A.M. ATL: 📰 Why we moved to Midtown

Morning, y’all! Expect rain, rain and more rain today, with highs in the mid-60s.

New wise, we’ve got the scoop on social media’s role in the Laken Riley investigation, a bold Beltline project and a former Georgia Bulldog jumping into the pro wrestling ring.

Now. How about a bit of shameless navel gazing?

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IT’S A VIBE

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Well, well, well.

Hello again, Atlanta!

And you can consider that a greeting from the entire AJC — because our office is back in the city proper for the first time in about 14 years.

Perhaps you don’t care ... which is fair! But a lot of people put on their hater pants when we departed downtown for Dunwoody (and a home closer to our corporate overlords at Cox) in 2010.

So this move to Midtown is kind of a big deal, perception and otherwise.

It’s also part of the larger effort to turn a newspaper into, as Andrew likes to say, a ~modern media company~.

You can read more about that in this recent story from NPR. But trust that the plan involves doubling down on politics, sports and Black culture coverage; reestablishing our presence in places like Athens, Macon and Savannah; and offering a whole lot more than just articles.

Plus, you know, building up a staff to do things right.

As for the move: You might have accurately deduced that I work odd (and nonconsecutive!) hours to churn out this newsletter. Historically, that hasn’t lent itself to spending a lot of time in the office.

But y’all: I love Atlanta, and you can’t beat that intown vibe.

I’ll be hanging out more often. Come say hi.

Does the AJC’s office being in Atlanta proper matter to you? Shoot me an email with your thoughts! Then keep scrolling for more news.

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REVEALING TESTIMONY

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

As testimony continued in the trial of Jose Ibarra, the man accused of killing Athens nursing student Laken Riley, investigators revealed the role social media played in their investigation.

For instance: Posts from the morning of Riley’s death reportedly showed Ibarra wearing clothes matching those later seen on surveillance video — including a blue jacket later determined to contain Riley’s DNA.

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AIRLINE ISSUES

What does Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy filing mean for the you, the intrepid but budget conscious traveler? For starters, your flight isn’t canceled.

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BANKHEAD BOON?

Credit: Courtesy photo

Credit: Courtesy photo

The largest property the Atlanta Beltline owns sits in Bankhead, and fresh filings suggest it may become home to more than 1,100 residences — both for-sale and rental units, nearly a third of which could be reserved as affordable housing.

The 31-acre site also abuts one of four locations proposed for new MARTA infill rail stations.

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VOUCHERS VOUCHED FOR

State education officials OK’d initial guidelines for a program tied to the new school “voucher” law, which will allow some families to subsidize private school tuition with public money.

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THEY’RE IN THE MONEY

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SPEAKING OF GEORGIA ...

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

The Bulldogs plan to unleash the young pups in Saturday’s game against Massachusetts.

But where might they land in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings — and how will the committee sort through all the SEC teams that’ve beat up on each other? I’m gonna guess No. 8. And “not in any consistent way.”

The reveal is at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

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FILM FOIBLES

The state of Louisiana, one of Georgia’s oldest rivals in the film industry, may soon nix its production-luring tax incentives.

The Peach State’s focused on bigger competition these days (see: Canada and the UK), but fewer bidders can’t be a bad thing for the flailing local scene.

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MORE TO EXPLORE

» Trump company reportedly eyeing Alpharetta-based crypto business

» Rep. David Scott getting treatment for back issues, misses D.C. votes

» Georgia’s largest German Christmas market adds second location

» Infant gorilla born five days ago dies at Zoo Atlanta

» Savannah prosecutor who tried ‘Midnight in the Garden’ case dead at 81

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ON THIS DATE

Nov. 19, 1990

A tragedy-filled front page meant only a brief mention for a notable moment in music history: Milli Vanilli agreeing to return their Grammy.

Turns out the German pop duo comprised of Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan was merely lip-synching their way to Best New Artist honors.

“Fabrice and I want to give the Grammy back to the real singers,” Pilatus said.

Credit: File photo

Credit: File photo

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

AJC photographer Arvin Temkar captured Takisha Brown (left) making selections during the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s annual Thanksgiving Dish. The program provides families in need with Thanksgiving-themed food boxes and other groceries.

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ONE MORE THING

Wanna do your own part to make someone’s holidays a little brighter? Check out one of these volunteer opportunities!

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Thanks for reading to the very bottom of A.M. ATL. Questions, comments, ideas? Contact me at tyler.estep@ajc.com.

Until next time.