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

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‘A lot of blame, but not enough action’: Atlanta leaders lack path to fix jail

Stakeholders across Atlanta and Fulton County grapple with a complex web of issues that contribute to overcrowding, crumbling structure.

25m ago

Speakers vow to never forget during Pearl Harbor event at Georgia museum

Georgians remember the sacrifices of those killed in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor on the anniversary of "a day of infamy" at the Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

Atlanta Braves great Dale Murphy again not elected to Hall of Fame

MLK Day, Juneteenth cut from national parks’ free days; Trump’s birthday added

The Trump administration has altered which days national parks will allow free entry for residents and citizens next year.

AJC Investigation

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‘I’m a bad kid,’ he told himself. How Georgia’s special ed program failed one child

Parents find that it's easy to get into the GNETS program, but in some districts, difficult to leave.

25m ago

EXCLUSIVE

Georgia’s special ed program promised help. Families say it delivered them harm.

Georgia fights 2016 federal lawsuit that demands reforms.

Sports This Weekend

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KEN SUGIURA

CFP committee grants Georgia a favorable draw to reach title game

Georgia thought it had a chance at the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff, but the path as the No. 3 seed has its advantages.

Credit: Hyosub Shin / AJC

BULLDOGS

Why Gunner Stockton has shot to be a Heisman Trophy finalist

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is tied for fourth in the Heisman Trophy odds, a long shot to win, but a possible top-four finisher and Heisman finalist.

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

YELLOW JACKETS

Georgia Tech headed to Pop-Tarts Bowl

The ACC announced Sunday that No. 22 Georgia Tech is headed to the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 27 in Orlando, Florida. The Yellow Jackets will face No. 12 BYU, per On3.

Credit: Hyosub Shin / AJC

BULLDOGS

Georgia third among College Football Playoff championship betting favorites

Georgia is third among CFP championship betting favorites behind Ohio State and Indiana.

Credit: AP

YELLOW JACKETS

Brent Key has “36″ names of candidates to be Georgia Tech’s next OC

Georgia Tech coach Brent Key said Sunday that he he has narrowed his list of candidates to replace offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner down to 36 names.

Credit: Sarah Peacock

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Georgia Southern awaits opponent in only undetermined bowl matchup remaining

Sun Belt rivals Georgia Southern and App State will play in the Birmingham Bowl, ccording to Brett McMurphy of On3.

BULLDOGS

Kirby Smart gets honest on his time at Georgia on the 10-year anniversary of his hiring

Georgia coach Kirby Smart reminisced on the day he was hired at Georgia 10 years ago and looked ahead to the Sugar Bowl when he met with the media on Sunday.

Seahawks at Falcons

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MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Falcons’ Arthur Blank has become bad franchise owner

The Falcons were guaranteed their eighth straight losing season with a 37-9 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday. The Falcons have had just two winning seasons since 2012.

Falcons’ porous kickoff coverage unit flipped the momentum in the game

The Falcons special teams have struggled all year and allowed a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half in a 37-9 loss to the Seahawks.

Falcons report card: Bad marks for getting blown out

Only a few position groups escaped earning failing grades in the Falcons report card after a 37-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

PFWA Pool Report: Mooney’s apparent touchdown overturned

An NFL offical explained the overturn of what looked to be a Darnell Mooney touchdown in the second quarter of the Falcons' 37-9 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.

Today's Videos

Now Playing

Atlanta's AmericasMart sets the fashion trends months in advance

In Georgia, picking wild fruit could cost you $1,000 — unless you go here

Is Atlanta really the promised land for Black chefs?

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Over the past four decades, advances in scientific research and medications for HIV have transformed the disease from a...

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Right now is an important time to make decisions — especially for those who have Medicare or are helping loved ones who...

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Atlanta is a hub for cutting-edge medical care in the region, and home to one of the biggest groups of military...

Atlanta board of education approves school consolidation plan

The Atlanta school board voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve a consolidation plan, which would result in some school closures in a couple of years.

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FROM UATL

Fake Atlanta dentist scammed veneer clients out of $4M, prosecutors say

Brandon Dillard peddled his services as if he were legally allowed to perform them, and kept a realistic-looking dental office that made it seem like his practice was legit.

Credit: Ben Hendren

Small-town Georgia DA brings almost as many RICO cases as Fulton’s Fani Willis

Griffin Judicial Circuit has brought 13 RICO indictments since June 2020.

Georgia and Metro News

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A tiny nation qualified for its first World Cup. Cape Verde has fans here

Cape Verde, competing in its first World Cup, will take on the world's No. 1 team in Spain at 12 p.m. on June 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Medical company announces expansion in Columbus with 480 jobs

A medical logistics company that makes health care kits announced an expansion plan for its Columbus operations, which will add 480 new jobs to the region.

25m ago

UPDATE

Man kills mother, stepfather at Powder Springs home, police say

Officers were called to the Powder Springs home for a domestic incident Saturday and found the two victims suffering from several gunshot wounds.

Officials to install opioid reversal kits in Georgia’s public schools

The kits will contain Narcan, which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing.

Weekend Things to Do

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15 more family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Happenings including holiday parades, a free Ludacris concert and the Dr Pepper SEC FanFare.

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FROM UATL

Civil rights museum opens sweeping new gallery on Reconstruction

‘Broken Promises’ traces the rise and violent undoing of America’s first multiracial democracy. And the legacies that endure.

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa round-up: 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta

Throughout December, families can partake in a host of festive activities to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Here are 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta.

Latest Headlines

25m ago

OPINION

25m ago

Opinion and Voices

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GUEST COLUMN

Fulton County doesn’t need a new jail. Here’s why it’s a bad investment.

As Fulton County weighs options to address the substandard conditions in its jail, a former board commission chairman urges leaders to choose diversion over incarceration.

25m ago

GRIDLOCK GUY

Why driving faster won’t get you there quicker

Does driving faster get you to your destination quicker? Not really, Gridlock Guy explains, and the faster you drive the more at-risk you and anything you hit becomes.

PATRICIA MURPHY

The 2020 election interference case is gone, but it can’t be forgotten

The decision by a Georgia prosecutor not to pursue the massive Trump election interference case leaves some bad deeds unpunished.

GUEST COLUMN

Marjorie Taylor Greene should stand proud. Political fame comes with a cost.

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is a successful politician who amassed a following, but political fame comes with a cost, so I don't blame her for resigning.

GUEST COLUMN

Medicare open enrollment period is ending. Make your health a priority.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period ends on Sunday, Dec. 7, and Atlanta consumers should not take their health and preventive medical care for granted.

Mike Luckovich

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: How to look better.

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Santa Cashin’ in

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Rude dinner comment

Countdown to Christmas

Credit: (Courtesy of Atlantic Station)

12 things to do around metro Atlanta to get you in the holiday spirit

Christmas markets, light displays, 'The Nutcracker,' Buddy the Elf, Rudolph, Santa Claus (and Scuba Claus) are among the holiday things to see and do coming to metro Atlanta.

7 drive-through light shows that pledge to holly jolly your holiday spirits

A million lights is not enough to power many of these eye-popping Christmas light displays in metro Atlanta and beyond.

Metro Atlanta retailers hopeful for strong holiday season after chaotic year

Some independent retailers in metro Atlanta are entering this holiday season feeling battered by what they call a chaotic year.

With Fish gone, which Atlanta radio station has taken the Christmas mantle?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Star 94, which takes the longtime mantle from the now-defunct Fish 104.7.

Latest news

Politics

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Georgia’s off-year elections show momentum and limits for progressives

In Georgia elections, the liberal wing of the Democratic Party falls short in some key races.

25m ago

OPINION

The 2020 election interference case is gone, but it can’t be forgotten

The decision by a Georgia prosecutor not to pursue the massive Trump election interference case leaves some bad deeds unpunished.

A viral confrontation and a sudden resignation shake up Georgia GOP

The man behind the vigilante sting operation that apparently netted a teenage GOP official says he has no regrets.

Metro Atlanta

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

‘I’m a bad kid,’ he told himself. How Georgia’s special ed program failed one child

Parents find that it's easy to get into the GNETS program, but in some districts, difficult to leave.

25m ago

‘A lot of blame, but not enough action’: Atlanta leaders lack path to fix jail

Stakeholders across Atlanta and Fulton County grapple with a complex web of issues that contribute to overcrowding, crumbling structure.

25m ago

Georgia leaders offer support after 2 Tifton police officers shot

The officers, identified by family as Michael Gaskins and Jerry Fulford, were still receiving medical treatment as of Sunday, officials said.

Georgia

Credit: Courtesy of BioTouch

Medical company announces expansion in Columbus with 480 jobs

A medical logistics company that makes health care kits announced an expansion plan for its Columbus operations, which will add 480 new jobs to the region.

25m ago

When ICE takes breadwinners, it takes a toll on families ... and on the economy

For immigrant families, brushes with ICE can result in financial precarity that could have implications for the broader economy.

25m ago

Speakers vow to never forget during Pearl Harbor event at Georgia museum

Georgians remember the sacrifices of those killed in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor on the anniversary of "a day of infamy" at the Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

Opinion

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

OPINION

Fulton County doesn’t need a new jail. Here’s why it’s a bad investment.

As Fulton County weighs options to address the substandard conditions in its jail, a former board commission chairman urges leaders to choose diversion over incarceration.

25m ago

OPINION

Readers write

Atlantans write about climate change, President Donald Trump's election case and small businesses.

OPINION

Medicare open enrollment period is ending. Make your health a priority.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period ends on Sunday, Dec. 7, and Atlanta consumers should not take their health and preventive medical care for granted.

Falcons

Credit: AP

Falcons report card: Bad marks for getting blown out

Only a few position groups escaped earning failing grades in the Falcons report card after a 37-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Falcons’ porous kickoff coverage unit flipped the momentum in the game

The Falcons special teams have struggled all year and allowed a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half in a 37-9 loss to the Seahawks.

Falcons’ Arthur Blank has become bad franchise owner

The Falcons were guaranteed their eighth straight losing season with a 37-9 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday. The Falcons have had just two winning seasons since 2012.

Bulldogs

Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.co

Why Gunner Stockton has shot to be a Heisman Trophy finalist

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is tied for fourth in the Heisman Trophy odds, a long shot to win, but a possible top-four finisher and Heisman finalist.

Georgia third among College Football Playoff championship betting favorites

Georgia is third among CFP championship betting favorites behind Ohio State and Indiana.

Kirby Smart gets honest on his time at Georgia on the 10-year anniversary of his hiring

Georgia coach Kirby Smart reminisced on the day he was hired at Georgia 10 years ago and looked ahead to the Sugar Bowl when he met with the media on Sunday.

Georgia Tech

Credit: AP

Brent Key has “36″ names of candidates to be Georgia Tech’s next OC

Georgia Tech coach Brent Key said Sunday that he he has narrowed his list of candidates to replace offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner down to 36 names.

Georgia Tech headed to Pop-Tarts Bowl

The ACC announced Sunday that No. 22 Georgia Tech is headed to the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 27 in Orlando, Florida. The Yellow Jackets will face No. 12 BYU, per On3.

Georgia Tech offensive lineman to transfer

The freshman and former four-star recruit played in five games on special teams this past season and one on offense.

Hawks

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Johnson’s second straight triple-double boosts Hawks over Wizards

Jalen Johnson's second straight triple-double led the Hawks to a 131-116 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

Jalen Johnson’s first-half triple-double not enough to lift Hawks past Nuggets

The Hawks led the Nuggets by 9 to start the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets went on a 26-7 run to take the lead for good.

Well-traveled Hawks lose to Clippers in return to State Farm Arena

The Atlanta Hawks fell to the Clippers Wednesday night but Atlanta was without Jalen Johnson, Trae Young and Kristas Porzingis.

Braves

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez/AJC

Dale Murphy again not elected to Hall of Fame

Braves Report: Making deals and voting Dale

Braves remain focused on pitching ahead of winter meetings

The Braves have ample spending room, so their options aren’t limited by finances. There are free-agent starters galore, and the trade market offers additional avenues.

United

Credit: AP

Spain highlights Atlanta’s World Cup matches

World Cup analysis: Winners and losers

Friday’s World Cup draw produced a brutal Group of Death with France, Norway and Senegal. See which other groups will be toughest and which look easiest.

Getting to know the World Cup teams

Of the 48 teams that will make up the World Cup, 42 are already known. Get to know all 42.

High Schools

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

GHSA football state championships 2025: Full schedule, matchups

The Georgia high school state championship games are scheduled for Dec. 15-17 in Mercedez-Benz Stadium, and all but one of the matchups are set.

Carrollton bottles up North Gwinnett, rolls into third state final in 4 years

The 48-21 victory over the Bulldogs puts the Trojans in the championship game of the state’s highest classification for the third time in four seasons.

Carrollton, Buford earned No. 1 national football rankings prior to semifinals

More Sports

Credit: Sarah Peacock

After delay, Georgia Southern reportedly knows its Birmingham Bowl opponent

Sun Belt rivals Georgia Southern and App State will play in the Birmingham Bowl, ccording to Brett McMurphy of On3.

Kennesaw State learns bowl fate, QB gets wish of ‘someplace warm’

Kennesaw State will take on Western Michigan in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. It is the program's first-ever bowl game in just its second season in FBS.

GHSA football state championships 2025: Full schedule, matchups

The Georgia high school state championship games are scheduled for Dec. 15-17 in Mercedez-Benz Stadium, and all but one of the matchups are set.

Food & Dining

Credit: Handout

Mellow Mushroom returns to downtown Decatur, and more from metro Atlanta’s dining scene

Three metro-area cooks celebrated a milestone, a new studio for cooking classes opened, and a Thai restaurant group announced its next concept in the Atlanta restaurant scene.

Central Texas-style barbecue compound opens on the Northeast Beltline

Acclaimed pitmaster John Lewis will open his Central Texas-style restaurant Lewis Barbecue in Ansley Mall on Dec. 8.

African print aprons, jumbo candy canes and more Southern-made products to try

December's mix of Southern-made food and kitchen products includes cheesecake dip mixes, ranch dressing in salt form and tea blends from Marietta, Georgia.

UATL

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

FROM UATL

Civil rights museum opens sweeping new gallery on Reconstruction

A sweeping new gallery at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta tells the turbulent, often tragic story of the Reconstruction Era in U.S. history.

FROM UATL

‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Keeping a positive body image

The hosts talk fad diets, BMI and Ozempic.

FROM UATL

Christian rapper Lecrae debuts poetry and essay collection ‘Set Me Free’

In an interview with UATL, the Grammy-winning Christian hip-hop artist calls his essay collection “Set Me Free: The Good News of God’s Relentless Pursuits” experimental art.

Things to Do

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa round-up: 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta

Throughout December, families can partake in a host of festive activities to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Here are 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta.

AJC Peachtree Road Race updates: Stay on pace

The AJC's Nicole Bennett shares an update on her training, plus info on hip pain and some inspiration from an amazing kid.

Where can I find it?

Where you can find ground sumac and where to transform an antique rug into pillows.

Lifestyle

Sea Island house sale of $30 million viewed as Georgia record

John Portman’s Sea Island residence sold this week for $30 million, the highest home price in Georgia history.

Holiday etiquette: Should you quit gifting if they don’t thank you?

Experts share how to handle unacknowledged gifts without losing your holiday spirit.

Why thousands of metro Atlanta sellers pulled their homes off the market

The number of delistings in metro Atlanta grew 41% in September from the same month a year ago, a recent report said.

Entertainment

Credit: Alisha Wetherill

Michelle Pfeiffer plays put-upon mom in Atlanta-shot Amazon Xmas film

Michelle Pfeiffer plays a mom who feels neglected by her family during Christmas in the new Amazon film "Oh. What. Fun." shot in Atlanta during the summer of 2025.

OK Go, known as the ‘treadmill guys,’ can also bring it live

OK Go, known for their viral treadmill video and many others, is also a high energy live band, coming to the Eastern on Sunday.

Cam Newton wants to honor BET’s ‘106 & Park’ with ‘106 & Sports,’ not copy it

BET has a new Atlanta-based show "106 & Sports" led by Cam Newton that honors the original "106 & Park" which shot out of New York City from 2000 to 2014.

Travel

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DISPATCH

This sight in a Georgia town’s skyline just might bring tears to your eyes

Amid rolling Georgia farmland that is home to the Vidalia onion, an architecture-meets-agriculture ornament sits atop the Toombs County courthouse.

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.

Wellness

Credit: Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta

New infant heart stent offers fresh hope for Georgia families

A Georgia couple finds hope after their child receives a first-of-its-kind stent system, placing Children's among the first hospitals to use the innovative technology.

Grady expands care with two outpatient facilities in DeKalb County

Grady Health System is expanding outpatient services to DeKalb County, strengthening its reach and impact across metro Atlanta.

This Marietta salon helps Santas get holiday-ready

A Marietta salon brightens and dyes Santas' beards long before the Christmas festivities begin.

Special Features

Credit: Grace Dickinson

Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

PHOTOS: Falcons fall again Sunday, this time to Seahawks

The Atlanta Falcons lost to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, 37-9, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The loss clinched an eighth straight losing season for the Falcons.

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

PHOTOS: Georgia crushes Alabama to win SEC championship

The Georgia Bulldogs dominated the Alabama Crimson Tide in Saturday's SEC Championship Game, coming away with a convincing 28-7 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

PHOTOS: Georgia prepares for SEC Championship Game

The Georgia Bulldogs and coach Kirby Smart prepare to take on Alabama in the SEC Championship Game Saturday.