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

Credit: Nathan Posner for the AJC

Trump-Greene split: A MAGA divorce with Georgia implications

The messy public breakup between President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene marks the collapse of an alliance that has helped define MAGA politics.

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. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.

‘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.

Gridlock Guy: ATL DOT asks to please pardon its progress

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

Sports This Weekend

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

BULLDOGS

Kirby Smart: ‘You’re not just getting checks at our place, we’re hitting people’

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

KEN SUGIURA

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,’

1h ago

Credit: AP Photo/Vasha Hunt

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Projecting the CFP: Alabama drops, at-large teams scramble

The College Football Playoff picture remains clouded, with Alabama due for a big drop and unsettled races in the ACC and among Group of Five teams.

Credit: AP

YELLOW JACKETS

Georgia Tech overcomes 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.

2h ago

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

BULLDOGS

Kirby Smart knew the risk on Georgia onside kick: ‘I was an idiot if it didn’t work’

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

YELLOW JACKETS

Georgia Tech’s home finale against Pitt gets primetime kickoff

For the first time this season, the Yellow Jackets will play at night at Bobby Dodd Stadium when they face the Panthers on Saturday with an ACC title game berth on the line.

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

AJC VARSITY

GHSA playoffs recap: Big upsets, historic victories highlight first round

Only four top-10 teams lost in the first round, which is not uncommon, and some of the top teams were ruthless. And a few teams scored historic victories.

Panthers at Falcons

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez/AJC

Midseason report card: Falcons earn low marks for first half of season

At the halfway point of the season for the Falcons, very few position groups are grading out well.

53m ago

Falcons need to get Bijan Robinson some room to run

The Falcons must figure out a way to get Robinson back into open space when they play the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Supposed isolation of Michael Penix Jr. a social media distortion

Comments that Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made on Wednesday about his support system were misinterpreted and blown out of proportion on social media.

Falcons’ struggling run defense has to stop Rico Dowdle on Sunday

The Falcons are preparing for a heavy dose of running backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard on Sunday, who have helped power the Panthers to second place in the NFC South.

Weekend Reads

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

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.

Credit: John Spink

Buckhead club owner must pay $66M for student’s death

The owner of the now-defunct Buckhead nightclub Elleven45 Lounge is on the hook for $66.5 million in a lawsuit over a young patron's shooting death on Mother's Day in 2024.

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Georgia judge rejects ‘mysterious’ GOP loyalty tests

Republican activists in rural Catoosa County wanted would-be GOP candidates to pass an ideological test before they could appear on the ballot. A judge said no.

Today's Videos

Now Playing

Spelman art exhibit dares to redefine the history of American slavery

'Make America Skilled Again': Trump's anti-DEI posters reflect a bygone era

Casual wine bar Madeira Park becomes a neighborhood gathering spot

Credit: Humana

It’s been quite a journey for Christine Sintay, a former stay-at-home mom who took the leap into the insurance...

Credit: Kaiser Permanente

For patients with cancer, expedience and communication matter. No one knows that better than gynecologic oncologist Dr...

Credit: Daytona Beach

You may know Daytona Beach for the 23-mile stretch of sand, scenic trails and eclectic shopping. But did you know it’s...

Frybread, flutes, stories kick off 4th annual First Voices Festival

Indigenous people celebrated, tragedies explored through a series of events in November.

2h ago

Credit: Photo by Shannel Resto

Your guide to upcoming dances that don’t feature sugar plum fairies

Here are some of the movement performances around Atlanta over the holidays if ‘Nutcracker’ isn’t your cup of holiday cider.

Credit: Handout

HEAT CHECK

How Atlanta’s Young Dro achieved one of rap’s great comebacks this year

The AJC interviews veteran rapper Young Dro on one of the most exciting years of his career.

Georgia and Metro News

Credit: Natrice Miller

Fire gutted a DeKalb art studio. Creatives are now picking up the pieces.

A Wednesday blaze at South River Art Studios ravaged one of three warehouses on the property where about 35 artists create and store all their supplies.

$980M Mega Millions winning ticket sold in Newnan

The player matched all six numbers during a Friday evening drawing and won a jackpot worth an estimated $980 million. It has an estimated cash value of $452.2 million.

Meet the Democratic Socialist elected to Atlanta City Council

Kelsea Bond won a landslide victory in the District 2 race while championing Beltline rail, dense affordable housing and workers’ rights.

DeKalb officials recommend keeping Druid Hills High School where it is

The tentative plan would be to tear down most of the existing school.

After the Shutdown

Credit: Natrice Miller

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.

Georgia’s hemp producers and retailers are losers in shutdown-ending deal

A U.S. Senate compromise to end the federal government shutdown has made most hemp products illegal.

OPINION

Rhone: To build community, don’t follow our leaders

During the shutdown, everyday people showed more creativity and empathy than any member of any party in any branch of government. Sometimes following the leader isn’t the way.

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.

Latest Headlines

2h ago

OPINION

Opinion and Voices

Credit: Handout

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.

GUEST COLUMN

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.

GUEST COLUMN

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

Georgia potentially faces a humanitarian crisis when older residents outnumber children in a few years if the state does not build up its caregiving training infrastructure.

GUEST COLUMN

Stop relitigating 2020 election. Voting in Georgia is secure and accessible.

Some Fulton County officials are callling for more changes to the election system and the 2020 election keeps coming up, but voting is both safe and accessible in Georgia.

THE STEERING COLUMN

Beyond the odometer: What matters most in a used car

A well-maintained, high-mileage older car can easily be a better value and a more dependable vehicle than a neglected, low-mileage younger one.

Mike Luckovich

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Partisan poultry pardons

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Web we weave.

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Professional folders

Holiday Plans

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

Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at one of these metro Atlanta restaurants or preorder a holiday feast to pick up before the big day.

Credit: Krista Slater

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.

Latest news

Politics

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images

Prosecutor takes helm of Georgia case against Trump. But will he move forward?

A veteran Georgia prosecutor will decide the fate of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies.

OPINION

Georgia’s never had a woman governor. Melita Easters plans to change that.

Melita Easters co-founded Georgia WIN List 25 years ago to help Democratic women fight the "good old boy system" and get elected to office, including to the General Assembly.

Investigation into Abrams-linked group could spark new campaign laws

Campaign finance violations linked to Stacey Abrams’ 2018 Democratic campaign for governor may inspire new legislation aimed at curbing illegal election funding.

Metro Atlanta

‘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.

Gridlock Guy: ATL DOT asks to please pardon its progress

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

Fire gutted a DeKalb art studio. Creatives are now picking up the pieces.

A Wednesday blaze at South River Art Studios ravaged one of three warehouses on the property where about 35 artists create and store all their supplies.

Georgia

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

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

Mercer names Columbus native, former teacher its first female president

Mercer University on Friday named its next president, Penny L. Elkins, the first female to lead the Macon-based private university in its nearly two-century history.

Opinion

Credit: pskinner@ajc.com

OPINION

Readers write

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

As Russia's war against Ukraine persists, children have made art to deal with their trauma and some of that work is being highlighted in a benefit concert in Lawrenceville.

OPINION

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

Georgia potentially faces a humanitarian crisis when older residents outnumber children in a few years if the state does not build up its caregiving training infrastructure.

Falcons

Credit: AP

LIVE UPDATES

Falcons’ London, Lindstrom and Dorlus active today vs. Panthers

19m ago

Midseason report card: Falcons earn low marks for first half of season

At the halfway point of the season for the Falcons, very few position groups are grading out well.

53m ago

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. shares thoughts on Panthers matchup

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. shares what he expects from the Carolina Panthers, his team’s opponent at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Bulldogs

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

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,’

1h ago

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.

Kirby Smart: ‘You’re not just getting checks at our place, we’re hitting people’

Georgia Tech

Credit: AP

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.

2h ago

Georgia Tech’s home finale against Pitt gets primetime kickoff

For the first time this season, the Yellow Jackets will play at night at Bobby Dodd Stadium when they face the Panthers on Saturday with an ACC title game berth on the line.

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Georgia Tech survives, but ‘can’t keep playing like this’ to make ACC title game

No. 16 Georgia Tech might be relieved it still has a chance at an ACC Championship after an escape at BC, but no one in the locker room is happy about the way they played.

Hawks

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Good, really good and not-so-good: Hawks making noise with four straight wins

Without Trae Young, the Hawks have won four in a row, including an impressive 132-122 win over the Jazz on Thursday that was led by Jalen Johnson's triple-double.

Hawks’ Jalen Johnson is making a case for All-NBA consideration

Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is well on his way to an All-NBA season for the Hawks, who have won their last four games.

Another gear: Johnson, Okongwu power Hawks over Jazz with career nights

The Hawks found the right gear to grind out a 132-122 victory over the Jazz on Thursday night at the Delta Center in Utah.

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

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.

GHSA playoffs recap: Big upsets, historic victories highlight first round

Only four top-10 teams lost in the first round, which is not uncommon, and some of the top teams were ruthless. And a few teams scored historic victories.

GHSA football playoffs live blog: Walton-McEachern leads list of upsets

The latest high school football highlights from around the state for the first round of the GHSA playoffs.

More Sports

Credit: Stan Awtrey

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.

Supposed isolation of Michael Penix Jr. a social media distortion

Comments that Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made on Wednesday about his support system were misinterpreted and blown out of proportion on social media.

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

How Outkast rewrote hip-hop’s fashion rules

Credits: AJC|@OutkastOfficial_;@RecordingAcademy;@consequencevideo/YT|@bigboi;@outkast;@rockhall/IG|AP|Blackshire;Song;Williams;cohen;Fleisher/AJC

FROM UATL

Ain’t no debate: Outkast is the greatest rap group of all time

André 3000 and Big Boi changed the way we think about music and ourselves.

FROM UATL

Atlanta’s civil rights museum reopens, reimagined for the next generation

Nearly a year of renovation has almost doubled the size of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, giving it a fresh dimension, including a children's exhibit space.

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: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

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.

OPINION

Petition for safety isn’t a covert plot to kill Beltline rail

A Georgia man hopes his petition will bring increased safety to the Atlanta Beltline. I hope his mission doesn't get derailed.

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: Natrice Miller

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.