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

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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.

With Michael Penix’s injury, Falcons turning to Kirk Cousins as starter

Kirk Cousins was the Falcons' starter for most of last season. Now, with starting QB Michael Penix injured, Cousins looks to be the quarterback moving forward.

38m 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.

2h ago

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.

Politics

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OPINION

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

Acting as the leader of the free world collides with the Georgia representative’s isolationist ignorance.

1h ago

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.

WATCH

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

PSC won’t delay key Georgia Power vote after Democrats’ election wins

The Georgia Public Service Commission has rejected a bid to delay a key vote on whether to allow Georgia Power to execute a historic expansion of its generation fleet.

Georgia Decides

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POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Georgia’s top Republican US Senate candidates now back release of Epstein files

U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and Derek Dooley say they back a bill in the U.S. House that to force the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019.

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.

Bottoms reframes her record as 2026 races takes shape

Can the former Atlanta mayor pitch herself as a centrist for governor of Georgia?

AJC Sports

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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.

1h ago

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.

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

AJC VARSITY

Coin flip could send No. 1 teams Grayson, Hughes on road next week

The coin toss landed tails, which means the teams lower on the bracket will play at home when teams are equally seeded.

1h ago

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

NFL

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.’s season could be in jeopardy after knee injury, per ESPN report

Kirk Cousins will be the starting QB after taking the reins in third quarter of Sunday’s loss.

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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.

Credit: Hyosub Shin / AJC

BULLDOGS

Steve Sarkisian explains Texas’ fourth-quarter ‘disaster’ vs. Georgia

The Bulldogs outscore the Longhorns 21-0 in final quarter, and the Texas coach falls to 0-3 against UGA coach Kirby Smart over the last two seasons.

Credit: AJC

AJC VARSITY

GHSA to discuss Maxwell-proposed alternative to PSR, consider 18 region appeals

The GHSA will consider using the Loren Maxwell-proposed model for picking playoff teams in 2026-27 instead of the Postseason Rankings Formula.

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Gridlock Guy: ATL DOT asks to please pardon its progress

Howell Mill and Boulevard projects highlight a dozens-deep Safe Streets initiative list, but people must be patient

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.

43m ago

TRAFFIC UPDATE

8-mile-long traffic jam caused by tractor-trailer crash on I-20 East

Lanes have fully reopened since the early Monday morning wreck near the Fulton Industrial Boulevard exit (Exit 49).

Woman dies after being shot in head outside Loganville CVS, police say

Investigation continues into what led to the incident, officials say.

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

43m ago

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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.

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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

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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: Natrice Miller/AJC

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.

Bottoms reframes her record as 2026 races takes shape

Can the former Atlanta mayor pitch herself as a centrist for governor of Georgia?

Metro Atlanta

Credit: File photo

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.

43m ago

TRAFFIC UPDATE

8-mile-long traffic jam caused by tractor-trailer crash on I-20 East

Lanes have fully reopened since the early Monday morning wreck near the Fulton Industrial Boulevard exit (Exit 49).

A.M. ATL: School work

Morning, y'all. Your Nov. 17 update: APS overhaul plans, a new prosecutor in Georgia's election interference case, MTG's split with Trump and more.

Georgia

Credit: Phoebe Quinton

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.

2h ago

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.

Sweet Tea: For love of food

Plus: Old guy wisdom, a cool science class

Opinion

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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.

1h ago

Readers write

AJC readers write about cuts at the CDC and EPA.

OPINION

Is the recent youth movement the Democrats’ future?

Recent municipal elections in metro Atlanta saw encouraging developments from wet-behind-the-ears candidates.

Falcons

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

With Michael Penix’s injury, Falcons turning to Kirk Cousins as starter

Kirk Cousins was the Falcons' starter for most of last season. Now, with starting QB Michael Penix injured, Cousins looks to be the quarterback moving forward.

38m ago

Falcons put Penix on injured reserve; he’ll miss at least 4 games.

Kirk Cousins will be the starting QB after taking the reins in third quarter of Sunday’s loss.

Falcons wrap: Here’s all the coverage from the Week 11 loss to the Panthers

Bulldogs

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

Georgia moves up to No. 4 in AP poll after concluding SEC play

Georgia moved up to No. 4 in the latest AP Top 25 poll after Week 13 after its 35-10 win over Texas on Saturday.

OPINION

Another big game at Sanford Stadium, another most predictable outcome

After UGA moves to 9-0 against top 10 foes at home, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian says ‘That’s why they’ve kind of been the standard of college football for the last 10 years,’

Steve Sarkisian explains Texas’ fourth-quarter ‘disaster’ vs. Georgia

The Bulldogs outscore the Longhorns 21-0 in final quarter, and the Texas coach falls to 0-3 against UGA coach Kirby Smart over the last two seasons.

Georgia Tech

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

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.

1h ago

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.

Yellow Jackets overcome poor defense, red zone issues again

Despite a bye week to focus on the shaky defense and red zone woes it showed in the loss to N.C. State, Georgia Tech stumbled in those areas again but rallied to beat BC.

Hawks

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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.

Hawks Zaccharie Risacher exits game in Phoenix after scary fall

NAWt so fast: Nickeil Alexander-Walker sparks huge 4th-quarter comeback for Hawks

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: Contributed

Vote: Week 5 Falcons High School Girls Flag Football Coach of the Week

The nominees for the Falcons Coach of the Week award, powered by AJC Varsity, exemplify coaching excellence with relation to their teams, fan bases and communities.

54m ago

Coin flip could send No. 1 teams Grayson, Hughes on road next week

The coin toss landed tails, which means the teams lower on the bracket will play at home when teams are equally seeded.

1h ago

Everything to know about the Class 5A second-round playoff matchups

A breakdown of second-round games in the Class 5A Georgia high school football playoffs.

More Sports

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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.

No. 8 Lee County eliminates No. 9 Sprayberry for second consecutive season

The ninth-ranked Sprayberry football team, hoping to avenge a lopsided 64-0 loss to Lee County in the 2024 quarterfinals, made a better game of it in the rematch Friday night.

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: SPRINGS CINET

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.

It’s official: Netflix creating ‘A Different World’ reboot in Atlanta

A reboot of the beloved sitcom, which featured a fictional historically Black college and ran from 1987-93, filmed a pilot in Atlanta over the summer.

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.