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Atlanta Falcons name Ian Cunningham general manager

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Atlanta Falcons name Ian Cunningham general manager


ATLANTA A member of two Super Bowl winning front offices, Ian Cunningham has been named general manager of the Atlanta Falcons after meeting with Falcons leadership, including owner and chairman, Arthur M. Blank, Thursday in Atlanta.

Cunningham arrives in Atlanta after four seasons (2022-25) with the Chicago Bears as assistant general manager with his time in the Windy City culminating in the Bears’ NFC North title in 2025. Cunningham will report directly to the team’s president of football, Matt Ryan.

“It was evident through our rigorous interview process Ian was the right choice for our general manager position,’ said Ryan. “His vision for our team and organization aligned exactly with the type of leader we were seeking to help take the Falcons to the next level. Throughout Ian’s career, including Super Bowl championships in Baltimore and Philadelphia, Ian has demonstrated the drive and focus it takes to build championship contenders and put them in the position to win games. We love his broad and deep experience across every aspect of talent evaluation and know he’s learned from some of the best in the league. Pairing him with Coach Stefanski is exciting for us, and we can’t wait to see them bring our shared vision to life in everything we do starting right now.”

During his time in Chicago as assistant general manager, four players acquired earned three All-Pro honors and four Pro Bowl selections in Kevin Byard, Drew Dalman, Montez Sweat and Joe Thuney. The 2025 Chicago offense finished sixth in the NFL in total offense with 13 of 15 players who played at least 400 snaps acquired during Cunningham’s tenure.

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“It’s truly an honor to be the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons and I couldn’t be more thankful to Arthur Blank, Matt Ryan, Greg Beadles, Josh Blank and the entire search committee for believing in me,” said Cunningham. “As a Falcons fan growing up in Roswell when the Dirty Birds were rolling, the Braves were on fire and the city was hosting the Summer Olympics, I lived the passion of Atlanta sports fans and I can’t wait to be part of bringing that fire and energy back to the city. It’s been incredible to build a relationship with Matt over the last several weeks and to have an immediate connection with Kevin. I can’t wait to work with both of these great football minds to put a team on the field everyone will be very excited about. We all share the same vision for what the Atlanta Falcons should and will be and it’s time to work.”

Prior to Chicago, Cunningham spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles where he was a member of the club’s front office when the organization captured its first Super Bowl win in 2017. Cunningham began his time in Philadelphia as director of college scouting (2017-18) before earning two promotions to assistant director of player personnel (2019-20) and director of player personnel (2021). In his five-year tenure in Philadelphia, the Eagles qualified for the playoffs four times, winning the NFC East twice and winning the aforementioned Super Bowl.

“My experience in Chicago has been important to me in so many ways, and I wouldn’t have this opportunity in Atlanta without George McCaskey, Kevin Warren and especially Ryan Poles,” said Cunningham. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity they gave me and everything I’ve learned from them over my years with the Bears. It has been a first-class experience, and I will never forget what they, our staff, coaches, players and the great fans of Chicago have done for me.”

A total of six Eagles acquired during Cunningham’s time in Philadelphia (2017-21) have earned 11 Pro Bowl selections while with the club.

Cunningham began his NFL front office career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 as a player personnel assistant. After five seasons (2008-12) as a player personnel assistant, including the Ravens’ Super Bowl win in 2012, he served as a southeast area scout for two years (2013-14) before taking on additional responsibility as the southeast/southwest area scout from 2015-16. The Ravens advanced to the playoffs six of his nine seasons with two AFC North crowns and the 2012 Super Bowl win.

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Prior to joining the front office ranks, Cunningham signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent offensive lineman in 2008. A native of Carrollton, Texas, Cunningham lived in Roswell, Georgia as a youth while his father Louis Cunningham was VP of Marketing for the Atlanta Olympic Committee for the 1996 Summer games. Cunningham earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2007 and his master’s in education in 2008 from Virginia.

Cunningham and his wife, Justine, have three children, Elliot, Rooney and Niall.

Arthur M. Blank on Ian Cunningham:

“From the first time we met with Ian, his bright and innovative mind quickly made an impact on our group. Through our research, it is clear he is a selfless individual driven by a pursuit of perfection and is impeccable with his word while never pausing on his quest to learn more and challenge the status quo. As we have previously said, our objective is to win games and contend for championships every year, a focus that Ian shares and has demonstrated throughout his career. We look forward to the leadership we now have in place with Matt Ryan, Kevin Stefanski and Ian Cunningham and the work that is to come from our organization as it builds on what is already a strong foundation.”



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Atlanta, GA

Winter Storm Watch issued for parts of north Georgia; snow possible this weekend in Atlanta

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Winter Storm Watch issued for parts of north Georgia; snow possible this weekend in Atlanta


CBS News Atlanta is tracking the chance for snow across north Georgia and possibly parts of metro Atlanta this weekend.

Will it snow in Atlanta this weekend?

This will not be a sleet or freezing rain event like the storm that moved through last weekend. Forecast models show temperatures cold enough from the upper atmosphere down to the surface to support snow only.

There is still uncertainty about how much snow will fall and exactly where it will accumulate.

While forecast models agree precipitation would fall as snow, not sleet or freezing rain, they differ on how much snow could reach northeast Georgia.

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The forecast depends on an area of low pressure expected to develop in the Gulf of Mexico and move off the coast of the Carolinas. That system would spin counterclockwise and pull moisture inland.

Forecast models show parts of north Georgia, including metro Atlanta getting snow early Saturday morning. 

There is plenty of cold air already in place ahead of the system, which could allow measurable snow in the Carolinas and possibly north Georgia.

The American forecast model brings a couple of inches of snow to areas such as Blairsville, Gainesville and Athens on Saturday. The European model has been more aggressive, showing higher snow totals across eastern and northeastern Georgia by late Saturday.

Snow would begin Saturday morning and continue through the afternoon and evening.

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Winter Storm Watch issued for parts of Georgia

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for northeast and east-central Georgia, including the North Georgia mountains, Gainesville, and areas just east of Eatonton. The watch also includes metro Atlanta.

The winter storm watch is in effect from Friday evening through Sunday morning and means snow accumulation of up to 2 inches is possible in the affected areas.

Fulton County and parts of metro Atlanta could see only a few flurries, while northeast Georgia may receive a couple of inches or more of snow by the end of Saturday.

Forecasters will continue to monitor model trends to determine whether snow totals increase and whether the storm system shifts farther west, which would raise snow chances for metro Atlanta.

The forecast hinges on the exact track and strength of the low-pressure system along the Carolina coast. The closer the system moves inland and the stronger it becomes, the greater the potential for snow in north Georgia.

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Extreme Cold Watch Saturday, Sunday

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Watch for all of north and central Georgia, in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon. 

Forecasters warn of dangerously cold wind chills, ranging from 10 degrees below zero in the north Georgia mountains to single digits above zero in central Georgia, creating hazardous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors. Officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves, pets, and exposed pipes as the frigid air moves in.

Stay with CBS News Atlanta for the latest updates on this weekend’s snow potential.



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Metro Atlanta native Teddy Swims to headline Super Bowl LX Tailgate Concert

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Metro Atlanta native Teddy Swims to headline Super Bowl LX Tailgate Concert


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Metro Atlanta native Teddy Swims will headline the Super Bowl LX Tailgate Concert.

Swims, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Conyers, will bring his blend of R&B, country, soul and pop to the pregame show outside Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Feb. 8, the NFL announced Wednesday.

Teddy Swims arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y.(Evan Agostini | Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

“The Super Bowl is one of those events I grew up watching with my dad and brothers and have always dreamed of being at and performing!” Swims said in a statement. “Coming from a football family – I played and watched my whole life – the Super Bowl was a favorite pastime for me and my family to get around and hang together. It’s an honor to be a part of it and kick off the game!”

Bay Area rapper LaRussell will open for Swims.

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The Tailgate Concert is set to begin at 3:50 p.m. ET.



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Metro Atlanta school districts warn of consequences as student ICE walkouts spread

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Metro Atlanta school districts warn of consequences as student ICE walkouts spread


Hundreds of students across metro Atlanta have already walked out of class this week, and with more demonstrations planned, several Georgia school districts are now speaking out. 

Officials are warning that while student voices matter, disruptions during the school day will carry consequences.

On Tuesday, large groups of students left class at Archer High School and Parkview High School as part of protests tied to immigration enforcement concerns. More walkouts are planned for Wednesday in Newton, Paulding, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties, according to organizers. Last week, hundreds of students also walked out at Meadowcreek High School.

The demonstrations follow a broader wave of student activism earlier this month. On Jan. 20, metro Atlanta students joined a nationwide walkout in solidarity with Minnesota residents protesting an immigration crackdown in that state. The “Free America Walkout” took place that afternoon at universities and high schools across the region. At Lakeside High School in DeKalb County, more than 1,000 students participated. Walkouts also occurred at Emory University, Kennesaw State University, and other locations, ending with a citywide rally at Hurt Park in downtown Atlanta.

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As protests continue, school districts are emphasizing safety, instruction, and adherence to student codes of conduct.

In Cobb County, school officials said they are aware of efforts by outside groups to recruit students for a rally related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30. The district said those efforts encourage students to leave class or authorized school areas during the school day, which officials say would disrupt learning.

“While we respect the right of students to express their views in a non-disruptive way, students are expected to be in class and engaged in learning throughout the school day,” the district said in a statement.

Cobb County warned that violations of the student Code of Conduct, including skipping class or leaving authorized areas, could lead to disciplinary action, including out-of-school suspension and the loss of parking, sports, or extracurricular privileges. District leaders also cautioned that such consequences could have long-term impacts that may be considered by colleges or future employers.

On Jan. 23, hundreds of students at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, Georgia, walked out of classes to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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The Paulding County School District issued a similar message to families, saying it has seen online posts, potentially from individuals or activist groups outside the community, encouraging student walkouts or demonstrations tied to ICE-related events.

While the district said it respects students’ rights to peaceful expression, officials said the suggested actions could jeopardize student safety and disrupt academic instruction. Any activity that interrupts the instructional day or involves leaving campus without permission is not school-sponsored and will result in discipline under district policy, the statement said.

“Our focus is providing a safe, positive learning environment focused on instruction, and classes will continue as scheduled throughout the week,” Paulding County officials said, adding that administrators and safety staff will monitor campuses to maintain order.

In DeKalb County, district leaders acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding recent national events and said they recognize students’ desire to speak out on issues they care about. The district emphasized its commitment to developing globally engaged citizens while maintaining safe and orderly schools.

“Students have the right to free expression; however, that expression must occur in a manner that does not disrupt instruction or compromise their safety,” the district said.

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DeKalb County encouraged students to work with school administrators to find school-approved ways to share their perspectives, such as facilitated discussions or service activities. The district also reminded families that walkouts and other disruptive actions are prohibited under the Student Code of Conduct and may result in discipline based on the severity and context of the behavior, in accordance with state law.

With more walkouts planned in the coming days, districts across metro Atlanta say they are urging families to talk with students about appropriate civic engagement, balancing the right to be heard with the responsibility to keep schools safe, and focused on learning.



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