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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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Atlanta seeks lifetime license suspensions for speeding

The Atlanta City Council wants lifetime license suspensions for the worst driving offenders.

News

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.

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

Atlanta workers have slightly shorter commutes

Atlanta workers have relatively faster commutes compared to pre-pandemic times.

The share of Atlanta workers with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="relatively speedy commutes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/19/commute-distance-time-us-state-pandemic-statistics" data-vars-content-id="3de668d7-f379-4f59-87ce-97f456774807" data-vars-headline="Atlanta workers have slightly shorter commutes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/19/commute-distance-time-us-state-pandemic-statistics" target="_self">relatively speedy commutes</a> has slightly increased compared to pre-pandemic times, according to a new Axios analysis of census data.Why it matters: Quicker commutes are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tied" data-vars-click-url="https://hbr.org/2021/05/that-dreaded-commute-is-actually-good-for-your-health" data-vars-content-id="3de668d7-f379-4f59-87ce-97f456774807" data-vars-headline="Atlanta workers have slightly shorter commutes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hbr.org/2021/05/that-dreaded-commute-is-actually-good-for-your-health" target="_blank">tied</a> to better mental health, greater job satisfaction and several other personal benefits, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Fitzpatrick and Alice Feng report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/19/commute-distance-time-us-state-pandemic-statistics" data-vars-content-id="3de668d7-f379-4f59-87ce-97f456774807" data-vars-headline="Atlanta workers have slightly shorter commutes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/19/commute-distance-time-us-state-pandemic-statistics" target="_self">Alex Fitzpatrick and Alice Feng report</a>.<ul><li>The less time Americans spend in cars, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="better for the environment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2020/07/17/remote-work-energy-use-car-commute-driving" data-vars-content-id="3de668d7-f379-4f59-87ce-97f456774807" data-vars-headline="Atlanta workers have slightly shorter commutes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2020/07/17/remote-work-energy-use-car-commute-driving" target="_self">better for the environment</a>. Many people also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commute via public transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/24/1006225485/for-the-climate-and-fairness-take-buses-and-sidewalks-before-electric-cars" data-vars-content-id="3de668d7-f379-4f59-87ce-97f456774807" data-vars-headline="Atlanta workers have slightly shorter commutes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/24/1006225485/for-the-climate-and-fairness-take-buses-and-sidewalks-before-electric-cars" target="_blank">commute via public transit</a>.</li></ul>

Bar graph displaying the share of Atlanta workers by commute time.

Beltline transit advocates rally the rail supporters

The streetcar supporters say building the project without mass transit will increase intown congestion

Beltline transit supporters say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new effort" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/10/16/beltline-rail-opponents-better-atlanta-transit" data-vars-content-id="d5c76951-ef40-4730-bf6e-c9504e1819e2" data-vars-headline="Beltline transit advocates rally the rail supporters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/10/16/beltline-rail-opponents-better-atlanta-transit" target="_self">a new effort</a> to derail a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed streetcar line" data-vars-click-url="https://beltline.org/transit/" data-vars-content-id="d5c76951-ef40-4730-bf6e-c9504e1819e2" data-vars-headline="Beltline transit advocates rally the rail supporters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beltline.org/transit/" target="_blank">proposed streetcar line</a> on the Eastside Trail smacks of NIMBYism and could increase traffic in an ever-growing Atlanta.What&#x27;s happening: Beltline Rail Now is launching a campaign, yard signs and all, to show and win support for the long-planned transit line connecting the Downtown Streetcar to the popular paved trail and north to Ponce City Market.

A rendering of a paved path called the Eastside Trail with people walking near a streetcar stop at Ponce City Market

New Beltline rail opposition group powers up

The bold-named group of civic and business leaders wants to have a "public debate" on the issue

A bold-named group of civic and business leaders is escalating a grassroots battle to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="block rail transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/04/13/beltline-eastide-trail-transit-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="b98173c1-628c-472e-8021-31951c5f6135" data-vars-headline="New Beltline rail opposition group powers up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/04/13/beltline-eastide-trail-transit-atlanta" target="_self">block rail transit</a> on the Beltline.What&#x27;s happening: A new organization announced this past week called Better Atlanta Transit wants to have a &quot;public debate&quot; over running streetcars along the popular Eastside Trail.

Atlanta Streets Alive returns after a four-year hiatus

Atlanta Streets Alive takes over Peachtree Street after four-year hiatus

Things to Do

Atlanta&#x27;s biggest open street celebration returns this weekend for the first time since before the pandemic.Driving the news: On Sunday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta Streets Alive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantastreetsalive.org/" data-vars-content-id="678b6664-1405-4d5d-995d-49dbd890a233" data-vars-headline="Atlanta Streets Alive returns after a four-year hiatus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantastreetsalive.org/" target="_blank">Atlanta Streets Alive</a> (ASA) takes over Peachtree Street from South Downtown to Midtown for four hours of fun in the car-free, fresh air.<ul><li>The event will also be held on Oct. 22 and Nov. 12.</li></ul>

People walk and bike at a street festival shaded by trees and closed to cars in a dense urban setting

Beltline kicks off transit planning on remaining segments

Two-year study will decide where rail line should run and station locations

The Beltline is taking a major step toward deciding where its future streetcars could run through Grant Park, the West End and Buckhead.What&#x27;s happening: Project officials are kicking off a two-year planning process to study the transit line&#x27;s &quot;preferred alignment&quot; — in other words, where the tracks would make the most sense — and station locations along a 13.6-mile segment of the project.

A map of the Atlanta Beltline with the northwest, southwest and southeast segments where officials will study transit shaded blue

Self-driving taxi company Cruise eyes Atlanta

The California-based autonomous vehicle company conducted tests throughout the city earlier this month

General Motors-owned Cruise wants to drop self-driving taxis in more than a dozen cities, including Atlanta.Why it matters: Atlanta&#x27;s streets and sidewalks are no strangers to tech companies that are making bets on ride-sharing, sidewalk scootin&#x27; and house-renting.<ul><li>Welcome to the next iteration of Atlanta&#x27;s public space serving as a testing ground for privately owned technology and transportation.</li></ul>

A woman exits a self-driving taxi that says Cruise on the door and has equipment on the top

Beltline parking minimum ordinance hits roadblock

City Council plan to nix parking requirement near the Beltline sent back for review

New drive-thrus and gas stations within a half-mile of the Beltline might soon be a thing of the past. The battle against parking spots near the popular trail and park loop continues, however.Driving the news: Last week, the Atlanta City Council passed two ordinances aimed at reducing vehicle traffic near the Beltline, a nearly $5 billion public investment designed to make Atlanta easier to access without a car.

Illustration of a pencil eraser erasing the lines in a parking lot.

Atlantans drive thousands more miles per year than people in other U.S. cities

But those living near "activity centers" drive far less.

Transit

The average Atlanta metro area household traveled nearly 36,000 miles in 2022, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/05/brookings-building-proximity" data-vars-content-id="3bf2911c-6f08-4178-b92e-2eedd0843ae2" data-vars-headline="Atlantans drive thousands more miles per year than people in other U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/05/brookings-building-proximity" target="_self">new study</a>. That&#x27;s higher than the national average of nearly 30,000.<ul><li>But the data also shows that Atlantans living near &quot;activity centers&quot; — or neighborhoods with many community institutions, tourism destinations, consumption amenities and jobs — drive less. </li></ul>

Cumberland begins test drive of autonomous shuttles

The Hopper will test two routes serving the office, retail and residential area

Cumberland officials are expanding their vision for a less car-driven future with a driverless shuttle.What&#x27;s happening: Starting Tuesday, a driverless shuttle dubbed &quot;The Cumberland Hopper&quot; starts service around the auto-oriented office, retail and growing residential area.

A brightly colored 8-person autonomous shuttle with "Welcome aboard" and "hopper" on the side

Atlanta scores a solid "meh" in U.S. bike rankings

PeopleForBikes ranked 1,484 U.S. cities using factors like protected bike lanes, safe crossings, speed limits and connections.

Atlanta&#x27;s patchy network of bike lanes and roads designed for speeding cars leaves plenty of room for improvement, according to PeopleForBikes&#x27; &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Places to Bike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/2023s-best-places-to-bike?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_charlotte&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="a344623b-cd45-4db8-8962-e90520281e7c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta scores a solid &quot;meh&quot; in U.S. bike rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/2023s-best-places-to-bike?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_charlotte&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">Best Places to Bike</a>&quot; report.How it works: The organization rated 1,484 U.S. cities on a scale of 0 to 100, using factors like protected bike lanes, safe crossings, speed limits and connections throughout the city. A score of 50 or higher represents &quot;a great place to bike.&quot;

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Politics & Policy

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers

Rep. Robert Garcia encouraged fellow Democrats to support Republicans' expulsion measure.

House Democrats and Republicans finally have something they agree on: booting Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" data-vars-content-id="4eec0a24-5338-46c4-8b6e-5526cda73c0f" data-vars-headline="George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) from Congress.Driving the news: In an email sent to Democratic congressional offices on Thursday, Rep. Robert Garcia&#x27;s (D-Calif.) office advocated for Republicans&#x27; resolution to expel the embattled Long Islander.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote

Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House.

The House on Friday voted to expel Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) over his many fabrications on the 2022 campaign trail and his two federal indictments.Why it matters: The vote makes Santos just the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth lawmaker" data-vars-click-url="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" target="_blank">sixth lawmaker</a> – and first Republican – to be expelled from the House in U.S. history.

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