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The scoop on Friday, Jan. 8: 5 things to know this morning

080911. ATLANTA. The Bank of America Plaza building in Midtown Atlanta (600 Peachtree St.), listed as the city’s tallest building, as seen from The Varsity. AJC/FILE
080911. ATLANTA. The Bank of America Plaza building in Midtown Atlanta (600 Peachtree St.), listed as the city’s tallest building, as seen from The Varsity. AJC/FILE
By Fiza Pirani
Jan 8, 2016

1. Atlanta's tallest tower, Bank of America Plaza, sold

This week, San Francisco-based Shorenstein Properties said in a news release that it has completed its purchase of the Bank of America Plaza, one of the city's skyline landmarks. The skyscraper will be owned by one of the company's managed funds. Read more.

2. Man in 19-hour Gwinnett standoff: 'I'm ready to die tonight'

According to Gwinnett County police, Thy Ho was holding a gun to his 2-year-old son's head as he told his girlfriend and her teenage son that he would shoot them all and then himself. "I'm ready to die tonight," Ho said, according to police. Both the 2-year-old boy and his father died less than 24 hours later. Read more

3. Morten Andersen is a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Falcons kicker Morten Andersen and 24 other seminifinalists are being considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2016 — Andersen's third straight time involved in the discussion for potential enshrinement. Read more.

4. Lawmakers hear teachers on testing, but not committed to changes yet

There have been several complaints from teachers regarding over-testing in schools and a recent act by Congress to relieve educators' pressure, but no Georgia legislator is stepping up to change state laws. Read more.

5. Super Bowl package: NFL gets Georgia's taxes

State lawmakers are set on considering a lucrative tax break to persuade the National Football League to bring the Super Bowl to Atlanta. The legislation backed by the Atlanta Sports Council would waive the state sales tax on tickets for the event, worth an estimated $5-$6 million. Read more.

About the Author

Fiza Pirani is an Atlanta-based freelance writer and editor.

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