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.
-
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis continues to secure the guilty pleas in her election case against President Donald Trump and 19 other co-defendants. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, Fulton County officials announced that Jenna Ellis, a former attorney for Trump, has agreed to plead guilty before trial.
What Did Jenna Ellis Plead Guilty To?
Ellis will plead guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings.
As with all the co-defendants in the trial related to the 2020 election, Ellis was charged with violating the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and soliciting the violation of oath by a public officer.
Although the particulars remain to be seen, Ellis’s guilty verdict likely means that she will be cooperating with Fulton prosecutors to build bigger and more substantial cases against Trump and Rudy Giuliani.
How Many Trump Co-Defendants Have Pleaded Guilty?
So far, four guilty pleas in the Fulton County election interference case.
- Scott Hall
- Sidney Powell
- Kenneth Chesebro
- Jenna Ellis
Willis is the first prosecutor to bring charges against Trump related to the 2020 election, but she won’t be the last. New York’s Attorney General has also gearing up to indict the former president.
Since announcing the indictments in August, Willis has been the target of racist threats and verbal attacks.
In early September, Willis wrote a scathing letter to Ohio Congress Jim Jordan, a Republican that has attempted to derail her investigation.
-
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis continues to surprise her critics. On Friday, Oct. 20, another witness in her racketeering case against former President Donald Trump and co-defendants turned state witness.
Kenneth Chesebro, who many have called the originator of the “fake electors” plot, has struck a plea deal with prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, AtlantaFi.com has learned.
Kenneth Chesebro Agrees To Turn State Witness In Fulton County Election Case
As part of the deal, Chesebro pleaded guilty to a felony charge for his role in the election case.
He was asked pointedly by the prosecutor: “It is your decision to enter into this guilty plea because you are in fact guilty?”
Chesebro said: “Yes.” The prosecutor then asked him: “How do you plead to count 15, conspiracy to commit filing false documents?” Chesebro replied: “Guilty.”
Watch: Chesebro Pleads Guilty in a Fulton County Courtroom
While Trump has been attacking Willis and spreading rumors and lies about her, she and her Fulton prosecutors have been steadily building a case that has flipped two huge witnesses against Trump.
On Thursday, Trump co-defendant Sidney Powell pleaded guilty in a Fulton courthouse as well.
Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors that will allow her to avoid jail time and pay fines. She did not plead guilty to racketeering conspiracy, which was the biggest charge.
Notably, Powell has agreed to testify against some of the other co-defendants, which is startling news to Trump and a significant legal development.
Since announcing the indictments in August, Willis has been the target of racist threats and verbal attacks.In early September, Willis wrote a scathing letter to Ohio Congress Jim Jordan, a Republican that has attempted to derail her investigation.
Final Word
The turning of yet another witness signals a triumph for Willis, who has been scolded for attempting to try all 19 Trump co-defendants at one time. With an increasingly surprising number of them agreeing to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for cooperating with prosecutors, it’s a sign that Willis will have the bandwidth — and time — to see justice through in the case.
-
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is uncovering the lid on some of the abuse she’s been subjected to since she indicted former President Donald Trump along with 19 co-defendants.
Willis, speaking at a private fundraiser in Atlanta in honor of her 52nd birthday, opened up on the many verbal attacks and racist threats she said she’s endured over the past couple of months.
Top Republican leaders aligned with Trump have sought to stop the indictments brought by Willis and have tried to reprimand her over the charges. Although as a county prosecutor, she’s not alone, Willis is the first prosecutor to bring charges against Trump related to the 2020 election.
In early September, Willis wrote a scathing letter to Ohio Congress Jim Jordan, a Republican that has attempted to derail her investigation.
She said that she sees the attacks as par for the course in American politics.
“If you are a leader, you’re going to be attacked,” Willis said, according to AJC.com. “There are some days I’m human and I’m really angry or I’m hurt that somebody would tell a bold-faced lie on me.”
“I think the craziest ]lie] was that I was sleeping with a gang-banger. Like, what?! I like them old. What are you talking about?” she told the crowd as they laughed.
Willis said that she has had to rely on the Bible to get her through these tough times.
“You have these personal moments, when you’re like, ‘Why am I being personally attacked and all I’m out here trying to do is my job? And in the reading of that Scripture, what it told me was that you ain’t special,” she said, referring to herself. “That if you are a leader and you’re put in a position where people are going to lie on you, and they’re going to attack you, you have to still do what is the mission. And the mission here is to keep society safe. That everyone is equal. And that the law is protected.”
Final Word
Trump co-defendants are slowly having their day in an Atlanta courtroom. On Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, Sidney Powell pleaded guilty to her role in the election case.
-
Sidney Powell, a former lawyer to ex-President Trump, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in her RICO case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
As a first-time offender, Powell was sentenced to six years probation and must pay a fine of $2,700. She will also have to write a letter of apology to the residents of Georgia.
Powell is one of 19 co-defendants in the Trump election case being tried in Fulton County. The plea comes one day before the jury selection was set to begin.
On that day, co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro pleaded guilty to lesser charges in exchange for cooperating with prosecutors, which is another big blow to Trump.
What Was Sidney Powell Charged With?
Powell was charged with counts of conspiracy to commit election fraud along with conspiracy to commit computer theft. She was also facing conspiracy to commit computer trespass and conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy.
Those were all counts related to have participated in an alleged conspiracy to subvert the presidential election, which Trump and other top Republicans claim was “rigged.”
What Did Sidney Powell Plead Guilty To?
Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors that will allow her to avoid jail time and pay fines. She did not plead guilty to racketeering conspiracy, which was the biggest charge.
Notably, Powell has agreed to testify against some of the other co-defendants, which is startling news to Trump and a significant legal development.
Powell, along with Trump crony Rudolph Giuliani, went around the country and filed lawsuits in a bid to stop electors in several jurisdictions. All of those efforts were found to have been unsubstantiated.
Willis is the first prosecutor to bring charges against Trump related to the 2020 election, but she won’t be the last. New York’s Attorney General has also gearing up to indict the former president.
Since announcing the indictments in August, Willis has been the target of racist threats and verbal attacks.
In early September, Willis wrote a scathing letter to Ohio Congress Jim Jordan, a Republican that has attempted to derail her investigation.
-
Pur Zen Mimosa Wine Bar, a local establishment that specializes in artisan breads, tapas and brunch, is set to open at the new Terminal South development on Atlanta’s south side.
This would be the wine bar’s second location in metro Atlanta. The original Pur Zen Mimosa Wine Bar opened in March 2022 in McDonough at 1931 Jonesboro Rd.
Located in the Peoplestown neighborhood, Terminal South is the second of two Beltline-adjacent warehouse complexes on the sprawling property just off Ridge Avenue and Hank Aaron Boulevard. The other is Switchman Hall, a food hall.
Terminal South, which is being built by developer Melissa Ahrendt, has been eyeing a summer 2024 opening.
Pur Zen Mimosa Wine Bar will feature signature menu items like oxtails and grits, cedar plank salmon, surf ‘n turf sliders, New York strip steak, Brussels sprouts, garlic sautéed spinach and an assortment of charcuterie boards and more.
“At PÜR Zen, we pride ourselves on offering a “pure” experience, as our name suggests,” it says on its website. “Our welcoming atmosphere invites visitors to unwind, whether they’re seeking a leisurely afternoon drink, engaging conversation, or a mouthwatering meat and cheese board to share among friends.”
Terminal South is designed to be the last stop on
MARTA’s inaugural Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line.
The project features the adaptive reuse of two former warehouse structures, introducing approximately 45,625 SF of mixed-use space that will include a collection of restaurants at the planned food hall, Switchman Hall.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
-
Hollywood studios and writers seemed like they were as close as they ever were to a deal that might end the actors strike, but talks have broken down again.
Studios Walk Away From Actors Bargaining Table
SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, released a statement late Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, saying that the movie studios had walked away from the table.
“It is with profound disappointment that we report the industry CEOs have walked away from the bargaining table after refusing to counter our latest offer,” the union says in a new statement. “We have negotiated with them in food faith, despite the fact that last week they presented an offer that was, shockingly, worth less than they proposed before the strike began.”
Major Sticking Points
The actors union and the studios continue to pick apart language on a few major concerns for both parties. Here are some major sticking points that need to be worked out.
Streaming Revenue Sharing
One of the major snags is streaming revenue, which the studios have been trying to keep all their own.
SAG-AFTRA’s streaming revenue proposal would cost the studios 57 cents per subscriber each year. Even as many studios are increasing the prices of their subscription plans, they have rejected the guild’s proposal.
AI Likeness
Another point that has increasingly become a provocative impasse is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) pertaining to an actor’s likeness.
The studios have refused to protect actors from being replaced by AI and demand use of a performer’s digital likeness for an entire cinematic universe or franchise.
It was just three weeks ago that the heads of the major studios, including Bob Iger of Disney, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, and Ted Sarandos of Netflix, gathered in Sherman Oaks to hammer out the details on a new accord that would end the picket lines.
On the other end of the bargaining table are representatives of the major unions including the Writers Guild of America.
The strike, which has crippled moviemaking in Hollywood and ground major productions in Atlanta to a halt, has been going on for more than four months.
Final Scene
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.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
Read More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
If you want to go shopping in Atlanta, the place to visit is Lenox Square, also known as Lenox mall.
Located in the heart of Buckhead, Lenox Square is one of the best malls in Atlanta. It also offers a look at some of Atlanta’s priciest retail shops and department stores.
Aside from being a happening place, have you ever wondered what’s recently opened at Lenox Square and more? This article explores Lenox Square, it’s history, present and future.
What’s The History Of Lenox Square?
The earliest recollections of the acreage that would become Lenox Square is that it was owned by Mary Gromet, who acquired it in the 1820s through one of the land lotteries that the state administered by taking it from the Native Americans and distributing it to the area’s white citizens.
The land was then bought by John Simpkins, a farmer who grew corn and cotton.. He passed away in 1912, according to Buckhead.net.
After that, John Ottley, the president of Atlanta’s First National Bank,, turned the parcel into his country estate and family home. It was the Ottley family that popularized Buckhead as an abode for the rich.
Soon, the Ottley family sold “Joyeuse,” the name of their country estate, and it fell into the hands of city developers.
Businessman Edward Noble was tasked with building a suburban mall several miles from downtown, which was unheard of then.
Lenox Square opened its doors on August 3, 1959 during the era when going to the local department store was an event. Anchored by Rich’s and Davison’s, Lenox Square was the largest mall in the Southeast at the time.
What’s New At Lenox Square?
In 2022, Lenox Square saw more than 20 openings of retail shops and restaurants. Here’s a list from MetroAtlantaCEO.com. , which also says that the Louis Vuitton store is currently under renovation with a planned reopening set for 2023. Retailers marked with an asterisk (*) are the first and only locations in Georgia.Aritzia*
Blue Nile*
Breitling*
Dr. Martens*
Elaine Sterling (expansion)*
Ferrari*
GAP
GUCCI
Kokee Tea
North Italia
Shake Shack
Starbucks
Sugarcoat
Tudor*
Openings scheduled later this month: (November 2022)
Balenciaga
Moose Knuckles*
PacSun
Popeyes
Savage X Fenty*
Tiffany & Co.Where Is Lenox Square Located?
Lenox Square is located at the intersection of Peachtree and Lenox roads at 3393 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Lenox Square is an oasis and has been for many decades now.
If you’re looking to take in Buckhead at night, here are some cool suggestions.
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!
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
-
On the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, Midtown Atlanta got a little bit sweeter. Actually, a whole lot sweeter. That’s because it’s most iconic food spot, Krispy Kreme, reopened after being burnt down in a fire.
The doughnut shop, owned by sports legend and businessman Shaquille O’Neal, opened to a crowd of fans and customers at 6 a.m.
In early 2023, Shaq announced that the historic Midtown spot would open in the summertime, but that didn’t materialize. Still, the customers and fans were excited to get its Midtown landmark back.
“We’re bouncing back better than I even imagined,” O’Neal said on social media. “I can’t wait to turn on the Hot Light. It’s gonna light up the whole neighborhood. Get ready, Ponce!”
O’Neal released an artist’s rendering of what the rebuilt Krispy Kreme would look like, showing a sleep design with its signature white brick exterior.
Shaq bought an interest in the Krispy Kreme in 2016. It was set on fire the following year due to arson.
What Are The Hours Of The Ponce Krispy Kreme?
The Krispy Kreme on Ponce is open for Delivery the following hours: 6:30 AM–9:30 PM
The Krispy Kreme on Ponce Drivethru open the following hours: 24 hours.
When Did The Ponce Krispy Kreme Open?
The Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon Avenue opened in 1965, back when Atlanta has the heart and soul of the civil rights movement and social change was afoot across the country.
Krispy Kreme, then a young and scrappy company, only had a handful of locations in the Southeast. After only a few years, the Atlanta location became a flagship of sorts.
In February 2021, a fire swept through the establishment and temporarily closed it. Another fire — this one surely an arson — struck a few months later, shutting the place down for more than a couple years.
Final Taste
Midtown Atlanta is full of cool places to eat, but there’s more. If you’re down for a culinary tour of Atlanta, you can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
The Lakewood-area movie studio in southwest Atlanta is getting a new owner.
Cinespace Studios has announced that it has acquired EUE/Screen Gems studio campuses in Atlanta and Wilmington.
EUE/Screen Gems New Owner: Cinespace
Instead of EUE/Screen Gems, the new name for the Atlanta studio will be Cinespace Atlanta.
This development signals Cinespace’s plans for growth and its need for a diverse portfolio to attract big-time productions.
The Atlanta studio features 360,000 square feet of production space across 13 sound stages. New to the property is office space, additional support space, and three brand new purpose-built sound stages each over 21,000 square feet.
What Movies Were Produced At EUE/ Screen Gems in Atlanta?
EUE/Screen Gems studio has been the filming and production site for many major movies, including:
- Stranger Things (2016–2025) …
- The Haunting of Hill House (2018) …
- Black Panther (2018) …
- Flight (I) (2012) …
- The Founder (2016) …
- The Internship (2013) …
- Devious Maids (2013–2016)
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commented: “The City of Atlanta welcomes Cinespace Studios under their new ownership. We look forward to collaborating with the studio to expand our city’s legacy as an incubator for storytellers, innovators, and entertainment industry professionals – both in front and behind the camera.”
Final Scene
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.
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.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV?
-
East Point is getting a new cookie joint: Crumbl is opening at Camp Creek this weekend. The store joins an area with some of the best restaurants in East Point.
The company was founded by two cousins, Jason McGowan (CEO) & Sawyer Hemsley (COO), who opened their first Crumbl in Logan, Utah.
When Is Crumbl Opening In East Point?
Crumbl is set to open its doors on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
“We’re giving away a FREE Party Box to celebrate the Grand Opening of Crumbl in East Point! Check out the post in our Facebook Event to learn more about how to be entered to win!” the eatery said on Facebook.
The company became known for having “the world’s best chocolate chip cookie,” and the rest was history.
Crumbl Brings Cookies To Camp Creek
Crumbl is one of those sweets shops that have grown around metro Atlanta in recent years. The company specializes in in-store orders, dessert delivery and curbside pickup. You can also order cookies online and through theiir app.
Where Is Crumbl In East Point Located?
Crumbl is located at 3645 Marketplace Blvd #140, East Point, GA 30344. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Crumbl is not the only game in town. Check out the top desserts in Atlanta. These restaurants make you forget about calories!