Atlanta Doing Better in 'Best Places to Live' Rankings | Patch PM

Stories to share this evening:

Atlanta Metro Climbs 'Best Places to Live' Rankings

The Atlanta metro area is no longer in the bottom half of the "Best Places to Live," according to new rankings out Tuesday from U.S. News and World Report. Atlanta is No. 50. Austin, Texas, was at the top of the list, followed by Denver, Colorado, and San Jose, California. >>> Read more.

Gwinnett Student's Tardy Excuse: 'Failed To Rise Up'

It was probably a bit of an epidemic in and around Atlanta on Monday. But these students at Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross are the only ones we know who used the soul-crushing feeling Atlanta Falcons fans experienced Sunday night as official excuses. >>> Read more.

Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan to Atlanta Fans: 'We Will Rise Up Again'

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan spoke out a day after his team shockingly lost to the New England Patriots. Ryan took to social media to console Atlanta fans, who had been jumping for joy for three quarters of Sunday's big game. >>> Read more.

More: Atlanta Falcons Hire Alabama's Steve Sarkisian as Offensive Coordinator

• John and Analyn Douglas enacted a scheme to defraud the company of more than $1.4 million in customer loyalty rewards and rebates.

Teen Hit By Gwinnett Police Officer Has Died

• Officer Scott York, who has been fired and arrested, was driving nearly 100 m.p.h. at the time, police say.

4 Year Old Missing, Mother Wanted, Gwinnett Police Say

• Serenity Dudley is believed to be with her mother, who does not have custody of the child.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Georgia network. The Patch community platform covers communities across the state.