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Actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish has made clear her determination to take her long-running Georgia DUI case to trial, pushing back against advice to avoid it and expressing deep skepticism about the handling of evidence from her 2022 arrest in Peachtree City.
“I kept requesting to test my blood, and I was never allowed,” she says in a viral video. “And that’s why I wanna go to trial, because how do I know that your lab is not tryna just set Black people up?”
Tiffany Haddish Vows to Fight Fayetteville DUI Case, Says She Was Denied Blood Test
She revealed that people have been urging her not to proceed to trial, claiming that residents in Peachtree City, about 20 minutes south of Atlanta, are racist. Despite those warnings, Haddish indicated she was finally heading to trial over the January 2022 arrest.
Haddish also addressed coverage by Georgia news outlets of her upcoming court appearance. She contrasted their treatment of the DUI story with earlier promotional appearances: when she visited local stations to promote her comedy shows, those segments typically aired only once.
By comparison, after she spent about an hour in jail four years ago following the DUI arrest, the outlets have run that story repeatedly and nonstop.
’I Don’t Take This As a Joke’
The case stems from an early-morning incident on January 14, 2022, when Peachtree City police responded to a 911 call reporting a driver asleep behind the wheel of a white Ford Explorer near an intersection. Officers located the vehicle and arrested Haddish on DUI-related charges after noting signs of impairment, including the odor of alcohol and marijuana.
The matter dragged on for more than four years amid continuances, motions, and legal challenges, including a rejected request by Haddish’s attorneys to dismiss the case on speedy-trial grounds. Some evidence, such as certain field sobriety test results and post-arrest statements, was suppressed by the court due to procedural issues during the stop.
Haddish’s comments highlight her frustration with the process and her insistence on challenging the charges in open court rather than accepting a quieter resolution. The Emmy- and Grammy-winning star, known for roles in films like Girls Trip and her stand-up specials, has publicly discussed aspects of the case and her personal journey in the years since the arrest.
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Street takeovers in Atlanta draw crowds with the thrill of high-stakes car stunts, social media clout, and a sense of spontaneous community, yet police and residents describe them as reckless events that endanger lives, block roads, and frequently involve firearms.
”Raheem” told me that he’d take me to a street takeover this summer. And he did. It was wild.
These gatherings typically involve groups using cars or other vehicles to block intersections or roadways, creating space for drivers to perform donuts, burnouts, drifting, or drag races while spectators film and cheer.
Organized largely through social media, they surged during the COVID-19 period amid boredom, empty roads, and limited entertainment options, evolving into a national phenomenon that continues in metro Atlanta.
The Pull: Clout, Thrill, and Belonging
Participants and observers point to several drivers of the attraction. Many seek “clout”—viral videos and social media attention that reward increasingly bold or chaotic stunts. Events often target recognizable spots for better footage, turning intersections into stages for competition over who puts on the best show.
The adrenaline of defying traffic laws, the roar of engines, and the spectacle of modified cars (such as Hellcats or other high-powered vehicles) provide a rush that some describe as addictive. For others, especially younger people, the takeovers fill a gap left by dwindling accessible “third spaces”—places outside home and school for gathering and recreation. Social media amplifies isolation while enabling rapid flash-mob style assemblies.
Legitimate car culture enthusiasts in Atlanta distinguish their organized meets—focused on showcasing vehicles, community, and connection—from the chaotic takeovers. Some note that many participants “aren’t even into cars” and join primarily to cause disruption or chase TikTok-style virality, mixing genuine enthusiasts with influencers and thrill-seekers.
Recent Incidents in 2026
Metro Atlanta has seen multiple high-profile takeovers this year, often prompting multi-agency responses involving Atlanta Police Department (APD), DeKalb County Police, and Georgia State Patrol.
In early April 2026, officers responded around 1:30 a.m. to the intersection of James Jackson Parkway and Bolton Road in northwest Atlanta, where more than 200 people had gathered. Drivers blocked traffic and performed drifting donuts and racing. Police dispersed the crowd; 18 people (ages 15–25) were arrested on traffic-related charges, several firearms were recovered from stopped vehicles, and cars were impounded. Body-camera footage captured foot and vehicle pursuits.
In mid-June 2026, APD’s air unit captured two cars drifting in a circle surrounded by a large group at Anderson Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in southwest Atlanta. Seven people were taken into custody on charges including participation in street racing and reckless driving exhibitions; the vehicles were impounded.
Earlier in May 2026, five people faced charges after a takeover on Bouldercrest Road in DeKalb County. One driver allegedly struck a patrol car while fleeing and was stopped nearby.
In early August 2026, two incidents stood out in DeKalb County on the same Sunday. Around 5 p.m. near Chamblee Tucker Road and Barkside Court (or Parkside Court), drivers blocked the roadway for doughnuts and stunts amid dozens of spectators.
Residents reported months of similar activity that prevented access to homes (one had to drive over a median), stuck commercial trucks, loud noise, and gunfire. Police arrested 19-year-old Jacob Moterde on charges including promoting or organizing drag racing. Neighbors have called for cameras and license-plate readers as deterrents, with some declining on-camera interviews out of fear of retaliation.
Around the same time at Covington Highway and Wesley Chapel Road, a driver performing reckless stunts attempted to flee as officers arrived, colliding with a patrol vehicle. The 23-year-old was arrested and charged with promoting drag racing, reckless stunt driving, attempting to elude, and other violations.
Earlier in the year, authorities issued warnings about planned “teen takeovers.” A late February event on the Atlanta BeltLine led to 13 arrests and recovery of 11 firearms (including a device converting a handgun to fully automatic). Metro agencies held joint briefings emphasizing curfews and parental responsibility.
Why Police and Others Call Them Dangerous
Law enforcement consistently describes street takeovers as creating “unacceptable danger to motorists, pedestrians, and our communities.” Drivers perform high-risk maneuvers inches from unguarded crowds of spectators (including children), where a loss of control can cause serious injury. Fleeing vehicles have crashed into police cars or torn through bystanders.
Firearms frequently appear: recovered guns, reported gunfire at scenes, and historical cases (such as fatal shootings during a 2020 Atlanta takeover) underscore the risk of escalation into violence, fights, or assaults. Property damage, blocked emergency access, and trapped residents compound the problems. Spectators filming for content sometimes put themselves in harm’s way.
Residents echo these concerns, describing neighborhoods turned into “dangerous hotspots” with sleepless nights from noise, inability to enter or leave homes, and fear of stray bullets. Commercial traffic is disrupted, and some events have involved fireworks or other hazards that heighten the tinderbox atmosphere when frustrated motorists encounter the blockade.
Georgia has strengthened laws targeting organizers, promoters, participants, and those who facilitate or hinder enforcement, with penalties including jail time, fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Multi-jurisdictional intelligence networks track social media announcements and coordinate rapid responses, as events often hop across county lines.59
While some participants frame takeovers as free expression or car culture, the pattern of crashes, weapons, community disruption, and injuries leads police and affected residents to view them as far more than harmless fun. Enforcement continues, yet the social media feedback loop that rewards spectacle keeps the phenomenon alive in Atlanta and beyond.
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Fashion retailer Nordstrom plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack location in Athens, Georgia, in summer 2027.
The 22,000-square-foot store will be situated at Athens Marketplace, a shopping center on Atlanta Highway (U.S. 78) that includes retailers such as Office Depot and GameStop. The outparcel is owned and managed by Crimson Companies under the leadership of Pamela Day.
Nordstrom to Open New Rack Store in Athens in Summer 2027
“We look forward to being a part of the Athens community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices,” said Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack. “We’re excited to grow our footprint in the Atlanta market and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience.”
Lionello noted that shoppers at the new location will have access to convenient services, including online order pickup from both Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com, as well as easy returns.
“We are excited to welcome Nordstrom Rack to Athens Marketplace,” said Mike Riso, property manager of Crimson Companies. “This new location underscores Nordstrom’s long-term commitment to investing in the community through local job creation, economic development, and a customer-first approach that has made the brand a trusted destination for millions of shoppers nationwide.”
Nordstrom Rack, the off-price division of Nordstrom, Inc., offers customers up to 70% off on-trend apparel, accessories, beauty products, home décor, and shoes from many of the top brands sold at full-line Nordstrom stores. The division also provides core services such as online order pickup and easy returns, with alterations available at select locations. Nordstrom Rack serves as the company’s largest source of new customers.
The Athens store will expand Nordstrom’s physical presence and economic impact in Georgia, where the company currently operates two Nordstrom stores and seven Nordstrom Rack locations, supporting more than 700 jobs statewide.
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During the August 8 co-headlining performance with Chris Brown as part of The R&B Tour at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, viral clips of Usher’s set sparked intense online debate. Fans scrutinized footage of a performer they insisted looked different from the R&B superstar, dubbing him “Varnell Hill” (a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Martin TV character) or even a “clone.”
Usher Lookalike at Concert: Varnell Hill or Usher?
Side-by-side comparisons flooded social media, with some concertgoers expressing frustration over high ticket prices and jokingly—or seriously—calling for refunds.
The 82,500-seat venue hosted the second of two consecutive nights for the stadium run (August 7–8), uniting two of R&B’s biggest names for a high-energy show packed with choreography, hits spanning decades, and special appearances. Distant camera angles, a low-pulled hat, sunglasses, and stadium lighting appear to have fueled the speculation that a stand-in had taken the stage for portions of the set. Similar “clone” or look-alike theories had briefly circulated during Usher’s 2024 tour, making this a familiar (if exaggerated) internet phenomenon.1
Usher himself quickly shut down the rumors in Instagram comments under one of the circulating clips. “Y’all are funny. Clone? They can’t clone this,” he wrote, later adding, “How y’all come up with this? AI ain’t that advanced.” The lighthearted dismissal turned much of the chatter into playful tour buzz rather than lasting controversy.2
While a portion of online commenters remained convinced a double or impersonator had appeared early in the performance, closer-up footage and reviews from attendees confirmed it was the real Usher Raymond IV throughout. The show’s energy stayed high thanks in part to surprise guests, including Jadakiss (who joined for a “Throwback” performance) and Fat Joe, who helped deliver a New York-flavored hip-hop moment amid the R&B spectacle. (Similar guest spots, including 50 Cent, highlighted the previous night’s storm-delayed set.)40
The episode underscores how social media can amplify fleeting visual quirks at massive outdoor venues into full-blown conspiracy theories—especially when tickets carry premium price tags. Ultimately, Usher’s humorous response and the overall positive reception to the co-headlining dates appear to have kept the focus where it belongs: on the music and the spectacle of two R&B icons sharing a stadium stage.
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A Delta Air Lines flight was evacuated this morning after the crew reported fumes on board shortly after takeoff.
On Saturday morning, August 8, 2026, Delta Flight 2204, bound for Orlando, Florida, from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, returned to the airport shortly after departure when the crew detected fumes in the flight deck (cockpit). The Boeing 757 was carrying 199 passengers and six crew members.
Delta Flight Evacuated: What We Know
The flight crew declared an emergency and followed standard procedures to return to Atlanta as a precaution. After landing safely, first responders met the aircraft on a taxiway. Passengers and crew then evacuated using the emergency slides while the plane was still on the taxiway. They were transported by bus back to the terminal. No injuries were reported.
In a statement, a Delta spokesperson said: “The flight crew followed procedures to return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after reports of fumes in the flight deck. A slide evacuation occurred on a taxiway, and customers are being reaccommodated on a new aircraft. Safety is paramount at Delta, and we apologize to our customers for their experience.”
Maintenance teams are inspecting and evaluating the Boeing 757 to determine the source of the fumes. Passengers are being rebooked onto another flight to complete their journey to Orlando.
Fume events in aircraft can involve odors or smoke from various sources, such as oil or hydraulic fluid entering the cabin air system, and crews are trained to respond quickly by using oxygen masks if needed and diverting as a safety measure. Investigations into the specific cause in this case are ongoing.
Traveling with your significant other is the best way to go. Looking for a destination? There are some great cities that you can vacation in for cheap right now.
Check Out Our Atlanta Travel Guide
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The 18th Annual Atlanta Quilt Festival is underway at the Southwest Arts Center in South Fulton and continues through September 5, 2026.
Atlanta Quilt Festival: What To Know
This long-running celebration of textile art highlights African American quilting traditions alongside traditional, modern, and art quilts, drawing makers and visitors for exhibits, workshops, lectures, and community events. Not to mention, it’s one of the top festivals in Atlanta.
Dates, Location & Hours
- Dates: July 31 – September 5, 2026
- Location: Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, South Fulton, GA 30331
- Viewing hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (hours begin August 1)
The festival features a juried exhibition of more than 100 quilts. It emphasizes the preservation and promotion of African American quilting and other textile arts while welcoming work across styles. A standout special exhibit, “Music Moves Movements,” explores the deep ties between music, song, and social justice movements—from spirituals to freedom anthems—through original quilt works.
Workshops, Classes & Events
Beyond the gallery displays, the festival offers a full slate of hands-on classes, master classes, lectures, and trunk shows. Offerings span beginner to advanced levels and include topics such as:
- Beginning quilting and free-motion quilting
- Bag making and hand embroidery
- Paper piecing (including a Niemeyer-method master class)
- Kawandi slow-stitching in the Siddi tradition
- Silk painting, T-shirt quilts, pixel quilts, and Instagram for quilters
- An “AI Meets Quilting” class that introduces generative tools for design inspiration
Many classes include materials guidance, continental breakfast or lunch, and separate ticket fees (typically in the $40–$65 range depending on the session). Check the official schedule for exact dates, times, and availability, as sessions continue on weekends and select weekdays through early September.
Why It Matters
Founded and sustained as a space that honors quilting as both craft and cultural storytelling, the Atlanta Quilt Festival has grown into an 18-year tradition. It provides a welcoming platform for established artists and newcomers alike while spotlighting the historical and contemporary significance of African American textile traditions. Recent coverage has highlighted its role in community connection and creative expression.
Admission and class ticket details can vary; the most current information, RSVPs, and purchases are available on the official website, atlantaquiltfestival.com. The Southwest Arts Center is located in South Fulton, making the festival an accessible metro Atlanta destination for a day (or multiple visits) of art, learning, and inspiration.
Whether you’re a longtime quilter, a curious beginner, or simply looking for a meaningful cultural outing this summer, the Atlanta Quilt Festival offers a rich, multi-week experience that runs through the first weekend of September.
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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SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — Grammy-winning R&B icon Babyface will take the stage at Wolf Creek Amphitheater on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with special guest Chanté Moore for a night of smooth classics and soulful hits.
Babyface, Chanté Moore To Perform at Wolf Creek Amphitheater: What To Know
The outdoor concert is set for 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6:00 p.m. Wolf Creek Amphitheater is located at 3025 Merk Road in South Fulton (College Park area). Free parking is available. Live music is back this weekend in Atlanta. Get tickets.
About the Artists
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds is a 13-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer whose catalog includes timeless hits and massive productions for artists such as Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, and many others. Fans can expect a set filled with signature tracks that defined 1990s and 2000s R&B.
Grammy-nominated vocalist Chanté Moore joins as special guest. Known for her rich voice and hits spanning decades, Moore adds another layer of classic R&B elegance to the evening.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
- Time: Gates 6:00 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
- Venue: Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Road, South Fulton, GA 30349
- Parking: Free
Tickets are available through etix.com and major secondary marketplaces. Availability is limited as the show approaches.
Wolf Creek Amphitheater offers an outdoor setting popular for R&B and soul concerts in the Atlanta metro area. Attendees are encouraged to check the venue’s website for the latest entry policies, weather updates, and prohibited items before heading out.
For more information and tickets, visit the official Wolf Creek Amphitheater site or authorized ticket outlets. Get tickets.
Fortunately, there are other ways and venues to enjoy live music in Atlanta. Our Atlanta Live Music Guide lets you know every week and each fun-filled weekend who’s playing and where.
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.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
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ATLANTA — Zoo Atlanta is opening its gates free of charge this weekend to residents and employees of the City of Atlanta and Fulton County as part of its annual City of Atlanta & Fulton County Family Days, presented by Kaiser Permanente.
Zoo Atlanta Offers Free Admission This Weekend for City of Atlanta and Fulton County Residents
The special event runs Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, 2026. Eligible guests can receive free admission for up to two adults and up to four children per party.
Who Qualifies
Free admission is available to:
- Residents of the City of Atlanta or Fulton County
- Employees of the City of Atlanta Government or Fulton County Government
Required identification:
- Residents: A Georgia driver’s license or State of Georgia-issued voter ID plus a current water, gas, or light utility bill showing a City of Atlanta or Fulton County address.
- Employees: A City of Atlanta or Fulton County Government employee identification card.
Parking & Entry Details
Parking is free in the Cherokee Avenue parking lot and the Grant Park Gateway parking facility on Boulevard, thanks to partners including the City of Atlanta and AAA Parking.
No timed reservations are required. Entry is walk-up only on a first-come, first-served basis. The offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions and is not available online.
Zoo Atlanta is located at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE in Grant Park. Weekend hours are typically 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. (confirm current hours on the zoo’s website before visiting).
Zoo Atlanta officials note that Family Days are traditionally very well-attended. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and consider carpooling or taking MARTA.
For full details, visit zooatlanta.org/event/family-days.
What other activities might you enjoy around Atlanta? Take a ride to the metro mountains of Atlanta. Or you might want to get physical by playing basketball around the city. Here’s more awesome and adventurous things to do around Atlanta.
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Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams has finalized key remaining issues in her divorce from businessman Simon Guobadia, walking away with significant assets according to court documents.
Under the settlement agreement, Williams received the deed to the Atlanta mansion the couple once shared. Guobadia transferred his ownership interest in the property to her via a quitclaim deed. She is also entitled to more than $1.5 million—specifically $1,568,181.63—in reimbursement from his share of the property’s equity. In addition, she obtained clear title to a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost.
The agreement grants Williams full authority to refinance or sell the home in a commercially reasonable manner without needing involvement from Guobadia or an arbitrator. During an August 5, 2026, hearing, both parties confirmed the settlement terms under oath, stating that it resolved all remaining issues between them. Williams noted in her filing that Guobadia had already agreed to the terms of the consent order.
The couple married in November 2022 after a relatively short courtship. Williams filed for divorce in February 2024 after about 15 months of marriage, describing the relationship as irretrievably broken. Earlier stages of the proceedings involved enforcement of their prenuptial agreement, which had already provided for monthly spousal support, retention of certain vehicles, and arrangements regarding the home’s equity and expenses. Guobadia, who was deported to Nigeria amid immigration issues, had contested aspects of the prenup, but courts largely upheld its terms.
See Porsha Williams’ Buckhead estate.
This latest resolution appears to close out the property and vehicle-related disputes that lingered after the initial rulings. The multimillion-dollar Atlanta residence—previously reported as valued around $7 million and featuring five bedrooms and eight bathrooms—had been a central point of contention. Williams had been awarded exclusive use for a period, with Guobadia responsible for certain carrying costs in the interim, before this full transfer of the deed.
The settlement underscores the financial outcomes of a high-profile but brief marriage that played out partly in the public eye through reality television and subsequent legal filings. As with many celebrity divorces, the details emerged through court records obtained by outlets covering the case. Both parties have now formally resolved the outstanding matters under the agreement.
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The hit Netflix reality dating series has returned to the Peach State for casting. Producers are seeking unmarried Georgia residents ready to test whether emotional connection can outweigh physical attraction in the show’s signature “pods” experiment. Some reports specifically link the call to Season 11.
The Experiment, Explained
In Love Is Blind, singles spend about 10 days getting to know potential partners through walls in private pods. They talk, form bonds, and can propose marriage—all without ever seeing each other. Engaged couples then meet face-to-face, take a vacation together, move in with each other back home, and ultimately decide at the altar whether to marry.
Netflix is casting Georgia singles for a future season of Love Is Blind, with applications now open for people seeking a serious relationship
Hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey guide the process. The show’s first season filmed in Atlanta and produced lasting relationships, most notably Lauren Speed-Hamilton and Cameron Hamilton, who remain married, have a child, and continue as popular figures associated with the series. Amber Pike and Matt Barnett also married on the show and have stayed together.
Who Can Apply
Key eligibility requirements reported across casting announcements include:
- Being at least 21 years old
- Being single (not in a committed intimate or monogamous relationship, and not married or in the process of divorce/annulment)
- Legal U.S. residency
- Holding a valid government-issued passport
- Ability to provide two forms of identification verifying age and identity
- Not being a Netflix employee or currently running for public office
Casting emphasizes people who are “brave, open-minded, and ready for a committed relationship” and who prioritize finding genuine love over fame or social media clout. The application process is thorough: an initial lengthy questionnaire (covering personal background, relationship history, values, hobbies, views on children, and more), photos and/or a short video, followed for finalists by deeper compatibility questions, background checks, and psychological evaluations.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through the official casting site associated with Kinetic Content (the production company), commonly linked as libcasting.com or casting.kineticcontent.com/LoveIsBlind/. Kinetic Content Casting has promoted the Georgia call on Instagram, inviting singles “tired of dating apps, and ready to prove that love is actually blind.”
No official deadline has been widely announced, and details on exact filming timelines or the final number of contestants remain unconfirmed. An upcoming season set in Boston is expected to debut in the fall, while the Georgia casting is positioned for a future installment.
Georgia’s return to the Love Is Blind map builds on the show’s roots in Atlanta and the proven success of some of its earliest couples. For singles in the state who are serious about finding a lifelong partner and open to an unconventional path, the pods are once again accepting applications. Those interested should review the full requirements and apply promptly through the official channels.
Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.
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