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

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Metro Atlanta’s worst times, days for traffic this holiday season

If you must travel on one of the busy days, consider leaving outside peak traffic hours.

Norfolk Southern sale to Union Pacific to come with heavy Atlanta job losses

The companies laid out on Friday their plans to gut the Atlanta headquarters by more than half through job cuts and relocations to the new headquarters in Omaha.

Leader of Alpharetta firm accused in $300M Ponzi scheme pleads guilty

The former chief operating officer of an Alpharetta company at the center of an alleged $300 million Ponzi scheme has pleaded guilty to an associated fraud charge.

Cox, international nonprofits team to save ‘most beautiful place on Earth’

The land sale protects an ecological gem often described as South America’s Yosemite.

Focus on Fani Willis

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

TODAY'S VOTE

Georgia Power gets PSC’s go-ahead on $16B data center power plant expansion

Company plans to add an unprecedented 10,000 megawatts of new power resources, despite concerns about who will pay for them long-term.

A new Georgia data center could be powered by RICE. It’s not the kind you eat.

A data center developer wants to bring a fleet of gas-burning engines to provide around-the-clock power. The arrangement would be the first of its kind in the Peach State.

GROWTH AT A PRICE

Atlanta’s data center market isn’t just growing fast. It’s unprecedented.

The Atlanta region emerged as the country’s top data center market for leasing activity in 2024, dethroning Northern Virginia for the first time.

Why Big Tech sees Georgia farmland as ripe for data centers

As areas around Atlanta have moved to curtail data center development, tech giants are scouring rural areas to plant massive server farms.

Georgia and Metro News

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Clayton County school superintendent announces retirement

Anthony W. Smith announced in a video on Friday that he will retire in February.

Steve Selig to step down after 4 decades of shaping Atlanta real estate

Steve Selig, one of the most decorated real estate developers in Atlanta, announced he will step down as CEO of his family firm.

Woman dies after fall from Emory University building, police say

A woman fell to her death from an Emory University building shortly after midnight Friday, officials confirmed.

FROM UATL

How Atlanta haircare brand grew despite Target boycott and DEI rollbacks

Maya Smith,co-founder of the Doux, a line of products for textured hair, talks with UATL about entrepreneurship and growing a business despite the end of DEI programs.

AJC Sports

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OWLS

Kennesaw State falls to Western Michigan in first-ever bowl game

The Owls earned a bid to the Myrtle Beach Bowl with a 10-3 record after winning the Conference USA Championship Game over Jacksonville State.

Credit: Jeff Sentell

AJC VARSITY

Relive the game-winning play from all eight GHSA state championships

From eye-popping touchdown passes to last-second tackles to historic runs, here are all eight game-winning plays from the GHSA state championships at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

YELLOW JACKETS

After Pop-Tarts Bowl, next up for Haynes King is East-West Shrine Bowl

The all-star game features some of college football’s best players who are looking to make another impression on NFL scouts.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez/AJC

NFL

Falcons’ Drake London ‘is playing’ after missing four games with injury

Drake London, the Falcons leading receiver, is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday at Arizona after missing four games with a sprained MCL.

Credit: Jason Getz / AJC)

BULLDOGS

Kirby Smart reveals demand leading to Georgia football title contention

Georgia coach Kirby Smart knew his program needed to run the ball better, and improve stopping the run, and he demanded his team work on it before spring drills.

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BULLDOGS

Georgia basketball unsatisfied after 30-point win over Western Carolina

Georgia basketball defeated Western Carolina, 112-82, on Thursday night but was unsatisfied with its performance.

Credit: AP

YELLOW JACKETS

Brent Key knows what Georgia Tech football ‘is gonna look like next year’

Brent Key is having to deal with staff departures and transfer portal losses but still he says, “I have a pretty good idea of what this is gonna look like next year."

Today's Videos

Now Playing

No humbug here: Torpy goes all out for Christmas

Fani Willis delivers fiery testimony about Trump 2020 election interference case

The Super Soaker creator’s next big idea? A heat engine that could power the future

Credit: Kroger

This holiday season, Kroger invites you to celebrate the power of food, family and tradition.

Credit: Courtesy of Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

When you visit Daytona Beach, you can be in the middle of it all.

Credit: Getty Images

As the holiday season arrives, Kroger wants you to enjoy the festivities with your grandchildren.

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

The fun includes ‘Elf The Musical,’ holiday runs and Hanukkah celebrations.

Credit: COURTESY OF STEVE RICKMAN

‘Southside’ Steve Rickman loses morning show on Fox FM

The station owner is seeking a lower-cost, more music-oriented host.

Credit: CBS S

Atlanta’s Savannah wins ‘Survivor’: ‘My game play was very loud, very bold’

The AJC spoke with Savannah Louie, the Atlanta resident who won the 49th season of "Survivor." She explained her game play and why she won over most of the jury.

UATL

Credit: Natrice Miller

CONCERT REVIEW

Young Thug’s Atlanta show marked by odd moments, Mariah the Scientist proposal

This was Young Thug's first major hometown show since his release from jail in October 2024. While it wasn't his best, he did propose to Mariah the Scientist during the show.

FROM UATL

‘It’s UATL podcast’: Looking back at the year in Black culture

The 'It’s UATL' podcast hosts talk New Year's resolutions.

FROM UATL

The Super Soaker creator’s next big idea? A heat engine that could power the future

Credits: @AllThings1990s @RetroToysandCartoons @JTECEnergy @nationalinventorshalloffame/YT|Getty|Stell Simonton/AJC|Thomas S. England/Getty|Lonnie Johnson

FROM UATL

Atlanta producer Zaytoven turning trap music into classical for Tabernacle show

Grammy-winning architect of trap music to perform with chamber orchestra at The Tabernacle on Dec. 20.

Your Wellness

Credit: Illustration by Broly Su/AJC

We asked nutritionists what they eat during the winter. Here’s their grocery list.

The everyday foods and smart habits two experts rely on during cold and flu season.

OPINION

A year after my mother’s death, I found my way back with a grief retreat

After losing my mother, I turned to a grief retreat in North Georgia to process pain and find ways to cope. Here’s what I learned.

How to stay mentally sharp after 55

Keeping your mind sharp after 55 may seem challenging, but understanding how the brain changes with age can help.

‘Sober December’? How some people are skipping booze for the holidays

From the annual work party to Christmas dinner at Grandma’s, there are ways you can dial back the drinks, leaving plenty of room for all the season’s magic and cheer.

Latest Headlines

Food and Dining

Credit: Felipe Cuevas

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Miami-based Ghee Indian Kitchen finds warm welcome in Atlanta

The restaurant is attractive and warm with a buzzing atmosphere and irresistible aromas.

RECIPE

Roast salmon stars in quick, elevated twist on trout almondine

This delicate French dish is adapted to modern family life by swapping in hearty, nutritious salmon.

RECIPE

C. Ellet’s Steakhouse Riverboat Flip brings classic style to the present

This old-school cocktail features a whole egg in the classic style of a flip, but the recipe makes a delicious beverage even without the egg.

These are the metro Atlanta restaurants we’re excited to see open in 2026

Nearly 20 new restaurants, from food hall stalls to ambitious tasting menu concepts, to put on your list to visit in 2026.

Opinion and Voices

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GUEST COLUMN

Kaolin tailings are Georgia’s hidden gateway to critical minerals in AI era

In the AI and automation era, the world is in a race for critical minerals, and Georgia is positioned to lead the way with kaolin tailings, which were once considered waste.

GUEST COLUMN

Sonny Perdue: College still pays. We can’t afford to pretend otherwise.

Higher ed teaches students critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability — traits employers rank as more important than any single technical skill, USG chancellor says.

OPINION

2025 in review: The year in car shopping

Amid tariff threats and expiring electric vehicle tax credits, prices inched up, affordability improved, and lots stayed full.

GUEST COLUMN

After 3rd consecutive rate cut, Fed credibility on inflation could be at stake

Federal Open Market Committee members faced a tough task in deciding how to balance spurring employment and controlling prices — they chose to reduce the federal funds rate.

OPINION

Grinches try to ruin Christmas when they claim Santa Claus is fake

Every Christmas, Santa Claus detractors want to ruin the fun by saying he is fake, but they are missing the point about what he represents and why it matters.

Mike Luckovich

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Single gift

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Turned all the way up

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Raising suspicion

Latest news

Politics

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Georgia is latest state to be sued by Trump administration on elections

The U.S. Justice Department sued Georgia, two other states and the District of Columbia for not handing over its voter registration data.

Sports betting falls lower on some Georgia lawmakers’ wish lists

The prevalence of companies similar to Kalshi could stymie efforts to legalize sports betting.

Department of Human Services cuts services to families to deal with deficit

As Georgia's Department of Human Services struggles with a massive deficit, Commissioner Candice Broce pleaded with state lawmakers for more funding.

Metro Atlanta

Credit: José Miguel Calvo

Cox, international nonprofits team to save ‘most beautiful place on Earth’

The land sale protects an ecological gem often described as South America’s Yosemite.

Live airport security wait times and today’s trends

The AJC gathers real-time wait-time data from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to show what security lines look like right now.

Steve Selig to step down after 4 decades of shaping Atlanta real estate

Steve Selig, one of the most decorated real estate developers in Atlanta, announced he will step down as CEO of his family firm.

Georgia

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Georgia Power gets PSC’s go-ahead on $16B data center power plant expansion

Company plans to add an unprecedented 10,000 megawatts of new power resources, despite concerns about who will pay for them long-term.

Water for Savannah’s soul: Restoration renews Forsyth Park fountain

Savannah's Forsyth Park fountain, a landmark of this historic Georgia port city since 1858, returned to operation Friday after a six-month restoration.

Georgia is latest state to be sued by Trump administration on elections

The U.S. Justice Department sued Georgia, two other states and the District of Columbia for not handing over its voter registration data.

Opinion

Credit: Lamar Bates

OPINION

Grinches try to ruin Christmas when they claim Santa Claus is fake

Every Christmas, Santa Claus detractors want to ruin the fun by saying he is fake, but they are missing the point about what he represents and why it matters.

OPINION

Kaolin tailings are Georgia’s hidden gateway to critical minerals in AI era

In the AI and automation era, the world is in a race for critical minerals, and Georgia is positioned to lead the way with kaolin tailings, which were once considered waste.

Readers write

AJC readers share the radiance of holiday light to overshadow evil acts of darkness.

Falcons

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez/AJC

Rookie James Pearce Jr. has become Falcons’ bet that actually is paying off

James Pearce Jr. is giving the Falcons hope with a dominant rookie season, making Atlanta’s risky trade for him look like a rare win.

Cardinals’ game-wrecking Trey McBride draws a contrast with Kyle Pitts

On pace to set all kinds of tight end records, the Cardinals' Trey McBride is what the Falcons envisioned Kyle Pitts Sr. would be. But Pitts has gotten hot down the stretch.

Falcons’ Drake London tracking to return to play after knee injury

A decision on Sunday’s game against Arizona will be made Friday.

Bulldogs

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Steve Sarkisian hopes Will Muschamp can help Texas against Georgia

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian hopes that hiring Will Muschamp, who spent the last four seasons with Georgia, will help the Longhorns figure out how to beat the Bulldogs.

Georgia basketball unsatisfied after 30-point win over Western Carolina

Georgia basketball defeated Western Carolina, 112-82, on Thursday night but was unsatisfied with its performance.

Kirby Smart reveals demand leading to Georgia football title contention

Georgia coach Kirby Smart knew his program needed to run the ball better, and improve stopping the run, and he demanded his team work on it before spring drills.

Georgia Tech

Credit: AP

Brent Key knows what Georgia Tech football ‘is gonna look like next year’

Brent Key is having to deal with staff departures and transfer portal losses but still he says, “I have a pretty good idea of what this is gonna look like next year."

After Pop-Tarts Bowl, next up for Haynes King is East-West Shrine Bowl

The all-star game features some of college football’s best players who are looking to make another impression on NFL scouts.

AD Ryan Alpert announces two $10 million gifts to Georgia Tech athletics

Georgia Tech athletic director Ryan Alpert announced Thursday on 680 The Fan that Tech athletics received two separate gifts of $10 million each.

Hawks

Credit: AP

Hawks give up 24 3’s; Hornets spoil Young’s return, Johnson’s career night

Jalen Johnson had a career-high 43 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists as he tried to will Atlanta back into the action.

Hawks guard Trae Young returns to action in starting lineup

MCL sprain kept Young off the court for 22 games.

Hawks guard Trae Young returns to practice, teases potential first game

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young practiced with the team Wednesday and may return to the rotation in the next 24 hours.

Braves

Braves will have former Bulldog Aaron Schunk in spring training

The Atlanta native was drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft by the Rockies after an illustrious two-way UGA career.

Where should Ronald Acuña Jr. hit in Braves’ lineup?

When Ronald Acuña Jr was moved to the middle of the Braves' order last season to rejuvenate the offense. It worked, but should he stay there or go back to leading off?

Braves re-sign Ha-Seong Kim, addressing shortstop need

Veteran Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Braves on a one-year, $20 million deal, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman. Kim was perhaps the best pure shortstop on the market.

United

Credit: AP

World Cup ticket prices for Atlanta matches increase

New ticket prices for the World Cup group stage matches in Atlanta will range from as low as $140 to as much as $600, according to information released by FIFA on Thursday.

Atlanta United defeats Botafogo in court over Thiago Almada ... again

Atlanta United won another round in its court battle with Botafogo over its failure to pay $21 million for Thiago Almada.

U.S. men’s soccer team will play Senegal in a friendly in Charlotte

The U.S. men’s soccer team has scheduled another tough friendly as part of its World Cup preparations, playing Senegal on May 31 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

High Schools

Credit: Jeff Sentell

Relive the game-winning play from all eight GHSA state championships

From eye-popping touchdown passes to last-second tackles to historic runs, here are all eight game-winning plays from the GHSA state championships at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Final football rankings: Season of super teams ends with 6 going 15-0

Since the GHSA expanded from five to seven championship games in 2012, the number of teams to finish undefeated didn't exceed four. Until this year.

Maxwell 2025 season summary | Buford, TCC, Carrollton top teams in state

Gainesville moves up from No. 14 to No. 6 in the all-class Maxwell Ratings heading into the Class 5A title game against Thomas County Central, which is rated fourth.

More Sports

Credit: Kennesaw State Athletics

Kennesaw State falls to Western Michigan in first-ever bowl game

The Owls earned a bid to the Myrtle Beach Bowl with a 10-3 record after winning the Conference USA Championship Game over Jacksonville State.

Falcons’ Drake London ‘is playing’ after missing four games with injury

Drake London, the Falcons leading receiver, is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday at Arizona after missing four games with a sprained MCL.

Relive the game-winning play from all eight GHSA state championships

From eye-popping touchdown passes to last-second tackles to historic runs, here are all eight game-winning plays from the GHSA state championships at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Food & Dining

Credit: handout

RECIPE

C. Ellet’s Steakhouse Riverboat Flip brings classic style to the present

This old-school cocktail features a whole egg in the classic style of a flip, but the recipe makes a delicious beverage even without the egg.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Miami-based Ghee Indian Kitchen finds warm welcome in Atlanta

It’s easy to understand why Ghee has been quickly embraced. The restaurant is attractive and warm with a buzzing atmosphere and irresistible aromas.

RECIPE

Roast salmon stars in quick, elevated twist on trout almondine

This delicate French dish is adapted to modern family life by swapping in hearty, nutritious salmon.

UATL

Credit: Jenni Girtman

FROM UATL

‘It’s UATL podcast’: Looking back at the year in Black culture

The 'It’s UATL' podcast hosts talk New Year's resolutions.

FROM UATL

The Super Soaker creator’s next big idea? A heat engine that could power the future

Credits: @AllThings1990s @RetroToysandCartoons @JTECEnergy @nationalinventorshalloffame/YT|Getty|Stell Simonton/AJC|Thomas S. England/Getty|Lonnie Johnson

FROM UATL

Atlanta producer Zaytoven turning trap music into classical for Tabernacle show

Grammy-winning architect of trap music to perform with chamber orchestra at The Tabernacle on Dec. 20.

Things to Do

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Water for Savannah’s soul: Restoration renews Forsyth Park fountain

Savannah's Forsyth Park fountain, a landmark of this historic Georgia port city since 1858, returned to operation Friday after a six-month restoration.

Where can I find it?

AJC readers are looking for a replacement chopping blade for their Cuisinart food processor and Ski Queen caramel cheese.

These metro Atlanta restaurants are open on Christmas Day

Here are 15 metro Atlanta restaurants open on Christmas Day 2025, including Atlas, Brassica and Marcus Bar & Grille.

Lifestyle

Credit: Courtesy of Matt Davidson

Measure tree’s critical root zone before digging nearby

Here's how to measure the critical root zone of a tree, so you'll know how to dig around it without injuring its roots.

How and when to protect your pipes from freezing

When temperatures fall below 32 degrees, water pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Nakato invests in itself to remain a treasure of Atlanta’s dining scene

With more than 50 years of history, Nakato has built itself into the rare restaurant that does multiple service styles well, from high-quality hibachi to solid sushi.

Entertainment

Credit: CBS S

Atlanta’s Savannah wins ‘Survivor’: ‘My game play was very loud, very bold’

The AJC spoke with Savannah Louie, the Atlanta resident who won the 49th season of "Survivor." She explained her game play and why she won over most of the jury.

‘Southside’ Steve Rickman loses morning show on Fox FM

Fox FM is heard in Atlanta on 99.3, 100.1 and 102.1 depending on where you live. Rickman said he was told Fox need a lower-cost, music-oriented host.

Shaq, other NBA stars judge best amateur dunkers on Atlanta-shot ‘Dunkman’

TNT has resurrected its dunking competition, bringing Shaquille O’Neal back as a judge, as well as adding Atlanta native Dwight Howard and another former Hawk, Vince Carter.

Travel

Columbia, where the South drops the act

South Carolina’s capital is often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors, but Columbia offers raw grit, history and a kind of beauty that only reveals itself when you lean in.

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.

Wellness

Credit: Jacob Wackerhausen/Getty Images

OPINION

A year after my mother’s death, I found my way back with a grief retreat

After losing my mother, I turned to a grief retreat in North Georgia to process pain and find ways to cope. Here’s what I learned.

Blank Foundation gives $25 million to support youth mental health

The $25 million builds onto a portfolio of more than $31 million the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has committed to youth mental health over the past three years.

How to handle holiday regression and hometown anxiety

From hometown anxiety to holiday regression, the season can stir up some unexpected mental health challenges. Here’s how to navigate them.

Special Features

Credit: Grace Dickinson

Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

Credit: Courtesy Atlanta Life Insurance Company

PHOTOS: Philanthropists leave mark on Atlanta

In Atlanta, the 20th and 21st centuries have seen the rise of influential philanthropists and doers, including entrepreneurs and executives like Alonzo Herndon, Robert Woodruf

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOTOS: Thomas County Central pummels Gainesville for 5A state title

Gainesville and Thomas County Central battled on Wednesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Class 5A state football championship.

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOTOS: Sandy Creek defeats Jefferson for Class 3A championship

Sandy Creek completed a perfect 15-0 season with a 27-7 victory over Jefferson on Wednesday night in the Class 3A state championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.