WACN 21 News

New Georgia 400 interchange at McGinnis Ferry Road officially opens

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:10:00 -0400

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Commuters in the North Fulton and south Forsyth areas are finally seeing relief at one of the region’s most notorious traffic bottlenecks. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has officially opened the new full diamond interchange at Georgia 400 and McGinnis Ferry Road.

The long-awaited project, which officially opened to traffic on Thursday, June 25, 2026, represents the culmination of five years of construction and multi-jurisdictional planning.

Nearly half of Georgia families struggle to afford basic living costs, 2026 ALICE report warns

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:16:39 -0400

A new report released by the United Ways of Georgia reveals that nearly 44 percent of Georgia households are unable to afford the basic cost of living in their counties, highlighting deep economic strain despite the state’s post-pandemic growth.

The biennial ALICE Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), published in partnership with the national research organization United For ALICE, paints a stark picture of a working-class workforce that is working full-time but remains one emergency away from financial ruin.

World Cup: DR Congo and Uzbekistan face off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 09:15:00 -0400

The eyes of the soccer world turn to Atlanta tonight as Mercedes-Benz Stadium (officially referred to as Atlanta Stadium for the duration of the tournament) hosts a crucial Group K finale between DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 27, 2026. This match represents the third and final round of the group stage for both nations.

The Stakes: Knockout dreams vs. pride

For both teams, this match is a critical milestone in their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns, though their objectives differ significantly:

Metro Atlanta Braces for Triple-Digit Heat Index, Pop-Up Weekend Storms

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:16:00 -0400

Metro Atlanta residents are bracing for a sweltering weekend as a combination of high temperatures and intense humidity is set to push heat index values into the triple digits.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City has issued a hazardous weather outlook for north and central Georgia, warning that while actual air temperatures will hover around 91°F to 93°F, the high moisture content in the air will make it feel as hot as 102°F during the peak hours of Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Atlanta United loan contracts expire as World Cup stadium takeover continues

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 06:15:00 -0400

The FIFA World Cup has officially taken over Atlanta, but for Atlanta United, the global tournament brings a quiet roster transition and a historically long road trip.

The club confirmed this week that defender Juan Berrocal and midfielder Matías Galarza will officially depart the team when their loan agreements expire on June 30, 2026. The departures come at a strange time for the franchise, which is currently in the middle of a month-long MLS schedule pause while Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts the world’s biggest soccer matches.

Braves snap skid with 3-1 win over Giants; Suarez moves to IL, Waldrep recalled

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:05:00 -0400

The Atlanta Braves finally found their footing in the Bay Area.

Following a challenging stretch that saw them drop 10 of their last 13 games, the Braves snapped a four-game losing streak Friday night with a gritty 3-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park.

The win provides a critical boost for Atlanta (49-31), which has managed to maintain its lead in the National League East despite a recent wave of injuries and roster reshuffling.

Bourbon & Brisket Festival returns to The Battery Atlanta for its 3rd annual celebration

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 04:10:00 -0400

The summer festival season is in full swing in metro Atlanta, and foodies have a major destination this weekend. The 3rd Annual Bourbon & Brisket Festival returns to The Battery Atlanta on Saturday, June 27, 2026, bringing a mouth-watering combination of slow-smoked barbecue, premium spirits, and live entertainment to the plaza.

Running from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the single-day event is free and open to the public. Organizers expect record crowds this year, capitalizing on the high-energy atmosphere surrounding the retail and entertainment district.

Pinnacle Financial Partners to establish corporate headquarters in Midtown Atlanta

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:10:00 -0400

Midtown Atlanta’s corporate boom continues to accelerate as Nashville-based Pinnacle Financial Partners announced it will establish its new corporate headquarters at Ten Twenty Spring, a newly completed 25-story office tower anchoring the Spring Quarter district.

The financial institution has signed a major lease for 165,000 square feet spanning five full floors of the Class-A Midtown development. The move will relocate approximately 400 team members, including key senior and executive leadership, to Atlanta by the second half of 2027.

Niki in the Garden: Monumental exhibition returns to Atlanta Botanical Garden for 50th anniversary

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:07:00 -0400

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary in spectacular fashion this summer, welcoming back one of its most beloved historical showcases. “Niki in the Garden,” a monumental exhibition of works by the late French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, is officially open to the public, offering visitors a vibrant dialogue between high art and botanical beauty.

Running through September 6, 2026, the exhibition features more than 40 colossal, mosaic-covered sculptures. It represents one of the largest outdoor presentations of Saint Phalle’s work ever staged in North America. For long-time Atlantans, the exhibition carries a wave of nostalgia—it serves as a direct encore to the Garden’s landmark 2006 exhibition of the same name, which shattered attendance records two decades ago.

Where to watch the World Cup in Atlanta: The city's best public fan zones

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:15:00 -0400

Atlanta has officially been swept up in World Cup fever. As the city hosts eight matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the excitement isn’t just confined to the arena. Across the metro area, public parks and city squares are transforming into massive, open-air living rooms where fans from all over the globe gather to watch the drama unfold.

For those who didn’t land tickets to the matches, the city’s public fan zones offer the next best thing: high-energy, community-driven environments with giant screens, local food, and a truly global atmosphere. Here is where you should head to catch the action.

Atlanta Heat Dome Strains Fulton County Jail, Stretches Power Grid

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0400

An intense early-summer heat dome settled over the American Southeast on Friday, pushing temperatures in metro Atlanta to a scorching 96°F—with heat index values peaking at a dangerous 106°F—and exposing critical vulnerabilities in the region’s public infrastructure.

At the Fulton County Jail on Rice Street, a facility already under federal scrutiny, the extreme heat triggered partial failures of the main cooling systems. Inside the jail’s oldest housing towers, internal temperatures reportedly soared past 90 degrees, prompting emergency mitigation efforts from the Sheriff’s Office and sharp condemnation from local advocacy groups.

Fulton County issues boil-water advisory after Cascade Road water-main break

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:22:00 -0400

Fulton County issued a boil-water advisory Friday morning for parts of southwest Atlanta after a water-main break on Cascade Road SW sent water gushing into the roadway and forced emergency shutoffs that drained pressure in the local distribution network.

The advisory covers ZIP codes 30311 and 30331, county water-resources staff said in a 10:22 a.m. alert. Residents and businesses in those ZIPs should boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or preparing food. The advisory also applies to ice made from tap water.

The 10 best ice cream spots in metro Atlanta, ranked

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Summer in Atlanta runs on ice cream. The good news: the metro has more serious ice cream shops than at any point in the last decade.

Here’s my ranked list, from best to best-but-not-quite-as-best.

1. The Varsity — Midtown

The original location, open since 1928, is the platonic ideal of an Atlanta ice cream shop. The frosted orange (a Technicolor orange-vanilla milkshake) is the only correct order. Yes, the hot dogs are also great. That’s a separate list.

Freight train collides with semi-truck in Southwest Atlanta, disrupting MARTA service

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

ATLANTA — A collision between a CSX freight train and a tractor-trailer early Friday morning sent shockwaves through Southwest Atlanta, leaving a trail of charred debris, scattered mail packages, and triggering the temporary suspension of MARTA’s main south rail lines.

The collision occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. near the intersection of Lee Street SW and Sparks Street SW, adjacent to MARTA’s elevated tracks between the West End and Oakland City stations.

Kyle Pitts is back. The Falcons finally have a tight end worth building around.

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

For about 18 months, Kyle Pitts was the most-discussed tight end in the NFL and not for reasons the Falcons wanted.

A contract standoff. A question about whether he was a true #1. A 2025 season in which he put up respectable numbers but never felt like the player Atlanta mortgaged its 2021 first-round pick to get.

Through three days of training camp at Flowery Branch, that player is back.

Hartsfield-Jackson braces for 4 million passengers in July Fourth travel surge

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

If you’re flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for the Independence Day holiday, you’re not alone — and you should plan accordingly.

Airport officials said Thursday that they expect more than 4 million passengers to move through the world’s busiest airport during the travel period running from June 26 through July 7, a 12-day window that overlaps with the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the city.

Busiest days

Thursday, June 26, is projected to be the single busiest day of the surge, with an estimated 370,000 passengers. Other peak days include:

Six restaurants to try this July, from a Vietnamese omakase to a Decatur seafood house

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Atlanta’s restaurant openings this summer are unusually strong and unusually varied. After a sluggish stretch in 2024 and early 2025, the scene is back.

Here are the six openings I think are worth a booking — and one I’d skip.

Worth booking

1. Phở Bằng — West Midtown

The first dedicated Vietnamese omakase in Atlanta is also the first restaurant from chef Khánh Lê, who spent four years at NYC’s Di An Di. It’s an 8-seat counter, $145 a head, six courses that lean hard on regional Vietnamese flavors but skip the usual phở-and-bánh-mì hits. Bookings opened last week; the next available Saturday is August 16.

Hartsfield-Jackson sets new record for busiest day in airport history

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:30:00 -0400

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport logged its busiest day ever on Thursday, with 268,412 passengers moving through its terminals — a 4 percent jump over the previous record set in July 2019, the airport announced Friday morning.

The single-day total was driven by a confluence of factors, airport officials said: the kickoff of summer travel season, a major convention at the Georgia World Congress Center, and FIFA World Cup match-day traffic from fans heading to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta tech startup raises $80M Series B, plans West Coast expansion

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0400

A 4-year-old Atlanta fintech startup raised an $80 million Series B on Wednesday, one of the largest funding rounds by an Atlanta-based tech company this year.

The round was led by Sequoia Capital with participation from existing investors Founders Fund, Atlanta Ventures fund, and several strategic angels. The company is now valued at roughly $420 million post-money, according to a source familiar with the round.

The startup, which builds API infrastructure for small-business banking, has 95 employees today — most of them in Atlanta. The new funding will be used to open offices in San Francisco and Seattle, double the Atlanta engineering team to about 200, and accelerate product investment in AI-powered features.

Hawks trade for All-Star guard, reshape backcourt for 2026-27

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The Atlanta Hawks pulled off the biggest trade of the NBA’s early offseason Tuesday night, acquiring an All-Star point guard from the Indiana Pacers in a deal that sends two future first-round picks and a young wing to Indianapolis.

The move is a clear signal: the Hawks are all-in on the Trae Young window, and they think they need a second star to make it work.

What’s in the deal

Hawks get: A 25-year-old point guard, fresh off his first All-Star selection, plus a 2027 second-round pick
Pacers get: Two future first-round picks (2027 and 2029, both lightly protected), a 22-year-old wing who showed real promise as a rookie, and a $6.8 million traded-player exception

The Hawks’ 2027 first-rounder is top-8 protected, converting to a 2028 second-rounder if it doesn’t convey. The 2029 first is top-5 protected. Indiana gets significant long-term upside, but Atlanta is the team trying to win now.

Atlanta City Council passes $19M emergency package for migrant shelter overflow

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:15:00 -0400

The Atlanta City Council voted 11–4 late Wednesday to approve a $19 million emergency spending package aimed at shoring up the city’s two migrant shelter sites, which have been operating over capacity for the past five months.

The vote came after nearly three hours of public comment, with speakers split between supporters who said the shelters are a moral obligation and opponents who argued the funding should go to longer-term housing for existing unhoused Atlantans.

Fulton County commission approves controversial data-center rezoning

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

The Fulton County Commission voted 4-3 Wednesday night to rezone roughly 280 acres in south Fulton for two new hyperscale data centers, clearing the way for what would be among the largest such facilities in the country.

The vote, taken at a contentious 5-hour meeting, was the most-watched local political action in metro Atlanta this year. More than 200 people attended in person; the meeting room spilled over into an overflow space.

About WACN 21

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

WACN 21 News is Atlanta’s independent source for local news, politics, weather, sports, and culture. We launched in 2026 with a simple premise: a great city deserves news coverage that takes it seriously.

What we cover

We cover the city of Atlanta, the broader metro, and the state of Georgia. Our beat map:

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Braves pitching staff quietly becomes one of MLB's best, despite trade-deadline doubts

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:00:00 -0400

For most of April, the question around the Atlanta Braves was whether the rotation would hold together long enough for the team to make a serious run.

Through April 28, Braves starters had a 5.12 ERA — third-worst in the National League. The bullpen was no better. The team’s World Series odds, per FanGraphs, had dipped to 8.4 percent.

Six weeks later, those numbers look almost quaint.

Since May 1, Braves pitchers lead the National League in:

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June 2026

June 25, 2026 — Atlanta’s data center boom has a water problem nobody wants to solve

An earlier version of this column said the Georgia EPD has approved 41 new high-volume water withdrawal permits for data-center operations since 2023. That figure was based on a partial review of the state’s online permit database and is being re-verified. The figure reflects applications received, not necessarily permits issued. We have requested the final approval documents from the EPD and will update the column when we have them. — Lena Bishop, Opinion Editor

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WACN 21 Newsroom

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Meet the WACN 21 newsroom.

Leadership

Lena Bishop — Opinion Editor. Reach her at lbishop@wacn21.com.

Reporters

Marcus James — Senior Politics Reporter. mjames@wacn21.com. Covers the Georgia statehouse, Atlanta city hall, and federal politics as it hits the metro.
Elena Vásquez — City Hall & Transportation Reporter. evasquez@wacn21.com. Covers Atlanta’s daily commute, transit fights (MARTA is her first love), and the city budget.
Aisha Bell — Business & Economy Reporter. abell@wacn21.com. Covers the Atlanta economy — from the data-center boom to the small businesses holding on in West End.
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DeKalb County embarks on largest road repaving program in a decade

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:00:00 -0400

DeKalb County is launching its largest road repaving program in a decade, spending $87 million to resurface 230 lane-miles of residential streets over the next two years, county officials announced Wednesday.

The program — funded by a mix of the county’s 2024 SPLOST (special-purpose local-option sales tax), state gas-tax revenue, and federal infrastructure dollars — is the first time DeKalb has invested at this scale in residential paving since 2016.

BeltLine's Southside trail gap is finally closing. Here's what's opening — and what isn't.

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400

The Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside trail — long mocked as the gap where the city’s signature greenway project abruptly ends in southwest Atlanta — is finally within sight of completion.

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. confirmed Wednesday that the two-mile segment between the Oakland City MARTA station and the West End MARTA station is on track to open to pedestrians and cyclists by mid-October, ahead of the originally promised 2027 deadline.

For the residents of some of the city’s most park-poor neighborhoods, the news is real. It’s also a long time coming.

Piedmont Park gets major renovation, including a new public pool

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s most-visited green space, is getting a top-to-bottom renovation that will close most of the park for nearly a year.

The $48 million project begins September 1, 2026 and runs through August 2027. The work will add a public swimming pool (Atlanta’s first in a generation), a redesigned playground, new restrooms throughout the park, and a complete overhaul of the park’s aging plumbing, electrical, and irrigation systems.

The Piedmont Park Conservancy, which manages the park under a long-term agreement with the city, is leading the project and funding about 70 percent of it privately. The remaining 30 percent comes from a 2024 parks bond passed by Atlanta voters.

Atlanta Public Schools launches universal free lunch program

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Atlanta Public Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch to every student beginning this fall, regardless of household income, under a new policy unanimously approved by the school board Tuesday night.

The Universal Free Lunch program covers all 50,200 students across APS’s 87 schools — making it one of the largest school districts in the country to extend free meals to every child, regardless of need.

What’s in the program

Free breakfast for all K-12 students, served in classrooms or cafeterias
Free lunch for all K-12 students
Free after-school snacks at all schools with after-care programs
No paperwork — no income verification, no enrollment forms, no opt-in

The program is funded through a combination of:

Cobb County schools adopt new phone-in-pocket policy for high schoolers

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Cobb County School District will require all high schoolers to keep their phones in lockable pouches during the school day, starting this fall.

The policy, approved by the school board in a 5-2 vote Tuesday night, applies to all 6 traditional Cobb high schools and about 23,000 students. It’s modeled on a program that started in Yondr and has been adopted by districts in California, New York, and elsewhere.

How it works

At the start of each school day, students will be issued a Yondr pouch — a soft, magnetic-locking case — at a designated checkpoint. They slide their phone in, lock it, and keep the case with them. The pouch has no key — only a base-station unlocking device at the school’s front office can release the phone at the end of the day.

T. Rex exhibition opens at Fernbank. Here's what to actually see — and skip.

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The blockbuster T. Rex: The Ultimate Predator opens Saturday at Fernbank Museum in the Druid Hills neighborhood. I walked through the entire exhibit Tuesday so you don’t have to fight the first-weekend crowds unprepared.

What to actually see

The juvenile T. rex cast

The single best thing in the show is a life-sized cast of a juvenile T. rex — about 11 feet long, covered in downy feathers. It’s the first time a juvenile has been reconstructed at this size for public viewing, and it does a much better job than the giant adult skeleton of showing what the animal actually looked like.

Georgia's film industry rebounds, but Atlanta's grip is slipping

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Georgia’s film and TV production industry is in the middle of a strong rebound — but the growth is happening outside Atlanta for the first time in a generation.

The state booked $4.4 billion in film production spending in the first half of 2026, up 22 percent from the same period last year, according to numbers released by the Georgia Department of Economic Development on Tuesday. The full-year 2026 number is on track to exceed the all-time high set in 2022.

Atlanta's data center boom has a water problem nobody wants to solve

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

I want to talk about something the Atlanta metro’s data-center boom has been quietly doing for the past three years, and that nobody in a position to do anything about it seems to want to discuss in public.

Water.

Hyperscale data centers — the massive warehouses that run cloud computing and AI training — use staggering amounts of water for cooling. A single medium-sized facility uses as much water per day as a small city. The largest ones use more than some Georgia counties.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium gets $200M renovation: what fans will see in 2027

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is getting another top-to-bottom renovation.

Team owner Arthur Blank has approved a $200 million capital project covering most of the fan-facing areas of the 9-year-old venue. The work will be done in two offseasons — this winter and next — so neither the Atlanta Falcons nor Atlanta United have to play a home game outside the building.

The project is Blank’s third major capital infusion into MBS, on top of the original $1.5 billion construction and a $55 million concourse overhaul in 2022.

Atlanta's high school football scene is quietly having its best season in a decade

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Metro Atlanta high school football is having a moment.

Three teams from the metro are ranked in the MaxPreps top 25 going into the 2026 fall season — Buford, Grayson, and Westlake — the most the metro has had in any year since 2014.

It’s a notable result for a metro that, despite producing a steady stream of NFL talent, has rarely had multiple teams competing at the national level in the same season.

Opinion: The World Cup showed MARTA what it can be — now keep it up

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Let me say something MARTA riders have been waiting a long time to hear: the system has been excellent during the World Cup.

Not adequate. Not “better than expected.” Excellent. Five-minute headways, every day. Transit Ambassadors on every platform, speaking multiple languages, actually helping people. A contactless fare system that works. Crime down. Trains running on time. Two hundred and twenty thousand rail riders in a single day — and the wheels didn’t come off.

MARTA shatters single-day ridership record as 220,000 rail riders flood system for World Cup

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

MARTA shattered its single-day rail ridership record Wednesday as fans streaming to the Morocco-Haiti World Cup match pushed the system to 220,000 rail customers — roughly 2.3 times the agency’s typical weekday volume.

It was the busiest day in the transit agency’s history, and officials said it validated months of planning that many riders and critics had questioned heading into the tournament.

By the numbers

Since the FIFA World Cup kicked off in Atlanta on June 11, MARTA has transported approximately 1.7 million passengers to matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park, and related events across the city.

Atlanta man exonerated after 22 years in prison, lawsuit against city begins

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:00:00 -0400

Marcus Holloway walked out of the Fulton County Jail at 4:47 p.m. Friday — 22 years, 3 months, and 11 days after he was arrested for a murder he has always said he did not commit.

DNA testing on a cigarette butt found at the original crime scene — never tested at trial — excluded Holloway as a contributor. A second test on a hairshaft found on the victim reached the same conclusion. The Fulton County District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit moved to vacate the conviction within hours of receiving the lab reports.

Atlanta United's Five Stripes to become Five Stripes FC in brand refresh

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Atlanta United is getting a new name — and it’s a bigger change than the club has made in its 9-year history.

Starting with the 2027 season, the club will officially be known as Five Stripes FC, dropping “Atlanta” from the front of its name and adopting a new crest, new kit, and a brand-new visual identity. The change was confirmed by the club’s front office on Tuesday.

The move is being framed by the club as an evolution, not a rebrand, but the visible changes are large. The crest — designed by the club’s in-house creative team with input from supporters’ groups — retains the iconic five gold stripes on a black field, but the shape, typography, and details are all new.

Brian Kemp endorses Burt Jones for governor. The primary is suddenly up for grabs.

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Gov. Brian Kemp endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for governor Tuesday afternoon, ending weeks of speculation and reshuffling a Republican primary that had been widely expected to be a smooth ride for the incumbent.

The endorsement came after a roughly 30-minute phone call between the two men, according to a Kemp senior adviser who confirmed the conversation to WACN 21.

What changed

Until last week, Jones’ path to the nomination looked nearly impossible. State Sen. Greg Dolezal of Cumming had been consolidating support from Kemp’s inner circle, and Attorney General Chris Carr had been quietly prepping for his own entry.

Atlanta mayor unveils $200M affordable housing bond proposal

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Mayor Andre Dickens unveiled a $200 million affordable housing bond proposal Tuesday morning, the largest single-purpose bond the city has ever put before voters.

If approved in the November general election, the bond would fund roughly 8,000 units of affordable housing over the next six years, with priority for renters earning less than $50,000 a year and homebuyers earning less than $80,000 a year.

The proposal is the centerpiece of the mayor’s second-term housing agenda and the most expensive ballot measure in Atlanta since the 2015 Renew Atlanta infrastructure bond.

How one Decatur family cut their grocery bill by 41% — and ate better

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

When Marisol and Trey Ackerman sat down in January to look at their 2025 credit-card statements, the number that jumped out wasn’t their mortgage payment or their car insurance. It was food.

The Ackermans — Marisol (a pediatric nurse), Trey (a software engineer), and their two kids, ages 6 and 9 — spent $1,142 a month on groceries in 2025. They live in a comfortable Decatur bungalow and shop mostly at the DeKalb International Farmers Market and the local Publix.

Hawks Bet on 'Optionality' in 2026 NBA Draft, Select Flemings at No. 8

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:30:00 -0400

The Atlanta Hawks entered Tuesday night’s NBA Draft with a clear mandate: add young, versatile talent to a roster in transition without mortgaging the future. By the time the final pick was announced, president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh and his front office had delivered on that promise — three times over.

Atlanta selected guard Kingston Flemings out of Houston with the eighth overall pick, added St. John’s forward-center Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23 and then traded up to grab Estonian center Henri Veesaar with the 52nd pick. Together, the three selections paint a picture of a franchise leaning into youth, defensive versatility and long-term roster flexibility.

Georgia Legislature Passes Voting Machine Delay in Special Session

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:00:00 -0400

Georgia lawmakers concluded a closely watched special session Monday, sending a consequential election-administration bill to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk just days before a sweeping ban on QR-coded ballots was set to take effect.

Kemp signed Senate Bill 3EX into law on Wednesday, June 25, resetting the state’s timeline for overhauling its ballot-marking devices and adding a new safeguard for razor-thin statewide contests.

What the Law Does

The measure addresses two central concerns that have dogged Georgia’s election apparatus since the state adopted touchscreen ballot-marking devices in 2020:

Three-year bachelor's degrees are coming to Georgia. The numbers actually work.

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400

The University System of Georgia last week approved a pilot program that will let participating students finish a bachelor’s degree in three years instead of four — at roughly 75 percent of the total cost.

The reaction has split predictably. Higher-ed traditionalists think it’s a terrible idea. Reformers think it’s long overdue. Both are partly right.

Here’s my read.

What the pilot actually is

Twenty-six of the system’s 26 public universities are eligible to participate. Each will design three-year pathways in selected majors — initially mostly in business, computer science, and engineering. The first students will enroll fall 2027.

Georgia Supreme Court rules in favor of Atlanta in long-running water rights case

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0400

The Georgia Supreme Court ruled 6-1 Monday that Atlanta’s current water-withdrawal permits from Lake Lanier are valid, ending — for now — a 14-year legal fight over the metro area’s most important water source.

But the court’s reasoning was narrower than Atlanta had hoped, leaving the door open for future challenges as the region grows and as upstream states press for stricter limits.

The case

The suit was brought in 2012 by Alabama and Florida, both of which sit downstream on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) river basin and have argued for decades that Atlanta’s withdrawals from Lake Lanier — built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s — leave too little water flowing south.

Georgia Power asks regulators for 12% rate hike. Here's what's actually in the filing.

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Georgia Power filed a 178-page rate case with the Georgia Public Service Commission on Monday asking for a roughly 12 percent average increase in residential base rates, effective January 1, 2027.

If approved in full, the increase would push the typical residential bill — already among the highest in the Southeast — by about $18 per month for a household using 1,000 kWh.

But the more revealing thing about the filing isn’t the headline number. It’s the breakdown of what’s actually driving it.

What Atlanta's economy actually looks like in 2026

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

By the numbers, metro Atlanta’s economy is in the best shape it’s been in 20 years.

Real GDP is up 3.4 percent year-over-year, the strongest growth of any major US metro
Unemployment is 3.1 percent, the lowest since 2000
Job growth has run positive for 41 straight months
Median household income is up 5.2 percent year-over-year to $78,400
Population growth is the highest of any US metro, with the metro adding roughly 70,000 new residents per year

These are the kind of numbers that economists describe as “the strongest economy of our lifetimes” — and they’re real.

MARTA board approves long-delayed bus network redesign. Here's what's changing in August.

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:00:00 -0400

MARTA’s board of directors voted 8–2 Thursday to approve the long-delayed NextGen Bus Network redesign — the first top-to-bottom overhaul of the agency’s bus map in roughly 40 years.

The new network goes live August 24.

If you ride MARTA buses in Atlanta, your route is almost certainly changing. Here’s what to know.

What’s getting better

The redesign follows a “high-frequency grid” model that has become standard in peer cities like Houston, Seattle, and Denver. The principle: concentrate service on a smaller number of routes that run every 15 minutes or better, every day, all day.

Hawks extend Buddy Hield's guaranteed date, maintain roster flexibility

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The Atlanta Hawks and veteran guard Buddy Hield have agreed to extend the guaranteed date on his $9.6 million contract, the team confirmed Monday, a move that preserves both the player’s security and the organization’s financial flexibility heading into a pivotal offseason.

The agreement does not change the dollar amount of Hield’s deal. Instead, it pushes the deadline by which the Hawks must decide whether to guarantee the contract or waive him, giving the front office more time to evaluate trade scenarios and free-agent targets.

Spain routs Saudi Arabia 4–0 in Atlanta as Yamal and Oyarzabal shine at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 22:30:00 -0400

Spain left no doubt in their second Group H match, dismantling Saudi Arabia 4–0 Sunday evening at a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a performance that emphatically erased memories of their opening-match draw.

A crowd of more than 71,000 watched the reigning European champions seize control inside the first quarter-hour and never look back.

Yamal sets the tone

Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger who has become one of the tournament’s most electrifying talents, broke the deadlock in the 11th minute with a curling effort from the right side of the box that beat the Saudi goalkeeper at the near post.

Atlanta Crime Down 14% This Year, but Transit Violence Keeps Public on Edge

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

By the numbers, Atlanta is having one of its safest years in recent memory. The Atlanta Police Department reported a 14% year-to-date decrease in overall crime through mid-June, with steep declines across several categories that have long frustrated residents and business owners.

But statistics tell only part of the story. A series of high-profile random violent incidents on the city’s transit system has put public safety back at the top of the conversation — and tested whether data-driven progress can overcome the visceral fear that a single headline can produce.

14th Annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival Returns to Piedmont Park June 19-21

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

One of Atlanta’s most anticipated summer traditions is back — and this year’s celebration promises to be the biggest yet.

The 14th Annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival will take over Piedmont Park from June 19 through June 21, offering three full days of parades, live music, health and wellness programming and community activities that honor the history and culture of Black Americans.

The event has grown steadily since its founding in 2013, and organizers say this year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the Southeast.

From HOA Transparency to Faster Robots: 120-Plus New Georgia Laws Take Effect July 1

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

When the calendar turns to July 1, Georgians will wake up to a substantially reshaped legal landscape. More than 120 bills signed into law during the 2026 legislative session take effect that day, touching everything from homeowner association governance to how fast a sidewalk robot can deliver your lunch.

Here is a breakdown of the most consequential changes.

Property Owners Get a Bill of Rights

Senate Bill 406, the Property Owners’ Bill of Rights, is one of the session’s headline measures. The law imposes new transparency and accountability requirements on homeowner and property owner associations statewide. Its attorney’s fees provisions take effect July 1, with the majority of the act’s requirements kicking in on January 1, 2027.

Falcons minicamp wraps with QB competition still unresolved — Penix 'progressing' from knee injury

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0400

The Atlanta Falcons wrapped up mandatory minicamp Saturday in Flowery Branch with the biggest question of the offseason still officially unanswered: Who starts at quarterback?

Tua Tagovailoa, the veteran who signed a minimum-salary deal in March, took the majority of first-team reps during the three-day camp. But Michael Penix Jr., the 2024 first-round pick who is working his way back from a knee injury that ended his rookie season, was on the field in a limited capacity and threw with increasing confidence as the week progressed.

Decatur WatchFest '26 turns downtown into an open-air World Cup party through July 19

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

If you can’t score a ticket to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Decatur has the next best thing.

The city’s downtown square has been transformed into an open-air World Cup viewing destination called WatchFest ‘26, featuring large-format screens broadcasting every televised match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through July 19.

The event, organized by the Decatur Downtown Development Authority in partnership with local restaurants and sponsors, launched on June 11 and has quickly become one of the most popular community-level watch-party destinations in metro Atlanta.

Georgia schools ban personal devices 'bell to bell' starting July 1 — here's what parents need to know

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Starting July 1, every public school in Georgia serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade must have a policy in place restricting personal electronic devices during the instructional day.

The mandate — passed by the General Assembly during the 2025 legislative session and expanded in 2026 — requires what lawmakers have called a “bell-to-bell” restriction: from the moment students enter the building in the morning to the moment they leave in the afternoon, personal phones, smartwatches, and tablets must be stowed and inaccessible.

FIFA Fan Festival Opens at Centennial Olympic Park as Atlanta Gears Up for World Cup Matches

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The world’s biggest sporting event has arrived in Atlanta, and the party is already underway.

The official FIFA Fan Festival opened Wednesday at Centennial Olympic Park, transforming the 22-acre green space into a vibrant, open-air celebration of international soccer that will run through July 19. The festival serves as the city’s central gathering point for fans who want to experience the energy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — whether or not they hold a ticket to a match inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Cosm Atlanta Opens at Centennial Yards, Bringing 70,000-Square-Foot Immersive Dome to Downtown

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Downtown Atlanta’s entertainment landscape shifted dramatically Tuesday evening as Cosm Atlanta officially opened its doors inside the sprawling Centennial Yards development, delivering a 70,000-square-foot immersive venue unlike anything the city has seen before.

The facility’s centerpiece — a massive dome lined with more than 12,000 LED panels — is engineered to surround guests in what the company calls a “shared reality” experience. Rather than strapping on a headset, visitors sit beneath the curved screen and watch live sports, concerts and original programming that fills their entire field of vision.

Atlanta's housing market cools to a crawl: What buyers and sellers need to know this summer

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

If you’ve been watching Atlanta’s real-estate market this spring, you’ve probably noticed the change: fewer open-house stampedes, more price reductions, and a general sense that the feverish pace of the pandemic era has given way to something far more cautious.

Industry data confirm the vibes. Metro Atlanta’s housing market is now widely described as balanced — a polite way of saying it has cooled considerably from the seller-dominated sprint of 2021 through early 2024.

MARTA postpones new CQ400 railcar debut, misses World Cup target

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

MARTA will not have its highly anticipated new railcars in passenger service in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the agency confirmed Friday, acknowledging that the debut of the CQ400 fleet has been delayed by unfinished safety testing and federal certification requirements.

The setback means the transit system will rely entirely on its existing fleet of refurbished heavy-rail cars — some of which are more than 40 years old — to handle what is expected to be the largest surge in ridership in the agency’s history.

Centennial Yards Lands The Busy Bee, Varuni Napoli and Chops Lobster Bar Ahead of World Cup

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400

The dining options at Centennial Yards are about to get a serious upgrade.

Developers behind the massive downtown Atlanta project announced Friday that three acclaimed restaurant brands — The Busy Bee Café, Varuni Napoli and Chops Lobster Bar — will open locations within the development, joining Wild Leap Brewery in what is quickly becoming one of the city’s most ambitious culinary corridors.

The additions come at a critical moment: with the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing hundreds of thousands of international visitors to Atlanta this summer, Centennial Yards is racing to ensure its dining scene matches the scale of the event happening next door at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Dubón, Albies Power Braves Past Blue Jays as Atlanta Stays Atop NL East

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:45:00 -0400

The bats at Truist Park had something to say Wednesday night.

Mauricio Dubón and Ozzie Albies each launched home runs as the Atlanta Braves defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in an interleague matchup that showcased the kind of power and timely hitting that has kept Atlanta perched atop the National League East standings all season.

The victory improved the Braves’ overall record to a sterling 48-31, a mark that leads the division and ranks among the best in all of baseball as the calendar pushes deeper into June.

Atlanta Greek Picnic returns to Atlantic Station with four days of HBCU culture and community

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400

One of Atlanta’s signature summer traditions is back.

The Atlanta Greek Picnic returns to Atlantic Station from June 4 through 7, bringing four days of step shows, day parties, networking events, community service, and celebrations of Black Greek-letter organizations and HBCU culture to the Midtown shopping and entertainment district.

Now in its second decade, the event has grown from a modest reunion weekend into one of the largest annual gatherings of Black fraternity and sorority members in the Southeast, drawing thousands of alumni, students, and community members to Atlanta each year.

Georgia teachers embrace AI for lesson planning, but worry about student thinking skills

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Nearly 60 percent of Georgia’s public-school teachers are now using generative artificial intelligence tools for instructional planning and preparation, according to a report released this week by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.

The finding represents a striking rate of adoption for a technology that was barely on educators’ radar three years ago — and it comes with both enthusiasm and unease.

What teachers are doing with AI

The audit surveyed a representative sample of teachers across metro Atlanta, middle Georgia, and rural districts in the southern part of the state. The most common uses reported were:

MARTA Flips the Switch on Better Breeze Contactless Fare System

Sat, 30 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

MARTA riders walked up to fare gates across the Atlanta rail network Friday afternoon and did something that would have been unthinkable just months ago — they tapped a bank card, held up a phone, or flicked a smartwatch, and walked right through.

The transit authority’s Better Breeze contactless fare system went fully live on May 30, marking one of the most visible changes to the daily commuting experience in the system’s four-decade history.

Soaking May rains ease Georgia drought, but Lake Lanier still lags behind

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

After months of watching reservoirs shrink and stream gauges plummet, Georgia caught a break in May.

Metro Atlanta recorded more than five inches of rain during the month — well above the historical average and enough to rank May 2026 among the wettest on record for parts of the state. The rainfall recharged topsoil moisture, greened up parched lawns, and provided meaningful relief to farmers in south Georgia who had been drawing heavily on irrigation wells.

Six Flags Over Georgia Launches SPLASH! Water Parade for Summer 2026

Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Summer at Six Flags Over Georgia just got a whole lot wetter.

The iconic Austell theme park has launched SPLASH! Water Parade, a brand-new seasonal water attraction and event series that kicked off in late May and is set to run throughout the summer months. The addition gives families one more reason to head to the park during Georgia’s notoriously sweltering season — and a built-in way to cool down between roller coaster rides.

Flash Flooding Swamps Downtown Connector, Midtown as Storms Pound Metro Atlanta

Wed, 20 May 2026 16:45:00 -0400

A line of severe thunderstorms tore across metro Atlanta Wednesday afternoon, dumping several inches of rain in under two hours and sending floodwater cascading across the Downtown Connector, through Midtown intersections, and into low-lying neighborhoods on the city’s west side.

The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning for Fulton and DeKalb counties shortly after 3 p.m. By 4 p.m., the consequences were visible across the city.

Downtown Connector Submerged

The most dramatic flooding occurred along the Downtown Connector — the merged stretch of Interstates 75 and 85 that carries more than 300,000 vehicles per day through the heart of the city.

Atlanta school superintendent Richard Woods secures GOP primary nod; will face Democrat Lydia Powell in November

Wed, 20 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Incumbent State School Superintendent Richard Woods secured the Republican nomination for a third term on Tuesday night, easily dispatching a primary challenger to advance to the November general election.

Woods will face Lydia Powell, a former DeKalb County middle-school principal and education-policy advocate, who won the Democratic nomination in an uncontested race. The general election matchup sets up a clear contrast between an incumbent who has championed a conservative education agenda — including expanded school choice and the science of reading — and a challenger who has focused on equitable funding, teacher pay, and reducing standardized testing.

Georgia Primary Recap: Voters Head to Runoffs After Crowded May Contests

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:00:00 -0400

Georgia voters turned out Tuesday for the state’s General Primary and Nonpartisan Election, casting ballots in a slate of contests that will shape the political landscape heading into November’s general election.

With polls closing at 7 p.m. across the state, early returns made one thing clear: several marquee races would not be decided tonight.

A Crowded Ballot Sends Races to Runoff

Under Georgia law, primary candidates must clear a majority threshold — 50% plus one vote — to win outright. In a cycle defined by multi-candidate fields, a number of high-profile races fell short of that mark, setting the stage for a June 16 runoff election that will trim each contest to two finalists.

Carter Center Marks 30 Years of Mental Health Advocacy at Annual Atlanta Forum

Tue, 19 May 2026 17:00:00 -0400

For three decades, one Atlanta institution has kept mental health at the center of the national policy conversation. This May, the Carter Center gathered clinicians, lawmakers, advocates and patients for its 30th annual Mental Health Forum — a milestone that underscored both how far the movement has come and how much work remains.

A Legacy Rooted in Atlanta

The forum traces its origins to the mid-1990s, when former First Lady Rosalynn Carter made mental health her signature cause and transformed the Carter Center’s public-health portfolio into one of the most influential platforms in the field. What began as a small convening of researchers and advocates has grown into a nationally recognized event that regularly shapes legislative agendas and clinical guidelines.

Kemp signs Georgia Early Literacy Act, putting a reading coach in every elementary school

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 into law Monday, committing the state to its most ambitious investment in childhood reading instruction in at least a generation.

The legislation — House Bill 1193 — directs Quality Basic Education funding to place a dedicated literacy coach in every public school serving students in kindergarten through third grade. The Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $70 million for school-based coaches and an additional $18.5 million for regional coaching coordinators.

Georgia declares statewide Level 1 drought response as reservoir levels drop

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:30:00 -0400

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division declared a statewide Level 1 Drought Response on Sunday, citing record-low stream flows and deepening reservoir deficits that have pushed roughly 80 percent of the state into extreme or exceptional drought categories.

It is the most significant drought declaration the state has issued since the severe water crisis of 2007.

Lake Lanier’s slide

The state’s largest water source tells the story in numbers. Lake Lanier sat at approximately 1,065.7 feet above mean sea level as of Sunday afternoon — more than five feet below the Army Corps of Engineers’ full-pool target of 1,071 feet.

MARTA Rolls Out NextGen Bus Network in Biggest Overhaul Since the 1970s

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:30:00 -0400

When MARTA buses rolled out of their depots before dawn Saturday, they followed a map that would have been unrecognizable to drivers just 24 hours earlier.

The transit authority’s NextGen Bus Network went live on April 18, replacing virtually every route in the system in what officials are calling the most comprehensive overhaul of Atlanta’s bus service since the original network was drawn more than half a century ago.

A System Built for a Different City

MARTA’s previous bus network was largely inherited from the Atlanta Transit System and had remained structurally similar since the 1970s. Routes followed legacy corridors that in many cases no longer reflected where Atlantans live, work, and travel.

A New Chapter at Truist Park: Walt Weiss Takes the Reins of the Atlanta Braves

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0400

The crack of the bat sounds the same. The red dirt at Truist Park still kicks up in familiar clouds under the Georgia sun. But when the Atlanta Braves took the field for the 2026 season, one unmistakable change greeted fans — the man standing at the top step of the dugout.

Walt Weiss, the former AL Rookie of the Year shortstop and longtime Braves bench coach, has officially stepped into the manager’s chair following the retirement of Brian Snitker, the beloved skipper who guided Atlanta through one of its most successful stretches in franchise history.

Falcons Sign Tua Tagovailoa to Veteran-Minimum Deal, Setting Up QB Competition With Penix

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:30:00 -0400

The Atlanta Falcons added a familiar name to their quarterback room on Sunday, signing former Miami Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa to a veteran-minimum contract in a move that injects immediate competition — and intrigue — into the most scrutinized position on the roster.

The deal, confirmed by multiple league sources, represents one of the most notable value plays of the 2026 free-agency period and sets the stage for a quarterback battle that will dominate the offseason conversation in Atlanta.

MARTA Launches Reach On-Demand Microtransit in 12 Zones Across Metro Atlanta

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500

For years, the knock on MARTA’s bus network has been straightforward: if you don’t live near a major corridor, the system doesn’t really work for you. On Saturday morning, the transit authority took its most ambitious step yet toward changing that.

MARTA Reach, a new on-demand microtransit service, began carrying passengers in 12 zones across the agency’s service area on March 7, giving riders in historically underserved neighborhoods a new way to connect to the broader transit network.

Hartsfield-Jackson Unveils 'Blue Skies' Exhibit Celebrating 100 Years of Atlanta's Airport

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500

A century ago, the patch of land that would become the world’s busiest airport was little more than an abandoned racetrack on the south side of Atlanta. On Thursday, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport unveiled a permanent exhibit designed to make sure no one forgets how far the journey has been.

“Blue Skies: 100 Years of the Atlanta Airport” opened to the public in the pedestrian hallway between Concourses D and E on February 26, anchoring the airport’s yearlong centennial celebration with a sprawling, multimedia walk through aviation history. The exhibit is accessible to ticketed passengers past the security checkpoint.

Falcons Lock Down Kyle Pitts With Franchise Tag, Continue Building Through Free Agency

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500

The Atlanta Falcons made their most significant roster move of the early offseason Monday, placing the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts and ensuring one of the league’s most physically gifted pass-catchers will remain in Atlanta for at least one more season.

The decision, while not unexpected, removes a layer of uncertainty from a Falcons offense that has increasingly leaned on Pitts as a centerpiece of the passing attack. The tag guarantees Pitts a fully guaranteed, one-year salary at the tight end franchise number while the two sides continue to negotiate a potential long-term extension.

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WACN 21 News

New Georgia 400 interchange at McGinnis Ferry Road officially opens

Nearly half of Georgia families struggle to afford basic living costs, 2026 ALICE report warns

World Cup: DR Congo and Uzbekistan face off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Stakes: Knockout dreams vs. pride

Metro Atlanta Braces for Triple-Digit Heat Index, Pop-Up Weekend Storms

Atlanta United loan contracts expire as World Cup stadium takeover continues

Braves snap skid with 3-1 win over Giants; Suarez moves to IL, Waldrep recalled

Bourbon & Brisket Festival returns to The Battery Atlanta for its 3rd annual celebration

Pinnacle Financial Partners to establish corporate headquarters in Midtown Atlanta

Niki in the Garden: Monumental exhibition returns to Atlanta Botanical Garden for 50th anniversary

Where to watch the World Cup in Atlanta: The city's best public fan zones

Atlanta Heat Dome Strains Fulton County Jail, Stretches Power Grid

Fulton County issues boil-water advisory after Cascade Road water-main break

The 10 best ice cream spots in metro Atlanta, ranked

1. The Varsity — Midtown

Freight train collides with semi-truck in Southwest Atlanta, disrupting MARTA service

Kyle Pitts is back. The Falcons finally have a tight end worth building around.

Hartsfield-Jackson braces for 4 million passengers in July Fourth travel surge

Busiest days

Six restaurants to try this July, from a Vietnamese omakase to a Decatur seafood house

Worth booking

1. Phở Bằng — West Midtown

Hartsfield-Jackson sets new record for busiest day in airport history

Atlanta tech startup raises $80M Series B, plans West Coast expansion

Hawks trade for All-Star guard, reshape backcourt for 2026-27

What’s in the deal

Atlanta City Council passes $19M emergency package for migrant shelter overflow

Fulton County commission approves controversial data-center rezoning

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DeKalb County embarks on largest road repaving program in a decade

BeltLine's Southside trail gap is finally closing. Here's what's opening — and what isn't.

Piedmont Park gets major renovation, including a new public pool

Atlanta Public Schools launches universal free lunch program

What’s in the program

Cobb County schools adopt new phone-in-pocket policy for high schoolers

How it works

T. Rex exhibition opens at Fernbank. Here's what to actually see — and skip.

What to actually see

The juvenile T. rex cast

Georgia's film industry rebounds, but Atlanta's grip is slipping

Atlanta's data center boom has a water problem nobody wants to solve

Mercedes-Benz Stadium gets $200M renovation: what fans will see in 2027

Atlanta's high school football scene is quietly having its best season in a decade

Opinion: The World Cup showed MARTA what it can be — now keep it up