5 things to know today: Obama declares state of emergency in Georgia

1. President declares state of emergency in Georgia. As Hurricane Matthew edged closer to the Florida coast early Friday, President Obama declared a state of emergency in Georgia. [But when will it hit Georgia?]

2. FEMA unofficially uses 'Waffle House Index' to gauge disasters. One lesser-known indicator emergency management officials use is whether or not Waffle Houses are open. [What are the three stages of Waffle House Index.]

3. Hawks open preseason with win behind Tavares' double-double. The Hawks won their exhibition opener with a 104-83 victory at the Grizzlies Thursday night. [Read more.]

4. Cobb County Schools Superintendent: Kneeling athletes would be benched. If student athletes took a knee during the national anthem, Cobb County Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said "their asses would be benched." [Read more.]

5. Exclusive: Tex McIver says he shot wife by accident. Atlanta attorney Claud "Tex" McIver told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today that he accidentally shot and killed his wife as they rode in their SUV near Piedmont Park last week. ["There's nothing I want to do but join her," he said.]

ExploreICYMI: ‘Netherworld’: reporter braves haunted house…sort of

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Erica Hernandez

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.

DeKalb ambulance provider to receive $77 million contract despite struggles

County officials say ambulance provider AMR has made progress on response times and that the new subsidy should help.

VETERANS DAY

Georgia’s Woman Veteran of the Year beat cancer. Now she helps others.

Georgia Woman Veteran of the Year Raquel Durden survived advanced cancer. Now she helps other female military veterans through her Humble Warrior nonprofit.

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