• Atlanta Mayor Introduces Rules Governing Police Use Of Force

    Atlanta Mayor Introduces Rules Governing Police Use Of Force

    3 Min Read

    With pressure mounting in the city, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has moved swiftly to enact police reform.

    She said that the new rules were supposed to be devised by a new task force that convened to address many of the problems recent events in the city have spotlighted. But she said the fatal police shooting of Rayshard Brooks moved her to act immediately.

    Atlanta Police Reform: Here Are The New Rules For Use Of Force

    “I am often reminded by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and that is that ‘There is a fierce urgency of now,'” she said. “It is clear that we do not have another day, another minute, another hour to waste.”

    With that Bottoms introduced an Executive Order, which directs the Interim Chief of Police to immediately adopt and implement changes to the standard operating procedures and work rules of the Atlanta Police Department concerning their use of force.

    According to the administrative order released by the city, here are what the immediate reforms include:

    1. Intervening in unreasonable use of deadly force: requiring officers to intervene when seeing another officer using force that is beyond what is reasonable under the circumstances, and reporting deadly use of force to the on-duty supervisor;
    2. Shooting at moving vehicles: provide lawful restrictions on when an officer may use deadly force at a suspect who is in a moving motor vehicle;
    3. Addressing officers’ response to resistance: apply de-escalation techniques to gain voluntary compliance and use only the amount of objectively reasonable force necessary to successfully protect themselves or others during an arrest or to bring an incident under control when dealing with members of the community, suspects, and detainees; and
    4. Reporting deadly use of force: require the reporting of all uses of deadly force by a police officer to the Citizens Review Board.

    The new rules come as Bottoms faces criticism for her handling of the protests, which have been mostly peaceful expect for some looting that took place in Buckhead.

    But the public pressure has taken a toll. Bottoms announced last week that Police Chief Ericka Shields would resign so that the police force could start to rebuild with a fresh face at the helm.

    Bottoms also called for and received the immediate termination of the officer who killed Brooks.

    And as the spotlight continues to shine, Bottoms is among the women being vetted as a potential vice president contender with the Joe Biden presidential campaign.

    Meanwhile, a sheriff in Burke County, Georgia, says that the officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks did nothing wrong.

    “There’s nothing malicious or sadistic in the way these law officers behaved,” Sheriff Alonzo Williams told CNN. 

    Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

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  • Tyler Perry To Pay For Rayshard Brooks Funeral In Atlanta

    Tyler Perry To Pay For Rayshard Brooks Funeral In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Atlanta movie mogul Tyler Perry says he will pay for the funeral of Rayshard Brooks, the 27-year-old  man who was shot to death by a police officer Friday at a Wendy’s restaurant.

    The news comes not from Perry, but rather the attorney of the Brooks family, who announced it to reporters Monday.

    Tyler Perry To Pay For Rayshard Brooks Funeral In Atlanta

    In addition to paying for Brooks’ funeral, Perry has also offered to pay for the college educations of his children: Blessing, 8, Memory, 2, Dream 1, and stepson Mekai, 13.

    Perry is no stranger to kind acts in the city and other places. Last spring he paid for the groceries of hundreds of senior citizens and several Kroger and other stores in Atlanta and New Orleans.

    The filmmaker recently restarted production at Tyler Perry Studios, instituting a strict health protocol to guard against COVID-19.

    Among the many restrictions is that all crew and actors must stay on site for the entire time they are filming. See the rest of the rules here.

    Meanwhile, protests continued another day in Atlanta, which has been the center of a firestorm in the aftermath of the shooting. Police Chief Ericka Shields resigned and the officer who shot Brooks was fired at the behest of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

    Authorities also continue to look for a woman who appeared to start the fire at the Wendy’s restaurant on University Avenue.

    There are also reports that nearly 20 Atlanta police officers have resigned amid reports that morale is near rock bottom after the recent events in the city.

    Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

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  • Reward for woman who set fire at Atlanta Wendy's during protest

    Atlanta Police Are Looking For Suspects Who Set Fire To Wendy’s

    3 Min Read

    The Atlanta Police Department has raised the reward to $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the people seen starting a fire at a Wendy’s restaurant at 125 University Avenue.

    Atlanta police believe that there was more than one person involved in the fire, but two woman were caught on video. 

    Related: Who Is Natalie White?

    The Atlanta Fire Department believes more people may have been involved.

    If you have any information on the firestarter, Call 404-577-TIPS (8477) or submit information online to Crime Stoppers.

    The authorities also released new images of a woman who they say started the fire. The new photos show a woman who appears to be Caucasian in a store hours before the protests.

    Atlanta Police Are Looking For Woman Who Set Fire To Wendy's
    Photo credit: Atlanta Police Department

    The reward increase is indicative of how significance the case has become. Former Police Chief Ericka Shields told reporters when the protests first occurred that investigators found that many of the protesters, especially the agitators, were not from Atlanta.

    Concerns have grown that instigators have joined many of the protesters for reasons not yet clear. When damage is done, many protesters have tried to identify those who have vandalized property and caused destruction.

    People gathered at the Wendy’s for a second day in the wake of a police homicide that was caught on video. The gathering site was the Wendy’s restaurant on the city’s south side.

    The previous day, large plumes of smoke bellowed from the Wendy’s at University Avenue and Pryor Road late Saturday and into Sunday as protesters sent a message to the powers that be.

    The protests, which have been happening every night, took on renewed significance after Atlanta police shot down Rayshard Brooks after a brief struggle. 

    Late into the night, Atlanta police were trying to get protesters to leave the scene. Many of them showed up outside a police precinct in nearby Grant Park.

    Video released by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation showed that Brooks was tased by two officers then wrestled with them on the ground before emerging with the taser and trying to run.

    He was shot in the back three times and died a short time later.

    The already explosive atmosphere reached fever pitch immediately as people congregated around the Wendy’s where the slaying happened.

    As public pressure mounted, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that Police Chief Ericka Shields would resign so that the police force could start to rebuild with a fresh face at the helm.

    Bottoms also called for the immediate termination of the officer who killed Brooks.

    Later in the night, protesters marched onto the highway and shut down one side of Interstate 75, where they stopped traffic.

    Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

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  • Georgia Governor Set To Re-Open Businesses, Churches

    Voter Frustration As Georgia Precincts Experience Technical Difficulties

    2 Min Read

    A number of voting precincts in Georgia, especially around Atlanta in Fulton, Gwinnett and DeKalb counties, experienced massive technical difficulties on Tuesday.

    As a result, the Georgia Secretary of State opened an investigation into voting problems.

    Frustrated voters filed complaints and disgusted officials took to social media to decry the problems, which work to suppress voter expression.

    Many of them aimed their ire at Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who many feel suppressed the vote the last time elections were held.

    Here are some of the videos on social media that illustrate what voters have had to endure:

    With voting machines down, many people were directed to use provisional ballots.

    In DeKalb, voters were asked to report election issues to the DeKalb Board of Voter Registration & Elections at 404-298-4020.

    On Twitter, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms summoned election officials to handle problems being reported to her by voters in real time.

    “Voters in line at Ralph Bunche precinct, one of the largest in Atlanta, say NONE of the machines are working. Please address this ASAP,” she tweeted.

    Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

     

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  • Things to do in Atlanta with kids

    What’s Reopening In Atlanta? Georgia Aquarium And More

    3 Min Read

    The coronavirus pandemic has all but stopped major happenings throughout much of the state, but some businesses are starting to reopen.

    Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines and other carriers are flying again. Parks and select venues have opened with enhancing cleaning protocols and procedures.

    These Businesses Have Reopened In Atlanta

    Here are some of the major businesses that are reopening in and around Atlanta.

    The Varsity

     61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

    The Varsity in Midtown Atlanta celebrates 90th anniversary

    The Varsity reopened on July 10 in Midtown Atlanta. The popular Atlanta restaurant doesn’t have carhops to come out to vehicles anymore.

    Georgia Aquarium

    225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

    Grorgia aquarium reopening

    The Georgia Aquarium will open to the public on June 15, 2020 with Member-only days June 13-14!

    Here are a few things to expect when you visit the Aquarium:

    Tickets are only available online and need to be purchased in advance of your visit.  Here are some of the health protocols that the aquarium has put in place to keep you safe:

    • Time blocks for visits
    • Temperature scans upon entry
    • Masks are strongly encourage

    Six Flags Over Georgia

    275 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168 | (770) 739-3400

    Six Flags Over Georgia Announces Reopening
    Photo credit: Six Flags Over Georgia

    Six Flags Over Georgia says it will reopen to the public on June 15, 2020. The Austell park has had to delay its season, but is prepared for the crowds with enhanced health standards and protocols.

    Interested in going to Six Flags? Learn more about what Six Flags is doing to keep its visitors safe.

    IKEA

    441 16th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363 | (888) 888-4532

    IKEA reopening Atlanta

    As of June 3, select IKEA stores, including the one in Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta, reopened to the public.

    At this time, the IKEA Restaurant and children’s play area, Småland, will remain closed as an added safety measure. To help keep everyone safe, we also urge our customers to play their part in restricting the virus’ spread by listening to local government guidelines, respecting hygiene rules and face coverings guidance, maintaining social distancing and staying home if they feel unwell or are experiencing COVID19 symptoms.

    Parks And Museums

    The Atlanta Botanical Gardens reopened on May 21. See the Midtown establishment’s website for the latest health guidelines if you plan to visit.

    Movie Theaters

    As of yet, movie theaters have remained closed in the metro Atlanta area. AMC, Regal and other chains are still looking for ways to reopen safely.

    The Starlight Drive-In movie theater is open, but If you attend the drive-in, be advised that: • You may not park your vehicle within ten feet of another vehicle.

    • You must view the movie from within your vehicle.
    • You must practice social distancing at all times.

    Film And TV Production

    Movie and film production still is being worked out for the most part. However, Tyler Perry Studios has reopened with a strict health plan in place.

    Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

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  • best filming locations in Atlanta in 2021

    Top Filming Locations In Atlanta

    4 Min Read

    Over the last decade, Atlanta has cemented itself as the movie-making capital of the world. Some of the best films of the past 20 years have been filmed in Atlanta and parts of Georgia.

    The city’s lush landscape, four-season weather and mix of metropolitan and rural amenities makes it a perfect spot for movie scouts. This article will explore some of the top filming locations in Atlanta. But first, you may also want to know…

    But first, more Travel Content:

    What Movies Are Filming In Georgia?
    Why Is It Cheaper To Film In Georgia?
    How Does The Film Industry Impact Georgia?
    What Are Some Movies That Have Filmed In Atlanta?

    Before we get into these movie locations, you may be interested in some similar content we have that is movie related:

    Atlanta History Center

    Atlanta History Center
    Photo credit: Youtube.com

    The Atlanta History Center is one of many local venues where filming has commenced for movies and documentaries.

    The Georgian Terrace

    The Georgian Terrace in Midtown Atlanta

    The Georgian Terrace is one of many local venues where filming has commenced for movies and documentaries.

    Marriott Marquis

    Best Atlanta Hotels for celebrities
    Photo credit: Marriott Marquis / Facebook

    Downtown Atlanta’s Marriott Marquis is not only a huge convention destination, but full-length films have been shot there.

    Georgia Aquarium

    Things to do in Atlanta with kids - Georgia Aquarium - fun things to do in Atlanta
    Photo credit: Youtube.com

    The fish at the Georgia Aquarium make for a beautiful backdrop in many movies and TV series.

    Jackson Street Bridge

    Jackson Street Brdige in Atlanta

    One of the most recognizable spots in Atlanta, the Jackson Street Bridge has co-starred with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

    Piedmont Park

    Things to do in Atlanta on a Sunday - walk PIedmont Park

    Piedmont Park is a film favorite for movie directors, especially those looking for romantic scenes.

    The Swan House

    Swanhouse in Buckhead

    The Swan House is Buckhead is one of the most booked venues when it comes to weddings. More movie directors are using it as a film location as well.

    Trilith Studios (Formerly Pinewood Studios)

    461 Sandy Creek Rd, Fayetteville, GA 30214

    Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia

    Trilith Studios has the distinction of being the haven for Marvel Studios production, so that means The Avengers saga, Thor, Ant Man, they all come through here. It’s also where the Georgia Film Academy is based, so many of the brightest prospects get hired on projects.

    If you’re planning a career in film production, you can get your Production Certification at Trilith as well.

    EUE Screen Gems Studios

    75 Lakewood Way SW, Atlanta, GA 30315

    Eue Screen Gems Studios in southwest Atlanta, Georgia

    Located in southwest Atlanta just off interstate 75/85, EUE Screen Gems Studios is a movie mecca. The huge facility has hosted more than 30 scripted television shows and feature films since opening in 2010.

    Movies filmed at EUE Screen Gems Studios include One Tree Hill, Iron Man 3, Flight, Sleepy Hollow, Under the Dome and many more.

    Tyler Perry Studios

    315 Deshler St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 | 678) 500-3710
     
    How To Get A Job At Tyler Perry Studios In Atlanta - These Tyler Perry Studio Pics Make Us Want To Be An Atlanta Movie Star
    Photo credit: Tyler Perry / Instagram
    Tyler Perry Studios opened in 2019 in a lavish celebrity-filled affair on its southwest Atlanta campus. Movie mogul Tyler Perry named many of the lots after prominent African-American actors.
     
    The studio spans across a 330-acre lot that was once the Fort McPherson Army barracks. Here are some things may not know about Tyler Perry Studios.
     

    Why Is It Cheaper To Film In Georgia?

    Georgia has provided tax incentives to the movie industry that have upended California’s dominance over Hollywood film production.

    The Peach State has one of the lowest tax penalties in the nation levied on films. Currently Georgia gives movie and TV production companies 20% off on taxes if they do the work in-state.

    That’s 20 cents off every dollar for all film and TV production if the company spends $500,000 or more. Those provisions were put in place by the Georgia’s Entertainment Industry Investment Act.

    How Does The Film Industry Impact Georgia’s Economy?

    Georgia’s film industry has a direct correlation to the success of its economic.

    With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
     
    Not only do venues and restaurants benefit from Georgia’s film industry, but a pipeline of production crews, acting talent and writers have cropped up to service the industry.
     
    There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest yousubscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.

    Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls

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  • Rapper Travis Porter is inviting the public to a parking lot concert on June 13, 2020.

    Travis Porter Announces Parking Lot Concert In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Rap trio Travis Porter is inviting the public to a parking lot concert on Saturday, June 13, 2020. The music begins at 6 p.m. and will take place in Atlanta.

    The rappers have a ton of local and national hits (“Bring It Back”, “Make It Rain’ etc.) that Atlantans are going to love to hear. He will also be accompanied by other artists, so it will be a family affair.

    What Is A Parking Lot Concert?

    Due to the coronavirus pandemic, regular concerts aren’t feasible right now. Thus, the need for a new concept — parking lot concerts — was born.

    According to the site, a PLC (Parking Lot Concert) is a concert series that promotes social distancing by requiring that visitors experience the show from the safety of their vehicle.

    Where Is The Parking Lot Concert Going To Be Held?

    Travis Porter has not revealed the location of the parking lot concert, but it has to be huge. Expected crowds are likely to be somewhere in the 1,000-2,000 range.

    How To Buy Tickets

    You can buy tickets to the Travis Porter Parking Lot Concert here.

    Want to know what else is going on in Atlanta?

    First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!

    Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit to a craft brewery in the city. 

      Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:

    Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Best things to do in East Point - best things to do in Hapeville

    Delta To Stop Service In These 10 Cities

    2 Min Read

    Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines continues to rein in its spending to curb losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. The airline says it will cease operations in 10 U.S. cities.

    In addition to layoffs, the company is making several cuts to withstand immense pressure on the travel industry. 

    Delta says the changes will take effect in the affected markets beginning July 8, 2020.

    Here are the 11 affected stations:

    • Aspen, CO (ASE)
    • Bangor, ME (BGR)
    • Erie, PA (ERI)
    • Flint, MI (FNT)
    • Fort Smith, AR (FSM)
    • Lincoln, NE (LNK)
    • New Bern/Morehead/Beaufort, NC (EWN)
    • Peoria, IL (PIA)
    • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA)
    • Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA (AVP)
    • Williston, ND (XWA)

    “As the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta continues to face an unprecedented impact to our business, and suspending operations at these airports will reduce costs where customer demand is low,” said Sandy Gordon, Senior Vice President – Domestic Airport Operations, said in a statement. “We will move quickly to work with affected customers, whose patience we sincerely appreciate as we navigate this unprecedented time together.”

    A lot of people are wondering if now is the time to travel amid a global health crisis. Here’s what to know if you decide to go.

    Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

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  • tanks in Atlanta protesters

    Atlanta Stolen Tanks? What We Know

    2 Min Read

    Atlanta has been one of the cities rocked by protests amid the police officer-induced death of George Floyd. In a viral video on social media, tanks appear to be commandeered by civilians in Atlanta.

    The video shows people on a tank in what looks like some Atlanta projects. Although variations of the video claimed that it was recorded in East Atlanta, many social media users said it was actually taken in southwest Atlanta.

    Atlanta Stolen Tanks? Here’s What We Know

    According to musings on social media, the tanks are not from any militarized force on American streets. They also aren’t from protesters, which have marched nightly through the city.

    Speculation on social media indicates that the tanks were part of a music video being shot on location. AtlantaFi.com was not able to confirm this information.

    In any event, the tanks don’t appear to be stolen, so that’s the good thing.

    Nonetheless, tanks on an Atlanta street have raised more than a few eyebrows, especially against the backdrop of the president advocating the U.S. military to “dominate” lawful protesters in U.S. cities.


    Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

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  • How to make money while under self-quarantine

    How To Self-Quarantine And Make Cash At Home

    3 Min Read

    Because of the Coronavirus pandemic life hasn’t been the same for a while now. If you have to self-quarantine, don’t think you need to spend that time doing nothing.

    What could be better than to make money and self-quarantine at the same time?

    Big cities like Atlanta and others are at a huge risk if we don’t obey recommendations from health officials at the World Health Organization and the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

    This article is going to show you how to self-quarantine and make money.

    5 Ways To Make Money Online While You Self-Quarantine

    Here are some apps that allow you to make money online and even get cash back for purchases. All you have to do is download:

    1. Get Paid To Take Photos

    All you need is a smartphone to make money these days. You can take pictures in your backyard or nearby and make money by selling the images online.

    Here are some sites where you can sell your pictures:

    2. Test Products At Home

    You can actually get paid to conduct market research on behalf of companies. Here are some companies that you can sign up to test products for:

    3. Self Your Hair Online

    You can actually make money selling your hair. There are several websites that act as hair marketplaces. Here’s where to sell your hair.

    4. Get Paid To Help Google

    Google Surveys is a tool that allows you to make money by helping the company via search. Here’s how to get started.

    5. Make Face Masks

    In this day and time, one of the hottest items for sale are face masks and face coverings. The CDC has guidelines that give you the dimensions.

    Here’s what you need to know about making face masks and face coverings.

    Final Word

    Not to be paranoid, but going under self-quarantine is not the same as being a hermit. That being said, you can make the best use of your time by taking care of yourself and making money.

    Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:

    If you’re interested in making extra income, don’t miss How To Make Money At Home and How To Quarantine And Make Cash.

    Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:

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