Atlanta, GA

ATL Friends groups form adult friendships amid national loneliness epidemic

Published

9 months ago

September 21, 2023

ATL Friends groups form adult friendships amid national loneliness epidemic

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Amid a nationwide loneliness epidemic, a social media movement is creating connections amongst Atlanta adults.

Anna Olson created ATL Friends, a community group that brings people together at events throughout the metro. She started the group after experiencing her own bout of loneliness, following a cross-country move and breakup two years ago.

“It’s hard to make friends as an adult. We’ve all experienced that,” said Olson.

Hundreds of people have attended events through the group including picnics at Piedmont Park, group nights at sporting events, and smaller fitness classes. Most events are free and open to anyone 21 and up.

“Our goal is to create an environment for people to feel safe to admit they’re lonely and there’s no shame in that,” said Olson.

The group’s growth coincides with a loneliness epidemic sweeping the country posing severe mental and physical impact. A newly released report by the U.S. Surgeon General finds about half of U.S. adults report measurable levels of loneliness.

The findings equate premature death from poor connection with smoking 15 cigarettes a day. People lacking connection can face a 29 percent increased risk for heart disease, 32 percent increased risk for stroke, and 50 percent increased risk for developing dementia in older adults.

Licensed professional counselor Laura Morse said feelings of loneliness, amplified during the Covid-19 pandemic, still hang heavy over younger generations.

“People, especially young people, forgot how to socialize, and that’s something hopefully people are getting more comfortable in doing,” said Morse. “We need to have a sense of community, and people need to come together – not in a crisis situation, but in everyday life.”

Bonding over shared activities, like ATL Friends outings, can help build stronger connections amongst strangers.

“Some people are out doing a creative or physical activity, you say at least I have something in common with this person,” explained Morse. “If I give myself an opportunity to talk and discuss this activity, we might find we have more in common and then there might be an ease in making future plans.”

The toughest part about forming connections is taking the initial leap.

“I get intimidated to meet more people. It’s not easy for anybody, but the more you do it, the more you put yourself in those situations, the more you benefit from it,” said Olson.

ATL Friends is hosting its 2 year anniversary field day event at the Active Oval in Piedmont Park on September 30. There will be field games, tabletop games, and space to picnic. Tickets for the free event can be reserved through the group’s Instagram page.

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Atlanta, GA

Man killed overnight on Jett Street, Atlanta police say

Published

2 hours ago

June 27, 2024

Press Room

Man killed overnight on Jett Street, Atlanta police say

article

ATLANTA – Atlanta police say a man was shot and killed in the 600 block of Jett Street in the Bankhead area overnight.

The call was received shortly before 2:30 a.m.

Police say the victim was a man in his 40s.

At this time, there is no information about a possible suspect or motive.

This story is developing. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta and Washington give the Southeast Division a 1-2 punch at the top of the NBA draft

Published

9 hours ago

June 27, 2024

Press Room

Atlanta and Washington give the Southeast Division a 1-2 punch at the top of the NBA draft

The Southeast Division controlled the top two selections in the NBA draft, with Atlanta and Washington picking 1-2.

Those were rare spots for those two franchises.

The Hawks won the lottery after having only a 3% chance of landing the top pick. They had picked No. 1 only one other time, in 1975.

Washington had the top pick in 2001 (Kwame Brown) and 2010 (John Wall), but those were the only times in the past half-century the team had selected in the top two.

Elsewhere in the division, the Orlando Magic were also in an unusual spot after making the playoffs this past season. They picked Colorado forward Tristan da Silva at No. 18 — their lowest first-round pick since 2012.

The Hawks and Wizards may have been in close proximity in the draft, but on the court the teams are in very different positions entering this offseason. The Hawks were in the play-in round last season, with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray averaging over 20 points a game. Now they add French teen Zaccharie Risacher to the mix.

The Wizards, meanwhile, lost a franchise-record 67 games, and expectations figure to be low again even after taking French 7-footer Alex Sarr one spot after Risacher.

Atlanta Hawks

Needs: Defensive help at every level.

Who they drafted: Risacher at No. 1.

NBA comparision: Risacher said he and Golden State shooting guard Klay Thompson have “the same game.” Risacher then quickly added Thompson has the advantage of being a veteran while he must improve. Risacher is quick and athletic at 6-foot-9, 215 pounds and should provide both scoring and defensive skills on the wing.

Charlotte Hornets

Needs: The Hornets had plenty of issues across the board last season, none bigger than their defense. Charlotte finished second-to-last in the league in defensive rating. The Hornets also need to add more 3-point shooting and rebounding.

Who they drafted: Forward Tidjane Salaun of France at No. 6.

NBA comparison: Salaun has plenty of length and intensity and reminds some of a more athletic version of Otto Porter Jr. or Jonas Jerebko. The big question will be how he develops as a shooter. Just 18, he played very well at the Basketball Without Borders camp and was named MVP of the 2023 Trophy of the Future tournament, averaging 17.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. The Hornets passed on UConn center Donovan Clingan to take the 6-9 Salaun.

Miami Heat

Needs: Size

Who they drafted: Indiana center Kel’el Ware at No. 15.

NBA comparision: He might be considered a Myles Turner type, a 7-footer with serious offensive skills, a knack for rim protection and outstanding in the pick-and-roll. Ware also will immediately benefit from playing alongside Heat captain Bam Adebayo, who could get more minutes at power forward if Ware can take center minutes.

Orlando Magic

Needs: Perimeter shooting. The Magic were last in the NBA in 3-point field goals and 24th in 3-point percentage.

Who they drafted: Da Silva at No. 18.

NBA comparison: Philadelphia’s Tobias Harris because of his size, all-around game and maturity.

Washington Wizards

Needs: Washington is only a year into its rebuild, so the Wizards didn’t necessarily have to be picky about fit — but it happened that some of the top players available also had good size, which the team can use after dealing Kristaps Porzingis and Daniel Gafford in the fairly recent past.

Who they drafted: Sarr with the No. 2 pick, Pittsburgh guard Bub Carrington at No. 14 and 6-8 Kyshawn George of Miami at No. 24.

NBA comparison for Sarr: He says he admires Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, although his defensive impact may make him more comparable to Jaren Jackson Jr. initially.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

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