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Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis responded in a letter Thursday to Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, a critic of her investigation into former President Donald Trump. You can read the letter below.
Willis, a Democrat, has been under intense scrutiny after indicting Trump under the state’s wide-ranging RICO statutes.Any trial of Trump and 18 other co-defendants would likely take place in Atlanta, the seat of Fulton County, and attract huge national and international interest.
Jordan, a Republican who is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has been trumpeting that he is going to open an investigation into Willis on the grounds that she has overstepped her authority.A close ally of Trump, Jordan said his inquiry would look for interference and collusion between the Fulton DA’s Office and the Biden Administration.
In her letter, she says Jordan is trying to “obstruct a Georgia criminal proceeding and to advance outrageous partisan misrepresentations.” She also told him that he didn’t understand RICO laws.
Your letter makes clear that you lack a basic understanding of the law, its practice, and the ethical obligations of attorneys generally and prosecutors specifically,” Willis said.
Read Fani Willis’ Letter To Jim Jordan
Final Word
The letter serves as yet another chapter in what will be a legal slugfest as Willis has announced that a trial against Trump and 18 co-defendants will be done at the same time and she hopes to do it in a four-month span.
When Willis handed down the indictments in early August, she knew she was in for a fight. Her actions over the past month have shown that she is up to the task.
Willis has taken a no-nonsense approach to prosecuting Trump, which has brought her and those in her office death threats.
In her latter, Willis said that because Jordan seems to have taken a more-than-personal interest in the business of the Fulton DA’s Office, “you should consider directing the USDOJ to investigate the racist threats that have come to my staff and me because of this investigation.”
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If you’re looking for something cool to do in Buckhead, Gypsy Kitchen, one of its coolest restaurants, has just what you need in the way of good food and live music.
The top Buckhead restaurant has resumed its weekly “Basque in the Sun” Party. The event happens on Sundays starting at 4:30 p.m. until close.
What Is Gypsy Kitchen’s ‘Basque In The Sun’ Event?
Basque in the Sun is a lively culinary event that celebrates the beautiful Basque Country every Sunday afternoon. You can enjoy music, the sun and fellow revelers from Gypsy Kitchen’s balcony.
You may also choose to:
- Sip on tintos de verano
- Try draft gintonics with Gypsy Kitchen’s very own proprietary tonic
- Indulge on Spanish ciders while enjoying a variety of pintxos.
If you’re interested in something to munch on, try these tantalizing goodies:
- Caramelized pork belly with blistered shishito peppers and chile oil ($3
- ) Shaved Serrano ham with soft cheese and blackberry jam ($3)
- Skewers stacked with oil cured tuna and piquillo peppers ($3)
- Shrimp, chorizo, potato and red pepper ($4).
The event also usually includes half off select bottles of wine, although I’ve not heard that this time.
For those staying in Atlanta this weekend come join the fun on Sunday for a special edition of Basque in the Sun!
Gypsy Kitchen, which draws inspiration from a mix of Spanish, Moroccan and Indian influences, is known for their adventurous tapas and drink menu. It is located at 3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Final Word
Buckhead has a LOT to do over the course of one weekend, from cool dining spots to recreational activities.
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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Automaker Kia is under renewed pressure to act as thefts of its vehicles continue to rise. In Atlanta, incidents of Kia car thefts have increased 700%, according to a local news report.
Citing Atlanta police statements made at a Public Safety Committee meeting in August 2023, Atlanta News First reported that Kia thefts in Atlanta are on an unprecedented pace.
The developments come several months after Kia and Hyundai reached a $200 million settlement to end a class-action lawsuit brought by car owners whose vehicles had been stolen. The plaintiffs alleged that the automakers made their cars easier to steal.
. In October, an East Point resident initiated a class action lawsuit against the automakers, alleging that newer Kia and Hyundai models lacked immobilizers. Immobilizers are security features that prevent unauthorized individuals from using an unprogrammed key or key fob to steal a vehicle.
Initially, law enforcement attributed this increase in thefts to a social media challenge, wherein criminals stole Kia and Hyundai models and shared their actions using the hashtag #kiaboyz.
On just about any social media site, under the hashtag #kiaboyz, you’ll find some debauchery.
What Is Kia Doing About Car Thefts?
For its part Kia says it’s been working on various technologies and security measures to prevent car thefts. These efforts often include:
Keyless Entry and Start Systems: Implementing advanced keyless entry and start systems with encryption to make it harder for thieves to clone key fobs.
Immobilizers: Installing immobilizer systems that prevent the engine from starting without the correct key or fob.
Alarms and Anti-Theft Systems: Equipping vehicles with alarms, motion sensors, and anti-theft systems to deter thieves.
GPS Tracking: Many manufacturers offer optional GPS tracking systems that can help locate a stolen vehicle.
Remote Shutdown: Some advanced systems allow owners or law enforcement to remotely disable a stolen vehicle.
Secure Software Updates: Regularly updating the vehicle’s software to patch security vulnerabilities and improve overall security.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Working closely with law enforcement agencies to recover stolen vehicles and apprehend thieves.
Final Word
Law enforcement in the Atlanta area continues to probe the Kia Boyz but it’s going to take police as well as the public’s help to stop auto thefts in the metro area.
The automobile industry as a whole is going to have to do more to educate customers about best practices for preventing car theft, such as not leaving valuables in the car and locking doors and windows.
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Unfortunate events continue to lead to deaths this year at Lake Lanier.
According to state officials, a 23-year-old man died after falling into the water after slipping off the dock over Labor Day weekend.After the incident, his body was recovered from 17 feet of water. The victim was identified as Gavrie Alexander Whitlock, 23, of Snellville.
The site where Whitlock drowned is Holiday Marina, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Lake Lanier has been linked with some mysterious deaths since its inception in the 1950s. One common misconception was that the lake was built on top of a black town. In fact, Georgia’s Lake Lanier was not built on top of Oscarville, but rather, the construction of Buford Dam, which created the lake, flooded the area where the historic town of Oscarville was located.
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A popular TV series is casting nationally, including in Atlanta, for people involved in relationships who have not met their significant others in person yet.
The show, which airs on a major network, is looking for real stories from real people who are in online relationships and have never met.
Casting Call Details: What To Know
The ideal candidate:
- Is talking to or in a relationship with someone online.
- Has never met or successfully video called the person they are talking to
- Is over the age of 18
- Lives in the United States
The program aims to help people figure out if who they are talking to is representing themselves honestly, and then the series will try to help them meet in person. Interested? Here’s how to apply:
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.
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 you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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Amid unconfirmed reports of at least two people killed in Northern Florida due to weather-related injuries, Tropical Storm Idalia ripped through Georgia and onto South Carolina late Wednesday.
In its wake, the storm left tens of thousands of homes without power.
Hurricane Idalia has moved into Georgia as a Category 3 storm about midday on Wednesday. As Florida officials continue to assess the situation, hurricane-force winds batter the Gulf area and have now crossed state lines, which means intense winds and storm surge is still happening along the Southern East Coast.
Idalia hit Florida early this morning as a Category 3 storm. The projected path of the weather event will take it into the Big Bend communities and then into South Georgia.
Footage from news cameras already show homes underwater and rooftops being ripped off due to strong wind gusts. Authorities are urging people to shelter in place.
Speaking to news media, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said the city is on high alert due to extensive flooding along waterfront land.
“We expect that ‘King’ High Tide around noon to 1 p.m., and that’s going to bring in several additional feet of water. The flooding that we’re experiencing now is nothing compared to what we’re experiencing now.”
Where Did Idalia Make Landfall?
Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach, Florida, around 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
Landfall is expected to present some significant problems for Florida’s coastal regions as well as certain cities and town inland as storm surge could be as high as 16 feet, according to weather reports. If you’re in its way, you should take safety precautions.
Georgia Officials On Alert
Georgia and the Carolinas are both expected to get a lot of rain and strong wind gusts, which is sure to cause major flooding in many communities.
How To Stay Safe During A Hurricane
When it comes to a hurricane or any big storm, there are some practical things you can do to stay safe and protect you and yours.
Wait for the All-Clear
Stay indoors until authorities declare it safe to go outside. Be cautious of downed power lines and other hazards.
Seek shelter in a sturdy building and stay away from windows, glass doors, and skylights. Stay on the lower floors of multi-story buildings to avoid wind exposure.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid as necessary and seek medical attention if needed.
Avoid Flooded Areas
Stay away from flooded roads, bridges, and buildings. Floodwaters can hide dangers like debris and downed power lines.
High winds can shatter glass and cause debris to fly, posing significant dangers.
Keep enough bottled water on hand for drinking, as tap water might become contaminated.
Inspect Your Home
Check for damage to your home, but avoid entering if it’s not safe. If you suspect structural damage, contact authorities.
Avoid using candles or open flames, as they can lead to fires if gas lines are damaged.
Communicate
Let friends and family know you’re safe. Use social media or text messages to conserve phone battery.
Continuously monitor weather updates and forecasts from reliable sources. Listen to local authorities and follow their instructions and evacuation orders.
Fully charge cell phones and other essential electronic devices in case of power outages.
Assess Food and Water
Assess your food and water supply. If in doubt, throw out perishable items that might have spoiled during power outages.
Flying debris is one of the most dangerous aspects of a hurricane. Secure outdoor furniture and items that could become projectiles.
Final Word
Remember, preparation is key to staying safe during a hurricane season. By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can minimize risks and protect yourself and your loved ones during this challenging weather event.
If flooding occurs, get out of the basement or lowest level of your home and take refuge on higher ground.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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Comedian Dave Chappelle is returning to Atlanta, Georgia this fall to perform one night on his comedy tour.
Chappelle’s Pilot Boy Productions has announced that his documentary tour includes a stop in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. Here’s how to get tickets.
When Is Dave Chappelle Coming To Atlanta?
Chappelle is set to come to Atlanta on October 31 at State Farm Arena., 2023. His show in downtown Atlanta is being recorded as part of his documentary, which is likely to stream on Netflix.
Event:
Dave Chappelle’s ‘Untitled’ Documentary Show
Date and Time:
October 31, 2023, 7 p.m. ET
Chappelle’s tour has added some additional stops as it grows in popularity. So far he’s added the following dates:
Oct. 17: Milwaukee, WI — Fiserv Forum
Oct. 19: Boston, MA — TD Garden
Oct. 25: Raleigh, NC — PNC Arena
Oct 26: Charlotte, NC — Spectrum Center
Oct 31: Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena
This is a cell phone-free event, according to organizers. This means if you need to use your phone, you’ll need to return to the distribution tent at the entrance. Anyone caught using a cell phone during the show will be immediately ejected.
What To Know Before You Go
State Farm Arena has a strict bag policy for all events held there.
Please note that bags larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″, including briefcases, purses, luggage, and diaper bags, are not allowed in the arena. Additionally, backpacks and hard-sided bags of any kind are prohibited. However, you are welcome to bring in single-compartment drawstring bags and fashion backpacks or purses that are smaller than 14″ x 14″ x 6″.
Final Word
The comedian is riding a wave of controversy after the release of his latest Netflix special The Closer, in which he takes on the trans community among other topics.
The special has caused a firestorm at Netflix, where trans employees and those who support them have threatened a walkout if the production isn’t pulled.
Chappelle, for his part, has decided to stand his ground. In a short video he released on Instagram, the comedian said that he “will not be summoned” by the trans community. He also had some conditions for a proper sit down.
“To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience,” he said. “But you will not summon me. I am not bending to anybody’s demands.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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As the nice weather facilitates more people out on the water, the deaths continue for Lake Lanier. Georgia officials confirm that an Atlanta man died while swimming in Lake Lanier over the weekend.
Edgar Steven Cruz Martinez, 23, visited the lake on Saturday, August 26, 2023 and went under the water for a swim. About 3 p.m. that day, first responders with the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office arrived after receiving a call about a possible drowning at Lake Lanier.
When they arrived, observers said that Martinez never resurfaced after going for a swim. Officials found his body in about 10 feet of water.
Martinez is the seventh person to drown in Lake Lanier this year.
Why Do So Many People Drown In Lake Lanier?
One of the reasons Lake Lanier has so many fatalities year in and year out is that people fail to follow safe boating practices, according to safety officials. Boating under the influence continues to be an issue on the man-made lake. People boating without safety vests on also has been frequently observed.
There are also some curious incidents that have occurred on the lake that have raised questions about its past. Read our Untold History of Lake Lanier.
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Freelancing can be a very rewarding experience if you know how to take care of business. The truth is that if you can’t find a full-time job, there are several ways to make money today as a freelancer. Freelancing is one of the best ways to make money online. Now on to the burning question…How Can I Start As A Freelancer?
I actually have several years of experience as a freelancer for CNN, where I wrote about various subjects, including breaking news.Because of the COVID pandemic, the definition of the traditional job has stretched a bit due to the circumstances. The reason why this is important is because it means that freelancing has also changed.Is It Easy To Get A Job As A Freelancer?
If you don’t have any experience or very little, it may be difficult to get a job as a freelancer, but you can do it. The key is to expose yourself to jobs, gigs and hustles that pay money.As with anything, it helps tremendously if you know someone within the company or organization you’re applying for.If you don’t happen to know a current employee or have another inside track, that’s OK. You just have to apply for the job and have some patience.What Is Freelancing?
Freelancing involves working for a company on an as-needed basis or as a contractor rather than an employee. Contrary to popular opinion, many freelancers have full-time schedules with their clients.In some cases, freelancers may even qualify for insurance and other benefits that are typically only eligible for full-time workers.You may want to know how you can become a successful freelancer so that you can work at a pace that works for you. Let’s go over some steps you need to do.1. Brand Yourself Or Your Business
Because you’re a free agent when it comes to business, you will need to brand yourself by investing in some marketing tools that will help you.Some things you can do to help your business include creating a website, compiling a portfolio and getting some business cards. No matter if you choose to go all in on advertising yourself or just marketing yourself passively, it’s always good to invest in yourself and your abilities.2. Network Among Your Friends
To get started as a freelancer, you need to tap into your network so that you can get exposed to some job opportunities. Contact your former co-workers and others in your circle to see if the company they’re with has some work for you.And don’t forget about social media. Other networking opportunities may exist on sites like LinkedIn, Alignable or Facebook.3. Find Jobs That Pay
At this point, it’s time to find work to fund your freelance career. There are several freelance-friendly websites that make it worth your while to join.Here are some online resources that frequently post and hire freelance jobs.- Alignable
- Amazon Mechanical Turk
- Fiverr
- Freelancermap.com
- Freelance Writing Gigs
- PeoplePerHour
- Toptal
- Upwork
- Wingspan
4. Over-Deliver
Once you land some freelance gigs under your belt, you want to make a great impression. One way to do that is to over-deliver on the things you do best.
Not only will your work speak for itself, but the extra mile you go could lead to more jobs and — more importantly — invaluable word-of-mouth references to keep your business afloat.
Final Word
When you think of the term “freelance,” you may get the idea that it refers to people who work for less or for free. That is totally wrong.
You can make some really great money as a freelancer, especially after you earn the trust of your client.As a freelancer, you can control how you want to receive payment, either by electronic payment, direct deposit or cash. Metro Atlanta’s hot economy has slowed of late due to the COVID-19, but that’s OK. Check out our Coronavirus Resource Guide and find out how to make and save money.We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job. -
Morris Brown College in southwest Atlanta has mandated masks in light of an increase of COVID-19 cases in the city.
On its Instagram page, the historically black college posted that a mask mandate will be in effect for the next 14 days.
The mask mandate extends to students and employees and includes social distancing, contact tracing, and other health protocols.
What Are The New COVID Variants?
Some new COVID variants, including the EG.5, or “Eris,” as it’s been called, has emerged in some nations. The EG.5 has been identified as the dominate strain in the United States with 20% of new cases, according to the Centers of Disease and Control (CDC).
The new variants all can be traced to the XBB strains that were dominant in late 2022, according to health officials.
Scientists are also trying to ascertain the new highly mutated coronavirus variant spotted by scientists in Israel. The Ba.2.86 variant is in four countries, including America.
The new variant, called BA.2.86 and nicknamed Pirola, is an ancestor of the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron.
If you’ve had the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and catch the new variant, you’re likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
If you’ve had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you’re like to experience the following symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
How To Protect Yourself Against COVID
- Wear a Mask
- Wash Your Hands for At Least 20 Seconds
- Avoid High-Exposure Events and People
- Getting Tested for COVID-19
- Staying Home When You Have Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
- Seeking Treatment If You Have COVID-19 and Are at High Risk of Getting Very Sick
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
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