Atlanta, GA

Mina Kimes calls for Atlanta Falcons to start Michael Penix Jr.

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

Mina Kimes calls for Atlanta Falcons to start Michael Penix Jr.

Former Washington Huskies star Michael Penix Jr. has seen action in just two games during his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons: he made his NFL debut and came in in relief during a blowout loss to the Denver Broncos.

While sitting behind Kirk Cousins after being selected with the No. 8 overall pick may not have been the future Penix envisioned for himself during his final year with the Huskies, general manager Terry Fontenot has repeatedly stated he chose Penix when considering his team’s long-term future.

With the Falcons sitting at 6-6, tied for first in the NFC South, and coming off a 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, ESPN’s Mina Kimes believes it’s time for Penix to get his opportunity and infuse some life into a struggling Atlanta offense.

“I’ve felt like his physical limitations are holding this offense back,” Kimes said of Cousins on NFL Live. “You drafted Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 overall…I will criticize that decision infinitely more if they don’t give Penix a shot this season. You’re throwing away a season where not only do you have a chance to win the division, but you could potentially go farther if you see something with the young quarterback.”

Cousins, who is 35 years old and coming off a torn Achilles tendon, has looked the part of an ailing veteran for the majority of the season. He threw 4 interceptions in the loss to the Chargers and has thrown no touchdown passes and 6 picks in the last three weeks.

Despite being No. 5 in the NFL in passing yards with 3,052, the underlying numbers for Cousins are concerning to say the least, especially for a player who’s in the first season of a four-year, $180 million contract. He leads the league with 13 interceptions and has been able to muster a meager 21.4 points per game despite having a strong supporting cast around him.

Three of Atlanta’s final five regular season games are against some of the NFL’s worst defenses: the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Carolina Panthers, and could give Penix a great opportunity to prove himself if head coach Raheem Morris and the front office feel that it’s time for a change.

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Atlanta, GA

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Published

7 hours ago

May 16, 2026

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Atlanta, GA

Driverless Waymo cars get into traffic jam in Atlanta

Published

19 hours ago

May 15, 2026

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Driverless Waymo cars get into traffic jam in Atlanta – CBS News

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Atlanta residents woke up to Waymo traffic jams on Friday. The driverless cars took over a quiet cul-de-sac. Skyler Henry has more details.

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Atlanta, GA

2 Giant Pandas Are Headed to This US Zoo. Meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2026

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2 Giant Pandas Are Headed to This US Zoo. Meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang

The public is getting its first look at the two pandas that will be heading from China to Zoo Atlanta.

NBC’s Janis Mackey Frayer was able to visit female Fu Shuang and male Ping Ping before they make the nearly 8,000-mile flight. The giant pandas are both 6 years old and are headed to the United States as part of a new decade-long conservation agreement between China and the U.S.

Ping Ping’s keepers say he tends to follow them around, which is atypical behavior for a panda, but may be because of the food they have for him. Fu Shuang — which translates to “double happiness” — is playful, but nervous, and enjoys placing her chin on her paw. She also likes apples and has a penchant for finding them.

“Because we will hide pieces of apples, for example under the tree … she can find them everywhere,” panda keeper Wang Shun told Mackey Frayer, noting her “clever” behavior.

The pandas are part of an international cooperative research agreement on giant panda conservation between Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, a renewal of panda diplomacy between America and China that began in 1972.

Fu Shuang and Ping Ping will soon make the nearly 8,000-mile flight from China to the U.S.TODAY

“Zoo Atlanta is delighted and honored to yet again be trusted as stewards of this treasured species and to partner with the China Wildlife Conservation Association on the continued conservation and research efforts that are the most important outcomes of this cooperation,” Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Raymond B. King said in a statement in April.

“We can’t wait to meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and to welcome our Members, guests, city, and community back to the wonder and joy of giant pandas.”

Pandas are already at zoos in Washington, D.C., and San Diego. Zoo Atlanta maintained a panda agreement with China from 1999 until 2024, when Lun Lun and Yang Yang went back to their home country, along with their two youngest cubs.

Animal behaviorist James Ayala marvels at how pandas mature.

“You see cubs and they seem so cuddly and clumsy and cute. And then they grow up into these big, majestic bears,” he told Mackey Frayer.

Fu Shuang and Ping Ping will be transported further south into a mountainous region where they will be prepped to make the trip to the U.S. It is unknown when they will leave.

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