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

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This metro Atlanta couple spearheaded a change in football helmets

Erin and Lee Hanson are the founders behind Guardian Sports, the company that makes the Guardian Caps worn by college football and NFL players.

59m ago

Georgia TikTok star ‘Marquay the Goat’ dies at 24

Sources familiar with the situation said Collins had complained of head and neck pain in the days leading up to his death.

Two reasons to be thankful. An unusual organ transplant story.

One family's decisions led to one of the most unusual live organ transplants in Piedmont Hospital’s history.

59m ago

State troopers record 30 crashes, 57 DUIs at start of Thanksgiving operation

Georgia State Patrol troopers are increasing their presence across the state’s interstates and state roads during the Thanksgiving travel period.

AJC Sports

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Everything you need to know about No. 4 Georgia vs. No. 23 Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets (9-2) are looking to break that long run of losses to UGA. And a win Friday would keep their faint CFP hopes alive.

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MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Weekend Predictions: Falcons, Clean Old-Fashioned Hate and Kennesaw State

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AJC VARSITY

Gainesville high school football suspensions: What we know, what’s next

Gainesville football's highly anticipated matchup with No. 1 Langston Hughes has been postponed due to an on-going appeals process.

Credit: Jayla Middlebrooks, Vitality Sports Media

AJC VARSITY

‘A little direction’ turned a 1-9 Georgia HS football team into a history-maker

Lithonia High School's football team has gone from 1-9 and 0-10 seasons in recent years to 8-2, and the state high school playoffs this year.

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YELLOW JACKETS

3 years after shooting, linebacker E.J. Lightsey thrives at Georgia Tech

“You talk about being able to overcome adversity? He’s somebody that’s come through a lot of adversity,” Tech coach Brent Key said of Lightsey.

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC

BULLDOGS

How Georgia could host first-round CFP game, playing out scenarios

Georgia isn't looking past Georgia Tech, but fans will be interested to note the different ways the Bulldogs could end up playing another game at Sanford Stadium this season.

Credit: Raegan Armstrong - Kennesaw Stat

OWLS

Kennesaw State quarterback has team on verge of trip to conference final

A win Saturday when the Kennesaw State Owls travel to Liberty will put KSU into the Conference USA title game.

Countdown to Christmas

Credit: Gwinnett Ballet Theatre

The most wonderful time of the year: 6 ways to ring in December

Whether you want to find a way to give back, enjoy some timely music or spend some time with the family, there’s no shortage of festivities to fill up your calendar.

59m ago

6 ways AI can upgrade your holiday shopping this season

Shoppers are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity to research products, compare prices and more.

RECIPES

Make mine merry! Expert cocktail recipes for your holiday party.

Learn to make a variety of drinks perfect for holiday hosting, from complex sippers and sparkling toasts to nonalcoholic drinks that let everyone feel included.

Traditions reign at Atlanta holiday concerts

Take in some of the performances from choral groups, jazz artists and classical musicians this holiday season in Atlanta.

Politics

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC & Allison Robbert/The New York Times

Fulton County taxpayers could be on the hook for millions as Trump case ends

New state law allows defendants in the election interference case to recoup attorneys’ fees from DA Fani Willis’ office.

Georgia dismisses Trump election case, ending his last criminal prosecution

Fulton DA Fani Willis launched the investigation nearly five years ago saying Trump and his allies conspired to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Democrats pressure state GOP to oust adviser over social media posts

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Charlie Bailey escalated the pressure this week, calling it “despicable” that Brad Barnes remains affiliated with the state GOP.

OPINION

Murphy: Terry England nearly died on his farm. He knows he was saved for a reason.

Former Georgia lawmaker gives thanks after recovering from a farm accident that nearly took his life.

Today's Videos

Now Playing

Quiet Cracking: The hidden workplace trend hitting women harder

Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she will resign in 2026

Why Atlanta’s airport has been the world’s busiest for 25 years

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

The fun includes Callanwolde’s Winter House and Zoo Atlanta’s Illumination Nights.

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

Listen for all Christmas music, all the time, through Christmas Day.

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Atlanta’s Elaine Hendrix embraced being ‘fearless’ on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

The "Parent Trap" actress, trying to be the oldest winner ever on "Dancing With the Stars," was still proud of finishing fifth after finding her inner dancer again.

Georgia and Metro News

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

Vietnamese refugee sisters survive harrowing journey, now pay it forward

The Tran sisters, Von and Linda, make Thanksgiving special for Vietnamese seniors at First Senior Center of Georgia in Norcross, hosting both American and Vietnamese feasts.

Drugs, several handguns found in Alpharetta car on Thanksgiving

According to the police department, a patrol noticed a running vehicle in the parking area of a hotel in the wee hours of Thanksgiving morning, a “pretty unusual” sight given

AJC HER+STORY

Tech gurus with Atlanta ties hit it big. What they wish they’d learned sooner.

Here are some hard-earned lessons from startup veterans who successfully sold their companies.

Fleet of UPS planes grounded after deadly crash expected to miss peak delivery season

UPS Airlines says a fleet of planes grounded after a deadly crash is expected to miss the peak holiday season due to inspections and possible repairs

Turning the Page

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

In 1959, a girl found a way to get hired as a ‘newspaper boy’

Marie George Myers took over some of her older brother’s Atlanta paper routes. She recalls being the only girl on the roster of deliverers.

He’s delivered more than 2 million newspapers. Soon he’ll deliver his last.

Ride along with 72-year-old David Neeley as he nears his final delivery, coming to a hard stop early New Year’s Eve when the AJC ends its print edition.

‘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.

Clapping out the paper: A farewell to ink, deadlines and the print AJC

Beginning on Jan. 1, this 157-year-old institution will become a fully digital news operation. No more paper. No more ink-stained fingers. No more paper in your driveway.

Latest Headlines

59m ago

Opinion and Voices

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ROD BEARD

Family, food and football: Continuing the tradition of giving thanks

AJC Senior Sports Editor Rod Beard carries on an Atlanta tradition started seven decades ago by AJC writer Furman Bisher, with Thanksgiving thoughts.

WALTER REEVES

A Thanksgiving prayer to share

This holiday season, consider arranging for someone to read this prayer before the meal.

NEDRA RHONE

On Thanksgiving, serve gratitude with a side of forgiveness

The table feels lighter when we stop carrying old feelings.

GUEST COLUMN

On Thanksgiving, remember that gratitude makes good citizens, heals divisions

Political divisions are poisoning communities across America, but the antidote to polarity is gratitude and remembering why President Lincoln established Thanksgiving Day.

CHARLES SEABROOK

A tree hugger gives thanks for nature’s goodness

Georgia’s natural beauty inspires gratitude this Thanksgiving, and reminds us to protect its wild spaces.

AJC Investigations

Credit: AJC Staff

Her hair was perfectly straight. Her body paid the price.

Georgia women are among the hundreds of plaintiffs who allege cancer or fibroids from hair relaxers. Beauty brands deny their products are toxic.

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

A Russian banker spent millions on Atlanta properties, left with little trace

Sergey Khotimskiy invested over $37 million in Atlanta real estate. He is among the 4,000 people and entities the U.S. sanctioned after the Ukraine invasion.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

The South leads in hysterectomies — especially for Black women. Here’s why.

More doctors advocate for alternatives to uterus removal, but the procedure is still more common in Southern states.

Mike Luckovich

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Place monitors near Epstein files

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Tiny tootsies

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Personal writing instrument

Latest news

Politics

Credit: NYT

Georgia dismisses Trump election case, ending his last criminal prosecution

Fulton DA Fani Willis launched the investigation nearly five years ago saying Trump and his allies conspired to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.

Fulton County taxpayers could be on the hook for millions as Trump case ends

Fulton County taxpayers may need to pay millions of dollars in legal defense bills for Donald Trump and others charged in the now defunct election interference case.

Georgia’s election interference case against Trump: How we got here

How Georgia's election interference case against Donald Trump fell apart.

Metro Atlanta

Credit: Georgia Innocence Project

Man locked up for 23 years despite evidence proving his innocence, lawsuit says

Although investigators had reason to believe Bharadia wasn’t involved in the crime, they pushed forward with a case against him anyway, the lawsuit says.

This metro Atlanta couple spearheaded a change in football helmets

Erin and Lee Hanson are the founders behind Guardian Sports, the company that makes the Guardian Caps worn by college football and NFL players.

59m ago

The most wonderful time of the year: 6 ways to ring in December

Whether you want to find a way to give back, enjoy some timely music or spend some time with the family, there’s no shortage of festivities to fill up your calendar.

59m ago

Georgia

Credit: Courtesy of the Alpharetta Police Department

Drugs, several handguns found in Alpharetta car on Thanksgiving

According to the police department, a patrol noticed a running vehicle in the parking area of a hotel in the wee hours of Thanksgiving morning, a “pretty unusual” sight given

State troopers record 30 crashes, 57 DUIs at start of Thanksgiving operation

Georgia State Patrol troopers are increasing their presence across the state’s interstates and state roads during the Thanksgiving travel period.

Georgia TikTok star ‘Marquay the Goat’ dies at 24

Sources familiar with the situation said Collins had complained of head and neck pain in the days leading up to his death.

Opinion

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Place monitors near Epstein files

OPINION

Readers write

AJC readers express their concerns about shifts in CDC messaging, and how President Trump treats the “bully pulpit” of his office.

Falcons

Credit: AP

Falcons’ offensive change was to attack Saints, not get out of the ‘pistol’

The Falcons (4-7) may have another plan of attack when they face the Jets (2-9) at 1 p.m. Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Dirty Birds Dispatch: A word from the ‘fans’

Plus, Falcons try to ground Jets after humbling Saints.

Asante Samuel Sr. has strong case for Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement

Asante Samuel Sr., who played for the Falcons 2012-13, was one of the top cornerbacks of his era and is among 50 nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Bulldogs

Credit: Tony Walsh/UGAAA

Oscar Delp never ran from hard, making himself and Georgia all the better

For Delp and Georgia, want outweighed need. Which is why Delp stayed at Georgia, no matter how hard things got.

How Georgia could host first-round CFP game, playing out scenarios

Georgia isn't looking past Georgia Tech, but fans will be interested to note the different ways the Bulldogs could end up playing another game at Sanford Stadium this season.

Lane Kiffin drama spills into CFP rankings discussion, scenario

Georgia resume gets closer look as Bulldogs hope to hold off Texas Tech.

Georgia Tech

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

3 years after shooting, linebacker E.J. Lightsey thrives at Georgia Tech

“You talk about being able to overcome adversity? He’s somebody that’s come through a lot of adversity,” Tech coach Brent Key said of Lightsey.

Everything you need to know about No. 4 Georgia vs. No. 23 Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets (9-2) are looking to break that long run of losses to UGA. And a win Friday would keep their faint CFP hopes alive.

Tech vs. Georgia: ‘Played those guys three times already. Haven’t won once’

It has been nine long years since Tech has beaten Georgia. If the Bulldogs win again Friday, UGA will match the record for the longest win streak by either team in the series.

Hawks

Credit: AP

Good, bad and ugly: Hawks lose focus during Wizards’ 3-point shooting barrage

Tuesday’s loss marks one of the Hawks’ worst since their season-opening defeat to the Raptors in October.

‘We got fried tonight’: Wizards down Hawks with hot shooting

The Atlanta Hawks never recovered from a first-quarter barrage, handing the Washington Wizards a 132-113 win and just their second victory of the season.

Like other NBA teams, Hawks will learn the importance of Trae Young

With the Hawks’ role players stepping up in Young’s absence, the team has begun to answer one of the big questions of the season.

Braves

Credit: AP

Potential Braves trade target Sonny Gray dealt to Red Sox

The St. Louis Cardinals traded veteran starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Red Sox on Tuesday, lessening the Braves’ potential rotation options by one.

Braves re-sign reliever Joel Payamps

Braves make several signings ahead of Friday nontender deadline

Players who aren’t tendered contracts become free agents.

United

Credit: Miguel Martinez

FIFA sets World Cup bracket rules

The tournament schedule, when cities will find out which teams will play in specific stadiums, will be announced Dec. 6. Atlanta will host several matches, plus a semifinal.

Inside look: Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center is a palace

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution received an exclusive tour of the $200 million headquarters for the United States Soccer Federation.

Atlanta United’s 2026 schedule has home opener on March 7

Opener is Feb. 21 at Cincinnati, in new manager Gerardo Martino’s season debut.

High Schools

Credit: Jack Leo

Douglass knocked out a defending champion. Can it beat No. 1 Sandy Creek?

Pritchett is coaching a red-hot program that just earned its first quarterfinals appearance since he took over five years ago.

Grayson picks up third No. 1 national ranking ahead of showdown with Carrollton

Grayson became the No. 1-ranked team in the High School Football America poll three weeks ago and ascended to No. 1 in the USA Today rankings last week.

Gainesville high school football suspensions: What we know, what’s next

Gainesville football's highly anticipated matchup with No. 1 Langston Hughes has been postponed due to an on-going appeals process.

More Sports

Credit: Jack Leo

Douglass knocked out a defending champion. Can it beat No. 1 Sandy Creek?

Pritchett is coaching a red-hot program that just earned its first quarterfinals appearance since he took over five years ago.

Gainesville high school football suspensions: What we know, what’s next

Gainesville football's highly anticipated matchup with No. 1 Langston Hughes has been postponed due to an on-going appeals process.

Kennesaw State quarterback has team on verge of trip to conference final

A win Saturday when the Kennesaw State Owls travel to Liberty will put KSU into the Conference USA title game.

Food & Dining

Credit: Courtesy Brandon Amato

RECIPES

Make mine merry! Expert cocktail recipes for your holiday party.

Learn to make a variety of drinks perfect for holiday hosting, from complex sippers and sparkling toasts to nonalcoholic drinks that let everyone feel included.

RECIPE

Baraonda’s lamb ragu recipe is a slow-cooked success

Learn to make Baraonda's most popular dish at home with a couple of minor substitutions.

RECIPE

Whole lemon dressing brightens slaw side dish

This light and bright slaw keeps a lasting crunch thanks to hearty Brussels sprouts.

UATL

Credit: ajc

FROM UATL

‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Mandii B talks authenticity and sex positivity

Popular social media personality Mandii B talks about her launch into podcasting in the latest episode of the “It’s UATL” podcast.

FROM UATL

How young Black men are making the quarter-zip cool

Thanks to TikTok, what started as a playful video mocking knits zipped to the chin with a fresh matcha latte in hand, has quickly taken on the shape of a cultural movement.

FROM UATL

How acrobat Terrance Robinson became part of Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Luzia’

McDonough resident Terrance Robinson performs as an acrobat and hoop diver in Cirque du Soleil’s "Luzia" at Atlantic Station.

Things to Do

Credit: Gwinnett Ballet Theatre

The most wonderful time of the year: 6 ways to ring in December

Whether you want to find a way to give back, enjoy some timely music or spend some time with the family, there’s no shortage of festivities to fill up your calendar.

59m ago

In 1959, a girl found a way to get hired as a ‘newspaper boy’

Marie George Myers took over some of her older brother’s Atlanta paper routes. She recalls being the only girl on the roster of deliverers.

Atlanta’s first Fall Halal Festival fills Grant Park

‘Halal’ for Muslims means something that’s permitted and is strongly associated with ways of preparing food.

Lifestyle

Credit: Tomas Espinoza

Escaping the frenzy of city life for an elegant, antiques-filled home

A pair of Buckhead bankers make a break for it in bucolic Serenbe.

Why you should never wash your turkey

Rinsing a raw turkey before placing it in the oven can do more harm than good.

WALTER REEVES

A Thanksgiving prayer to share

This holiday season, consider arranging for someone to read this prayer before the meal.

Entertainment

Credit: RODNEY HO

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.

Atlanta’s Elaine Hendrix embraced being ‘fearless’ on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

The "Parent Trap" actress, trying to be the oldest winner ever on "Dancing With the Stars," was still proud of finishing fifth after finding her inner dancer again.

Ken Burns dives deep in ‘The American Revolution,’ laments federal cuts

Ken Burns is back with his latest opus "The American Revolution," coming out at a fraught time not just for PBS but the political system at large.

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.

Wellness

Credit: A New Beginning Mental Health & Wellness

AJC HER+STORY

After experiencing grief, Georgia therapist launches nonprofit to offer support

Jamie Kirk, a licensed psychotherapist, created a new nonprofit dedicated to expanding mental health resources and reducing stigma across Atlanta.

INSPIRE ATLANTA

BlazeSports recognized with Rings of Gold Award for its youth programs

Kids in wheelchairs play basketball, tennis and other sports at Atlanta facility.

Why you should never wash your turkey

Rinsing a raw turkey before placing it in the oven can do more harm than good.

Special Features

Credit: Grace Dickinson

Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

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PHOTOS: Georgia Tech defeated by Pittsburgh in Yellow Jackets' home finale

Needing a win to clinch a spot in the ACC Championship Game, Georgia Tech flopped in a big way Saturday, losing 44-28 to the Pittsburgh Panthers.

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

PHOTOS: Georgia defeats Charlotte in home finale

The Georgia Bulldogs closed out their home season with a convincing 35-3 win over Charlotte at Sanford Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

PHOTOS: Fans greet Dawgs before game with Charlotte

Georgia players arrive at Sanford Stadium for their Saturday, Nov. 22, game with Charlotte. The Bulldogs go into the game as a seven- touchdown favorite.