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.

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.

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.

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

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.

EXCLUSIVE

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

Georgia fights 2016 federal lawsuit that demands reforms.

Immigration Crackdown

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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.

AJC Sports

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KEN SUGIURA

It seems like Cooperstown’s doors may never open for Dale Murphy

This was the fourth time Murphy’s case was in front of a veterans committee after 15 unsuccessful years on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.

49m ago

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MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Weekend Reflections: If Jeff Kent belongs in Hall, so does Dale Murphy

We also take a look at Kennesaw State overcoming bad calls, SEC having a CFP edge, and ACC having a CFP problem.

1h ago

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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.

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

MLB

Braves can’t ‘count on’ Joe Jimenez entering 2026

‘We can’t make plans around him at this point,’ Anthopoulos says.

1h ago

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

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: AP

NFL

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.

Today's Videos

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Is Atlanta really the promised land for Black chefs?

Atlanta's AmericasMart sets the fashion trends months in advance

The sixth-grade insult that sparked a question about her body for the first time

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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...

Georgia must eliminate QR codes from ballots by July. Is the state ready?

Georgia is running out of time to comply with a 2024 law requiring the removal of QR codes from ballots by July 2026 ahead of the midterm elections.

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.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Jon Ossoff pushes for health care subsidies as US Senate vote looms

The Atlanta Democrat is making health care a focus of his reelection campaign by pushing for an extension of insurance subsidies.

2h ago

Groups tied to First Liberty accused of campaign finance violations

Two Republican groups linked to the defunct First Liberty Building & Loan likely sought to illegally influence Georgia elections, the State Ethics Commission charged Thursday.

Arts and Entertainment

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It was love, creativity and multi-hyphenates at first sight for Atlanta couple

Diversely talented Atlanta artists Okorie ‘OkCello’ Johnson and Chaunesti Webb-Johnson embrace idea of ‘Big Tent Blackness.’

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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.

Best of 2025

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The AJC’s 10 best new restaurants of 2025

AJC dining critics reviewed and rated more than 30 restaurants in 2025 while visiting many more. These 10 stood out as the best new restaurants of the year.

1h ago

Georgia authors name their favorite books of 2025

From thrillers to literary fiction, see which books Georgia writers loved most in 2025.

HEAT CHECK

Women ran Atlanta rap’s scene — and made it fun again

Despite being a rap Mecca, Atlanta had lagged in producing homegrown female stars. But in 2025, women in Atlanta rap are crystallizing momentum into total domination.

Latest Headlines

BREAKING

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POLITICALLY GEORGIA

2h ago

Georgia and Metro News

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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.

BREAKING

Man found dead in street in SW Atlanta neighborhood, police say

Officers are investigating early Monday in the Baker Hills neighborhood.

16m ago

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.

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.

ICYMI

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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.

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.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta opens door on first modular rapid-housing for homeless residents

The first-of-its-kind development, Waterworks Village, overlooks the nearby reservoir. It's part of Mayor Andre Dickens' initiative to build 500 units of for the unhoused.

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.

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.

Latest news

Politics

Credit: John Spink/AJC

Georgia must eliminate QR codes from ballots by July. Is the state ready?

Georgia is running out of time to comply with a 2024 law requiring the removal of QR codes from ballots by July 2026 ahead of the midterm elections.

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.

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.

Metro Atlanta

Credit: Ben Hendren

BREAKING

Man found dead in street in SW Atlanta neighborhood, police say

Officers are investigating early Monday in the Baker Hills neighborhood.

16m ago

A.M. ATL: Playing the blame game

Morning, y'all. Your Dec. 8 update: Fixing Fulton County's jail, a deep dive into Georgia's special ed program, screen time research and more.

‘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.

Georgia

Credit: John Spink/AJC

Georgia must eliminate QR codes from ballots by July. Is the state ready?

Georgia is running out of time to comply with a 2024 law requiring the removal of QR codes from ballots by July 2026 ahead of the midterm elections.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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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: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

It seems like Cooperstown’s doors may never open for Dale Murphy

This was the fourth time Murphy’s case was in front of a veterans committee after 15 unsuccessful years on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.

49m ago

Braves can’t ‘count on’ Joe Jimenez entering 2026

‘We can’t make plans around him at this point,’ Anthopoulos says.

1h ago

Weekend Reflections: If Jeff Kent belongs in Hall, so does Dale Murphy

We also take a look at Kennesaw State overcoming bad calls, SEC having a CFP edge, and ACC having a CFP problem.

1h ago

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

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Creekside breaks state record for most points in a season

The Seminoles have scored 70 or more points in five games and 69 in another.

20m ago

Gainesville, Calvary Day get boost after big victories | Maxwell summary

56m ago

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.

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

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The AJC’s 10 best new restaurants of 2025

AJC dining critics reviewed and rated more than 30 restaurants in 2025 while visiting many more. These 10 stood out as the best new restaurants of the year.

1h ago

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.

UATL

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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

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Smartphone on your kid’s Christmas list? How to know when they’re ready.

Are you thinking about gifting your child a smartphone this holiday? New research from the University of Georgia reveals how early phone use can influence their well-being.

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.

Special Features

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Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

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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.