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Sidney “Starr” Favors, the reality TV personality known for appearances on Love & Hip Hop: New York, Baddies ATL, and other shows, faces multiple felony charges in Fulton County stemming from her Aug. 2, 2026, arrest by Hapeville police. Court hearings are scheduled for Aug. 25.
Favors, 37 (legal name Sidney Favors), remains in custody at the Fulton County Jail. According to jail records, the charges are sexual battery against a child under 16, aggravated child molestation, and sodomy.
Sidney Starr Accused of Sex Sex Crimes
The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office brought the charges after Hapeville officers investigated.
Details of the Hapeville Arrest
Hapeville police responded to the Embassy Suites at 3450 International Blvd. (near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) on Aug. 2. Reports indicate a hotel employee contacted authorities regarding an alleged incident involving a juvenile.
According to arrest warrants and contemporaneous reporting, Favors allegedly met a male in the hotel lobby; the two went to her room, where she allegedly performed oral sex. She reportedly told investigators the encounter was consensual and that the individual had said he was 18. Parents of the juvenile informed police he was under 16.
Read: Sidney Starr arrested on sex charges in Hapeville.
Officers noted an open condom fell from her pocket during questioning, and another was found in her possession. Because the case involves a juvenile, Hapeville police have stated that no additional information will be released.
Favors was transported to the Fulton County Jail, where she has been held without bond. She has denied the allegations, with statements indicating she intends to vigorously defend herself; her mother has also described the claims as out of character.2
Upcoming Court Proceedings
On Aug. 25, Favors is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. in Magistrate Court (room 1B), followed by a bond hearing at 9:30 a.m. in Superior Court before Judge Cox. Earlier proceedings deferred a bond decision, and she has sought release on the grounds that she is not a flight risk, has no prior criminal history, and is indigent.
The case remains under the jurisdiction of Fulton County authorities. Further developments will depend on the Aug. 25 hearings and any subsequent grand jury review.
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Alicia Denise Brown, the wife of Atlanta radio personality Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, has filed a federal lawsuit against Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat and his department, alleging she was subjected to a high-risk felony traffic stop and arrest due to an erroneous kidnapping warrant.
The suit, filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, stems from events surrounding Brown’s July 6, 2026, arrest in Hart County, Georgia, on Maryland kidnapping-related charges. Brown contends that the warrant and/or its active status was erroneous.
Big Tigger’s Wife Alicia Brown Threatens Federal Lawsuit Against Fulton County Sheriff Over Warrant That Led to High-Risk Arrest on I-85 in Hart County
Law-enforcement agencies nonetheless relied on the information, resulting in her being subjected to a high-risk felony stop on Interstate 85, apprehension, loss of liberty, detention, humiliation, emotional distress, and other damages.
Details of the Hart County Arrest
According to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) alert around 8:46 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, regarding a vehicle traveling north on Interstate 85 whose driver was believed to be wanted on outstanding kidnapping-related warrants out of Maryland.
Hart County deputies located the vehicle near Exit 177 on I-85 (just south of the South Carolina state line) and, with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol, conducted a felony traffic stop. The 37-year-old driver, identified as Alicia Denise Brown of Atlanta, was taken into custody without incident. Two young children were safely recovered from the vehicle and were not injured. Reports indicated one of the children is the child Brown shares with Morgan.
Authorities confirmed Brown was wanted by the Baltimore County Police Department on warrants stemming from the disappearance of a 10-year-old child reported missing in 2019. She was also wanted at the time by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office on felony charges of interference with child custody (those local charges were later dismissed, according to some reports). Both jurisdictions confirmed the warrants as valid at the time of the stop, and Maryland authorities advised they would seek extradition.
The child connected to the Maryland warrants has been identified in media reports as Ailea (or Ailiea/Aileah) Brown, last seen on May 25, 2019, at a home on the 300 block of Erin Russell Court in Reisterstown, Maryland. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has noted she may have been in the company of her mother. Baltimore County police have said the child related to their investigation remains missing, and the two children recovered during the Georgia stop are unrelated to that case.
Brown’s arrest and the subsequent lawsuit form the latest chapter in a series of highly publicized legal matters involving the couple. In late June 2026, Morgan was arrested on charges of aggravated battery and cruelty to children stemming from a May 9 argument at their Sandy Springs home. According to the arrest warrant, the dispute began over text messages between Morgan and a co-worker; Brown allegedly sustained a bruise to her lip and a laceration over her eye after being pushed into a door. The couple’s then-13-year-old son was present. Morgan has denied the allegations and later stepped away from his V-103 radio position.
Separately, in late June, V-103 co-host Francesca Amiker filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Brown, alleging false Instagram posts claiming an affair with Morgan and implying involvement in the alleged domestic violence. Amiker seeks damages and a jury trial.
Brown’s federal lawsuit against Sheriff Labat and Fulton County officials seeks compensation related to the alleged erroneous warrant and the resulting high-risk stop and detention in Hart County. The case continues to unfold amid the broader legal and personal disputes involving the Morgans.
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Waffle House is rolling out a limited-time taco menu at 45 select locations across metro Atlanta and surrounding communities, offering both breakfast and lunch/dinner options that lean on the chain’s familiar ingredients.
The test features seven tacos. Breakfast varieties include scrambled eggs and cheese paired with a choice of bacon, sausage, chicken sausage, or ham. For later in the day, customers can order a patty melt taco, chicken melt taco, or cheesesteak melt taco, each with grilled onions and cheese.
The items are available only at participating restaurants for a limited time and can also be ordered through order.wafflehouse.com.
What Waffle House Locations Serve Tacos?
Participating locations include multiple spots in Alpharetta, Buford, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Sandy Springs and other nearby cities such as Auburn, Bethlehem, Dacula, Doraville, Flowery Branch, Johns Creek, Lilburn, Marietta, Roswell, Statham, Suwanee, Tucker and Winder. Full addresses are listed on Waffle House’s site and promotional materials.
The chain has not announced whether the tacos will expand beyond the test markets or how long the limited run will last.
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MARIETTA, Ga. — Defense giant Lockheed Martin has unveiled MORFIUS™, a high-power microwave system designed to neutralize more than 50 enemy drones in a single flight, offering a reusable, lower-cost alternative to traditional interceptors amid rising threats from mass drone attacks.
While the system was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in England, the news carries particular resonance in metro Atlanta, home to Lockheed Martin’s major manufacturing and engineering campus in Marietta.
Lockheed Martin Unveils MORFIUS Drone-Killer System as Marietta Plant Continues Driving Georgia Aerospace Innovation
The Marietta facility, which recently marked 75 years of operations, employs more than 5,600 people, generates an estimated $4.5 billion in annual economic impact for Georgia, and remains a cornerstone of U.S. military aircraft production, including the C-130J Super Hercules and center wing assemblies for the F-35 Lightning II.
According to Lockheed Martin, MORFIUS (Mobile Radio Frequency-Integrated UAS Suppressor) X-Rotor is a ground-launched, airborne high-power microwave (HPM) platform that uses directed microwave energy to disrupt or disable the electronics of multiple unmanned aircraft at once. Unlike conventional systems that fire one interceptor per target, MORFIUS is designed for “one-to-many” engagements, potentially delivering a significantly lower cost per kill against large drone swarms. The system is field-recoverable and reusable, sensor- and command-and-control agnostic, and does not require dedicated fire-control radars.
“By leveraging a lightweight, field-reusable high-power microwave architecture, we provide the most effective, low-cost solution on the market today,” said Randy Crites, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Advanced Programs. The company noted that earlier MORFIUS variants have flown since 2017, with recent testing of flight, intercept, and lethality conditions conducted in Arizona, California, and Oklahoma. Prototype production is being accelerated to support the U.S. Defense Department’s Rapid Response Counter-UAS efforts.
As commercial and military drone swarms grow larger, more autonomous, and more affordable for adversaries, directed-energy solutions like MORFIUS are positioning themselves as a critical layer in next-generation counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) defense. The technology aims to address the cost imbalance of using expensive kinetic interceptors against cheap, mass-produced drones.
For the Atlanta region, Lockheed Martin’s Marietta operations represent far more than a single plant. The site has produced thousands of C-130s over decades, supports F-22 sustainment, contributes to F-35 production, and hosts Skunk Works innovation efforts. Company officials and state leaders have highlighted its role in job growth (including more than 1,200 added since 2019) and its status as a long-standing economic engine for Cobb County and Georgia.
While MORFIUS itself is advanced under Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control organization, the broader company’s continued investment in advanced capabilities underscores the strategic importance of its Georgia footprint. Local workers and suppliers remain integral to the defense industrial base that develops and fields systems protecting U.S. and allied forces.
Lockheed Martin says it is moving the technology from testing toward field availability as drone threats evolve. For residents of Marietta and metro Atlanta, the announcement is another reminder that one of the world’s leading aerospace and defense companies continues to innovate from a deep local base—building the aircraft, components, and technologies that shape modern warfare while supporting thousands of Georgia jobs.
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The movie and TV streaming services are starting to get expensive.
There used to be a time when the alternative to cable was cut and dry, but with the rising costs of streaming and so many platforms to choose from, it’s getting a little pricey!
Thankfully, there is a way to watch the newest TV shows and movies for free.
How To Stream Your Favorite TV Shows And Movies For Free
There’s an easy way you can watch what’s streaming on Hulu, Netflix, Disney+ and the rest and we’re going to show you how to do it.
The key is to take advantage of the free trials that each of them offer. Some of them are even offering longer-than-usual free trials because of what’s going on.
What Is The Best Free Streaming Service?
The landscape of free streaming services continues to evolve as services such as Peacock, Kanopy, the Roku Channel and Xumo expand their reach.
Many of the top streaming platforms come with pre-installed apps on smart TVs, but you’ll have to download many of them.
Let’s take a look at some of the best free trials for streaming services:
How To Get Free Movie & TV Streaming Sites
When you think about all the TV streaming services available right now, all you have to do is add up how many days of free streaming you could have if you did the trial versions for all of them consecutively.
Here’s a table of all the free streaming days you can have if you start today:
Here Are The Best Movie And TV Streaming Sites
Streaming Service Free-Days Trial Plan & Channel Details Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial See Channels Apple Plus 7-Day Free Trial See Channels Direct TV Stream 14-Day Free Trial See Packages Disney Plus 7-Day Free Trial See Bundles HBO Max 7-Day Free Trial See Plans Hulu 7-Day Free Trial See Plans Kanopy 3-Day Free Trial See Plan Netflix 30-Day Free Trial See Plans Peacock TV 7-Day Free Trial See Plans Paramount Plus 30-Day Free Trial See Plans Roku Channel (Showtime, Starz, Epix) 30-Day Free Trial See Plans Xumo 7-Day Free Trial See Channels If you add up all the days of three streaming, that’s more than 150 days of streaming!
All you have to do is sign up for a free trial on the last day of the previous trial and you’ll be streaming a variety of top movies and shows.
To put it into perspective, if you follow this hack, you could realistically stream for free for six months.
These streaming services encompass some of the most popular platforms on the market today. If you like Marvel, Star Wars, action, crime and drama movies, these streaming services deliver.
How To Remember When To Cancel Your Streaming Service
In order to remember to cancel your streaming service, you’ll need to set a reminder on your mobile phone one day before the plan is set to begin charging you. That way, you’ll be able to switch to another streaming service without incurring any costs.
Remember, set up a calendar alert on your cell phone!
Interested in a cheap smart TV to watch free movies online? Here are some models on sale now.
Looking To Shop Electronics? Check Out Deals Hub
Along with the wonderful things to eat and do in Atlanta, there are also so awesome places to shop.
In addition to malls, many Atlanta boutiques and consignment shops have daily deals so that you can save money.
Atlanta’s retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A reality television personality known as Betty Idol has been arrested and charged in connection with a real estate fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded a Volusia County couple out of nearly $200,000, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
‘Love & Hip Hop’ star Betty Idol Arrested in Connection with alleged $200K real estate scam in Florida
Salomes Jackson, 40 (also referred to in reports as Salome or Salomé Rengifo Jackson), who goes by the stage name Betty Idol, was taken into custody on Aug. 13, 2026, following a nearly year-long investigation. She is best known for her supporting role on season 5 of VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and appearances on Cartel Crew. She has also been described as a fashion ambassador and recording artist.
Authorities say the scheme began when a couple who own a mobile home park in Orange City attempted to buy a vacant parcel of land next to their property on North Thorpe Avenue. On July 11, 2025, the victims made an initial $2,000 deposit and then wired the remaining balance—totaling approximately $196,786.65—to what they believed was a legitimate escrow account after responding to a “Land for Sale” sign and communicating with individuals posing as a realtor and an escrow officer from a well-known national company.
Investigators later determined the property was never actually for sale. The real owners confirmed they had not listed it, and documents used in the transaction—including a driver’s license—were fraudulent and allegedly generated with artificial intelligence. The escrow company told authorities it does not provide the closing services claimed and that the purported officer was not an employee; the firm has previously been aware of scammers using its name.
Sheriff’s office detectives described the incident as a coordinated real estate scam and money-laundering operation involving the fraudulent use of the property owners’ identities, an unauthorized “For Sale” sign, an unauthorized sale, and the dispersal of proceeds through multiple accounts, structured transfers, mobile transfers, and shell companies. Stolen identities were allegedly used in the process.
Jackson is accused of receiving $178,786.65 of the stolen funds and exercising direct control over accounts used to receive, transfer, withdraw, and launder the money. Investigators traced a deposit at a New York ATM on or around Oct. 4–6, 2025, and identified her through facial recognition software and her distinctive tattoos—a red heart below her eye and a neck tattoo.
She faces multiple felony charges, including money laundering involving a transaction of $100,000 or more, grand theft over $100,000, organized scheme to defraud, and use of another person’s identification without consent involving $50,000 or more. Her first court appearance was scheduled for Aug. 14, 2026, in Volusia County. Some reports indicate she remains in custody.
The investigation was initiated after the victims contacted authorities on Sept. 8, 2025, when they encountered difficulties reaching the purported realtor and escrow officer and learned the transaction was not legitimate.
Information in this report is based on details released by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Jackson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Atlanta is about to get a glittering new theatrical experience. AU Room Show makes its Atlanta premiere at Pullman Yards on Thursday, August 27, and runs for a limited engagement through Sunday, October 11.
Inspired by humanity’s centuries-long fascination with gold, the 100-minute production explores the beauty, power, and temptation tied to the metal throughout history. Produced by Pink Puma Inc. in partnership with BucketListers and Pullman Yards, AU Room Show blends world-class aerial performances with powerful music and contemporary choreography.
AU Room Show at Pullman Yards: What To Know
Spectacular LED visuals and a rich theatrical atmosphere transform the stage into immersive worlds where story, music, movement, lighting, and design create an unforgettable evening.
The show is created and produced by Polina Volchek, a former Cirque du Soleil soloist, four-time World Pole Sport & Artistic Pole Champion, world record holder, and Master of Sports at the International Level. Volchek previously brought her sold-out AfterDark Show to Atlanta at the same Pullman Yards venue earlier this year, giving local audiences a taste of her distinctive style.
“Gold has inspired civilizations for thousands of years. AU Room isn’t about luxury. It’s about our relationship with one of history’s most powerful symbols,” Volchek says. “We wanted to create a world where audiences don’t simply watch a performance; they step inside a living work of art.”
Maureen Meulen of Pullman Yards highlights the artist’s connection to the city: “Polina brings an extraordinary artistic perspective to AU Room, shaped in part by her Russian roots and a strong appreciation for theatrical storytelling, discipline, and visual artistry. Her talent to transform movement into emotion and create these breathtaking, immersive worlds is truly remarkable. Atlanta audiences are going to experience something remarkable—an artist at the height of her craft bringing her vision to life in a way that feels both timeless and completely original.”
Performances take place Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 6 p.m. at Pullman Yards, 225 Rogers St. NE, Atlanta. Tickets are on sale now, including Diamond and Platinum levels that include one complimentary signature cocktail, wine, beer, champagne by the glass, or a non-alcoholic beverage. Full details and all ticket levels are available at auroom.show.
AU Room Show is an all-ages production but recommended for guests ages 12 and older. For Atlantans looking for a unique night of immersive theater this fall, the limited run at Pullman Yards offers a rare chance to step into a world forged from gold.
Final Word
As the city lights up with yet another special event this weekend, remember: Safe driving is the real treat. For more tips on navigating safely around the city, read our Atlanta Traffic Guide.
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Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, maintains frequent nonstop flights between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—the world’s busiest—and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), giving Georgia travelers seamless access to Europe and far beyond.
Delta Continues to Strengthen Its Hometown Hub with Robust Nonstop Service to Paris—Voted the World’s Most Luxurious City to Live In
Delta and its SkyTeam partner Air France operate multiple daily nonstops on the route (often using widebody aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900 or A330 family), with flight times typically around 8 hours 15–40 minutes. The service provides Atlantans premium options across Delta One (lie-flat seats with privacy doors), Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Main Cabin.
Paris ranked as the most luxurious place to live in a recent study, and the Atlanta gateway offers more than just a direct hop to the City of Light. Through Air France’s CDG hub, passengers enjoy extensive one-stop connections across Europe, India, Africa, and beyond—reinforcing Atlanta’s role as a major international connecting point.
Delta’s deep roots in Atlanta make the city a cornerstone of its transatlantic network. The airline operates one of the densest schedules from ATL to European destinations (including multiple daily Paris flights in peak seasons), alongside strong partnerships that amplify connectivity. Officials have long highlighted how Atlanta’s growth and Delta’s investment keep the hub competitive and convenient for local travelers heading overseas.
Beyond Paris, Delta’s Atlanta operation supports a broad international slate and domestic feed that funnels passengers efficiently through the airport. The carrier’s ongoing investments in facilities, aircraft, and schedules at ATL underscore its commitment to the region as both its corporate home and primary hub.
In short, while Delta expands elsewhere (including new seasonal Austin–Paris flying starting March 27, 2027), Atlanta remains the powerhouse: multiple daily nonstops to Paris on premium widebodies, world-class connections, and the hometown advantage that makes international travel from Georgia straightforward and frequent.
Final Word
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 Piedmont Park Arts Festival is happening this weekend in Midtown Atlanta. It’s one of the city’s top festivals for a reason.
They’ll be arts and crafts, food and more on site. The festival is free and brought to us by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces.
Piedmont Park Arts Festival 2026: What You Need To Know
Bring the whole family out for a good time! There will be more than 250 artisans and craftsmen showing off a a wide variety of arts and crafts. As always, you can also expect plenty of local food and beverage concessions including “gourmet” food trucks.
There will also be live acoustic musical performances as well as a kids area for the little ones.
When Is The Piedmont Park Arts Festival 2026?
This year’s Piedmont Park Arts Festival is set for the following dates:
- Sat., August 15, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sun., August 17, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where Will The Piedmont Park Arts Festival Be Held?
The festival will be held in Midtown’s crown jewel greenspace, Piedmont Park.Location:
Piedmont Park
1071 Piedmont Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30309Final Word
Don’t let another weekend pass you by! Take advantage of Atlanta’s great outdoors. Here are some fun things to do outside. -
ATLANTA — The College Football Hall of Fame is kicking off the football season with its annual Football Fest & Free Day on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Fans are invited to enjoy free admission to the Hall, along with a full day of appearances, activities and entertainment featuring some of Atlanta’s biggest sports organizations.
Football Fest & Free Day
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, located at 250 Marietta St. N.W. in downtown Atlanta.
Presented by the Peach Bowl, the celebration offers free entry to the Hall thanks to the sponsor. Activities will take place both inside the Hall and outside along Marietta Street. No ticket is required for the outdoor portion.
What to expect:
- The College GameDay Bus and appearances from local Atlanta sports teams
- The Hall’s interactive exhibits and live entertainment
- Football-themed games and activities inside the Hall and along Marietta Street
- The Locker Exhibit recognizing the incoming 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class
The event serves as an energetic kickoff to the college football season in the city often called the Capital of College Football. Visitors can explore newly unveiled interactive exhibits, enjoy family-friendly fun, and take in the festive atmosphere created by local sports organizations.
Parking is available at the nearby Green Deck Parking Garage (corner of Baker and Marietta streets), though entry may be from the rear due to road closures on Marietta Street. Officials recommend considering MARTA or rideshare services to ease congestion. The Hall closes at 5 p.m., with the box office closing at 4:30 p.m.0
For more details, visit the College Football Hall of Fame website.
Final Word
Downtown Atlanta’s development landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by large-scale mixed-use projects, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on revitalizing the city’s historic core. These changes reflect a broader effort to make Downtown more vibrant, walkable, and economically robust, particularly in preparation for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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