Atlanta

blue

Axios Atlanta Partners

Axios Atlanta Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Atlanta Alerts

Alert

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Atlanta with Kristal Dixon and Thomas Wheatley.

Axios Atlanta

Standard

Atlanta Members

Membership

The World Cup is here. Here's how to plan your commute around the games

A new commute guide estimates the best and worst times to travel Downtown on match days.

Travel

With about 300,000 people expected to visit Atlanta for the city&#x27;s eight World Cup matches, you&#x27;ll want to avoid the accompanying traffic in and around Downtown over the next month.Why it matters: Dodging Atlanta traffic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is stressful" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="772a249b-26c2-4c01-a7e8-c8fa2813c469" data-vars-headline="The World Cup is here. Here&#x27;s how to plan your commute around the games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" target="_self">is stressful</a> on a normal day, and the World Cup will likely put even more strain on the region&#x27;s congested roads.

Atlanta CHaRM site near Beltline set to relocate

The Chosewood Park recycling facility will shift operations to a larger property in a Bowen Homes redevelopment.

Development

Atlanta&#x27;s popular place where you can drop off everything from paint cans to old mattresses will close and relocate to the other side of the city. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Live Thrive" data-vars-click-url="https://livethrive.org/" data-vars-content-id="eb486783-426e-42fe-92f5-b4c4e7083380" data-vars-headline="Atlanta CHaRM site near Beltline set to relocate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://livethrive.org/" target="_blank">Live Thrive</a> plans to close the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Center for Hard to Recycle Materials" data-vars-click-url="https://livethrive.org/charm/" data-vars-content-id="eb486783-426e-42fe-92f5-b4c4e7083380" data-vars-headline="Atlanta CHaRM site near Beltline set to relocate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://livethrive.org/charm/" target="_blank">Center for Hard to Recycle Materials</a> location along the Beltline in Chosewood Park when its lease ends this year — and as nearby properties become prime redevelopment targets.

Where doulas are covered by Medicaid

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid.

Wellness Brief

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid — a dramatic shift from just a few years ago.By the numbers: 28 states and D.C. are actively reimbursing, according to the National Health Law Program. Before 2020, only Oregon and Minnesota did.

Atlanta's FIFA Fan Festival is open. Here's how to enjoy your experience

The FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta includes places where you can grab food and drinks, listen to live entertainment and partake in activities.

Things to Do

Atlanta&#x27;s official gathering spot for FIFA World Cup 2026 opened Thursday, and thousands of people donning the jerseys of their favorite teams ventured to Centennial Olympic Park to kick off the opening ceremony.Why it matters: Thirty years ago, the city hosted the world at the same location where the 1996 Olympics were held in Atlanta. <ul><li>Now, Atlanta is among 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that are doing that exact same thing, Mayor Andre Dickens said.</li></ul>

What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill

Experts urge caution around cloudy water and sludge as authorities investigate the die-off.

Environment

An &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unprecedented" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/05/26/atlanta-rains-cause-unprecedented-fish-deaths-in-chattahoochee-river/90257898007/#" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/05/26/atlanta-rains-cause-unprecedented-fish-deaths-in-chattahoochee-river/90257898007/#" target="_blank">unprecedented</a>&quot; fish kill along the Chattahoochee River has sparked investigations and raised concerns about the precious waterway&#x27;s health.Catch up quick: City and state angencies are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investigating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/05/riverkeeper-warns-of-massive-fish-kill-on-the-chattahoochee-near-atlanta/" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/05/riverkeeper-warns-of-massive-fish-kill-on-the-chattahoochee-near-atlanta/" target="_blank">investigating</a> why a massive number of fish washed up dead along a 20-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee downstream of Peachtree Creek.The latest: Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/what-is-fish-kill-why-thousands-fish-suffocated-chattahoochee-river#" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/what-is-fish-kill-why-thousands-fish-suffocated-chattahoochee-river#" target="_blank">told</a> Fox 5 that warm and polluted stormwater runoff from recent heavy rains likely caused oxygen levels in the river to drop, suffocating the fish.<ul><li>Atlanta Department of Watershed Management commissioner Greg Eyerly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/27/atlanta-boil-water-advisory-notifyatl-emergency-alerts-council-hearing" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/27/atlanta-boil-water-advisory-notifyatl-emergency-alerts-council-hearing" target="_self">told</a> the Atlanta City Council Utilities Committee on Tuesday that his team was preparing an official report for state regulators.</li></ul>State of play: Ulseth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.11alive.com/article/tech/science/environment/sludge-cited-as-source-of-chattahoochee-fish-kill/85-b81f5d47-35a5-4516-85ab-40ea489f4546#" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.11alive.com/article/tech/science/environment/sludge-cited-as-source-of-chattahoochee-fish-kill/85-b81f5d47-35a5-4516-85ab-40ea489f4546#" target="_blank">told</a> 11 Alive that recent rains have helped restore the river&#x27;s health.While the fish kill appears to have been concentrated south of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the following tips will help keep you and your loved ones healthy:🐶 Pets: Watch where your pets are playing and what they&#x27;re drinking. Keep them away from any dead fish.<ul><li>Ulseth and Eyerly reported seeing a &quot;black sludge&quot; along the banks in some areas. Steer clear of that sludge.</li></ul>🧫 Bacteria levels: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Check bacteria levels" data-vars-click-url="https://ga.water.usgs.gov/bacteria/" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ga.water.usgs.gov/bacteria/" target="_blank">Check bacteria levels</a> along the river.<ul><li>A good rule of thumb: Avoid contact with cloudy water.</li></ul>🏊 Avoid swimming until authorities give the all-clear, especially if you have any open cuts or injuries.<ul><li>The Riverkeeper has a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chattahoochee swimming guide" data-vars-click-url="https://chattahoochee.org/swim-guide/" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chattahoochee.org/swim-guide/" target="_blank">Chattahoochee swimming guide</a> with good tips.</li></ul>The bottom line: The Chattahoochee&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/sally-bethea-chattahoochee-riverkeeper-book" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/sally-bethea-chattahoochee-riverkeeper-book" target="_self">history</a> is an inspiring story of how people can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="save a precious and resilient river" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/30/president-jimmy-carter-chattahoochee-river-national-park" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/30/president-jimmy-carter-chattahoochee-river-national-park" target="_self">save a precious and resilient river</a>.<ul><li>The past week&#x27;s fish kill was a reminder that the work, and the story, are not yet finished.</li></ul>

Statewide drought pushes Georgia officials to start conservation campaign

The dry spell is prompting officials to push conservation to avoid bans.

Georgia officials are urging local water systems and the public to curb water usage as nearly all of the state experiences one of the worst droughts in decades.Why it matters: Spring is an unusual time for Georgia to experience droughts, which tend to take place during late summer.<ul><li>The measures could fend off stringent restrictions, including bans on outdoor watering or nonessential uses like car washes or fountains, if the drought continues.</li></ul>

Wildfires continue to burn across drought-ridden South Georgia

The Pineland Road fire in Clinch County is 10% contained and the Highway 82 fire in Brantley County is 15% contained.

Wildfires

More than 50,000 acres have been torched and over 100 structures have been destroyed as two massive wildfires rage in South Georgia. The latest: The Pineland Road fire in Clinch County, located in southeast Georgia, is only 10% contained and has burned over 32,000 acres, according to numbers released Sunday by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia Forestry Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/" data-vars-content-id="6fa05452-1607-4661-8ae1-0db46148d7b5" data-vars-headline="Wildfires continue to burn across drought-ridden South Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/" target="_blank">Georgia Forestry Commission</a>.

Piedmont Park is growing — but so are the pressures

The Piedmont Park Conservancy is building a master plan to push the boundaries to the corner of Piedmont and Monroe

Piedmont Park is getting bigger — and so are demands on the green space.Why it matters: Piedmont Park is Atlanta&#x27;s busiest green space, drawing large events and daily crowds that can strain its infrastructure and nearby neighborhoods.<ul><li>Park supporters now face a balancing act between accommodating those demands and protecting communities&#x27; quality of life.</li></ul>

Why Georgia wildfires are surging this year

Severe drought conditions, fallen timber and "zombie fires" are helping blazes spread faster.

News

Georgia is on pace for its worst <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/04/georgias-wildfire-season-outlook" data-vars-content-id="90f342a1-fb88-410b-9b76-1e814efe0e13" data-vars-headline="Why Georgia wildfires are surging this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/04/georgias-wildfire-season-outlook" target="_self">wildfire</a> season in recent years, driven by the state&#x27;s most severe drought in a decade.Why it matters: The threat isn&#x27;t limited to rural South Georgia, where the state&#x27;s timber and agriculture businesses are concentrated.<ul><li>More than 80% of Georgia&#x27;s population live in the wildland-urban interface — areas where neighborhoods border forests — and smoke can reach metro Atlanta, causing Code Red air quality days and spiking ER visits.</li></ul>

Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails

The state's voter-approved outdoor gear tax will send $33 million to parks, trails and conservation projects.

That backpack you bought last year helped raise $33 million that will soon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fund new parks, trails and conservation projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/21/georgia-outdoor-tax-funding-awards" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/21/georgia-outdoor-tax-funding-awards" target="_self">fund new parks, trails and conservation projects</a> across Georgia — including a new Atlanta nature preserve.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program" data-vars-click-url="https://gadnr.org/gosp" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gadnr.org/gosp" target="_blank">Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program</a>, which has raised more than $110 million since Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved the tax on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor recreation goods" data-vars-click-url="https://georgiaconservancy.org/gosa/#:~:text=The%20Georgia%20Outdoor%20Stewardship%20Act%20(GOSA)%20was,in%20acquiring%20and%20improving%20parks%20and%20trails**" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://georgiaconservancy.org/gosa/#:~:text=The%20Georgia%20Outdoor%20Stewardship%20Act%20(GOSA)%20was,in%20acquiring%20and%20improving%20parks%20and%20trails**" target="_blank">outdoor recreation goods</a>, has become one of the state&#x27;s tools for expanding access to parks and protecting natural areas.

Atlanta settles lawsuit over pollution into Chattahoochee River

Atlanta will continue investing in improvements at the R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center as part of a consent decree.

The city of Atlanta has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pollution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/03/chattahoochee-riverkeeper-clean-water-act-lawsuit-threat" data-vars-content-id="fbd846ce-84ef-4b83-9fd4-7323741f19da" data-vars-headline="Atlanta settles lawsuit over pollution into Chattahoochee River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/03/chattahoochee-riverkeeper-clean-water-act-lawsuit-threat" target="_self">pollution</a> from its largest wastewater plant into the Chattahoochee River.Why it matters: The city will continue investing in improvements at the R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center, which sits along the river off Bolton Road in northwest Atlanta.

When to expect peak fall foliage in Georgia

Peak fall foliage changes will begin to pop up around metro Atlanta in early November.

It may feel like we&#x27;re in the thick of summer — but it&#x27;s never too early to map out when Georgia&#x27;s fall foliage will hit its peak this year.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/fall-warming-temperatures-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="b6d6ba35-4c42-4ef9-884f-f5d1cab239e4" data-vars-headline="When to expect peak fall foliage in Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/fall-warming-temperatures-climate-change" target="_self">fall</a> color change starts in the North and high elevations in the U.S., before making its way South, according to travel brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SmokyMountains.com" data-vars-click-url="https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/" data-vars-content-id="b6d6ba35-4c42-4ef9-884f-f5d1cab239e4" data-vars-headline="When to expect peak fall foliage in Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/" target="_blank">SmokyMountains.com</a>.

That loud boom over the Southeast? It was likely a fireball

A meteor likely passed over the metro region before exploding, leaving fragments in South Carolina, an atmospheric scientist says.

Energy & Climate

Thursday&#x27;s loud, rolling rumble — and, for some, a sudden flash and white streak in the sky — might have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a fireball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2019/03/23/nasa-instruments-image-fireball-bering-sea" data-vars-content-id="0eadf447-5c68-408b-9529-fdf78952207b" data-vars-headline="That loud boom over the Southeast? It was likely a fireball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2019/03/23/nasa-instruments-image-fireball-bering-sea" target="_self">a fireball</a> from a meteor passing over metro Atlanta.Why it matters: More than 100 people from Georgia and parts of South Carolina and Florida reported to the American Meteor Society a potential fireball around 12:30pm.

A map showing drought conditions in the United States as of April 21, 2026. Much of the country is at least abnormally dry, with parts experiencing moderate to exceptional drought.