Atlanta

The Dallas Flash won their second consecutive Major League Pickleball (MLP) event of the 2026 season at the Chicago Week 8 tournament, held July 25-27. The Flash dominated group play, sweeping Las Vegas 4-0 on Day 1 and securing key wins to advance. Several surprise teams made deep runs, including Chicago's young lineup which upset veteran Atlanta and advanced to the third-place game. The event followed a busy trade deadline that saw top teams make major roster moves. Key results included Miami shocking Texas in a DreamBreaker tiebreaker, and California defeating Texas to boost its playoff hopes. The MLP regular season consists of nine weekly events, with Chicago being the eighth stop.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:38 PM UTC

Alphabet's Waymo is reportedly considering ending its robotaxi partnership with Uber, as tensions escalate over operations in Austin and Atlanta and over autonomous vehicle regulation. According to the Financial Times, Waymo has internally discussed leaving existing agreements. Uber stated Waymo intends to enter Austin and Atlanta independently from January 2028, when the current contract allows, though Uber expects to continue offering Waymo services until May 2028. The partnership, which began in May 2023 in Phoenix, has soured as both companies become closer rivals and support different regulatory approaches. Complaints have been exchanged over vehicle cleanliness, routing, safety incidents (including Waymo vehicles blocking a cul-de-sac in Atlanta and driving past stopped school buses in Austin), and financial terms. Waymo has expanded in other US markets without Uber and plans direct bookings in Austin and Atlanta alongside Uber. Waymo recently completed a $16bn financing round, valuing the company at $126bn.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 10:53 AM UTC

Uber and Alphabet's Waymo will end their exclusivity arrangement in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, in early 2028. Waymo has notified Uber that it intends to launch its own standalone app in those cities in January 2028, alongside its existing deployment with Uber. The change reflects Waymo's growing traction in the robotaxi market, as its vehicles are now live in nine other US cities. Waymo also struck a non-exclusive deal with Lyft in Nashville last year. Uber shares dropped more than 4% on the news. Uber said hundreds of Waymo robotaxis will remain available on its platform through at least May 2028, the duration of their existing contract. The change allows Uber to put other autonomous vehicles onto its platform in both cities. A Waymo spokesperson said users need choice in how they experience the technology. The Financial Times reported that Waymo held internal discussions about splitting from Uber due to tensions over conflicting policy proposals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:48 PM UTC

Uber and Alphabet's Waymo will end their exclusivity arrangement in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, in early 2028. Waymo has notified Uber that it intends to launch its own standalone app in those cities in January 2028, alongside its existing deployment with Uber. The change reflects Waymo's growing traction in the robotaxi market, as its driverless cars are now live in nine other US markets. Waymo also struck a non-exclusive deal with Lyft in Nashville last year. Uber shares dropped more than 4% on the news. Uber said hundreds of Waymo robotaxis will remain available on its platform through at least May 2028, the duration of their existing contract. The changes allow Uber to put other, non-Waymo autonomous vehicles onto its platform in both cities. Waymo cited the need for user choice in experiencing the technology. The Financial Times reported internal discussions at Waymo about splitting from Uber due to tensions over conflicting policy proposals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:48 PM UTC

Uber and Alphabet's Waymo will end their exclusivity arrangement in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, in early 2028. Waymo will launch its own app in those cities alongside its existing deployment with Uber, reflecting its growing traction in the robotaxi market. Waymo's robotaxis are now live in nine other US markets without exclusive Uber deals. The change allows Uber to put other autonomous vehicles onto its platform in both cities. Waymo cited the need for user choice in experiencing the technology. The Financial Times reported internal tensions between the companies over conflicting policy proposals. Uber shares dropped more than 4% on the news. Uber continues to invest in AV technology from partners like Waabi, Wayve, Nuro, and Rivian.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:48 PM UTC

Nike has accelerated a wave of store closures across the U.S., shutting down roughly a dozen locations in July 2026 alone as part of its Global Operations Changes restructuring initiative announced in April 2026. The closures span multiple states including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Texas. The restructuring aims to strengthen the company's foundation, improve competitiveness, and support long-term profitable growth by optimizing supply chain, accelerating technology deployment, and investing in employee training. Approximately 1,400 Global Operations positions are expected to be eliminated. The moves come after Nike reported a 1% revenue decline in Q4 fiscal 2026, with footwear and equipment posting negative growth and Nike Direct revenue falling 9%. The company has also discontinued its Nike Fitness Studios venture and consolidated technology offices into two hubs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:03 AM UTC

A federal judge in Atlanta, District Judge Victoria Calvert, ruled against Merrill Lynch's attempt to restart paused litigation against OpenArc Corporate Advisory and Dynasty Financial Partners. Merrill had argued that Dynasty reneged on an alleged promise to participate in FINRA arbitration, but the judge sided with Dynasty, stating that the earlier court order was 'plainly limited' and that Dynasty never consented to arbitration. The case stems from the 2025 launch of OpenArc, a $129 billion breakaway RIA formed by former Merrill advisors led by Erik Bjerke, who cited frustration with Merrill's lack of investment. Merrill sued for breach of non-solicitation agreements and alleged a 'corporate raid.' The litigation was paused for arbitration, but Merrill sought to reopen it after Dynasty refused to arbitrate. Dynasty accused Merrill of legal 'sleight of hand.' A Dynasty spokesperson praised the ruling, while Merrill vowed to continue litigating claims against all defendants.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:36 PM UTC

This article provides a comprehensive overview of DUI law and defense in rural North Georgia, emphasizing the unique social and professional consequences for drivers in small communities like Ellijay and surrounding counties. It details Georgia's DUI statute (O.C.G.A. Section 40-6-391), explaining distinct charge categories: DUI per se (BAC of 0.08 or above), DUI less safe (BAC below 0.08 or no test, but evidence of impairment), and DUI of drugs (including prescribed medications). The article notes that for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, the BAC threshold is lower at 0.04, with federal implications. It highlights the importance of local legal representation due to the specific dynamics of rural North Georgia courts compared to metro Atlanta.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:45 AM UTC

The Athletic UK's Spanish-language team analyzes Spain's World Cup victory, highlighting the team's long-standing chemistry built through years of playing together at youth levels under coach Luis de la Fuente. Despite a sluggish 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in the opening match, which drew harsh criticism from Spanish media, the team remained calm and confident. Key factors include deep friendships among players like Rodri, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, and Unai Simón, who have known each other since youth tournaments. The Spanish Football Federation also improved team atmosphere by adopting an open approach with media, contrasting with Luis Enrique's rigid style in 2022. Family involvement was notable, with players celebrating goals by referencing pregnant wives and children. The team lacks superstar forwards but relies on collective spirit and tactical familiarity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:53 AM UTC

Major League Pickleball's Week 7 event in San Diego saw significant upsets and shifting standings as the 2026 playoffs approach. Dallas emerged as a surprise contender with a dominant 4-0 sweep over Atlanta, while Los Angeles suffered a stunning loss to Atlanta, raising questions about their roster composition. Columbus easily defeated an Orlando team hampered by Lacy Schneemann's ankle injury. Phoenix made a statement with a 3-1 win over Florida. Utah's rotation experiments led to mixed results, including a DreamBreaker loss to Bay Area and a win over Atlanta. California upset playoff-contender SoCal in a DreamBreaker, positioning themselves for a potential third-place match. The trade deadline was July 20, with notable moves including Dylan Frazier's acquisition by California, though he missed the event due to a prior commitment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:10 PM UTC

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is experiencing growth driven by national marketing campaigns and enhanced franchisee support following its 2024 acquisition by Blackstone at a $2 billion valuation. The brand opened its 1,700th location in April 2026, with plans to reach 1,800 by year-end and over 900 stores in development. CEO Max Wetzel, appointed in 2024, consolidated media efforts, launching an 'Eat Some Good' campaign that boosted brand awareness by 19% year-over-year. Loyalty membership reached 12 million, a 25% increase. Franchisee Jim Breidenstein, who operates eight locations with three more in development, praised the brand's improved field support and streamlined opening process. Average unit volume was $978,298 in 2025, slightly down from 2024's $1 million but trending upward. The company focuses on food innovation and collaborations to attract health-conscious consumers, with only one corporate-owned store among over 1,700 locations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:30 PM UTC

This analysis from QSR Magazine, republished on Yahoo Finance, examines QDOBA's accelerating growth under CEO John Cywinski and owner Butterfly Equity. The Mexican fast-casual chain, founded in 1995, has reached approximately 865 stores and aims to double to 2,000 restaurants within 10 years. Despite multiple ownership changes (Jack in the Box, Apollo, Butterfly), QDOBA posted same-store sales growth in 19 of 22 years between 2004 and 2025. Average-unit volumes have risen steadily from $1.2 million in 2019 to $1.7 million in 2025. The brand is shifting to a franchise-first model (targeting 85% franchise mix) and has secured development agreements for 50 new restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville. Cywinski outlined a 10-year vision including $2.7 million AUVs, $5 billion systemwide sales, and a $200 million national marketing fund. The article positions QDOBA as a growth story in the Mexican fast-casual segment, which remains less saturated than pizza and chicken QSR categories.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 11:44 AM UTC

QDOBA, the Mexican fast-casual chain owned by Butterfly Equity, is aggressively expanding under CEO John Cywinski, who took over in 2023. The chain has grown from 827 stores at end-2025 to approximately 865 stores in mid-2026, with a target of 2,000 restaurants within 10 years. QDOBA has posted same-store sales growth in 19 of 22 years between 2004-2025, with average-unit volumes rising from $1.2 million in 2019 to $1.7 million in 2025. The company has shifted to a franchise-first model (now 80% franchised, targeting 85%) and secured over 650 restaurant commitments. Recent development deals include 30 stores in Atlanta from a former McDonald's operator and 20 in Nashville. The chain aims for $2.7 million average-unit volumes, $5 billion in systemwide sales, and 28% store-level EBITDA margins. QDOBA's ownership history includes Jack in the Box (2003-2018), Apollo Global Management (2018-2022), and current owner Butterfly Equity, which raised $527 million in 2025 for continued growth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 11:44 AM UTC

The article analyzes the 2026 World Cup in the United States, highlighting how FIFA's high ticket prices and Trump administration border policies excluded many international fans, including a Somali referee and thousands of Morocco supporters. The tournament proceeded as FIFA hoped, with top-ranked teams reaching the semifinals. The author contrasts Spain's methodical control against Argentina's myth-fueled passion, and describes the atmosphere in Atlanta for the Argentina-England semifinal, where Messi's presence drew both genuine fans and opportunists. The piece reflects on the tension between industrial soccer efficiency and emotional, historical narratives.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:45 AM UTC

This New Yorker analysis examines the 2026 World Cup in the United States, focusing on exclusionary visa policies that prevented many international fans, particularly from the Middle East and Africa, from attending. The article highlights the case of Moroccan fan group leader Mehdi Bouazza, who could not travel despite thousands of fans attending the 2022 Qatar World Cup. It also covers the tournament's semifinal matchups, contrasting Spain's control-based style with Argentina's emotional, myth-driven approach. The piece describes the atmosphere in Atlanta for the Argentina-England semifinal, noting the prevalence of Messi shirts and the importation of hard-core Argentine supporters to boost stadium energy. The analysis reflects on the tension between FIFA's commercial interests and the grassroots passion of global football fandom.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:45 AM UTC

Data center operator Switch is planning an IPO that could raise up to $10 billion, valuing the company near $80 billion, according to a report from CRE Daily syndicated on Yahoo Finance. The move marks a significant reversal from the 2021-2023 period when major data center firms, including Switch, were taken private by private equity and pension funds. Switch, headquartered in Las Vegas, has selected Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase as lead underwriters and may go public as early as Q4 2026. The company operates large-scale renewable-powered data center campuses across the U.S. and recently expanded its debt facility to $9.5 billion to support AI-driven growth. The IPO follows a broader flurry of public offerings in the digital infrastructure space, including Blackstone's Digital Infrastructure Trust, Brookfield-backed CSquare, and SoftBank-backed SBEnergy, as private capital sources become more constrained. The article positions Switch's listing as a bellwether for the sector's shift back toward public markets for long-term growth capital.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 09:48 AM UTC

The July 2026 Federal Reserve Beige Book showed modest, broad-based improvement in U.S. commercial real estate (CRE) across 11 of 12 districts entering summer, with strength in data centers, Class A office, and industrial sectors. However, renewed US-Iran hostilities have introduced significant uncertainty, threatening higher energy costs, inflation, and shifting investor appetite for the second half of 2026. Regional conditions varied: Manhattan's AI-driven office market remained strong, Atlanta saw falling Class A vacancy, Dallas reported robust multifamily absorption, while Chicago and San Francisco showed mixed trends. Credit access tightened in some districts, and the conflict is expected to reshape logistics demand and add pressure to development costs. The analysis highlights that CRE momentum built before the geopolitical shock is now at risk.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 09:43 AM UTC

Andrei Seben Fontana, a 33-year-old Brazilian, traveled with family to Atlanta, Miami, and New York City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They paid $390 each for a group stage match (DR Congo vs Uzbekistan) due to high ticket prices, avoiding Brazil games costing nearly $2,000. Fontana filled empty suitcases with US clothing bargains, including a $15 World Cup t-shirt from Walmart, his sentimental favorite. He bought electronics (iPhone 17 Pro, Apple Watches, MacBook) and souvenirs like Coca-Cola bottles. He noted that while US clothing and gas are cheaper than Brazil, experiences like dining and tours are expensive. He contrasted this with the 2014 Brazil World Cup where student tickets cost $20, and the 2022 Qatar World Cup where beer was illegal. The trip included a last-minute 15-hour road trip from Key West to Atlanta, his favorite memory.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 09:00 AM UTC

The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke analyzes the fallout from England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, which severely damaged manager Thomas Tuchel's public reputation despite the team finishing third. The bronze medal, England's best World Cup result since 1966, provides some validation, but the manner of the semi-final collapse—where England led before conceding multiple goals—has eroded trust. Tuchel was hired by the FA specifically for his tactical acumen in knockout matches, making the loss more damaging than similar exits under previous manager Gareth Southgate. The article questions whether the FA's strategy of hiring elite club coaches for international tournaments is flawed, as the two finalists are coached by international specialists Scaloni and de la Fuente. Tuchel acknowledges responsibility and the 'scar' from Atlanta, but faces an uncertain future when England resumes play in September for the Nations League.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 05:29 AM UTC

England suffered a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, blowing a lead with two goals conceded in the final minutes. Manager Thomas Tuchel faced heavy criticism for defensive tactics that backfired, but the FA confirmed his continued role through Euro 2028. The loss extended England's pattern of knockout exits to top-10 nations and denied them a first final since 1966.

56 reports · 16 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:08 AM UTC

England manager Thomas Tuchel has decided to leave star players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on the bench for the World Cup third-place match against France, scheduled for Saturday at 11 PM in Miami. Both players had been instrumental in England's campaign, each scoring six goals and providing one assist before their semi-final loss to Argentina (1-2). Tuchel will make a large number of changes for this match, notably starting Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, two key players who have not appeared in their best form during the tournament.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 08:01 PM UTC

The Guardian reports that homeless people in Atlanta are being forcibly removed from city centers ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with city officials and the Trump administration pursuing aggressive clearance policies. One week before the final, city employees entered Freedom Park without warning and removed tents, ID, medication, and belongings, calling it 'routine park maintenance.' Mayor Andre Dickens has stated he wants unsheltered individuals kept away from downtown. In January 2025, Cornelius Taylor was crushed to death by a bulldozer during a street clearance. The city's Downtown Rising plan claims to have housed 500 people, but homeless residents say they are being treated as 'less than human' and pushed out to make the city look good for tourists. The article contrasts this with FIFA President Gianni Infantino attending a funeral in Qatar and President Trump visiting his golf club on the same day.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 03:15 PM UTC

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta, city employees cleared a homeless encampment at Freedom Park, discarding tents, medication, and IDs of about 15 people without warning, less than a mile from a World Cup watch party. Activists say this violated procedures established after Cornelius Taylor was killed by a front loader during a previous clearance. Mayor Andre Dickens stated he wants unsheltered people permanently removed from downtown. The incident highlights tensions between the global tournament and the city’s thousands of unhoused residents.

5 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 03:15 PM UTC

NASCAR's In-Season Challenge, a single-elimination bracket competition conceived by driver Denny Hamlin on his 2023 podcast, has become a successful summer attraction in its second year. The tournament features 32 drivers competing in head-to-head matchups over five races, with a $1 million prize for the winner. TNT Sports, which broadcasts the challenge as part of its return to NASCAR coverage, reports that the concept has evolved from a gimmick into a compelling 'show within a show.' Despite a rocky debut marred by a multi-car crash at Atlanta, the 2026 edition has gained traction, with the prize money and bracket predictions driving fan engagement. The challenge operates independently of the championship points system, providing an additional storyline during the summer schedule lull.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 01:34 PM UTC

Chantel Henry, a former media consultant in Atlanta, moved to Trinidad and Tobago after marrying a local. She describes how the move made her American Dream more affordable: her family of four spends about $3,000 a month, with a $500 mortgage, $20 electricity bill, and $10 for a medication that would cost $500 in the U.S. She highlights the family-oriented culture, community trust, and natural beauty as key benefits. Henry homeschools her children, who participate in eight extracurricular activities for $477 monthly. While adjusting to a different culture and occasional crime-related states of emergency, she reports greater happiness and a redefined sense of success.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 01:00 PM UTC

Chantel Henry, a former media consultant in Atlanta, relocated to Trinidad and Tobago after marrying a local. She describes how the move made her American Dream more affordable, with monthly expenses for her family of four totaling about $3,000. Key cost comparisons include a $500 monthly mortgage for a three-bedroom home (vs. $1,500 for a one-bedroom in Atlanta), $20 monthly electricity bills, and $10 for a medication that would cost $500 in the U.S. She highlights the family-oriented culture, community trust, and natural beauty as major benefits. Henry homeschools her children, who participate in eight extracurricular activities for $477 monthly. She acknowledges challenges such as cultural adjustment, distance from family, and crime-related states of emergency, but states the move has brought her family greater happiness and peace.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 01:00 PM UTC

The article argues that trial lawyers, through the American Association for Justice, have been lobbying against autonomous vehicle (AV) legislation for nearly a decade, despite growing evidence that AVs are substantially safer than human drivers. Citing Waymo data from over 220 million miles driven, the article reports 94% fewer serious injuries, 82% fewer air bag deployments, and 93% fewer pedestrian injuries compared to human driving. The author contends that trial lawyers oppose AVs because they profit heavily from litigating the $180-220 billion annual auto insurance payout system. The article advocates for a UK-style insurance model (Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018) where a single insurer covers the vehicle regardless of driver, victims are compensated directly, and manufacturers face costs through insurer subrogation. This system, the author argues, would reduce transaction costs and improve safety deterrence compared to tort litigation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 11:18 AM UTC

The article argues that trial lawyers, through the American Association for Justice, have been lobbying against autonomous vehicle (AV) legislation for nearly a decade, despite evidence that AVs are substantially safer than human drivers. Citing Waymo data over 220 million miles, the article reports 94% fewer serious injuries, 82% fewer air bag deployments, and 93% fewer pedestrian injuries compared to human driving. The author contends that trial lawyers oppose AVs because they profit from litigating the roughly $180-220 billion in annual U.S. auto insurance payouts. The article advocates for a UK-style insurance model where a single insurer covers the vehicle regardless of driver, victims are compensated directly, and insurers subrogate against manufacturers if software is at fault. This system, the author argues, would reduce transaction costs and better deter accidents than product liability lawsuits.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 11:18 AM UTC

Business Insider reporters visited the two most popular FIFA Fan Festivals in the United States during the 2026 World Cup, held in Atlanta and Philadelphia. Atlanta's festival at Centennial Olympic Park drew over 500,000 visitors, averaging 27,000 per day, while Philadelphia's at Lemon Hill attracted more than 425,000 attendees despite extreme heat. Both festivals featured jumbo screens for match viewing, brand activations from sponsors like Bank of America, Coca-Cola, and Michelob Ultra, and strong security and volunteer presence. Atlanta's event was located near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while Philadelphia's offered a more relaxed, picnic-style atmosphere. The festivals provided free, community-oriented World Cup experiences for fans unable to attend matches in stadiums, with both cities emphasizing hospitality and local engagement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 11:17 AM UTC

This article recounts the 30th anniversary of FC Barcelona's signing of Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazário de Lima in July 1996. Then vice-president Joan Gaspart faced an impossible mission to secure the player, who was locked away with the Brazilian national team in a Miami hotel ahead of the Atlanta Olympics. With a 15-day deadline from PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan also interested, Gaspart and his team could not reach Ronaldo due to heavy security. In a bizarre turn, Gaspart disguised himself as a waiter carrying a Coca-Cola tray, tricked the bodyguards, entered Ronaldo's room, and closed the contract on the bed. The deal, worth 2.550 billion pesetas (over 15 million euros), was the most expensive transfer at the time.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 04:03 AM UTC