Category: News

In a move that’s sparking both celebration and controversy across the Peach State, former Georgia Bulldogs running back Herschel Walker was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, Oct. 7 as the next ambassador to the Bahamas, filling a diplomatic post vacant for nearly 15 years.

The 51-47 vote along party lines marks another high-profile appointment for President Donald Trump’s administration, rewarding a loyal ally who once electrified gridirons and Georgia politics alike.

Herschel Walker Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas

Walker, 63, rose to national fame in the 1980s as a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Georgia and a bruising star for the USFL before joining the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings.

His post-football life took a political turn in 2022, when he challenged Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock in a heated Senate race that put Georgia’s spotlight on issues like abortion rights and gun violence—scandals that dogged Walker’s campaign, including allegations of threatening his ex-wife with a gun and undisclosed children.

Though he fell short, Walker’s unyielding support for Trump kept him in the former president’s orbit.The confirmation comes amid a flurry of Trump nominees sailing through the Senate, thanks to recent changes to filibuster rules that streamlined the process.

As the first U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas since 2011, Walker steps into a role focused on strengthening bilateral ties in trade, tourism, and security—key for a Caribbean nation that draws thousands of Georgians annually for sun-soaked escapes.

“This is a tremendous honor, and I’m ready to represent America with the same grit I brought to the field,” Walker said in a statement released Wednesday morning, thanking Trump for the nomination and Senate Republicans for their support.

Atlanta Reacts

In Atlanta, reactions are as divided as a Falcons-Packers rivalry. Local sports fans and conservative leaders hailed the pick as a nod to Georgia’s football heritage.

“Herschel’s a Peach State icon—tough, determined, and unbreakable. The Bahamas just got a powerhouse diplomat,” tweeted Georgia GOP chair Josh McKoon, echoing sentiments from many who packed a watch party at a Midtown sports bar Tuesday night.

UGA’s athletic director, Mike Carson, added in a brief email to our newsroom: “Herschel embodies Bulldog spirit. We’re proud to see him carry that to the world stage.”But not everyone’s raising a toast with conch fritters. Progressive voices in Atlanta’s Black communities, where Walker underperformed in 2022, decried the appointment as political patronage over qualifications. “When you suck up to Trump enough, you get a federal job—sick,” one local activist posted on X, referencing Walker’s past admissions of struggling with dissociative identity disorder.

@annettewickstr1 Another user quipped, “Herschel Walker confirmed as US embarrassment,” highlighting lingering unease over his campaign missteps.

At a community forum in Southwest Atlanta Wednesday, residents like Maria Gonzalez, a Warnock supporter, questioned the fit: “We need ambassadors who know diplomacy, not just touchdowns. This feels like rewarding loyalty over leadership.”

Critics Decry Walker’s Appointment

Walker’s nomination, first announced in July, faced minimal scrutiny during hearings, where he touted his experience in anti-gang initiatives and mental health advocacy as assets for addressing Bahamas’ challenges like drug trafficking and climate resilience. Critics, however, pointed to his lack of foreign policy credentials, with one Senate Democrat calling it “a reward for a failed campaign.”

As Walker prepares to take the oath—likely within weeks—eyes in Atlanta turn to what this means for Georgia’s diplomatic footprint. Could it boost tourism ties between Hartsfield-Jackson and Nassau’s airports? Or open doors for Falcons exhibition games on white-sand pitches?

One thing’s certain: The man who once ran for 2,000 yards in a season is now sprinting into uncharted territory.For more on Walker’s journey from Athens to Nassau, stay tuned to Atlanta Local News. Got thoughts on this appointment? Share in the comments below.

Final Word

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Renowned actor and singer Tyrese Gibson, best known for his roles in the Fast & Furious franchise, was booked into Fulton County Jail early Friday morning on a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals, authorities confirmed.

The arrest stems from a tragic incident last month in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood where one of Gibson’s four Cane Corso mastiffs allegedly fatally mauled a neighbor’s beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Gibson, 46, voluntarily turned himself in to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office around 6 a.m., according to Capt. Nicole Dwyer of the Fulton County Police Department.

He posted a $20,000 bond shortly after and was released from custody later that morning. This marks the culmination of an ongoing investigation that began with multiple complaints about Gibson’s dogs roaming loose in the community.

The deadly encounter unfolded on September 18 in the Harrison Park area of Buckhead, when neighbors reported Gibson’s powerful Cane Corsos — a breed known for its strength and protective instincts — escaping his property and attacking the small spaniel during a walk.

The victim dog’s owner, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, rushed the injured pet to an emergency veterinary clinic, but it succumbed to its injuries despite medical intervention.

Fulton County Animal Services responded to the scene, documenting the attack and issuing Gibson a formal warning. Police records indicate this was not an isolated event; the dogs had been spotted running at large in the neighborhood at least five times in recent months, prompting prior notices from authorities.
On September 7, Gibson received a citation for failing to secure a special permit required for owning more than 10 dogs, though the exact number of animals on his property remains unclear.

Four days later, on September 22, officers and animal control personnel visited Gibson’s residence to enforce the surrender of the four Cane Corsos. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Gibson, speaking by phone from the property, refused immediate compliance and requested additional time to make arrangements.
When he did not follow through, authorities obtained both a search warrant for the home and an arrest warrant for Gibson on the cruelty charge, citing his alleged negligence in controlling the animals.

“This incident has left me shocked, devastated, and heartbroken for the family affected,” Gibson wrote in a statement shared on his Instagram account shortly after the warrant was issued. 1 His legal team echoed the sentiment in a follow-up release, emphasizing that “Tyrese’s heart is truly broken, and he has been praying for the family constantly, hoping they may one day find it in their hearts to forgive him.”
The statement also noted that Gibson had been working cooperatively with prosecutors to secure a consent bond, allowing for his prompt release upon surrender.

Buckhead residents expressed a mix of shock and frustration over the news, with one longtime neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, telling an Atlanta news station, “We’ve seen those big dogs running around before, but no one expected something like this. It’s heartbreaking for everyone involved — the poor little dog didn’t deserve that.” Community leaders have called for stricter enforcement of local leash laws and permitting requirements to prevent similar tragedies.

Gibson, a Georgia native who has long called metro Atlanta home, has not commented further since turning himself in

His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, but the misdemeanor charge carries potential penalties including fines up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail, though first-time offenders often receive probation or community service.

As the Fast & Furious star’s legal saga unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities pet owners face in densely populated urban areas like Buckhead. AtlantaFi.com will continue to follow developments in this case.

In a bittersweet farewell to one of Atlanta’s enduring culinary landmarks, the beloved meat-and-three restaurant EATS announced on Friday, Oct. 3 that it will shutter its doors for good on October 18 after more than three decades of serving up affordable Southern comfort food and jerk chicken favorites to generations of diners.

EATS Is Shutting Its Doors

Nestled on Ponce de Leon Avenue just across from the bustling Ponce City Market on the edge of Midtown, EATS has long been a no-frills haven for locals and visitors alike.

Opened in 1993 by Bob Hatcher and Charlie Kerns in a repurposed swingers club, the spot quickly became synonymous with hearty, wallet-friendly plates of fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and its signature jerk chicken that drew crowds from all walks of life.

The closure, emblematic of the rapid gentrification sweeping Ponce de Leon from Midtown to Poncey-Highland, comes amid a wave of redevelopment spurred by the Eastside BeltLine and the 2014 opening of Ponce City Market

New boutique hotels, retail shops, and trendy eateries have transformed the corridor, but at the expense of longtime institutions like EATS, which has weathered economic shifts, the pandemic, and now, an evolving neighborhood landscape.

Owners did not specify a single reason for the decision in their public statement, though the announcement follows a recent vandalism incident that affected EATS and several nearby businesses earlier this week.

Atlanta police have made an arrest in connection with the damage, but Hatcher and Kerns emphasized a desire to end on a high note with their community

“If you ever sat down for a meal here, pulled up with your people, or stopped by for a jerk chicken to go, we’d love to see you one last time,” the statement read. “Come through, say hello, and help us close this wild chapter the way it began: together.”

Patrons have already begun sharing memories on social media, reminiscing about late-night pasta dinners—think chicken Alfredo or spaghetti and meatballs—after Braves games or BeltLine strolls. “EATS was more than a restaurant; it was the heartbeat of Ponce,” tweeted one longtime customer, echoing sentiments from Atlanta’s food scene where the spot’s unpretentious vibe stood in stark contrast to the area’s upscale newcomers.

As EATS prepares for its final service, staff assured there will be ample seating for farewells, inviting first-timers and regulars to raise a glass (or a side of cornbread) to 33 years of flavor

In an era of fleeting pop-ups and high-concept dining, the loss of EATS serves as a poignant reminder of Atlanta’s evolving palate—and the irreplaceable role of spots that fed both body and soul.

For those hoping to snag one last plate, EATS will operate normal hours until closing day. No word yet on future plans for the space or whether Hatcher and Kerns will revive the concept elsewhere.

Final Word

Speaking of dining in Midtown, the best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.

The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.

Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta

Grammy-nominated singer and “Fast & Furious” star Tyrese Gibson is wanted by Fulton County authorities after his four Cane Corso mastiffs allegedly mauled and killed a neighbor’s 5-year-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel in the affluent Buckhead neighborhood last month.

The deadly attack, captured on doorbell camera footage, has sparked outrage among residents and led to an arrest warrant for Gibson on charges of cruelty to animals.

The incident unfolded on September 18 around 7 p.m. near Gibson’s home in the Tuxedo Park area of Buckhead. According to police reports, the victim’s owner, identified as Parker, returned home to find his dog, Henry, lifeless in the driveway—”just a little pile of fluff,” as Parker heartbreakingly described it.

Henry, whom Parker raised from a puppy and called his “best friend,” had been attacked by Gibson’s loose dogs, leaving the small spaniel no chance against the powerful breed known for its strength and protective nature.

Parker recounted the devastating discovery to 11Alive, saying, “He was always, like, a little scared of other dogs, you know, so I can’t imagine, like, the fear he felt as they killed him.”

He added, “I just want justice for Henry,” emphasizing the deep bond he shared with his pet.

This was not the first time Gibson’s dogs had caused alarm in the community. Fulton County Animal Services records show the animals were reported running loose at least five times in the five months leading up to the attack, prompting multiple warnings to Gibson more than a week prior.

Just minutes before the fatal mauling, a neighbor called 911 in panic after the four Cane Corsos surrounded her car, blocking her from entering her home. Animal control officers arrived to safely escort the woman inside.

Fulton County Police obtained a search warrant for Gibson’s property following the incident and attempted to serve an arrest warrant days later, but the actor was not at home.

Authorities gave Gibson additional time to surrender voluntarily, but as of Tuesday, he remains at large, with police continuing their search.

In response, Gibson has admitted responsibility for the tragedy, stating that it occurred while he was away from home. He has since rehomed all four dogs to what he described as a “safe and loving environment.”

His attorney, Gabe Banks, issued a statement expressing “deepest condolences” to Parker’s family and affirming Gibson’s cooperation with investigators. “Mr. Gibson is committed to the safety of the community and the well-being of animals,” Banks said.

However, Parker’s frustration boiled over upon learning of Gibson’s recent social media post announcing a “mental health break” until November, which he viewed as tone-deaf amid the ongoing investigation.

“It’s upsetting,” Parker told reporters, highlighting the lack of direct outreach from Gibson.

Fulton County Animal Services Commander Capt. Nicole Dwyer stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership, noting that the breed’s size and temperament require vigilant containment. “We’ve issued warnings, but this tragic outcome underscores why we take these reports seriously,” Dwyer said.

As the search for Gibson continues, neighbors in Buckhead—a neighborhood prized for its quiet streets and high-end homes—are left grappling with shaken trust. “We moved here for peace, not this kind of chaos,” one resident told FOX 5 Atlanta anonymously.

ATL News will provide updates as this story develops. If you have information on Gibson’s whereabouts, contact Fulton County Police at (404) 613-6774.

More: Tyrese Gibson’s Divorces Athens Woman

In a bold move to streamline operations and refocus on core customer experiences, Starbucks Corporation announced Thursday that it will close approximately 1% of its company-operated stores in North America, alongside the elimination of about 900 non-retail positions.

The sweeping changes, part of CEO Brian Niccol’s “Back to Starbucks” transformation plan, are expected to cost the company around $1 billion in restructuring charges, primarily related to lease terminations and employee severance.

The announcement comes as Starbucks grapples with declining sales in its largest market, with U.S. same-store sales dropping for several consecutive quarters amid heightened competition from rivals like Dunkin’ and rising consumer sensitivity to prices.

Niccol, who took the helm last September after a successful tenure at Chipotle, emphasized in a letter to employees that the decisions prioritize investments “closest to the coffeehouse and the customer.”

“During the review, we identified coffeehouses where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance, and these locations will be closed,” Niccol wrote. 

Partners at affected stores will be notified this week, while the 900 impacted non-retail employees—primarily in support roles—will receive formal notices on Friday.

The company pledged “generous severance and support packages,” including extended benefits, to those affected. 

Starbucks currently operates 11,453 company-owned stores in North America as of late June, with a total of 18,424 locations including licensed outlets.

After accounting for new openings over the past year, the net effect of the closures will reduce the company-operated footprint by about 1%, leaving roughly 18,300 total stores across the U.S. and Canada by the end of fiscal year 2025 on September 29. 

While an exact number of closures wasn’t disclosed, analysts estimate 150 to 200 stores could be shuttered, focusing on underperforming or outdated sites unable to deliver the “warm and welcoming” atmosphere Niccol envisions. 

This latest wave builds on earlier actions, including the planned closure of 80 to 90 “Pick Up” stores—mobile-order-only locations introduced in 2019—in over 20 states, with some slated for conversion to traditional coffeehouses.

The company also cut 1,100 corporate roles in February and froze hundreds of open positions as part of ongoing cost-control measures. 

The restructuring expenses break down to approximately $150 million for employee separations, $400 million in asset write-downs, and $450 million tied to lease obligations, with about 90% of costs hitting North America in fiscal 2025.

Despite the immediate pain, Niccol framed the moves as essential for long-term resilience: “I believe these steps are necessary to build a better, stronger, and more resilient Starbucks that deepens its impact on the world and creates more opportunities for our partners, suppliers, and the communities we serve.” 

To offset the closures, Starbucks plans to remodel over 1,000 locations and invest in its “Green Apron Service” initiative, which aims to boost staffing, personalize orders, and incorporate technology for faster service across 11,000 stores.

The company also recently approved a 2% raise for salaried North American employees in August, signaling a commitment to retaining frontline talent. 

Reactions have been mixed. Starbucks’ shares traded flat in premarket following the news, reflecting investor caution amid the sales slump.  Labor advocates, including the union Workers United, criticized the plan sharply.

“This announcement makes it clear things are only going Backwards at Starbucks under Brian Niccol’s leadership,” the group stated in an email to Newsweek.  Ongoing tensions include lawsuits from employees alleging violations of labor laws over unreimbursed dress code costs.

As Starbucks shifts from expansion to optimization—scaling back new store openings in 2025 to fund redesigns—the coffee giant hopes to recapture its status as the go-to spot for quality brews and community vibes.

For now, the focus remains on supporting displaced workers and guiding loyal customers through the transition. Specific closure lists have not been released, but affected locations will shutter by month’s end.

ATLANTA – As Jimmy Kimmel makes his highly anticipated return to late-night television tonight after a nearly weeklong suspension, Atlanta residents will be among the lucky few in the U.S. who can catch the episode live on local ABC airwaves.

While major affiliate groups Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group have announced plans to preempt the show on their stations nationwide, Atlanta’s ABC affiliate, WSB-TV (Channel 2), owned by Cox Media Group, is not joining the boycott and will air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” as scheduled.

The Backstory: Suspension and Backlash

The controversy erupted last week when Kimmel’s on-air comments about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10 drew sharp criticism.

During his Sept. 16 monologue, Kimmel remarked that the “MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterize [suspect Tyler Robinson] as anything other than one of them,” sparking accusations of insensitivity from conservatives, including President Donald Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr.

ABC, under parent company Disney, suspended the show indefinitely starting Sept. 17, citing the remarks as “ill-timed and insensitive.”  

The suspension quickly escalated into a broader media feud, with Sinclair – the largest operator of ABC affiliates – and Nexstar announcing they would preempt Kimmel’s return episode tonight, replacing it with news programming or specials.

Good News for Atlanta: WSB-TV Stays the Course

Unlike Sinclair and Nexstar stations, WSB-TV has not indicated any plans to preempt the episode. The station, Atlanta’s longstanding ABC affiliate since 1980, covered the suspension and return in its local news updates without mentioning a local boycott.  
Cox Media Group, WSB-TV’s owner, is independent of the preempting groups and has a history of aligning closely with ABC programming.

Viewers in the Atlanta market can expect “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to air at its usual time: 11:35 p.m. ET on Channel 2.  Tonight’s guests include actor Glen Powell and musical performer Sarah McLachlan.  For those without cable, the show will also stream live on ABC.com, the ABC app, and Hulu (with a cable login), bypassing local affiliate decisions entirely.  

Broader Implications for Late-Night TV

This affiliate revolt highlights the growing tensions between national networks and local broadcasters, especially amid regulatory pressures from the Trump administration’s FCC.   Critics on the left decry it as censorship, while supporters argue it’s about community standards.  With Kimmel’s contract up in May 2026 and late-night viewership already declining, the incident could reshape the genre’s future

For decades, WSB-TV has been the trusted voice delivering ABC programming to the Peach State’s capital, from breaking news on Peachtree Street to live coverage of the Atlanta Braves’ triumphs. But as media landscapes shift with mergers, acquisitions, and digital disruptions, questions about ownership have bubbled up among viewers. Who exactly holds the reins of Channel 2 today? Our investigation uncovers the layers behind this iconic station.

The Station at a Glance

WSB-TV, broadcasting on virtual channel 2, has been Atlanta’s ABC affiliate since a pivotal switch in 1980, when it traded its NBC affiliation for ABC amid fierce competition from rivals like WXIA-TV. As the flagship of local broadcasting in the South – it claims to be the first TV news operation in the region – WSB-TV dominates ratings with over 47 hours of weekly local newscasts, including weekend midday shows rare among Big Three affiliates. Its studios sit in Midtown Atlanta on West Peachtree Street, shared with a cluster of sister radio stations, and its transmitter beams from the city’s Poncey-Highland neighborhood.

The station’s reach extends beyond TV screens: It powers wsbtv.com, popular news apps, and even syndicates Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Tech football games via ABC. With a storied legacy dating back to its 1948 sign-on, WSB-TV isn’t just a broadcaster – it’s a cornerstone of Atlanta’s media ecosystem.

Owned by Cox Media Group: A Local Legacy

At its core, WSB-TV is owned by Cox Media Group (CMG), a subsidiary deeply rooted in Atlanta’s business fabric. CMG, which traces its origins to the Cox family’s media empire founded in 1898, has held the station since day one. This local ownership model sets WSB-TV apart; it’s the second-largest ABC affiliate by market size not directly operated by Disney’s ABC Owned Television Stations division, trailing only Dallas’ WFAA.

CMG’s portfolio in Atlanta is robust: WSB-TV shares airwaves and resources with powerhouse radio siblings like WSB (750 AM), the city’s top talk station, and country hitmaker WSRV (97.1 FM). This synergy allows for cross-promotion, from morning radio banter spilling into TV segments to unified severe weather alerts during Georgia’s stormy springs. “Cox’s commitment to Atlanta runs deep – they’re not just owners; they’re investors in our community’s stories,” says media analyst Dr. Elena Ramirez of Emory University’s journalism program.

But CMG itself operates under a more complex umbrella. Since a 2019 restructuring, the group has been majority-controlled by Apollo Global Management, a New York-based private equity giant with over $600 billion in assets. Apollo acquired CMG through a deal valuing the company at $3.1 billion, aiming to streamline operations amid declining ad revenues. Cox Enterprises – the privately held parent, still steered by the Cox family and owners of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution – retains a minority stake, about 37%. This setup allows CMG to blend family heritage with Wall Street muscle, funding tech upgrades like mobile DTV pilots launched in 2011.

Rumors of a Sale? Gray Media Eyes Expansion

Whispers of change have swirled this year, fueled by Atlanta rival Gray Media’s aggressive hometown push. In June 2025, Gray CEO Hilton Howell publicly floated interest in acquiring WSB-TV if Apollo opts to sell, calling it a “storied property” with unmatched ratings clout. Gray, which recently ditched its CBS affiliation on WANF (Channel 46) to launch an independent slate and snag CBS rights for WUPA (Channel 69), is bulking up in its backyard. Owning WSB-TV would vault Gray into ABC territory, potentially reshaping Atlanta’s news wars.

Yet, sources close to CMG dismiss the buzz as speculative. “Apollo’s in it for long-term value, not quick flips,” one industry insider told us off the record.

No formal sale talks have surfaced, and with WSB-TV’s ad rates soaring – buoyed by election cycles and Falcons fever – there’s little incentive to divest. Still, in an era of consolidation, where Nexstar Media Group gobbles up affiliates nationwide, Atlantans wonder: Could Channel 2 soon wave a different flag?

Why It Matters to You

Ownership isn’t just corporate trivia; it shapes what you see. Under CMG, WSB-TV emphasizes hyper-local coverage – think traffic snarls on I-85 or Falcons tailgates at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – over national fluff. A shift to Gray, with its 180-station empire, might amp up syndicated fare, while staying put preserves that Atlanta-first vibe.

As streaming giants like Hulu (ironically, ABC’s digital arm) erode traditional TV, WSB-TV’s future hinges on adapting. For now, tune in at 6 p.m. for the latest: Your ABC in Atlanta remains proudly Cox-owned, with Apollo’s steady hand guiding the ship.

Have thoughts on local media? Email us at news@atlhsppenings. Follow AtlantaFi.com for more on the stories shaping our city.