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In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the Atlanta Falcons’ fanbase, the team announced the release of longtime kicker Younghoe Koo on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, just days after benching the former Pro Bowler for a Week 2 victory.
The 31-year-old South Korean-born specialist, who had been one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers during his tenure with the Dirty Birds, was let go as the Falcons promoted practice squad standout Parker Romo to the 53-man roster on a two-year deal.
The decision caps a turbulent start to the Falcons’ 2025 season for Koo, who missed a crucial 44-yard field goal attempt in the closing seconds of Atlanta’s 23-20 Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—a kick that would have tied the game and potentially altered the narrative around the team’s early struggles.
Demoted to inactive status for the Falcons’ subsequent 22-6 road win over the Minnesota Vikings, Koo did not travel with the team and was ultimately deemed expendable despite a strong offseason recovery from a 2024 hip injury.
Koo’s release, while abrupt, appears tied to a sharp decline in performance over the past year. In 2024, he converted just 25 of 34 field goal attempts (73.5%), his lowest success rate as a Falcon and a far cry from the elite accuracy that defined his prime.
That season ended prematurely with a stint on injured reserve, and while Koo entered 2025 fully healthy, the Week 1 miss proved to be the final straw for head coach Raheem Morris and the front office.Stepping into the void is Parker Romo, a 28-year-old Georgia native whose family relocated from Arkansas to Atlanta this week in anticipation of the promotion.
Elevated from the practice squad for Week 2, Romo dazzled with a perfect 5-for-5 performance on field goals, including a booming 54-yarder that contributed 16 points to the Vikings win.
“You get an opportunity, you have to take advantage of it, and he definitely did,” Morris said post-release. “I think everybody knows his name right now.”
Romo, who went 11-of-12 for the Vikings in 2024, will make his first start as Atlanta’s primary kicker when the 1-1 Falcons host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.Financially, the move provides some relief for a Falcons team navigating salary cap constraints. Koo had two years remaining on his five-year, $24.25 million extension signed in 2022, with his 2025 salary fully guaranteed.
Atlanta absorbs a $1.25 million dead cap hit this year and $5.5 million in 2026 but saves $4.25 million in cap space for the current season.
Koo’s Falcons career, spanning since mid-2019 when he replaced veteran Matt Bryant, was a story of redemption and reliability. Undrafted out of Georgia Southern—where he set the school record for field goal percentage at 88.6%—Koo overcame early career setbacks, including a brief stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, to become Atlanta’s go-to guy.
From 2019 to 2023, he boasted an NFL-fourth-best 89.9% field goal success rate among kickers with 50+ attempts, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2020 after leading the league with 37 makes on 39 tries.
Overall, Koo leaves Atlanta as the franchise’s third-leading scorer with 700 points, trailing only legends Matt Bryant and Morten Andersen.
He finished 178-of-205 on field goals during his time in red and black.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shortly after the news broke, Koo reflected on his journey. “I want to thank the Falcons organization for giving me an opportunity when no one else would six years ago,” he wrote. “This place helped me grow as a kicker and as a man. I will forever be grateful for the support from the fans during my time here. I have nothing but love and respect for everyone in the building. I wish y’all the best. I’m full of gratitude and excitement as I continue my journey in this league.”
2 sourcesThe release has sparked immediate speculation about Koo’s next landing spot. At 31, with an 86% career field goal percentage (13th all-time in NFL history) and 96% on extra points, he’s likely to draw interest from contending teams seeking kicking stability.
Social media buzzed with calls for teams like the Cleveland Browns to pursue him, especially amid their own kicking woes.
For Falcons fans, the move is bittersweet. Koo’s clutch kicks, including game-winners against rivals like the New Orleans Saints, cemented his status as a fan favorite. As one X user lamented, “Younghoe Koo has been an Excellent Kicker for the Falcons a number of years… Not a Class Move, Falcons!”
Yet with Romo’s hot start and the team’s push for an NFC South title, the front office clearly prioritized momentum over sentiment.
The Falcons (1-1) look to build on their defensive dominance against Carolina, but the shadow of Koo’s departure looms large. In a league where kickers can make or break seasons, Atlanta is betting on fresh legs to keep the rise going.
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Sellers retreated from the U.S. housing market in August, reacting to subdued interest from budget-constrained buyers, per Zillow’s latest report. Active buyers face a wealth of choices, particularly in regions with robust inventory levels.
Yet the rapid shift toward buyer-friendly conditions seen in prior months is stalling on a national scale.
“Buyers who can swing a purchase and have held off for the ideal entry point should scrutinize current listings,” advised Zillow Senior Economist Kara Ng. “Homes are available, though not always the newest arrivals. Those on the sidelines should reassess their finances—mortgage rates are down from recent peaks, and in certain areas, sellers are open to negotiation. That said, this buyer edge won’t last forever. Leverage is waning as more sellers delay their listings.”
Key Market Shifts: Cautious Buyers Prompt Seller Caution
Soaring home prices keep many would-be buyers out, benefiting those still searching. Zillow’s market heat index indicates a balanced landscape nationally, with buyer competition at its lowest for any August since 2018.
Consequently, home values have flatlined. Zillow’s Home Value Index reports zero growth over the past year—the weakest annual pace for any month since early 2018, the second-slowest overall in that period.Homes are lingering longer on the market as well.
Buyer-Friendly Markets: Southern Swing States Tip Toward ShoppersBuyers wield the greatest leverage in the South, where pandemic-fueled boomtowns have cooled into opportunity zones.
Cities like Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Austin now boast more active listings than pre-2020 levels, bolstered by builders ramping up construction to satisfy pent-up demand.
Even Seattle has flipped the script—from a seller’s stronghold to a buyer’s playground in just one year—fueled by a 22% surge in inventory.
Metro Area* Zillow Home
Value Index
(ZHVI)ZHVI Year
over Year
(YoY)Share of
Listings With
a Price CutMarket Favors
(Zillow Market
Heat Index)Inventory
Change YoYNew
Listings
Change
YoYMedian
Days to
PendingUnited States $363,946 0.0 % 25.8 % Neutral 15.3 % -3.0 % 27 New York, NY $705,186 2.9 % 13.7 % Strong Seller 7.4 % -1.2 % 32 Los Angeles, CA $945,166 -1.3 % 23.5 % Seller 24.1 % -6.0 % 28 Chicago, IL $341,381 3.3 % 27.7 % Seller -3.5 % -7.3 % 13 Dallas, TX $365,592 -3.9 % 33.0 % Neutral 19.0 % -5.8 % 42 Houston, TX $307,762 -2.0 % 29.3 % Neutral 28.0 % -5.2 % 46 Washington, DC $575,681 0.8 % 26.0 % Seller 36.0 % -1.0 % 19 Philadelphia, PA $381,504 3.1 % 23.2 % Seller 9.3 % -3.8 % 14 Miami, FL $471,510 -4.9 % 20.3 % Buyer 18.2 % -12.4 % 65 Atlanta, GA $382,242 -3.2 % 30.4 % Buyer 20.8 % -9.5 % 47 Boston, MA $720,695 1.0 % 19.0 % Strong Seller 21.0 % 3.7 % 21 The median August sale took 27 days to close, up a full week from last year and a day beyond pre-pandemic averages. Defying usual late-summer slowdowns, however, buyer rivalry edged higher in the period’s final weeks.
Homeowners, mirroring buyer hesitance, have largely shelved listing intentions. New listings hit an August record low in Zillow’s data, with a 7.3% month-over-month plunge exceeding typical seasonal dips.
Good Advice for Buyers in the Atlanta Housing Market
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage early: In Atlanta’s buyer-friendly market, where inventory has surged 37% year-over-year and homes linger for 47+ days, a strong pre-approval letter gives you an edge in negotiations and shows sellers you’re serious—potentially unlocking concessions like closing cost help.
- Leverage the increased inventory for better deals: With over 9,100 homes listed in Atlanta last month (up 10% from prior) and more than 30% of listings seeing price cuts, shop around without rushing—aim for properties that have sat on the market longer to negotiate reductions of 5-10% off asking price.
- Reassess your budget amid stabilizing rates: Mortgage rates are dipping toward 6-6.5% by year-end, boosting purchasing power in a market where median prices hover around $380K-$400K (down 2-3% annually)—factor in extras like 2-3% property taxes and HOA fees to avoid overextending
- Target affordable suburbs for value: While Buckhead and Midtown may see 2-3% appreciation, explore stable, lower-cost areas like East Atlanta or Decatur for better entry points and less competition—suburban inventory is up, offering negotiation room without sacrificing Atlanta’s job-driven growth.
- Work with a local Atlanta realtor: Partner with an agent who knows neighborhood trends—like the 9% sales uptick in metro areas—to navigate the balanced market (4.6 months of supply) and spot off-market deals before they hit listings.
- Build a buffer for closing costs and inspections: Expect 2-5% of the home price in fees; in Atlanta’s cooling scene, insist on thorough inspections to uncover issues in older stock, and use findings to renegotiate—especially with 25%+ of homes needing price adjustments.
Final Word
Don’t wait for a crash—act if it fits your needs: Nationally and in Atlanta, experts predict gentle 2-3% price rises through 2025 with no downturn; if the home meets your long-term plans and finances, buy now to lock in before demand rebounds with lower rates.
Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
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For three decades, the ‘got milk?’ mustache has stood as a timeless symbol of strength, style, and enduring appeal. To mark this anniversary, Mayfield Dairy Farms is teaming up with the “got milk?” creators for an exclusive Got Milk? Photo Studio Tour stop in Atlanta—available for just this weekend.
Where The ‘Got Milk’ Campaign Will Be In Atlanta
Atlanta United Game
- Atlanta United FC MLS Game
- Saturday, September 20
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Parking Lot – 1 Backyard Way (Home Depot Backyard)
- When: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Festival
- Sunday, September 21
- Where: 5140 Town Center Blvd, Peachtree Corners (near the car show area)
- When: Noon – 5 p.m.
Step Into the Spotlight: Create Your Own Milk Mustache LegacyAttendees at both events can channel the spirit of the legendary ads by getting styled with a custom milk mustache, posing in the pop-up photo studio, and taking home a free personalized print. This interactive experience puts everyday heroes—families, students, and locals—at the heart of the celebration, honoring the authenticity, pride, and resilience that have defined the campaign for generations.
As part of a nationwide tour spanning from California to Boston, the Atlanta activation invites you to join thousands who’ve already captured their portraits.
As part of a nationwide tour spanning from California to Boston, the Atlanta activation invites you to join thousands who’ve already captured their portraits. Highlights include:
- Custom Styling: Get your own iconic milk mustache look.
- Professional Photo Session: Strike a pose in the on-site pop-up studio.
- Keepsake Print: Walk away with a complimentary, personalized Got Milk? photo.
- Local Treats: Enjoy milk and cookies sourced from Mayfield Dairy Farms, your hometown dairy favorite.
This is your chance to become part of the ‘got milk?’ magic—whether with a big grin or bold flair, every portrait celebrates 30 years of fun, one unforgettable ‘stache at a time.”
Mayfield Dairy Farms has been a staple on Atlanta tables for generations, so we’re thrilled to bring the Got Milk? Photo Studio Tour home,” said Roger Roberts, General Manager at Mayfield Dairy Farms.
“The milk mustache has always represented strength and joy, and now our community can make it their own through these custom portraits.”Don’t miss this limited-time event—head to the tour and let your inner icon shine!
Immerse Yourself In Your Atlanta
Atlanta is for tourists, but it’s also for locals. If you want to explore Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new things happening in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
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The Atlanta Dream are no strangers to high-stakes drama, but tonight’s winner-take-all clash against the Indiana Fever in Game 3 of the WNBA playoffs carries the weight of a franchise on the cusp of greatness. With the series tied 1-1 after a heartbreaking 77-60 loss in Indianapolis on Tuesday, the third-seeded Dream (30-14 regular season) return to the friendly confines of Gateway Center Arena for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff on ESPN2.
A victory sends Atlanta to the semifinals for the first time since 2013; a defeat ends a season of transformation under first-year head coach Karl Smesko.
Tickets are still available starting at $84, with front-row seats going for $297 – a hot commodity for what promises to be an electric atmosphere in College Park. The Dream’s regular-season dominance at home (18-5) and league-leading rebounding (36.6 per game) could prove decisive against a shorthanded Fever squad battling through a rash of injuries.
In this article, we’ll show you how to watch the Atlanta Dream game.
How to Watch Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever Game 3
To watch the Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever game, here are common viewing options:
• Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Gateway Center Arena, College Park, GA
• TV: ESPN2 or Streaming: ESPN app or FuboTV: Offers streams of WNBA games on ABC, ESPN, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ION, and NBA TV. Free trials are available, but regional restrictions may apply.
• Radio: Local coverage on Atlanta sports radio (check 92.9 The Game for availability)
• Tickets: Available at Ticketmaster, starting at $84; front-row seats $297.Series Recap: A Tale of Two Games
The best-of-three matchup has been a microcosm of both teams’ resilient paths to the postseason. In Game 1 on Sept. 14 at Gateway Center Arena, Atlanta asserted early control with a balanced attack, pulling away for an 80-68 win. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard each poured in 20 points, while bench forward Naz Hillmon added 16 points and nine rebounds off the pine.
The Dream’s elite defense – second in the league at 90.6 points allowed per 100 possessions in the playoffs – stifled Indiana, holding them to 34.9% shooting and just 2-of-15 from deep.
But the Fever, fighting for their playoff lives without rookie sensation Caitlin Clark (out with a season-ending injury) and four other key rotation players, refused to fade.
Game 2 in Indianapolis turned into a rout as Indiana exploded for a 24-15 third-quarter edge en route to their 17-point triumph. Kelsey Mitchell led with 19 points and four assists, while Aliyah Boston notched a double-double threat with 15 points and five rebounds on efficient 7-of-12 shooting. Atlanta’s star guards faltered: Howard managed just 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting (0-for-4 from three), and Gray was held to nine.
The Dream shot a dismal 37.9% from the field and went 5-of-10 from the free-throw line, while Indiana was perfect at 15-of-15. As Howard reflected postgame, “We let their momentum build. Game 3 is ours to take back.”Key Matchups and X-Factors
Atlanta’s path forward hinges on rediscovering their offensive rhythm – they ranked second in the league with 421 three-pointers made during the regular season. Gray (18.4 PPG, 45.1% FG) and Howard (career highs across the board) must shake off Game 2 rust, especially against Indiana’s perimeter defenders Odyssey Sims and Lexie Hull.
Point guard Jordin Canada, probable after an ankle tweak, could be the spark with her playmaking; she’s averaged 18.2 points in recent head-to-heads.
Rebounding remains Atlanta’s superpower, led by All-Star center Brionna Jones (16.9 PPG at home) and Hillmon, the Sixth Woman of the Year. The Dream hold a +14 rebound percentage edge over Indiana’s depleted frontcourt of Boston (6-5) and Natasha Howard (6-3). “Our size was the difference in Game 1,” Smesko said. “We need to crash the boards like we own them.”
Final Word
To recap, there are several streaming options for WNBA games, including FuboTV, which streams WNBA games on ABC, ESPN, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ION, and NBA TV. There is also a free trial, but regional restrictions may apply for local games.
There’s also WNBA League Pass, which allows you to watch live out-of-market games and replays. Blackout restrictions may apply for local markets. Available via wnba.com or the WNBA app. Pricing details are on the WNBA website.
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Perhaps you’ve seen the white Jaguars whizzing around Atlanta with no one in the driver’s seat. Uber has made them a big part of their rideshare fleet in Atlanta. Well, that lane’s getting wider, so to speak.
Self-driving startup May Mobility said recently that it will launch a driverless taxi service in Atlanta in 2026 in partnership with Lyft Inc.
May Mobility Teams With Lyft in Atlanta
The service will initially operate in a limited area of the city, with plans to expand over time.The move intensifies competition in the race to deploy robotaxis on a large scale.
Waymo, which launched its commercial service in Atlanta in March, is already operating in parts of the city, including downtown, Midtown and the southside.
May Mobility’s service will use a fleet of about 50 Toyota Sienna minivans equipped with the startup’s autonomous technology.
The vehicles will be fully driverless, without safety drivers on board, the company said.Lyft, which has a partnership with May Mobility dating back to 2020, will integrate the service into its app, allowing riders to hail the autonomous vehicles the same way they do human drivers.
“This is a big step forward for autonomous mobility in Atlanta,” said Edwin Olson, chief executive of May Mobility. “We’re excited to bring this technology to one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised the partnership, saying it would create jobs and reduce traffic congestion.
“Autonomous vehicles have the potential to transform how we move around our city,” Dickens said in a statement. “This partnership with May Mobility and Lyft will help us get there.”
May Mobility, based in Ann Arbor, Mich., has been testing its technology in Austin, Texas, and other cities. The company has raised more than $150 million in funding, including from Toyota and Japan’s Mitsui & Co.
The startup’s technology relies on a combination of lidar, radar and cameras to navigate roads. Unlike Waymo, which uses a more complex array of sensors, May Mobility says its approach is simpler and cheaper to scale.
Waymo, a unit of Alphabet’s Google, has been the leader in the robotaxi space, operating in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and now Atlanta. The company has completed millions of miles of autonomous driving and is expanding its fleet rapidly.
But May Mobility’s entry could pressure Waymo to lower prices or expand faster. Lyft, which has struggled to compete with Uber Technologies Inc., sees autonomous vehicles as a way to cut costs and improve reliability.
“Partnering with May Mobility allows us to offer riders a new option that’s safe, reliable and affordable,” said Lyft Chief Executive David Risher.
The launch comes amid regulatory scrutiny of autonomous vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating incidents involving Waymo and Cruise, General Motors Co.’s robotaxi unit, which suspended operations last year after a pedestrian accident.Georgia regulators have been supportive of AV testing, approving May Mobility’s permit to operate driverless vehicles earlier this year.
Still, challenges remain. Atlanta’s streets are narrower and more congested than those in Phoenix, where Waymo got its start. Bad weather and construction zones can also complicate autonomous navigation.
Final Word
May Mobility plans to start with supervised testing later this year before going fully driverless in 2026.“We’ve learned a lot from our operations in other cities, and we’re applying those lessons here,” Olson said.
Traveling with your significant other is the best way to go. Looking for a destination? There are some great cities that you can vacation in for cheap right now.
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The Atlanta Community Food Bank, a key player in combating hunger across Atlanta and North Georgia, has received a $100,000 grant from Norfolk Southern’s Thriving Communities Grant Program.
Launched in 2023, this program supports organizations focused on safety, sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience.
The grant will fund the Food Bank’s school pantry program, providing nutritious food to low-income students and their families throughout the school year.
The program targets schools in the Food Bank’s 29-county service area where at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program.Norfolk Southern, a longtime partner, continues to make a tangible impact.
“One in six children in our service area faces hunger, which affects their ability to focus in school,” said Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “We’re thankful for Norfolk Southern’s support in helping us provide food to children and families, empowering them to thrive.”
In addition to the grant, Norfolk Southern employees volunteered over 200 hours in Fiscal Year 2025, sorting food and packing boxes for distribution to those in need.
“Access to essential resources is the foundation of thriving communities,” said Kristin Wong, Director of the Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact. “Supporting the Food Bank’s school pantry program helps build a healthier future for children and families.”
With partners like Norfolk Southern, the Food Bank serves hundreds of thousands of families annually, providing not just food but also the resources to foster stability and growth.
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Starting in fall 2026, Emory University will offer tuition-free education to students from families earning $200,000 or less through the Emory Advantage Plus scholarship.
This major expansion of the university’s financial aid program underscores Emory’s commitment to making an elite education accessible to talented students.
All new and returning domestic undergraduate students who meet the income threshold and qualify for need-based aid will be eligible for Emory Advantage Plus.
Emory President: Tuition-Free Education About ‘Breaking Barriers’
The university will also continue to cover 100% of demonstrated financial need for all domestic undergraduates.
“This tuition-free initiative for families earning $200,000 or less is about breaking barriers,” says Interim President Leah Ward Sears. “We want exceptional students to choose Emory without worrying about costs, and we’re committed to ensuring they graduate without overwhelming debt.
“When students and their families discuss college options, I want affordability to be a non-issue,” Sears adds. “If they’re admitted to Emory and want to attend, we’ll make it financially possible.”
Other Universities’ Aid Programs: Tuition-Free and No-Loan Initiatives
In addition to Emory University’s Emory Advantage Plus program—offering tuition-free attendance starting fall 2026 for domestic undergraduates from families earning $200,000 or less—several other U.S. institutions have implemented or expanded similar financial aid initiatives.
These programs aim to make elite education accessible by eliminating tuition costs or student loans for low- and middle-income families, often meeting 100% of demonstrated need through grants and scholarships.
Below is a selection of notable examples, focusing on programs with income thresholds comparable to Emory’s. Eligibility typically requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, need-based aid qualification, and standard assets; details can vary by family size and other factors.
Programs Offering Free Tuition for Families Earning Up to $15,000 or Similar
These initiatives directly waive tuition (and sometimes more) for broad middle-income brackets:
These provide tuition-free or no-loan aid but at more modest income levels, often serving as models for expansions:
• Vanderbilt University (Opportunity Vanderbilt): Full-tuition scholarships without loans for families under $150,000. Ongoing program focused on eliminating debt barriers.
• Dartmouth College: No parent contribution or loans for families under $125,000 (with typical assets); full tuition coverage possible. Part of the Zero Parent Contribution Initiative.
• University of Texas System (Promise Plus): Free tuition and fees at nine institutions for Texas undergrads from families earning $100,000 or less. Expanded fall 2025; $35M funding.
• Carnegie Mellon University (CMU Pathway Program): Tuition-free for under $75,000; no federal loans for under $100,000. Fall 2025 launch for U.S. citizens/permanent residents.
• State University of New York (SUNY): Tuition-free for New York residents from families earning $125,000 or less. Covers all 64 campuses.
• University of Wisconsin System: Tuition waiver for state residents from families under $55,000 (recently expanded). Applies to most UW campuses.
Broader Trends and No-Loan Policies
Many schools, like Duke University (full ride for North/South Carolina residents under $150,000, loan-free under $65,000) and Princeton University (no-loan for all, full need met), don’t tie tuition waivers directly to a $200k cap but offer generous no-loan packages that can result in effectively free attendance for qualifying students. Programs like QuestBridge provide full rides (tuition, housing, etc.) at 40+ partner schools for high-achievers from households under $65,000. Public systems (e.g., University of Massachusetts campuses) are increasingly tuition-free for in-state students under $75,000 starting fall 2025.
Emory Expands Advantage Plus Plan
Since its inception in 2007, the Emory Advantage program has supported students from lower-income families. In fall 2022, Emory enhanced the program by replacing need-based loans with institutional grants and scholarships in undergraduate financial aid packages.
Emory Advantage Plus furthers the university’s commitment to removing financial barriers, offering zero-tuition undergraduate degrees to students from families earning $200,000 or less.
“Emory Advantage Plus expands opportunity, dreams, and possibilities at Emory,” says Sears. “We’re opening doors wider for brilliant, deserving students to call Emory and Georgia home. The future is bright, and this is just the start.”
For Georgia residents, the full-tuition award complements the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships. Approximately 1,050 Emory undergraduates are Georgia residents, with nearly 95% receiving HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships.
Final Word
These expansions reflect a competitive push among top universities to attract talent amid rising costs, with many announcements in 2024–2025. Families should use net price calculators on school websites for personalized estimates, as aid often stacks with federal/state grants.
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Atlanta’s vibrant music scene is gearing up for another unforgettable weekend as the Shaky Knees Music Festival makes its triumphant return. You won’t want to miss it! The outdoors event is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
For the first time in its history, the beloved three-day event will take over the iconic Piedmont Park, shifting from its traditional spring slot in May to a fresh fall edition. This change promises cooler temperatures, stunning autumn views of the park’s rolling hills and skyline backdrop, and an even more immersive experience for rock, indie, and alternative fans from across the Southeast and beyond.
Shaky Knees Festival: What To Know Before You Go
If you’re interested in going, you know traffic is going to be a bear. The festival organizers are encouraging fest-goers to use public transit! Getting to the festival is easy when using MARTA.
The Shaky Knees Festival Box Office is located at the corner of North Ave NE & Central Park Place NE and will be open.
When Is The Shaky Knees Festival Taking Place This Year?
The Shaky Knees Festival is happening at Central Park in Midtown Atlanta on May 3-5, 2024. Here are the hours:
- Friday, Sept. 19 — 11:30am – 7pm
- Saturday, Sept. 20 — 10am – 10pm
- Sunday, Sept. 21 — 10am – 9pm
Music Lineup: Who’s Performing At The Shaky Knees Festival?
This year’s music lineup for the Shaky Knees Festival includes the following acts: Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Noah Kahan and Weezer.
The full lineup features over 60 acts across four stages. While the official daily schedule is available on the festival website, here’s a comprehensive list of confirmed performers based on announcements:
- My Chemical Romance (Headliner – Friday)
- Blink-182 (Headliner – Saturday)
- Deftones (Headliner – Sunday)
- Vampire Weekend
- Lenny Kravitz
- Cage the Elephant
- Alabama Shakes
- The Black Keys
- Sublime
- “Weird Al” Yankovic
- The Marías
- Public Enemy
- Lucy Dacus
- Devo
- Pixies
- The Backseat Lovers
- TV On The Radio
- The All-American Rejects
- IDLES
- Spoon
- Stereophonics
- Wet Leg
- And more to be announced…
Check out the Shaky Knees Festival poster here:
Where Is The Shaky Knees Festival Taking Place?
The Shaky Knees Festival will take place at Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta at Atlanta, GA 30309 NE. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Atlanta has just about everything you need for a fun time in a big-city. If you love to laugh, you should check out the best comedy clubs in Atlanta.
For those who feel like dancing or vibing to some music, Atlanta’s got some of the best clubs in the South.
Want to get out of the house during the day? Why not get some shopping in the city by patronizing local vendors with handmade goods, arts, crafts, candles, soaps, vintage and more.
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In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Georgia’s legal and political circles, the Georgia Supreme Court today upheld the disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from prosecuting the high-profile election interference case against President Donald Trump and his associates.
The 4-3 decision, issued on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, effectively bars Willis and her office from continuing the case, casting significant doubt on the future of what was once the last remaining criminal prosecution against the president stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.
The ruling stems from a long-simmering controversy over Willis’s romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor she hired to lead the investigation. Revelations about the relationship, which became public in early 2024, led to accusations of an “appearance of impropriety” and potential conflicts of interest.
Here’s Willis announcing the original charges against Trump and his co-defendants:
Although Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee initially allowed Willis to remain on the case in March 2024—provided Wade stepped down—the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed that decision in December 2024, voting 2-1 to remove Willis and her office entirely.
Today’s Supreme Court decision declines to hear Willis’s appeal of the appeals court’s ruling, leaving the disqualification in place. The high court’s action means the case will now be reassigned to a new prosecutor through the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, a process that could delay proceedings indefinitely or even lead to the charges being dropped altogether.
“This is a rare case in which DA Willis and her office must be disqualified due to a significant appearance of impropriety,” the appeals court had written in its December ruling, a sentiment echoed in the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene. The majority opinion highlighted that the trial court’s remedy—removing Wade—did not sufficiently address the impropriety that occurred during the early stages of the prosecution, when key decisions about charges and targets were made.
Read the Georgia Supreme Court Ruling Here
Background on the Case
The indictments in question were handed down in August 2023, charging Trump and 18 co-defendants—including former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and attorneys Sidney Powell and John Eastman—with racketeering (RICO) violations and other crimes related to an alleged scheme to subvert Joe Biden’s 2020 victory in Georgia.
The case centered on Trump’s infamous January 2023 phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, where he urged the official to “find 11,780 votes,” as well as efforts to pressure state officials and create fake electors.
Fani Willis, a Democrat elected as Fulton County’s DA in 2020, spearheaded the investigation, making it one of four major criminal cases against Trump launched in 2023.
Two federal cases led by Special Counsel Jack Smith were dropped following Trump’s re-election in November 2024, and the New York hush-money case resulted in a conviction but has been mired in appeals.
The Georgia case was the sole state-level prosecution still active until today’s ruling.
The disqualification motion was first filed in January 2024 by Michael Roman, a Trump campaign operative and one of the defendants, who alleged that Willis benefited financially from the relationship through lavish vacations funded by Wade’s payments from the county.
Willis and Wade testified that she reimbursed him in cash for her share of expenses, but the optics fueled months of legal battles and public scrutiny.
Willis Speaks Out
Willis responded swiftly to the ruling via email statement, expressing disagreement but committing to cooperation. “I hope that whoever is assigned to handle the case will have the courage to do what the evidence and the law demand,” she said, directing her office to turn over all case files and evidence to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council.
Trump’s legal team hailed the decision as vindication. Attorney Steve Sadow, representing the president, stated, “We will use all legal options available as we continue to fight to end this case, which should never have been brought in the first place.”
Defense attorneys for co-defendants, including Ashleigh Merchant representing Roman, celebrated the outcome, arguing it corrects a “failure of judgment” by Willis.
Legal experts in Atlanta are divided on the implications. Some, like former prosecutor Jordan Rubin, noted the Supreme Court’s dissent, where justices argued the trial court had broad discretion and that the appeals panel overstepped by interfering.
“This could effectively end the Georgia prosecution,” Rubin observed, pointing to the challenges a new prosecutor might face in politically conservative districts outside metro Atlanta.
The ruling also reignites debates about prosecutorial ethics and the politicization of justice in Georgia, a battleground state where Trump’s 2020 loss by a narrow margin remains a flashpoint.
Local Democrats expressed frustration, with one Atlanta City Council member calling it a “blow to accountability,” while Republican leaders praised it as upholding impartiality.
What’s Next for the Case?
With Willis sidelined, the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council must now appoint a replacement, potentially from another district. However, experts suggest that given Trump’s status as sitting president and the case’s sensitivity, a new prosecutor might opt not to pursue the charges aggressively—or at all.
Federal precedents indicate that prosecuting a sitting president is fraught with constitutional hurdles, further clouding the path forward.Fulton County residents, many of whom followed the case closely amid its twists and turns, are left wondering if justice will ever be served.
The development marks yet another chapter in Atlanta’s role at the center of national politics, as the city grapples with the fallout from one of its most controversial legal sagas.
This story is developing, and AtlantaFi.com will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Nestled in the heart of Buckhead, the Nobu Hotel Atlanta has quickly become a beacon of luxury and sophistication since its opening in 2022.
Located within the vibrant Phipps Plaza, this boutique hotel, a collaboration between chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and film producer Meir Teper, seamlessly blends Japanese-inspired elegance with Atlanta’s dynamic energy.
From its world-class dining to its serene accommodations and upscale amenities, Nobu Hotel Atlanta is redefining hospitality in the city. Here’s a look at what makes this destination a must-visit for locals and travelers alike.
A Stylish Stay in Buckhead
Situated at 3520 Peachtree Rd NE, Nobu Hotel Atlanta offers 152 chicly designed rooms and suites, each embodying the brand’s signature aesthetic of minimalist luxury with a Japanese flair. Guests are greeted with clean lines, warm wood accents, and modern furnishings inspired by traditional Japanese design. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of Buckhead’s skyline or the lush greenery surrounding Phipps Plaza.
Room options range from spacious deluxe rooms to opulent suites, with premium suites featuring soaking tubs and private balconies for an elevated experience.
Pro Tip: Book a corner suite for panoramic views and extra space, perfect for a special occasion or extended stay.
World-Class Dining at Nobu Restaurant
The crown jewel of Nobu Hotel Atlanta is its Nobu Restaurant, a culinary destination that draws foodies from across the city and beyond. Known for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, the restaurant offers signature dishes like Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, and an array of fresh sushi and sashimi.
Nobu is owned by Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, a Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur. Nobu is one of many celebrity-owned restaurants in Atlanta.
The menu also features locally inspired specials, incorporating Southern ingredients to create a unique Atlanta twist. The sleek dining room, adorned with cherry blossom motifs and ambient lighting, creates an inviting atmosphere, while the outdoor terrace offers al fresco dining with views of Phipps Plaza’s bustling courtyard.
For a more casual experience, the Nobu Bar serves expertly crafted cocktails, including the Lychee Martini and Matsuhisa Old Fashioned, alongside a selection of sake and Japanese whiskies. The bar’s vibrant yet relaxed vibe makes it a hotspot for both hotel guests and locals.
Pro Tip: Make dinner reservations well in advance, as the restaurant is a popular destination, especially on weekends.
Rooftop Relaxation and Poolside Bliss
One of the standout amenities at Nobu Hotel Atlanta is its rooftop pool, a serene oasis offering panoramic views of Buckhead. Surrounded by plush lounge chairs and private cabanas, the pool area is perfect for unwinding with a cocktail in hand or soaking up the Atlanta sun.
The adjacent rooftop bar serves light bites and refreshing drinks, making it an ideal spot for a sunset happy hour or a late-night gathering.
Pro Tip: Visit the rooftop during golden hour for Instagram-worthy views and a tranquil escape from the city.
Wellness and Rejuvenation
The hotel’s spa brings a touch of Zen to Buckhead, offering a range of treatments inspired by Japanese wellness traditions.
Guests can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments using premium products, with options like the Nobu Signature Massage incorporating hot stones and aromatherapy for ultimate relaxation. The spa’s tranquil design, complete with soft lighting and natural elements, creates a calming retreat from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.
For fitness enthusiasts, the fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as a yoga studio for private or group classes. Complimentary wellness sessions, such as sunrise yoga or meditation, are offered seasonally to enhance the guest experience.
Pro Tip: Book a spa treatment early in your stay to ensure availability, and inquire about seasonal wellness events for a unique experience.
Event Spaces for Every Occasion
Nobu Hotel Atlanta is also a premier destination for events, offering versatile spaces for everything from intimate gatherings to lavish celebrations. The Nobu Event Space, with its modern design and customizable layouts, can accommodate up to 150 guests for weddings, corporate meetings, or private parties. The hotel’s dedicated events team works closely with guests to curate bespoke experiences, complete with catering from Nobu Restaurant’s acclaimed menu.
For smaller gatherings, the Private Dining Room at Nobu Restaurant offers an intimate setting for business dinners or family celebrations, with tailored menus and impeccable service.Pro Tip: Contact the events team at least a month in advance for larger bookings to secure your preferred date and customize your event.
Prime Location in Phipps Plaza
The hotel’s location within Phipps Plaza, one of Buckhead’s premier shopping destinations, adds to its appeal. Guests are steps away from high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Tiffany & Co., as well as a 14-screen AMC theater.
The surrounding Buckhead Village District offers additional dining and shopping options, while nearby attractions like the Atlanta History Center and Chastain Park are just a short drive away.
The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services within a three-mile radius, making it easy to explore Buckhead’s vibrant offerings.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the shuttle to visit nearby Lenox Square or the Peachtree Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
Why Nobu Hotel Atlanta?
Nobu Hotel Atlanta is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience that combines luxury, culinary excellence, and cultural sophistication.
Whether you’re savoring a meal at Nobu Restaurant, lounging by the rooftop pool, or exploring Buckhead’s upscale attractions, the hotel offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Its prime location, world-class amenities, and impeccable service make it a standout destination for travelers and locals seeking a taste of elegance in Atlanta.
Final Word
Nobu has been a great thing for Buckhead and Atlanta as a whole. Love Atlanta’s most expensive area? Check out our guide on the best things to do in Buckhead.
Planning a visit or special event at Nobu Hotel Atlanta? Share your experience with us at cj@atlantafi.com or tag us on social media @atlhappenings on Instagram! For more Atlanta news and travel guides, visit www.atlantfi.com.
