made a visit to the school, where he struck up a conversation with Max. The Pastor stated that he "wanted to make sure that he wasn't completely dismantled because of his situation". Winfrey then welcomed the schoolboy to his church cottage where he provided food, a clean bathroom and sleeping arrangements until he graduated. 'All he needed was that one push,' Winfrey told Atlanta First News. The accumulation of this charity and support resulted in Max's graduation where he received his high school diploma. Inspiringly, Max promised: "I'm going to change the world and I'm going to give back to everybody that gave to me. Everybody". Since graduating, Max has already delivered with a promising start by acquiring full scholarships to several colleges, including Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, Virginia Union University in Richmond and Ohio State.

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