Atlanta News First
Atlanta News First

Atlanta News First

Your home for breaking news, leading headlines, and extended conversation on issues impacting the metro Atlanta community

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Lots of questions in Keisha Lance Bottoms’ quest to make history | Political Update

Lots of questions in Keisha Lance Bottoms’ quest to make history | Political Update

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms is officially a candidate for Georgia governor in 2026. But from her one term as Atlanta mayor to any knowledge of then-President Joe Biden's cognitive decline as a member of his administration, the candidate who wants to become the nation's first Black female governor is facing a lot of questions.

 'Brave and bold' Decatur FC talks upcoming soccer season | Decatur DishStone Mountain mayor in hot water, accused of mishandling city’s bank account | Decatur DishMajor developments in Georgia's high-stakes Senate race | Political Update

Major developments in Georgia's high-stakes Senate race | Political Update

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have declined to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in his 2026 reelection bid. So far, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter and Georgia Insurance and Fire Commissioner John King have thrown their hats into the GOP Senate primary, with more candidates perhaps on the way. 

Metro Atlanta couple reacts to witnessing election of first American pope

Metro Atlanta couple reacts to witnessing election of first American pope

A metro Atlanta couple witnessed the historic election of the first American pope Thursday.

During their honeymoon trip in Italy, Chase Adams and Sandra Padilla heard news of white smoke pouring from the Sistine Chapel chimney — a signal of a new pope being elected to lead the Catholic Church.

“I think it was something pretty spectacular. I mean, I keep using the word serendipity,” Adams said. “It’s a very awe-inspiring experience to witness in person
 
Gov. Brian Kemp won't run for Senate. Now what? | Political UpdateFULL HEARING: Man accused of trying to kidnap toddler at Acworth Walmart granted bond

FULL HEARING: Man accused of trying to kidnap toddler at Acworth Walmart granted bond

A man accused of trying to kidnap a toddler at an Acworth Walmart was released from jail after a month and a half behind bars.

Mahendra Patel, 57, from Kennesaw, was arrested in March after a mother said Patel grabbed her child in the store. But Patel’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, claims he was just trying to help the mother, who had her hands full and was riding on a handicapped shopping cart with two kids.

Cobb County Superior Court Judge A. Gregory Poole granted Patel a $10,000 bond, which was met by cheers and applause in the courtroom.

FULL SPEECH: New Pope Leo XIV tells thousands Catholic Church must 'build bridges'

FULL SPEECH: New Pope Leo XIV tells thousands Catholic Church must 'build bridges'

In his first words as Pope Francis’ successor, New Pope Leo XIV emphasized a message of peace, dialogue and missionary evangelization.

Robert Prevost is a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops. He is the first elected pope from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

 

Decatur explores reparations, prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup | Decatur DishBrian Kemp for president? | Political Update

Brian Kemp for president? | Political Update

Outgoing Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday he is not running for U.S. Senate.

Kemp had been rumored to be a possible Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, the Georgia Democratic incumbent who made his reelection campaign official in March.

So far, no GOP candidate has stepped up to challenge Ossoff, whose Georgia U.S. Senate seat is seen as a priority for Republicans to pick up in 2026.

Dr. Ben Taylor, professor of political science at Kennesaw State University, talks about the ramifications of Kemp's decision, his future plans, and what this means for Georgia's 2026 US Senate and gubernatorial elections.

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