Measles Exposure Alert Issued for Perry Steakhouse
The Georgia Department of Public Health is alerting the public to a possible measles exposure at a LongHorn Steakhouse in Perry, located at 100 Hampton Court. Officials say a contagious individual visited the restaurant on Oct. 7 between 7 and 10 p.m. The alert ties into an ongoing investigation surrounding a confirmed measles case in nearby Macon County, part of a broader cluster that has pushed Georgia's case count to 22, including an unvaccinated resident who recently tested positive. Anyone who was at the restaurant during that window is urged to review their vaccination history and watch for symptoms through Oct. 28, since the virus can take anywhere from seven to 21 days to appear after exposure. Early warning signs include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, often followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward. Health officials stress that measles spreads easily through the air and can linger in a space up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Anyone developing symptoms is asked to call a healthcare provider before showing up in person, so facilities can prepare to prevent further spread. The MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection, with the CDC recommending two doses for children and at least one for most adults born in 1957 or later.
Oct 20, 2026
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Clark Atlanta Senior Killed in High-Speed Crash on Hank Aaron Drive
Clark Atlanta University is mourning the loss of 21-year-old senior Morgan Gamble, who died earlier this week after a crash near Hank Aaron Drive and Glen Street. Police say the collision happened around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday when a vehicle driven by Nikolai Dunford, allegedly traveling 94 mph in a 35 mph zone, struck Gamble's car while she sat inside it. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died from her injuries. Dunford faces charges including reckless driving, speeding and first-degree vehicular homicide. Gamble was remembered as a standout member of the campus community — a former Miss Omega Psi Phi, a collegiate softball player, and an extra on Netflix's recent revival of "A Different World." Her father told Atlanta News First he struggles to understand how such speeds were possible on that stretch of road, while her sister called for safety improvements like speed bumps at the intersection. Clark Atlanta University issued a statement asking the "Panther family" to lean on one another for support, and has opened extra counseling resources through its Office of Spiritual Life and Counseling Services. Neighbors near the crash site say the intersection has a history of dangerous incidents.
Oct 18, 2026
Chick-fil-A Skips the AI Drive-Thru Trend, Sticks With Human Service
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A is bucking a growing fast-food trend by refusing to replace human drive-thru workers with AI voice-ordering systems, even as rivals race to adopt the technology. CEO Andrew Cathy told CNBC that person-to-person hospitality remains central to the brand's drive-thru experience and that the company has no plans to swap that interaction for automation. He said the warmth of human service is a key part of what makes the experience feel welcoming to customers. The privately held chain reported nearly $23.9 billion in sales in 2025, making it one of the most successful players in the fast-food industry even without voice AI. By contrast, McDonald's is preparing to test a voice AI system called "Archy" in both English and Spanish, and Wendy's has begun rolling out its own Google Cloud-powered ordering tool, "FreshAi." While Chick-fil-A is holding off on AI at the speaker box, it isn't avoiding technology altogether. In 2024, the chain opened a high-tech drive-thru in McDonough featuring four lanes and a conveyor system capable of delivering food to workers every six seconds, speeding up service behind the scenes. It remains unclear whether Chick-fil-A could reconsider voice AI if customer expectations change in the future.
Oct 6, 2026
Gwinnett Police Chief Seeks Funds to Extend Mental Health Crisis Team Hours
Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure is pushing for additional funding to expand the department's behavioral health unit, which pairs officers with licensed clinicians to respond to mental health crisis calls. Currently, the unit only operates until 11 p.m., leaving a gap during late-night hours when many crisis calls come in without a clinician available. McClure told County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson and budget planning committee members that his department needs two additional mental health clinicians, which would bring the total to nine response teams and extend coverage until 2 a.m. According to McClure, the behavioral health unit flagged more than 250 crisis calls in 2025 alone that occurred during the hours the unit currently can't cover. He noted that when these specialized teams respond, they can take over evaluation and transportation duties, freeing up fire and emergency crews to return to other calls faster. The chief emphasized that 99% of people the teams encountered in 2025 avoided arrest, arguing that incarceration isn't a solution for mental health crises. The two clinician positions would cost roughly $126,000 under a contract arrangement. No funding decision was made at the recent hearing. Hendrickson is expected to release her proposed budget in November, with county commissioners required to adopt a final budget by January.
Oct 4, 2026
Georgia Pipeline Route Change Spares Utility Executive's Land, Raises Questions
A rerouted section of a planned $3.5 billion natural gas pipeline in western Georgia is drawing scrutiny after it was shifted to avoid the property of a Southern Co. power plant manager. Donnie Peek, a landowner in Fortson near Columbus, says the pipeline originally was set to follow an existing propane pipeline easement across his property and three neighbors' parcels. But the final route approved by developer Southern Natural Gas — a joint venture of Kinder Morgan and Southern Co. — instead runs almost entirely through Peek's land alone, adding roughly 1,400 feet and millions of dollars to the project. One of the properties no longer affected belongs to Chris Lane, a 25-year Southern Co. employee who manages two of the company's power plants. Peek has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to restore the original path, arguing the change benefited a company insider. Southern Natural Gas denies any special treatment, saying the new route reduced the number of impacted landowners from four to one. The pipeline, part of the Southern System Expansion 4 project, would connect to a larger network supplying gas across the Southeast amid rising demand tied to data centers and new gas-fired power plants.
Oct 1, 2026
Gubernatorial Debate Falls Apart as Tensions Rise in Georgia Race
A planned gubernatorial debate in Atlanta collapsed Tuesday after Republican candidate Rick Jackson backed out of an in-studio matchup with Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. The cancellation set off a tense scene outside the 11Alive studios, where backers of both candidates gathered and tempers flared. Things escalated when Jackson supporters showed up at a Democratic Party of Georgia news conference. Party chair Charlie Bailey criticized Jackson for turning down Bottoms' invitation to take part in six statewide debates, noting he has only committed to a single joint event, an October town hall. Jackson's campaign says it is prioritizing direct contact with voters over debate stages. He has also formally declined to appear at Atlanta Press Club debates set for Oct. 12 and 13, though organizers say it's unclear if that could change. Separately, Georgia's Senate race heated up as Sen. Jon Ossoff held an Atlanta press conference calling on Republican opponent Mike Collins to disclose communications between his team and white nationalist figures. The demand follows revelations that a former Collins aide had contact with extremist figures. The Collins campaign disputed the characterization and pointed to Ossoff's own political allies in response.
Sep 23, 2026
DeKalb County Mother Loses Two Sons in Shooting After Youth Football Dispute
A DeKalb County family is mourning the loss of two young brothers who were shot and killed Sunday evening at an apartment complex on North Hairston Road, according to their mother. Ja'hki Clark, 12, and Ja'marion Rolle, 11, were shot around 6 p.m. during what their mother described as a violent escalation tied to a fight that broke out after a football game earlier in the week. She said the family of those involved in that altercation showed up at their home Sunday during a cookout, and the confrontation turned into gunfire. Ja'marion died at the scene, while Ja'khi was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The boys' mother said two other relatives were also shot and remain hospitalized at Grady Memorial in need of surgery — her 17-year-old pregnant niece, who was shot three times, and the niece's mother. The family is anxious about the health of the unborn baby. Investigators say the suspects fled before police arrived, and the mother has turned over surveillance video to DeKalb County police. No arrests have been announced. Ja'khi attended Stone Mountain Middle School and Ja'marion attended Stone Mill Elementary School. Both schools have made grief counselors available for students this week.
Sep 22, 2026
From the Ground Up: Interstar Salaam Built a Cleaning Company Rooted in Atlanta
Fifteen years ago, Interstar Salaam started Interstar Cleaning Services with nothing but hands-on experience and a willingness to learn every corner of the industry. Today, the commercial cleaning company she owns specializes in post-construction cleaning, commercial janitorial services, corrective cleaning, and large-scale facility projects — a business she says was shaped largely by her time working in Atlanta's commercial and construction environments. It was in Atlanta, Salaam explains, that she learned how much post-construction cleaning depends on more than mops and machines. Scheduling, communication, quality control, and coordination with contractors became the backbone of her approach, pushing her to think less like a service provider and more like a project manager. That shift has defined her trajectory ever since. Now based in Columbia, South Carolina, Salaam continues to serve clients in both markets, and Atlanta remains central to her business identity. She's currently working toward a Project Management Professional certification, part of a long-term plan to move beyond day-to-day field operations and take on a more active role overseeing larger commercial, construction, and government contracts. Salaam says her biggest inspiration is growth itself — reflecting on how far the company has come while staying focused on the next level. Every delay, setback, and difficult project, she says, has taught her something that shaped her as a business owner. Her goal for Interstar isn't just scale, but reputation: a company respected for professionalism, communication, accountability, and results, capable of operating across multiple markets without losing the attention to detail that built its foundation. She hopes her story resonates with other entrepreneurs, too — a reminder that growth rarely moves in a straight line, and that consistent, unglamorous work can position you for opportunities far bigger than where you started. As Interstar Cleaning Services expands into larger commercial and government projects, Salaam says the focus remains the same as it was fifteen years ago: doing the work right, and building something built to last.
Sep 19, 2026
Measles Outbreak at Metro Atlanta Daycare Climbs to 10 Cases
A measles outbreak tied to a metro Atlanta daycare has grown to 10 confirmed cases after two new infections were reported this week, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. The cluster now accounts for the majority of Georgia's 16 measles cases so far this year. State health officials say they are contacting individuals who may have been exposed to the virus at the facility, though they have not released its name or exact location. It's also unclear how many people total were exposed or whether any of those infected have needed hospital care. Measles symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after exposure, though onset can take as long as three weeks. Early warning signs include high fever, cough, congestion and watery eyes, followed by a telltale rash that starts on the face and spreads downward across the body. Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination in preventing further spread. The CDC recommends children get their first MMR shot between 12 and 15 months old, followed by a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Parents with young children in daycare or school settings are urged to confirm vaccination records are up to date.
Sep 13, 2026
O'Charley's Shuts Down, Closing Its Last Two Metro Atlanta Restaurants
O'Charley's, the Nashville-based restaurant chain, has closed all of its corporate-owned locations nationwide, including its final Georgia outposts in Stockbridge and Canton. A third remaining Georgia location, in Fort Oglethorpe, also appears to have shut down. The closures happened suddenly on a Wednesday, with reports first surfacing from restaurant trade outlet NRN and The Tennessean. Phone lines at both metro Atlanta locations and the Fort Oglethorpe restaurant went dead, and the company's official website returned a "Site not found" error by that evening. O'Charley's Instagram and Facebook accounts were also taken offline, and corporate representatives could not be reached for comment. At the Stockbridge location, a printed notice on the door alerted customers to the shutdown. Longtime patron Rita Tyler told a local news crew she was saddened by the news, noting her church group regularly met there and would now need to find a new spot. Founded in 1971, O'Charley's had built a footprint largely across the South and parts of the Midwest. Other locations in Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky reportedly closed the same night, though at least one Ohio franchise indicated it would keep operating for now.
Sep 11, 2026
Grady Health to End Temporary Nursing Pay Boost Amid Federal Funding Cuts
Grady Health System in Atlanta has notified staff that temporary block pay for certain nursing positions will end in about a month. The extra pay had been added previously to help address staffing shortages, but administrators say it was always intended as a short-term measure. Employees affected by the change received 30 days' notice, according to a statement from Grady. The health system stressed that nurses' base pay rates will not be cut as part of this adjustment — only the temporary supplemental pay tied to staffing needs. Grady attributed the decision to broader financial strain facing hospitals nationwide, pointing to reductions in federal healthcare funding and the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies as key pressures. A spokesperson said these funding shifts are impacting health systems across the country, not just in Atlanta. Despite the change, Grady said it remains focused on maintaining high-quality patient care while continuing to support its workforce. The hospital system, one of the largest safety-net providers in the Southeast, has not indicated whether additional pay or staffing adjustments may follow as federal funding conditions continue to evolve.
Sep 8, 2026
Waffle House Celebrates 71 Years Since Its Avondale Estates Debut
Waffle House, the beloved 24-hour restaurant chain synonymous with Georgia, marked its 71st anniversary this week. The first location opened Sept. 5, 1955, at 2719 East College Avenue in Avondale Estates, just outside Atlanta. Founders Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner were neighbors who saw a need for a round-the-clock restaurant in their community. Rogers had worked for the Toddle House chain, while Forkner came from the real estate world. Rogers was known for saying the company was less about food and more about people, a philosophy that shaped its culture for decades. Under the pair's leadership, Waffle House expanded to roughly 400 locations by the end of the 1970s before both men stepped back from daily operations. Rogers and Forkner both died in 2017, within a month of each other. Today, Waffle House operates more than 1,700 restaurants across 25 states, remaining a fixture of Southern road-trip culture and late-night dining. The original prices reflected a very different era — a new car averaged around $1,910 and gas cost about 23 cents a gallon in 1955. Fans of the chain's history can also visit the Waffle House Museum, located near the original Avondale Estates site.
Sep 7, 2026
Georgia Notches Second Straight Record Year for Business Investment
Georgia pulled in a record $35.2 billion in new business investment during the fiscal year that ended June 30, Gov. Brian Kemp and the state's Department of Economic Development announced this week. The state's Global Commerce team backed 436 expansion and relocation projects over the year, a total expected to generate about 25,300 new private-sector jobs. Expansions of companies already operating in Georgia made up the bulk of that activity — 79% of projects — bringing roughly 15,370 new jobs and $24.7 billion in investment to communities across the state. Officials also pointed to more than 90,000 existing jobs retained through continued support of in-state businesses. It marks the second consecutive record-breaking year for the state's economic development arm, building on a run of investment announcements Kemp's administration has leaned on as a signature achievement heading into the back half of his term. The announcement didn't break down investment by metro area, but Atlanta has historically captured an outsized share of the state's corporate relocation and expansion activity.
Sep 4, 2026
Atlanta's First Democratic Socialist Council Member Keeps Clashing With Dickens Over Budget
Kelsea Bond, elected last November as the first democratic socialist to serve on Atlanta's City Council, has spent her opening months in office repeatedly breaking with Mayor Andre Dickens on budget and housing policy. In June, Bond was one of only two council members to vote against the city's roughly $994.6 million general fund budget for the fiscal year, calling the process "disheartening and undemocratic." Her objection centered on a $16.5 million increase to the Atlanta Police Department's funding at the same time Parks and Recreation faced cuts. Bond, a labor organizer and longtime DSA member representing District 2, has also led pushback against Dickens' Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, raising concerns that the plan tapped affordable housing trust funds before the council had formally authorized their use. That pressure contributed to the council postponing debate on the initiative. Eight months into her term, Bond has positioned herself as City Hall's most consistent dissenting voice, willing to buck the mayor's office on spending priorities even as a lone vote.
Sep 4, 2026
Cartersville Man Says ICE Detained Him at Airport by Mistake
A Cartersville man says he was wrongly detained by ICE agents at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport while boarding a flight for a work trip to Las Vegas. John Phillips told WSB-TV's Ashlyn Webb he had already cleared TSA, had his ID checked and passed through facial recognition screening before three ICE agents in tactical gear stopped him on the jet bridge. He says he was pinned against the wall and handcuffed despite telling agents he was a U.S. citizen and not resisting. After several minutes in cuffs, Phillips says agents checked his Georgia ID and realized they were looking for a different man — one from England who happened to share his name and birthdate but did not resemble him. He was then released. Immigration attorney Charles Kuck said a matching name and birthdate alone does not establish the probable cause required for an arrest. Delta Air Lines said it does not control law enforcement decisions but is reviewing the incident and has reached out to Phillips directly. ICE confirmed the encounter, saying it occurred during a targeted enforcement effort and that officers released Phillips once they verified he was not the individual they sought. Phillips says the experience has left him rattled and questioning airport security protocols.
Sep 4, 2026
Report: Nearly Half of Georgia Counties Lack Maternity Care
A new March of Dimes report finds that maternity care access remains a significant problem across Georgia, with nearly 44% of the state's counties classified as "maternity care deserts" — areas with no birthing facility and no obstetric clinician. Those counties are home to roughly 158,000 women of reproductive age, and about 10,000 babies are born there each year. The gaps go beyond clinicians. Close to 65% of Georgia counties have no hospital or birthing facility at all, and an estimated 159,000 women live more than 30 minutes from a hospital offering labor and delivery services. Some Georgia counties also show unusually high uninsured rates among women ages 19 to 54. March of Dimes says limited access is linked to delayed prenatal care, more births occurring outside hospitals, higher rates of serious maternal complications, and increased NICU admissions. Georgia's situation mirrors a broader regional trend: nearly 39% of Southern counties qualify as maternity care deserts, among the highest rates nationally. Nationwide, at least 96 labor and delivery units closed between 2024 and early 2026, often leaving communities without any local birthing option and adding an average of 25 minutes to travel times for care. The report notes its county-level data can't capture every local barrier, such as transportation or appointment availability.
Sep 4, 2026
Georgia Regulators Weigh Mail Delivery for Medical Marijuana
Georgia's medical cannabis regulator is set to vote next month on whether patients can have marijuana products delivered directly to them. The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission will consider the proposal at its Sept. 16 meeting, according to the agenda. Under the plan, deliveries could be made through the U.S. Postal Service or third-party couriers, but only if handed directly to the registered patient. Commissioners said they weighed the economic effects of the change before drafting the rule. Public comment is open through 5 p.m. on Sept. 9, submitted by mail or email to the commission. Residents can also speak in person at a Sept. 30 meeting. The move follows broader changes to Georgia's medical cannabis program after Gov. Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 220 in May, which raised the allowable THC concentration in products above 5% and permitted sales of vapes and leaf marijuana for home use. Patient enrollment has surged since those changes took effect in July. The commission reported 45,356 registered patients recently, up 22% in less than a month, compared with 38,041 in early July and 35,662 in June. The commission meets again Sept. 16 at its Washington Street headquarters.
Sep 4, 2026
Former KSU Student Found Dead in Off-Campus Apartment After Welfare Check
A former Kennesaw State University student was discovered dead inside his off-campus housing unit in Cobb County after his mother requested a welfare check, according to police. The mother told officers she had not heard from her son, identified as Larry Green, since Aug. 19 and was concerned given his history of diabetes and mental health issues. Officers arrived at the apartment on Hidden Forest Court and were let in by staff and one of Green's three roommates. Once inside, officers reported smelling a strong odor consistent with decomposition coming from Green's locked bedroom. After clearing the apartment and forcing entry, they found Green dead on the bathroom floor. His vehicle was later found in the complex's parking garage, appearing undisturbed and dust-covered for several days. None of the three roommates reported noticing the smell or Green's absence beforehand; one said he had moved in just days earlier and never met Green, while the others said they hadn't seen him recently either. Cobb County's Medical Examiner's Office responded to the scene. Police say early findings point to natural causes, and the death is not considered suspicious. Kennesaw State confirmed Green was not enrolled for the current fall semester.
Sep 4, 2026
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
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
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