• Fulton DA Fani Willis

    Fani Willis Flips Another Trump Witness

    2 Min Read

    Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis continues to surprise her critics. On Friday, Oct. 20, another witness in her racketeering case against former President Donald Trump and co-defendants turned state witness.

    Kenneth Chesebro, who many have called the originator of the “fake electors” plot, has struck a plea deal with prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, AtlantaFi.com has learned.

    Kenneth Chesebro Agrees To Turn State Witness In Fulton County Election Case

    As part of the deal, Chesebro pleaded guilty to a felony charge for his role in the election case.

    He was asked pointedly by the prosecutor: “It is your decision to enter into this guilty plea because you are in fact guilty?”

    Chesebro said: “Yes.” The prosecutor then asked him: “How do you plead to count 15, conspiracy to commit filing false documents?” Chesebro replied: “Guilty.”

    Watch: Chesebro Pleads Guilty in a Fulton County Courtroom

    While Trump has been attacking Willis and spreading rumors and lies about her, she and her Fulton prosecutors have been steadily building a case that has flipped two huge witnesses against Trump.

    On Thursday, Trump co-defendant Sidney Powell pleaded guilty in a Fulton courthouse as well.

    Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors that will allow her to avoid jail time and pay fines. She did not plead guilty to racketeering conspiracy, which was the biggest charge.

    Notably, Powell has agreed to testify against some of the other co-defendants, which is startling news to Trump and a significant legal development.
    Since announcing the indictments in August, Willis has been the target of racist threats and verbal attacks.

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

    Final Word

    The turning of yet another witness signals a triumph for Willis, who has been scolded for attempting to try all 19 Trump co-defendants at one time. With an increasingly surprising number of them agreeing to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for cooperating with prosecutors, it’s a sign that Willis will have the bandwidth — and time — to see justice through in the case.

    1 Comment
  • Fulton DA Fani Willis on verbal abuse and racist attacks

    ‘Why Am I Being Personally Attacked?’ Fulton DA Fani Willis Details Verbal Abuse

    2 Min Read

    Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is uncovering the lid on some of the abuse she’s been subjected to since she indicted former President Donald Trump along with 19 co-defendants.

    Willis, speaking at a private fundraiser in Atlanta in honor of her 52nd birthday, opened up on the many verbal attacks and racist threats she said she’s endured over the past couple of months.

    Top Republican leaders aligned with Trump have sought 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.

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

    She said that she sees the attacks as par for the course in American politics.

    “If you are a leader, you’re going to be attacked,” Willis said, according to AJC.com. “There are some days I’m human and I’m really angry or I’m hurt that somebody would tell a bold-faced lie on me.”

    “I think the craziest ]lie] was that I was sleeping with a gang-banger. Like, what?! I like them old. What are you talking about?” she told the crowd as they laughed.

    Willis said that she has had to rely on the Bible to get her through these tough times.

    “You have these personal moments, when you’re like, ‘Why am I being personally attacked and all I’m out here trying to do is my job? And in the reading of that Scripture, what it told me was that you ain’t special,” she said, referring to herself. “That if you are a leader and you’re put in a position where people are going to lie on you, and they’re going to attack you, you have to still do what is the mission. And the mission here is to keep society safe. That everyone is equal. And that the law is protected.”

    Final Word

    Trump co-defendants are slowly having their day in an Atlanta courtroom. On Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, Sidney Powell pleaded guilty to her role in the election case.

    Comments Off on ‘Why Am I Being Personally Attacked?’ Fulton DA Fani Willis Details Verbal Abuse
  • Sidney Powell pleads guilty in Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta.

    Trump Co-Defendant Sidney Powell Pleads Guilty In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Sidney Powell, a former lawyer to ex-President Trump, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in her RICO case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

    As a first-time offender, Powell was sentenced to six years probation and must pay a fine of $2,700. She will also have to write a letter of apology to the residents of Georgia.

    Powell is one of 19 co-defendants in the Trump election case being tried in Fulton County. The plea comes one day before the jury selection was set to begin.

    On that day, co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro pleaded guilty to lesser charges in exchange for cooperating with prosecutors, which is another big blow to Trump.

    What Was Sidney Powell Charged With?

    Powell was charged with counts of conspiracy to commit election fraud along with conspiracy to commit computer theft. She was also facing conspiracy to commit computer trespass and conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy.

    Those were all counts related to have participated in an alleged conspiracy to subvert the presidential election, which Trump and other top Republicans claim was “rigged.”

    What Did Sidney Powell Plead Guilty To?

    Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors that will allow her to avoid jail time and pay fines. She did not plead guilty to racketeering conspiracy, which was the biggest charge.

    Notably, Powell has agreed to testify against some of the other co-defendants, which is startling news to Trump and a significant legal development.

    Powell, along with Trump crony Rudolph Giuliani, went around the country and filed lawsuits in a bid to stop electors in several jurisdictions. All of those efforts were found to have been unsubstantiated.

    Willis is the first prosecutor to bring charges against Trump related to the 2020 election, but she won’t be the last. New York’s Attorney General has also gearing up to indict the former president.

    Since announcing the indictments in August, Willis has been the target of racist threats and verbal attacks.

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

    Comments Off on Trump Co-Defendant Sidney Powell Pleads Guilty In Atlanta
  • new Tyler Perry movie

    First Look: Amazon Releases Trailer For Tyler Perry Biopic ‘Maxine’s Baby’

    2 Min Read

    Atlanta film mogul Tyler Perry is back with his most personal film yet, Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story.

    The movie, which is part of Perry’s four-film deal with Amazon Studios, ventures into the upbringing and motivations of a young Emmitt Perry, who later changed his first name to Tyler to disassociate himself from his abusive father.

    In the documentary, we see Perry’s dysfunctional childhood and how it played a role in the characters he would create and the stage and screen worlds he would later construct for millions of people.

    When Is Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story Coming Out?

    Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story is set to stream on November 17 on Amazon Prime.

    In addition to his biopic, Perry’s other films with Amazon include:

    • Black, White and Blue, which delves into police brutality.
    • Divorce in the Black, which chronicles a broken marriage.

    If you don’t have Prime, you can download it for free and use it for 30 days before you have to pay for it. The 30-day trial is one of the most generous in the streaming world.

    Final Act

    Perry is a busy man. In addition to casting for various projects in Atlanta, he also recently completed a WWII-era feature film, Six Triple Eight, for Netflix.

    Comments Off on First Look: Amazon Releases Trailer For Tyler Perry Biopic ‘Maxine’s Baby’
  • Salata Hapeville opens

    Salata Opens In Hapeville

    3 Min Read

    Salad restaurant Salata has opened its newest restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia, just outside Atlanta, AtlantaFi.com has confirmed.

    When Is Salata Opening In Hapeville?

    Salata did a soft opening on Monday, October 23, 2023 in Hapeville, Georgia on Virginia Avenue. The salad-centric restaurant will have its grand opening on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

    The Virginia Avenue corridor has become a restaurant row of sorts, with notable eateries like Brass Tap and Your Pie joining older restaurants like Malone’s, Pit Boss, Ruby Tuesdays and Spondivits.

    The health-conscious eatery specializes in built-to-order salads that allow customers to choose between up to 50 toppingss for their order.

    The Hapeville location is owned by Atlanta-area resident Phillip Jones, a veteran multi-brand franchisee.

    “I’ve been a huge fan of Salata for some time now and knew the Hapeville community would benefit from the brand’s healthier food options,” Jones told Franchise.org. “Salata not only presents an opportunity to further diversify my portfolio, but also enhance the dining options in Hapeville. When looking for my next business venture, Salata was an easy choice given the brand’s recent growth and the commitment it places on franchisee satisfaction and innovation. Not to mention, the support provided by the entire Home Office team has been top notch. I’m eager to open my first location this year.”

    Jones is also a franchisee of Marcos Pizza and Smoothie King locations.

    What’s On Salata’s Menu?

    The Salata menu is based around selecting a lettuce base. Here are your options:

    • Salata mix
    • Spinach
    • Romaine hearts
    • Kale
    • Arcadian mix
    • Arugula

    Next, you get to add vegetables to your salad. Here’s what you can choose from:

    Carrots, Cucumber, Tomato, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Bell pepper, Jicama, Snow peas, Radish, Red onion, Bean sprouts, Sun dried tomatoes, Cabbage, Pea sprouts, Cilantro, Corn, Beets, Black beans, Green peas, Black olives, Chick peas, Green olives, Jalapeños, Banana peppers, Pepperocini, Artichoke hearts, Avocado and Edamame.

    You also can add your choice of cheese and/or nuts to your order. 

    What Protein Can You Add To Salata Salad?

    Here is your choice of protein for a Salata salad.

    Pesto chicken, Spicy chipotle chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Shrimp, Krabmeat, Seafood mix, Falafel, Quinoa and Herb-marinated chicken.

    You can also add some final toppings like croutons, pasta, sesame sticks and chopped eggs.

    Where is Salata In Hapeville Located?

    Salata in Hapeville is located at 876 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30354. Their phone number is (404) 500-4675. Here’s a map to help you find the restaurant.

    Final Word

    Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

    More Food Coverage:

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

    Comments Off on Salata Opens In Hapeville
  • best restaurants in West Midtown Atlanta

    Where To Eat In West Midtown Atlanta

    6 Min Read

    Georgia’s largest city has some areas that are more food-centric than others. One of those places is West Midtown Atlanta.

    It seems every other week, a new Atlanta restaurant opens somewhere in West Midtown. As your culinary expert, I’m going to show you some of the top places to grab a bite in Atlanta’s West Midtown area.

    What Are the Best Restaurants In West Midtown Atlanta?

    Not to be confused with Midtown Atlanta, the jurisdictions of West Midtown coincide roughly to Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway on the southern side and follows the Howell Mill corridor up into the Moors Mill area.

    Boxcar Betty’s

    950 West Marietta St NW, Atlanta, Ga., 30318

    Food boxcar Betty's menu
    Photo credit: Boxcar Betty’s

    Boxcar Betty’s held its grand opening in Atlanta’s West Midtown on the April 26, 2023. Since then, the eatery, owned by Roth Scott and Ian MacBryde, has been serving some excellent chicken sandwiches on the menu and more.

    Boxcar Betty’s West Midtown eatery is located in the Westside Paper development, nearly 300,000 square foot mixed-used facility anchored by four restaurants and office space.

    Postino WineCafé

    1000 West Marietta St NW UNIT 310, Atlanta, GA 30318 |  (404) 806-1616

    Postino WineCafe opens in West Midtown Atlanta

    The West Midtown Postino WineCafé offers such delicious menu items as “Snacky Things,” like Skewers, OMG Grilled Cheese, Shrimp Scampi, Smoked Salmon and Sweet Potato Wedges. This location is the second in metro Atlanta.

    “Opening a second location in Atlanta is a huge deal for us,” Postino co-founder Lauren Bailey said in a news release. “We have had an incredible response from guests at our Buckhead location, and we can’t wait to join the West Midtown community.”

    The Optimist

    914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 477-6260

    The Optimist menu is the best in Atlanta.

    West Midtown’s premiere upscale dining experience, The Optimist has been a staple in the area if you’re down for Lobster rolls, gumbo, wood-fired oysters & more. Date night? We highly recommend.

    Bastone

    887 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 |  (404) 252-6699

    Bastone opens in West Midtown Atlanta

    A gem in West Midtown, Bastone offers an adventures culinary experience and an expansive wine collection. You won’t be disappointed.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Bastone. “We had a great experience at Bastone! I shared the Mozarella Tasting with a friend and the portions were very generous. Each variety was different than the next, and it was a great way to taste the different cheeses. It almost left us too full to try any of the other dishes! We also got the Heirloom Tomato Salad and Hamachi Crudo. Both were delicious. Our server was very friendly and attentive. Can’t wait to go back and try their Truffle Pasta during Aperitivo Hour!”

    Hattie B’s

    711 10th Street NW, Atlanta, GA | 678-304-0500

    Hattie B's opens in West Midtown Atlanta
    Photo credit: Hattie B’s

    You can’t go wrong with Hattie B’s, which is one of the best hot chicken places in Atlanta.

    On the menu, you’ll find items like Dirty Bird fries, desserts and sliders that you will fall in love with.

    What makes the West Midtown location unique is that it features a plant-based hot chicken sandwich on a brioche bun, which is a major departure from other eateries that feature a chicken sandwich. The West Midtown Hattie B’s also has fried pickles, which its other locations do not have.

    Velvet Taco

    1115 Howell Mill Rd Bldg 300, #P125, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (470) 485-8557

    Velvet Taco in West Midtown is the best place to eat in Atlanta.

    When Velvet Taco opened in 2021, we knew the complexion of the West Midtown food scene had changed. It was now Taco Tuesday off Howell Mill every week.

    “It is a great honor to have Velvet Taco open doors in The Interlock in West Midtown, where the restaurants are known to heavily exceed the industry standard and guests have high expectations,” Velvet Taco CEO Clay Dover says in a news release. “It is our mission to take the humble, well-loved taco and use the tortilla as a blank canvas for any courageous, adventuring foodie’s desires.”

    Delilah’s Everyday Soul

    1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

    Delilah's Everyday Soul chciken spot opens in Chattachoochee Works

    If you happen to venture inside the Chattahoochee Food Works, you should definitely check out Delilah’s Everyday Soul. Chef Delilah Winder has gained a following from her appearances on food shows, including strong praise from a foodie named Oprah Winfrey for her mac ‘n cheese.

    At Delilah’s, you’ve got to try the Southern Belle chicken sandwich, which boasts a scrumptious piece of fried chicken layered with a fried green tomato, a slab of bacon, bread and butter pickles, pimento cheese, house hot sauce and more. Read our review.

    Nuevo Laredo Cantina

     1495 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 |  (404) 352-9009

    Nuevo Laredo Cantina: Best Mexican restaurants in Atlanta

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Nuevo Laredo Cantina: “This is a gem! Staff is warm and friendly, food is so good and authentic. Salsa is made fresh w cilantro and a huge hit w our family. My go to are the chicken tacos. Be prepared to wait as this is a local hot spot.”

    Superica

    930 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318 |  (404) 355-5313

    Superica opening new restaurant in Atlanta
    Photo credit: Superica

    Ford Fry has done it again. Superica’s Tex-Mex fusion food has been a hit since it began in Krog Street Market, which is considered its home base. The West Midtown eatery continues to draw a crowd, from restaurant lovers looking for some authentic fare to tourists searching for the best Atlanta bites.

    Flight Club Darts

    1055 Howell Mill Rd Suite 140, Atlanta, GA 30318 |  (404) 301-8003

    Flight Club Darts in Atlanta

    While Flight Club Darts is not known for its pretentiousness, if you want some good grub and beer in a social environment, Flight Club is it.

    If you really want to play darts, it’s suggested that you booked on the Flight Club Darts website. The establishment cannot guarantee walk-in guests will be able to play Social Darts.

    Final Taste

    With offerings of pasta, tacos, wine, seafood and more, West Midtown gives you one of the most culinary eclectic mixes in the city. And there are way more restaurants located there, but we wanted to highlight some of our faves.

    If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options in the ATL dining scene. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.

    Read Up On the Best New Restaurants in Atlanta

    Comments Off on Where To Eat In West Midtown Atlanta
  • UGA Tight End Brock Bowers undergoes surgery

    UGA’s Brock Bowers To Miss 4-6 Weeks

    2 Min Read

    The Georgia Bulldogs will be without their star tight end for several weeks, it was confirmed Monday, Oct. 15, 2023.

    Georgia confirmed Monday morning that Brock Bowers suffered a high-ankle sprain on Saturday and immediately will undergo surgery. It remains to be seen how the star athlete will handle his treatment.

    Georgia’s Bowers To Have Surgery

    The junior tight end fell after being tackled in the second quarter of the Dawgs’ 37-20 victory against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Replay shows that a Vandy player rolled up on Bowers’ ankle while it was still planted into the ground.

    After the game, Georgia Coach Kirby Smart said that X-rays were negative on Bowers’ injury, but that he would have an MRI done as well.

    The injury to Georgia’s most talented offensive player comes at the right time for the Dawgs, who will need Bowers to heal if they’re going to win their third straight SEC title.

    Bowers will have surgery to stabilize his ankle. The healing and recovery process could easily have him done for the season, or he may be back for the season-ending Georgia Tech game. It all depends on how fast Bowers can get back into game shape.

    How Will Georgia’s Offense Cope Without Bowers?

    Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo doesn’t have to scheme a new offense immediately with the loss of Bowers. That’s because Georgia has a week off before resuming play on Oct. 28.

    Nonetheless, the UGA offense without Bowers is going to present some challenges for first-year signal caller Carson Beck, who has just begun to come into his own as a quarterback.

    UGA Coach Kirby Smart is likely to rely on a mult-pronged running attack to get Georgia’s offense up and down the field. Without Bowers, Beck will have to look to his wideouts to make big plays.

    Can they do it? That remains to be seen.

    The Georgia schedule is at the halfway mark as the Dawgs won’t play again until Oct. 28.

    Comments Off on UGA’s Brock Bowers To Miss 4-6 Weeks
  • UGA vs. Vanderbilt score 2023

    Georgia Beats Vanderbilt, 37-20

    1 Min Read

    The Georgia Bulldogs used a 17-point second quarter to push past the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, by a score of 37-20.

    The No. 1-ranked Bulldogs (7-0 overall and 4-0 in the SEC) won the game but lost start tight end Brock Bowers to an ankle injury.

    Georgia Loses Bowers

    After the game, Georgia Coach Kirby Smart said that X-rays were negative on Bowers’ injury, but that he would have an MRI done as well.

    The injury to Georgia’s most talented offensive player comes at the right time for the Dawgs, who will need Bowers to heal if they’re going to win their third straight SEC title.

    “I’ve never had a bye week that came at the wrong time,” Smart said after the game.

    Let’s take a look at the Georgia-Vanderbilt highlights:

    UGA quarterback Carson Beck finished with 261 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score.

    The Georgia schedule is at the halfway mark as the Dawgs won’t play again until Oct. 28.

    Comments Off on Georgia Beats Vanderbilt, 37-20
  • CT Cantina & Taqueria Diner Opens at Trilith

    CT Cantina & Taqueria Diner Opens at Trilith 

    3 Min Read

    Food enthusiasts no longer have to venture to downtown or Midtown Atlanta to find the best Mexican food and ambiance. In Fayetteville, CT Cantina & Taqueria has opened its doors and is having its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

    The eatery, which will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., is located in Trilith, the award-winning new urbanist community adjacent to Trilith Studios.

    CT Cantina & Taqueria offers authentic Mexican cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner along with delicious beverages like margaritas.

    CT Cantina & Taqueria Hosts Grand Opening In Trilith

    Founder Rafael Jaime is a veteran restaurateur who has opened several restaurants in the Atlanta area and has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Business Excellence award from the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

    “We strive to find dynamic and inviting homes for our restaurants which is why Trilith is the perfect fit,” Jaime said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to expand the CT Tacos family and can’t wait to bring our contemporary world flavor to Fayetteville.”

    What’s On the Menu at CT Cantina & Taqueria?

    The menu at CT Cantina & Taqueria will offer street tacos, tamales, and other traditional Mexican fare served with the freshest ingredients. Some dishes you might love include:

    • Quesadillas: Served with Chihuahua cheese and your choice of filling, along with Mexican rice and guacamole.
    • Tamales: Three chile filled tamales, topped with choice of filling, queso, salsa, lettuce, pico, avocado and queso fresco.
    • Mini Tostadas: Three mini crunchy tostadas, layered with refried beans and choice of filling, topped with lettuce mix, queso fresco, pico and avocado.
    • Taco Salad: Taco bowl filled with Mexican rice and choice of filling, topped with lettuce, queso fresco, sour cream, pico, and guacamole with a side of queso.
    • Enchiladas: Three corn enchiladas stuffed with choice of filling, sauced with queso and salsa verde., topped with sour cream and queso fresco. Side Mexican rice.
    • Chimichanga: Rolled and golden fried tortilla stuffed with refried beans and choice of fiwng, sauced with queso dip and served with Mexican rice and guacamole.
    menu at CT Cantina and Taqueria

     In addition to a loyalty and rewards program where users receive discounts on meals, the restaurant also holds the “CT Tacos Food Challenge” in which participants must eat 50 mini tacos in under 50 minutes to win a shirt and the challenge meal for free.

    Where Is CT Cantina & Taqueria Located?

    CT Cantina & Taqueria is located at 305 Trilith Pkwy STE. 350. Here’s a map to help you find it.

    Final Taste

    CT Cantina & Taqueria joins an impressive stable of restaurants around the Town Centre area of Trilith, where foodies can enjoy sushi, quality steak and much more. As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.

    Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta

    Comments Off on CT Cantina & Taqueria Diner Opens at Trilith 
  • Phillies beat Braves

    Braves Eliminated By Phillies in MLB Playoffs

    2 Min Read

    The Atlanta Braves ran into a buzzsaw in the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2023 playoffs. Atlanta dropped the first two games but eked out a win in Game 3.
    For Game 4, the carnage continued as Philadelphia put together yet another lopsided win for the Phillies, which hit multiple home runs in their victories.

    Philly big hitters Bryce Harper and NIck Castellanos hit two homers each in the dominant win over Atlanta, which puts them one win away from the NLCS.

    Braves Eliminated From the Postseason

    This was supposed to be the year that the Braves’ big bats broke through. Not on Wednesday night. It was Harper who stole the show on this night.

    https://x.com/Phillies/status/1712241005649371330?s=20

    After one of the homers, Harper gave Orlando Arcia a long stare, purportedly for the shortstop’s remarks about the first baseman’s error in the previous game. There was no mistake by Harper in this game, where he loomed large for the Braves bullpen.

    The Phillies are now looking to close out the Braves on Thursday night.

    Final Word

    The Braves have been surging through the 2023 campaign and deservingly so, the team has nothing short of title hopes. To no one’s surprise, a large part of the season hinges on the healthy arm of pitcher Ronald Acuña and the bullpen.

    The Braves are just one of many Atlanta teams that you can support. The Falcons and Hawks could really appreciate your help.

    When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym  for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry.

    Read More on Atlantafi.com’s Sports Page:

    Comments Off on Braves Eliminated By Phillies in MLB Playoffs