Atlanta, GA
New-look Sparks fall to Atlanta in season opener
LONG BEACH — The new-look Sparks could not overcome an 11-0 run by the Atlanta Dream to start the fourth quarter and dropped their season opener, 92-81, in front of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and team owner Magic Johnson on Wednesday night at Long Beach State’s Walter Pyramid.
The score was tied at 66 through three quarters, but Atlanta seized control with its pivotal 11-0 run for a 77-66 lead with 6:29 left.
The Sparks cut Atlanta’s lead to 87-81 on rookie forward Cameron Brink’s 3-pointer with 1:34 remaining, but they missed their last four shots and had a critical turnover while Atlanta went 5 for 6 from the foul line to ice the win.
“I take it as my responsibility that a lot of the starters got tired at the end of the third quarter all at one time,” Sparks coach Curt Miller said. “I have to substitute more players at one time at the start of the fourth quarter. That 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter, ultimately, was a hard situation to dig out of but we never quit. We really battled and showed our scrappiness that we’re going to be defined by this year. It’s a great learning lesson for our young post players in Cam and Rickea to go against one of the best ever in Tina Charles.”
The Sparks made significant changes to their roster after missing the WNBA playoffs for the third consecutive season, saying goodbye to several veterans and bringing in some fresh faces in addition to their pair of first-round draft picks. Newly acquired guard Kia Nurse scored a team-high 23 points, going 5 for 11 from 3-point range in her Sparks debut after being acquired in a trade with the Seattle Storm.
“I do think for me personally it’s been a long road and a long journey coming back from the ACL (injury) and last year mentality I just didn’t feel like myself,” Nurse said. “This is a nice place to start. I think I said to my partner before the game I was like I just want to make all my family and everyone that was around me proud and he was like you need to make yourself proud. The loss is not as exciting, but it’s a proud moment to be able to play and feel more like myself out there.”
Sparks forward Dearica Hamby had a double-double (20 points, 14 rebounds), while guard Layshia Clarendon had her first career triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Both players said they are looking to make a major impact this season.
“I just came into camp very clear-minded and had very clear intentions on what I wanted this season to look like for me personally and what I wanted to help this team do,” Hamby said.
Clarendon said she sensed she was playing a strong all-around game but was unaware of her triple-double.
“I think it’s cool. Every game stats don’t always reflect how good you play or how hard you played, so I think it’s cool to actually see that come out,” Clarendon said. “I didn’t realize I had that many rebounds, never know assists because I don’t count them. I knew I was playing well, sometimes you make the right pass and people don’t make the shot. They told me afterward and I was a little surprised but I was like ‘oh yeah, I was ballin’ so it’s pretty cool to get that, not a lot of people do it.”
Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in last month’s WNBA draft, finished with 11 points (two 3-pointers), four assists, two rebounds, two blocked shots and five personal fouls in 20 minutes.
“Cam has to find a way to stay out of foul trouble because she’s so important to what we’re doing,” Miller explained. “She helps spread the floor offensively. She’s a really good distributor of the ball as a 6-5 person, so she can create opportunities for her teammates. Defensively, she’s great rim protection but when you play three minutes in the first stretch and have to sit down, that’s a big blow.”
Sparks rookie forward Rickea Jackson – the No. 4 overall pick last month – added seven points and three rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench.
“(Jackson) can find her own offense, that’s what’s special about her. When plays break down and people take you out of your system, she can go make plays,” Miller said. “That’s not common with everybody in the league.”
The Sparks began the game with a 24-second shot clock violation on their first offensive possession.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie playing in your first ever WNBA game like Cam and Rickea will be or you’re a seasoned veteran, everybody is going to have nerves tonight,” Miller said before the game.
However, the Sparks recovered and began the game on a 9-2 run, with five early points from Clarendon, which forced Atlanta coach Tanisha Wright to call timeout less than three minutes into the game.
The Sparks’ starting lineup was Clarendon, Lexie Brown, Nurse, Hamby and Brink, who had three points and one assist early but only played 3:21 in the first quarter before exiting the game with her second personal foul.
“That starting unit was terrific … that group has had a chemistry, really quickly and we’re going to bring that bench along,” Miller continued. “The bench is better than they played tonight and they know it, we know it. We have confidence in them but really proud of that starting unit, they’ve all been asked to take on a more prominent role with this team and they’re embracing it and I can’t wait to keep working with that starting unit.”
Atlanta (1-0) was led by All-Star guard Rhyne Howard (25 points) and shook off its slow start behind Allisha Gray’s outside shooting (two 3-pointers in the first quarter) and tied the score at 26 heading into the second quarter.
Atlanta veteran center Tina Charles took over and scored 11 points in the first six minutes of the second quarter, as the Dream opened a 41-32 advantage. Charles finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Gray finished with 12 points.
The Sparks responded with a 14-5 run and tied the score at 46 on a pair of Nurse free throws with 36 seconds left before halftime. Jackson stole the ball at midcourt and made a buzzer-beating layup, which tied the score at 48-all at halftime.
The Sparks shot 17 for 32 from the field in the first half (53.1%), including 7 for 14 from behind the arc. Hamby had 13 points and six rebounds at halftime. The Sparks cooled off in the second half and finished the night at 39% from the field but they had 24 assists on their 28 field goals.
“A couple things bounce our way, a couple runs go our way a little bit differently early in that fourth probably, we win that game and with that energy and that effort and the chemistry we played with today, we’re going to win a lot games in this league,” Nurse said.
Atlanta point guard Haley Jones finished with 14 points and four assists in a start for Jordin Canada, who played the past two seasons with the Sparks but missed the game with a right hand injury.
The Sparks (0-1) next play at the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday at noon in a nationally televised game on ABC.
Atlanta, GA
Reporter’s Notebook: Atlanta cancer survivor in Rose Bowl Parade, Forge Atlanta forging ahead, Give a toy, get a bagel at Goldburgs – SaportaReport
Atlanta veteran and cancer survivor to ride on City Of Hope Rose Parade float
Atlanta resident and U.S. Army veteran Tyler Blue, 63, will ride on City of Hope’s 2026 Rose Parade float as a cancer survivor representing City of Hope Atlanta.
Blue was a successful corporate salesperson when hoarseness in his throat led to a diagnosis of stage 4 throat and thyroid cancer in 2016, a shock for a nonsmoker who prided himself on healthy living. His treatment included 25 radiation sessions, multiple surgeries and the removal of his voice box, which ended his career and left him searching for a new sense of purpose.
After difficult experiences at several hospitals, Blue began receiving care at City of Hope Atlanta in 2018. He credits surgeon Dr. Beomjune Kim and a speech-language pathologist with helping him learn to communicate again using an electrolarynx and with restoring his hope.
Now nearly eight years cancer-free and retired, Blue has partnered with City of Hope Atlanta to create the Total Laryngectomy Support Group, a monthly gathering where patients share experiences and practical strategies for daily life.
Blue is one of six survivors and transplant recipients riding City of Hope’s 2026 Rose Parade float, “Overcoming Cancer and Diabetes Together,” which highlights the organization’s nationwide cancer care and research network.
— Derek Prall
Webstar Technology Group closes on downtown site for Forge Atlanta mixed-use project
Webstar Technology Group and its development subsidiary, Forge Atlanta Asset Management, have closed on a 10-acre parcel at Ted Turner Drive SW and Whitehall Street SW, clearing the way for Forge Atlanta, a multi-phase mixed-use district next to the Garnett MARTA station.
Phase I plans call for a 300-room hotel with meeting and event space, about 600 luxury condominiums and roughly 60,500 square feet of retail and entertainment space. Independent analyses for the Development Authority of Fulton County project about 2,100 construction jobs and 900 permanent jobs from the first phase, with the full buildout expected to generate around 3,000 jobs and an estimated $7.37 billion economic impact.
The project will be financed through a combination of Development Authority inducement, institutional loans and equity, and bond issuance. Webstar, a publicly traded company, says it will disclose material financings through securities filings and investor updates. The developer also plans an optional regulated token program on the Torch RWA platform, designed to broaden participation and help offset future condominium HOA fees.
Design and development partners include Turner & Townsend, Nelson Worldwide, Kimley-Horn, Skyline Engineering and Skanska, which has been involved in pre-construction planning. A groundbreaking is anticipated in 2026, with condominium presales expected to begin the same year.
— Derek Prall
Holiday theater at Horizon Theatre
Families can enjoy the adventures of Madeline and friends in Madeline’s Christmas through Dec. 31. This musical play is adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans’ delightful book. This holiday season will be unlike any other for Madeline and her friends. While on their morning walk with Miss Clavel, the girls come down with the flu, and as they take to their bed, many wonder if they will be able to go home for Christmas. With the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Madeline and the other girls get a holiday adventure beyond their wildest dreams.
For older teens and adults, the new holiday comedy revue Too Fast, Too Festivus might be a little more their speed. Through Dec. 31 Dad’s Garage and Horizon Theatre’s latest zany holiday collaboration will take the stage (nearly) nightly. If you loved Y’allmark Christmas or The Santaland Diaries at Horizon, you won’t want to miss this. Dad’s Garage’s award-winning ensemble members have handmade this fast-paced comedy that lovingly pokes fun at the holidays in Atlanta and serves up the city’s quirks with a festive twist. With sharp writing, big characters, and plenty of local flavor, it’s the perfect way to get into the spirit — ATL style.
— Megan Anderson
SweetWater Brewing’s 420 Fest to return at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park
Presented by Rival Entertainment, SweetWater Brewing’s iconic 420 Fest, one of Atlanta’s most beloved music festivals, is back for its 21st year in a brand new location — Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, the city’s largest greenspace and a vibrant hub connected to the Beltline. The two day event, which will take place on April 17-18, will feature two stages and up to 20 artists which will be announced in early 2026.
Previously hosted at Pullman Yards, the new location will offer increased capacity for a bigger, greener and more accessible 420 Fest experience for attendees.
“Sweetwater 420 Festival is an iconic Atlanta event. As a producer and fan who has experienced its long history at Candler Park, Centennial Olympic Park & Pullman Yards, I am excited to team up with SweetWater Brewing this year to reimagine the music festival in its 21st year and for its future. With a beautiful new Westside ATL location, the 2026 festival will be uniquely Atlanta and true to its Sweetwater roots.” said Josh Antenucci, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Rival Entertainment.
Click here for more information.
— Megan Anderson
The Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta is accepting applications for 2026
City of Atlanta residents or employees looking to learn how to be more effective at making meaningful changes in their neighborhoods can apply to the Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta (CLIA) until Jan. 5, 2026. Over the course of six weekly sessions from February to May, the CLIA program teaches participants how to navigate Atlanta’s Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) system and other local government processes as well as how to build inclusive coalitions and other lessons from the city’s history of activism. The program for community leaders is offered by the Department of City Planning in partnership with Clark Atlanta University.
— Grace Donnelly
The annual Food Well Alliance fruit tree sale is live online
Online orders are open this month for Food Well Alliance’s annual fruit tree sale. If you’re still looking for holiday gifts, especially for plant-lovers, Food Well Alliance has more than 80 varieties of fruit trees, vines, and berry bushes available — all well-suited to Georgia’s growing climate. Proceeds from this annual sale go toward the organization’s programs and operations, including The Orchard Project, which helps plant community orchards around metro Atlanta to help improve access to local produce. Pick up for orders will be in-person during the weekend of Feb. 14, 2026.
— Grace Donnelly
Woodruff Arts Center welcomes five new members to board of trustees
The Woodruff Arts Center — home to the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and High Museum of Art — welcomed five new members to itsBoard of Trustees during their last board meeting.
- Valeda Dent – Inaugural Vice Provost for the Libraries, Michael C. Carlos Museum, and the Center for Digital Scholarship at Emory University
- Somia Farid Silber – Chief Executive Officer, Edible Brands
- Jim Irwin – President, New City Properties
- Melody Lee – Chief Marketing Officer, Mercedes-Benz USA
- David Wagner – Chief Executive Officer, SureCost
“We are privileged to welcome these distinguished leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center. “Each brings a distinctive perspective that will strengthen and guide the Woodruff Arts Center. They join an extraordinary group whose insight and dedication are invaluable to our mission, and I am honored to work alongside such visionary leaders committed to elevating the arts and arts education in our community.”
The new Trustees join an influential and diverse group representing all sectors of Atlanta, including leaders in the business, nonprofit, entertainment and education. Since 1968, the Board of Trustees has worked to expand access to the Woodruff Arts Center’s educational programming and ensure the Arts Center is a place for everyone to experience the transformative power of the arts.
— Megan Anderson
Goldbergs Fine Foods Holiday Toy Drive to support foster care families returns
Goldbergs Fine Foods is holding its third annual holiday toy drive to support the Foster Care Support Foundation, a Georgia nonprofit that provides free clothing, infant equipment and developmental toys to children in foster and relative care.
Through Saturday, Dec. 20, participating Goldbergs locations in metro Atlanta, excluding the airport, will collect new, unwrapped toys, games and art supplies for local children in foster and relative care. Donors will receive a free bagel with cream cheese as a thank-you.
Organizers say the greatest need is for items suitable for children 8 and older, including building sets such as Legos and craft kits. The Foster Care Support Foundation has served tens of thousands of children since 2000.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Opera Opens Applications For 2026 96-Hour Opera Project
The Atlanta Opera is relaunching its annual 96-Hour Opera Festival under a new name in 2026, rebranding it as the NOW Festival (New Opera Works) to reflect an expanded focus on contemporary storytelling and emerging creators.
As part of the festival, applications are now open for the 2026 96-Hour Opera Project, a composition competition for composer–librettist teams across the United States. Winners receive a $10,000 prize as part of a $25,000 commission. A panel of industry experts will review applications and select five teams, which will have three months to write a new 10-minute opera. The process culminates in a four-day residency at Morehouse College in Atlanta, June 10-13, 2026, and a public showcase competition.
The company has also named director, librettist and playwright Tazewell Thompson as artistic advisor for the NOW Festival. He will help guide the festival’s artistic direction and mentor participating artists.
The 2026 NOW Festival will feature public events over three days in June, including the world premiere of “Water Memory (Jala Smirti)” by composer Kitty Brazelton and librettist Vaibu Mohan at Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center for the Arts, along with the 96-Hour Opera Project Competition and Showcase at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College.
Applications are available here.
— Derek Prall
Registration opens for 2026 Noonday Shanty 5K/10K and race poster contest
Registration is open for Town Center Community’s fifth annual Noonday Shanty 5K/10K, presented by Avonlea Apartments, set for Saturday, March 28, 2026, along the Noonday Creek Trail.
The Peachtree Road Race qualifier is a USA Track and Field-certified event managed by Start2Finish. The course takes runners past bird habitats, greenspace and wetlands, as well as landmarks such as Aviation Park, Cobb International Airport, Fifth Third Stadium and public art installations, including Tiny Doors ATL and the Chimney Swift Tower. The 10K route also features views of new murals in the district.
Local artists are invited to submit up to three digitally created or hand-drawn designs for the event’s annual race poster contest. The winning artwork will be featured on the official event poster and in promotional materials, and runners will receive a copy during packet pickup. Cash prizes will be awarded for first and second place. Submissions are due Feb. 12, 2026, with full contest rules available on the Town Center Community website.
The 2026 event will debut a community-designed race shirt, with community members voting through Jan. 13, 2026, on a design inspired by past winning race posters.
— Derek Prall
RELATED POSTS
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Hawks Announce Plans For Their Annual Holiday Game Fueled By Georgia Natural Gas
The Atlanta Hawks have announced the plans of their annual Holiday Game fueled by Georgia Natural Gas, the team’s official natural gas provider, on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. during the team’s game against the Chicago Bulls. The evening will showcase a variety of holiday-themed activations, including festive music, family-friendly entertainment and appearances from Santa and other seasonal characters.
“Our annual Holiday Game fueled by Georgia Natural Gas will highlight the spirit of the holidays and create memorable experiences for fans and families across Atlanta. We look forward to spreading the joy of the season both on and off the court again this year,” said Andrew Saltzman, Hawks President of Business Enterprise and Chief Commercial Officer.
In addition to a lineup of festive in-arena entertainment, all fans in attendance will receive a limited-edition red and white holiday beanie courtesy of Georgia Natural Gas. Each beanie will be shipped to the arena in a compostable bag and sustainably disposed of, in collaboration with Georgia Natural Gas, reflecting a broader commitment to reducing waste and fostering a greener future.
“Atlanta Hawks fans are some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the NBA, and the Holiday Game is a great tradition that brings even more excitement to their holiday season,” said Aimee Henderson, Director of Retail Mass Markets for Georgia Natural Gas. “We’re thrilled that our partnership with the Hawks gives us an opportunity to be a part of it while spreading warmth and holiday cheer to our community in a more sustainable way.”
Holiday programming will continue throughout the game with enhanced in-game elements, including themed video features, seasonal greetings from Hawks players, live holiday carolers on the concourse and special performances from the Hawks Entertainment Team.
At halftime, children from the Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA will take part in a special on-court toy giveaway with an array of gifts displayed at center court. Participants will collect as many items as possible, creating a joyful moment that celebrates the spirit of giving. All remaining toys will be donated to the Atlanta Mission to support families in need during the holiday season.
The game will also feature a selection of festive food and beverage offerings for fans to purchase throughout the concourse, including the State Farm Holiday Plate featuring beef wellington and seasonal sides, an eggnog milkshake topped with nutmeg-dusted whipped cream and a candy cane, and an eggnog martini finished with a swirl of nutmeg-dusted whipped cream.
More Atlanta Hawks News:
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A startling discovery, putting safety at the Atlanta Beltline front and center.
Leandro Gallardo was out for a skate when another set of four wheels rolled past him on the Beltline’s Eastside trail at the Krog Street District late Tuesday afternoon.
In a video he shared with Atlanta News First, viewers can see a car driving toward Irwin Street NE.
“Luckily, it wasn’t busy, but imagine if it was a busy weekend,” Gallardo said.
Cars are not allowed on the main Atlanta Beltline trails. That’s why barriers are in place to keep cars out and people safe. The incident raises serious safety concerns after spotting the car on the trail and at Krog Street.
“Need to be extra aware now where you are and where you are going and who is coming at you,” Gallardo said.
The trails are for walking, biking, skating and fun. Gallardo is still trying to figure out how what happened was done.
“If you see DeKalb Avenue, it’s really easy to access,” Gallardo said. “There are things to stop the cars from the driveway, but the curb is not that high. It’s weird someone thought this was a street.”
Still, no one knows for sure.
The Atlanta Beltline sent issued a statement about the recorded incident:
“All City of Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline access points are secured. The location you mentioned is not Beltline property. We are coordinating with Public Safety and the adjacent property owners of the area to secure all spots.”
For Gallardo, who enjoys skating with a group of friends every week along the Beltline, his attire is even more essential for his skates.
“I always say wear the lights all the time, because it’s a safety thing,” Gallardo said.
Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.
New Video Shows Plane Carrying NASCAR’s Greg Biffle Exploding
Contributor: Who can afford Trump’s economy? Americans are feeling Grinchy
Commentary: Seahawks remind Rams that even one bizarre play can unravel a charmed season
Who was Osman Hadi; why is Bangladesh on fire over his death?
Putin tells news conference that Kremlin’s military goals will be achieved in Ukraine
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Who was Osman Hadi; why is Bangladesh on fire over his death?
Putin tells news conference that Kremlin’s military goals will be achieved in Ukraine
Video: Trump Mocks Obama, Biden in His Presidential ‘Walk of Fame’
Trump quietly signs sweeping $901B defense bill after bipartisan Senate passage
Mercosur signature delayed to January after Meloni asks for more time
-
Iowa4 days agoAddy Brown motivated to step up in Audi Crooks’ absence vs. UNI
-
Washington1 week agoLIVE UPDATES: Mudslide, road closures across Western Washington
-
Iowa6 days agoHow much snow did Iowa get? See Iowa’s latest snowfall totals
-
Maine3 days agoElementary-aged student killed in school bus crash in southern Maine
-
Maryland4 days agoFrigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland
-
Technology1 week agoThe Game Awards are losing their luster
-
South Dakota5 days agoNature: Snow in South Dakota
-
Culture1 week agoCan You Identify Where the Winter Scenes in These Novels Took Place?