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In a move that’s rippling from the silver screens of Burbank to the bustling newsrooms of downtown Atlanta, Netflix has clinched a staggering $82.7 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studios and streaming empire.
Announced Friday morning, the cash-and-stock transaction—valued at $27.75 per share—positions the streaming behemoth to swallow up iconic franchises like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and the DC universe, while merging HBO Max into its already dominant platform.
Netflix’s Blockbuster Bid for Warner Bros.: A Hollywood Shake-Up with Atlanta Echoes
But for the Peach State’s media heartbeat, CNN, this seismic shift spells both continuity and uncertainty, as the network’s cable roots remain firmly planted in a soon-to-be-separated entity.
The deal, which Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos called a “rare opportunity” to fuse innovation with century-old storytelling, caps a frenzied bidding war that pitted the Los Gatos-based streamer against heavyweights like Paramount Skydance and Comcast.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), still reeling from its 2022 merger that ballooned its debt to $55 billion (now whittled down to about $34 billion), had already set the stage for this divestiture back in June.
That’s when the company unveiled plans to cleave itself into two: a glitzy Streaming & Studios arm—now Netflix’s prize—and a leaner Global Networks division housing cable stalwarts like CNN, TNT, TBS, and Discovery Channel.
Is The Deal Illegal?
The pending aquistion of Warner Bros. by Netflix has ignited immediate concerns about reduced competition in an already consolidating entertainment industry.
Regulators in the U.S. and Europe are poised to scrutinize the transaction, with the Clayton Act serving as a primary legal tool for potential intervention.
What Is The Clayton Act?
The Clayton Act, enacted in 1914 as an amendment to the Sherman Antitrust Act, is a cornerstone of U.S. antitrust law designed to prevent mergers and acquisitions that could substantially lessen competition or create monopolies before they fully materialize.
Unlike the broader Sherman Act, which targets existing anticompetitive behavior, Section 7 of the Clayton Act focuses on prospective harm, empowering the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to block deals that threaten market dynamics. Violations are assessed through a “reasonableness” standard, considering factors like market concentration, barriers to entry, and potential effects on consumers, competitors, and innovation.
If the Netflix-WBD deal runs afoul of this, it could be enjoined by a court, forcing divestitures or outright abandonment.
Key Ways the Deal Could Violate the Clayton Act
To understand the risks, consider how regulators might apply Clayton Act principles to this merger.
The core allegation would likely center on the deal’s potential to entrench Netflix’s dominance in subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming, a market already strained by cord-cutting and content wars. Here’s a breakdown:
Clayton Act Factor Potential Violation in Netflix-WBD Deal Supporting Evidence/Concerns Market Concentration (e.g., Herfindahl-Hirschman Index or HHI) The merger could push Netflix’s U.S. SVOD market share above 30-40%, crossing the DOJ/FTC’s “presumptively illegal” threshold of 30% under merger guidelines. Pre-merger, Netflix holds ~20-25% globally; adding HBO Max’s ~10-15% U.S. share would create a combined entity controlling over a third of subscribers. Rep. Darrell Issa warned in a November 2025 letter to the DOJ and FTC that this exceeds the 30% “presumptively problematic” level, potentially harming consumers by reducing choices. nbcnews.com Analysts note the HHI (a measure of market concentration) could surge by over 200 points, triggering strict scrutiny. thebignewsletter.com Lessening of Competition By acquiring a direct rival (HBO Max), Netflix would eliminate head-to-head competition for premium content, allowing it to raise prices, hoard exclusives, or degrade service quality without fear of subscriber churn. Warner’s library would become unavailable to competitors like Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, foreclosing rivals’ access to must-have IP. Sen. Mike Lee highlighted this as a “serious competition question,” more acute than deals in the past decade, potentially stifling innovation in content creation. cnn.com A government official echoed that adding HBO Max to Netflix’s “market dominance” would “stifle competition,” akin to Google/Amazon probes. timesofindia.indiatimes.com Monopolization Risks The combined firm would control ~50% of premium scripted content production, giving Netflix undue leverage over Hollywood talent, theaters, and downstream markets like advertising and licensing. This could create barriers for indie creators and exhibitors, turning the merger into a “recipe for monopolization.” Experts call it a “straightforward challenge under the Clayton Act,” as it consolidates power over storytelling, potentially leading to fewer theatrical releases and job losses for professionals. thebignewsletter.com +1 Cinema United labeled it an “unprecedented threat” to theaters. reuters.com Vertical Integration Concerns Netflix’s ownership of Warner’s studios would deepen vertical control—from production to distribution—potentially discriminating against rival platforms by withholding content or favoring its own algorithms, harming downstream competition in video consumption. Former WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar argued it’s “the most effective way to reduce competition in Hollywood.” reuters.com This echoes past DOJ blocks like AT&T-Time Warner (initially challenged on similar grounds). These factors align with the DOJ/FTC’s 2023 Merger Guidelines, which emphasize “serial acquisitions” (Netflix’s history of smaller content buys) and the cumulative impact on nascent markets like streaming. Critics, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Bernie Sanders, have urged the DOJ to probe for “political favoritism,” while anonymous filmmakers called for “the highest level of antitrust scrutiny.”
Paramount, a losing bidder, has accused WBD of bias and may lobby the Trump administration to intervene, citing ties to figures like ex-DOJ official Makan Delrahim.
What Happens To Atlanta’s CNN Operations?
For Atlanta, where Ted Turner’s legacy looms as large as the CNN Center’s glass facade, the implications hit close to home.
CNN, born here in 1980 as the world’s first 24-hour news channel, employs thousands across its Techwood Campus and the iconic CNN Center—once the world’s largest cable news facility before a 2020 sale amid AT&T’s debt-slashing frenzy.
Though much of the network’s high-profile anchoring has migrated to New York and Washington, D.C., Atlanta remains the nerve center for operations, from digital production to global bureaus.
The city’s media ecosystem, bolstered by these jobs and the economic ripple of events like the annual CNN Political Forum at the nearby Georgia World Congress Center, stands to feel the aftershocks.
A Clean Break for CNN: Stability in Separation?
Crucially, CNN isn’t crossing over to Netflix’s subscriber-driven world. The acquisition explicitly excludes WBD’s linear TV assets, leaving the news giant under the umbrella of the newly minted Discovery Global—a standalone public company expected to launch in Q3 2026, post-regulatory hurdles.
Led by WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, this entity will encompass CNN alongside sports powerhouse TNT Sports, lifestyle networks like HGTV, and digital offshoots such as Discovery+ and Bleacher Report
It’s a nod to the enduring power of cable in a streaming age, even as cord-cutting erodes viewership.
Indeed, WBD CEO David Zaslav has long championed CNN’s “editorial integrity,” a stance echoed in past mergers. During the 2022 Discovery-WarnerMedia union, Zaslav vowed to “lean into” news, praising CNN’s global reach as rivaling only the BBC.
Yet, that era wasn’t without pain: Layoffs hit 200 in CNN’s TV division earlier this year, part of broader cost-cutting that trimmed bloat from the merger. With Discovery Global inheriting a chunk of WBD’s remaining debt, whispers of further efficiencies—perhaps in back-office ops at Techwood—aren’t off the table.
Atlanta’s Media Mosaic: Jobs, Legacy, and the Streaming Shadow
Zoom in on the ground, and the deal underscores Atlanta’s evolution from Turner’s scrappy superstation to a Southern Hollywood contender. The city’s film tax credits have lured over $10 billion in productions since 2008, with Warner Bros. Television contributing hits like Ozark spin-offs filmed at Pinewood Atlanta Studios.
Netflix’s absorption of Warner’s studios could indirectly boost this: Expanded U.S. production capacity, as promised in the deal, might mean more shoots in Georgia’s tax-friendly environs, creating spillover jobs for Atlanta crew and vendors.
But for CNN staffers—over 1,000 in metro Atlanta alone—the mood is cautiously optimistic. “We’ve weathered mergers before, from Time Warner to AT&T to Discovery,” says one anonymous producer at the CNN Center, where the network’s digital arm hums alongside a bustling atrium drawing tourists and locals alike. “This feels like a reset: No more subsidizing HBO’s prestige dramas with news budgets.”
The separation could free up resources for innovations like CNN’s award-winning VR documentaries or its push into podcasts, areas where Atlanta’s tech-savvy talent pool shines.
Challenges persist, though. Cable ad revenue, CNN’s lifeblood, dipped 10% industry-wide last quarter, forcing pivots to events and syndication. Rivals like Fox News and the rebranded MS NOW (formerly MSNBC, spun off earlier this year) are adapting with hybrid models, and Discovery Global’s success will hinge on bundling CNN with sports and lifestyle content to stem subscriber bleed.
Locally, that means more integration with TNT Sports’ NBA coverage—headquartered here—or Discovery’s real estate shows tying into Atlanta’s booming housing market.
Broader economic ripples could touch Atlanta’s creative class. Theater owners nationwide, including Georgia Exhibition Hall of Fame inductees like Regal’s local chains, decry the deal as a “threat to exhibition,” fearing Netflix’s day-and-date releases will gut box office hauls from Warner films like the upcoming Superman reboot.
With Atlanta’s AMC Dine-In Tara screening rooms already hurting post-pandemic, fewer theatrical runs could mean less buzz for local premieres and red carpets.
What Lies Ahead: A Peachtree Path Forward?
As the deal awaits shareholder nods and antitrust scrutiny—likely smoother than past sagas, given the cable carve-out—Atlanta watches with bated breath.
Netflix’s vow to “maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations, including theatrical releases” offers some solace, but the real story for CNN is reinvention under Discovery Global.
Final Word
In a city that’s hosted civil rights marches and Olympic flames, where MLK’s legacy inspires CNN’s town halls, the network’s Atlanta roots could be its anchor.
For now, the Techwood Campus in Midtown Atlanta buzzes on, a testament to resilience.
As Sarandos put it, this merger is about “stories that matter most to audiences.” In Atlanta, that means ensuring the city’s voice—fierce, diverse, unfiltered—stays amplified, whether via cable, stream, or the next big scoop from the CNN Center. Hollywood may have new overlords, but the South’s media capital isn’t fading quietly.
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After an extensive renovation, Atlanta-born Mellow Mushroom is bringing its trippy vibes back to Decatur.
The West Ponce de Leon Avenue location reopens its doors this Monday, December 8 as a company-owned store featuring a completely refreshed interior and exterior.
Decatur Mellow Mushroom Re-Opening
The redesigned space includes brand-new murals by local Atlanta artist Ben Janik, an upgraded bar and patio, and a dedicated to-go entrance and pickup area for easier online orders.
New kitchen technology, including a Kitchen Display System (KDS), has also been added to speed up service and improve the overall guest experience.
“We’re an Atlanta original, and Decatur has always felt like home,” said Ahsan Jiva, Executive Vice President of Strategy at Mellow Mushroom. “This location is special to us, and we’re excited to come back stronger, reconnect with the community, and deliver the best Mellow experience yet.”
Opening-Day Giveaway
The first 25 guests in line on Monday, December 8 will receive a limited-edition Mellow Mushroom tote bag stuffed with a t-shirt, keychain, and a bounce-back card for a future visit.
Decatur-Exclusive Menu Items
The refreshed Decatur store will serve as a testing ground for new menu concepts before they potentially rolling them out nationwide. Launching on opening day:
New Signature Salads
- Southwest Chicken – shredded Romaine, avocado, white cheddar, tomatoes, pickled red onions, bell peppers, cilantro, tortilla strips, lime & chipotle aioli dressing
- Apple Harvest – shredded Romaine, Fuji apples, white cheddar, feta, dried cherries, candied pecans, pepitas & balsamic vinaigrette
New Craft Cocktails
- Dill Tripper – Tito’s Handmade Vodka + Grillo’s pickle juice
- Moonbeam Margarita – Espolòn Blanco Tequila, dragonfruit, pineapple, orange bitters & lime
- Blackberry Whiskey Sour – Jameson Irish Whiskey, fresh blackberries, lemon & bitters
Since opening its first location in Atlanta in 1974, Mellow Mushroom has grown to more than 160 restaurants nationwide while staying true to its counterculture roots, local art, and stone-baked pizza made with the brand’s famous “secret dough” recipe.
The Decatur Mellow Mushroom is located at 340 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. Doors open at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 8.
Final Word
Pizza is awesome, especially when you’re dining outside (under heat lamps, of course). Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.
If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.
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Atlanta’s historic Virginia-Highland neighborhood is gearing up for its biggest holiday weekend yet.
For the first time, the Virginia-Highland Civic Association (VHCA) is combining the beloved Tour of Homes with the neighborhood’s festive Winterfest celebration — and adding a brand-new attraction called Window Wonderland.
The weekend of December 13-14 will feature 10 stunning century-old homes decked out in full holiday splendor (some of which have been featured in Architectural Digest and House Beautiful).
There will also be family-friendly activities, a holiday parade, a Jingle Jog 5K, and creative window displays designed by Midtown High School art students in partnership with local businesses.
Virginia-Highland To Debut New ‘Window Wonderland’ Display
This is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season in one of Atlanta’s most iconic neighborhoods. And it’s so cool that they’re bringing everything together in one weekend and debuting Window Wonderland as a new tradition that supports both local merchants and the area’s talented high school artists.
What to Expect
- Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes
Saturday, Dec. 13: Noon – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14: Noon – 5 p.m.
Ten carefully selected homes showcasing a century of architectural styles, all dressed in their holiday finest. Visitors may start the self-guided tour at any home. - Window Wonderland
On display throughout December along North Highland Avenue and neighboring streets. Midtown High School art students collaborated with Virginia-Highland businesses to create custom holiday window installations. The project also serves as a fundraiser for the Midtown High School Art Club. - Winterfest (Saturday only – Dec. 13)
- Jingle Jog 5K: 8 a.m.
- Holiday Parade: 10 a.m.
- Gift Market & Kids Corner: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Kids Corner closes at 4 p.m.)
Tickets & Details
Advance tickets for the Tour of Homes are $35 (children 10 and under free). Day-of tickets are $40. Tickets can be purchased online at vahitourofhomes.org or through the official tour app on Apple or Google Play.Window Wonderland and Winterfest activities are free and open to the public.
For the full schedule, home addresses, and to purchase tickets, visit vahitourofhomes.org.
The Virginia-Highland neighborhood is located just east of Midtown and Piedmont Park, easily accessible from I-85 and the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. Parking is limited; rideshare and walking are encouraged.
Final Word
As the city lights up with yet another special event this weekend, remember: Safe driving is the real treat. For more tips on navigating safely around the city, read our Atlanta Traffic Guide.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
- Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes
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In the heart of downtown Atlanta, at the corner of Peachtree and Ellis streets, stands a 15-story building that has borne witness to both glamour and unimaginable horror.
Now known as the Ellis Hotel, this structure was once the Winecoff Hotel – a beacon of early 20th-century luxury that became the site of the deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history on December 7, 1946.
Nearly 79 years later, the tragedy continues to shape fire safety standards nationwide and serves as a somber reminder of how quickly complacency can turn deadly.
The Winecoff Hotel: A History
In the early 1900s, downtown Atlanta pulsed with post-Reconstruction energy. Peachtree Street, the city’s grand artery, was transforming from a dusty thoroughfare into a commercial powerhouse.
The area around what would become 176 Peachtree lay just north of the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District, a hub of late-19th-century brick buildings housing banks, shops, and offices.
Pioneer hotel builder William F. Winecoff envisioned a luxurious retreat for Atlanta’s elite.
A ‘Fireproof’ Icon Rises in Atlanta
Opened in 1913, the Winecoff Hotel was designed by renowned architect William Lee Stoddart and quickly established itself as one of Atlanta’s tallest and most prestigious buildings.
Boasting 15 stories and a steel-frame construction clad in brick and terra cotta, it was marketed aggressively as “absolutely fireproof.”
This claim stemmed from its non-combustible exterior and structural materials, which met the building codes of the era. On a compact lot of less than 5,000 square feet, the hotel was exempt from requirements for multiple stairways, fire escapes, or sprinklers – a loophole that would prove catastrophic.
The Winecoff catered to travelers, holiday shoppers, and locals drawn to downtown Atlanta’s vibrant scene.
Its location near department stores like Davison’s and the Loew’s Grand Theatre – where Disney’s Song of the South was screening – made it a hub during the post-World War II boom.
Guests included families, businessmen, and even the hotel’s founders, W. Frank Winecoff and his wife Grace, who resided in a penthouse apartment.
With only one central stairway, two elevators, and no automatic alarms or suppression systems, the hotel relied on its “fireproof” reputation.
Interior finishes – wallpaper, carpets, and furnishings – were highly flammable, but this went largely unquestioned in an era before widespread fire safety reforms.
The Night the Flames Consumed Everything
The fire ignited around 3:15 a.m. on a chilly Saturday, December 7, 1946, likely on the third floor in a hallway mattress.
Theories abound: a discarded cigarette, electrical fault, or even arson tied to a late-night card game. Whatever the spark, the blaze spread with terrifying speed.
The open stairwell acted like a chimney, funneling superheated gases and smoke upward through the building’s core.
Of the 304 guests asleep that night, panic erupted as corridors filled with choking smoke.
Many were in town for Christmas shopping or the YMCA Youth Assembly at the state Capitol – including 30 of Georgia’s brightest high school students.
Screams echoed down Peachtree Street as trapped occupants smashed windows and hurled mattresses in desperate bids for survival.
Atlanta Fire Department engines arrived within minutes, mustering 385 firefighters, 22 engines, and 11 ladders.
But the hotel’s height outstripped their equipment; aerial ladders reached only the eighth floor. Rescuers extended ladders from the adjacent Mortgage Guaranty Building, forming human chains and using nets to catch jumpers.
Bystanders, including off-duty soldiers, held nets as bodies plummeted – some missing by inches and crashing onto marquees or pavement.
Amateur photographer Arnold Hardy captured the chaos, snapping a Pulitzer Prize-winning image of a woman mid-fall. Firefighters battled for over two hours in freezing temperatures, rescuing about 120 uninjured but forever scarred.
The Night That Changed Everything
At 24, Hardy was returning home around 3:30 a.m. from a date at a downtown dance hall. Hearing fire sirens, he phoned the station and learned of the blaze at the Winecoff Hotel on Peachtree Street.
Grabbing his camera and five flashbulbs, he cabbed to the scene—the first photographer there. In the pitch-black frenzy, guests leaped from windows or dangled from bedsheet ropes.
Hardy offered aid to firefighters, who declined, so he focused his lens.
One bulb exploded in the cold; he fired off shots of horrified faces in windows.
With his last bulb, he aimed upward, timing a shutter release to capture a woman plummeting feet-first from the 11th floor. Her skirt billowed, revealing white underpants against the flaming facade—a raw, unflinching image titled “Death Leap From Blazing Hotel.”
Developing the film in Tech’s darkroom by 6 a.m., Hardy sold three photos to the Associated Press for $300 (about $4,800 today).
The AP wired it nationwide; it graced front pages and magazine covers, humanizing the Winecoff’s 119 deaths.
Initial reports claimed the woman died on impact. In reality, she was Daisy McCumber, a 41-year-old from Vidalia, Georgia, who survived with shattered bones, internal injuries, and eventual leg amputation.
Embarrassed by the exposure, McCumber avoided publicity until her 1992 death.
In 1947, Hardy’s photo earned the Pulitzer—the first for an amateur—plus five other top awards.
A Devastating Toll: 119 Lives Lost
By dawn, the fire had claimed 119 lives – 41 from burns, 32 from suffocation, and 26 from falls or jumps. Another 65 were injured.
Among the dead: the Winecoffs themselves, suffocated in their penthouse; 17-year-old Christine Adams Hinson, a Youth Assembly delegate; and former Miss Atlanta runner-up Margaret Wilson Nichols, who fell from the seventh floor.
Survivors recounted harrowing escapes: tying bedsheets into ropes, crawling through smoke-filled halls, or leaping into nets.
One intoxicated guest slept through the ordeal unharmed. Firefighter R.B. Sprayberry, who helped recover bodies, never spoke of the night again.
Aftermath: A Nation Awakens to Fire Risks
The Winecoff disaster, coming months after deadly blazes in Chicago and Dubuque, shocked America.
The president convened a national fire safety conference, and cities rushed to update codes.
Georgia enacted a building exit law requiring multiple egress routes, effective on the fire’s first anniversary.
Nationally, standards mandated sprinklers, fire-resistant doors, alarms, and retrofits for older buildings – debates once dismissed as unconstitutional takings.
The hotel reopened in 1951 after renovations but struggled, closing in the 1980s.
It sat vacant until 2007, when a $23 million rehab transformed it into the boutique Ellis Hotel – complete with sprinklers, modern alarms, and fireproof materials. Today, it honors the past with a historical marker dedicating the site to victims, survivors, and rescuers.
Legacy: Safer Skies in the City Too Busy to Hate
The Winecoff fire remains the deadliest hotel blaze in U.S. history, a testament to its profound impact. It spurred the professionalization of firefighting, statewide training requirements, and innovations like self-closing doors.
Atlanta’s skyline, now dotted with high-rises, owes its safety to those lost that night.
What Is the Site of the Winecoff Hotel Today?
As Atlanta grows, the Ellis Hotel stands as a resilient symbol.
Visitors can stay in rooms with views of Peachtree, but the echoes of 1946 linger – urging vigilance.
“We were all spared for a reason,” survivors have said. In a city that rose from ashes before, the Winecoff reminds us: Fireproof is a promise only as strong as the precautions behind it.
For more on Atlanta’s historic fires, visit the Georgia Historical Society marker at 176 Peachtree St. NE.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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In the heart of the bustling Atlanta metropolitan area, where skyscrapers pierce the skyline and traffic hums along I-75, nature offers a surprising escape: rolling hills and prominent peaks that provide breathtaking views, rich history, and a touch of wilderness.
While Atlanta itself sits in the relatively flat Piedmont region, its sprawling suburbs—stretching into Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties—boast some of the highest natural elevations in the core metro area.
Atlanta’s Suburban Summits: Majestic Heights Beyond City Lights
These “suburban summits” aren’t the towering giants of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, but they rise dramatically above the surrounding terrain, offering hikers, history buffs, and families a quick getaway from urban life.
At the top of this list is Kennesaw Mountain, the undisputed king of suburban Atlanta’s peaks.
Standing at an impressive 1,808 feet (551 meters) above sea level, this monadnock— an isolated hill rising abruptly from a plain—marks the highest point in the urban and suburban core of metro Atlanta.
Located between the vibrant suburbs of Marietta and Kennesaw in Cobb County, just 25 miles northwest of downtown, Kennesaw Mountain isn’t just a geological marvel; it’s a living testament to the city’s Civil War heritage.
The mountain played a pivotal role in the 1864 Atlanta Campaign, where Confederate forces under General Joseph E. Johnston dug in to defend against Union General William Tecumseh Sherman’s advancing army.
The ensuing Battle of Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864, was one of the war’s bloodiest engagements, claiming over 5,000 lives in a single day of brutal frontal assaults.
Today, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves 2,923 acres of battlefield, complete with interpretive trails, monuments, and a visitor center that draws more than a million visitors annually.
Hikers can tackle the 1.2-mile Cheatham Hill Trail or the steeper 0.7-mile path to the summit, where panoramic views stretch across the suburbs to glimpses of the Atlanta skyline on clear days.
But Kennesaw isn’t alone in its lofty prominence. Nearby peaks like Sweat Mountain and Little Kennesaw offer equally compelling adventures, blending natural beauty with suburban accessibility.
Sweat Mountain, at 1,688 feet, is a favorite among amateur radio enthusiasts and birdwatchers, its summit dotted with rock outcrops and remnants of old communication towers.
Just south, in DeKalb County’s Stone Mountain Park, the massive quartz monzonite dome rises to 1,686 feet, famous for its controversial Confederate carving but beloved for its laser light shows and 5-mile walk-up trail. Stone Mountain also has an insane, crazy past.
These peaks provide vital green spaces amid Atlanta’s rapid suburban growth.
As the metro population swells past 6 million, trails on these hills serve as urban oases, supporting biodiversity from wild turkeys to rare orchids while promoting mental health through outdoor recreation.
Recent initiatives by the National Park Service and local conservation groups aim to expand trail networks, ensuring these heights remain protected for future generations.
Whether you’re seeking a history lesson, a strenuous workout, or simply a sunset vista over the city, suburban Atlanta’s peaks deliver. As we head into the holiday season, lace up your boots—winter’s chill makes for fewer crowds and crisp, clear views from the top.
The 5 Highest Peaks in Suburban Atlanta
Here’s a quick guide to the top five, ranked by elevation. All are accessible within a 30-45 minute drive from downtown Atlanta, with public parks or trails available.
Rank Peak Name County Elevation (ft) Key Feature 1 Kennesaw Mountain Cobb 1,808 Civil War battlefield, panoramic views 2 Sweat Mountain Cobb 1,688 Rock formations, amateur radio site 3 Stone Mountain DeKalb 1,686 Granite dome, laser shows 4 Pine Mountain Cobb 1,350 Wooded trails, wildlife viewing 5 Lost Mountain Cobb 1,247 Quiet hikes, fall foliage hotspot For more details on trails and park hours, visit the National Park Service website or local suburb recreation departments. Stay safe out there—Atlanta’s suburbs may be hilly, but they’re worth the climb!
Final Thoughts
As the city lights up with yet another special event this weekend, remember: Safe driving is the real treat. For more tips on navigating safely around the city, read our Atlanta Traffic Guide.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
- How Long Does It Take To Drive Around I-285?
- Moving To Georgia: Everything You Need to Know
- Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL
AtlantaFi.com is your source for hyper-local stories in the Peach State. Have a tip? Email us at news@atlantafi.com.
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Local casting company CAB Castings, LLC. is seeking Latinx background actors to help recreate an authentic 1970s working-class Mexican cantina for an independent short film shooting right here in the Atlanta area.
The project aims to capture the gritty, heartfelt atmosphere of a small mining village cantina in Pueblo Viejo circa the late 1970s – think weathered miners, tender young couples slow-dancing to the jukebox, and villagers finding laughter and escape after a hard day’s work.
No prior acting experience is needed; producers are looking for real people who can naturally bring the era and culture to life.
Paid Background Actors Sought for Short Film
CAB Castings, LLC. is now casting Latinx background actors to bring an authentic 1970s Mexican cantina in Pueblo Viejo to life. We are seeking people who naturally fit the look, spirit, and cultural authenticity of this setting. No acting experience required — just real presence and character.
RATE: $125/8
(Wardrobe must match period and setting)
DATES: December 16–17, 2025 (must be available both days; may work 1 or both)
CALL TIME: TBD
LOCATION: Atlanta, GA
PROJECT: Independent ShortThe story takes place inside a working-class Mexican cantina in a small mining village in the late 1970s. This is not a polished bar — it is a home for miners and villagers, filled with laughter, escape, heartbreak, and community.
CASTING NEEDS
We are looking for BG who feel like real locals:- Older men drinking and playing dominoes
- Young couples swaying close to a jukebox
- Villagers gathered at the bar with lived-in expressions of labor and resilience
DOMINO PLAYERS (Latinx Men, Ages 50–90)
Weathered, hardworking men marked by years in the mines. Drinks, cigarettes, conversation, and presence that feels lived-in and authentic.DANCING COUPLES (Latinx Men & Women, Ages 20–30)
Young, homegrown beauty — tender, affectionate, swaying closely to the jukebox. Must be comfortable dancing naturally with a partner (no formal training needed).BAR PATRON (1 Latinx Man, Ages 30+)
A solitary, brooding figure at the bar. A man drinking away a long life of pain and memory.BARTENDER (1 Latinx Man, Ages 30+)
Steady-handed, worn, a quiet observer. Someone who feels like part of the cantina’s bones.REQUIREMENTS
- Latinx adults 18+
- Comfortable wearing 1970s period-appropriate clothing
- Able to portray authentic Mexican villagers with expressive, lived-in presence
- Dancing couples must be comfortable with intimate, natural partner dancing
- Must be fully available December 16th & 17th, 2025 (may work one or both days)
TO SUBMIT
Email the following to moviebg@cabcastings.com
Subject Line: CANTINA – (ROLE)
Example: CANTINA – Domino Player
Include:- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Age
- Height & Weight
- City/State
- 2–3 recent photos (waist up + full body)
- The role you’re submitting for
- For dancing couples: confirm you are comfortable dancing with a partner
*PLEASE INCLUDE ALL INFORMATION ABOVE IN YOUR EMAIL FOR PROPER BOOKING!!!
A member from CAB CASTINGS, LLC. will call and/or email you to book your attendance in a scene and confirm availability if interested in booking you. You can also Follow Cab Castings on FB.
Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.
Coming 2 America is just one of many films filmed in Atlanta. See our Movies Page for more.
Are you interested in becoming an actorin Atlanta? You’re in the right place!
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The most highly anticipated barbecue joint is days away from mouth-watering fruition in Atlanta. Pittmaster John Lewis is opening his new Atlanta restaurant next week in Atlanta’s Ansley Mall, bringing Central Texas-style barbecue with it.
Lewis Barbecue To Host Grand Opening ‘Rib Pull’ on Dec. 8 in Atlanta
A grand opening and “rib pull” ceremony is slated for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025. Ansley Mall’s recently opened BeltLine pedestrian bridge makes for a perfect “bridge to barbecue” by directly connecting the Northeast Trail to Lewis Barbecue Atlanta.
Speaking exclusively to AtlantaFi.com, Lewis said that he’s been in the barbecue business professionally since 2009.
He grew up in El Paso, Texas and at the age of 18, moved to Austin, where he began to make El Paso-style Mexican food. After opening in three restaurants across the Southwest and Southeast, he knew Atlanta was a place he had to set up shop. “I like the food scene here. I wanted to be part of it.”
The eatery’s opening comes just weeks after Lewis Barbecue earned a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand distinction, recognizing the restaurant for its superior quality food and great value.
In a Facebook post last year, the eatery posted this message:
Sending out the smoke signal! We’re thrilled to announce that Lewis Barbecue will open an Atlanta property next year. This will be our third outpost and first in the Peach State and we can’t wait to bring smoked brisket and ice-cold beers just off the Beltline.
We’re setting up shop in Ansley Mall and while we still have a way to go with construction, we’re hoping to launch in 2025. In the meantime, we’ll be announcing some pop-ups in the area and can’t wait to get involved in the ATL community soon.
What To Expect From the Menu at Lewis Barbecue
Lewis, who will be serving up his signature brisket, pork spareribs, pulled pork, turkey, and hot guts sausage, complemented by sides such as potato salad, collard greens, and fries cooked in tallow.
The restaurant will also feature a full bar and desserts like banana pudding. This marks Lewis Barbecue’s first Georgia location.
“We smoke our meats for 18 hours in our custom-built pits because we believe barbecue is all about patience. But, Atlanta, you’ve waited long enough to indulge—it’s salvation time,” Lewis says in a written statement. “We cannot wait to share our authentic Central-Texas approach to barbecue right in the heart of ATL.”
Where Is Lewis Barbecue Located at Atlanta?
Lewis Barbecue is located in Ansley Mall at 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Atlanta’s BBQ scene offers a variety of regional styles, from tangy, vinegar-based Carolina sauces to sweet, tomato-based Georgia-style ribs.
Restaurants like Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Heirloom Market BBQ, and DAS BBQ serve everything from pulled pork and brisket to smoked wings and ribs, appealing to diverse tastes. This variety, highlighted in Yelp reviews and X posts, allows BBQ joints to cater to both purists and those seeking innovative twists, like Korean-inspired BBQ at Heirloom. Check out the best BBQ joints in Atlanta.
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If you’re visiting downtown Atlanta during the 2025 SEC Championship weekend — or just in town for the game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium — there’s more to do than tailgates and kickoff. Here’s a local’s guide to sights, activities, and good eats to round out a fun, full weekend in the city.
This year’s 2025 SEC Championship Game (Georgia vs. Bama) comes to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on Saturday, December 6 — kickoff at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Read our full 3-day itinerary for SEC Championship weekend (with morning/midday/night suggestions) to help you hit all the highlights.
But if you’re coming into town early (or staying late), Atlanta has plenty to offer beyond the game: from world-class attractions and cultural gems to top-tier food and nightlife. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your SEC weekend trip.
🎯 Where to Go & What to See
Georgia Aquarium
A centerpiece for families, groups, or anyone who loves marine life — it remains the largest aquarium in the U.S. and features massive tanks, sea creatures galore, and immersive exhibits.
High Museum of Art (Midtown / Arts District)
For a quieter, culture-rich outing, the High Museum is the largest art museum in the Southeastern U.S. — with modern and classical art, photography, and rotating exhibitions that appeal to art lovers and curious minds alike.
Atlanta Botanical Garden (Piedmont / Midtown)
4If you want to slow down, take a stroll, and enjoy seasonal plants and gardens — this 30-acre green oasis adjacent to Midtown is ideal. Perfect pre- or post-game for some serenity amidst the city buzz.
Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Stroll
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- Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL
If you love parks, Centennial Olympic Park is a central green space — great for walking, photos, people-watching — and a convenient hub if you’re staying nearby. Its proximity to major venues makes it a nice launching point before or after the game.
🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink — Local Favorites Worth Trying
Avize — Alpine-Southern Fusion Dining
4.7•Fine dining restaurant
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If you’re craving something different, Avize offers Alpine-inspired dishes that stand out from typical Southern fare. It’s a great spot for a sit-down dinner with something unique, especially before or after the big game.
Love black-eye peas and collards? Read up on Atlanta’s best soul food spots.
Local Bars & Nightlife Ideas (for Later Night Energy)
While not every option is ideal for families, Atlanta’s nightlife can be lively if you’re up for it. Residents often highlight neighborhoods along the BeltLine, or spots in Midtown and Old Fourth Ward, for their mix of bars, small-plates restaurants, and easy walkability.
Want to really party? Check out the best nightclubs in Atlanta.
🏨 Where to Stay: Convenient & Game-Friendly Options
Given the expected overflow for the SEC Championship, staying near downtown or the stadium area is a smart move. According to visitor guides, hotels like Hotel Phoenix in Centennial Yards — newly opened — are among the recommended choices for those arriving for the weekend.
Check out the best hotels in Atlanta.
✅ Tips to Make the Most of Your Weekend
- Plan transportation carefully. MARTA rail access plus rideshare zones are available — a smart alternative to driving, especially with stadium-area parking tight.
- Mix your days: Game-day energy is great, but carve out time for art, culture, or a relaxing stroll to balance the hype.
- Book early: Hotels and restaurants near downtown/Mercedes-Benz Stadium will fill up fast.
- Explore beyond the stadium: Atlanta has a lot more to offer than the game — and local culture, art, and food scenes are vibrant.
Check out this full 3-day itinerary for SEC Championship weekend (with morning/midday/night suggestions) to help you hit all the highlights.
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The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is running straight through Atlanta. U.S. Soccer announced on Dec. 3 that the U.S. Men’s National Team will play two high-profile home friendlies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in late March as part of its final preparations for next summer’s tournament on home soil.
Read up on how Atlanta is prepping for the FIFA World Cup.
The USMNT will face No. 8-ranked Belgium on Saturday, March 28, followed by a marquee matchup against No. 6 Portugal – led by global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo – on Tuesday, March 31.
FIFA Matchup in Atlanta Set
Both matches will give Georgia fans another chance to see Gregg Berhalter’s squad in person just months before the World Cup kicks off.
The games further cement Georgia’s growing status as the new epicenter of American soccer.
The state-of-the-art Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, funded in part by a landmark $50 million gift from Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank, remains on schedule for completion in spring 2026.
These Atlanta fixtures are the first two of four newly announced USMNT home dates in 2026:
- March 28 – vs. Belgium – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- March 31 – vs. Portugal – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- May 31 – Allstate Continental Clásico (opponent TBA) – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
- June 6 – Coca-Cola Send-Off Match vs. Germany – Soldier Field, Chicago
Photo credit: U.S. Soccer Federation
Atlanta’s Big Moment: World Cup to Deliver Economic Windfall
ATLANTA — As fans around the world count down to the 2026 World Cup, Atlanta is gearing up — and local officials expect major economic gains. With eight matches slated to be played at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (including a semifinal), experts project a surge in tourism, investment, and long-term growth for the region.
Billions on the Table — and Hundreds of Thousands of Visitors
A recent forecast estimates that the World Cup could pump roughly US$503.2 million into Georgia’s economy from out-of-state attendees drawn to Atlanta.
Meanwhile, local officials in Fulton County say the broader economic impact could reach as high as US$1 billion, counting not just tourism spending but also infrastructure projects, service jobs, and ripple-effects across neighborhoods.
Analysts estimate the tournament will bring over 520,000 spectators through the doors of Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the matches hosted in Atlanta.
Hotels, Restaurants, and Lodging — A Boom for Hospitality
To meet demand, downtown Atlanta is adding nearly 3,000 new hotel rooms by mid-2026 — a roughly 20% increase over 2022 figures. That expansion supports not just travelers but also boosts employment and generates spending at hotels, restaurants, shops, and nightlife venues across the city.
Particularly interesting is data from short-term lodging provider Airbnb: the company expects around 6,000 guests to stay in Atlanta listings during the tournament — translating into roughly US$70 million in local economic impact. Airbnb further projects that increased demand could support about 300 full-time equivalent jobs in 2026
Real Estate, Development & Urban Upgrades
The World Cup has accelerated a wave of development across Atlanta, particularly around the stadium and downtown areas. Mixed-use projects, new apartments, offices, hotels, and retail spaces are moving forward at a record pace.
The broader real estate boost — more housing units, increased office space, and enhanced commercial infrastructure — could leave a lasting legacy beyond the tournament itself.
Infrastructure & Transit Improvements
To handle the influx of fans and visitors, the city and state are investing significantly: more than US$120 million is slated for transportation and downtown improvements. Public transit provider MARTA along with other agencies are upgrading systems, adding new railcars and electric buses, and working to ensure mobility is ready for the surge.
Additionally, the stadium will be upgraded: Mercedes-Benz Stadium is undergoing major work to meet World Cup requirements — including a switch from artificial turf to real grass, upgrades to security, amenities, and surrounding infrastructure.
Opportunity for Local Businesses & Neighborhoods
The anticipated visitor boom is already prompting local officials to help small businesses prepare. In neighborhoods around downtown and near the stadium, grants are being offered to upgrade storefronts, improve signage, renovate interiors, and enhance curb appeal.
City leaders expect increased foot traffic, new customers, and higher demand for services — not only during the World Cup matches, but potentially long after/
Ticket Information
Presale for all four matches begins today, Tuesday, December 3. General public tickets go on sale Friday, December 5 at 10 a.m. local time for each venue through Ticketmaster and ussoccer.com. -
Just like reality TV, the Kandi Burruss-Todd Tucker divorce saga continues to take new turns.
In a bombshell revelation that’s sending shockwaves through the reality TV world, it’s been reported that Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kandi Burruss is ending her 11-year marriage to producer Todd Tucker after discovering he had been secretly communicating with other women.
The split, which sources say has been “brewing for a while,” was officially announced by Burruss just weeks ago, but new details emerging from insiders paint a picture of betrayal and long-simmering marital strife.
According to people close to the couple, the final straw came when Burruss uncovered Tucker’s alleged behind-the-back flirtations.
Kandi Burruss-Todd Tucker Divorce: Betrayal, Brewing Tensions, and a Battle for Privacy
“Kandi and Todd had been having marriage troubles for a while now. Kandi was not happy because she found out that Todd had been talking to other women behind her back,” a source told PEOPLE exclusively. “She had no idea.”
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and entrepreneur, 49, filed for divorce on November 21, 2025, in a move that stunned fans who had long viewed the couple as a powerhouse duo. Burruss and Tucker, 52, first crossed paths in 2011 when he worked as a producer on RHOA Season 4.
Their whirlwind romance led to an engagement in 2013 and a lavish wedding the following year. Over the next decade, they built an empire together—launching businesses like the Old Lady Gang restaurant chain and collaborating on Broadway productions, including the 2025 revival of Othello. They also welcomed two children: son Ace, 9, and daughter Blaze, 6.
United In Front of the Cameras, But ‘Growing Apart’
But beneath the glitz, cracks had been forming. Sources close to the pair tell TMZ that the couple separated amicably a few months ago after “growing apart,” with no major drama—at least initially. Burruss addressed the split during an emotional Amazon Live stream on November 24, admitting the decision had been weighing on her for months.
Kandi Speaks Out
“To be clear, yes, I filed Friday, but this is something that has, you know, been brewing for a while,” she said, her voice cracking. “All the times you’ve seen me smiling online meant nothing. I’ve been going through it. Life has been life-ing me.
“In a heartfelt statement to PEOPLE, Burruss emphasized her priorities amid the turmoil: “After deep thought and a lot of prayer, I’ve made the decision to move forward with a divorce. This is a difficult and emotional time, but my focus remains on protecting my peace, being the best mother I can be and coparenting with love and respect.”
Tucker has not publicly commented, but representatives confirmed the amicable nature of the separation.
Public glimpses of their post-split dynamic offered a mix of hope and heartbreak. Just days after the filing, the couple reunited to celebrate Blaze’s 6th birthday, with both parents sharing loving tributes on social media.
Tucker posted a sweet note: “Happy Birthday to my Baby Blaze! She my Beautiful little princess! She warms my heart every time I see her… Daddy loves you with all his heart!!!”
A Brief Holiday Reunion
Burruss, meanwhile, spent Thanksgiving with Tucker and the kids in Atlanta, quickly clarifying on Instagram after fans speculated about his absence from a family photo: “Before anyone assumes anything Todd came earlier to eat with us but he wasn’t there for the pic.
He was not left out or anything like that.”Yet, as the dust settles, the divorce is taking a contentious turn in the courtroom.
According to court documents, Tucker has demanded physical custody of Ace and Blaze, citing Burruss’s recent work commitments in New York that have kept her away from Atlanta for months.
He has also challenged the validity of their prenup, potentially complicating asset division in their multimillion-dollar empire. In response, Burruss has fired back by submitting RHOA clips to bolster her case, including past footage of family tensions involving her late mother, Joyce Withrow, who notoriously clashed with Tucker.
Adding fuel to the legal fire, Burruss filed a motion on December 3 to seal the entire divorce case from public view—a move insiders say stems from her desire to shield their children from relentless media scrutiny.
“It seems like she doesn’t want everyone in the world gossiping about all of the details of her marriage’s collapse,” one source told Reality Tea. Whether a judge will grant the request remains unclear, especially given the high-profile nature of the couple and Tucker’s lack of response so far.Fans have flooded social media with support, with Reddit threads buzzing about the end of an era.
Public Reaction
“Well, after all the rumors, it’s finally confirmed,” one user lamented on r/BravoRealHousewives. “I wish Kandi hadn’t roped herself in with having kids with Todd because now… she’ll have to deal with custody, coparenting and child support issues.”
Others praised Burruss’s resilience, noting her decision to drop “Tucker” from her professional name, reverting to simply “Kandi Burruss.”
As Burruss steps into what she calls a “new chapter,” focusing on her music, businesses, and blended family—which includes her daughter Riley, 22, from a previous relationship and Tucker’s daughter Kaela, 28—the entertainment world watches closely. Despite the pain, she insists there are no regrets:
“Todd and I were together, our marriage lasted 11 years, we were together like, 14. We’ve got two wonderful, beautiful children. I have no regrets… Sometimes things don’t work out, and it just is what it is.”
Final Word
For now, the former power couple appears committed to co-parenting with grace, but with infidelity allegations, custody battles, and sealed secrets in play, this story is far from over.
