Category: News

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.

As Atlantans gear up for holiday shopping, Chef Hector Santiago’s beloved Poncey-Highland gem La Metro is making gifting easy (and delicious) with a new lineup of Spanish-inspired gift baskets packed with premium tinned seafood, pantry staples, and everything needed for an authentic paella night at home.

Starting Friday, November 28, guests can stop by the restaurant at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue to browse and purchase the beautifully curated baskets in person.

Each one showcases Chef Santiago’s personal favorites from Spain and beyond – perfect for the food lover or home cook on your list.

Here are the three gifting options now available:

Tinned Goods & Pantry Basket – $85
A Spanish essentials collection featuring Marcona almonds, cornichons, fig jam, two varieties of crackers, extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, and a trio of premium tinned seafood.

Paella Kit Gift Basket – Large $95 | Small $65
Everything needed to host paella night at home. Both sizes include authentic paella rice, house-made paella broth, a traditional paella pan, and tinned octopus. The large version adds gourmet crackers, seaweed tartar, and tuna pâté for extra indulgence.

Build-Your-Own Gift Basket – Items $5–$30 each
Create a fully customized gift by mixing and matching from La Metro’s Iberian retail selection, including tinned seafood from acclaimed brands like La Narval, Fishwife, and Porto-Muiños, plus olive oil, olives, crackers, Marcona almonds, cured meats, fruit preserves, and paella kits.

“These baskets are a love letter to Spanish cuisine and the products I’m most passionate about,” said Chef Hector Santiago. “Whether you’re treating a paella enthusiast or someone who just loves great tinned fish and snacks, there’s something here that feels special.”

The gift baskets will be on display inside the restaurant and available for purchase during regular business hours starting Black Friday, November 28.

No pre-orders are required – just swing by, pick your favorite (or build your own), and check a few names off your holiday list.

La Metro is located at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, inside Ponce City Market.

Final Word

Atlanta has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year. The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers.

Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.

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In a stunning conclusion to one of the most high-profile legal battles ever to grip Fulton County, a state prosecutor has formally dismissed the racketeering charges against former President Donald Trump and his allies for their alleged efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results.

The decision, announced Wednesday, marks the end of a saga that began in Atlanta’s courthouses and jails, drawing national attention while straining local resources and spotlighting the city’s role at the heart of American democracy.

The case, which centered on Trump’s infamous January 2020 phone call pressuring Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” enough votes to secure the state’s electoral votes, was spearheaded by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Filed on August 14, 2023, the sweeping indictment accused Trump and 18 co-defendants—including former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and attorney Rudy Giuliani—of orchestrating a criminal conspiracy under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to unlawfully alter the election outcome in the Peach State.

End of Trump Case Concludes 2020 Election Legal Saga

For Atlantans, the case became a symbol of the city’s pivotal place in national politics.

Trump himself surrendered at the Fulton County Jail in downtown Atlanta in August 2023, enduring a brief but historic booking process that produced the first-ever mug shot of a U.S. president.

The image, snapped in the very facility that houses thousands of local inmates, went viral and underscored the gritty, real-world implications of federal-level drama playing out in Atlanta’s justice system.

The downfall of the prosecution traces back to turmoil within Willis’s office.

In early 2024, a motion filed by co-defendant Michael Roman exposed Willis’s romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to lead the investigation.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March 2024 that Willis could remain on the case only if Wade resigned—a move he made shortly after.

But the controversy escalated, with a Georgia appeals court disqualifying Willis entirely in December 2024 over the relationship and questions about her prosecutorial conduct.

The Georgia Supreme Court declined to intervene in September, leaving the case in limbo.

Enter Peter Skandalakis, director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, who stepped in as the interim overseer.

In a detailed order released Wednesday, Skandalakis cited a litany of insurmountable hurdles—including constitutional challenges, presidential immunity claims, jurisdictional disputes, and the sheer timeline of a potential trial stretching into 2029 or beyond—as reasons to pull the plug.

“Given the complexity of the legal issues at hand… bringing this case before a jury in 2029, 2030, or even 2031 would be nothing short of a remarkable feat,” Skandalakis wrote.

He emphasized that continuing would impose “undue burden and cost” on the state and specifically on Fulton County taxpayers, whose courts and staff have been tied up in the proceedings for years.

Skandalakis, a former elected official who has run as both a Democrat and Republican, framed his decision as apolitical.

“As a former elected official… this decision is not guided by a desire to advance an agenda but is based on my beliefs and understanding of the law,” he stated. He likened the case to a patient on “life support,” opting against prolonging what he called an unviable path forward. Four defendants, including three attorneys tied to Trump’s post-election efforts, had already pleaded guilty to lesser felony charges in plea deals, but the core RICO allegations against Trump and the remaining co-defendants now evaporate without a trial.

Trump’s lead defense attorney in Georgia, Steve Sadow, hailed the outcome as a victory over “lawfare.”

“This case should never have been brought. A fair and impartial prosecutor has put an end to this political persecution,” Sadow said in a statement.

The dismissal also aligns with the earlier dropping of federal election interference and classified documents cases brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith, leaving Trump free of criminal accountability for his 2020 election challenges.

Locally, the news reverberates through Atlanta’s legal and political circles. Willis, a Democrat elected in 2020 on a promise to tackle high-profile corruption, saw her career trajectory altered by the scandal.

Her removal from the case has fueled debates about prosecutorial ethics and the pressures on Atlanta’s district attorneys, who often juggle national headlines with everyday local crime.

Community advocates worry about the precedent: Does this embolden future election meddling in a battleground state like Georgia, where Atlanta’s diverse electorate played a decisive role in Biden’s narrow 2020 victory?

Fulton County officials have yet to comment on potential resource reallocations, but the end of the case frees up courtrooms and personnel long dedicated to what was once touted as the strongest state-level threat to Trump’s return to power.

As Trump prepares for his second term, Atlantans are left reflecting on a chapter that put their city on the map—and in the mug shot books—forever.

This story will be updated as reactions pour in from local leaders and the Fulton County community.

As the autumn leaves blaze red and gold and the first holiday lights begin to twinkle, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is bracing for its familiar starring role as America’s great aerial meeting place.

Projections for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2025 are shattering records: the world’s busiest airport could welcome more than 3 million travelers on its single busiest day, drawn irresistibly to Atlanta’s gates for family gatherings, winter getaways, and those heartfelt, last-minute flights home.

Hopefully you’ve already booked your ticket for travel during the holidays.

This article will show you how to save money on travel for new year if you’re an apprehensive traveler. Here’s what you need to know about flying this holiday season.

Holiday Travel: How To Save Money And More

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projects a staggering 19.5 million passengers will pass through U.S. security checkpoints from Tuesday, November 25, through Tuesday, December 2 – a roughly 6.5% jump from last year’s record 18.3 million, fueled by pent-up demand and stabilizing fuel costs.

Busiest days? Expect gridlock on Wednesday, November 26 (pre-Turkey Day frenzy), and Sunday, November 30 (the great return), with daily screenings topping 3.1 million nationwide.

For ATL alone, that could mean over 250,000 travelers daily, straining concourses already buzzing with Delta’s expanded holiday schedules.

For the fall, there have been some good sales, especially with Southwest Airlines, so you can save money if you want to. The real issue is whether you’re ready to risk it all to fly to a vacation destination or home for the holidays.

If you want to know what safety measures airlines have put in place, here’s what to know:

Typically, you may be asked to quarantine from 10 to 14 days, so you’d better have some vacation days to spare.

How To Save On Holiday Travel

Let’s talk about some ways you can save on holiday travel. Always check Southwest’s Fare Calendar for days with cheaper prices. If you’re traveling abroad, I love Going.com as well. Also…

1. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

The Sunday after a holiday weekend is always the most expensive day to travel. Make sure you remain flexible so that you can book the cheapest travel days, which are typically a few days earlier or later than the weekend.

The cheapest days to buy travel is typically a couple days before a holiday — except when those days happen to fall on any of the three weekend days. So that means buying on Tuesday through Thursday is typically your best bet.

Read about the best days to book a flight.

2. Pack One Bag Only

If you want to save money, always only take one travel bag with you. Most airlines charge between $35 to $45 for a carry-on bag. That’s up to $70 to $90 coming and going.

For example, Delta Air Lines charges $45 for a second checked bag.

Even if you have to wear the same thing for a day, it’s worth it to save on baggage fees.

3. Look For Travel Bundles

If you need a rental car, you can save money if you bundle that purchase with your airfare. The same is true for hotels, although you typically won’t need one if you’re going home for the holidays.

Travel sites like Priceline and Orbitz has deals galore on trip bundles that include flights and hotel itineraries.

4. Plan For Cancellations

The holiday travel period is the most vulnerable time for airline cancellations. The sheer volume of passengers makes it almost inevitable that cancellations will happen.

What you can do is prepare by planning alternate travel plans, including a road trip.

Final Words

If you plan on traveling for the holidays this year, now is the time to book your ticket. Airfare is likely to increase in the weeks ahead as the airline industry tries to make grow profits for the holidays.

The main thing you need to remember is that airline travel has changed drastically since early in the pandemic. You will need to pack differently, including bringing plenty of masks and gloves.

You will also need to adjust your eating habits as many restaurants close their kitchens earlier or still have limited menus.

Whatever you do, try to have fun and be safe on your travels.

Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.  And don’t forget these travel hacks to save money and time.

To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.

Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.

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The percentage of consumers leaning on restaurants for their Thanksgiving feasts continues to rise year over year, but economic unease has them cutting back on spend whether they are ordering out or cooking at home.

More than half of U.S. consumers (53%) plan to order takeout or delivery from restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, up from 37% in 2024 and 32% in 2023.

Another 5% expect to dine in person at a restaurant on Thanksgiving, on par with last year and below a high of 17% in 2023 as more consumers opt for comforts of home.

Thanksgiving Dinner: Dine In or Out?

That is according to a nationwide study of U.S. consumers, conducted from November 16 to November 17, 2025, by restaurant tech leader Popmenu. 

A majority of consumers (59%) plan to reduce their spend on Thanksgiving dinner this year compared to 2024. On average, they expect to spend $165.

What’s behind the shift from home-cooked to restaurant-made?

When asked why they were turning to restaurants for all or part of their Thanksgiving meal, consumers said they want to spend more time celebrating the day, avoid headaches and manage costs.

• 63% want to enjoy the holiday and not worry about cooking
• 40% believe it’s cheaper or costs about the same to buy all the ingredients and cook at home
• 35% don’t want the hassle of buying the ingredients and cooking themselves
• 26% would rather have a professionally cooked meal
• 19% are too busy to prepare a meal or dish

Where are consumers cutting back?

Consumers say they are decreasing their spend on Thanksgiving this year because groceries have become too expensive (69%), their household budget is tighter (58%) or they are being more conservative with finances due to inflation and concerns over the economy (31%).

To manage Thanksgiving expenses, consumers say they are taking the following actions:

• 39% plan to reduce the number of side dishes and desserts they serve
• 33% are celebrating the holiday with fewer people
• 31% are buying less expensive brands of food and beverages
• 29% are asking guests to bring a dish
• 26% are choosing recipes with fewer or cheaper ingredients
• 19% are serving a less expensive main dish

Consumers also say they are eliminating the following to make their Thanksgiving meal more affordable:

• 31% – Mac ‘n cheese
• 28% – Cranberries
• 26% – Sweet potatoes
• 23% – Pumpkin pie
• 22% – Corn
• 19% – Green beans
• 15% – Turkey

What are consumers serving?

Turkey will continue to be the star of the show with 84% of consumers planning to serve it, followed by ham (46%) and chicken (19%). Other dishes guests can expect to see on some tables include lasagna or another pasta dish (15%) and even pizza, tacos and chili or stew. Nearly 1 in 5 consumers (19%) expect to have a fast food dish on the table this year.

“What we hear from Thanksgiving hosts every year is a growing desire to spend more time visiting with guests and enjoying the holiday than sweating in the kitchen,” said Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu. “This year’s study also shows elevated concern over household economics—causing consumers to cut back on some holiday favorites, hunt for special deals from restaurants and adopt other strategies to keep expenses in check.”

Popmenu offers the following tips for consumers still finalizing dinner plans:

• Align your menu and budget. Use grocery store apps to total the prices of ingredients you need to buy and compare that to what a ready-made meal from a restaurant may cost. The professionally cooked meal may be easier on your budget and stress level.
• Order directly from the restaurant’s website. Not only will you find full menus and limited-time Thanksgiving specials, you can set a preferred pickup time for your meal and skip third-party fees. You can also see dish photos, portion details, allergens and more.
• Set up an alert. Use platforms like OpenTable to view openings nearby. Automated alerts make it easy to snag a table as soon as one becomes available.

Popmenu conducted an anonymous, nationwide study of 1,000 U.S. consumers, ages 18 and older, from November 16 to November 17, 2025.

Where To Eat in Atlanta for Thanksgiving

Read our guide on Atlanta restaurants serving Thanksgiving meals.

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• How To Cook a ‘Dirty Bird’ Turkey

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced Thursday that the GWCC/Georgia Dome/CNN Center/Philips Arena/Omni Station – long one of the rail system’s most confusingly named stops – will officially become Sports, Entertainment, and Convention District Station, with the shortened nickname “SEC District Station.”

Loading … MARTA’s Sports, Entertainment, and Convention District Station

The change, effective immediately on all signage, maps, apps, and train announcements, is intended to better reflect the cluster of major venues within walking distance of the station and to help first-time riders and tourists more easily identify the stop.

MARTA made the announcement with a clever social media video that commemorated the eighth anniversary of the implosion of the old Georgia Dome, which has since been replaced by Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

We promise this won’t block your view. 👀
On the anniversary of the Dome implosion, a special announcement!
MARTA is changing the name of GWCC/CNN Station (a.k.a. Omni, Dome, Philips, etc.) to Sports, Entertainment, and Convention District Station. SEC District for short.

The… pic.twitter.com/xUPHZEQnll

— MARTA (@MARTAtransit) November 20, 2025

“Visitors arriving in Atlanta shouldn’t have to memorize a 30-year history of arena sponsorships to figure out which station serves Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “This new name instantly tells you exactly what this area is all about – sports, entertainment, and conventions.”

The station, located on the Red and Gold lines just west of Downtown Atlanta, is a primary transit hub for:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, major concerts, 2025 College Football Playoff events)
• State Farm Arena (Atlanta Hawks, concerts)
• Georgia World Congress Center (major conventions, trade shows, Fan Expo, Dragon Con)
• Centennial Olympic Park
• World of Coca-Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Center (studio tours)

The old name, GWCC/CNN Center, had become increasingly outdated as Philips Arena became State Farm Arena in 2018, the Georgia Dome was demolished in 2017, and the Omni Coliseum closed in 1997.

“SEC District” is already being embraced by fans and event organizers. The abbreviation conveniently mirrors the Southeastern Conference (SEC) whose championship football game is played annually at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, though MARTA officials stress the letters officially stand for Sports, Entertainment, and Convention.

New permanent signage is expected to be fully installed by early 2026, with temporary signage and digital updates already in place.

MARTA says the rename is part of a broader effort to make station names more intuitive across the system, especially ahead of Atlanta’s hosting of multiple 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

For more information and updated system maps, visit itsmarta.com.

MARTA is not just for transit, but its name is now associated with several great Atlanta restaurants near stations.

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