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The Atlanta Falcons received a notable legal update this week involving standout pass rusher James Pearce Jr., as one of the most serious charges stemming from his February arrest has been dropped.
According to reporting from Fox Sports South Florida’s Andy Slater, prosecutors have decided not to pursue the felony count of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer against the 22-year-old defensive end.
James Pearce Jr. Faced 5 Years for Aggravated Battery
Sources indicated that body-camera footage from the incident did not provide sufficient evidence to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Had Pearce been convicted on that count alone, it could have carried a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
Pearce, the Falcons’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, emerged as a key force on Atlanta’s defense during his rookie season. He led the team in sacks and earned consideration for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, showcasing the explosive edge-rushing ability that made him a high draft selection.
The incident dates back to February 7, 2026, in Doral, Florida, where Pearce was arrested following an alleged domestic dispute involving his then ex-girlfriend, WNBA Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson.
Police reports and court documents detail allegations that Pearce followed Jackson’s vehicle, attempted to open her car door at a stoplight, and intentionally collided with her car multiple times as she tried to drive to a police station for safety.
The situation escalated into a police pursuit, during which Pearce allegedly fled, crashed his vehicle (a white Lamborghini SUV), and resisted officers—leading to the initial array of charges.
While the aggravated battery on law enforcement charge has been dropped, Pearce still faces several serious allegations filed by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office:
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (felony) — related to the alleged vehicle collisions.
- Fleeing and eluding police (felony).
- Resisting an officer with violence (felony).
- Stalking (misdemeanor, reduced from an initial aggravated stalking charge).
These remaining charges carry significant potential penalties if convicted, and the case continues to unfold in Florida courts. Prior to the February incident, reports indicated multiple 911 calls from Jackson in preceding weeks expressing concerns over harassment and stalking behavior.The Falcons organization has not issued a public statement on the latest development as of March 13, 2026, but the team has monitored the situation closely since the initial arrest. Pearce was released on bond shortly after his arrest and has remained subject to a stay-away order regarding Jackson.This update represents a partial win for Pearce and his legal team, as the dropped charge removes one of the most severe potential consequences.
However, the ongoing proceedings could still impact his status with the Falcons moving forward, both legally and in terms of team discipline under NFL policies.
Atlanta fans will continue to watch closely as more details emerge from the courts. The Falcons’ pass rush, bolstered by Pearce’s rookie production, remains a cornerstone of the defense as the team prepares for the 2026 season. We will provide updates as they become available.
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While Atlanta’s own spirits scene continues to thrive, eyes across the South are on a high-stakes legal dispute involving the popular Uncle Nearest whiskey brand — and a surprising connection to music icon Jay-Z.
A Kentucky-based lender, Farm Credit Mid-America, has leveled serious fraud accusations against Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver and her husband Keith, claiming they deliberately concealed a $20 million loan originating from a venture firm tied to Jay-Z.
Kentucky Bank Accuses Uncle Nearest Founder of Hiding $20M Jay-Z Loan in Ongoing Legal Battle
In recent court filings, the Louisville-headquartered bank alleges that the Weavers mischaracterized the transaction and misled the institution about its nature.
The disputed funds reportedly came from MP-Tenn LLC (also known as MarcyPen), a venture capital entity formed in late 2024 and backed by Jay-Z (the rapper, entrepreneur, and husband of Beyoncé), along with partners Jay Brown, Larry Marcus, Robbie Robinson, and D’Rita Robinson.
- Uncle Nearest Remains Under Receivership
- Investor Group Steps in to Stabilize Uncle Nearest
- Fawn Weaver Speaks Out To End Legal Battle
Farm Credit claims Fawn Weaver initially presented the $20 million as a loan from her own company, Grant Sidney, but the money actually flowed from MarcyPen to Uncle Nearest — only to be rerouted through Grant Sidney in an effort to shield it from the bank’s reach and potentially avoid tax implications.
Bank attorneys described the move as a scheme to prevent the funds from being “snatched” by creditors, accusing Weaver of orchestrating a deliberate effort to violate the lender’s rights.
The Nearest Green Distillery and Uncle Nearest brand, based in Tennessee and known for honoring the legacy of Nearest Green (the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel’s distilling techniques), have been under court-appointed receivership since last August.
Farm Credit originally sued, alleging defaults on more than $100 million in loans.
The receiver and bank now estimate the company’s debts approach $200 million, with Uncle Nearest deemed insolvent — a claim the Weavers strongly contest.
A federal judge recently ruled to keep the Weavers removed from day-to-day operations for the time being.
Upcoming decisions from U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. could determine whether the receivership continues or expands to include seven additional Weaver-controlled companies accused of commingling assets.
Farm Credit is also pushing to sell a Martha’s Vineyard property purchased with bank funds and later re-mortgaged without approval.
The Weavers oppose the sale, citing its promotional value to the brand, and say an investor group — Nubian Sage Enterprises, founded by former NBA players Kevin Johnson and Mark West — is prepared to match or better the current offer.
The bank has pushed back hard against the Weavers’ narrative, calling their portrayal of events overly dramatic: “They paint themselves as victims of greed and portray FCMA as a villain bent on their personal destruction. The true story is simpler… Uncle Nearest owed the debt… defaulted… was (and is) insolvent, and this receivership is necessary.”
Court documents highlight multiple alleged issues, including 20 prior loan defaults, questionable transfers (such as a $130,000 payment disguised as storage fees), and over-reporting of whiskey barrel inventory used as collateral.
For their part, the Weavers deny fraud, insist the $20 million benefited the company and its vendors, and accuse Farm Credit of misleading the court through shifting allegations.
They maintain the brand remains solvent and valuable — estimating its worth between $300 million and $480 million — though bids received so far reportedly fall short of covering Farm Credit’s claims alone.
The case underscores the financial pressures facing even high-profile spirits brands amid rising costs and market challenges.
Atlanta’s growing craft distillery community will likely keep watching as developments unfold in the Tennessee federal court.
Stay tuned to Atlanta Local News for updates on this story and all things impacting the Southeast’s booming spirits industry.
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The Same House, an Atlanta-based organization dedicated to expanding economic mobility and bridging divides in communities, has launched its inaugural Community Circle initiative.
This new program aims to boost digital skilling, AI literacy, workforce readiness, and overall neighborhood empowerment across metro Atlanta.
The effort brings together five trusted local nonprofits, with support from Microsoft, to deliver accessible technology training and opportunities directly to residents—especially in areas that have historically faced barriers to economic advancement.
“At The Same House, we believe opportunity should reach every neighborhood,” said Rodney Bullard, Founder and CEO of The Same House. “The Community Circle strengthens organizations already doing impactful work and equips them with additional resources and support to expand what’s possible for the communities they serve.”
The five participating organizations are:
- Empress and Pearls — Focused on empowering young women through data literacy and cohort-based learning programs.
- Educate the City — Expanding digital literacy and AI skilling opportunities for youth, adults, and seniors.
- Arrow Youth Leadership Council — Advancing youth leadership development and providing career exposure.
- TLAB — Delivering youth-focused digital literacy and AI skilling programs.
- Georgia Works — Driving community clean-up efforts alongside neighborhood revitalization.
These groups were chosen for their strong community ties, proven track records, and ability to reach and serve residents in underserved areas.
The Community Circle aligns with Microsoft’s commitments through its Datacenter Community Pledge and Community-First AI Infrastructure approach. Microsoft’s datacenters power cloud services, AI tools, and connectivity while prioritizing local investment and inclusion.
“Microsoft believes the future of AI and digital innovation must be built in partnership with communities,” said Jon McKenley, Senior Manager of Community Affairs at Microsoft. “We are thrilled to work with the Community Circle to support trusted local leaders who are helping residents build skills, explore new pathways, and participate fully in the digital economy.”
Beyond financial support, the partner organizations will gain access to Microsoft’s community programs, AI training resources, and expert guidance. This will help them modernize operations, scale their programs, and better address community needs in today’s fast-changing digital world.
Designed as a scalable model, the Community Circle has the potential to grow and strengthen Atlanta’s talent pipeline. It positions local neighborhoods to fully benefit from the region’s ongoing digital and economic transformation.
The Same House continues to focus on meeting people where they are, ensuring that innovation and opportunity become truly inclusive across metro Atlanta. For more information about the initiative, visit thesamehouse.org.
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The Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival is happening the second weekend in May in Buckhead. The Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
The free event will feature more than 200 fine local and regional artists and artisans set up along Park Drive in the park.
Chastain Park Arts Festival: Everything You Need To Know
The festival is slated for Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood.
The Chastain Park Arts Festival is put on by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. The event celebrates the colors of autumn and is considered one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
Chastain Park is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Atlanta, but it’s not the only one. Here are some of the city’s best parks.
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. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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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With the weather so cold, we can hardly wait for springtime to come. It’s not only warmer, but it’s the perfect time for the outdoor fun of an Atlanta, Georgia festival.
No matter if you’re just in Atlanta for the weekend or you live here, these spring events are perfect for your friends, family and kids.
Dogwood Festival
The Dogwood Festival is one of the largest outdoor festivals in Atlanta, featuring vendors, music and food. This year’s festival takes place April 10-12, 2026 at Piedmont Park.
Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes
Photo credit: Inman Park Festival The Inman Park festival takes place April 25 and 26 this year.
Festival on Ponce
Set in the beautiful Olmsted Linear Park on April 11 and 12, this acclaimed arts and crafts festival showcases over 125 exhibitors of fine art, folk art, and outsider works.
Expect a family-friendly atmosphere with a children’s area, local food and drinks, live demonstrations, and a relaxed park setting. It’s free, making it an accessible highlight for creative shoppers and art lovers.
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza
Taste of Alpharetta
Photo credit: Taste of Alpharetta
The Taste of Alpharetta is happening May 14, 2026 from 5 to 10 p.m. in downtown Alpharetta.
Chastain Arts Festival
The Chastain Park Arts Festival is happening May 9 and 10, 2026 and it’s going to be fun! The festival is usually slated for the second weekend in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Learn more.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
One of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, this Memorial Day weekend staple in Piedmont Park brings world-class performers across multiple stages, alongside local acts, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere.
Related “Summer of Jazz” events often span the month, but the main event delivers non-stop music in a beautiful outdoor venue—ideal for music enthusiasts seeking soulful spring sounds.
Sweet Auburn Springfest
The historic neighborhood of “Sweet” Auburn always takes place in May with music, food and more. This year, it’s happening on May 9 and 10 in the Sweet Auburn District, as it always is.
Final Word
Read our Ultimate Atlanta Festival Guide.
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
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The announcement has sent waves of nostalgia through social media, with fans quickly dubbing the cast reunion a “Black Avengers”-level event for ’90s TV lovers.
Pinkett Smith’s Lena was a standout addition to the Hillman family, bringing fresh energy and cultural commentary to the show that celebrated HBCU life, Black excellence, and social issues with humor and heart.
Production on the untitled sequel series kicked off in Atlanta earlier this year, with Netflix transforming local sets into the beloved fictional campus of Hillman College once again.
The show centers on a new generation of students, led by Deborah Wayne—the youngest daughter of original characters Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy)—as she navigates freshman year, her parents’ towering legacy, and her own path to self-discovery.
Several other legacy cast members are returning to reprise their roles, including:
- Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert
- Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne
- Cree Summer as Freddie Brooks
- Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson
- Charnele Brown as Dr. Kimberly Reese Boyer
- Jenifer Lewis as Professor Davenport
New faces joining the Hillman class include Tony Award-winner Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah Wayne, alongside Alijah Kai, Chibuikem Uche, Cornell Young IV, Jordan Aaron Hall, Kennedi Reece, and others.
The project is executive produced by Debbie Allen (who also directs and returns in her influential role from the original), showrunner Felicia Pride (Bel-Air, Grey’s Anatomy), and original series contributors Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood.
As Atlanta continues to solidify its status as a hub for major TV productions—especially those celebrating Black stories—this sequel is poised to blend beloved nostalgia with fresh perspectives on college life, culture, and community.
No premiere date has been announced yet, but with cameras rolling and icons like Pinkett Smith back on set, excitement is building fast.
Stay tuned to Atlanta TV Productions News for more updates on filming sightings, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes scoops from the Hillman set. School is definitely back in session!
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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