Atlanta news

• Back-to-school 2026: Here's when every major metro Atlanta school district starts classes

  21-07-2026 22:37 via cbsnews.com
  
  Summer break is winding down for students across Georgia, with several school districts set to welcome students back to class before the calendar flips to August.The earliest return date among districts listed is July 24, when students in Chattooga County Schools head back to the classroom. Several other districts, including Banks, Barrow, Butts, Jackson, Lamar and Meriwether counties, begin classes between July 30 and July 31. For much of metro Atlanta, the first week of August marks
  
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• Why is Tropical Storm Bertha named Bertha? Here's how hurricanes get their names

  21-07-2026 20:50 via cbsnews.com
  
  Now that Tropical Storm Bertha is spinning in the Gulf, you may be wondering: How do tropical storms and hurricanes get their names?The answer dates back decades.The World Meteorological Organization maintains six alphabetical lists of names for Atlantic tropical cyclones. Those six lists rotate every six years, meaning the names used in 2026 will be used again in 2032 unless one is retired.When does a storm get a name?A developing storm doesn't receive a name right away.It first becomes a tropi
  
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• Kaylee Hottle, actress in "Godzilla vs. Kong," dies at 18 in Maryland car crash

  21-07-2026 20:03 via cbsnews.com
  
  Kaylee Hottle, an Atlanta-born actress known for her role in the "Godzilla" film franchise, has died following a crash in Frederick County, Maryland, authorities said. Hottle was 18. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office said that deputies and Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services responded to the crash around 2:52 a.m. Tuesday in the 11400 block of Windsor Road in Ijamsville.According to the sheriff's office, a preliminary investigation found that a 1995 Honda Accord driven
  
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• Atlanta-born "Godzilla vs. Kong" actress Kaylee Hottle dies in Maryland car crash

  21-07-2026 19:44 via cbsnews.com
  
  Kaylee Hottle, an Atlanta-born actress known for her role in the "Godzilla" film franchise, has died following a crash in Frederick County, Maryland, authorities said. Hottle was 18. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office said that deputies and Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services responded to the crash around 2:52 a.m. Tuesday in the 11400 block of Windsor Road in Ijamsville.According to the sheriff's office, a preliminary investigation found that a 1995 Honda Accord driven
  
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• Tropical Storm Bertha stays south as heat, storms build for north Georgia

  21-07-2026 19:01 via cbsnews.com
  
  Tropical Storm Bertha is tracking across the Gulf Coast, but it isn't expected to directly impact north Georgia. CBS News Atlanta's NEXT Weather team explains Bertha's latest forecast, when rain and thunderstorms return to metro Atlanta, and how hot it will feel before cooler conditions arrive later this week.
  
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• Keisha Lance Bottoms, Rick Jackson clash after Atlanta restaurant visit sparks backlash

  21-07-2026 18:28 via cbsnews.com
  
  A social media post by Georgia gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson has sparked online criticism, prompted a response from Democratic rival Keisha Lance Bottoms, and led the owners of an Atlanta restaurant to publicly distance themselves from the candidate's political message.The controversy began after Jackson shared a photo on social media with Toast on Lenox co-owner Tamara Young, congratulating her on the restaurant's success and thanking her for the conversation. The post was later deleted
  
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• Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams files legal challenge after council restricts his powers

  21-07-2026 17:02 via cbsnews.com
  
  The mayor of Stockbridge says he has taken legal action after the City Council temporarily stripped him of several administrative privileges while an independent investigation into his conduct moves forward.In a statement released Monday, Mayor Jayden Williams said he filed legal action to ensure the city follows what he described as a "fair, open, and transparent process.""Mayor Williams welcomes a full and independent investigation and looks forward to the opportunity to address any allegation
  
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• DeKalb County Schools under federal investigation over handling of sexual misconduct allegations

  21-07-2026 16:11 via cbsnews.com
  
  DeKalb County School District is under federal investigation over how it reported and handled allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault involving employees during the 2023-24 school year.The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights notified the district in early July that it is reviewing whether DeKalb accurately reported certain information through the federal Civil Rights Data Collection. Investigators will also examine whether the district's policies, procedures and re
  
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• Atlanta weather: Heat index nears 100 as Tropical Storm Bertha spins in the Gulf

  21-07-2026 13:19 via cbsnews.com
  
  It's another hot day across metro Atlanta, with highs reaching 93 degrees and heat index values approaching 100 degrees. While Tropical Storm Bertha continues moving through the Gulf, North Georgia is expected to avoid direct impacts. CBS News Atlanta's NEXT weather team breaks down today's heat, breezy conditions, what Bertha means for the Southeast and when higher rain chances return later this week.
  
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• Tropical Storm Bertha strengthens, threatening Gulf Coast. See forecast map and its path.

  21-07-2026 13:06 via cbsnews.com
  
  Tropical Storm Bertha was getting stronger early Tuesday, threatening the Gulf Coast with heavy rain as its projected path sparked watches and warnings along the coastal region. Bertha was in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico as of 5 a.m. ET, heading northwest at 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. It is the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.Map shows projected pathBertha could strengthen more later today, followed b
  
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• Turn trash into cosplay treasures at this free Georgia workshop

  21-07-2026 13:05 via cbsnews.com
  
  What if cardboard, fabric scraps and other discarded materials could become your next cosplay masterpiece? Scrap Lanta is hosting a free Creative Reuse Cosplay Workshop at the Jonesboro Library, where participants can learn how to transform everyday leftovers into original costumes. Organizers say the event encourages creativity while keeping reusable materials out of landfills, proving you don't need a big budget to bring your favorite characters to life.
  
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• Gas prices surge across Georgia as tensions in Iran push oil prices higher

  21-07-2026 13:05 via cbsnews.com
  
  Drivers across Metro Atlanta are once again seeing gas prices surge. Gas prices have jumped nearly 20 cents over the past week in both metro Atlanta and statewide. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now about $4.The increase comes after the U.S. launched additional attacks on Iran.Thomas Smith, an economist at Emory University, said rising gas prices are already affecting how people think about spending."It's one of the things that's definitely going to hit your pocket
  
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• Metro Atlanta drivers are paying more at the pump. An economist explains why

  21-07-2026 12:57 via cbsnews.com
  
  Gas prices are climbing again across Georgia, with metro Atlanta drivers paying nearly 20 cents more per gallon than they were just a week ago. AAA says rising oil prices tied to escalating tensions involving Iran are driving the increase. An Emory University economist explains why higher prices at the pump could change how people spend, save and even rethink what they consider a "normal" gas price.
  
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• Atlanta United introduces two defenders as club looks to boost playoff push

  21-07-2026 12:42 via cbsnews.com
  
  Major League Soccer is back after the FIFA Club World Cup, and Atlanta United is already looking to reshape its roster. The club introduced defenders Junior Alonzo and Paulo Díaz while signaling that more signings are on the way before the Sept. 2 transfer deadline. Plus, the Atlanta Hawks officially move on from former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher in a trade for defensive standout Luguentz Dort, and the Atlanta Dream head into the WNBA All-Star break after Jordan Canada's game-winning b
  
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• Atlanta Public Schools launches new literacy pilot to help young students read faster

  21-07-2026 12:38 via cbsnews.com
  
  Atlanta Public Schools is launching a new accelerated literacy pilot at four elementary schools this school year. The district says the program includes longer literacy blocks, targeted early interventions and specialized teacher training to help young students build reading skills faster. Heritage Academy is among the schools participating in the initiative.
  
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• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport plane train technicians ratify first-ever union contract

  21-07-2026 05:37 via cbsnews.com
  
  A group of workers at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are celebrating a major milestone: ratifying the first-ever union contract for technicians operating the airport's plane train across terminals. Ninety airport workers are covered in this agreement. Their union, the Transportation Communications Union/IAM (TCU/IAM) says the negotations were successful because of the gains they made in employees' wages, procedures for grievances, and in how quickly they were able to t
  
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• Stockbridge's young mayor takes legal action after council suspends his access

  21-07-2026 05:28 via cbsnews.com
  
  Mayor Jayden Williams responds with legal action after the Stockbridge City Council votes to suspend his access and strip his powers amid an ongoing investigation. The city has not disclosed details about the allegations, while Williams calls for a fair and transparent process.
  
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• Atlanta airport plane train technicians ratify 1st union contract

  21-07-2026 05:26 via cbsnews.com
  
  Ninety plane train technicians at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport celebrate their first-ever union contract, securing an 18% wage increase, annual raises, a ratification bonus, and stronger workplace protections after less than a year of negotiations.
  
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• DOJ seizes more than 1,000 websites accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches

  21-07-2026 05:02 via cbsnews.com
  
  As millions of fans packed stadiums in Atlanta, Miami and across North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, federal authorities were carrying out a different operation online.The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that it seized more than 1,000 internet domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches, calling it one of the largest anti-piracy enforcement actions tied to a sporting event. The operation, dubbed Operation Offsides, unfolded over three phases during the month-
  
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• Sen. Ossoff, Carter Center respond after Trump revives false 2020 election claims

  21-07-2026 04:22 via cbsnews.com
  
  Senator Jon Ossoff and Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander push back on President Trump’s renewed false election claims, urging evidence-based scrutiny and highlighting Georgia’s secure and fair 2020 election.
  
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• Georgia Democratic secretary of state candidate Penny Brown Reynolds accuses Trump of sowing election doubt

  21-07-2026 03:55 via cbsnews.com
  
  Georgia Democratic Secretary of State nominee Penny Brown Reynolds is accusing President Donald Trump of deliberately trying to undermine confidence in elections as Georgia prepares for another high-profile statewide campaign.During an appearance on MS NOW's "Poltics Nation" with Rev. Al Sharpton, Reynolds argued Trump's continued claims about election integrity are intended to create confusion among voters ahead of the 2026 election cycle.MS NOW's "Poltics Nation" "Everything that [President Tr
  
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• United Airlines employee appears to threaten to call ICE on passenger: "You don't act like a citizen"

  21-07-2026 03:43 via cbsnews.com
  
  A United Airlines employee appears to have been caught on video threatening to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on a customer during a ticketing dispute last week at San Francisco International Airport.East Bay resident Julio Varela, who was traveling with his family, told CBS News Bay Area that the incident began when an employee, who has not been identified, was rude and dismissive to him at the ticket counter. When the 54-year-old Varela asked for her name to report her, he said
  
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• Buford woman with cerebral palsy inspires community, becomes magazine cover model

  21-07-2026 01:47 via cbsnews.com
  
  A local Buford woman living with disabilities is showing her community that determination can unlock any dream. From living independently to becoming a magazine cover model, Natalie Fowler is proving every day that obstacles are meant to be overcome.Fowler, who was born with cerebral palsy, approaches daily life with resilience and a and faithful mindset. "I have cerebral palsy and I have been able to just learn how to do things a little bit different, maybe a little bit slower than most pe
  
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• Georgia officers accused of misusing license plate reader technology to track people for personal reasons

  21-07-2026 01:25 via cbsnews.com
  
  Automatic license plate readers have become one of law enforcement's most effective crime-fighting tools, helping investigators recover stolen vehicles, locate missing children and identify suspects within a matter of minutes.But across Georgia, the technology is making headlines for a different reason.A growing number of police officers and sheriff's deputies are accused of using license plate reader databases to track people in their personal lives rather than as part of criminal investigation
  
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• Piedmont Atlanta expands Gamma Knife radiosurgery program for brain tumors and neurological conditions

  21-07-2026 00:50 via cbsnews.com
  
  Patients with brain tumors and other complex neurological conditions now have access to an advanced, non-invasive treatment option at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital that physicians say can deliver highly targeted care without the need for traditional surgery.Piedmont announced Monday that its physicians are expanding the use of Gamma Knife radiosurgery, an advanced form of radiation therapy that treats tumors and other abnormalities in the brain using multiple precisely focused beams of radiation.Unl
  
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• Braves open series against Padres amid starting pitching struggles

  21-07-2026 00:27 via cbsnews.com
  
  The Atlanta Braves have a three-game league in the National League East, but elbow injuries have left the team concerned about their current pitching depth.
  
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• Georgia advocates push Atlanta leaders to regulate license plate readers

  21-07-2026 00:06 via cbsnews.com
  
  In the past few weeks, more than a dozen officers in Georgia have been charged or fired for allegedly misusing Flock license plate readers.
  
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