Atlanta, GA
Atlanta City Council poised to approve training center funding
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – On Monday, hundreds of people crowded into Atlanta City Hall to voice opposition to the funding of the controversial public safety training center ahead of the Council’s final vote.
357 seven people signed up to give public comment, a process that is expected to take at least 12 hours.
“I am done with the niceties. I do not need your cell phone number, I need y’all to listen, and the people in my community matt are staying stop Cop City,” said Shannon Cofrin Gaggero, during Monday’s public comment period.
The public funding is expected to pass despite the outcry on Monday against public funding.
Councilmember Keisha Sean Waites told Atlanta News First she believes four councilmembers will vote against the project, leaving 11 voting for the public funding.
Another council member also told Atlanta News First on background that they believe that the final vote will either be 11-4 or 10-5 in support of publicly funding the training facility.
On Monday, in a breakout interview during the public comment period, Councilmember Michael Julian Bond he will vote in support of it because he believes the obligation of new training facilities outweighs the opposition against the project.
Atlanta News First asked Council President Doug Shipman ahead of the public comment period if the Council had already made up its mind.
“I think a lot of their minds are made up, but I’m not going to comment specifically because I don’t want to be seen as putting my thumb on the scale,” said Shipman. “I’m there to make sure it runs smoothly and obviously break a tie if necessary.”
The City of Atlanta will be responsible for $67 million in taxpayer spending for the project, including $30 million in a one-time capital investment to the Atlanta Police Foundation for the ongoing development of the project.
In addition, the City will pay $1 million towards a new gymnasium on the site.
Also, the City will be on the hook for a lease-back agreement with the Police Foundation. The terms of that agreement are $1.2 million annually for the next 30 years.
The far majority of those who spoke to the council were opposed to public funding of the project.
“Instead make investments that are necessary to create truly public safety. Invest in affordable housing, invest in affordable healthcare,” said Gary Spencer with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
In addition to the 357 people who signed up, the Council passed a motion to allow those who were still waiting in line to sign up, but were unable to, to still be able to give comment after the initial comment period.
“We should have been prepared to accept the people today,” said Councilmember Andrea Boone, reacting to those initially turned away from being able to speak.
The Atlanta City Council is set to vote on whether or not to fund the public safety training center.
The outcries extended from inside City to outside in downtown Atlanta.
For hours on end, chanting could be heard in the streets of Atlanta outside City Hall.
“What good is it training if the police officer that you’re training is already a bad police officer on the street? Not all police officers are bad police officers but what we in the community want is for the bad officers to be off the street,” Opponent Queen K said.
Hundreds of people lined up outside Atlanta City Hall in hopes of getting inside for public comment. City Hall even changed its policy and would not allow gels or liquids inside out of an abundance of caution over explosives.
“There’s going to be officers who slip through the cracks and officers who get weak and have a moment of weakness and might lose their temper. That’s all improved by training,” Supporter Lou Arcangeli said.
“The police officer who murdered Rayshard Brooks had hours and hours of training, the police officers who shot Jamarion Robinson over 100 times had hours and hours of training and when we talk about bad apples, bad apples come from rotten trees. The whole institution is rotten to its core,” Opponent Mary Hooks said.
Amid everything happening outside, there was a large police presence, and everything remained peaceful.
“We’re spending millions on this that could be put into reimagining a way to do things besides beefing up force,” opponent Chad Hale said.
Copyright 2023 WANF. All rights reserved.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls: Starting Lineups
The Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls are getting ready to tip off in Chicago for another NBA Cup game and both teams just announced their starting lineups.
G- Trae Young
G- Dyson Daniels
F- Zaccharie Risacher
F- Jalen Johnson
C- Clint Capela
G- Coby White
G- Josh Giddey
F- Zach LaVine
F- Ayo Dosunmu
C- Nikola Vucevic
Here is a preview for tonight’s game from our own Rohan Raman:
Tonight is not only an important game for their NBA Cup hopes – it is also an opportunity to respond against an opponent that handled them during their last matchup. When these teams played on November 9th, Atlanta was in control for most of the game before Chicago stormed back and won the game due to the Hawks faltering late. The 14-3 scoring run that the Bulls went on ended up winning them the game and sealed a 125-113 loss that was simply hard to watch. In their last meeting, Chicago also won the game largely due to a team-based scoring performance. Their entire starting lineup finished with double-digit points and a positive plus/minus. Ayo Dosomnu also made a massive impact off the bench with 19 points on 7-10 shooting.
Atlanta’s inconsistency has been an issue all season. Against Golden State, they had a dismal first quarter. The Hawks shot 35% from the field and 29% from three. Golden State on the other hand was 60% from the field and 46% from three. The bench for the Warriors outscored the Hawks bench 19-3. However, this game was more of a fluke in terms of how bad their start was. That being said, they have consistently struggled in the clutch. This year, they have the 10th-fewest points in the third quarter and the fifth-fewest points in the fourth quarter.
Coming into tonight’s game, the Hawks are 11th in the NBA in PPG, 19th in FG%, 18th in 3PA, 19th in 3P%, 4th in FTA, 25th in turnovers, and 11th in rebounding. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 18th in points per 100 possessions, 19th in effective field goal percentage, 21st in turnover percentage, 9th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 7th in free throw rate. On defense, they rank 28th in PPG allowed, 15th in field goal percentage allowed, 30th in three-point attempts allowed, and 30th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 19th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 26th in effective field goal percentage allowed.
The Bulls have a pretty simple team profile – they take a lot of threes and make a good amount of threes without standing out much in other areas. They are 10th in PPG, 16th in FG%, 3rd in three attempts, 10th in three point percentage, 25th in free throw attempts, 9th in rebounding, and 21st in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, Chicago is 23rd in points per 100 possessions, 12th in effective field goal percentage, 19th in turnover percentage, 28th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 27th in free throw rate. Defensively, the Bulls are 29th in PPG allowed, 29th in field goal percentage allowed, 22nd in three point attempts allowed, and 5th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Chicago is 25th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 23rd in effective field goal percentage allowed.
Even though the Bulls have an exploitable defense, the Hawks are going to need a strong performance from Trae Young to salt this game away early. Young has not really looked like himself as a scorer this year. In his last two games against the Kings and Warriors, he’s scored a combined 19 points on 5-19 shooting despite playing 30+ minutes in both games. On the year, he’s averaging 21.9 points (his lowest since his rookie year) and shooting a career-worst 34.1% from deep. Fortunately, he is still one of the best playmakers in the NBA and hit double-digit assists in those same games to alleviate some of the effect of his scoring dip. In a game where he has his full rotation avaliable to him, I expect him to continue to shine as a playmaker while taking advantage of the improved spacing.”
Atlanta, GA
Thanksgiving Turkey Trots in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | 2024
ATLANTA – It’s become a tradition for many serious and not-so-serious athletes and families to go for a run or walk prior to eating a big Thanksgiving meal. Many of these runs/walks often benefit worthy causes. Here’s a list of runs and walks around metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
Acworth Turkey Chase
- When: 8 a.m., Nov. 23
- Where: Downtown Acworth
- What: Includes the Little Pilgrim Trot (2K walk) and a 5K run. This event is a qualifier for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.
- How Much: Starting at $10 for Little Pilgrim Trot, $20 for untimed fun run, $30 for timed run
- More Info
Early Bird Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
- When: 8 a.m., Nov. 23 (check-in begins at 6:30 a.m.)
- Where: 200 Chastain Meadows Court, Kennesaw
- What: 5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon
- How Much: $25 on race day
- More Info
Get Basted Turkey Trot
- When: 8 a.m., Nov. 24
- Where: North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming
- What: 5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon
- How Much: $25 on race day
- More Info
Turkey Trot of McDonough
- When: 7 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: Academy Sports & Outdoors, 198 South Point Blvd., McDonough
- What: 1-mile fun run, 5K, and 10K options
- How Much: Starting at $30
- More Info
Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Dash
- When: 7:45 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: Center Parc Stadium, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta
- What: Half marathon, 5K, and 1-mile dash. Starts under Atlanta’s Olympic rings with a post-race celebration.
- How Much: Starting at $25
- More Info
Thanksgiving Day Gobble Wobble 5K/10K/Fun Run
- When: 7:45 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta
- What: 9th annual 5K, 10K, and fun run
- How Much: Starting at $25
- More Info
Tryptophan Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
- When: 7:30 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: 405 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming
- What: 14th annual race on Big Creek Parkway
- How Much: Starting at $70
- More Info
MUST Ministries Gobble Jog
- When: 7:30 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: Marietta Square, downtown Marietta
- What: 10K and 5K timed races, as well as untimed 5K, 1K, and Tot Trot. Benefits MUST Ministries.
- How Much: Starting at $40
- More Info
Five Star Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon
- When: Nov. 28
- Where: 3835 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek
- What: 5K, 10K, 15K, and half marathon
- How Much: $25 on race day
- More Info
Gainesville Turkey Trot 5K & 10K
- When: 8:30 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, 12626 NW CR 231, Gainesville
- What: Scenic 5K and 10K through fields and forests
- How Much: Starting at $40
- More Info
Rome Turkey Trot
- When: 9 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: AdventHealth Stadium, 755 Braves Blvd., Rome
- What: 5K USATF-certified race and a 3K family stroll
- How Much: Starting at $30
- More Info
Dahlonega Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run
- When: 8:30 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: Lumpkin County High School, 2001 Indian Drive, Dahlonega
- What: 11th annual 5K and fun run
- How Much: Starting at $40
- More Info
Blue Ridge Turkey Trot
- When: 8 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: Downtown Blue Ridge
- What: Thanksgiving Day race/walk for all ages
- How Much: Starting at $30
- More Info
Oconee River Greenway Turkey Trot
- When: 8 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: Oconee River Greenway, 420 E. Greene Street, Milledgeville
- What: 1-mile fun run/walk or 5K race on the scenic Greenway
- How Much: Starting at $15
- More Info
West Georgia Turkey Trot
- When: 9 a.m., Nov. 28
- Where: Hobbs Farm Greenbelt Trailhead, Carrollton
- What: 5K, 10K, and Gobble Wobble for kids. Benefits foster care programs.
- How Much: Starting at $20
- More Info
Atlanta, GA
Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta | Nov. 22-24, 2024
ATLANTA – Looking for fun and festive ways to spend your time in and around metro Atlanta this weekend? Whether you’re in the mood for dazzling holiday lights, live music, engaging art events, or a little holiday shopping, this list has something for everyone.
Holidays
WildWoods AGLOW
When: Now–Feb. 23 (select nights)
Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta
What: A multi-sensory experience blending real environments with glowing displays and original music. Discover large dandelions, dragonflies, bat displays, glowing garden towers, and more.
How Much: Starting at $23.95
More Info
Holidays at Georgia Aquarium
When: Now–Jan. 2
Where: Georgia Aquarium, 222 Baker Street NW, Atlanta
What: Festive holiday music, winter-inspired projections, a 40-foot live tree, photos with Santa, a holiday-themed dolphin presentation, and more.
How Much: Starting at $39.99
More Info
IllumiNights at the Zoo
When: Now–Jan. 19
Where: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta
What: A nighttime wonderland with lanterns, hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows, and more.
How Much: Starting at $20.99
More Info
Georgia Festival of Trees
When: Nov. 23–Dec. 1
Where: Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
What: A festival with fully decorated Christmas trees, live entertainment, Santa visits, a boutique gift shop, and more. Proceeds benefit local charities.
How Much: Starting at $15
More Info
Merry Grinchmas Market
When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Nov. 23–24
Where: Catoosa Colonnade Event Center, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold
What: Over 100 vendors offering unique gifts, food trucks, free pictures with Santa, the Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who.
How Much: $5 general admission for adults
More Info
12th Annual Christmas Parade, Jingle Market & Tree Lighting
When: 2–8 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Dawsonville City Hall, 415 GA-53, Dawsonville
What: A festive market, parade, food trucks, and a tree lighting at dusk.
How Much: Free admission
More Info
Mable House Lights The Night
When: 4 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road SW, Mableton
What: Kicking off a 12-day celebration with a makers market, live entertainment, refreshments, and a tree lighting.
How Much: Free admission
More Info
Light Up Trilith
When: 4–8 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Town at Trilith, 305 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville
What: Live music, festive activities, Santa visits, food trucks, and a tree lighting at 8 p.m.
How Much: Free admission
More Info
Light the Station
When: 6–9 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta
What: A parade with floats, bands, stilt walkers, ice skating, a DJ, and the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree.
How Much: Free admission
More Info
Atlanta Christkindl Market
When: Nov. 23–Jan. 5
Where: Buckhead Village District and Galleria on the Park
What: German-inspired food, handcrafted goods, and Santa appearances.
How Much: Free admission
More Info
Misfits Toys Market
When: 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Harmony Park, 380 Mead Road, Decatur
What: Handmade goods, oddities, crafts, and a DJ.
How Much: Free admission
More Info
Holiday in the Park
When: Nov. 23–Jan. 5 (select nights)
Where: Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell
What: Over 1 million LED lights, festive shows, holiday treats, rides, and Santa visits.
How Much: $40+
More Info
Dunwoody Village Holiday Celebration
When: 4–6:30 p.m., Nov. 24
Where: Dunwoody Village, Downtown Dunwoody
What: Performances, family-friendly activities, free Santa photos, a tree lighting, and a lantern parade.
How Much: Free admission
More Info
Music
The Reflex
When: 7 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street, Woodstock
What: An Atlanta-based Duran Duran tribute band.
How Much: Starting at $29.50
More Info
The Lone Bellow
When: 7 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Eddie’s Attic, 515 N. McDonough Street, Decatur
What: Folk rock band with a fan-curated setlist as part of their “By Request Only” tour.
How Much: $40 general admission
More Info
The Fab Four
When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
What: An ultimate tribute to The Beatles.
How Much: Starting at $35
More Info
Stephen Wilson Jr.
When: 8 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta
What: Americana artist on his “Son of Dad” tour.
How Much: Starting at $29
More Info
Jabroni Fest 9
When: Nov. 22–23
Where: Boggs Social & Supply, 1310 White Street SW, Atlanta
What: Performances by multiple bands, including The Carolyn, Seafulls, Chimes, and others.
How Much: $20 for a one-day pass, $30 for a two-day pass
More Info
Manchester Orchestra
When: 7 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: The Eastern, 800 Old Flat Shoals Road SE, Atlanta
What: Celebrating the 15th anniversary of their album Mean Everything to Nothing during their “Stuffing XIV” tour.
How Much: Starting at $49.50
More Info
Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time
When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta
What: Mariah Carey celebrates the 30th anniversary of her Merry Christmas album.
How Much: Starting at $79.95
More Info
Musiq Soulchild
When: 7 p.m. & 10 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE, Atlanta
What: One of the most influential R&B singers of this generation.
How Much: Starting at $75
More Info
Cowboy – Tribute to Kid Rock
When: 9:45 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: 37 Main, 37 East Main Street, Buford
What: Kid Rock tribute band performing across major venues and biker events.
How Much: $10+
More Info
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
When: 3 p.m., Nov. 24
Where: Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
What: Enjoy timeless Christmas classics performed by Mannheim Steamroller.
How Much: Starting at $49.50
More Info
Comedy
Lucas Zelnick
When: Nov. 21–24 (multiple shows)
Where: The Punchline, 3652 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta
What: New York native Lucas Zelnick rose to fame on social media and now tours as a comedian.
How Much: Starting at $28
More Info
Art
The Art of Competition Tour
When: Nov. 23
Where: ABV Gallery, 1206 Metropolitan Ave. SE, Atlanta
What: A live art battle featuring DJs, drinks, and more.
How Much: Starting at $18
More Info
Theater
Beauty and the Beast Jr.
When: 7 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Roswell Cultural Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell
What: Roswell Youth Theatre presents the junior version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
How Much: $16.50+
More Info
Other
Laughs, Llamas, and Pajamas
When: 6–8 p.m., Nov. 21
Where: Uptown Atlanta, 575 Morosgo Drive NE, Atlanta
What: Llamas in pajamas, a comedy show, children’s activities, crafts, and more.
How Much: Free admission
More Info
Upper Deck Golf at Truist Park
When: Nov. 21–23
Where: Truist Park
What: Play golf from the upper level of Truist Park while enjoying music, food, and drinks. Tee times are available throughout the day.
How Much: Starting at $89.99
More Info
Cobb County Gem & Mineral Society Annual Show
When: Nov. 22–24
Where: Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta
What: Rocks, gemstones, fossils, beads, jewelry, and supplies from over 30 professional dealers.
How Much: Free admission
More Info
Acworth Turkey Chase
When: Nov. 23
Where: Downtown Acworth
What: Includes the Little Pilgrim Trot, a 2K walk, and a 5K run. A qualifier for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.
How Much: Starting at $10 for Little Pilgrim Trot, $20 for untimed fun run, $30 for timed run
More Info
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