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4 years after closing, Barnes & Noble returns to Edgewood

The store will open at 10am Wednesday, July 8. Atlanta author Tayari Jones will cut the ribbon and sign copies of her new book, "Kin."

Business

Four years after closing its store in Edgewood, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barnes &amp; Noble" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/01/barnes-noble-new-bookstores" data-vars-content-id="aba4f496-d8c4-4993-abcb-03870029df4a" data-vars-headline="4 years after closing, Barnes &amp; Noble returns to Edgewood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/01/barnes-noble-new-bookstores" target="_self">Barnes &amp; Noble</a> will re-establish its presence in the east-side neighborhood with a new store. Why it matters: The reopening is part of Barnes &amp; Noble&#x27;s plan to open dozens of stores this year across the country.

Georgia's new laws take effect today. Here's what changed

From school cell phone bans to shrimp labels, here's what's new across Georgia.

News

It&#x27;s July 1, which means it&#x27;s a new fiscal year and time for more than 100 new laws to take effect.In addition to the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$38.5 billion budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/03/georgia-legislature-sine-die-budget-taxes-transit-education-bills-2026" data-vars-content-id="02f953e2-cf80-4708-9005-1cbcb4b98654" data-vars-headline="Georgia&#x27;s new laws take effect today. Here&#x27;s what changed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/03/georgia-legislature-sine-die-budget-taxes-transit-education-bills-2026" target="_self">$38.5 billion budget</a> coming online, the new laws include:⚖️ Lawsuits: Georgia property owners can sue local governments if they think their property values were hurt by a city&#x27;s failure to enforce certain laws, including those related to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/02/04/local-orgs-fear-further-criminalized-homelessness-in-hb-295/" data-vars-content-id="02f953e2-cf80-4708-9005-1cbcb4b98654" data-vars-headline="Georgia&#x27;s new laws take effect today. Here&#x27;s what changed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/02/04/local-orgs-fear-further-criminalized-homelessness-in-hb-295/" target="_blank">homelessness</a>, immigration and public safety.

Where to watch July 4th fireworks around Atlanta this weekend

From Stone Mountain to Truist Park, here's where to catch fireworks and other holiday weekend fun.

Things to Do

Put in your ear plugs, open your eyes wide, and celebrate America&#x27;s 250th birthday with some colorful explosions in the sky.Pro tip: Expect traffic delays and road closures early Saturday morning in Midtown and Buckhead due to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree" data-vars-content-id="11bceacb-4147-4609-9cd8-ee89e7e8b2ae" data-vars-headline="Where to watch July 4th fireworks around Atlanta this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree" target="_blank">Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race</a>, and in places where holiday parades and events are planned<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🎆 Fireworks!</h2>Stone Mountain Park: One of the Southeast&#x27;s largest July 4th celebrations features a drones, lasers, music, and nightly fireworks. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="through July 6" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stonemountainpark.com/" data-vars-content-id="11bceacb-4147-4609-9cd8-ee89e7e8b2ae" data-vars-headline="Where to watch July 4th fireworks around Atlanta this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stonemountainpark.com/" target="_blank">through July 6</a>)

More Georgians now qualify for medical cannabis program

New rules allow stronger products, more qualifying conditions, and pharmacy sales across Georgia.

Georgia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest-ever expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/01/georgia-medical-marijuana-expansion-hemp-delta8-thc-laws-2026" data-vars-content-id="9fb9e266-b657-4d6b-9b98-3372579ac610" data-vars-headline="More Georgians now qualify for medical cannabis program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/01/georgia-medical-marijuana-expansion-hemp-delta8-thc-laws-2026" target="_self">biggest-ever expansion</a> of its medical cannabis program takes effect Wednesday, allowing stronger products, more qualifying conditions, and sales through independent pharmacies.Why it matters: The changes significantly broaden access to regulated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="medical cannabis" data-vars-click-url="https://dph.georgia.gov/low-thc-oil-registry" data-vars-content-id="9fb9e266-b657-4d6b-9b98-3372579ac610" data-vars-headline="More Georgians now qualify for medical cannabis program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dph.georgia.gov/low-thc-oil-registry" target="_blank">medical cannabis</a> and may bring Georgia closer to neighboring Southern states&#x27; programs.<ul><li>Industry leaders believe enrollment may eventually triple.</li></ul>

Plan to move Atlanta Olympic cauldron sparks backlash in Summerhill

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority is seeking proposals to relocate the cauldron to Centennial Olympic Park.

A plan to relocate the Olympic cauldron from the Atlanta neighborhood that hosted the 1996 games is drawing outrage from some residents and historic preservation activists.Why it matters: The cauldron, its tower and the Olympic rings bridge spanning Hank Aaron Drive are world-famous artifacts that cement Summerhill&#x27;s role in the 1996 games.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Muhammad Ali lit the cauldron" data-vars-click-url="https://www.olympics.com/en/video/muhammad-ali-lights-the-olympic-cauldron" data-vars-content-id="1ffcf068-ccca-4a7e-b7bc-919a04baed8c" data-vars-headline="Plan to move Atlanta Olympic cauldron sparks backlash in Summerhill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.olympics.com/en/video/muhammad-ali-lights-the-olympic-cauldron" target="_blank">Muhammad Ali lit the cauldron</a> at Centennial Olympic Stadium in Summerhill during the opening ceremony. </li></ul>

"It's officially here, y'all": Atlanta says it's ready for World Cup

The first match in Atlanta will be at noon Monday between Spain and Cabo Verde.

Four years ago this month, Atlanta <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was named one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/06/16/fifa-chooses-atlantas-world-cup-bid" data-vars-content-id="bfad9ab3-cd2b-4baa-808f-47767fdaf684" data-vars-headline="&quot;It&#x27;s officially here, y&#x27;all&quot;: Atlanta says it&#x27;s ready for World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/06/16/fifa-chooses-atlantas-world-cup-bid" target="_self">was named one</a> of 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that would host 2026 FIFA World Cup games. Why it matters: After years of meetings, readiness exercises, drills, planning and training, all eyes will soon be on Atlanta when it hosts the first of eight matches that will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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 partners with Throne Labs to install public restrooms along Beltline

Restrooms have so far been installed at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, Piedmont Park and Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark.

Health

Atlanta is partnering with a company to install public restrooms in several areas around the city.Why it matters: Nothing is more stressful than trying to enjoy an outing in Atlanta while mentally mapping out the nearest bathroom.

Council members blast delays in boil water advisory alerts

City officials said they plan to review communication gaps.

Atlanta City Council members pressed Mayor Andre Dickens&#x27; administration for communication breakdowns during a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boil water advisory issued" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-communications/boil-water-advisory" data-vars-content-id="d0f89e57-902b-49a4-a78a-c2f2cb154375" data-vars-headline="Council members blast delays in boil water advisory alerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-communications/boil-water-advisory" target="_blank">boil water advisory issued</a> over the Memorial Day weekend.Why it matters: Amid the past week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rush-hour flood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/21/atlanta-storms-flood-i-75-85" data-vars-content-id="d0f89e57-902b-49a4-a78a-c2f2cb154375" data-vars-headline="Council members blast delays in boil water advisory alerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/21/atlanta-storms-flood-i-75-85" target="_self">rush-hour flood</a> on the Downtown Connector and a mammoth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fish kill" data-vars-click-url="https://chattahoochee.org/press-releases/drought-polluted-runoff-and-sewage-overflows-contribute-to-chattahoochee-river-fish-kill/" data-vars-content-id="d0f89e57-902b-49a4-a78a-c2f2cb154375" data-vars-headline="Council members blast delays in boil water advisory alerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chattahoochee.org/press-releases/drought-polluted-runoff-and-sewage-overflows-contribute-to-chattahoochee-river-fish-kill/" target="_blank">fish kill</a> on the Chattahoochee River, City Hall officials issued a boil water advisory that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="didn&#x27;t land" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/boil-water-advisory-issued-atlanta/G4MWX2ECFBDL5GT4JRNV4WHLVQ/" data-vars-content-id="d0f89e57-902b-49a4-a78a-c2f2cb154375" data-vars-headline="Council members blast delays in boil water advisory alerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/boil-water-advisory-issued-atlanta/G4MWX2ECFBDL5GT4JRNV4WHLVQ/" target="_blank">didn&#x27;t land</a> on the radar of many residents.

I-285 in Atlanta closes this weekend. Here's how to get around it.

Weather permitting, I-285 will be closed between the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (Exit 9) and Cascade Road (Exit 7) interchanges between Friday evening and Monday morning.

Transit

The Georgia Department of Transportation will shut down Interstate 285 on Atlanta&#x27;s west side this weekend as part of a project to rebuild that part of the highway.Why it matters: Closing a major interstate in a city that already suffers from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic congestion" 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="da8f7203-7c4b-4c0b-a38b-f346fb99e647" data-vars-headline="I-285 in Atlanta closes this weekend. Here&#x27;s how to get around it." 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">traffic congestion</a> will make getting around even harder.

Emory monitors 2 cruise passengers linked to hantavirus outbreak

The Georgia Department of Public Health says there is no risk to the public.

Two passengers who were aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius at the center of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hantavirus outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/hantavirus-response-cdc-questioned" data-vars-content-id="00568331-113f-4dc8-9a53-262565c5dc05" data-vars-headline="Emory monitors 2 cruise passengers linked to hantavirus outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/hantavirus-response-cdc-questioned" target="_self">hantavirus outbreak</a> are being monitored at Emory University Hospital&#x27;s specialized biocontainment unit.Why it matters: Emory&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Serious Communicable Diseases Unit" data-vars-click-url="https://ebola.emory.edu/" data-vars-content-id="00568331-113f-4dc8-9a53-262565c5dc05" data-vars-headline="Emory monitors 2 cruise passengers linked to hantavirus outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ebola.emory.edu/" target="_blank">Serious Communicable Diseases Unit</a> in Atlanta is among a few facilities in the U.S. that are equipped to treat patients with dangerous infectious diseases.

Ted Turner, CNN founder who reshaped Atlanta, dies

From 24-hour cable news to the Braves, Turner's empire reshaped Atlanta's economy, culture and identity.

Ted Turner, the CNN founder and philanthropist who turned Atlanta into a media powerhouse and whose swagger earned him the nickname &quot;the Mouth of the South,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has died" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/06/cnn-founder-cable-pioneer-ted-turner" data-vars-content-id="fd058e52-e584-4c41-88b4-7ec92b16990e" data-vars-headline="Ted Turner, CNN founder who reshaped Atlanta, dies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/06/cnn-founder-cable-pioneer-ted-turner" target="_self">has died</a> at the age of 87.Driving the news: Turner Enterprises, which manages the cable-TV pioneer&#x27;s businesses and holdings, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tedturner.com/2026/05/philanthropist-environmentalist-and-cable-pioneer-ted-turner-passes-at-87/" data-vars-content-id="fd058e52-e584-4c41-88b4-7ec92b16990e" data-vars-headline="Ted Turner, CNN founder who reshaped Atlanta, dies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tedturner.com/2026/05/philanthropist-environmentalist-and-cable-pioneer-ted-turner-passes-at-87/" target="_blank">said</a> Turner on surrounded by family. A cause of death was not released, but Turner had been battling Lewy body dementia <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since 2018" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ted-turner-reveals-hes-battling-lewy-body-dementia-in-exclusive-interview/" data-vars-content-id="fd058e52-e584-4c41-88b4-7ec92b16990e" data-vars-headline="Ted Turner, CNN founder who reshaped Atlanta, dies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ted-turner-reveals-hes-battling-lewy-body-dementia-in-exclusive-interview/" target="_blank">since 2018</a>.<ul><li>CNN <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/06/us/ted-turner-cnn-founder-pneumonia/index.html" data-vars-content-id="fd058e52-e584-4c41-88b4-7ec92b16990e" data-vars-headline="Ted Turner, CNN founder who reshaped Atlanta, dies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/06/us/ted-turner-cnn-founder-pneumonia/index.html" target="_blank">reported</a> last year that Turner had been hospitalized due to pneumonia, but he was later moved to a rehabilitation facility where he recovered.</li></ul>

News 🗞

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More Georgians now qualify for medical cannabis program

Georgia's new laws take effect today. Here's what changed