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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Atlanta. Written by Kristal Dixon and Thomas Wheatley.

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Restaurant group wants investigation into 2018 sinkhole at Piedmont Park

Be Our Guest Investments accuses Piedmont Park Conservancy of covering up the issue before anyone could determine the cause of the sinkhole.

News

The traditional Georgia accent is fading away

The speech pattern used by white English speakers "peaked" among people born around World War II

Georgia teacher fired for having book about gender identity in classroom

She is one of — if not the — first educator in Georgia to lose her job in relation to  a 2022 state law

Education

Remember when: A celebrated artist created Atlanta's most creative playground

The playground is striking for its simplicity and use of color.

A Georgia ghost town has ties to the state's Gold Rush

Auraria lost out to Dahlonega and faded over time

Things to Do

There are thousands of abandoned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;ghost&quot; towns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/abandonedplaces/ghost-towns.htm" data-vars-content-id="63a689aa-d51a-4a1a-b533-f821469461ad" data-vars-headline="A Georgia ghost town has ties to the state&#x27;s Gold Rush" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/abandonedplaces/ghost-towns.htm" target="_blank">&quot;ghost&quot; towns</a> across the United States, including one in Georgia that&#x27;s considered one of the country&#x27;s first &quot;Gold Rush&quot; communities.Why it matters: While many of them are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no more than memories" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/28/3d-digital-models-are-resurrecting-lost-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="63a689aa-d51a-4a1a-b533-f821469461ad" data-vars-headline="A Georgia ghost town has ties to the state&#x27;s Gold Rush" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/28/3d-digital-models-are-resurrecting-lost-neighborhoods" target="_self">no more than memories</a>, a few hundred still have free-standing structures or museums you can visit.

Rosalynn Carter's Butterfly Trail legacy

It's a network of more than 3,000 pollinator-friendly public and private gardens throughout Georgia and the country.

Culture

Among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rosalynn Carter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/19/rosalynn-carter-obituary" data-vars-content-id="f143f65d-a3c3-4b74-ac4f-ecaf3e9f2403" data-vars-headline="Rosalynn Carter&#x27;s Butterfly Trail legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/19/rosalynn-carter-obituary" target="_self">Rosalynn Carter</a>&#x27;s countless policy and advocacy legacies, she also leaves behind the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail" data-vars-click-url="https://rosalynncarterbutterflytrail.org/" data-vars-content-id="f143f65d-a3c3-4b74-ac4f-ecaf3e9f2403" data-vars-headline="Rosalynn Carter&#x27;s Butterfly Trail legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rosalynncarterbutterflytrail.org/" target="_blank">Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail</a>, founded in her hometown of Plains. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="network" data-vars-click-url="https://rosalynncarterbutterflytrail.org/plains-wildflower-project/" data-vars-content-id="f143f65d-a3c3-4b74-ac4f-ecaf3e9f2403" data-vars-headline="Rosalynn Carter&#x27;s Butterfly Trail legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rosalynncarterbutterflytrail.org/plains-wildflower-project/" target="_blank">network</a> of more than 3,000 pollinator-friendly public and private gardens throughout Georgia and the country was inspired by her concern about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="threats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/07/26/help-endangered-monarch-butterfly" data-vars-content-id="f143f65d-a3c3-4b74-ac4f-ecaf3e9f2403" data-vars-headline="Rosalynn Carter&#x27;s Butterfly Trail legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/07/26/help-endangered-monarch-butterfly" target="_self">threats</a> to monarch butterfly habitat.

Weekender: Drive-By Truckers, Dave Attell, and computer history

Atlanta doesn't have an ocean but we have plenty of fun things to do

Atlanta doesn&#x27;t have an ocean, but by gosh we have many fun things to do. Go enjoy the weekend.

Animated illustration of two neutral emojis, one big and one smaller, smiling, and sunglasses appearing over their faces. 

André 3000 announces solo album "New Blue Sun"

The instrumental album showcases the Atlanta rapper's love of the flute

André 3000, one half of iconic Atlanta (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and Axios award-winning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/08/04/outkast-hip-hop-best-artist-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="a32823c1-e373-40c3-863b-b605701cd916" data-vars-headline="André 3000 announces solo album &quot;New Blue Sun&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/08/04/outkast-hip-hop-best-artist-atlanta" target="_self">and Axios award-winning</a>) rap group Outkast, will release his new album — a flute-driven instrumental journey led by an ever-evolving artist — Friday.Why it matters: Titled &quot;New Blue Sun,&quot; the eight-track album is the Atlanta native&#x27;s first album in 17 years.

A man wearing dark clothes and large wraparound sunglasses raps on stage

Veterans Day Parade, Stone Mountain Christmas return

Here are ways to celebrate our veterans, plus other events this weekend.

Veterans Day falls on Saturday this year, so why not take a moment to commemorate their service?<ul><li>Here are opportunities to do that, plus other events happening this weekend.</li></ul>

Illustration of the Axios logo on a camouflage background. 

Write Club's "combative philanthropic literary bloodsport" returns

The diabolical minds behind "combative philanthropic literary bloodsport" return

Write Club, the monthly literary slugfest where creative Atlanta writers tap gloves and battle for a good cause, returns tonight.What&#x27;s happening: Once a month, Write Club takes over 7 Stages in Little Five Points for a hand-to-hand combat of words, wits and wonder.How it works: Two writers have six minutes each to read stories they&#x27;ve written beforehand about opposing ideas assigned by Write Club producers Nick Tecosky, Mykal June, Dani Herd and Jon Carr.<ul><li>Think high vs. low, light vs. dark, fresh vs. canned. You get the idea.</li><li>In gladiator fashion, the audience&#x27;s applause decides the winner. Nonprofits receive a share of the evening&#x27;s proceeds.</li></ul>Yes, but: Each combatant has seven minutes. Hard stop and man, it hurts when that buzzer sounds.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;It&#x27;s the tenderest bloodsport!&quot; Tecosky told Axios. &quot;A dynamic event. And all the cool kids are doing it. Aren&#x27;t you a cool kid?&quot;🥇 Thomas&#x27; thought bubble: I have a 1-0 record in Write Club battles. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="My winning story" data-vars-click-url="https://archive.org/details/WcaEp26-AddVSubtract" data-vars-content-id="698df1ab-4ff2-44dc-a39a-048f73103aa0" data-vars-headline="Write Club&#x27;s &quot;combative philanthropic literary bloodsport&quot; returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://archive.org/details/WcaEp26-AddVSubtract" target="_blank">My winning story</a> was a fictitious yarn about befriending the lead singer of Sugar Ray and finding my place in the world.<ul><li>Never have I felt so alive.</li></ul>Details: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tonight&#x27;s Write Club theme is Feast of Pain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writeclub-atlanta-feast-of-pain-tickets-744742885017" data-vars-content-id="698df1ab-4ff2-44dc-a39a-048f73103aa0" data-vars-headline="Write Club&#x27;s &quot;combative philanthropic literary bloodsport&quot; returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writeclub-atlanta-feast-of-pain-tickets-744742885017" target="_blank">Tonight&#x27;s Write Club theme is Feast of Pain</a>. Doors open at 7:30pm.

A man in a coat jacket stretches out his arms while telling a story to a bright packed theater with stadium-style seating

Now streaming: "The South Got Something to Say"

"The South Got Something to Say" is Atlanta's hip-hop documentary.

Music

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The South Got Something to Say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/11/01/ajc-hip-hop-film-preview" data-vars-content-id="4a6dc4f7-b13a-44e7-9fa6-5e4a2798e873" data-vars-headline="Now streaming: &quot;The South Got Something to Say&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/11/01/ajc-hip-hop-film-preview" target="_self">The South Got Something to Say</a>&quot; is an Atlanta hip-hop documentary. But it&#x27;s also about the Black community&#x27;s experience amid the city&#x27;s growing economy.Why it matters: Hip-hop has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="existed for 50 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/11/hip-hop-50th-anniversay-dj-kool-business-popular-streaming" data-vars-content-id="4a6dc4f7-b13a-44e7-9fa6-5e4a2798e873" data-vars-headline="Now streaming: &quot;The South Got Something to Say&quot;" 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">existed for 50 years</a> thanks to New York, but this film credits the South, especially Atlanta, for the genre&#x27;s evolution over the last 30 years.<ul><li>Its premiere this week also marks the launch of AJC Films, aka The Atlanta Journal-Constitution&#x27;s new film division.</li></ul>

Hip-hop influencers discuss Atlanta's creative impact

Hip-hop's growth mirrors the Black experience as Atlanta became an international hub.

Several hip-hop influencers filled Atlanta&#x27;s Center Stage on Thursday to reflect on the city&#x27;s impact on the genre and the world at large.Why it matters: The rise of Atlanta hip-hop mirrors the Black community&#x27;s experience as the city transformed into an international hub for culture.<ul><li>FunkJazz Kafé CEO and musicologist Jason Orr put it like this: &quot;It&#x27;s the community that builds and makes movements,&quot; which includes the culture writers, fashion designers, and visual artists that uplift our musicians.</li></ul>

Keith Lee reacts to threats over his Atlanta reviews

TikTok's Keith Lee says he might postpone tours after Atlanta.

Food and Drink

TikTok food reviewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Keith Lee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/10/30/keith-lee-tik-tok-real-milk-restaurant-review-rules" data-vars-content-id="e85c72ab-d288-4f81-83b2-7160016baeeb" data-vars-headline="Keith Lee reacts to threats over his Atlanta reviews" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/10/30/keith-lee-tik-tok-real-milk-restaurant-review-rules" target="_self">Keith Lee</a> warned that he might postpone his city tours after he says threats were made against his family following his trip to Atlanta.Why it matters: Lee, who is based in Las Vegas, shared his experiences at several Black Atlanta restaurants over the weekend with his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="14.5 million followers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125?lang=en" data-vars-content-id="e85c72ab-d288-4f81-83b2-7160016baeeb" data-vars-headline="Keith Lee reacts to threats over his Atlanta reviews" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125?lang=en" target="_blank">14.5 million followers</a>. <ul><li>His critique of businesses, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta Breakfast Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125/video/7293597420120853803?lang=en" data-vars-content-id="e85c72ab-d288-4f81-83b2-7160016baeeb" data-vars-headline="Keith Lee reacts to threats over his Atlanta reviews" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125/video/7293597420120853803?lang=en" target="_blank">Atlanta Breakfast Club</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Real Milk and Honey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125/video/7294445978281577758?lang=en" data-vars-content-id="e85c72ab-d288-4f81-83b2-7160016baeeb" data-vars-headline="Keith Lee reacts to threats over his Atlanta reviews" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125/video/7294445978281577758?lang=en" target="_blank">The Real Milk and Honey</a>, triggered heated and ongoing discussions about the city&#x27;s dining culture, its &quot;unique rules&quot; and its so-called &quot;clubification.&quot;</li></ul>

The AJC’s hip-hop documentary debuts Thursday

"The South Got Something to Say" debuts at Center Stage.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is hosting a teal carpet event Thursday to celebrate the premiere of its first feature film, &quot;The South Got Something to Say,&quot; which highlights Atlanta&#x27;s indisputable influence on the genre of hip-hop.Why it matters: When hip-hop turned 50 this year, no one could deny Atlanta&#x27;s contribution to the music&#x27;s sub-genres — including crunk, trap and conscious rap, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios previously reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-atlanta-af5b95aa-1243-4791-ae84-cb7bfa331319.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_atlanta&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="122a18db-8a91-4627-ba79-135a235396b1" data-vars-headline="The AJC’s hip-hop documentary debuts Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-atlanta-af5b95aa-1243-4791-ae84-cb7bfa331319.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_atlanta&amp;stream=top" target="_self">Axios previously reported</a>.

Photo illustration of a collage of Atlanta hip-hop artists Latto, Outkast, Killer Mike, Lil' Jon and Ludacris, in a design resembling an early Hip-hop concert flyer.