-
Atlanta’s own Elle Duncan, a beloved figure in local sports media before her rise to national stardom, is making a major career move.
The former ESPN SportsCenter anchor has been hired by Netflix under a multiyear deal to become the streaming giant’s first on-air sports host.
Elle Duncan Leaves ESPN, Joins Netflix
Duncan, known for her sharp analysis, warm personality, and standout coverage of women’s basketball, will host across Netflix’s growing lineup of live sports and cultural events.
Her debut is set for early 2026 with Skyscraper Live, a daring event featuring free solo climber Alex Honnold attempting to scale Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building in Taiwan at 1,667 feet.
“Joining Netflix feels like being invited to an already legendary party and somehow getting handed the aux cord!” Duncan said in a statement. “For a lifelong utility player, a multisport assignment is a full-circle moment… I’m bringing boundless energy, storytelling, and bad puns no one asked for but will be subjected to anyway.”
Netflix VP of Sports Gabe Spitzer praised the hire: “Elle Duncan’s proven ability to seamlessly move between hard-hitting sports analysis and warm, personality-driven cultural hosting makes her a perfect fit at Netflix.
She immediately adds credibility and familiar star power to our global programming slate.”
The move comes as Netflix expands aggressively into live sports, with existing deals for NFL games, MLB, the Women’s World Cup, WWE, and more.
Duncan’s Deep Roots in Atlanta Media
Longtime Atlantans will remember Duncan as a homegrown talent who got her start right here in the city.
Born and raised in Atlanta, she launched her broadcasting career in 2003 as a teenage intern and entertainment reporter for sports radio station 790 The Zone, working alongside the popular 2 Live Stews show.
By 2005, she joined V-103 (WVEE-FM), Atlanta’s iconic hip-hop and R&B station, where she spent seven years as a top-rated on-air personality.
Hired by radio legend Ryan Cameron, Duncan contributed to the Ryan Cameron Show, hosted midday and afternoon programs, and even served as a traffic reporter.
During this time, she branched into sports sideline reporting for the Atlanta Hawks (six years), the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network pre- and post-game shows, and SEC/ACC football for Comcast Sports South.
In 2012, she transitioned to television as a sports anchor and reporter for Atlanta’s NBC affiliate, WXIA-TV (11Alive), further solidifying her presence in local news and sports coverage.
After stints in Boston with NESN and then joining ESPN in 2016, Duncan became a fixture on SportsCenter (hosting the 6 p.m. edition), women’s college basketball College GameDay, and WNBA Countdown. Her nine-year run at ESPN ends with this high-profile jump to Netflix.
Duncan has often credited Atlanta for shaping her career, from the competitive local radio scene to covering the Hawks and Falcons up close.
She’s also given back to the community, launching the Cause & Effect series at V-103 to highlight underexposed nonprofits and serving as a spokeswoman for organizations like Enchanted Closet.
For Atlanta fans who watched her come up through V-103 mornings, Hawks sidelines, and 11Alive reports, seeing one of our own pioneer sports hosting on a global platform like Netflix is a proud moment. Congratulations, Elle—we’ll be tuning in!
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
-
As families across the city gather to celebrate Christmas Eve, a dedicated group of volunteers will be out spreading cheer in a unique way: Delivering hot meals to every police precinct and fire station in Atlanta.
The sixth annual Holiday Ham Haul, a heartwarming tradition that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to honor the city’s first responders for their tireless service and the personal sacrifices they make – including spending holidays away from their own loved ones.
Holiday Ham Haul Comes To Buckhead
“This event is our way of saying thank you to the men and women who keep our community safe year-round, especially when they’re working through the holidays,” said a spokesperson for the organizing groups.
For many participants, the Holiday Ham Haul has become a cherished family tradition.
One mother-son duo has volunteered every year, and the experience left such a lasting impression on the son that he centered his college application essay around the vital role first responders play in the community and the importance of giving back.
The event is organized by the Buckhead Rotary Club, Livable Buckhead, and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation.
It receives generous support from local sponsors, including the Buckhead Community Improvement District (CID), Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods, Buckhead Coalition, Georgia Primary Bank, Southern Baked Pie, and HoneyBaked Ham.
Volunteers will fan out across the city on December 24 to ensure no shift goes without a warm holiday meal, continuing a tradition that reminds Atlantans of the everyday heroes in their midst.
-
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has spent the last decade evading sacks and throwing touchdowns, so it shouldn’t be a shock when he talks technique on the gridiron, but that’s exactly what he did recently after a Falcons practice session in Flowery Branch.
Cousins, speaking to the media as he awaits the Falcons next game, answered a simple question but in essence he gave a State of the Quarterback address when talking about how signal callers read defenses today.
Falcons’ QB Kirk Cousins On How To Beat a Defense
In his spiel, he spilled the beans on exactly why defenses have been winning the chess match lately. When a reporter asked him about the ongoing debate on “progression reads” (sequentially checking receivers 1 through 5) and “coverage reads” (diagnosing defensive alignments pre-snap to eliminate portions of the field), the 37-year-old veteran eagerly jumped in:
“I’d love to get into it… I can get on this soapbox if you want me to, because I lived the transition,” he said.
Cousins, who entered the league in 2012, described the old-school approach that dominated when he was coming up: Quarterbacks would quickly identify whether the safety alignment was single-high or split-safety pre-snap, then “cut the field in half” and focus on just 2-3 eligible receivers.
Alerts for pressure or specific coverages kept things simple. “But what happened,” Cousins explained, “is defenses have gotten so good at disguising it.”
Coordinators now routinely show one look before the snap—often a safe two-high shell—only to rotate into single-high coverage, man, or blitz after the ball is snapped. This post-snap deception leaves quarterbacks unable to trust their pre-snap diagnosis, forcing hesitation during the critical early stages of the dropback.
Image: Cover 2 defense
The result? Offenses have largely abandoned complex pre-snap processing in favor of “pure progressions”—rigid sequencing where the QB must methodically work through receivers regardless of the coverage.
Cousins recalled his time under current Rams head coach Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota, when reintroducing more pure progressions felt overwhelming at first: “I remember when KOC was bringing a lot of pure progression reads back… it was like whoa, that’s a lot.”
While pure progressions reduce weekly preparation stress—no more game plans hinging on perfect safety reads—they come at a cost. “If you truly try to go 1-2-3-4-5, you’re gonna get sacked,” Cousins warned, noting that elite pass rushes force quicker decisions or checkdowns.
This shift, Cousins implied, is a major reason why gaudy individual passing stats have become rarer in recent years. The era of routine 5,000-yard, 40-touchdown seasons has cooled, as quarterbacks hold the ball longer on average, inviting more pressure and disruption.
League-wide trends in 2025 reflect this: While top passers like Dak Prescott lead in yards, explosive aerial attacks are less consistent, with defenses dictating tempo through disguise and rotation.
Cousins’ breakdown resonates across the league, echoing comments from coordinators like the Vikings’ Wes Phillips, who has noted the explosion of coverage variations—inversions, reduced fronts, and post-snap rotations—that make pre-snap certainty nearly impossible.
For a quarterback like Cousins, who has adapted through multiple systems and is currently thriving in relief of the injured Michael Penix Jr.—including a recent 373-yard, three-touchdown performance—it’s a testament to survival in an ever-evolving chess match.
Final Word
As defenses continue to innovate, the pure progression era may be here to stay, keeping pass rushes smiling and stat sheets a bit more grounded.
-
While giants like LinkedIn, Indeed, FlexJobs, RemoteOK, and We Work Remotely dominate the remote job search landscape, plenty of high-quality, lesser-known platforms offer curated opportunities with less competition.
These sites are reputable, often featuring hand-screened listings to minimize scams, and cater to professionals in tech, marketing, design, customer support, and more.
Check Out These Lesser-Known Remote Work Websites
In the coming year, as remote work continues to evolve, these under-the-radar boards can give you an edge in landing your next role.
Here are seven standout, not-as-well-known remote job websites worth bookmarking:
1. Remotive (remotive.com)
Remotive has been a reliable player since 2014, offering curated remote jobs in software development, marketing, design, and customer support.
What sets it apart is its active community features, including a Slack group for networking and job alerts. Listings are high-quality, with a focus on fully remote positions from established companies.
It’s especially strong for tech and digital roles, making it a go-to for professionals seeking meaningful connections beyond just applications.
2. Jobspresso (jobspresso.co)
Jobspresso stands out for its rigorous manual review process—every listing is vetted for legitimacy, checking employer reputations and details.
It emphasizes U.S.-based opportunities but includes global roles in tech, marketing, and support.
With a network of over 100,000 professionals, it’s ideal for those tired of sifting through unverified posts. The platform prioritizes quality over quantity, often featuring roles from reputable remote-first companies.
3. Working Nomads (workingnomads.com)
Tailored for digital nomads and location-independent workers, Working Nomads curates fully remote jobs across fields like development, marketing, design, management, and healthcare. Daily email alerts keep you updated without overwhelming your inbox.
It’s known for reliable listings from well-known employers, making it a solid choice for creative and tech professionals seeking flexibility.
4. NoDesk (nodesk.co)
NoDesk focuses on hand-picked remote jobs from leading startups and remote-first companies, with no sign-up required to browse or apply.
Categories include design, development, marketing, and operations. Its clean interface and weekly newsletter highlight fresh opportunities, often exclusive to the platform.
It’s particularly reputable for avoiding spam and connecting users directly with innovative employers.
5. Dynamite Jobs (dynamitejobs.com)
Dynamite Jobs specializes in 100% remote positions from remote-first companies, covering roles in marketing, support, development, and operations.
Listings are curated for quality, and the platform emphasizes easy applications.
Users praise its straightforward process and legitimate opportunities, making it a hidden gem for those building long-term remote careers.
6. JustRemote (justremote.co)
JustRemote uncovers “hidden” jobs not widely advertised, with strong filters for international and partially remote roles in tech, marketing, and business development.
It features positions from companies like GoDaddy and Splunk, focusing on power searches to match skills quickly.
Reputable for its emphasis on global opportunities, it’s great for non-U.S. applicants.
7. Remote.co (remote.co)
Founded by the team behind FlexJobs, Remote.co offers verified remote jobs across categories like technology, marketing, design, and customer service. Jobs are carefully reviewed, with new listings added weekly.
It also provides valuable resources on remote work best practices, making it more than just a board—it’s a supportive hub for legitimate opportunities.
These platforms prove that you don’t need to stick to the most crowded sites to find great remote work.
Final Word
By diversifying your search to these reputable alternatives, you’ll face fewer applicants per role and access more targeted, scam-free listings.
Check out our Atlanta Remote Work Guide.
Pro tip: Set up alerts on multiple sites and tailor your applications to stand out.
Happy job hunting—your ideal remote role might be waiting on one of these underrated boards!
If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.
Read more: Best Work From Home Jobs In Atlanta, Georgia
-
Trilith LIVE, the region’s newest entertainment and special events venue, is set to debut with a dynamic grand opening season starting January 15, 2026.
Located on the Trilith campus in Fayetteville, the multi-purpose venue will kick off its inaugural entertainment programming on January 15 with the family-friendly show Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!.
Trilith Live Announces Inaugural Season
The season promises a diverse lineup of concerts, comedy acts, performing arts, and community gatherings designed to appeal to audiences of all ages.
Trilith LIVE will also introduce a luxury nine-screen cinema, delivering a next-generation moviegoing experience to South Metro Atlanta.
The venue will further celebrate the arrival of Passion City Church to the Trilith campus, enhancing the area’s growing cultural and community offerings.
“Trilith LIVE is more than just a venue; it’s a new epicenter for arts, culture and entertainment in the region,” said Matt McClain, executive director and general manager of Trilith LIVE. “We’ve built a space with state-of-the-art technology and incredible flexibility to attract a diverse lineup of live entertainment and special events. We are incredibly excited to open our doors and provide unforgettable experiences for this community and beyond.”
Designed for versatility, the 2,800-capacity venue features an immersive sound system, massive LED walls, and a full broadcast suite, making it ideal for major concerts, theatrical performances, corporate meetings, banquets, and conventions.
Officials say the development is already drawing touring artists, television productions, and large-scale events, boosting Fayette County’s profile as an economic and cultural hub.
Inaugural Entertainment Lineup Highlights
The grand opening season features an eclectic mix of national acts:
- Jan. 15: Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!
- Feb. 7: Jackie Hill Perry (sold out)
- Feb. 13: 38 Special
- Feb. 14: An Evening with October London & Lalah Hathaway
- Feb. 17: Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre
- Feb. 20: Dwight Yoakam
- Feb. 27: Hairball
- Feb. 28: Rick Braun
- March 20: Home Free – Highways & High Seas Tour
- March 28: Little River Band
- April 11: Legends of Laughter featuring Sommore, Earthquake, Lavell Crawford, and Don DC Curry
- April 18: Michael W. Smith
- April 24: Handyman Hal Comes to Town
- May 22: Randy Travis – The More Life Tour with guest vocalist James Dupré
Corporate and Community Events
Trilith LIVE is already booked for a robust schedule of business and community gatherings, beginning this month:
- Dec. 15, 2025: Etherio Company Meeting
- Dec. 17, 2025: City of Fayetteville CPR Training
- Jan. 20: Fayette County Development Authority Meeting
- Feb. 12: Fayette County Intergovernmental Business Outlook
- Feb. 26: CREW Leadership Summit
- March 11: Georgia Chamber of Commerce Conference
- March 21: Fayette County Board of Realtors Awards Gala
- March 27: Fayette PRC Spring Gala
- April 30: Harp’s Crossing Christian Academy Annual Fundraising Gala
- June 4-5: Faith & Institutional Investing Summit
- July 21-23: Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Conference
- Oct. 22: State of the Industry hosted by Trilith Studios
- Nov. 13: Two Sparrows Village Bird Bash
Local leaders say Trilith LIVE will play a key role in transforming Fayetteville and surrounding communities into a premier destination for entertainment, business, and cultural events in the Atlanta region.
For tickets and more information on upcoming events, visit the official Trilith LIVE website.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
-
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis appeared voluntarily before a Republican-led Georgia Senate committee on Wednesday, delivering a fiery and unapologetic defense of her handling of the now-dismissed 2020 election interference case against President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants.
The hearing, held at the State Capitol and presided over by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) in the absence of committee chair Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens), focused heavily on Willis’ decision to hire special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
Willis acknowledged a past romantic relationship that ultimately led to her disqualification from the case in 2024.
Willis vigorously defended Wade’s qualifications and contributions to her office, emphasizing his value amid a heavy caseload. “We were drowning,” she told the panel, explaining the need for outside help on complex matters.
She highlighted the threats she faced during the prosecution, including swatting incidents at her home and racial slurs directed at her.
“Why don’t you investigate how many times my house has been swatted? Why don’t you investigate how many times they’ve called me the N-word?” Willis said at one point, pushing back against the committee’s line of questioning.
The exchange grew tense at times, with Willis dismissing some questions and her attorney, former Gov. Roy Barnes, intervening on occasion. The panel briefly cut Willis’ microphone when she veered beyond direct answers.
Willis remained unrepentant about the prosecution itself, referring to Trump and his co-defendants as individuals who “came into this jurisdiction and broke the law.”
She criticized the committee — several of whose Republican members are running for higher office — as politically motivated.
The hearing also touched on the costs of the prosecution, which has been slowed by appeals and ultimately stalled following Trump’s presidential victory and Willis’ removal from the case.
The Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis citing an “appearance of impropriety,” a decision upheld when the state Supreme Court declined to review it.
Supporters greeted Willis outside the hearing room with cheers and signs reading “Fearless With Fani.”
The session, which extended into the afternoon, underscored ongoing partisan divisions over the high-profile case that once charged Trump and allies with racketeering in efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results.
The Senate Special Committee on Investigations has no direct power to sanction Willis but can recommend legislative changes.
No immediate actions were announced following Wednesday’s testimony.
-
Atlanta’s R&B scene is buzzing today after hometown hero Young Thug proposed to singer Mariah the Scientist during his sold-out Hometown Hero benefit concert last night.
The romantic moment, which unfolded onstage in front of thousands of fans, has the city celebrating one of its favorite power couples.
Mariah the Scientist Gets Engaged To Young Thug
Mariah the Scientist, born Mariah Amani Buckles on October 27, 1997, is a true Atlanta native. Raised in southwest Atlanta, she grew up immersed in the city’s rich R&B culture before moving to New York to pursue higher education.
The 28-year-old artist, known for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics, has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary R&B.
Her journey to stardom began in 2018 with the release of her debut project To Die For, which showcased her emotional depth and melodic talent. At the time, Mariah was a pre-med biology student at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, on track to become an anesthesiologist.
But after her early songs gained traction online, she made the bold decision to leave school and focus on music full-time.
Since then, Mariah has released acclaimed albums like RY RY World (2021) and built a dedicated fanbase with hits blending vulnerability and strength. Her 2025 singles “Burning Blue” and “Is It a Crime?” (featuring Kali Uchis) marked her first Billboard Hot 100 entries as a lead artist, solidifying her rise in the industry.
Mariah’s relationship with fellow Atlanta rapper Young Thug (Jeffery Lamar Williams) has been in the spotlight for years.
The couple went public around 2021 and have navigated highs and lows together, including Young Thug’s high-profile legal battles. He was released in October 2024 after accepting a plea deal, marking a new chapter for the artist.
Last night’s proposal came as a surprise during Young Thug’s first major hometown show since his release. Midway through the performance, he got down on one knee and presented Mariah with a stunning pink diamond ring.
An emotional Mariah accepted, later sharing with the crowd, “Guess I’m getting married!” Photos and videos from the event quickly went viral, showing Mariah holding back tears as she admired her new bling.
Final Word
As two of Atlanta’s brightest stars tie the knot, the city couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations to Mariah the Scientist and Young Thug on their engagement – here’s to more music, love, and Atlanta magic from this dynamic duo!
More from AtlantaFi.com:
-
Midtown Atlanta is the beating heart of the city—vibrant, walkable, and packed with culture, nightlife, and green spaces. Nicknamed the “Heart of the Arts,” it’s home to iconic spots like the Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, and the Atlanta BeltLine.
If you’re a young professional, artist, or anyone craving urban energy without leaving Georgia’s Southern charm behind, Midtown is a top choice.
Guide To Living in Midtown Atlanta
In this article, we’ll fully cover what to expect living in Midtown Atlanta. I’ve lived in the city’s midsection for 10 years and know my way around quite a bit.
But it’s premium living: expect higher rents, bustling streets, and a fast-paced lifestyle. This guide breaks down costs, neighborhoods, amenities, and tips for renters in 2026.
Average Rent Prices in Midtown Atlanta
Midtown rents are among Atlanta’s highest, reflecting its central location and luxury developments. As of late 2025:
- Studio: $1,600–$2,000
- 1-Bedroom: $1,900–$2,500 (average around $2,000–$2,100)
- 2-Bedroom: $2,700–$3,500
- Overall Average: $2,400–$2,550 per month
Prices have seen modest increases (1–3% YoY), but deals pop up in older buildings or during winter leases. New high-rises often include perks like one month free to attract tenants.
Popular Apartment Communities in Midtown
Midtown boasts luxury high-rises with resort-style amenities. Here are standout options based on recent reviews and availability:
- Lilli Midtown: Ultra-luxury with rooftop pools, concierge, and skyline views. Rents start ~$2,200 for 1BR.
- MAA Midtown: Steps from Piedmont Park and MARTA; features sky lounge, EV charging, and smart tech.
- Nine15 Midtown: Resort pool, sky deck, pet services; walkable to Fox Theatre and Georgia Tech.
- AMLI Arts Center: Arts-focused with rooftop lounge, dog park; near Woodruff Arts Center.
- Ascent Midtown & Mira at Midtown Union: Newer builds with high-end finishes, fitness centers, and co-working spaces.
Many are pet-friendly and offer in-unit laundry, quartz counters, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Lifestyle: Pros and Cons of Renting in Midtown
Pros:
- Walkability & Transit: Score of 88/100—groceries, dining, and work often within walking distance. Multiple MARTA stations; monthly pass ~$95.
- Culture & Entertainment: Fox Theatre shows, High Museum, Atlanta Symphony, Piedmont Park events, BeltLine trails.
- Dining & Nightlife: From fine dining (South City Kitchen) to casual spots (The Varsity, Vortex). Check out our Midtown Atlanta Dining Guide.
- Green Spaces: Piedmont Park for runs, picnics, or festivals.
- Job Access: Tech hubs, corporate offices, and Georgia Tech nearby.
Cons:
- Cost: Significantly pricier than outer neighborhoods; parking often extra ($100–$200/month).
- Traffic & Parking: Congested streets; street parking scarce—opt for buildings with gated garages.
- Noise & Density: Urban buzz means construction, crowds, and nightlife noise.
- Crime Concerns: Property crimes (car break-ins) common near stations, but overall crime down 16% in 2025 core areas. Violent crime lower than city average.
Midtown feels safe for most, especially in well-lit, populated areas—use common sense at night.Transportation and Parking Tips
- Public Transit: MARTA rail/bus excellent; quick to airport or downtown.
- Walking/Biking: BeltLine and sidewalks make it easy; many scooter/bike shares.
- Driving: Traffic heavy on Peachtree St.; parking costly—budget for it or go car-light.
- Cost Saver: Live near a MARTA station to ditch the car.
Safety in Midtown
Crime continues to trend downward, with Midtown among Atlanta’s safer urban areas. Midtown Blue (supplemental patrols) and APD partnerships help. Focus on property security: lock cars, use building access controls. Residents report feeling safe walking day-to-day.
Tips for Renting in Midtown
- Tour multiple buildings—amenities vary wildly.
- Negotiate: Ask for waived fees or free parking.
- Check reviews on Yelp/Reddit for management responsiveness.
- Budget extras: Utilities ~$150–$200, renter’s insurance required.
- Best time to lease: November–February for deals.
Midtown offers an unbeatable urban Atlanta experience—culture at your doorstep, energy all around. If you thrive on city vibes and can handle the premium price, it’s worth it. Ready to move? Browse listings on RentCafe, Apartments.com, or Zillow today.
Related Articles:
-
FIFA announced Tuesday that it will offer a limited number of deeply discounted tickets for the 2026 World Cup, capping prices at $60 for loyal supporters of participating teams — including for the final — in response to widespread criticism over high costs that had seen some seats priced as much as $4,185.
The new “Supporter Entry Tier” applies to tickets allocated to national federations, which handle distribution to their most dedicated fans.
FIFA Introduces $60 ‘Supporter Entry Tier’ Tickets for 2026 World Cup
Previously, supporters purchasing through their teams’ allotments faced significantly higher prices, with the cheapest options for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey reaching thousands of dollars.
FIFA’s move comes amid intense global fan outrage after ticket prices were revealed last week, prompting accusations of pricing out everyday supporters and favoring corporate interests.
Groups like Football Supporters Europe called the original pricing “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal.”
The discounted tier will cover about 10% of each team’s 8% ticket allocation per match — roughly 1,000 $60 tickets per game across both teams in most stadiums, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium here in Atlanta, which is set to host eight matches, from group stage games to a semifinal.
“This dedicated ticket pricing tier has been designed to make following their teams on football’s greatest stage more affordable,” FIFA said in a statement, noting that national associations will set eligibility criteria to prioritize loyal, traveling fans.
While the change has been welcomed by some as a step toward accessibility, critics argue it’s a limited concession.
The $60 tickets represent just 1.6% of total seats per match, and distribution will vary by federation. Fan organizations have described it as an “appeasement tactic” amid backlash.
For Atlanta soccer enthusiasts, the news adds excitement ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will feature high-profile matches, and these supporter tickets could provide an affordable entry point for die-hard fans of qualifying nations.
Ticket sales continue through FIFA’s random selection draw, open until January 13, 2026, with over 20 million requests already logged.
Local officials and Atlanta United supporters are hopeful the adjustments will help fill the stands with passionate crowds.
As the World Cup approaches, Atlanta remains poised to shine on the global stage — and now, perhaps, with more accessible options for fans to be part of the action.
-
Atlanta, GA – December 16, 2025 – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its long-delayed Employment Situation report for November today, revealing sluggish job growth and a rise in the national unemployment rate to 4.6%, the highest in four years.
The data, impacted by the recent federal government shutdown, showed employers added just 64,000 jobs in November after a loss of 105,000 in October – a month with no household survey data collected.
Atlanta Area Remains Resilient with Lower Unemployment
While the national labor market shows signs of cooling, metro Atlanta and Georgia continue to outperform the country as a whole.
Georgia’s most recent state-level data (through September) held the unemployment rate steady at around 3.4-3.9%, well below the national figure, thanks to strength in sectors like health care, construction, and hospitality that are key employers in the Atlanta region.
“The Atlanta economy has been a bright spot amid national headwinds,” said local economist Maria Thompson of the Atlanta Regional Commission. “Our diverse industries – from logistics and film production to tech and health services – have helped buffer against the slowdown seen elsewhere.
However, persistent disparities in unemployment, particularly affecting Black residents, remain a concern as the job market tightens.”
Unemployment Highest Among Black Job Seekers
Nationally, the report highlighted uneven impacts across demographics. Unemployment rates by race showed little change over the month but underscored ongoing gaps:
Race/Ethnicity Unemployment Rate (November 2025) Change from September White 3.9% Little change Black or African American 8.3% Little change Asian 3.6% Little change Hispanic or Latino 5.0% Little change Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (seasonally adjusted). Overall U.S. rate: 4.6%.
In metro Atlanta, where Black residents make up a significant portion of the workforce, higher national Black unemployment rates often translate to local challenges in communities across Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties.
Advocacy groups like the Urban League of Greater Atlanta have called for targeted job training programs in growing fields like renewable energy and logistics to address these disparities.
The shutdown’s effects – including a plunge in reported federal government employment – likely inflated the national unemployment figure temporarily, economists noted.
Gains were concentrated in health care and construction, both strong in Georgia.
Local job seekers in Atlanta are advised to monitor openings at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, major hospitals like Emory and Grady, and the booming film industry.
Georgia Department of Labor resources remain available for unemployment claims and career services.
Final Word
As the Federal Reserve monitors these trends, many experts predict the December report (due in January) will provide a clearer picture without shutdown distortions.
For now, Atlanta’s labor market appears poised to weather the national slowdown better than most.
If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.
Read more: Best Work From Home Jobs In Atlanta, Georgia
