Many good things have contributed to the amazing start to the season for the Braves. One of the biggest factors is how well many of the depth position player signings and acquisitions have worked out for Atlanta, such as Dominic Smith and Jorge Mateo. But the best of all was the trade for Mauricio Dubon, whose versatility has been extremely valuable for the Braves. Alex Anthopoulos has always made good moves on the margins, and this year is no different.
Atlanta, GA
Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Popular gathering spots across metro Atlanta saw heightened law enforcement presence Saturday night following rumors of potential “teen takeovers.”
Authorities say a similar event last weekend led to more than a dozen teenagers and adults being taken into custody. In response, agencies across the metro area are stepping up patrols in several high-traffic areas, including the Beltline and the Cumberland Mall and Battery districts.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 9 juveniles, 8 adults charged after weekend ‘takeover’ event at The Battery
Along the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta police confirmed they increased staffing levels as a precaution. An APD officer on scene told Atlanta News First that officers are maintaining an enhanced presence due to the takeover rumors. An Atlanta News First crew observed multiple people put in handcuffs and an APD officer at the Beltline said four guns had been confiscated.
Multiple patrol units were visible along the Beltline, with officers monitoring foot traffic and briefly detaining several individuals. Police said the show of force is intended to deter large, disruptive gatherings before they begin.
Cumberland Mall to have teen curfew Saturday after ‘takeover’ at The Battery
In Cobb County, law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts around Cumberland Mall and The Battery Atlanta. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office deployed its mounted patrol unit, with four deputies on horseback circling the mall. Units from the Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol were also seen monitoring traffic and pedestrian activity in the area.
Electronic message boards and posted signage between Cumberland and The Battery warned visitors of the increased law enforcement presence. Officers said the goal is to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s arrests and ensure public safety.
For now, officials say the evening remains calm, but they are prepared to respond quickly if large crowds begin to form.
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Atlanta, GA
Falcons sign Drake London to four-year extension
One of the most inevitable moves of the summer is complete. The Atlanta Falcons have given Drake London a lucrative four year deal worth up to $150 million, locking up their top receiver for the foreseeable future.
It’s a deserved extension for a physical, sure-handed talent who has been consistently excellent in Atlanta despite a constantly rotating cast of quarterbacks. London, who has averaged 1,086 yards over four NFL seasons and has 22 touchdowns over that span, has also emerged as one of the locker room’s most vocal and accountable players.
The 2022 first round pick came into the NFL catching passes from Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder and flourished immediately, with 806 yards and four touchdowns in year one and 905 yards and two touchdowns in year two. When the coaching staff turned over and Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. entered the picture, London exploded for 100 catches, 1,271 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2024, following that up with 919 yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games a year ago. Through just four seasons, London is already 10th in team history in receiving yards, eighth in receptions, and 13th in touchdowns, and mixes that with solid blocking. He’s been the ideal receiver for the last two iterations of this Falcons offense, and I have no doubt that will continue here.
The contract’s guaranteed money would be tops in the NFL if the $100 million figure is accurate, but by overall money it’s just the third most lucrative contract in the league, and will likely be hovering near the bottom of the top ten in a couple of seasons. The Falcons were never going to risk losing their top receiving option, and if all goes well, London will continue to thrive in Atlanta and set his sights on surpassing some franchise legends in the years to come. I’m glad the deal is done, and we’ll see the exact terms soon enough.
How do you feel about this extension?
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Braves News: Mauricio Dubon, Hurston Waldrep, Week Ahead, More
Andrelton Simmons plies his trade in Mexico
The Athletic caught up with former Braves shortstop – and one of the most gifted defenders at the position in the history of the game – Andrelton Simmons who, at 36, returned to organized baseball in Mexico last season.
Link below.
In a fun “Where are they now” segment, here is an update on Andrelton Simmons.
Atlanta, GA
Woman fatally stabbed on MARTA train near Oakland City Station; riders question transit safety as World Cup nears
A man accused of fatally stabbing a woman aboard a MARTA train is now in custody, as the violent attack raises new concerns about safety across Atlanta’s transit system.
According to police, 52-year-old Margaret Swan was riding a MARTA train near the Oakland City Station on May 30 when she was stabbed to death.
Investigators say officers quickly arrested the suspect, identified as John Elijah Matthews, at the station shortly after the attack.
Swan’s ex-husband, Jerry Swan, said he was devastated when his daughter called to tell him what happened.
“I was happy they caught him, but in my mind the thought was why did he do that to such a nice person,” he said.
Jerry Swan described Margaret as a devoted grandmother who loved spending time with her family.
“She was on her way to keep one of her grandbabies when it happened,” he said.
The deadly stabbing has also left some MARTA riders uneasy about safety on the transit system.
Nahsar Alexander, who says he rides MARTA every day, told CBS News Atlanta the attack is alarming.
“That was an innocent lady,” Alexander said. “If she didn’t do anything, what’s stopping someone from hurting me?”
MARTA officials say nearly 300 officers are assigned throughout the transit system to help keep riders safe. Additional officers were visible Monday at stations, including patrols on motorcycles.
The agency says security measures are also expected to increase ahead of the FIFA World Cup, when Atlanta is expected to see a major influx of visitors.
MARTA says its current security resources include more than 12,000 cameras across rail stations, buses and railcars, along with a Real Time Crime Center monitored during operating hours. Officials also say undercover officers regularly patrol stations, buses and trains.
Ahead of the World Cup, MARTA plans to activate its Emergency Operations Center during matches and fan events, deploy its Mobile Command Vehicle at key locations and partner with outsidxe law enforcement agencies for additional support.
Officials say additional train patrols and crowd control teams will also be used throughout the system.
Some riders say the increased police presence is reassuring, but concerns remain.
“Yes, but even with more police officers crime is still going to happen,” Alexander said.
Matthews is facing a murder charge.
MARTA says all staff not directly involved in operations or policing will also serve as Transit Ambassadors during the World Cup to assist riders and monitor activity across the system.
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