1. Falcons officially announce Mercedes-Benz as naming rights partner: Team owner Arthur Blank and Mercedes-Benz USA President and CEO Steve Cannon said the naming-rights deal will run for 27 years but would not disclose financial terms. [Read more]

2. Southern Company to buy AGL Resources: The combined business will include 11 regulated companies, serving approximately 9 million customers in nine states. Customers will continue to be served by their current gas and electric utility companies. [Read more]

3. 'LOL' instead of a tip: Waitress receives unwelcome note on receipt. "Even though they did wait an hour to eat, they remained satisfied with filled drinks and proper notice that the kitchen was a bit busier than normal," the waitress said. [Read more]

4. Georgia's bold step: rethinking prison sentences. A law that took effect July 1 provides a limited group of nonviolent drug offenders the opportunity to win their freedom. People like Darion Barker. [Read more]

5. Tonight's forecast: Mostly clear with a low of 63. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. [Get real-time weather info]

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Dogs stand inside their kennels at the expanded DeKalb animal shelter in Chamblee on Dec. 17, 2025. The new space consists of climate-controlled kennel buildings with indoor and outdoor access, each designed to house 12 dogs. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller

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Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testifies before a state Senate committee at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC