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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.

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>)

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.

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>

Atlanta's first footgolf course opens in Candler Park

Play the links with your legs at Candler Park, where Atlanta is testing a new all-ages sport during the World Cup and beyond.

Sports

Footgolf, an all-ages sport blending the strategy of golf and the accessibility of soccer, has arrived in Atlanta.Why it matters: The Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation&#x27;s 9-hole <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="footgolf course" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cityofatlantagolf.com/footgolf-at-candler-park/" data-vars-content-id="1f54885c-774e-4580-b349-7297934dd162" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first footgolf course opens in Candler Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cityofatlantagolf.com/footgolf-at-candler-park/" target="_blank">footgolf course</a> in Candler Park is the first inside the city limits.<ul><li>The pilot program, which launched May 16, is part of Atlanta&#x27;s effort to capitalize on soccer&#x27;s growing popularity ahead of the 2026 FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/16/atlantas-world-cup-will-feel-more-like-a-festival-than-a-finale" data-vars-content-id="1f54885c-774e-4580-b349-7297934dd162" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first footgolf course opens in Candler Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/16/atlantas-world-cup-will-feel-more-like-a-festival-than-a-finale" target="_self">World Cup</a> and introduce more people to the sport. Or in this case, sports.</li></ul>

Atlanta startup wants to make sumo America's next arena sport

A new league plans to bring seasons, rankings and arena events to the centuries-old sport.

Two media executives with long careers in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports entertainment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/media-trends-membership/2026/06/13/live-sports-streaming" data-vars-content-id="65941089-58e4-4279-b24e-2384a9d46fde" data-vars-headline="Atlanta startup wants to make sumo America&#x27;s next arena sport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/media-trends-membership/2026/06/13/live-sports-streaming" target="_self">sports entertainment</a> and live events say sumo wrestling is ready to become an American arena sport.Why it matters: The Atlanta-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sumo Championship League" data-vars-click-url="https://sumochampionshipleague.com/" data-vars-content-id="65941089-58e4-4279-b24e-2384a9d46fde" data-vars-headline="Atlanta startup wants to make sumo America&#x27;s next arena sport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sumochampionshipleague.com/" target="_blank">Sumo Championship League</a> wants to import Japan&#x27;s centuries-old national sport to North America and beyond at a time when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="niche and startup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/02/pickleball-craze-slows-but-still-strong-in-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="65941089-58e4-4279-b24e-2384a9d46fde" data-vars-headline="Atlanta startup wants to make sumo America&#x27;s next arena sport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/02/pickleball-craze-slows-but-still-strong-in-atlanta" target="_self">niche and startup</a> sports are booming.

Atlanta's World Cup will feel more like a festival than a finale

Crowds will surge around matches, then ebb before building again as Fan Fest and events continue.

Atlanta&#x27;s World Cup experience is expected to arrive in waves, with major match days driving the largest spikes in visitors and activity.Zoom in: Expect peaks and valleys as excitement builds for the group-stage matches, before hitting a fever pitch during the semifinal match.

Atlanta's World Cup opener delivers drama and surprise

Underdogs Cape Verde held soccer powerhouse Spain to a draw before nearly 68,000 fans in Atlanta.

Atlanta&#x27;s turn on the world soccer stage kicked off Monday with a tense draw between the tiny African island nation of Cape Verde and Spain, a favorite to win soccer&#x27;s biggest tournament.Why it matters: Years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup planning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" data-vars-content-id="25de669c-992f-4e2b-9bdb-200c6a396cb1" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s World Cup opener delivers drama and surprise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" target="_self">World Cup planning</a> and months of nonstop construction have reshaped the area surrounding Mercedes-Benz Stadium — known for the next five weeks as Atlanta Stadium, per FIFA sponsorship rules — into a haven for soccer and hospitality.

"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.

Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta

The city has 73 pickleball courts, or 1.4 courts for every 10,000 residents, according to the Trust for Public Land.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self">pickleball</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" craze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self"> craze</a> — so hot in the pandemic and immediately afterwards — may be cooling off. Don&#x27;t tell that to Atlanta players, however.Why it matters: America&#x27;s one-time fastest-growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/24/pandemic-sport-pickleball" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/24/pandemic-sport-pickleball" target="_self">sport</a> is also possibly one of the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="polarizing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/1lzr8aw/why_is_there_such_an_immense_hate_stigma_on/" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/1lzr8aw/why_is_there_such_an_immense_hate_stigma_on/" target="_blank">polarizing</a>.

Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games

Between 20 and 30 food trucks will be stationed along Walton Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street on game days and a day before each match.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Truck Association of Georgia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodtruckassociationofgeorgia.com/" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodtruckassociationofgeorgia.com/" target="_blank">Food Truck Association of Georgia</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Showcase Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://showcaseatlanta.com/" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://showcaseatlanta.com/" target="_blank">Showcase Atlanta</a> is joining forces to bring dozens of food trucks to residents and visitors flocking to Downtown for the World Cup. The latest: The pedestrian food truck corridor called Global Grub Alley <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is expected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15738/1338" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15738/1338" target="_blank">is expected</a> to feature 20 to 30 food trucks along Walton Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street.

How to see the FIFA World Cup trophy in Atlanta

Fans can visit The Home Depot Backyard for soccer experiences Friday and Saturday.

Fans of soccer and shiny gold objects will have an opportunity this weekend to see the FIFA World Cup trophy in person.Driving the news: The Coca Cola-sponsored Trophy Tour will make a stop at The Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Friday and Saturday from 2-9pm.

U.S. Soccer opens first-ever permanent home in Fayette County

The 200-acre complex gives American soccer a base to develop players and write history.

U.S. Soccer Federation officials were looking for the organization&#x27;s first permanent home in its 113-year history. They found it in Fayette County.Why it matters: The newly opened Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center deepens metro Atlanta&#x27;s soccer footprint and fuels more housing and retail growth on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming southside" data-vars-click-url="https://www.georgiatrend.com/2026/02/28/south-metro-atlanta-the-next-chapter/" data-vars-content-id="854e9680-da1a-4777-883f-f37d9a7198a2" data-vars-headline="U.S. Soccer opens first-ever permanent home in Fayette County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.georgiatrend.com/2026/02/28/south-metro-atlanta-the-next-chapter/" target="_blank">booming southside</a>.

South Downtown Atlanta sprints to open before World Cup

Crews are rushing to open restaurants, parks and pop-ups ahead of eight matches downtown.

Development

The FIFA World Cup is 45 days away, and more than 10 contractor crews are working simultaneously against the clock to turn South Downtown Atlanta into a food, retail and activity hub.Why it matters: South Downtown is undergoing a multi-block construction blitz to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rebuild a walkable historic neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/04/11/south-downtown-jon-birdsong-david-cummings" data-vars-content-id="22e50859-c5ff-4e4d-b9c9-e75569ac41c0" data-vars-headline="South Downtown Atlanta sprints to open before 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/2024/04/11/south-downtown-jon-birdsong-david-cummings" target="_self">rebuild a walkable historic neighborhood</a> with local businesses before the city hosts eight games, including one semifinal match.Yes, but: Most of the investments — wider sidewalks, new public spaces — and new businesses are meant to last long after the World Cup ends.

Sports 🏅

Atlanta hosts Argentina-Egypt knockout match

Atlanta's first footgolf course opens in Candler Park

Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium is getting a glow-up

Atlanta startup wants to make sumo America's next arena sport

Atlanta's World Cup will feel more like a festival than a finale