Atlanta news, Georgia news, Breaking news from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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Frustrated Decatur parents press officials on school utilization plans

Aggravation brews over lack of specifics and what some see as poor communication.

53m ago

Usher sues business partners over failed Buckhead restaurant plan

Atlanta singer Usher wants his money back after loaning $1.7 million to music producer Bryan-Michael Cox and others to buy a Buckhead restaurant property for $6.3 million.

53m ago

Tariffs hurt Georgia’s ports in October. There’s cautious optimism for 2026.

After a tough October, President and CEO Griff Lynch is optimistic will see improvement at its Savannah and Brunswick ocean ports in the new year.

53m ago

Search continues for law professor missing in North Georgia mountains

67-year-old Charles Hosch works as a Dallas attorney and law professor at Southern Methodist University. He is originally from Gainesville.

Tax Trade-offs

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Lawmakers debate eliminating Georgia’s income tax

Supporters say it will boost economic development, but opponents say it will hurt ordinary Georgians by hiking sales taxes and other fees.

53m ago

If Georgia drops income tax, will sales taxes rise?

How could Georgia eliminate its income tax? By relying more heavily on sales taxes to pay for government services, a survey of other states shows.

EXCLUSIVE AJC POLL

Georgians in both parties prefer property tax relief to scrapping income tax

Property tax relief trumps eliminating the state income tax among both Republicans and Democrats in new Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll.

Raffensperger launches 1st major policy plan with property tax-relief package

The secretary of state and GOP hopeful for Georgia governor wants ‘one predictable system’ for local taxes.

Politics

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OPINION

Plazas: Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to leave ‘toxic’ politics behind. I’m skeptical.

MTG must build a record of redemption, which may take a long time and which may only be possible if she is willing to lose an election.

53m ago

Fed’s Cook blasts mortgage fraud allegations against her as ‘baseless’ in letter to AG Bondi

Lawyers for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook on Monday disputed allegations by a Trump administration official that she committed mortgage fraud, an accusation that Presiden

WATCH

The free speech firestorm at the center of an Emory professor's firing

Greene says she regrets ‘toxic politics’ as split with Trump widens

Amid ongoing political makeover, Georgia rep urges a kinder tone and says president’s attacks put her at risk.

AJC Sports

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BULLDOGS

Here’s what must happen for Georgia to play in 2025 SEC championship game

The Bulldogs’ improved conference record does not yet mean UGA has clinched a spot in Atlanta.

53m ago

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Falcons’ Morris on losing Penix to injury: ‘It’s just heartbreaking’

As Atlanta waits for a second opinion on its quarterback's knee, coach Raheem Morris turns team's focus to ending a five-game losing streak.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

YELLOW JACKETS

Georgia Tech signed new athletic director to 5-year contract

Ryan Alpert's contract to serve as Yellow Jackets athletic director is for a $700K salary in the first year and will go up $100K each subsequent year.

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

NBA

‘I’m blessed’: Hawks’ TV play-by-play voice still having fun 30 seasons in

One of the big changes Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun says he's seen in 30 years is that games now are great for fans because they get both a basketball game and a party.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

NFL

Cousins, defense and more: 5 things we learned in the Falcons’ loss to Panthers

The Falcons, with injuries mounting, will have to rely more on backups, beginning Sunday at New Orleans.

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

BULLDOGS

What comes next for Georgia defense as CJ Allen deals with knee injury?

Junior linebacker CJ Allen left injured in the second quarter of the 35-10 win over the Longhorns. Georgia still found a way to win without its leading tackler in Allen.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

KEN SUGIURA

A question for Arthur Blank: Is this the best that the Falcons can do?

Falcons owner Arthur Blank says he will accept nothing but the best, and the Falcons seem likely to miss the postseason for an eighth straight season.

Today's Videos

Now Playing

Spelman art exhibit dares to redefine the history of American slavery

How a Facebook comment about Charlie Kirk cost an Emory professor her job

Why the great-great-granddaughter of an icon says Netflix got it wrong

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Between school drop-offs, after-school activities, homework, and more, the busyness of the school year has already...

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ACE PENSACOLA

This fall, you’ll want to experience what’s beyond the beach during Foo Foo Fest.

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Laura Matthews has always felt a fondness for the state of Georgia. That was evident during her junior golf career...

Why cell service, Wi-Fi have been spotty at ATL’s international terminal

Airport officials promise the end is in sight for international travelers struggling to get online.

CVS employee killed outside store was beloved, known for upbeat personality

Kimberly Whaley was a licensed pharmacy technician who worked at the Loganville store for seven years.

City Council proposes oversight commission for Dickens’ $5 billion plan

Panel would begin work in January and issue recommendations ahead of a council vote on extending the city’s tax allocation districts by 30 years.

Sandy Springs mother faces murder charge in 11-year-old daughter’s death

A Sandy Springs woman is facing a murder charge after police found her 11-year-old daughter dead in their home.

Atlanta Schools' Future

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Long-range plan could significantly change Atlanta’s schools

Declining enrollment and rising costs led APS officials to develop a plan that would “repurpose” 16 school buildings.

Atlantans speak out about plans to reshape the city’s school system

This special report features a range of community voices discussing the APS plan that would “repurpose” 16 school buildings.

OPINION

How APS facilities master plan can be a path forward for students

Atlantans need to know that under-enrolled schools are not state-funded at the same level as schools nearer capacity. This means APS has to spend even more to close the gap.

OPINION

When the bell stops: What Atlanta’s school closures mean for our educators

APS has long spoken of equity, but true equity must also extend to those who make learning possible.

ICYMI

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‘Automatic for the People’: Weaver D’s still bonds Athens as era nears end

After decades of feeding everyone from R.E.M. to Brian Kemp, and towns to gowns, Dexter Weaver prepares to shutter his storied soul food restaurant.

‘Digital is real time, print is lifetime’: Farewells to the paper AJC

From the sound of the presses to framing special front pages, those who helped build the AJC share their memories.

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No body of proof: How Georgia homicide cases are solved without remains

Securing convictions in ‘no body’ cases is difficult, but not impossible. Prosecutors are now having more success convincing jurors.

Latest Headlines

53m ago

Opinion and Voices

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BILL TORPY

Is the recent youth movement the Democrats’ future?

There’s a geezer logjam in politics and those at the bottom of the actuarial table are pushing their way up.

GUEST COLUMN

Georgia can become a leader in quality elder health by training caregivers

Older adults will eventually outnumber children and the Peach State should prepare by building a caregiving infrastructure.

GUEST COLUMN

Metro Atlanta uplifts Ukrainian children’s art, inspiring empathy and action

‘Song for Ukraine’ concert at the Lawrenceville Arts Center on Nov. 22 benefits kids who are under siege.

JAMIE DUPREE

History made clear this shutdown wasn’t going to work

But Democrats may still have a chance to win the broader health care fight.

DAVID PLAZAS

Supreme Court declined same-sex marriage case, but the fight is not over

Couples dodged a bullet this time, but just because justices declined to hear this case does not mean they won’t change their minds.

Mike Luckovich

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OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Partisan poultry pardons

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OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Web we weave.

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Professional folders

Holiday Plans

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Your guide to a stress-free holiday season, starting with your porch

Atlanta experts share practical ways to get organized before the holiday rush hits.

When to start planning each part of your Thanksgiving feast

The holiday can be stressful, but this schedule might help you get organized and enjoy the day

Credit: Courtesy of Brasserie Margot

Dine on Thanksgiving feasts made by these metro Atlanta restaurants

Traditional dinners are available, as are vegetarian, Southern, Puerto Rican, Italian and Peruvian options.

Latest news

Politics

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Lawmakers debate eliminating Georgia’s income tax

Supporters and opponents of eliminating Georgia’s income tax on Monday aired competing visions of what would happen if the state gave up its largest source of revenue.

53m ago

Esteves unveils universal child-care plan in bid for Georgia governor

Democrat proposes using lottery reserves to expand pre-K to 3- and 4-year-olds and create statewide child-care access by 2035.

Raffensperger launches 1st major policy plan with property tax-relief package

The secretary of state and GOP hopeful for Georgia governor wants ‘one predictable system’ for local taxes.

Metro Atlanta

Credit: Ryan Fleisher

Usher sues business partners over failed Buckhead restaurant plan

Atlanta singer Usher wants his money back after loaning $1.7 million to music producer Bryan-Michael Cox and others to buy a Buckhead restaurant property for $6.3 million.

53m ago

Tariffs hurt Georgia’s ports in October. There’s cautious optimism for 2026.

After a tough October, President and CEO Griff Lynch is optimistic will see improvement at its Savannah and Brunswick ocean ports in the new year.

53m ago

CVS employee killed outside store was beloved, known for upbeat personality

Kimberly Whaley was a licensed pharmacy technician who worked at the Loganville store for seven years.

Georgia

Credit: Olmstead Family

George Olmstead, successful executive search firm founder, dies at 81

He wasn’t just a businessman, daughter says. Olmstead was a great dancer with a sharp wit.

Search continues for law professor missing in North Georgia mountains

67-year-old Charles Hosch works as a Dallas attorney and law professor at Southern Methodist University. He is originally from Gainesville.

Athens airport nears capacity before UGA-Texas game, flights to be rerouted

The Athens airport will break its record for flights this weekend as the University of Georgia Bulldogs host the University of Texas Longhorns in Saturday's football matchup.

Opinion

Credit: TNS

Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to leave ‘toxic’ politics behind. I’m skeptical.

President Donald Trump denounced former ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, and now she wants to turn a new leaf in politics, but her sincerity is in question.

53m ago

Nothing lasts forever: Trump-Marjorie Taylor Greene union was bound to end

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has been rebuffed by Donald Trump, but this was inevitable given her ambition and realization that Trump and MAGA are in decline.

Readers write

AJC readers write about cuts at the CDC and EPA.

Falcons

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons’ Morris on losing Penix to injury: ‘It’s just heartbreaking’

As Atlanta waits for a second opinion on its quarterback's knee, coach Raheem Morris turns team's focus to ending a five-game losing streak.

OPINION

Falcons’ Plan B is Kirk Cousins, which isn’t the most hopeful plan

With Michael Penix Jr. sidelined for at least four games, Atlanta's outlook for the rest of the season is grim based on Cousins’ performances in 2025.

Cousins, defense and more: 5 things we learned in the Falcons’ loss to Panthers

The Falcons, with injuries mounting, will have to rely more on backups, beginning Sunday at New Orleans.

Bulldogs

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Here’s what must happen for Georgia to play in 2025 SEC championship game

The Bulldogs’ improved conference record does not yet mean UGA has clinched a spot in Atlanta.

53m ago

Georgia basketball’s shooting struggles continue in victory over Florida A&M

Georgia basketball handled Florida A&M on Monday night with a 87-57 victory, but a familiar concern arose from the win — 3-point shooting.

What comes next for Georgia defense as CJ Allen deals with knee injury?

Junior linebacker CJ Allen left injured in the second quarter of the 35-10 win over the Longhorns. Georgia still found a way to win without its leading tackler in Allen.

Georgia Tech

Credit: AP

No. 16 Georgia Tech turns attention to showdown with No. 22 Pitt

With an ACC title game berth on the line Saturday, coach Brent Key is working to get the Yellow Jackets back into the right mindset after two straight subpar performances.

Georgia Tech signed new athletic director to 5-year contract, records show

Ryan Alpert's contract to serve as Yellow Jackets athletic director is for a $700K salary in the first year and will go up $100K each subsequent year.

Georgia Tech falls to No. 15 in AP poll after ugly win at Boston College

Georgia Tech fell from No. 14 to No. 15 in the latest AP Top 25 poll after an ugly win over Boston College on Saturday.

Hawks

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Hawks forward Jalen Johnson wins Eastern Conference player of the week

For games played Nov. 10-16, Johnson helped the Hawks to a historic sweep of their western trip.

‘I’m blessed’: Hawks’ TV play-by-play voice still having fun 30 seasons in

One of the big changes Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun says he's seen in 30 years is that games now are great for fans because they get both a basketball game and a party.

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Weekend Reflections: Hawks surge without Trae Young, but they need him

Also: Raheem Morris is ‘losing leader,’ Georgia Tech’s defense collapses again, King vs. Stockton in Heisman race.

Braves

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Ronald Acuña Jr. wins NL Comeback Player of the Year

How Drake Baldwin’s Rookie of the Year win affects the Braves’ future

The Braves gained a first-round pick and extra draft cash thanks to Drake Baldwin’s standout rookie season.

Drake Baldwin wins National League Rookie of the Year

Braves catcher Drake Baldwin won the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year award. Baldwin earned the honor over Cubs pitcher Cade Horton and Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin.

United

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Atlanta United managerial finalists included one surprise

Atlanta United’s list of managerial finalists, culminated by the hiring of Gerardo Martino, included several other highly regarded managers.

Q&A with Atlanta United’s Gerardo Martino: On the roster, pressure and World Cup

Martino said believes he can help the Five Stripes win, similar to when he led them the first time.

‘On a good track’: Martino believes Atlanta United is better than its results

During an introductory news conference Thursday, Gerardo Tata Martino acknowledged that there are obviously needed improvements or there wouldn’t have been a coaching change.

High Schools

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Maxwell summary after First Round: Creekside is Georgia’s highest rated team

After the first round of playoffs, the Maxwell summary slates Creekside as Georgia's highest-rated team.

GHSA sticks with PSR ratings, passes on Maxwell model for now

Post Season Rankings will pick, seed playoff teams 1-32 in all 8 classes starting in 2026-27.

Gainesville leaves loaded Region 7-6A, GHSA approves 12 region appeals

Gainesville spent the last two seasons in Region 7-5A, clashing with athletic titans like Milton and Roswell.

More Sports

Credit: Jack Leo

Gainesville leaves loaded Region 7-6A, GHSA approves 12 region appeals

Gainesville spent the last two seasons in Region 7-5A, clashing with athletic titans like Milton and Roswell.

Kennesaw State falls to South Florida, 108-89

The South Florida Bulls defeated the Kennesaw State Owls 108-89 on Sunday. Both teams honored their former coach Amir Abdur-Rahim at halftime, who passed away last year.

Georgia State falls to Marshall in home finale

Georgia State fell to 1-9 on the season with a 30-18 loss to Marshall at home.

Food & Dining

Credit: Erik Meadows

Wellness-focused restaurant coming soon to Eastside Beltline and more from Atlanta’s dining scene

Buckhead saw some notable restaurant turnover, a popular pop-up announced a brick-and-mortar restaurant and a beverage release party is planned in Decatur.

‘Automatic for the People’: Weaver D’s still bonds Athens as era nears end

After feeding everyone from R.E.M. to Brian Kemp, and coining a phrase that went global, Dexter Weaver is preparing to close his storied Athens soul food restaurant.

Wine tips for Thanksgiving hosts, with 3 bubbly recommendations

A few wine-related tips for Thanksgiving hosts, plus three sparkling options that won't break the bank.

UATL

FROM UATL

Jesse Jackson hospitalized as he battles longstanding neurological illness

Jesse Jackson, 84, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with deep ties to Atlanta’s civil rights community, is under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy.

FROM UATL

Spelman exhibition fuels artifact-driven conversation on reparations

“Repossessions” reimagines authentic antebellum relics like Confederate dollar bills and ledgers with names of enslaved people as art, while building a case for reparations.

FROM UATL

For many Black women, the shutdown was more than missed pay - it was a breaking point

Black women make up roughly 12% of the federal workforce and President Donald Trump’s broader push to shrink the civil service has disproportionately impacted them.

Things to Do

Credit: JP Schoemer

Where can I find it?

When to start planning each part of your Thanksgiving feast

The holiday can be stressful, but this schedule might help you get organized and enjoy the day

9 date ideas that aren’t just dinner and drinks

Looking to mix up date night? These nine Atlanta spots prove you don’t need a reservation to make sparks fly.

Lifestyle

Credit: Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Your guide to a stress-free holiday season, starting with your porch

Get ahead of the holiday rush with expert tips on decorating safely, budgeting wisely and organizing your home for a smooth, stress-free season.

Atlanta area home prices fell in October with steep declines in some places

Metro Atlanta's median sales prices dropped in October as more inventory is on the market.

RECIPE

Buttermilk makes pecan pie less sweet but just as delicious

Georgia pecans shine in lightly sweetened custard filling.

Entertainment

Credit: ALLBLK

Atlantans give Memphis love in new ALLBLK drama ‘G.R.I.T.S.’

ALLBLK, a streaming service targeting African-American audiences, has debuted a new gritty drama "G.R.I.T.S." featuring Atlanta actress Jasmine Sargent.

Like surprises? Local theaters try ‘mystery movie’ nights for a discount

Surprise! Local movie theaters trying mystery movie nights where you enter the theater not knowing what movie you're going to see.

Jane Fonda ‘really proud’ of 30 years helping reduce teen pregnancy in Georgia

Jane Fonda returns to Atlanta, where she lived for nearly 20 years, to host a fundraiser for the nonprofit she started, GCAPP, which focuses on teen pregnancy prevention.

Travel

Credit: Travis Spagenhurg

Pirate museum a new addition to Savannah’s maritime attractions

Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum is the newest attraction in a city filled with history to experience in its museums, dining and even accommodations.

5 unique Southeastern museums to scratch your culture itch

Dedicated to a singular subject offers deep dives on an artist, a sports figure, a pop culture icon and more.

This Southern Living ‘Best Fall Getaway’ is less than 3 hours from Atlanta

This North Carolina plateau has a lot on offer.

Wellness

Credit: Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Your guide to a stress-free holiday season, starting with your porch

Get ahead of the holiday rush with expert tips on decorating safely, budgeting wisely and organizing your home for a smooth, stress-free season.

Waiting for SNAP? Here’s how delays are hitting GA — and what to do next.

As Georgia families wait for their SNAP benefits to resume, learn what this means for your household, how to check your balance and where to find food now.

Nugget’s last shift: Wellstar Children’s Hospital’s first facility dog retires

Nugget helped during nearly 30,000 patient visits at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta, where a little extra comfort mattered most.

Special Features

Credit: Grace Dickinson

Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

PHOTOS: Panthers defeat Falcons in overtime

In a key battle in the NFC South Division, the Carolina Panthers rallied to defeat the Atlanta Falcons Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOTOS: Kennesaw State falls to South Florida in men's basketball

Kennesaw State's men's basketball team fell to South Florida on Sunday. At halftime, both schools honored former coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who passed away in October of 2024.

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Photos: Georgia downs Texas in Sanford Stadium

The Georgia Bulldogs beat the Texas Longhorns in Sanford Stadium on Nov. 15, 2025.