Yung Joc Marks 20 Years of "It's Goin' Down" With Rolling Out Cover Reveal
Atlanta's music and media scene turned out this week for a milestone moment at Rolling Out headquarters, where Yung Joc celebrated two decades since the release of his breakout single "It's Goin' Down." This Is ATL was in the building for the special edition of Rolling Out's Cover Conversations series, which paired an intimate Q&A with the official unveiling of Joc's new magazine cover. Joc, born Jasiel Amon Robinson, first broke through in 2006 when "It's Goin' Down" — the lead single off his debut album New Joc City — climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The record, produced by Nitti, helped put a young Joc on the national map during a stretch when Atlanta hip-hop was rapidly becoming one of the most influential sounds in the genre. Two decades later, the energy in the room made clear the record hasn't lost its pull — guests were locked in the moment those familiar opening bars hit. The conversation, moderated by industry veteran Jerry Clark, gave Joc space to walk through the making of the song, his whirlwind rise in 2006, and what it's meant to stay a fixture in Atlanta entertainment ever since. From there, the night built toward its centerpiece: the reveal of Joc's Rolling Out cover, a full-circle nod to an artist whose footprint has since stretched well beyond music into radio, TV, and business. For This Is ATL, nights like this are exactly why we show up — watching the city celebrate its own, in the room where the culture actually happens.
Sep 4, 2026
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Florida Officer Accused of Misusing Atlanta-Based Flock Cameras to Track Estranged Wife
A Central Florida police officer has been arrested after allegedly using license-plate reading technology from Atlanta-based Flock Safety to track his estranged wife's vehicle hundreds of times without a legitimate law-enforcement reason. According to Polk County court records, Haines City Police Officer Christopher Anthony Goodson, 31, was charged Aug. 11 with computer-related offenses and official misconduct. An arrest affidavit states Goodson searched for his wife's car in the Flock database 717 times between September 2024 and June 2026, using both department-issued devices and his own time off duty. He reportedly told investigators he was monitoring his children's whereabouts, though he also cited unrelated justifications like traffic violations and theft. Authorities found no evidence his wife was ever connected to a crime. Goodson has been placed on paid leave. Haines City Police Chief Isaac Jackson called the situation "an unfortunate incident" and said the department does not tolerate misuse of investigative databases, though it will continue using Flock technology. The case adds to a growing list of similar allegations nationwide, including incidents in Massachusetts and Wisconsin. Flock, headquartered in Atlanta, has said it will now require officers to attach case numbers to searches and will flag unusual activity automatically.
Sep 4, 2026

Actor Michael Wright, Star of 'The Five Heartbeats,' Dies at 70
Actor Michael Wright has died at age 70. His wife, Susan, announced his passing in an Instagram post shared late Friday. Wright was best known for playing Eddie King Jr., the troubled but charismatic lead singer, in the 1991 film "The Five Heartbeats," a role that resonated deeply with fans who flooded social media with tributes following news of his death. Over the course of his career, Wright appeared in nearly 50 films and television projects. Beyond "The Five Heartbeats," his credits included "The Wanderers," "V," "The Principal," "Streamers," "Sugar Hill," and "Oz." In her statement, Susan Wright described her husband as far more than the characters audiences knew him for, calling his loss a moment of profound sadness for their family. She said his talent and impact on film and television would endure, even as loved ones grieve the man behind the roles. The family has not yet released funeral details but indicated that information about how they plan to honor Wright's life and legacy will be shared in the coming days. Wright's death marks the loss of a performer whose work spanned decades of film and television, leaving a lasting mark through one of the most beloved Black films of the early 1990s.
Sep 4, 2026

Cedartown Family Demands Answers After Police Shoot Pet Donkey
A Cedartown family is calling for accountability after a police officer shot and killed their pet donkey overnight while searching a property for a missing person. Owner Hannah Israel said officers entered her pasture around 12:45 a.m. without permission or warning during the search. She said her donkey, named HeeHaw, ran toward the officers while braying, and that they told her they felt threatened. According to Israel, officers first tried to subdue the animal with a Taser before one of them opened fire, killing HeeHaw. Israel said the donkey had been bottle-raised by her family and lived essentially as a member of the household. HeeHaw had previously worked at Elsberry Riding and Farm, appearing in petting zoos before joining Israel's family. "He was my SON," Israel wrote in a social media post following the shooting. The City of Cedartown confirmed the shooting occurred and said the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. City officials have not released further details, citing the ongoing review. Israel said she intends to pursue legal action over the incident, and a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover related legal costs. The family's account has not been independently verified.
Sep 3, 2026

Alabama Executes Man Convicted in Killing of Georgia Girl, 5
A man convicted of kidnapping, raping and killing a 5-year-old girl from Georgia was put to death Thursday night in Alabama. Jeremy Williams, 40, was pronounced dead at 6:16 p.m. CDT after receiving a lethal injection, according to the Associated Press. He had been sentenced to death on four counts of capital murder in the 2021 killing of Kamarie Holland. The girl was reported missing by her mother, Kristy Siple, on Dec. 13, 2021. Investigators later determined that Siple had trafficked her daughter to Williams for money. Prosecutors said Williams sexually assaulted the child before strangling her. Williams pleaded guilty to the charges, but Alabama law still required a jury trial in death penalty cases. Jurors deliberated for about 90 minutes in 2024 before convicting him on all counts. At his sentencing that year, Kamarie's father delivered a victim impact statement, telling Williams he did not deserve to live or to see his own children again, according to WTVM. Williams had spent roughly two years on death row before his execution was carried out under the governor's order, with the process beginning at 6 p.m. local time. Kamarie Holland was from Georgia; the crime and legal proceedings took place in Russell County, Alabama.
Sep 3, 2026

Remembering Dolly Parton's Sharp Wit and Timeless Wisdom
Dolly Parton, the country music icon who died Tuesday at age 80, left behind a legacy defined not only by her chart-topping songwriting but by decades of quick-witted, self-deprecating humor that endeared her to fans across generations. Parton racked up 25 No. 1 hits on the country charts and two that topped the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing her gift for storytelling in song. But interviews and writings over the years revealed another side of her talent: a knack for turning a phrase and poking fun at her own glamorous image. She often joked about her appearance, once quipping that it "costs a lot of money to look this cheap," while insisting her rhinestone-studded persona masked a genuine, hardworking person underneath. She embraced comparisons to a diamond, saying a rhinestone "shines just as good." Beyond the jokes, Parton shared reflections on ambition, faith and legacy in books like "Songteller: My Life in Lyrics" and her upcoming "Star of the Show," writing that she hoped to leave behind something that could help lift others up. Her humor extended to pop culture rivalries too — when asked about Whitney Houston's famous cover of "I Will Always Love You," Parton simply said she was happy to let Houston have the credit, "as long as I get my cash." Source: WSB Atlanta.
Sep 3, 2026

Lionel Richie Hospitalized After St. Louis Concert
Lionel Richie was admitted to a St. Louis hospital's intensive care unit following a weekend performance, according to multiple media reports. The 77-year-old singer was reportedly held for observation out of caution and evaluated for dehydration. The scare came after Richie's Saturday show at The Muny, an outdoor amphitheater in St. Louis, part of his ongoing "Sing a Song All Night Long" tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. During the closing number, "All Night Long," he asked his crew for a chair so he could finish the song seated, a moment captured on video by fans. This isn't the first health issue Richie has faced on this tour. He cut short his June 24 opening show in Minneapolis after experiencing dizziness, later postponing dates in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, on doctors' orders before returning to the stage on June 30 in Pittsburgh. Richie, a four-time Grammy winner and Oscar recipient for "Say You, Say Me," is scheduled to resume touring Sept. 26 in San Francisco. He's also set for multiple "King of Hearts" residency shows at the Wynn in Las Vegas this October and November.
Sep 3, 2026

Atlanta to Host Marquee Season-Opening Matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
College football's opening weekend brings a nationally watched game to Atlanta, as Baylor and Auburn meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Aflac Kickoff. Baylor enters looking to avenge a home loss in last year's season opener, with head coach Dave Aranda turning to transfer quarterback DJ Lagway in hopes of recreating the form Lagway showed as a freshman standout in 2024. Auburn arrives under new head coach Alex Golesh, who takes over a program aiming to keep pace in a competitive SEC. Transfer quarterback Byrum Brown, already familiar with Golesh's offensive system, gives the Tigers a veteran presence at the position. The Atlanta showcase is one of several high-profile openers around the country this week, as the sport returns to a full schedule following last week's limited Week 0 slate. Other notable matchups include Louisville-Ole Miss in Nashville, Clemson-LSU in Baton Rouge, Boise State-Oregon in Eugene, and UCLA-Cal, each featuring new coaches, transfer quarterbacks, or postseason storylines carrying over from last season. For Atlanta football fans, the Baylor-Auburn game offers a chance to see SEC and Big 12 talent on a big stage without leaving the city, kicking off the 2026 season with local flair.
Sep 3, 2026

Vegas DA Leaves Door Open for Charges Against Diddy in Tupac Case
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson says he isn't ruling out future charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs in connection with Tupac Shakur's 1996 murder, though he stressed prosecutors currently lack sufficient evidence to act. Speaking Tuesday at the Las Vegas Regional Justice Center, Wolfson said his office would consider additional charges if new evidence surfaces, but called that step inappropriate for now. The comments follow the conviction of former Compton gang figure Duane "Keefe D" Davis, who was found guilty of murder with a deadly weapon for orchestrating the drive-by shooting that killed Shakur. A jury reached its verdict in about three hours, determining Davis organized fellow Crips members to retaliate after Shakur and others beat his nephew, Orlando Anderson, at the MGM Grand hours before the shooting. During the trial, jurors heard 2008 recorded police interviews in which Davis alleged Combs offered him and his associates $1 million to kill Shakur and Suge Knight. Combs has denied any involvement, with a source close to him telling media it would be pointless for prosecutors to call him as a witness. Davis, 63, faces sentencing on Oct. 13 and could receive life without parole. Combs, 56, is separately serving a four-year federal sentence on prostitution-related transportation charges.
Sep 3, 2026

Nevada Jury Convicts Duane 'Keffe D' Davis in Tupac Shakur Killing
Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was gunned down in Las Vegas, a Nevada jury has convicted Duane "Keffe D" Davis of first-degree murder for orchestrating the 1996 shooting. Davis, a former gang figure, was not accused of firing the fatal shots but was found to have ordered the hit in retaliation after Shakur and members of his entourage assaulted Davis's nephew earlier that night. The case sat unsolved for decades until Davis himself repeatedly discussed his role — first in a 2007-2008 deal with federal investigators looking into the separate murder of The Notorious B.I.G., and later in his 2019 memoir, "Compton Street Legend." Those admissions, combined with his relocation to Nevada, where there is no statute of limitations on murder, ultimately exposed him to prosecution. Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal said Davis's pride in the killing helped seal his fate, noting that for Shakur's family, the rapper was far more than a cultural icon — he was a loved one taken from them. Shakur was 25 when he died, at the height of a career that included multiple platinum albums and film roles. Everyone else who was in the vehicle that night has since died, leaving Davis as the sole person held accountable.
Sep 3, 2026

Houston Duo Behind Entertainment Connect Talk Growth at Render ATL 2026
Entertainment Connect co-founders Joshua T. Dada and De'ausha Tillis shared the story of their live-events company during a sit-down at Render ATL 2026, held recently in Atlanta. Dada, a first-generation Nigerian American raised in Houston, said his entrepreneurial roots trace back to childhood hustles — selling candy, burning mixtapes, cleaning churches with his brother, and later cutting hair and running a small recording studio in college at Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU. A pivotal stretch came when he worked as Community Programming Manager for the Houston Symphony, an experience that broadened his view of what a career in the arts could look like beyond chasing record deals. That background led him to launch Entertainment Connect, a company now marking its ninth year producing concerts and corporate events. Early clients included Houston artists such as Bun B, Paul Wall, Z-Ro and Tobe Nwigwe, with word of mouth driving most of the business's growth. Tillis joined as Chief Operating Officer after meeting Dada through a mutual friend in October 2023; by mid-2024 the two were working together full time. Both describe their partnership as guided by faith and shared purpose, and say they're aiming to expand Entertainment Connect's reach well beyond Houston.
Sep 3, 2026

Adult Swim Marks 25 Years With Star-Studded 'Robot Chicken' Special
Adult Swim, the late-night adult animation block that grew out of Cartoon Network's Atlanta headquarters, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a new "Robot Chicken Adult Swim Special," which premiered this week. Created by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, the 22-minute special was pitched five years ago as a kind of "Secret Wars" crossover for the network, bringing together characters from across its history. The plot centers on a courtroom trial over a fictional cruise ship disaster, eventually pinning blame on artificial intelligence. Characters from "Rick and Morty," "Smiling Friends," "Common Side Effects," "The Venture Bros." and "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!" all make appearances, alongside deeper cuts like "Space Ghost Coast to Coast," "Lucy, the Daughter of the Devil," "Loiter Squad" and "Three Busy Debras." Licensing issues kept "The Boondocks" and "Family Guy" out despite their history with the block. Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen said the brand's identity comes from treating its audience as creative equals rather than talking down to them. Despite cable's broader decline, the network continues to release roughly eight to 10 original series a year, with "Rick and Morty" remaining its flagship hit. Green noted that scheduling voice actors for the special was largely painless thanks to Adult Swim's long-standing relationships with its creative community.
Sep 3, 2026

Study: Georgia Fares Better Than California in Retirement Rankings
A new WalletHub study on the best and worst U.S. cities for retirees is drawing attention nationwide, and while no Georgia cities topped the worst-of list, the rankings offer a useful comparison point for Atlanta-area retirees weighing their options. California dominated the bottom of the 2026 list, with six of its cities — including Fresno, Stockton, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Bakersfield and Fontana — landing among the 10 worst places to retire out of 182 cities studied. Fresno came in at No. 179, hurt by poor marks for healthcare access and available activities for seniors. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted that the strongest retirement destinations tend to keep taxes and living costs low while still offering opportunities for retirees to earn extra income and stay active. By contrast, Florida cities swept the top of the rankings, with Orlando claiming the No. 1 spot, followed by Miami and Tampa. Florida's absence of state income, estate and inheritance taxes, paired with strong healthcare access and abundant recreational offerings, helped its cities stand out. The rankings weighed affordability, healthcare quality, activities and overall quality of life in each city.
Sep 3, 2026

Fashion-on-Demand Platform Tapstitch Builds on Atlanta Streetwear Ties Ahead of ComplexCon
Tapstitch, a fashion-on-demand company that says it works with more than 50,000 brands and creators globally, is heading to ComplexCon Los Angeles October 3-4 after a recent activation at Atlanta's UNFAZED Streetwear Market. The Los Angeles-based company set up at UNFAZED, where organizers say it engaged with hundreds of local streetwear founders, artists and creators over the course of one weekend. Unlike standard print-on-demand services, Tapstitch offers private-label manufacturing, ecommerce integrations and dropshipping, letting emerging brands produce apparel without inventory risk or minimum order requirements. Claire Lin, the company's CMO, credited Atlanta's streetwear scene as a driving force in shaping fashion trends nationally. LaBaron Anthony, co-founder of UNFAZED, said the partnership gives independent designers access to manufacturing and tech resources they might not otherwise have. The move comes as the global streetwear industry, valued near $398 billion this year, is projected to grow to roughly $734 billion by 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights cited by the company. At ComplexCon, Tapstitch plans to demonstrate its full production pipeline, aiming to show entrepreneurs how to take a concept to a market-ready clothing line. Founded in 2024, the company says it has fulfilled more than 4 million garments and offers over 1,000 apparel styles.
Sep 3, 2026