Community stories in Atlanta

A tree that was scheduled for removal fell onto a home in Atlanta during severe storms, causing significant property damage. Fortunately, the residents had evacuated prior to the incident.

The Department of Homeland Security has officially dropped plans for a 10,000-person ICE detention center in Social Circle, Georgia, following local advocacy efforts. City officials express gratitude to community leaders and elected representatives for their support in halting the project.

Cbrooks Gallery marks its first anniversary with 'Playlist,' an exhibition featuring 35 works by 26 artists inspired by Black music. The show highlights various genres and artistic expressions, celebrating the cultural impact of music on creativity.

A Cobb County couple faces ongoing flooding problems in their apartment, claiming management at Advenir at Winterset Apartments offers little assistance. Despite reports of water intrusion, the family feels neglected and seeks a permanent solution to the drainage issues.

The Department of Homeland Security has decided not to move forward with plans for an ICE detention facility in Social Circle. This decision opens up possibilities for repurposing the land in the city.

The FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta faced schedule changes due to weather, ending activities early. Despite this, fans eagerly lined up for the popular collectible 'Fan Bands,' showcasing their dedication to the event.

The City of Social Circle has been informed that the Department of Homeland Security is no longer pursuing plans for an ICE detention facility in the area. City officials express hope that the property will be sold and return to the local tax base.

There was a moment, right before the fault line made itself known, when Pearl Jam still felt like part of a neighborhood instead of a movement. Seattle in the late 80s and early 90s was less a scene than a weather pattern with guitars, the kind of place where the rain pinned everyone inside long

Gwinnett County leaders have approved the formation of a Homelessness Task Force aimed at identifying service gaps and gathering public input to combat homelessness. The task force will convene monthly to address these critical issues in the community.

Actor Kevin Bacon is temporarily changing his name to 'Kevin Bean' to promote 'Beansday,' a campaign encouraging people to swap meat for beans every Wednesday. The initiative aims to raise awareness about animal advocacy and the benefits of plant-based eating.

A 3-year-old boy drowned in a pool accident in Bleckley County, despite wearing a life jacket that was improperly secured. The community mourns the loss of young James, as officials emphasize the importance of proper pool safety measures.

A 3-year-old boy drowned in a pool accident in Bleckley County, Georgia, despite wearing a life jacket that was not properly secured. The community mourns the loss of the child, identified as James, while officials emphasize the importance of pool safety.

An 18-year-old tourist from India died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park when the horse bolted. The incident occurred while the driver was taking a family photograph, leading to a tragic accident that left the teen critically injured.

Tom Dreesen, a celebrated standup comedian known for his groundbreaking interracial act and performances alongside Frank Sinatra, has died at 86. His family announced his passing, highlighting his impact on comedy and social change over five decades.

The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will host a dedication ceremony featuring performances by notable artists and attendance from global leaders. The center, which spans over 19 acres, aims to inspire hope and change, though it will not serve as a presidential library.

The Great American State Fair will take place from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall, featuring state-themed pavilions and various attractions. While many states will participate, several have opted out due to financial and political reasons.

“Alligator Alcatraz," the controversial immigrant detention facility nestled in the Florida Everglades, sits empty of all detainees Wednesday after they were transferred to other facilities, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed.

Atlanta’s standard Wednesday, June 17 — Atlanta artists have long carried our community’s culture across the globe. In moments like this summer, however, when the world’s gaze is focused on us, the stakes of that representation shift. Sketchbook turns its attention to two

Conyers Mayor Connie Alsobrook declared June 17 as Brathwaites Community Heroes Day to honor George and Chyna Brathwaite for rescuing Alana Bryant from her flooded car. The incident highlights community solidarity amid infrastructure challenges in Atlanta.

Decatur is addressing firefighter shortages by adding three new positions and starting a high school training program. This initiative aims to combat a national recruitment crisis in firefighting.

Sharonda Stewart has filed a lawsuit against Airbnb and a Dunwoody property owner, claiming she was denied a rental due to her race. The incident occurred in 2024 when Stewart attempted to book a property but received no response after introducing herself.

The FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park is drawing tens of thousands of soccer fans, but severe storms may disrupt the event. Organizers are facing potential safety shutdowns as weather concerns loom over the outdoor celebrations.

The City of Brookhaven's Brookhaven Connect app, launched in 2015, has streamlined the reporting of non-emergency issues, allowing residents to easily report problems like potholes and code violations. Since its inception, the app has facilitated over 10,000 service requests, significantly improving city responsiveness.

K-9 Robbi, a police dog known for his bravery in capturing a bank robber, has died unexpectedly from natural causes. His passing leaves a significant impact on the Coweta County Sheriff's Office and the local community.

K9 Robbi, a beloved member of the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, died unexpectedly from natural causes. He was recognized for his role in capturing a bank robbery suspect just months after joining the force.

A Connecticut state trooper helped a motorist by extracting a snake from her SUV trunk on June 9. The incident, captured on body camera, showcased the trooper's quick thinking and humor in a surprising situation.

The Grammy-nominated group Nappy Roots will perform at Atlanta's FIFA Fan Festival on June 19, coinciding with Juneteenth celebrations. The event aims to unite fans from around the world in a celebration of cultural diversity and Southern influence.

A large home on Grace Mountain Road in Union County was completely destroyed by a massive fire on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Fortunately, all occupants evacuated safely without injuries, but the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.