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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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What does Atlanta's Atlantic Station need next?

New management wants to hears ideas as Atlantic Station rethinks its shops, dining and placemaking.

Development

Atlantic Station is getting another makeover. But first, the mixed-use district would like your opinion.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trademark Property Company" data-vars-click-url="https://trademarkproperty.com/" data-vars-content-id="9bd45180-77ed-43ba-9ecd-99b0751be617" data-vars-headline="What does Atlanta&#x27;s Atlantic Station need next?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://trademarkproperty.com/" target="_blank">Trademark Property Company</a>, a Texas-based real-estate firm, took over management, leasing and operations of the 138-acre mixed-use district on Aug. 1.

Clayton police to end drug search program at Atlanta airport after lawsuit

Eric André and Clayton English sued Clayton County police officers in 2022, alleging the department's Airport Interdiction Unit compelled passengers to consent to searches.

News

The Clayton County Police Department has agreed to disband one of its units at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport nearly four years after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two comedians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/10/13/eric-andre-sues-cops-over-racial-profiling-at-atlanta-airport" data-vars-content-id="1564fab9-2839-4f59-b5ab-3e2b65914a97" data-vars-headline="Clayton police to end drug search program at Atlanta airport after lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/10/13/eric-andre-sues-cops-over-racial-profiling-at-atlanta-airport" target="_self">two comedians</a> alleged the unit coerced passengers to undergo unconstitutional searches.The latest: Clayton County has settled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58a33e881b631bc60d4f8b31/t/63459147ec332f2e79d80282/1665503559954/Andre+English+-+Complaint.pdf" data-vars-content-id="1564fab9-2839-4f59-b5ab-3e2b65914a97" data-vars-headline="Clayton police to end drug search program at Atlanta airport after lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58a33e881b631bc60d4f8b31/t/63459147ec332f2e79d80282/1665503559954/Andre+English+-+Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">the lawsuit</a> brought by Eric André and Clayton English, who in 2022 accused officers of using the department&#x27;s Airport Interdiction Unit to compel passengers — most of whom were people of color — to consent to searches between fall 2020 and spring 2021, lawyers for the two men said Tuesday.

Atlanta mayor blasts DNC over 2028 convention snub

Mayor Andre Dickens says dropping Atlanta sends a troubling message to Black and Southern voters.

Politics

Mayor Andre Dickens accused the Democratic National Committee of &quot;abandoning&quot; Atlanta, the South and Black voters by excluding the city from the 2028 presidential convention <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shortlist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/19/democrats-2028-convention-cities" data-vars-content-id="00d258f9-b9c3-4fad-a112-0960bdd42776" data-vars-headline="Atlanta mayor blasts DNC over 2028 convention snub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/19/democrats-2028-convention-cities" target="_self">shortlist</a>.Why it matters: Dickens&#x27; letter Thursday to DNC chairman Ken Martin is a blistering rebuke after losing a four-day event that draws tourists and national political attention — and which Atlanta hasn&#x27;t hosted in nearly 40 years.<ul><li>No Southern cities are now in the running to host the convention, leaving only Boston, Denver and Philadelphia.</li></ul>

Weekender: Toro y Moi, BronzeLens, Summer Shade Festival

Film festivals, live music, reptiles and college football fill Atlanta's weekend calendar.

Things to Do

Let the weekend begin! Here&#x27;s what is happening around town:🎞️ The 17th annual BronzeLens Film Festival opens with the documentary &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Love, Patrick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lovepatrickthemovie.com/teaser" data-vars-content-id="27b40b79-0d30-453b-87b8-3828d7c8f2af" data-vars-headline="Weekender: Toro y Moi, BronzeLens, Summer Shade Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lovepatrickthemovie.com/teaser" target="_blank">Love, Patrick</a>&quot; about the groundbreaking fashion designer Patrick Kelly. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fri.-Sun." data-vars-click-url="https://bronzelens.eventive.org/pass/buy" data-vars-content-id="27b40b79-0d30-453b-87b8-3828d7c8f2af" data-vars-headline="Weekender: Toro y Moi, BronzeLens, Summer Shade Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bronzelens.eventive.org/pass/buy" target="_blank">Fri.-Sun.</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=")" data-vars-click-url="https://bronzelens.eventive.org/pass/buy" data-vars-content-id="27b40b79-0d30-453b-87b8-3828d7c8f2af" data-vars-headline="Weekender: Toro y Moi, BronzeLens, Summer Shade Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bronzelens.eventive.org/pass/buy" target="_blank">)</a>🧑‍💻 The ASIFAC Animation Festival and conference goes deep on art and motion at Georgia State University and Cinefest. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fri.-Sat." data-vars-click-url="https://www.asifa-south.com/asifac-festival" data-vars-content-id="27b40b79-0d30-453b-87b8-3828d7c8f2af" data-vars-headline="Weekender: Toro y Moi, BronzeLens, Summer Shade Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.asifa-south.com/asifac-festival" target="_blank">Fri.-Sat.</a>)

MARTA names Jonathan Hunt permanent CEO

The agency veteran takes the permanent job as MARTA faces bus woes, big projects and a ridership rebuild.

Transit

MARTA&#x27;s board of directors decided that the best person to lead the transit agency is already doing the job.Why it matters: Jonathan Hunt, a longtime MARTA lawyer who has served as the interim CEO and general manager since last August, comes off a successful <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup surge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/20/atlanta-world-cup-2026-economic-impact-marta-fan-fest-report-card" data-vars-content-id="dd45568d-4713-4b7e-89e6-e7c4287da13a" data-vars-headline="MARTA names Jonathan Hunt permanent CEO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/20/atlanta-world-cup-2026-economic-impact-marta-fan-fest-report-card" target="_self">World Cup surge</a> and must now help the agency rebuild post-pandemic ridership and relationships with Atlanta leaders.

The next Atlanta traffic fight is over the curb

As deliveries surge, Atlanta is rethinking who gets priority at the curb and when vehicles can stop.

Some of Atlanta&#x27;s most contested real estate at the moment might just be the curb.Why it matters: Delivery vans, package trucks and food delivery drivers turning on their hazards and creating gridlock on major streets has become one of the top resident and business complaints, elected officials and civic groups tell Axios.<ul><li>The congestion raises a complex question: Who gets to use a limited stretch of curb, when and for what purpose?</li></ul>

Small towns outpace Atlanta in latest bikeability study

Compact communities dominated the latest rankings, while Atlanta landed on a cities-to-watch list.

Atlanta&#x27;s made strides building bike lanes and other infrastructure to help people get around on two wheels, according to a national bicycle advocacy group.<ul><li>But we have a long way to go.</li></ul>Why it matters: PeopleForBikes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annually ranks" data-vars-click-url="https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/" data-vars-content-id="de57bc03-fe67-44ab-acb5-d9037bd9776e" data-vars-headline="Small towns outpace Atlanta in latest bikeability study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/" target="_blank">annually ranks</a> cities around the globe and tracks whether people can realistically use bikes for everyday transportation, not just recreation.

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.

Federal investigation puts MARTA under new scrutiny

The FTA wants MARTA crime, fare evasion and safety records after two violent incidents.

The Trump administration is launching an investigation into MARTA after two violent events on the transit system, including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seemingly unprovoked fatal stabbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/03/marta-safety-world-cup-security-fatal-stabbing-fare-gates-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="10f16ae5-c8cd-4fef-8c06-4e87101bf2fa" data-vars-headline="Federal investigation puts MARTA under new scrutiny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/03/marta-safety-world-cup-security-fatal-stabbing-fare-gates-atlanta" target="_self">seemingly unprovoked fatal stabbing</a> of a 66-year-old train passenger.Why it matters: Concerns about MARTA&#x27;s safety are drawing federal scrutiny and becoming a political flashpoint.<ul><li>Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy&#x27;s probe comes as the transit agency tries to reassure the public that the buses and trains are safe to ride before, during and after the FIFA 2026 World Cup.</li></ul>

Atlanta's first autonomous transit route launches Friday

The new route links West End MARTA to Lee & White as Atlanta tests autonomous transit.

Atlanta&#x27;s first autonomous transit route — and newest robotic designated driver — launches in the West End on Friday.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATL Spoke" data-vars-click-url="https://beltline.org/atl-spoke/" data-vars-content-id="03853d47-592b-485b-b8d2-2cdfa8c44b19" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first autonomous transit route launches Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beltline.org/atl-spoke/" target="_blank">ATL Spoke</a> is a one-year foray into technology that advocates say could solve the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last-mile" data-vars-click-url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_mile_(transportation)" data-vars-content-id="03853d47-592b-485b-b8d2-2cdfa8c44b19" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first autonomous transit route launches Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_mile_(transportation)" target="_blank">last-mile</a>&quot; problem keeping some riders off transit.

MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing

Officials aim to rebuild confidence with more police, cameras and World Cup security plans.

MARTA is aiming to rebuild rider confidence after the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old woman on a train.State of play: Several recent violent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="incidents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/06/02/police-searching-suspect-georgia-state-marta-station-stabbing/" data-vars-content-id="9179efda-05a1-4825-a042-005f6c8d958c" data-vars-headline="MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/06/02/police-searching-suspect-georgia-state-marta-station-stabbing/" target="_blank">incidents</a> have raised concerns about public safety as MARTA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prepares" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/22/stat-du-jour-almost-a-free-ride" data-vars-content-id="9179efda-05a1-4825-a042-005f6c8d958c" data-vars-headline="MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/22/stat-du-jour-almost-a-free-ride" target="_self">prepares</a> to transport hundreds of thousands of World Cup fans during the six-week tournament.

Atlanta Beltline bike and scooter lane proposal alarms rail advocates

Transit supporters say Council member Mary Norwood's idea would kill rail's future along the Beltline.

Atlanta Beltline transit advocates are breathing a sigh of relief after a City Council proposal to build separate bike and scooter lanes — which could threaten future rail plans — was pulled.Why it matters: Rail transit has been central to the Beltline vision for decades. But recent opposition from residents and developers concerned over costs, construction and compatibility has slowed momentum.

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.

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.

Self-driving pod system planned for Atlanta airport area

Leaders hope small on-demand vehicles can reach jobs and destinations MARTA doesn't currently serve.

The future of moving around outside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport might include your own little <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="autonomous pod" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" data-vars-content-id="4d133399-2a96-478c-b2a0-6aed55718f76" data-vars-headline="Self-driving pod system planned for Atlanta airport area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" target="_self">autonomous pod</a>.Why it matters: The world&#x27;s busiest airport is surrounded by warehouses, cargo businesses, hotels, Delta Air Lines offices and more. It&#x27;s a 24-7 environment.<ul><li>A coalition of local businesses wants to try a cheaper, autonomous option that could connect the area and serve places and people that MARTA can&#x27;t reach.</li></ul>

Transit 🚗

MARTA names Jonathan Hunt permanent CEO

Atlanta World Cup Lime scooter and e-bike rides hit 926,000 miles

The next Atlanta traffic fight is over the curb

Atlanta rides MARTA through World Cup surge

Small towns outpace Atlanta in latest bikeability study