<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><urlset xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" xmlns:news="http://www.google.com/schemas/sitemap-news/0.9" xmlns:image="http://www.google.com/schemas/sitemap-image/1.1"><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/opinion/2026/07/readers-write-4/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T18:36:44.286Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T18:36:44.286Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Readers write]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/FGVSJ4ANZJET5A3HVZPGR64YQY.jpg?auth=4470c09986d46c39209d75f1657f8e2b101028e4f2b2311051a30b2f61a06bb4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4180&amp;height=2772</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[(Phil Skinner/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/us-will-have-folarin-balogun-available-vs-belgium-after-red-card-overturned/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T17:38:24.21Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T17:38:24.21Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[U.S. will have Folarin Balogun available vs. Belgium after red card overturned]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/QJ5IM6U2HJHF7D6YO2PXWAKHSE.jpg?auth=83f15649c16e1024919b89dcbd28ede89a4cb794f3c091984e5926989155bcdd&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8640&amp;height=5760</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The United States' Folarin Balogun (center) — pictured celebrating a U.S. goal against Paraguay on Friday, June 12, 2026 — will be eligible to return for Monday's round of 16 matchup against Belgium. (Andre Penner/AP)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/arts-entertainment/2026/07/mother-nature-gives-peachtree-road-race-a-reprieve-on-americas-250th/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T17:25:10.571Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T17:25:10.571Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Mother Nature gives Peachtree Road Race a reprieve on America’s 250th]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[sports,peachtree road race,running,fourth of july,weather,atlanta,georgia]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/U2IPE6YIUJCC5CL7IKEO3SUGTM.JPG?auth=27975a17133a66dae895cb5d7abb234a13b329e277b00aaa1cf9fcef66aa8f31&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5715&amp;height=3810</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners prepare to begin at the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/DROI6MPJQRE4FGQQLM7MYNPH7M.JPG?auth=681364f9b3ad19d40882638c705e0f2e95bdf5f2b1acc52131ef257d21a0ebc4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The American flag goes up near the starting line at Lenox Square for the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/3VTWOKKQWVERFC3DBFHXAJVZLY.JPG?auth=72db4b3d84b9a2d246393547fdbee72ffe993ca0863cb6a73aaa8eb455860034&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5559&amp;height=3706</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A volunteer assists with raising of the American flag near the starting line at Lenox Square for the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/NBOZ6KVQIVCJTJRUJKJNGPZY3Y.JPG?auth=00ad4fa27091e77d94dab4c68d12e03e0a08d92d5721a386b56aaa8e24a3c596&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5870&amp;height=3913</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Many runners held their hands over their hearts during the national anthem before the start of the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race at Lenox Square on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/BBRK7SCCCVEWFORC34VYSVKWEI.JPG?auth=146b0eb13063d09e38ade6283d98f3f00776f159b807a46019164030a83a179c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3740&amp;height=2493</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners in Wave A take off for the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race at Lenox Square on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/V2SZCMRPR5AJTLZUBL7IEID6GA.JPG?auth=e09893e5772b09c53cbfa92f710b9b17cba01a7aa56d2975dac58de6c3e88d65&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5808&amp;height=3872</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens signals the start of the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race at Lenox Square on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/NMO3E25TEFGYHG2PONC4AXX6FA.JPG?auth=da602c9398adfb0af80eb64132a2c517bbb584cee286b00ceee0c10a0f642827&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5244&amp;height=3496</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners celebrate as they begin at the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/5OKSOQ4TVJGUTMRZ353NACDXOY.JPG?auth=5974fddb1175e074c7f29e7f9cce387ff38741176fd2520fbcfd73bd9d755ae4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4975&amp;height=3317</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A runner reacts as he begins at the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/3ZMCSGJ5E5EZROTRGHXXWWUYO4.JPG?auth=706322ebba069cc24eb5a2092ea225a34a62e7abd6f1c652556a976f54df8d6b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4375&amp;height=2917</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners react as they begin at the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/WW3XRIRJKNHXTFM3HRDFCA7QRA.JPG?auth=881cd8b8cab0140829e8a6bf005bb36e1dc366b591ae212a3ffcb935c2c6383b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3922&amp;height=2615</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners make their way along Peachtree Road on Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HQ2BA6RJHFCJZFFE53DEWD6LIY.JPG?auth=c452971be89ae99bf33c0dde17432091472837a899b8bc13eddd2d3c1d5ef30a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5515&amp;height=3677</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Flowers and plants line the median as runner begin their race just after the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HQLJICF7TZGRTA7RVIXGNGWSSM.JPG?auth=3eea6fe9532cc9aeff0c27ddd1e86db29280f885eaca8d2e44e6d84b41972494&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4998&amp;height=3332</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A runner reacts as she makes her way along Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/4TBFEJVYSNGNLM3CEQ4BWGTQPE.JPG?auth=9073f01bfa21f707fa59a17446a28f7f54ebf7bc571e27df1b842561d2635cfb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5328&amp;height=3552</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[After completing Hope Hill a runner reacts as she goes through a mist machine during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/LOQWEYWL5FDJHB54DKDFKFYRPQ.JPG?auth=ad5d9b8a800d44eada9531757f14b9e6591ad4d2a1397399b8cd638e387339ba&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5340&amp;height=3560</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A mist machine makes the road wet as runners are reflected on Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/Y7UMJSLHVZCF5OGWYG6XL4GHGE.JPG?auth=3ac693636ec0593798b305507c84983ccb856d2c64b74d97ead3144f9d3233be&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners cross the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/2AFFLLJMVZALTA5DG7SZN5J7UQ.JPG?auth=8b2f282d88f1f2e645e501bd46ed8cd7ef26e2bd7e53172f3b77a153061c3e26&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A runner carries a sign reading, “Jesus is King,”  at the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/AFETF6IL7JHQZB4PPGEU7WZIUE.JPG?auth=08de92c0e4cde5e4a9522521463fe4e26bd31edb27ce48ecc1ad0ae2bd5e49c8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5576&amp;height=3717</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Spectator Shelia Loccisano, right, holds a sign as she cheers on runners on Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/WGUHLJ5FDBHBJGJ5LXTAHCWL2A.JPG?auth=e3476743a0889fb8f459497779122eb3fb5046754ed8e6dae284af4d10fc417f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners past the high alert flag near the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The red flag was posted because of the heat. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/JU63UV3RPNE4ZACYL3I3P7NFPY.JPG?auth=7ca3317c9480c12a4a1115568999861ff897d5f29dbe65026f0e05663db10813&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A runner uses a cooling towel at the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/BDHRSKWCBJA5PL3NUY2QTZH27I.JPG?auth=f7ca743bc36fbf299fcd372e390c2110af5576981f059c201c86df30c194e082&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4930&amp;height=3287</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Water helps inside and outside the body when you're climbing Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/B4AQU6NY7FDNNFYICL72EYYK3Y.JPG?auth=00a78350f85e4fd1f82b502ab5f0b0927ab09d88e0b95c3d399ecec3b6799864&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5174&amp;height=3449</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Spectators cheer as wheelchair competitors climb Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/GURDS2URSZBV5M76DOVQEUCLAY.JPG?auth=7e93b23a2617dcc24c8a64c6f3ffe998420bafd176d28c336359456d4b82e425&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5319&amp;height=3546</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[First time volunteer Noelle Chamness (left) hands water to a runner wearing a USA soccer jersey along Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/72HUKR2ODBF2FCV6OCW2SY4IK4.JPG?auth=5d7924c90646bedfadf6d21b4bfbd9d4f7ca98d435e462af5ca5b5317a301fc4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5256&amp;height=3504</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A runner climbs Hope Hill during the 57th Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/FOKXC3ZG5ZBOFIHJKYKGLYWFGU.JPG?auth=0b258690ef34daca6ab1a303eeefac0f19edb215b6af126faffbb9989c05174f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5523&amp;height=3682</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners compete at the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/TNMLDGTTUVH2ZF3V4GSWZWERMU.JPG?auth=a5e4b64542d44201898b88d7b51bc32bca0dd63d5c8d6cf69389492d3a75fe8c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2448&amp;height=1632</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A runner with a red, white and blue colored beard takes a selfie on Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HIFWUN7CNJB3ZM7AEL6AW2HFT4.JPG?auth=e304cc6a4c35f05786b7a1d3da68881d3df1cc8a797ef661c183311af21ad6cc&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4180&amp;height=2787</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners dressed as English soldiers walks along Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/WWGHD5PTTBDILOPAQUSJIBXLYA.JPG?auth=6af831c1918f73674aafcc32356c921c6efe173bed33b63178842b116f528c40&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A runner reacts as she makes her way along Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/F5ER7SQWVZFUZCADHTP3J4AV2M.JPG?auth=37e4fd4101767ed6dbac16cd3192ab859759ff26c0201ec1ba587debf09f985f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4992&amp;height=3328</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runner begin their race just after the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/PBMFI5KUVNA4XP3DEBDHYOOIKU.JPG?auth=9e5ccc190d24ac9f56d3a438dff3d5e0ad456f7200bb0131327e9cb4fcd1db3e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2670&amp;height=2002</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A man dribbles three basketball at the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/Y5Q5D5TPJ5FDFOZ5V72POIUJDM.JPG?auth=6428696f348d924c00bddb58c361d5ea6e5ab731b9177e143315c2d9eae47659&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runner embraces holiday theme at the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/CG7VTO72DJAHBHB6DQUPVPDAJI.JPG?auth=c323922a3d83a280b224b07dcc253167c8703d138aaf5068ab3a62711d4cd2e1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6048&amp;height=4024</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Exhausted runners rest at the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/EOB2O4RR3REB5JOLKTSGAA4ORA.JPG?auth=669b279a88250b0b5176a95d77ee6d8ad7f73434693b3f2b4cd121999c022a52&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners cross the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/EB6ADBNSKVCXVM3BL4DG2XMX6Q.JPG?auth=d478eecda344eabb4d51595e0682b52481aecfff3661aaa8f9ecad5b422bbc61&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners cross the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/ZMVA6PW3ZJARPNUGNOXAY2VHJY.JPG?auth=b94b18150f2cb3a6b79940eddb07528c528ebc439a9df9d94964d5c4682f416a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5068&amp;height=3379</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A spectator waves an American flag as runners begin at the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/WGEPFONOY5DQFMJYZX3ITRYGTA.JPG?auth=8f1f1c3c3c14cd499e4b596a86a595c0e93fc9a51a1302e3deea93a860f9987e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Xxxx at the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/WT62YXIXBVCO3AZAR7VXCFXR6Q.JPG?auth=38c4f58f947e982d618e2db5674ab2ceb2a55cade6e1378dcd09ccad0c569c4e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners cross the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/E2PUYOYGURBFPHFWSUCJJMMM4E.JPG?auth=4482c40b7e44896955cc22e8b07dd1e6a31aaedb4a637e6f4ab8ea925dc50512&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5454&amp;height=3636</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Workers collect empty water cups along Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/GEWBLL4MLBDVLPGTBBS7SFGXLM.JPG?auth=cd42c32493a941de69851e1f8272a113ce9dfcdc4bb4045b43bc1a2d1c7a0b4c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4351&amp;height=2901</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Empty water cups are shown on the road as runners travel along Hope Hill during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/XX3X2IDSEBEXZJOAVUTO5P7JQY.JPG?auth=174cc6ea05210918ee2bd7e920878cc7832bd5a782609ae5a089c71b6b1bca7c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6048&amp;height=4024</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Volunteers congratulates runners at the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/EYMLTPEILZCA7HMUDXRKYPFI3U.JPG?auth=62a03ab67d2d4d90dc0690c12288938a0ca8827bf8bc6d6c20707aff62eca2c3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners cross the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/behind-all-star-chris-sale-braves-beat-mets-for-second-straight-win/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T16:18:59.551Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T16:18:59.551Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Behind All-Star Chris Sale, Braves beat Mets for second straight win]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/GRD3YSH63FBL7DWLE7IJUIIVQA.jpg?auth=a0c2adc31b615fd5413d5d5f9a178e4f8672c5acc769160e2ff5487b1049d018&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4500&amp;height=3001</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Braves pitcher Chris Sale delivers during the first inning against the Mets on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. Sale allowed three runs and seven hits in five-plus innings. (Erik S. Lesser/AP)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/07/e-bikes-are-exploding-in-popularity-but-they-are-not-toys/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T16:17:53.924Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T16:17:53.924Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[E-bikes are exploding in popularity, but they are not toys]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/DNQII3V4ANDVBNU32PK4VRUKEA.jpg?auth=186832b0b6602702ee2e421d79a02317904bb6852a04b357217d5dbfbeafc175&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1008&amp;height=567</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A rider takes an e-bike for a spin in 2022. (Natrice Miller/AJC 2022)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/07/suspected-gunshots-break-up-metro-atlanta-fireworks-show/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T15:27:01.706Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T15:27:01.706Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[‘Suspected’ gunshots break up metro Atlanta fireworks show]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/LOO7CCLKSFFJPN6FFBVBMJJ34E.jpg?auth=7a570b705873fbc8bb22906edb2719cb7c3824f36bf112b252df9a36e97c1a23&amp;smart=true&amp;width=800&amp;height=450</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The Avondale Estates Police Department, the DeKalb County School District Department of Safety and event security responded to the “suspected celebratory gunfire” in the area of Napoleon B. Cobb Stadium around 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 4, 2026. (AJC file)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/business/2026/07/delta-jet-from-atlanta-hit-by-july-4th-firework-while-landing-in-chicago/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T15:22:13.056Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T15:22:13.056Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Delta jet from Atlanta hit by July 4th firework while landing in Chicago]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/WTNDKDB6GZEFVI53JXDHGIFHFA.jpg?auth=0616faf493a42386bd5080b24a57c9c22636d6b04fa2c93fd204730af8173805&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5296&amp;height=3495</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A Delta Air Lines jet traveling to Chicago on Independence Day was struck by a firework as it was landing Saturday night, the carrier said Sunday. (Hyosub Shin/AJC file)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/five-braves-make-national-league-all-star-roster/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T15:21:06.958Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T15:21:06.958Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Five Braves make National League All-Star roster]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/BWHHNPILVBG7JKE7VIOZJ7Y7SY.jpg?auth=f34740c5a79dd71077fd9542bca6d8b826b1843cd7fd2793285031334f60cead&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias runs onto the field to pitch the ninth inning against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Iglesias has a 1.53 ERA and 17 saves in 17 opportunities. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/flemings-shakes-off-rust-takeaways-from-hawks-summer-league-loss-to-jazz/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T13:21:57.401Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T13:21:57.401Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Flemings shakes off rust, and other takeaways from Hawks’ Summer League loss]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/KDSJZF7BKBDTPKC446QXEMAX24.JPG?auth=ddbf72f2109423b5dd82bfe2d98868eadb15f3994e291445b9ad5ba9b491da51&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Hawks point guard Kingston Flemings’ jersey is shown during an introductory news conference for Atlanta's draft picks at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/braves-place-shortstop-ha-seong-kim-on-injured-list/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T13:20:47.264Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T13:20:47.264Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Braves place shortstop Ha-Seong Kim on injured list]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/M55DMLF6RBAVJDEHXKITHU2GNI.jpg?auth=00d0567e8597f7e6e9065241eae412c3b2029c2b045f73cf8b759ab5ee5ed01b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5000&amp;height=3333</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The Braves' Ha-Seong Kim — pictured striking out against the Marlins in May — was batting .068 when he was placed on the injured list. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/jahan-dotson-wants-to-prove-the-falcons-and-himself-right/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T13:13:31.43Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T13:13:31.43Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Jahan Dotson wants to prove the Falcons — and himself — right]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/EKHXMMHHOZBBXMRB3H2QAXUK7Y.jpg?auth=6f29a0da5117063978a0327ab4815dd0e7278c76b7e88534c1a28e019f51d292&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2992&amp;height=2244</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jahan Dotson warms up during an OTA workout at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in May. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/opinion/2026/07/atlantas-peachtree-road-race-was-humid-inspiring-and-emotional/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T12:49:16.714Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T12:49:16.714Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race was humid, inspiring and emotional ]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/IH3VFEFH2RA7VJQX4Z3CEKJQCY.JPG?auth=09c921d38dc2c19ef20a28052e71e0f37f01109b87e929abfbeae339189bbed7&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4595&amp;height=3063</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A runner in a George Washington costume makes his way along Hope Hill during the 57th Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/dream-drops-fifth-consecutive-game-in-loss-to-valkyries/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T12:04:54.265Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T12:04:54.265Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Dream drop fifth consecutive game in loss to Valkyries ]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[sports,basketball,wnba,atlanta dream]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/H6SNNMXS7FHD7FWYDGNUVWGYRY.JPG?auth=c5b32a02142c978eb39fdfd30135fb5a59778cf07c743feeab0ba7bd75ad1ae7&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5558&amp;height=3705</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The Dream and forward Angel Reese (left), shown speaking with coach Karl Smesko during their game against the Toronto Tempo last month, took an 88-83 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday. (Jason Getz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/opinion/2026/07/america-at-250-was-slavery-wrong-museums-must-now-answer-that-question/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T11:00:01.299Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T11:00:01.299Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[America at 250: Was slavery wrong? Museums must now answer that question.]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[opinion,art,museum,slavery,dave the potter,georgia]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/DZGVFQLM7JJFQBDIBSXXRG44YA.jpg?auth=0ad54407e31714d25eb5f1effd66efbec8edc0861475d92e5eb1dc19559ace8f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5807&amp;height=3876</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A jug made by David Drake, circa 1858, is shown on display with the “Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina” exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. (Lila Barth/The New York Times 2022)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/arts-entertainment/2026/07/murder-sparks-mayhem-in-5-new-thrillers-by-southern-authors/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T10:00:04.94Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T10:00:04.94Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Murder sparks mayhem in 5 new thrillers by Southern authors]]></news:title></news:news></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/food-and-dining/2026/07/12-essential-atlanta-cocktail-bars-you-need-to-try/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-05T09:00:02.217Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-05T09:00:02.217Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[12 essential Atlanta cocktail bars you need to try]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[things to do,atlanta cocktail bars,date night,girls night out,mocktails,Anansi Cocktail Lounge,Talat Market,BoccaLupo,Strangers in Paradise,Kimball House,Ticonderoga Club,The Upper Room,Redacted Basement Drink Parlor,Buddy Buddy,Lucky Star,Bar ANA,Little Spirit]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/KDEMADV5RFEM5OXVVWXVK6TZOA.jpeg?auth=bda6b667e80e0f9cb8046d1f6bcf5fdfc4314235027fb6027b3c91766bd50c28&amp;smart=true&amp;width=640&amp;height=428</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Here are two options for you at Anansi Cocktail Lounge: Rob Roy (left) and Vieux Carré. (Courtesy of Quinton Anderson and Anansi Cocktail Lounge)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/07/born-on-the-fourth-of-july-miss-elsie-hand-turns-100/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T22:25:34.589Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T22:25:34.589Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Born on the Fourth of July, ‘Miss Elsie’ Hand turns 100 ]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/NBXQJ2X7S5HPRAMIYKWW5KNRJQ.jpg?auth=9feca903371d323f17123f3e12360f2937c01a3ad58d60fbea37c196554f3ceb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=586&amp;height=640</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Elsie Hand turns 100 on July 4, 2026. This photo is from her 90th birthday. (Courtesy of Courtesy Victoria Peacock)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/peachtree/2026/07/2026-peachtree-road-race-is-almost-here/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T20:09:04.871Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T20:09:04.871Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[2026 Peachtree Road Race: Live coverage]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[running,race,northside hospital peachtree road race,atlanta,georgia,live center]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/EYMLTPEILZCA7HMUDXRKYPFI3U.JPG?auth=62a03ab67d2d4d90dc0690c12288938a0ca8827bf8bc6d6c20707aff62eca2c3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6192&amp;height=4128</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners cross the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/japan-to-falcons-and-back-again-how-robert-prince-became-chief-energy-officer/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T17:46:47.189Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T17:46:47.189Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Japan to Falcons and back again: How Robert Prince became chief energy officer]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[sports,football,nfl,atlanta falcons,robert prince]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/E5B44TYQJ5D3VOQS3OSHSQMGTE.jpg?auth=b784517211e14c3e97edb0520bfc8bdbefd47326543b48ce7740fa4bd6fa9c29&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5129&amp;height=3463</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Falcons wide receivers coach Robert Prince (right) gives instructions during an OTA workout on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Flowery Branch. Prince is responsible for maximizing Atlanta’s receiving corps, no matter the form it takes. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/07/one-dead-one-injured-in-shooting-after-gainesville-concert-police-say/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T17:32:24.558Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T17:32:24.558Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[One dead, one injured in shooting after Gainesville concert, police say]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/DSX5UBKCU5GPPCX6465CAPFRWA.jpg?auth=954a2c839cf6abe2060ec0210baaec5551cae154fa39e607017b9bd075d4d380&amp;smart=true&amp;width=500&amp;height=334</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Police have not released information about potential suspects or identities of the victims. (File)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/07/peachtree-road-race-updates-soak-it-all-in/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T16:30:06.26Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T16:30:06.26Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Peachtree Road Race updates: Soak it all in]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/4TBFEJVYSNGNLM3CEQ4BWGTQPE.JPG?auth=9073f01bfa21f707fa59a17446a28f7f54ebf7bc571e27df1b842561d2635cfb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5328&amp;height=3552</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A runner reacts after completing Hope Hill during the 2026 Peachtree Road Race. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/inspire/2026/07/sweet-tea-the-beautiful/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T16:05:04.846Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T16:05:04.846Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Sweet Tea: The Beautiful]]></news:title></news:news></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/major-division-winners-of-the-2026-northside-hospital-peachtree-road-race/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T15:27:30.136Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T15:27:30.136Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Major division winners of the 2026 Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/4H7MO7TFFBCJ7JGELD26RSCUWM.JPG?auth=d29e38f4873a05a4907d4fd279467eaf5215567fd2f340605ea77faadea399f1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5392&amp;height=3592</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Elite men’s winner Patrick Kiprop defends his title at the 2026 Peachtree Road Race on July 4, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/argentina-holds-on-to-beat-cape-verde-will-face-egypt-on-tuesday-in-atlanta/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T14:48:48.587Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T14:48:48.587Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Argentina holds on to beat Cape Verde, will face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[sports,soccer,world cup,atlanta,georgia,argentina,lionel messi]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/DF2CWV2UQFA45LPCXZJWN2UNDA.jpg?auth=28143418e3e5fe5158e8da66c17302fd25d3114d4256fd358bee380571d49865&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3062&amp;height=2042</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after defeating Cape Verde during their World Cup round of 32 matchup on Friday, July 3, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/braves-mash-four-homers-to-defeat-mets-in-series-opener/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T14:21:13.578Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T14:21:13.578Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Braves mash four homers to defeat Mets in series opener]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/WRMQGXGGKJGDZAYVOXR7EMB74A.jpg?auth=8fd697fba2e39fea10b5cad0ab5d8296e13a1af1123d826c160a5a79a2208a8d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4149&amp;height=2766</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Atlanta Braves' Michael Harris II hits a two-run homer in the second inning against the New York Mets on Friday, July 3, 2026. (Colin Hubbard/AP)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/07/yes-thats-a-bald-eagle-on-your-delta-flight/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T14:07:14.338Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T14:07:14.338Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Yes, that’s a bald eagle on your Delta flight]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/DBWOXW5NANBPBO7BZZ46A4WX3M.JPG?auth=82b9d8dbeb576c3766bdcf4186a18467f665c08f0b2bc258274ad34edef6a2ce&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5146&amp;height=3431</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Assistant Director of Raptor Training and Education Amanda Sweeney escorts Independence, otherwise known as “Indy," as the bald eagle's crate is checked by security at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/CMHERWLOEFHD7IRHKQSTW4622M.JPG?auth=0d3a5b3f12771a04d4e8da27e218c4cecc72d9c24508866ecafad13ba9412718&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3493&amp;height=2329</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Independence stands still while her crate is checked by security at TSA at Hartsfield-Jackson on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/5PARTH22OZA4VECHFXBJQROWCQ.JPG?auth=07ded5db07d930f7f4fbb36d362787b63b7e82c16d9ad2a28a6f394298357540&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Raptor specialist Katie Pnewsji (right) speaks with young travelers about Indy the bald eagle before boarding their plane on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/JZ65BAGVGVF7FKBW7PKLNARU7Y.JPG?auth=5498fc7018e291c2d1915a7636bcb561db5acc9865cb0a4f477e5f47c317b80f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5322&amp;height=3548</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Assistant Director of Raptor Training and Education Amanda Sweeney pushes Independence, whose nickname is “Indy,” the bald eagle into the bag drop-off counter at the South Domestic Terminal of the airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/NAZILHCHX5F5BNZE7HDOV4B6GE.JPG?auth=50877de621a19e13ca31741111b552ce2979be69169f543b868a42af47c88086&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Barrie Stern and her son, Lev Karpay, 3, attempt to look into Independence’s crate at the airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC) ]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/Y2Q566KXZFB6VBHULUIQJYKFHU.JPG?auth=07c7fbf8d7abb33069b988860a55e488abbdbc40377d831ea935c849396f0249&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5157&amp;height=3438</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Delta flight attendants react to finding Independence the bald eagle at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC) 

]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/GBDCBACVZBATDDBWNPLCOCNMDQ.JPG?auth=59d6e2b7c87e3c4a3cfec34007e1b47dded442783dd098c798b9348b86d7bfaf&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Christi Mitchell snaps a photo of Independence the bald eagle at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC) ]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HWOHIRTRHVGP7PB3XP7EIZVSKQ.JPG?auth=4607005f1ae1e3818319f7cececdaafd6f563a8c4b5817d856f9b2ed7e512cd6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Independence is from Auburn University and travels in a crate through  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/EC3OYYF6OVDLLN46KNSG26PD64.JPG?auth=e6e8315e1165f2b22a4afb0cbd5421cffcfdd0ebdc1557dc98198541ec9b172c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5758&amp;height=3839</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Delta pilot Mike Cheri meets with the Auburn University Raptor Center team ahead of a flight to Philadelphia that will transport Independence the bald eagle to July Fourth festivities. (Estela Muñoz/AJC) ]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/NABEHGRMONCVJGTEIIYUJFOJ5A.JPG?auth=6c854a3a9ec6ce5144e2f5050ecc3c912dfda0a3b3d1399560366c38d97b362b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Travelers attempt to look into Independence’s crate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC) 

]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/XKSX3POIS5DNTANHNM4UPHXGTQ.JPG?auth=68ea58863434a0ce604a514633fc89b7e9ac7c6bd94be8dd5291f6d09ca02ca5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Travelers attempt to look into Indy's crate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC) 

]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/7NVDIZZPGFA6XDEZVYC7BX23PE.JPG?auth=c6440ecb3e6a3f3bd49e2a7a497e2cf71a0aa4f069c4ca5f7411f5fe64e9395f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5209&amp;height=3473</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[José Luis checks out Indy the bald eagle at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC) ]]></image:caption></image:image><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/EDL6TDGKLJF37PJNL4ZHWRU3QQ.JPG?auth=54a4d54f58d616c0e0090d7d23d927c14eca272d6a886b329e8959a5afb3a4e1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Indy's handlers bring ear plugs for travelers on the Delta flight with Independence. (Estela Muñoz/AJC) 

]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/peachtree/2026/07/2026-peachtree-road-race-t-shirt-revealed/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T14:06:39.815Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T14:06:39.815Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[2026 Peachtree Road Race T-shirt revealed]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/DHN4EU67RNFJFD6R3ODUAIS5BU.jpg?auth=6c0463b1b049afb1dda9bb32e7244c615f8155a2468c303d32fac829d7b5fb90&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The 2026 Peachtree T-shirt design, ‘We the Peaches,’ was created by Dyan Szall. (Courtesy Atlanta Track Club)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/andrew-mccutchen-is-pretty-cool-name-to-have-in-braves-organization/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T13:09:11.294Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T13:09:11.294Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Andrew McCutchen is ‘pretty cool name’ to have in Braves organization]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/5VZ2BYNXSFEMJHJWTT622AXIMA.jpg?auth=4b63de7fe1b2e2401619bd05c4377ab83dd83b373e97265b24b329c8145b599e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5616&amp;height=3744</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Former Texas Rangers designated hitter Andrew McCutchen is now part of the Braves organization. (David Zalubowski/AP file)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/5-things-hawks-fans-should-keep-an-eye-on-in-summer-league/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T13:08:25.206Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T13:08:25.206Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[5 things Hawks fans should keep an eye on in Summer League]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/2IDKN4S3IJGEFBTFQ4Q3KOPF4M.jpg?auth=d6e7e4c524c1aafa46cbc0112203f78c1a589995bf2f226c04ee64e53f814287&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5900&amp;height=3933</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Zuby Ejiofor (from left), Henri Veesaar and Kingston Flemings will find out during Summer League how they stack up against experienced NBA players. (Mike Stewart/AP)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/07/watch-the-recap-of-this-years-race/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T13:04:52.69Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T13:04:52.69Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Watch the recap of this year’s race]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/NMO3E25TEFGYHG2PONC4AXX6FA.JPG?auth=da602c9398adfb0af80eb64132a2c517bbb584cee286b00ceee0c10a0f642827&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5244&amp;height=3496</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Runners react as they begin at the starting line during the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/peachtree/2026/07/will-this-years-peachtree-road-race-be-the-hottest/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T11:34:41.844Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T11:34:41.844Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Will this year’s Peachtree Road Race be the hottest?]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/66GVHPP4D5O5JBZOLHCNNXEOKI.jpg?auth=2026387b0dcede5c7b5017e9d6150a9f5d908f9b643d1b3d519693c47981347b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=500&amp;height=355</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[There have been six years where the Peachtree Road Race began in heat greater than 80 degrees, but each of those began at 8 a.m or later. (Jason Getz/AJC file 2019)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/07/wheeler-alum-jaylen-brown-heads-to-sixers-in-trade-that-shocks-nba/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T10:32:09.88Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T10:32:09.88Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Wheeler alum Jaylen Brown heads to Sixers in trade that shocks NBA  ]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/GEDDPHCNS5BKTIEIECSA5QCOMA.JPG?auth=e3baed6bfee1ce5336e1d9d41f28e8d7f50c5f2425455d09ef9965c05cb44db2&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3894&amp;height=2596</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The Celtics traded five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown to the 76ers, ending a successful career that included a Finals MVP selection. (Jason Getz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/atlanta-weather/2026/07/july-4th-forecast-another-scorcher-in-metro-atlanta/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T10:10:47.135Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T10:10:47.135Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[July 4th forecast: Another scorcher in metro Atlanta]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HXN3CBUDDVBQNEBHW25H6FU4VY.JPG?auth=e7884a462f3c364aecc6b19235556ee5338900a841e3a1010ff5cb13817c8c1c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=7353&amp;height=4904</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A young girl fights the heat at FIFA Fan Fest in Centennial Park in Atlanta by using a portable fan July 1, 2026. Similar temperatures are expected July 4th. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/arts-entertainment/2026/07/fourth-of-july-marks-the-turning-point-of-the-natural-year/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T10:00:01.523Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T10:00:01.523Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Fourth of July marks the turning point of the natural year]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/YBG7FJDKXZGX5AYVSLCZMN6XOE.jpg?auth=5c94019e50cd54045ea116ffca0c86b77f6d7ddedfc626c2c98913275f06378b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=960&amp;height=1052</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[As a rule of thumb, male ruby throated hummingbirds and juveniles begin returning to backyard feeders to gain energy for fall migration around July Fourth. Females and other juveniles will follow later. (Photo: just to keep my hand in/Cteative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic?]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/opinion/2026/07/america-at-250-expand-who-is-seen-who-is-heard-and-who-has-opportunity/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T10:00:05.421Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T10:00:05.421Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[America at 250: Expand who is seen, who is heard and who has opportunity]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/RIDNWEOJEFC7VLJDNWZ3SCBBCI.jpg?auth=44282b31caf3d806baa5b7fe2e7d58c59c7c8222355f4756f9a20d10af7c70f9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1000&amp;height=563</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[In the 1970s, the YWCA offered dance classes for young girls, including this class in Harrisburg, Pa. (Courtesy of the YWCA)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/food-and-dining/2026/07/rreal-tacos-expands-into-florida-plus-more-from-atlantas-restaurant-scene/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T09:00:00.757Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T09:00:00.757Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Rreal Tacos expands into Florida, plus more from Atlanta’s restaurant scene]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[atlanta restaurant news,atlanta restaurant openings,new atlanta restaurants,atlanta breweries,atlanta restaurant closings,rreal tacos,beltline kevin,goliath summer lager,six flags over georgia,frog rock brewing company,pretty hens rotisserie,fiorenza alpharetta,van leeuwen atlanta,spiller park moores mill,mosaic bistro and pub,lowcountry steak]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/G3D4PEMUEBA4ZLQCIJ32QCHVJE.jpg?auth=a4b30e62cd9c9872e82077e4827015bb7442244515c6f952b2b5f3f3f583a24a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1463&amp;height=975</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Rreal Tacos has several locations in Atlanta. It serves up the genuine flavors of Mexican street food, complemented by a vast collection of 200 tequilas and more than 100 mezcals. (Courtesy of Rreal Tacos)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/food-and-dining/2026/07/america-250-these-4-georgia-foods-influenced-how-the-us-eats/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-04T09:00:02.752Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-04T09:00:02.752Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[America 250: These 4 Georgia foods influenced how the U.S. eats]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[america 250,fourth of july,july 4,atlanta food,atlanta influences everything,american food,iconic american food,united states semiquincentennial,classic american foods]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/E3YNLWSKSRBEXFOQPVMHA22DFY.JPG?auth=31b41e36abf6d23f7c422326a085534ebeaaaad9979d349eec9247716b4ed337&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5264&amp;height=3509</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Freshly baked biscuits cool on trays in the kitchen at Bomb Biscuit restaurant in Atlanta. (Natrice Miller/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/06/summer-heat-rises-in-atlanta-ahead-of-world-cup-july-4th-events/</loc><lastmod>2026-07-03T21:00:42.286Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>AJC</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-07-03T21:00:42.286Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Heat advisory issued, storms popping up as steamy July 4th weekend begins]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[fourth of july weather georgia,what is the weather in atlanta,july 4th forecast atalnta,heat index,heat advisory georgia]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/F245UR3RFNF67HEAGALBG2MBUU.JPG?auth=2db6b1d9fbabdde7427ebdab065129dfbe150cbf6748d5d1367ddafb9019ee61&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8192&amp;height=5464</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[People dip their feet in the water in an attempt to fight the heat at the FIFA Fan Festival in Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta on Saturday, June 27, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)]]></image:caption></image:image></url></urlset>