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

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Ga. 400 toll lanes, state’s most expensive project, close on financing

It’s the most expensive project the state has ever pursued, but because of the unique private-public partnership, it will have limited impact on taxpayers.

Fulton must accept Republican election board nominees, judge rules

A senior superior court judge ordered that the Fulton's board of commissioners must appoint two critics nominated by the Fulton Republican Party to the county election board.

Free rooftop solar program just launched in Georgia. Trump may try to end it.

As of late Tuesday afternoon, the move to cancel Georgia’s Solar for All grant had not been finalized.

Flood watch, warnings in place across metro Atlanta as waters rise

The flood watch, which covers much of the state but excludes parts of northwest Georgia, remains in effect through Wednesday evening.

Georgia Elections

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ANALYSIS

Kemp’s latest gamble: A blank-slate Senate candidate with big stakes

A win would cement the governor’s legacy. A loss could leave Republicans divided and Democrats emboldened ahead of 2026 midterms.

Once a rising GOP star, Geoff Duncan charts his course to the Democratic Party

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said a series of poor decisions by the GOP lead to his party switch.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Latino Victory Fund backs Jason Esteves in Democratic primary for governor

The state senator from Atlanta would make history as Georgia's first Black and first Latino governor

Here's who is running for office in Georgia in 2026

Here’s who has officially announced a run for some of the more noteworthy and competitive Georgia offices.

AJC Voices

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GEOFF DUNCAN

From Republican lt. governor to Democrat: Loving my neighbor is easier now

GOP policies on tax cuts, health insurance and immigration pushed me to switch political parties.

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BEN BURNETT

Georgia Republicans can beat Ossoff, but only if they pick the right horse

Gov. Brian Kemp and President Donald Trump might cancel each other’s endorsements and keep the U.S. Senate seat in Democratic hands.

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BILL TORPY

What’s in a name? Gov. Kemp and Coach Dooley’s son are about to find out

Gov. Brian Kemp is promoting football coach Derek Dooley, the son of Bulldog legend Vince Dooley, as a U.S. Senate candidate against Jon Ossoff.

AJC Sports

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OWLS

Kennesaw State QB, who has Big 10 experience, balances football and dad duty

Dexter Williams II, the heir apparent to start at quarterback this season at Kennesaw State, has the added responsibility of being a father.

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YELLOW JACKETS

The play of the offensive line is Georgia Tech’s biggest preseason question

With veterans and newcomers competing for spots, Georgia Tech’s offensive line remains a work in progress ahead of the season opener against Colorado.

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Georgia Tech’s Jamal Haynes on watch lists for two national awards

Running back named to watch lists for the Doak Walker Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year award.

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YELLOW JACKETS

Georgia Tech calling for ‘whiteout’ against Clemson

Georgia Tech fans are asked to wear white for this season's Clemson game — the first whiteout since 2021.

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NFL

Falcons’ offensive lineman Jake Matthews likes the energy at training camp

Matthews, who was drafted seventh overall in the 2014 NFL draft, said his teammates' energy at training camp reminds him of the 2016 and 2017 playoff teams.

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NEWSLETTER

Sign up for the Dirty Birds Dispatch

The AJC’s new weekly newsletter is a must-read for any Falcons fan

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NFL

Falcons backup QB Easton Stick ready to lead the charge Friday night

Backup quarterbacks Easton Stick and Emory Jones are set to lead the Falcons into their exhibition opener against the Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Today's Videos

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Back-to-school season is rapidly approaching — do you have everything you need to start the year?

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Are you a nurse looking for some relaxation? This is the contest for you.

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When it comes to laid-back fun, New Smyrna Beach overflows with activities that will keep you coming back again and...

Waymos haven’t caused crashes in Atlanta so far, but some are getting confused

APD hasn’t deemed any accidents to be Waymo’s fault, but the public has been documenting apparent robotaxi confusion.

OPINION

Everything you need to know about Atlanta's robotaxis

Self-driving taxis from Waymo are now operating in Atlanta via Uber. Here’s what to know about safety, service areas and how the robotaxis see the road.

OPINION

Here’s what it’s like to ride in a driverless car

Waymo and its driverless cars have come to Atlanta and are ready to be booked.

Amazon wants in, too. Meet Zoox.

Atlanta has become a popular autonomous vehicle testing ground. This summer, Amazon-backed Zoox will enter the region.

Arts and Entertainment

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25th novel a major milestone for Atlanta crime writer Karin Slaughter

Bestselling author also tries her hand at screenwriting and showrunning with new Peacock series, ‘The Good Daughter.’

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How Labubus became the internet’s — and Atlanta’s — favorite weird toy

Fans hunt for rare versions of the tiny, toothsome and trending dolls amid blind boxes and faux versions.

What movies made in Georgia have made the most money since 2008?

The state juiced up its tax credits that year, making the state an enticing draw for big-budget films.

Breakdown

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Veteran AJC reporter Bill Rankin says goodbye to ‘Breakdown’ podcast

The new season of “Breakdown” is the last for the podcast’s founder.

LISTEN

"Three days in May" — Episode Four: "Hitting the Floor"

Season 11 of the AJC’s Atlanta true crime podcast, where an overjoyed Georgia military couple brings home their newborn — then makes a chilling discovery.

AJC’s true crime podcast returns with mystery: Why did baby McKenzy die?

Breakdown’s 11th season, ‘Three Days in May,’ explores legal and emotional journey of young parents after unthinkable happens.

Latest Headlines

Food and Dining

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Spoons, glasses, aprons and knives: These are a few of Atlanta chefs’ favorite things

Ten food and beverage professionals share their culinary collections.

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How a newlywed’s recipe for mustard eventually became a business

Lisa Killorin launched Columbus, Georgia-based Sassy Mustard using a 30-year-old recipe. Now, her products are sold in 22 states and growing.

Credit: Handout

2 popular restaurants announce fall returns and more from metro Atlanta’s dining scene

Canoe turns 30, three places to get free food, a new resort restaurant from Shaun Doty and more to look forward to in the Atlanta restaurant scene.

Georgia and Metro News

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

She lost her son to an off-duty officer’s bullets. She still seeks justice.

The GBI submitted its investigation into the death of Devon Anderson to the Fulton County DA six months ago, but no charges have been filed.

Fernbank Museum announces biggest renovation since it opened

Georgia's Fernbank Museum has raised about $27 million to transform existing exhibits, build new ones and add an accessible elevator and building entrances.

Atlanta’s luxe office market is like musical chairs, slowly losing seats

There’s a wide gap between luxury office properties, often called class A or trophy, and aging and less-opulent buildings called class B.

Chronic absenteeism rates trend down in Georgia schools

Chronic absenteeism — when a student misses 10% or more of the school year — has dropped to 19.5% in Georgia, its lowest rate since before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-20.

Opinion and Voices

Credit: Cobb County School District

GUEST COLUMN

No reason for cutting video of public comment from Cobb school board meetings

Anytime an official uses efficiency as a justification for eliminating public input, I get suspicious.

GUEST COLUMN

Parents’ advice to college freshmen should encourage them to evolve and grow

I entered college as a shy kid, but I had the ambition to reinvent myself, and I did it. I encourage all freshmen to do the same.

GUEST COLUMN

FDA’s synthetic 7-OH crackdown is an attack on deception not against kratom

For years, unscrupulous manufacturers have marketed high-potency substances in the form of shots, capsultes and gummies as kratom. New regulations will end the confusion.

OPINION

We asked readers how to fix MARTA. To start: More tracks, better experience.

Metro Atlanta residents share their observations and ideas so the transit system can overcome its flaws and recent mishaps.

THE STEERING COLUMN

Subaru gets racy with its WRX sedan

Some manufacturers still lean into the racing-as-aspiration ownership paradigm.

Latest news

Politics

Credit: Arvin Temkar

Fulton must accept Republican election board nominees, judge rules

A senior superior court judge ordered that the Fulton's board of commissioners must appoint two critics nominated by the Fulton Republican Party to the county election board.

Once a rising GOP star, Geoff Duncan charts his course to the Democratic Party

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said a series of poor decisions by the GOP lead to his party switch.

LIVE ELECTIONS HUB

The latest from the Georgia 2026 campaign trail

Get the latest updates and analysis on the Georgia races for U.S. Senate and governor — the battleground state's most hotly contested races.

Metro Atlanta

Credit: Ben Hendren

Flood watch, warnings in place across metro Atlanta as waters rise

The flood watch, which covers much of the state but excludes parts of northwest Georgia, remains in effect through Wednesday evening.

Ga. 400 toll lanes, state’s most expensive project, close on financing

It’s the most expensive project the state has ever pursued, but because of the unique private-public partnership, it will have limited impact on taxpayers.

Fernbank Museum announces biggest renovation since it opened

Georgia's Fernbank Museum has raised about $27 million to transform existing exhibits, build new ones and add an accessible elevator and building entrances.

Georgia

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Free rooftop solar program just launched in Georgia. Trump may try to end it.

As of late Tuesday afternoon, the move to cancel Georgia’s Solar for All grant had not been finalized.

Once a rising GOP star, Geoff Duncan charts his course to the Democratic Party

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said a series of poor decisions by the GOP lead to his party switch.

New solar program helps Georgians slash their power bills — for free

Georgia BRIGHT ‘Solar for All’ program is funded by a $156 million federal grant and expects to offer 450 homes a no-cost solar system in its initial phase.

Opinion

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Second choice

Geoff Duncan should credit Dems for making Georgia the state it became

Republican-turned-Democratic former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan cited key statistics for his transformation. He should recall Dems made the Peach State what it is today.

OPINION

Readers write

It's time to finish the Epstein saga; America has a spending problem, not a revenue problem; and rolling back environmental protections is risky, AJC readers write.

Falcons

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Sign up for the Dirty Birds Dispatch

The AJC’s new weekly newsletter is a must-read for any Falcons fan

Falcons’ offensive lineman Jake Matthews likes the energy at training camp

Matthews, who was drafted seventh overall in the 2014 NFL draft, said his teammates' energy at training camp reminds him of the 2016 and 2017 playoff teams.

Falcons backup QB Easton Stick ready to lead the charge Friday night

Backup quarterbacks Easton Stick and Emory Jones are set to lead the Falcons into their exhibition opener against the Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Bulldogs

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Top 10 WRs in Georgia high school football list includes 4 UGA commits

Here are the top 10 wide receivers ahead of the Georgia high school football season.

Georgia football ranked in top five of coaches preseason poll

The Bulldogs received three first-place votes.

Kirby Smart shares area where his young Georgia football team is ‘not afraid’

The Georgia coach brings up that 54% of his team is either in their first or second year of college, almost as much as the team’s mantra for the 2025 season.

Georgia Tech

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

The play of the offensive line is Georgia Tech’s biggest preseason question

With veterans and newcomers competing for spots, Georgia Tech’s offensive line remains a work in progress ahead of the season opener against Colorado.

Georgia Tech’s Jamal Haynes on watch lists for two national awards

Running back named to watch lists for the Doak Walker Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year award.

Georgia Tech calling for ‘whiteout’ against Clemson

Georgia Tech fans are asked to wear white for this season's Clemson game — the first whiteout since 2021.

Hawks

Credit: Mike Luck

The AJC’s Hawks quarter-century team: A look at the first-team selections

Trae Young, Joe Johnson and more Hawks players have earned first-team nods.

The AJC’s Hawks quarter-century team: A look at the second-team selections

A look at the five players The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has named to the All-Hawks 25-year second team.

Braves

Credit: AP

Common themes present in Braves’ series loss to Brewers

The Brewers entered Truist Park with the best record in MLB, and through two games against the Braves, they look the part. But the Braves are...

1h ago

Braves Report: Are you still watching?

Braves return to Truist Park with 3-1 loss to Brewers

The club lost 3-1 on Monday night, recording just three hits against the team with the best record (68-44) in MLB.

United

Credit: Dustin Satloff/Atlanta United

Wednesday’s match has little meaning, but Atlanta United needs something good

Atlanta United hosts Atlas in a Leagues Cup match that means nothing competitively — but a win could help spark momentum for the final stretch of the MLS season.

Atlanta United signs midfielder Steven Alzate

Midfielder Steven Alzate, who has made 200 appearances as a pro, comes to the MLS from Hull City of the England Football League's Championship division.

Atlanta’s Summer of Soccer gets positive reviews

High Schools

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

From best hire to toughest job, a look at Class 5A football coaching changes

Ahead of the 2025 season, Georgia high school football daily looks at the biggest news among Class 5A coaching changes.

Star-studded defensive line highlights Class 5A preseason all-state team

Georgia High School Football Daily and the AJC are naming the 2025 preseason all-state teams by classification.

Top 10 WRs in Georgia high school football list includes 4 UGA commits

Here are the top 10 wide receivers ahead of the Georgia high school football season.

More Sports

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Kennesaw State QB, who has Big Ten experience, balances football and dad duty

Dexter Williams II, the heir apparent to start at quarterback this season at Kennesaw State, has the added responsibility of being a father.

Sports Daily: Prepare vs. protect

Atlanta TV sports listings

A look at the TV listings for major sporting events for Atlanta today and this week.

Food & Dining

Credit: Handout

How a newlywed’s recipe for mustard eventually became a business

Lisa Killorin launched Columbus, Georgia-based Sassy Mustard using a 30-year-old recipe. Now, her products are sold in 22 states and growing.

Spoons, glasses, aprons and knives: These are a few of Atlanta chefs’ favorite things

Atlanta-area food and beverage professionals discuss their personal culinary collections that range from spoons to glasses to aprons and knives.

2 popular restaurants announce fall returns and more from metro Atlanta’s dining scene

Canoe turns 30, three places to get free food, a new resort restaurant from Shaun Doty and more to look forward to in the Atlanta restaurant scene.

UATL

Credit: Olivia Bowdoin

FROM UATL

23,000 women flooded State Farm Arena for fiery sermons, empowering panels

Attendees came from Europe, South Africa, Canada and the Caribbean, as well as from all over the U.S., for the Woman Evolve Conference, hosted by Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts.

FROM UATL

How Black Restaurant Week Atlanta 2025 is supporting Black-owned spots

Black Restaurant Week 2025 in Atlanta adds Bites and Birdies Golf Invitational at Canongate 1 Golf Club and additional resources to support Black-owned restaurants.

FROM UATL

End of summer: UATL’s August book recommendations

Six book recommendations by Black authors around family, identity, geography and humor.

Things to Do

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

25th novel a major milestone for Atlanta crime writer Karin Slaughter

The prolific author has a new book out on Aug. 12 (“We Are All Guilty Here”), also debutsas scriptwriter and showrunner for 'The Good Daughter' series.

Esports and Premier League enthusiasts converge on Atlanta for festival

The video game portion of the event featured esports professionals competing in EA Sports FC, as well as a celebrity competition featuring Premier League players and others.

It’s time for fun: 6 ways to spend a day in August

All the kids are headed back to school, but August is still a jam-packed month of fun for all ages in Atlanta.

Lifestyle

2 of the best ‘walkable and feel-good’ streets in the U.S. are in Georgia

Discover why two Georgia towns — Dahlonega and Blue Ridge — rank among the best wellness walks in the U.S., according to a national survey.

River birch losing leaves is not a serious problem

Walter Reeves explains why a river birch tree might be shedding lots of leaves and why a crape myrtle tree might be send up suckers.

OPINION

Political power play poses a risk to consumer safety

After a recent recall, I realized how the current back-and-forth between President Trump and the ousted commissioners of the CPSC could impact our safety and well-being.

Entertainment

Credit: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

Remembering actress Loni Anderson, who died Sunday at 79

Loni Anderson, who played the bright and beautiful receptionist on the 1970s television sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died Sunday.

CBS building new newsroom in Atlanta; 11Alive, Erick Erickson add shows

The CBS newsroom at WUPA-TV will be the fifth English-language TV newsroom in Atlanta.

What movies made in Georgia have made the most money since 2008?

The list is topped by a lot of superhero movies and sequels. So far, three films since the pandemic ended made the list: "Jungle Cruise," "Black Widow" and "The Suicide Squad.

Travel

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Capybaras are the new ‘supercool’ stars of tourist-loving Helen

Since opening this summer in tourist-loving Helen, Capyfriends Café has attracted folks happy to feed the friendly capybaras, rodents who are "so ugly they’re cute."

Chat with divers, meet a baby penguin at Tennessee Aquarium

You don't have to travel far for family fun this summer.

Summer travel: Don’t let the season end without one last great escape

Before the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to fall, plan one more summer getaway.

Wellness

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Meet the queens of Atlanta’s pickleball scene

The Atlanta Pickleball Queens first started with a love for the game. Now, the group is 300 strong and helping women of all ages find community and a space on the court.

Back-to-school season can mean new anxieties. Here’s how to address them

The excitement of a new school year can also bring anxieties. Jody Baumstein, a licensed psychotherapist, shares tips to help families navigate back-to-school season.

2 of the best ‘walkable and feel-good’ streets in the U.S. are in Georgia

Discover why two Georgia towns — Dahlonega and Blue Ridge — rank among the best wellness walks in the U.S., according to a national survey.

Special Features

Credit: Grace Dickinson

Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

AJC Photos of the Month -- July 2025

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game and festivities, the Club World Cup soccer matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the AJC Peachtree Road Race, Good Trouble protest and summer heat are j...

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta students start school

The largest metro Atlanta School districts start school today. As part of first-day events at Hope-Hill Elementary School, members of Kappa-Boule Atlanta greet students.

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Photos: Atlanta’s senior women find community through pickleball

A silver medal in Macon, a gold in Griffin — Atlanta resident Suzanne Ockleberry has a passion for pickleball. It’s not trophies she’s after though.