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

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‘A lot of blame, but not enough action’: Atlanta leaders lack path to fix jail

Stakeholders across Atlanta and Fulton County grapple with a complex web of issues that contribute to overcrowding, crumbling structure.

Man pleads guilty in 2022 stabbing death of Buckhead grandmother

Three years after the 77-year-old was found stabbed to death, Antonio Brown pleaded guilty to her murder, avoiding a trial set for this week. He got 2 life sentences.

32m ago

State lawmaker charged with unemployment fraud

Authorities say State Rep. Sharon Henderson, while a candidate for the Georgia House in 2020, applied for federal pandemic unemployment benefits under false pretenses.

2h ago

RaceTrac murder trial begins for ex-UGA football player Ahkil Crumpton

Former Georgia football player Ahkil Crumpton faces state murder charges in Oconee County trial after federal conviction in a 2021 killing.

1h ago

AJC Investigation

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‘I’m a bad kid,’ he told himself. How Georgia’s special ed program failed one child.

Parents find that it's easy to get into the GNETS program, but in some districts, difficult to leave.

Georgia’s special ed program promised help. Families say it delivered them harm.

Georgia fights 2016 federal lawsuit that demands reforms.

Ahead of her time 50 years ago, she now laments the state of GNETS

Five decades ago, Mary Wood created what is now called the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support.

Immigration Crackdown

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When ICE takes breadwinners, it takes a toll on families ... and on the economy

For immigrant families, brushes with ICE can result in financial precarity that could have implications for the broader economy.

AJC Sports

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KEN SUGIURA

It seems like Cooperstown’s doors may never open for Dale Murphy

This was the fourth time Murphy’s case was in front of a veterans committee after 15 unsuccessful years on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.

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MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Weekend Reflections: If Jeff Kent belongs in Hall, so does Dale Murphy

We also take a look at Kennesaw State overcoming bad calls, SEC having a CFP edge, and ACC having a CFP problem.

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MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Falcons’ Arthur Blank has become bad franchise owner

The Falcons were guaranteed their eighth straight losing season with a 37-9 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday. The Falcons have had just two winning seasons since 2012.

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YELLOW JACKETS

Georgia Tech, BYU coaches bonded by favorite Pop-Tarts, Orlando connections

Georgia Tech's Brent Key was an assistant for 11 years at UCF and met his wife in Orlando, and the wife of BYU's Kalani Sitake is from Central Florida.

1h ago

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MLB

Braves can’t ‘count on’ Joe Jimenez entering 2026

‘We can’t make plans around him at this point,’ Anthopoulos says.

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KEN SUGIURA

CFP committee grants Georgia a favorable draw to reach title game

Georgia thought it had a chance at the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff, but the path as the No. 3 seed has its advantages.

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BULLDOGS

Why Gunner Stockton has shot to be a Heisman Trophy finalist

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is tied for fourth in the Heisman Trophy odds, a long shot to win, but a possible top-four finisher and Heisman finalist.

Today's Videos

Now Playing

Is Atlanta really the promised land for Black chefs?

Atlanta's AmericasMart sets the fashion trends months in advance

The sixth-grade insult that sparked a question about her body for the first time

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It’s been quite a journey for Christine Sintay, a former stay-at-home mom who took the leap into the insurance...

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Over the past four decades, advances in scientific research and medications for HIV have transformed the disease from a...

Capitol lights up for Christmas holidays

Gov. Brian Kemp, family and others gathered today to light the Capitol Christmas tree at a celebration that included the Spelman Glee Club.

1h ago

BREAKING

Raffensperger sues to scrap fundraising laws he says favor Jones in governor’s race

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is challenging Georgia election laws he says give his Republican rival an advantage as they campaign for governor.

1h ago

Georgia must eliminate QR codes from ballots by July. Is the state ready?

Georgia is running out of time to comply with a 2024 law requiring the removal of QR codes from ballots by July 2026 ahead of the midterm elections.

Georgia’s off-year elections show momentum and limits for progressives

In Georgia elections, the liberal wing of the Democratic Party falls short in some key races.

Arts and Entertainment

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Paramount makes hostile bid for Warner Bros., including CNN, Turner networks

Days after Netflix announced its plans to acquire the storied Hollywood institution’s studio and streaming businesses, Paramount has launched an all-cash offer.

13m ago

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Sandy Springs entrepreneur faces ‘Shark Tank’ sharks with collectible stockings

ABC’s business reality series gave Kate Stice Stewart a gift she’s been seeking for years: a coveted spot on the show.

1h ago

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It was love, creativity and multi-hyphenates at first sight for Atlanta couple

Diversely talented Atlanta artists Okorie ‘OkCello’ Johnson and Chaunesti Webb-Johnson embrace idea of ‘Big Tent Blackness.’

Best of 2025

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The AJC’s 10 best new restaurants of 2025

AJC dining critics reviewed and rated more than 30 restaurants in 2025 while visiting many more. These 10 stood out as the best new restaurants of the year.

Georgia authors name their favorite books of 2025

From thrillers to literary fiction, see which books Georgia writers loved most in 2025.

HEAT CHECK

Women ran Atlanta rap’s scene — and made it fun again

Despite being a rap Mecca, Atlanta had lagged in producing homegrown female stars. But in 2025, women in Atlanta rap are crystallizing momentum into total domination.

Latest Headlines

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Georgia and Metro News

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Medical company announces expansion in Columbus with 480 jobs

A medical logistics company that makes health care kits announced an expansion plan for its Columbus operations, which will add 480 new jobs to the region.

Cobb lottery player wins $1M as Powerball jackpot climbs to 7th largest

Grand prize in Monday night’s drawing is an estimated $875 million.

Man found dead in street in SW Atlanta neighborhood, police say

Officers are investigating early Monday in the Baker Hills neighborhood.

Speakers vow to never forget during Pearl Harbor event at Georgia museum

Georgians remember the sacrifices of those killed in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor on the anniversary of "a day of infamy" at the Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

ICYMI

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Why thousands of metro Atlanta sellers pulled their homes off the market

The number of delistings in metro Atlanta grew 41% in September from the same month a year ago, a recent report said.

Sea Island house sale of $30 million viewed as Georgia record

John Portman’s Sea Island residence sold this week for $30 million, the highest home price in Georgia history.

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Atlanta opens door on first modular rapid-housing for homeless residents

The first-of-its-kind development, Waterworks Village, overlooks the nearby reservoir. It's part of Mayor Andre Dickens' initiative to build 500 units of for the unhoused.

Opinion and Voices

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GUEST COLUMN

Fulton County doesn’t need a new jail. Here’s why it’s a bad investment.

As Fulton County weighs options to address the substandard conditions in its jail, a former board commission chairman urges leaders to choose diversion over incarceration.

GRIDLOCK GUY

Why driving faster won’t get you there quicker

Does driving faster get you to your destination quicker? Not really, Gridlock Guy explains, and the faster you drive the more at-risk you and anything you hit becomes.

PATRICIA MURPHY

The 2020 election interference case is gone, but it can’t be forgotten

The decision by a Georgia prosecutor not to pursue the massive Trump election interference case leaves some bad deeds unpunished.

GUEST COLUMN

Marjorie Taylor Greene should stand proud. Political fame comes with a cost.

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is a successful politician who amassed a following, but political fame comes with a cost, so I don't blame her for resigning.

GUEST COLUMN

Medicare open enrollment period is ending. Make your health a priority.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period ends on Sunday, Dec. 7, and Atlanta consumers should not take their health and preventive medical care for granted.

Latest news

Politics

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Raffensperger sues to scrap fundraising laws he says favor Jones in governor’s race

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is challenging Georgia election laws he says give his Republican rival an advantage as they campaign for governor.

1h ago

Who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress?

Now that U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her plans to resign, attention turns to who might replace her in Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

1h ago

State lawmaker charged with unemployment fraud

Authorities say State Rep. Sharon Henderson, while a candidate for the Georgia House in 2020, applied for federal pandemic unemployment benefits under false pretenses.

2h ago

Metro Atlanta

Credit: TNS

Paramount makes hostile bid for Warner Bros., including CNN, Turner networks

Days after Netflix announced its plans to acquire the storied Hollywood institution’s studio and streaming businesses, Paramount has launched an all-cash offer.

13m ago

Man pleads guilty in 2022 stabbing death of Buckhead grandmother

Three years after the 77-year-old was found stabbed to death, Antonio Brown pleaded guilty to her murder, avoiding a trial set for this week. He got 2 life sentences.

32m ago

Atlanta’s short-term rentals are starting to fill up for the World Cup

Airbnb is predicting about 6,000 guests will stay with Atlanta hosts during the World Cup, representing about 45,000 guest nights.

40m ago

Georgia

Credit: Philadelphia Police Department

RaceTrac murder trial begins for ex-UGA football player Ahkil Crumpton

Former Georgia football player Ahkil Crumpton faces state murder charges in Oconee County trial after federal conviction in a 2021 killing.

1h ago

Who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress?

Now that U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her plans to resign, attention turns to who might replace her in Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

1h ago

Georgia must eliminate QR codes from ballots by July. Is the state ready?

Georgia is running out of time to comply with a 2024 law requiring the removal of QR codes from ballots by July 2026 ahead of the midterm elections.

Opinion

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OPINION

Fulton County doesn’t need a new jail. Here’s why it’s a bad investment.

As Fulton County weighs options to address the substandard conditions in its jail, a former board commission chairman urges leaders to choose diversion over incarceration.

OPINION

Readers write

Atlantans write about climate change, President Donald Trump's election case and small businesses.

OPINION

Medicare open enrollment period is ending. Make your health a priority.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period ends on Sunday, Dec. 7, and Atlanta consumers should not take their health and preventive medical care for granted.

Falcons

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5 things we learned from the Falcons’ loss Sunday to the Seahawks

The loss to the Seahawks means the Falcons are officially eliminated from the playoffs and tie the mark for most consecutive losing seasons in franchise history with eight.

2h ago

Falcons report card: Bad marks for getting blown out

Only a few position groups escaped earning failing grades in the Falcons report card after a 37-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Falcons’ porous kickoff coverage unit flipped the momentum in the game

The Falcons special teams have struggled all year and allowed a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half in a 37-9 loss to the Seahawks.

Bulldogs

Credit: Philadelphia Police Department

RaceTrac murder trial begins for ex-UGA football player Ahkil Crumpton

Former Georgia football player Ahkil Crumpton faces state murder charges in Oconee County trial after federal conviction in a 2021 killing.

1h ago

Why Gunner Stockton has shot to be a Heisman Trophy finalist

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is tied for fourth in the Heisman Trophy odds, a long shot to win, but a possible top-four finisher and Heisman finalist.

Georgia third among College Football Playoff championship betting favorites

Georgia is third among CFP championship betting favorites behind Ohio State and Indiana.

Georgia Tech

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Georgia Tech, BYU coaches bonded by favorite Pop-Tarts, Orlando connections

Georgia Tech's Brent Key was an assistant for 11 years at UCF and met his wife in Orlando, and the wife of BYU's Kalani Sitake is from Central Florida.

1h ago

Brent Key has “36″ names of candidates to be Georgia Tech’s next OC

Georgia Tech coach Brent Key said Sunday that he he has narrowed his list of candidates to replace offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner down to 36 names.

Georgia Tech headed to Pop-Tarts Bowl

The ACC announced Sunday that No. 22 Georgia Tech is headed to the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 27 in Orlando, Florida. The Yellow Jackets will face No. 12 BYU, per On3.

Hawks

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Johnson’s second straight triple-double boosts Hawks over Wizards

Jalen Johnson's second straight triple-double led the Hawks to a 131-116 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

Jalen Johnson’s first-half triple-double not enough to lift Hawks past Nuggets

The Hawks led the Nuggets by 9 to start the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets went on a 26-7 run to take the lead for good.

Well-traveled Hawks lose to Clippers in return to State Farm Arena

The Atlanta Hawks fell to the Clippers Wednesday night but Atlanta was without Jalen Johnson, Trae Young and Kristas Porzingis.

Braves

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

It seems like Cooperstown’s doors may never open for Dale Murphy

This was the fourth time Murphy’s case was in front of a veterans committee after 15 unsuccessful years on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.

Braves can’t ‘count on’ Joe Jimenez entering 2026

‘We can’t make plans around him at this point,’ Anthopoulos says.

Weekend Reflections: If Jeff Kent belongs in Hall, so does Dale Murphy

We also take a look at Kennesaw State overcoming bad calls, SEC having a CFP edge, and ACC having a CFP problem.

United

Credit: AP

Spain highlights Atlanta’s World Cup matches

World Cup analysis: Winners and losers

Friday’s World Cup draw produced a brutal Group of Death with France, Norway and Senegal. See which other groups will be toughest and which look easiest.

Getting to know the World Cup teams

Of the 48 teams that will make up the World Cup, 42 are already known. Get to know all 42.

High Schools

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Georgia high school football coaching changes: Class 6A job opens up

Several high schools made coaching changes during the regular season, and several more have already announced openings in the last few days.

50m ago

Creekside breaks state record for most points in a season

The Seminoles have scored 70 or more points in five games and 69 in another.

Gainesville, Calvary Day get boost after big victories | Maxwell summary

More Sports

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Georgia high school football coaching changes: Class 6A job opens up

Several high schools made coaching changes during the regular season, and several more have already announced openings in the last few days.

50m ago

Atlanta TV sports listings

A look at the TV listings for major sporting events for Atlanta today and this week.

2h ago

After delay, Georgia Southern knows its Birmingham Bowl opponent

Sun Belt rivals Georgia Southern and App State will play in the Birmingham Bowl, ccording to Brett McMurphy of On3.

Food & Dining

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The AJC’s 10 best new restaurants of 2025

AJC dining critics reviewed and rated more than 30 restaurants in 2025 while visiting many more. These 10 stood out as the best new restaurants of the year.

Mellow Mushroom returns to downtown Decatur, and more from metro Atlanta’s dining scene

Three metro-area cooks celebrated a milestone, a new studio for cooking classes opened, and a Thai restaurant group announced its next concept in the Atlanta restaurant scene.

Central Texas-style barbecue compound opens on the Northeast Beltline

Acclaimed pitmaster John Lewis will open his Central Texas-style restaurant Lewis Barbecue in Ansley Mall on Dec. 8.

UATL

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FROM UATL

Civil rights museum opens sweeping new gallery on Reconstruction

A sweeping new gallery at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta tells the turbulent, often tragic story of the Reconstruction Era in U.S. history.

FROM UATL

‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Keeping a positive body image

The hosts talk fad diets, BMI and Ozempic.

FROM UATL

Christian rapper Lecrae debuts poetry and essay collection ‘Set Me Free’

In an interview with UATL, the Grammy-winning Christian hip-hop artist calls his essay collection “Set Me Free: The Good News of God’s Relentless Pursuits” experimental art.

Things to Do

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Hanukkah and Kwanzaa round-up: 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta

Throughout December, families can partake in a host of festive activities to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Here are 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta.

AJC Peachtree Road Race updates: Stay on pace

The AJC's Nicole Bennett shares an update on her training, plus info on hip pain and some inspiration from an amazing kid.

Where can I find it?

Where you can find ground sumac and where to transform an antique rug into pillows.

Lifestyle

Sea Island house sale of $30 million viewed as Georgia record

John Portman’s Sea Island residence sold this week for $30 million, the highest home price in Georgia history.

Holiday etiquette: Should you quit gifting if they don’t thank you?

Experts share how to handle unacknowledged gifts without losing your holiday spirit.

Why thousands of metro Atlanta sellers pulled their homes off the market

The number of delistings in metro Atlanta grew 41% in September from the same month a year ago, a recent report said.

Entertainment

Credit: Disney

Sandy Springs entrepreneur faces ‘Shark Tank’ sharks with collectible stockings

ABC’s “Shark Tank” gave Kate Stice Stewart a gift she’s been seeking for years: a coveted spot on the show.

1h ago

Michelle Pfeiffer plays put-upon mom in Atlanta-shot Amazon Xmas film

Michelle Pfeiffer plays a mom who feels neglected by her family during Christmas in the new Amazon film "Oh. What. Fun." shot in Atlanta during the summer of 2025.

OK Go, known as the ‘treadmill guys,’ can also bring it live

OK Go, known for their viral treadmill video and many others, is also a high energy live band, coming to the Eastern on Sunday.

Travel

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DISPATCH

This sight in a Georgia town’s skyline just might bring tears to your eyes

Amid rolling Georgia farmland that is home to the Vidalia onion, an architecture-meets-agriculture ornament sits atop the Toombs County courthouse.

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

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Smartphone on your kid’s Christmas list? How to know when they’re ready.

Are you thinking about gifting your child a smartphone this holiday? New research from the University of Georgia reveals how early phone use can influence their well-being.

New infant heart stent offers fresh hope for Georgia families

A Georgia couple finds hope after their child receives a first-of-its-kind stent system, placing Children's among the first hospitals to use the innovative technology.

Grady expands care with two outpatient facilities in DeKalb County

Grady Health System is expanding outpatient services to DeKalb County, strengthening its reach and impact across metro Atlanta.

Special Features

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Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

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PHOTOS: Capitol lights up for Christmas holidays

Gov. Brian Kemp, family and others gather to light the capitol Christmas tree on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. The ceremony featured Spelman Glee Club.

1h ago

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PHOTOS: Falcons fall again Sunday, this time to Seahawks

The Atlanta Falcons lost to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, 37-9, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The loss clinched an eighth straight losing season for the Falcons.

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

PHOTOS: Georgia crushes Alabama to win SEC championship

The Georgia Bulldogs dominated the Alabama Crimson Tide in Saturday's SEC Championship Game, coming away with a convincing 28-7 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.