• What Are The New Symptoms Of COVID-19?

    Do I Have COVID-19, Flu Virus Or RSV? How To Tell

    5 Min Read

    Cases of coronavirus are rising across America, including in Atlanta, Georgia, home of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. But that’s not the only respiratory illness going around right now. Influenza and RSV are also making people sick.

    Do you have COVID, the flu or RSV? This article will tell you how to know and what to do about it.

    Do I Have COVID?

    The best way to tell if you have COVID is by taking a test.

    Most at-home COVID tests are of the antigen variety, according to the FDA. Although the at-home tests are not flawless, they are expedient and convenient for millions of Americans who want to know if they have been exposed to the virus.

    Currently, U.S. households can receive a set of four free at-home tests sent by the Postal Service. Here’s what to know about the tests:

    • Limit of one order per address
    • Includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
    • Shipping started the week of December 19, 2022
    • Order at covidtests.gov.

    FDA-authorized over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests for self-testing at home or other locations are a fast and convenient COVID-19 testing option.

    Do I Have The Flu?

    The flu virus is cycling through the United States right now, which is typical during the colder months.

    How can you tell if you may have the flu? You might have influenza if you exhibit any number of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and/or fatigue. Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children.

    Do I Have RSV?

    On the other hand, you may have the newest ailment that has emerged over the past several months. RS.

    Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that presents like a cold. The symptoms are typically mild and cold-like and people usually feel better in about a week’s time.

    What If I Was Exposed To COVID But Don’t Have Symptoms?

    The CDC says that if you happened to have been exposed to someone who has COVID and you do not have symptoms, you should wait at least five full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may have an inaccurate result.

    What Are The Symptoms of COVID-19?

    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Repeated shaking with chills
    • Muscle Pain
    • Headache
    • Sore Throat
    • Loss of Taste or Smell
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Diarrhea

    Those last three symptoms — congestion / runny nose, nausea / vomiting and diarrhea — were added by the CDC in May 2020.

    Now some scientists are warning about “Long COVID,” which has been associated with patients infected with coronavirus across much of Europe.

    What Is Long COVID?

    Long Covid is a term associated with months-long symptoms seen in patients who have contracted COVID-18. The National Institute for Health Research documented more than 60,000 people who have experienced symptoms including:

    • Shortness of breath
    • ,Chronic fatigue
    • “Brain fog”
    • Permanent organ damage
    • Anxiety
    • Stress

    Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says that an incredible 20% to 40% of people don’t have any symptoms whatsoever despite their being infected.

    Of course, you should always seek medical attention if these any of these symptoms become an emergency situation, including:

    • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion or inability to arouse
    • Bluish lips or face

    There is also reports that young people have had strokes due to COVID-19, but there is much to be learned.

    Many people have been sharing their experience with COVID-19 on Twitter. Here is one such experience.

    How Do I Test For Coronavirus?

    You may be wondering how you can test for coronavirus, if you think you have symptoms.

    There are several sites around metro Atlanta where you can get tested for COVID.

    How To Treat COVID At Home

    If your symptoms aren’t too serious, you may be able to treat COVID at home. Here’s the experience of one person who recovered from COVID by treating it without going to the hospital.

    The important thing to know is that it’s best to lay on your stomach so that your lungs don’t fill up with fluid, which could lead to problems.

    Of course, please know that each person may experience different symptoms and reactions. If you have any questions, consult your doctor.

    As always, call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

    Final Thought

    See the CDC website for official public health guidance on COVID-19 and other illnesses.

    Where To Get The COVID Vaccine In Atlanta, Georgia

    Georgia health officials have been working hard to get more doses delivered to the state. Metro Atlanta now has several places that are doing inoculations for Georgia residents.
     
    If you’re looking for the COVID-19 vaccine in Atlanta, here are the vaccination sites.

    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 much home can i afford in Atlanta?

    How Much House Can You Afford In Atlanta? (Calculator)

    5 Min Read

    If you’re shopping for a home in Atlanta, one of the questions you need to think about is how much house you can afford.

    The question is one that needs to be weighed seriously because all you have to do is visit the steps of the Fulton, DeKalb or Cobb County courthouse to see foreclosure auctions in action.

    Here’s How Much House You Can Afford In Atlanta (Calculator)

    People buy more house than they need for several reasons:

    • Bad advice from Realtors
    • Keeping up with the Joneses
    • Resale purposes

    Let’s talk about each of these a little bit before we move into what homes cost in Atlanta:

    Bad advice from Realtors

    Real estate agents play a vital role in the homebuying process, but you have to know when they’re in and out of their lane. 

    A Realtor has no business telling you how much house you can afford. That’s what a lender is for. A Realtor should only advise you on what type of home you want.

    Still, many people listen to Realtors who are out to make a buck. Some of them will tell you that you can afford the home by this strategy and that strategy, but the truth is, it may be a bad deal.

    Keeping up the Joneses

    This is the worse reason to buy a big house: To keep up with your neighbors, friends or other family members. 

    If you are vain enough to buy a huge home because of someone else’s situation, then you’re the type that will end up with bad credit because you’re paying too much for your home, car and appliances.

    Resale Purposes

    Some potential home shoppers want to buy a home because they think that appreciation is going to let them double or triple their money (again, bad advice).

    That’s not the reason you should buy a home. You should purchase a home because you like it, the way it looks, feels and speaks to your sensibilities.

    The resale market is too unpredictable to base such a big purchase on, especially if you’re not a seasoned investor.

    So, how much home can you afford? Here’s how to find out:

    Multiply Your Annual Income

    To find out how much home you can afford, you would multiply your annual income by two or three.

    Let’s say you make: $50,000 a year. That means you could afford a home that costs anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000.

    Of course, this will be affected by two things:

    • Interest rate: The percentage that is paid by borrowers for the money that they borrow.
    • Credit score: A three-digit number that indicates to banks and other lenders how likely you are to repay debt.

    Here Are 5 Ways To Determine How Much Home You Can Afford

    Answer these questions:

    • 1. How much is your annual income?
    • 2. How much is your downpayment?
    • 3. What ZIP code do you want to live in?
    • 4. How much are your monthly expenses (food, clothing, mortgage, etc)?
    • 5. What is your credit score?

    Here’s a mortgage calculator to help you:

    How Can I Calculate How Much Home I Can Afford?

    Other Factors That Determine How Much Home You Can Afford

    Another factor that will indicate how much house you can afford is your expense-to-income ratio. 

    Front-End Ratio

    This is how much your monthly expenses are vs. how much income you bring in. Banks like this number, commonly called a “front-end ratio,” to be between 28 and 30%. 

    Your mortgage lender will look for your mortgage payment and PMI (private mortgage insurance) to all be around 28% of your income.

    Debt-To-Income Ratio

    You’ll also need to have a relatively low debt-to-income ratio to get the home you want. This means that the amount of debt you’ve borrowed and  paying back is not gobbling up most of your income.

    Banks like your debt-to-income ratio to be around 36% typically.

    Are You A Veteran?

    If you have served your country, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans and grants to help you buy, refinance or renovate your home.

    For ex-military and their surviving spouses, the VA guarantees part of the loan, meaning they will cover a portion of the loan if you default. Learn more here.

    30-Year-Loan Or 15-Year Fixed?

    If you have a choice, you may be wondering which is better: A 30-year mortgage or a 15-year mortgage?

    The truth is that both have their advantages. A 30-year mortgage would typically mean a lower monthly bill because the payments are spread out over more years.

    The bad part is that you’ll pay a lot more in interest over those years.

    For a 15-year fixed, the interest rate is lower and you’ll pay off the principal faster.

    The bottom line is if you can afford to do a 15-year mortgage, you should!

    Continue Reading…

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  • Celebration Bowl victory 2022

    North Carolina Central Beats Jackson State In Celebration Bowl 41-34

    3 Min Read

    At Saturday’s Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, North Carolina Central ruined outgoing Coach Deion Sanders’ last game for the Jackson State Tigers with an exciting win in a contest that went back and forth.

    NCC beat JSU 41-34 in overtime before more than 50,000 fans in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Jackson State reached the one-year-line but a pass by All-SWAC quarterback Shedeur Sanders sailed out of bounds.

    NCC Quarterback Davius Richard threw for 177 yards and ran for 97 more and two touchdowns, shutting the door on Jackson State’s undefeated season.

    Cricket Celebration Bowl 2022 Score: NCC 41, Jackson State 34

    After the game, Coach Deion Sanders told reporters in the post-game interview, he said that any insinuation that he was leaving Jackson State to boast his income was false.

    “I don’t coach for legacy. I coach for kids. I coach for the love and passion. To fathom that I would do anything for money just blows my mind,” Sanders said in the postgame interview.

    He also expressed admiration for the student-athletes he coach this year.

    “I feel like we’ve won, but we didn’t win that game,” said Sanders. “I miss these guys already. I love them.”

    The Cricket Celebration Bowl featured the conference winners from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

    North Carolina Central last played in the Celebration Bowl in 2016, losing to Grambling State of the SWAC. NCC has however won two Black College Division II national titles in the mid-2000s.

    Jackson State on the other hand, played in the Celebration Bowl last year after coming in with an 11-1 record. JSU lost 31-10 to South Carolina State.

    The souring ending marked the conclusion of the Prime Time experience for Jackson State, a historically black university in Mississippi. Sanders now goes the Colorado Buffaloes.

    Coach Deion Sanders On Why He Decided To leave Jackson State

    “We are only here in Atlanta for one thing, and ain’t to go to #MagicCity , although I love my man magic, we’re here to win a football game,” Sanders told reporters.
     
    “There’s no pressure this is fun…  there’s no pressure, this is a game. There are so many people in the hospital dealing with pressure…this is a game & we play to win.” 

    Final Word

    Held in Atlanta, the Cricket Celebration Bowl celebrates the heritage, legacy and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The annual event is one of the year’s end must-attend events in Georgia’s largest city.

    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.

    Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Cricket Celebration Bowl 2022: How to watch

    Cricket Celebration Bowl 2022: How To Watch, Stream And See On TV

    3 Min Read

    This weekend is going to include a historic affair just south of downtown Atlanta, Georgia: The Cricket Celebration Bowl is happening and if you want to watch or plan to go, read on to see the details.

    Read our 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl Score and Review.

    The Cricket Celebration Bowl is happening on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

    In the game, North Carolina Central A&T will play Jackson State, whose coach, Deion Sanders, will go on to coach the Colorado Buffaloes.

    The Cricket Celebration Bowl: What To Know Before You Go

    The Cricket Celebration Bowl features the conference winners from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

    North Carolina Central last played in the Celebration Bowl in 2016, losing to Grambling State of the SWAC. NCC has however won two Black College Division II national titles in the mid-2000s.

    Jackson State on the other hand, played in the Celebration Bowl last year after coming in with an 11-1 record. JSU lost 31-10 to South Carolina State.

    How To Buy Tickets

    Buy tickets to the Cricket Celebration Bowl the celebrationbowl.com/tickets.

    The Cricket Celebration Bowl: How To Watch

    • Teams: Jackson State (12-0) vs. North Carolina Central (9-2)
    • Date: Saturday, December 17, 2022
    • Kickoff: 12:00 ET
    • Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
    • How To Watch: ABC

    Coach Deion Sanders On Why He Decided To leave Jackson State

    “We are only here in Atlanta for one thing, and ain’t to go to #MagicCity , although I love my man magic, we’re here to win a football game,” Sanders told reporters.
     
    “There’s no pressure this is fun…  there’s no pressure, this is a game. There are so many people in the hospital dealing with pressure…this is a game & we play to win.” 

    Final Word

    Held in Atlanta, the Cricket Celebration Bowl celebrates the heritage, legacy and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The annual event is one of the year’s end must-attend events in Georgia’s largest city.

    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.

    Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Atlanta's must-see attractions

    The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Atlanta’s Must-See Attractions

    5 Min Read

    Atlanta is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, there’s something for everyone here. From world-class museums and historical sites to delicious restaurants and lively nightlife, you’ll never find yourself bored in this city. 

    To help you make the most of your time in Atlanta, we’ll give you an overview of some of its best-known landmarks and attractions, as well as some insider tips on how to make the most of your visit.

    The Georgia Aquarium

    The Georgia Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Atlanta, and for good reason. This massive aquarium is home to over 100,000 animals, including beluga whales, whale sharks, and manta rays. With so many different things to see, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-visit for any animal lover.

    In addition to all of the incredible animals, the Georgia Aquarium also has a 4D theater, an underwater tunnel, and a variety of interactive exhibits. Whether you’re looking to learn more about marine life or just have a fun day out, the Georgia Aquarium is sure to please.

    Joystick Gamebar

    Joystick Gamebar is one of Atlanta’s must-see attractions for gamers and non-gamers alike. This arcade is home to classic and modern arcade games, pinball machines, and console gaming that are ideal for fans of online slots for cash. However, the gamebar also offers non-traditional games like “Calling Mom While Drunk” and “Spot the Tinder Date”, featuring entertaining, real-life scenarios.

    This makes the arcade a perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends, family, or even a date. Plus, the bar serves up tasty food and drinks to keep you fueled for gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just getting started, Joystick Gamebar is a great place to have some fun.

    And if you get tired of gaming, you can always enjoy the bar’s other offerings. So come on down to Joystick Gamebar and see what all the hype is about!

    The World of Coca-Cola

    When you think of Atlanta, what comes to mind? Probably not the fact that it is the headquarters of Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola.

    So while you’re there, don’t miss your chance for a fun and interactive way to learn about the history of Coca-Cola simply by checking out The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. This attraction is perfect for both adults and kids, as it offers a variety of interactive exhibits, films, and tastings.

    Some of the highlights of The World of Coca-Cola include the Coca-Cola polar bear exhibit; the 4D theater experience, which tells the story of Coca-Cola through sight, sound, and motion; and the tasting room, where you can sample more than 100 different types of Coca-Cola products from around the world.

    Zoo Atlanta

    Zoo Atlanta is one of the top attractions in Atlanta and is a must-see for animal lovers of all ages. The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, including gorillas, lions, elephants, and tigers.

    It also has a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and special events that are sure to entertain and educate visitors.

    The Center for Civil and Human Rights

    The Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum in Atlanta that chronicles the civil rights movement in the United States. The museum is located in Downtown Atlanta, near other attractions such as the aforementioned Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, .

    The museum features interactive exhibits that tell the story of the civil rights movement, from its beginnings to the present day. Visitors can learn about the key figures and events of the movement, and see how it has shaped American history.

    The Center for Civil and Human Rights also hosts educational programs and events that promote understanding and dialogue on civil and human rights issues. These programs are open to people of all ages and backgrounds and provide a way for everyone to learn about and engage with these important topics.

    Stone Mountain Park

    If you’re looking for outdoor fun during your stay in Atlanta, head to Stone Mountain Park. This expansive park is home to a variety of activities, from hiking and biking trails to scenic train rides. There’s also a cable car that takes you to the top of the mountain for incredible views of the city.

    In addition to the great outdoors, Stone Mountain Park also features a number of historical attractions. The Confederate Memorial Carving is the largest relief carving in the world and tells the story of the Civil War from the perspective of the Confederacy.

    The park also has a number of museums and monuments dedicated to both the Civil War and African American history.

    Conclusion

    We hope you enjoyed our guide to Atlanta’s must-see attractions! From the world-renowned Georgia Aquarium to the beautiful Stone Mountain Park, there’s something for everyone in this wonderful city.

    Whether you’re a local looking for new things to do or a visitor planning your trip, be sure to add these attractions to your list.

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  • Tyler Perry to direct Six Triple Eight movie for Netflix

    Tyler Perry To Direct WWII Epic For Netflix; Casting Has Begun

    3 Min Read

    Atlanta filmmaker Tyler Perry has hired an all-star cast for his WWII-era period piece called Six Triple Eight, which is about the 6888th battalion, the only all-black all-female battalion in World War II.

    Big star Oprah Winfrey and Kerry Washington, who will also executive produce, have joined the film, which will initially stream on Netflix.

    The film is based on an article by Kevin M. Hymel published in WWII History Magazine

    Tyler Perry Directing Six Triple Eight For Netflix

    According to a synopsis from Netflix, Six Triple Eight tells the inspiring true story of the incredible and brave women of the only all-black, all-female World War 2 Battalion. These 855 women joined the war effort with little knowledge of what exactly they would be doing, but were quickly given the mission of a lifetime: sort through and fix the three-year backlog of undelivered mail.

    The women rose to the task and succeeded in the face of discrimination, unfamiliar land, and a war-torn country. They persevered and sorted over 17 million pieces of mail, reconnecting American soldiers with their families and loved ones back home. The motto that kept them going each day was one they created themselves: “No Mail, Low Morale.” The women of the 6888 weren’t just delivering mail, they were delivering hope.

    Who Is Producing Six Triple Eight?

    Six Triple Eight is being executive produced by Peter Guber for Mandalay Pictures. Co-producers will be Nicole Avant for Her Excellency Productions; Keri Selig for Intuition Productions; Carlota Espinosa; Angi Bones and Tony Strickland for Tyler Perry Studios.

    Perry and Netflix are in the midst of a multi-project deal that has included A Madea Homecoming and A Fall From Grace, A Jazzman’s Blues, which all debuted on the streaming platform.

    It was announced in November 2022 that Perry had inked a four-picture deal with Amazon Studios.

    That means that in addition to holding casting calls, he’ll soon be hiring at his movie studio for the latest project and many more.

    How To Get Cast In Six Triple Eight

    Perry is currently casting for Six Triple Eight at his namesake studios in southwest Atlanta. Read this guide on how to apply for Tyler Perry casting calls.

    As a head’s up, you’ll need to be a Georgia resident, submit a COVID test and otherwise meet the requirements of the casting call.

    Who Are The Cast Members Of Six Triple Eight?

    Aside from Winfrey and Washington, the cast includes Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, Pepi Sonuga, Jay Reeves, Jeanté Godlock, Moriah Brown, Baadja-Lyne Odums, Gregg Sulkin, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston and Susan Sarandon.

    Final Word

    Perry has had much success with Netflix over the past three years. While Netflix is usually coy about its numbers, A Madea Homecoming notched in the Top 10 in 43 countries, and A Jazzman’s Blues, which was in the Top 10 in 55 countries. 

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

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  • Atlanta casting call

    Now Casting In Atlanta: TV Commercial For Store Chain

    3 Min Read

    If you’ve ever wanted to appear in a national TV commercial, here’s your chance: AtlantaFi.com is casting a diverse crowd to appear on screen in a store for a TV spot. The commercial will be filmed the first week of the new year.

    Does this sound like something perfect for you? Keep reading to see how to apply.

    Extras Needed For TV Commercial In Atlanta

    NOW CASTING PAID EXTRAS FOR A FUN TV COMMERCIAL FOR ONE OF THE MAJOR CHAIN STORES. AGES 21+ to portray CUSTOMERS shopping in a store.

    AtlantaFi.com Castings.is now casting for the following specific extras for this project:

    FILM DATE: Wednesday Jan. 4, 2023 (FULL  DAY BOOKING)

    RATE: $100/8(DAILY)

    This is a ONE-DAY SHOOT.

    Here’s What We’re Looking For:

    • Age Range: 21-51 
    • Gender: Males and Females
    • Ethnicity: Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic
    • Distinctive characteristics: No unusual hairstyles, tattoos, etc.

    – You should look like you would be shopping or working in the store. If there are health issues that may prohibit you from walking around a store, we ask that you refrain from submitting for this particular project.

    – Rate: $80/8 hours (One Day Shift)

    – Location: Sandy Springs

    If available, please email the information below to CASTING@ATLANTAFI.COM

    w/Subject Line: STORE BOOKING (1-DAY BOOKING)

    PLEASE INCLUDE ALL INFO BELOW:

    – Name

    – Phone Number

    – Age

    HEIGHT 

    – WEIGHT

    – EMAIL ADDRESS

    – 2 RECENT PICTURES (1 Head shot and 1 Full body)- 

    Send to CASTING@ATLANTAFI.COM

    Final Word

    Atlanta has become a movie mecca in recent years and Georgia has been a favorite location for TV productions since the state instituted generous tax breaks for film companies that agree to shoot locally. Projects from CBS, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the latter part of the year and the foreseeable future.

    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.
     
    Coming 2 America is just one of many films filmed in Atlanta. See our Movies Page for more.
     
    Are you interested in becoming an actor in Atlanta? You’re in the right place!   
     
    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.
     

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

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  • Gunna released from Fulton County jail in Atlanta

    Atlanta Rapper Gunna Pleads Guilty In RICO Case, Is Released From Jail

    4 Min Read
    https://youtu.be/IJEor2wotMY
    Rapper Gunna has been released from the Fulton County Jail in downtown Atlanta after striking a plea deal with prosecutors in his RICO case. Gunna’s attorneys reached the deal on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022.
     
    Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, was accused of being part of a gang.

    Atlanta Rapper Gunna Set Free In RICO Case

    The development means that the rapper has been sentenced to time-served, which officially suspends his sentence. He was released from jail just after 5 p.m. ET. after taking an “Alford” plea.

    Through his legal representation, Gunna released the following statement:

    “While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.”

    What Is An Alford Plea?

    An Alford plea is one in which the defendant pleads guilty but continues to assert his innocence.

    In Georgia, Alford pleas are only offered in felony cases.

     
    Such pleas are considered risky because the judge may have strong feelings about the defendant’s guilt or innocence and may want to send a message with a stiffer than normal sentence.
     
    By taking an Alford plea, Gunna has chosen to cop a plea to avoid trial, which could affect the other people caught up in the case.
     
    Gunna was sentenced to five years with one served in prison. The one-year sentence was commuted to time served. The four-year remaining balance on his sentenced has been suspended and will be subject to special conditions including 500 hours of community service.

     

    Gunna’s bail was denied by the judge in May.

    Prosecutors say the rapper’s musical associates, who collectively call themselves YSL (Young Slime Life), is a criminal operation. In court, the State alleged that Gunna serves in a “command” role in the organization.

    In his statement Wednesday, Gunna said he didn’t look at YSL as a gang when he joined them more than eight years ago, but they were “more like a group of people from metro Atlanta who had common interests and artistic aspirations,” Gunna wrote. “My focus of YSL was entertainment — rap artists who wrote and performed music that exaggerated and ‘glorified’ urban life in the Black community.”

    When Was Gunna’s Trial Set?

    The judge set a trial date for January 9, 2023, for Gunna to face the charges. With the new developments, it’s clear that Fulton County attorneys are content to go after the bigger fish: Young Thug, the YSL honcho Young Thug, real name is Jeffery Williams.

    He has been jailed for months now.

    Young Thug was arrested at his Buckhead mansion on May 9 and Gunna surrendered to authorities two days later after Fulton County officials issued a 56-page gang indictment. The document alleges the pair are a part of — and running — a criminal organization involved in some serious crimes, including murder.

    What Is RICO?

    A RICO case is one that involves charges of participation in organized crime and in this case specifically, street gang activity. Georgia’s RICO Act is more wide-ranging than the federal equivalent so there is more of a chance that the charges may stick.

    RICO, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, was made into law in 1970 as a way for the United States to fight organize crime.

    The indictment also includes charges of conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, murder, armed robbery , participation in criminal street gang activity.

    What Is Gunna Charged With?

    Gunna is charged with a one count of conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO Act. Although 27 people are also charged in the case, Gunna and Young Thug are the two main targets.

    What Is Young Thug Charged With?

    Thug is facing a litany of charges besides the RICO counts including possession of a sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, machine gun, dangerous weapon, or silencer; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

    This is a fast developing case. Stick with AtlantaFi.com for more news.


    Are you hungry for what ATL is cooking? Don’t miss our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.

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  • Lifetime Buckhead opens

    Life Time Athletic Club Opens In Buckhead

    3 Min Read

    If you’re trying to get in shape for the new year, you’ve got a new venue to work out in. Life Time Buckhead recently opened in Phipps Plaza.

    The athletic club’s opening, which took place on December 8, 2022, marks the company’s seventh metro Atlanta location and adds to the plethora of cool things to do in Buckhead.

    Life Time Buckhead: What You Need To Know Before You Go

    Life Time Buckhead at Phipps Plaza features Atlanta’s first rooftop beach club along with many health and wellness amenities. 

    The new Life Time gym is spread across five floors and 127,000-square-foot at the iconic Atlanta property located at Peachtree and Lenox roads.

    Included on the site is the athletic club’s Life Time Work premium co-working experience.

    Here are some highlights of the athletic club according to a Life Time news release:

    • Life Time Large Group Classes offer more than 145 workouts weekly in dedicated studios in barre, cycle, group fitness, Pilates and yoga, while the best coaches lead Life Time’s Signature Group Training programs.
    • Dynamic Personal Trainers helps members through one-on-one sessions designed to meet individual goals and objectives on the spacious 23,000-square-foot workout floor.
    • LT Recovery is a dedicated space for athletic performance and recovery featuring metabolic assessments, nutrition coaching, sports and athletic recovery treatments and chiropractic care.
    • LifeSpa offers full-service salon and spa services, including hair, nail, esthetician and massage services.
    • LifeCafe and LifeCafe Poolside, wholesome, real-food cafes providing indoor and outdoor dining.
    • Kids Academy has toddler and infant areas and three studios for programming, including a Kids Gym, an Activity/Movement Studio and an Art/Language Studio for kids up to age 11.
    • ARORA is a community within Life Time designed for older adults who want to stay healthy and social.

    Last Word

    Life Time Buckhead operates on the following hours: 

    • 4 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

    Memberships for individuals, couples and families are available. One day memberships are also available. 

    If you like going to Buckhead to shop, then you’ll love going there to eat, party and have fun. Atlanta’s most wealthiest area is known for swanky events and activities so there’s plenty to get into.

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  • Atlanta real estate market

    Report: Atlanta The Top Real Estate Market To Watch In 2023

    2 Min Read

    Atlanta, Georgia figures to once again loom large when it comes to real estate for the new year.

    The metro area is once again one of the top housing markets in the United States, according to new figures from the National Association of Realtors.

    Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist and senior vice president of research, forecasts that Atlanta will be the nation’s top real estate market to watch in 2023 and beyond, an NAR news release says.

    • Yun predicts that 4.78 million existing homes will be sold across America in 2023, with prices stabilizing.
    • Home sales will drop by 6.8% compared to 2022.
    • The median home price will hit $385,800, which constitutes a 0.3% hike compared to 2022.

    Top 10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2023

    Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia

    Raleigh, North Carolina

    Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas

    Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas-Missouri

    Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, South Carolina

    Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina

    Huntsville, Alabama

    Jacksonville, Florida

    San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas

    Knoxville, Tennessee

    Because of affordability issues, the Atlanta metro area is far down the list for 2023, says a recent Realtor.com report, as midsize markets with adequate housing rise to the top.

    As home sales declined in the second half of 2022 with the rising of interest rates, real estate experts are hopeful that the new year brings home shoppers back to the market.

    Are Home Sales Going To Rise?

    The top markets are expected to see home sales increase 5.2% year-over-year in 2022. Additionally, average home prices in the top 10 markets are expected to jump 7.3% while the rest of the nation will only see a 5% bump.

    How To Afford A Home Right Now

    With so much economic pressure on Americans, it’s understandable that many would be concerned about affording a home right now. But the key is that you can get in the home you want and need for the most part.

    One thing you’ll have to do is get pre-approved by a lender of your choice, who will consider the income you take in annually as well as your debt and credit.

    You can gauge how much you can comfortably spend on a new mortgage in a really simple way. See our home affordability calculator.

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