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Kemp weighs special session as ballot law deadline looms

Election officials have a July 1 deadline to stop using QR codes to count ballots.

News

Pressure is building for Gov. Brian Kemp to call a special legislative session to delay a major overhaul of Georgia&#x27;s voting system before the elections.Why it matters: Calling lawmakers back is rare, logistically complex and politically fraught — especially this year, as officials face tight election timelines and an expected debate over voting security.

90th Dogwood Festival returns to Piedmont Park with entrance fee

Executive director Brian Hill told Axios the Dogwood Festival is charging a "nominal entrance fee to be able to keep the festival alive."

Things to Do

The popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta Dogwood Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://dogwood.org/" data-vars-content-id="fdef238c-6953-4059-8d40-604e1ed84add" data-vars-headline="90th Dogwood Festival returns to Piedmont Park with entrance fee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dogwood.org/" target="_blank">Atlanta Dogwood Festival</a> returns to Piedmont Park this weekend, and for the first time will charge visitors a small fee to attend.Why it matters: The three-day festival was in &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grave risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/26/dogwood-festival-piedmont-park-shutting-down-fundraising" data-vars-content-id="fdef238c-6953-4059-8d40-604e1ed84add" data-vars-headline="90th Dogwood Festival returns to Piedmont Park with entrance fee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/26/dogwood-festival-piedmont-park-shutting-down-fundraising" target="_self">grave risk</a>&quot; of not returning due to budget constraints fueled by the pandemic, rising costs and falling sponsorships.

Edibles.com opens first store near Atlanta Beltline

The store, which is located near the Atlanta Beltline, will feature a variety of CBD and hemp-derived products.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edibles.com" data-vars-click-url="https://edibles.com/" data-vars-content-id="10a3f09a-9f17-4399-b056-a4b3c375ecbd" data-vars-headline="Edibles.com opens first store near Atlanta Beltline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://edibles.com/" target="_blank">Edibles.com</a> has opened its first retail store near the Atlanta Beltline&#x27;s Eastside Trail in Inman Park.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edible Brands" data-vars-click-url="https://ediblebrands.com/" data-vars-content-id="10a3f09a-9f17-4399-b056-a4b3c375ecbd" data-vars-headline="Edibles.com opens first store near Atlanta Beltline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ediblebrands.com/" target="_blank">Edible Brands</a>, the parent company that established Edibles.com last year, said in a news release it&#x27;s ready to expand its operations to include brick-and-mortar stores.

APD offers $15K reward for info in teen's fatal shooting at Piedmont Park

16-year-old Tianah Robinson was shot and killed Saturday night at the park.

Public Safety

The city of Atlanta is offering a $15,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the fatal shooting of a teenager Saturday night at Piedmont Park.The latest: Atlanta police are reviewing license plate readers, cameras and cellphone videos to identify suspects in the shooting that killed 16-year-old Tianah Robinson and injured 15-year-old Italia Wilson, said assistant chief Carven Tyus.

New Gordon Parks exhibit arrives in Atlanta

The exhibit includes photos from the 1956 Life magazine spread that followed the lives of the Thornton family in and around Mobile, Alabama.

Culture

A new exhibit on display in Atlanta is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Life magazine publishing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gordon Parks&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gordonparksfoundation.org/gordon-parks/biography" data-vars-content-id="a03eed2d-6cd4-444a-aba2-4080b68a32da" data-vars-headline="New Gordon Parks exhibit arrives in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gordonparksfoundation.org/gordon-parks/biography" target="_blank">Gordon Parks&#x27;</a> iconic photo essay of Black American life in the Jim Crow South. Why it matters: The photographs of Black families carrying out their day-to-day activities forced readers to confront the human reality of de jure segregation.

Decatur shop keeps rare accordions alive and playing

A basement shop on a residential street in Decatur restores decades-old accordions.

In the downstairs workshop of a Decatur bungalow, Jack Brantley and Kyle Turner keep accordions from across the country bellowing and droning.Why it matters: Brantley and Turner run <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Accordionology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.accordionology.com/" data-vars-content-id="296b311a-1a66-470d-9950-2a28e9fdf5fc" data-vars-headline="Decatur shop keeps rare accordions alive and playing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.accordionology.com/" target="_blank">Accordionology</a>, a two-person, appointment-only business with decades of combined experience repairing and restoring the niche instruments.<ul><li>&quot;We are the only full-service accordion shop in the entire Southeast,&quot; Brantley, who lives upstairs with his wife and dogs, told Axios.</li></ul>

Bill would move Georgia to new time zone, end biannual clock change

The Georgia Senate passed legislation that, if approved by the U.S. transportation secretary, would move the state into the Atlantic time zone.

Twice a year, we dread adjusting our internal and external clocks to reflect whether we&#x27;re in standard or daylight saving time.<ul><li>One Georgia legislator&#x27;s solution: place the state into a completely different time zone and leave the clocks alone for good.</li></ul>The latest: The state Senate on Monday passed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legislation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69591" data-vars-content-id="28cd767f-569d-48b6-b302-7a154702d0db" data-vars-headline="Bill would move Georgia to new time zone, end biannual clock change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69591" target="_blank">legislation</a> that would ask the U.S. transportation secretary to move Georgia from the Eastern time zone to the Atlantic time zone, which is one hour ahead.

Free documentary screening revisits a hidden Atlanta LGBTQ+ TV legacy

A free screening revisits a scrappy Atlanta TV show that shaped LGBTQ culture and showcased drag icons.

A free screening on Sunday, April 5 will revisit &quot;The American Music Show,&quot; a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public-access staple" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/11/14/people-tv-public-access-returns" data-vars-content-id="3d97acd8-8619-48c2-b4dd-9e4dc1c2ca94" data-vars-headline="Free documentary screening revisits a hidden Atlanta LGBTQ+ TV legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/11/14/people-tv-public-access-returns" target="_self">public-access staple</a> that helped shape LGBTQ+ culture in Atlanta and beyond I-285.Why it matters: Shot in creator Dick Richards&#x27; Inman Park bungalow, the show ran from 1981 to 2005 and was credited as the first to put RuPaul on TV, along with icons like Lady Bunny and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jayne County" data-vars-click-url="http://www.jaynecounty.com/" data-vars-content-id="3d97acd8-8619-48c2-b4dd-9e4dc1c2ca94" data-vars-headline="Free documentary screening revisits a hidden Atlanta LGBTQ+ TV legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.jaynecounty.com/" target="_blank">Jayne County</a>.<ul><li>The People TV show&#x27;s guerrilla-style shoots across Atlanta — from the Jackson Street bridge to Piedmont Park&#x27;s old cruising trails — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offer an alternative view of the city" data-vars-click-url="https://atlantastudies.org/2019/03/12/this-weird-cable-program-queer-atlanta-and-the-archives-of-the-american-music-show-at-emorys-rose-library/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="3d97acd8-8619-48c2-b4dd-9e4dc1c2ca94" data-vars-headline="Free documentary screening revisits a hidden Atlanta LGBTQ+ TV legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlantastudies.org/2019/03/12/this-weird-cable-program-queer-atlanta-and-the-archives-of-the-american-music-show-at-emorys-rose-library/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">offer an alternative view of the city</a> in the 1980s and &#x27;90s.</li></ul>

Drivers tell us why they do — or don't — back into parking spaces

Dozens of people responded to our question about why drivers in Atlanta tend to back into parking spaces.

👋🏽 Kristal here.We recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/09/atlanta-drivers-parking" data-vars-content-id="88d3eac2-0121-4aef-a9d1-4f102547e62b" data-vars-headline="Drivers tell us why they do — or don&#x27;t — back into parking spaces" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/09/atlanta-drivers-parking" target="_self">asked</a> Axios Atlanta readers why drivers here insist on backing into parking spaces.<ul><li>And apparently, we touched a nerve because dozens responded — with strong feelings about it.</li></ul>

Atlanta sounds off after NBA cancels Hawks' Magic City event

The NBA on Monday canceled the Hawks' event due to "significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees."

Magic City responded Tuesday after the NBA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="canceled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/09/nba-cancels-hawks-magic-city-night" data-vars-content-id="011e0701-ce11-4226-8248-1d133cbca399" data-vars-headline="Atlanta sounds off after NBA cancels Hawks&#x27; Magic City event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/09/nba-cancels-hawks-magic-city-night" target="_self">canceled</a> the Atlanta Hawks&#x27; planned promotional night with the iconic strip club.Why it matters: Magic City has operated in Atlanta for more than 40 years and sits at the intersection of the city&#x27;s nightlife and hip-hop culture. <ul><li>That influence — explored in the five-part documentary &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Magic City: An American Fantasy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/15/magic-city-documentary-debuts-today-on-starz" data-vars-content-id="011e0701-ce11-4226-8248-1d133cbca399" data-vars-headline="Atlanta sounds off after NBA cancels Hawks&#x27; Magic City event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/15/magic-city-documentary-debuts-today-on-starz" target="_self">Magic City: An American Fantasy</a>&quot; — helped turn it into a cultural institution.</li></ul>

Why do drivers in Atlanta back into parking spaces?

Backing into a parking space makes it easier to leave busy events and if something goes awry, Kristal says.

👋🏽 Kristal here.Back in October, I was parking my car near a coffee shop when my passenger, Axios publisher <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nicholas Johnston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-johnston-127a4b17/" data-vars-content-id="684e224b-50ec-424a-9e10-93250b894d5e" data-vars-headline="Why do drivers in Atlanta back into parking spaces?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-johnston-127a4b17/" target="_blank">Nicholas Johnston</a>, asked a question that seemed to come out of the blue: &quot;Why does everyone back in here?&quot;Zoom in: At first, I didn&#x27;t know how to answer Nick, who lives in Washington, D.C., because I never thought about it. <ul><li>After backing into the space and putting my car in park, I noticed nearly every vehicle had been backed in by drivers.</li></ul>A few days ago I was scrolling on social media and came across a reel of someone hating on drivers who back into parking spaces and it reminded me of Nick&#x27;s question. The more I thought about it, the more I realized drivers in Atlanta do back into parking spaces quite a bit. <ul><li>When I was driving a two-door Honda Civic, I rarely backed into a parking space. I now drive a four-door Honda Accord and I almost always back into parking spaces. </li></ul>Yes, but: Backing in makes it easier to leave a busy function or depart if something pops off (this is what I told Nick when he asked). <ul><li>It also makes more sense if you have a larger car, or if you&#x27;re parking in places that have narrow spaces. </li></ul>(Don&#x27;t come at me complaining about how much time it takes; the more you do it, the more efficient you become at backing in! Plus, waiting another 30 seconds won&#x27;t kill you.)Flashback: When I was little, seeing a person back into a parking space added a certain kind of swagger to the driver. <ul><li>In my juvenile eyes, a person was cool if they could back into a parking space (AND parallel park, which I can do). </li></ul>But I want to hear from you, Atlanta. Do you back in or drive forward into parking spaces? Why (or why not)? <ul><li>Or do you scream at the top of your lungs when you&#x27;re behind a driver who insists on backing in? </li><li>Hit reply and tell us!</li></ul>

Dunaway Gardens prepares to host Sundance and playwright labs

The Sundance Institute Episodic Lab program runs for six days in May.

After decades of success as a Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tena Clark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tenaclark.com/" data-vars-content-id="6d2633d9-a092-453c-8f66-dbf51a93efb3" data-vars-headline="Dunaway Gardens prepares to host Sundance and playwright labs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tenaclark.com/" target="_blank">Tena Clark</a> is turning her focus to the next generation.<ul><li>Clark is helping aspiring creatives break into the entertainment industry by hosting two residencies at a former go-to hub for artists and actors.</li></ul>Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dunaway Gardens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dunawaygardensfoundation.org/" data-vars-content-id="6d2633d9-a092-453c-8f66-dbf51a93efb3" data-vars-headline="Dunaway Gardens prepares to host Sundance and playwright labs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dunawaygardensfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Dunaway Gardens</a>, Clark&#x27;s sprawling property in Coweta County, will host its first-ever Playwright Lab this spring.

T.I. sounds ready to move beyond the "King of the South" debate

Atlanta rapper T.I. reflects on legacy, family and his final album Kill the King as he moves beyond the decades-long "King of the South" debate.

👋🏽 Delano here.Last week at Oreatha&#x27;s At The Point, a man wanted to argue about who the real <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King of the South" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/11/03/the-south-got-something-to-say-film-review" data-vars-content-id="35a78f62-b327-4da6-bace-51de807e8a48" data-vars-headline="T.I. sounds ready to move beyond the &quot;King of the South&quot; debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/11/03/the-south-got-something-to-say-film-review" target="_self">King of the South</a> is — and T.I. wasn&#x27;t on his list.The big picture: It&#x27;s not a matter of whether he&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="king in rap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/11/hip-hop-50th-anniversay-dj-kool-business-popular-streaming" data-vars-content-id="35a78f62-b327-4da6-bace-51de807e8a48" data-vars-headline="T.I. sounds ready to move beyond the &quot;King of the South&quot; debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/11/hip-hop-50th-anniversay-dj-kool-business-popular-streaming" target="_self">king in rap</a>. At 45, T.I. is showing what it actually means to carry that crown.