285 South

09/02/2026

Malaysia and other countries in Southeast Asia, like Singapore, Indonesia, and parts of Thailand, are dotted with popular cafes known as kopitiams, which are more than just places to get a quick drink: They’re community gathering spaces where neighbors can spend hours catching up.

Now, Doraville has its own kopitiam-style cafe BAKE AND BITE, cofounded by longtime friends Leng Wong and Jun Tay.

Kopitiams aren’t just coffee shops—"there is human warmth, the friendliness from that cup of coffee"

08/26/2026

Today, Atlanta eateries Vinny's Mutual Aid Bakery and Filipino restaurant Kamayan are among 100+ restaurants from 15 other countries participating in the global Paga Lo Que Puedas/Pay What You Can day of hospitality.

Kamayan ATL and Vinny’s Mutual Aid Bakery are joining over 100 restaurants in 13 countries for a day dedicated to putting food access—and people—first.

08/26/2026

After a recent visit to the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, Sen. Raphael Warnock is drawing attention to healthcare access for those being held at the ICE facility, especially pregnant detainees.

“When the federal government takes someone into custody, it takes responsibility for their safety and for their well being," he said.

Including, for pregnant women.

08/21/2026

Following a high-profile murder in 2024, Georgia passed a law targeting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. Data shows immigrants are now increasingly being detained on minor traffic violations.

In diverse Gwinnett County, HB1105 has become a quiet tool for the Trump administration to advance its immigration crackdown.

08/19/2026

As statewide ICE activity and food insecurity accelerates, Georgia's immigrant and refugee communities are facing added barriers. One mutual aid group tells 285 South they're operating under the radar to better support their neighbors.

As food insecurity grows among Georgia’s immigrant and refugee communities, one mutual aid group is operating under the radar to support their neighbors

08/13/2026

Finding mental health support isn’t always easy – especially for residents in Metro Atlanta who may face barriers like cost, language, and cultural sensitivity. Here are a few organizations offering free or low-cost services.

Since we last updated our list of mental health services offering free or low-cost service specializing in culturally sensitive services with multilingual capacities, some counseling services have been cut, such as those previously offered at Mosaic Health in Clarkston and the Good Samaritan Health Center in Gwinnett. Browse our active current list of providers in the area still offering these services at 285South.com/resources (or click through the Quick Links in our bio).

Have a local resource to share? Please e-mail [email protected] with more info.

08/12/2026

The Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, founded in 1991 by Hwee-Eng Y. Lee, is debuting an entire evening of original work through "Chinese American Journeys," running this weekend at Emory Performing Arts Studio in North Decatur.

Choreographed by Ms. Lee's daughter Kerry, the show traces the history of people of Chinese descent in the U.S., and in the American South. It features traditional Chinese folk and classical dances, martial arts, plus modern Western forms such as ballet.

Chinese American Journeys is the first all-original show by the longtime local troupe Atlanta Chinese Dance Company.

08/06/2026

Like many other Venezuelans deported from the U.S. this year, Luis is now back in his home country, scrambling to find work and rebuild again amidst political and economic crises — and damage from major earthquakes. If the country Luis left at age 19 was in disarray, the Venezuela that he was deported back to at age 26 is in even worse shape.

One former GA resident, now back in Venezuela, shares his story.

08/05/2026

Open for a little over a week, the new Bun & Bombay cafe from chef Salman Khan and his wife Shabina is located beside the historic Waffle House in Avondale Estates and has all-outdoor seating. The menu features homey South Asian classics such as daal and rice and chicken biryani, plus street eats like paneer tikka paninis and samosas, with meat sourced from the nearby halal butcher Al Barakah.

Newly opened Bun & Bombay offers homestyle Indian classics, snacks, and outdoor seating.

07/30/2026

Circulated by Spanish-language journalists, a flurry of homemade videos points to a summer uptick in immigration arrests in the Atlanta area. The ICE arrests appear to be in line with national trends, with daily arrests hitting record highs in June and July.

A flurry of homemade videos points to a summer uptick in immigration arrests in the Atlanta area