Atlanta News

As schools face political pressure over curriculum and Black history, and the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, Dr. Karida Brown says the battle for the Black mind is not new.  An Emory University Professor of Sociology, Brown spent eight years researching her new book, “The Battle for the Black Mind,” a historical account […]

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DeKalb County water customers were set to see an increase in their water and sewer bills on July 1, but the county has postponed it. The county did not provide […]

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Construction on large, flood-solving greenspace full speed ahead Josh Green Mon, 07/14/2025 - 14:23

This summer, a sprawling construction site in the middle of a historic Atlanta neighborhood marks not the beginning of another apartment complex but an additional city greenspace with unique functionality. 

Infrastructure work kicked off recently on a Peoplestown project that will install a community park and floodwater-capturing stormwater system across a former residential block once lined with single-family houses. 

The park site is located about four blocks from Georgia State University’s Center Parc Stadium and south of Summerhill. Grant Park’s The Beacon district is just southwest of the block in question, which is bounded by Atlanta Avenue, and Connally, Ormond, and Greenfield streets.

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management initiative—officially called the “Custer Avenue Capacity Relief Multi-Benefit Stormwater Vault project”—started the process last month of digging down from 20 to 30 feet below street level. That work is preparing the site for a vault upgrade to neighborhood stormwater systems, an effort to improve drainage and curtail flooding and sewer-overflow issues that have plagued the area in the past. 

Scope of infrastructure work this month on the Custer Avenue Capacity Relief Multi-Benefit Stormwater Vault project, as seen from Atlanta Avenue at Greenfield Street. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Overview of plans for the 5-acre greenspace. Pond; via City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

The project for years was a lightning rod for land-use controversy and neighborhood protests critical of the city’s proposed use of eminent domain to buy home properties, clear them off the block in question, and construct the stormwater fix. That ended in August 2022 when Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ office announced the city had reached “breakthrough agreements” with holdout Peoplestown homeowners. A series of public engagement events to help determine park design were held last year. 

Above the project’s massive stormwater vault, finalized designs calls for a 5-acre greenspace. Features will include a splash pad, dog park, an elevated viewing structure, open fields, and a large playscapes section, according to renderings compiled by Pond & Company landscape architects. 

Pond; via City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

Construction this month from the corner of Atlanta Avenue and Connally Street. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

The city’s schedule calls for completing the Peoplestown project in October 2027. It’s being funded with both water and sewer revenues, with additional funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program.

Find more context and project images in the gallery above. 

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Context of the Peoplestown park project in relation to existing southeast Atlanta greenspaces. City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

Scope of infrastructure work this month on the Custer Avenue Capacity Relief Multi-Benefit Stormwater Vault project, as seen from Atlanta Avenue at Greenfield Street. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Pond; via City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

Overview of plans for the 5-acre greenspace. Pond; via City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

Site-clearing and infrastructure construction along Atlanta Avenue last week. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Construction this month from the corner of Atlanta Avenue and Connally Street. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Pond; via City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

Plans for the park's splash pad, the second in Peoplestown after D.H. Stanton Park's. Pond; via City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

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Larceny from Auto: 99 Krog St. NE

On July 8, 2025, Atlanta Police Zone 6 officers responded to 99 Krog St. NE regarding a report of a theft from motor vehicle. Preliminary investigation revealed a Jeep Wagoneer was broken into at the location and two suitcases had been stolen.

Investigators with the Atlanta Police Department’s Larceny from Auto Unit led the investigation and have subsequently secured an arrest warrant for a suspect.

At this time, the suspect remains outstanding, and their identity is not yet available for release.

Incident Report:Z6 - 99 Krog St. NE - Theft from Motor Vehicle - 251892044 - 08JUL2025.pdf

The Atlanta Police Department reminds you about ourClean Car Campaign, and to remove valuables from you vehicle. We know quick stops can turn into costly mistakes. It only takes seconds for a thief to spot valuables and break in. Take your bags, phone, and anything important with you every time you leave your car. Don’t give criminals an easy win.

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Why Hope Atlanta Is Investing in Place-Based Strategy Neighborhoods shape everything—from housing access and job opportunities to mental health outcomes and generational wealth. In fact, a person’s ZIP code is one of the strongest predictors of their health—even more than their genetic code. That’s why Hope Atlanta has adopted a Place-Based Strategy that aligns housing, […]

The post The Case for a Neighborhood-Focused Response appeared first on SaportaReport.

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Throughout my college education, I’m learning that college isn’t only about the books. Some places transform people, and college is one of those places. A college campus can serve many purposes — a place for education, a place where relationships form and a place where life-changing events occur.  A college campus is also a place […]

The post From campus to community: How a new generation builds belonging appeared first on SaportaReport.

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BWC, Incident Report-Person Armed Arrest: 221 Peachtree St SW Atlanta

Link to Incident Report

On July 11, 2025, Atlanta Police Officers responded to a report of a person armed in the area of 221 Peachtree St SW Atlanta, GA. Upon arrival, officers located an individual matching the description provided by dispatch. As the first responding officer attempted to make contact, the male subject attempted to flee the scene.

The officer was able to apprehend the subject after a brief foot pursuit. During the apprehension, the male resisted arrest. At that time, a nearby citizen intervened and assisted the officer in securing the weapon. The subject was ultimately placed in handcuffs and taken into custody without further incident.

While we deeply appreciate the willingness of our community members to help ensure the safety of others, we want to remind the public that the safest and most effective way to assist in situations like these is by calling 911 and providing detailed information to responding officers. Intervening in the apprehension of a potentially armed individual can pose serious risks to both the citizen and officers on scene.

Our number one priority is the safety of our community, and that includes the safety of our residents and those who work tirelessly to protect them. We thank you for your continued support and cooperation

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When it comes to revitalizing Atlanta’s historic Westside, transformation doesn’t just happen — it’s built, block by block, by those willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work. For Westside Future Fund, that work is made possible every day by a trusted partner: Integrity Home Solutions. Founded in 2019 by two brothers with […]

The post Groundwork for Change: How Integrity Home Solutions Powers Property Care, Youth Leadership, and Volunteer Impact on the Historic Westside appeared first on SaportaReport.

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By Hannah E. Jones, Park Pride’s Marketing & Communications Manager It may be summer break now, but class is almost back in session! Our Director of Education, Eli Dickerson, is excitedly preparing for the third year of the Park Stewardship Academy (PSA).  PSA is a three-month educational and skill-building program that equips community members with […]

The post Building a network of greenspace leaders through Park Pride’s Park Stewardship Academy appeared first on SaportaReport.

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Since 1984, YWCA Greater Atlanta has honored extraordinary women whose lives and work embody its enduring mission: to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The Academy of Women Achievers is a living tapestry of leading women dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Atlanta area and helping […]

The post A Tradition of Leadership: YWCA Greater Atlanta’s Academy of Women Achievers appeared first on SaportaReport.

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State leaders and advocates in Georgia are putting pressure on Gov. Brian Kemp to demand that the Trump administration release federal funds it had withheld for after-school, summer and other […]

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Mayor Dickens & Atlanta Urban Development Corporation Announce Request for Qualifications for Redevelopment of Lakewood Heights Elementary School into Mixed-Use Community with Affordable Housing Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD) officially announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the redevelopment of the former Lakewood Heights Elementary School, into a vibrant mixed-use community that […]

The post Mayor Dickens, City of Atlanta to Convert Lakewood Heights Elementary to Afforable Housing Complex appeared first on Atlanta Tribune.

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The City of Atlanta closed the Old Wheat Street encampment on Thursday, July 10th, following three months of outreach efforts and in alignment with recommendations from the City’s 90-Day Homelessness Task Force. In preparation for the closure, outreach teams including Restoring One’s Hope of Atlanta and InTown Cares have engaged directly with all residents to […]

The post Atlanta to Close Old Wheat Street Encampment Today, More Scheduled appeared first on Atlanta Tribune.

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President Donald Trump on Monday threatened Russia with steep tariffs and announced a rejuvenated pipeline for American weapons to reach Ukraine, hardening his stance toward Moscow after months of frustration about unsuccessful […]

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Photo: Getty Images North America T-Mobile has scrapped its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as it seeks to make two major acquisitions, which require approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In a letter sent to the FCC on Tuesday (July 8), the wireless carrier pledged to discontinue its DEI policies “not just in […]

The post T-Mobile Abandons DEI Amid Pressure From Trump Administration appeared first on Atlanta Tribune.

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Photo: Getty Images HBCU alumni and students are rallying behind Morehouse graduate Alex Maganda, who was recently detained by ICE in Texas. According to Black Enterprise, Maganda, a former football player who graduated from Morehouse in 2018, is being held in ICE custody at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Anson, Texas. News of Maganda’s detainment […]

The post HBCU Community Pushes For Release Of Morehouse Graduate Detained By ICE appeared first on Atlanta Tribune.

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Photo: Moment RF A 19-year-old Black teenager has made chess history. According to the Black News, chess player Jessica Hyatt, 19, recently became the youngest African American woman to earn the National Master title. Hyatt’s chess victories have also paved the way for her to become the highest-rated African American woman player ever. Hyatt was […]

The post 19-Year-Old Teen Becomes Youngest Black Woman Chess Champion appeared first on Atlanta Tribune.

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Fiona Bloom runs an agency representing talent across the globe called The Bloom Effect, advising and developing careers for some of the most recognized figures in music and entertainment. In her 30-plus-year career, she has done promotions, publicity, management, radio, event planning, venue booking, marketing, hosting, curating and lecturing and is active within the Recording...

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At a university known for innovation, Georgia State’s Brains & Behavior (B&B) area of focus is making its mark by connecting research from across the institution into a powerful, collaborative hub free from traditional silos. At the program’s recent annual retreat, at which it celebrated its 20th anniversary, more than 250 experts and students showcased […]

The post Atlanta’s Brainpower Hub: How Georgia State Is Rewiring the Future of Neuroscience appeared first on SaportaReport.

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The City of Atlanta closed the Old Wheat Street encampment on Thursday, July 10th, following three months of outreach efforts and in alignment with recommendations from the City’s 90-Day Homelessness Task Force. In preparation for the closure, outreach teams including Restoring One’s Hope of Atlanta and InTown Cares have engaged directly with all residents to … Continued

The post Atlanta to Close Old Wheat Street Encampment in Accordance with Task Force Recommendations appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

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City kicks off development push for vacant, 1930s school property Josh Green Mon, 07/14/2025 - 10:37

The process of resuscitating a nearly century-old Atlanta school while injecting a southside neighborhood with housing and jobs-producing commercial space has formally begun. 

Atlanta Urban Development Corporation, a nonprofit entity that aims to develop underused public land into mixed-income housing, has released a Request for Qualifications calling for developers capable of turning the long-vacant, former Lakewood Heights Elementary School into a mixed-use hub that boosts the neighborhood. 

The 2.1-acre Lakewood Heights site is one of eight “surplus” school properties planned for conversion into community assets around the city. It’s highlighted by a 1932 school building at 335 Sawtell Ave. that all recent planning efforts have pinpointed as being crucial for saving and restoring through adaptive-reuse development. 

The school has been shuttered and vacant since 2004; three years ago, it was at risk of being demolished, but APS reconsidered and scrapped those plans, citing historical value.  

The RFQ calls for development firms capable of turning the old school property into a “dynamic community asset,” with roughly 55 housing units, most of them two to three-bedroom rentals. Another component would be about 8,000 square feet of commercial space geared toward inclusivity and meeting local residents’ needs, per AUD officials. 

The former Lakewood Heights Elementary School. Google Maps

Four options for adaptive-reuse and new construction in Lakewood Heights compiled in a March report this year. APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development

Beyond preservation of the school structure, the general vision compiled after numerous community meetings calls for pedestrian-friendly designs and mixed-income housing options. 

The Lakewood Heights property has been pinpointed by Atlanta Preservation Center as being of “major significance.” The three structures on site today include the 1930s school and additions from the 1950s and 1990s.

“This redevelopment initiative represents a significant opportunity to repurpose underutilized public land into a community hub,” said John Majors, AUD’s CEO, in an announcement. “Our goal is to create a mixed-income housing development that not only addresses the urgent need for affordable housing but also stimulates local economic growth and enhances neighborhood vitality.”

The deadline for replying to the RFQ is Aug. 25, via AUD’s website. 

A draft concept for the corner of Charleston and Sawtell avenues shows a new commercial storefront, courtyard, and potential look of new townhomes, per the master plan. APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development; designs, Zanetta Illustration

An aerial view over the intersection of Charleston and South Bend avenues with new on-street parking, apartments standing two and three stories, and the adaptively reused school. APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development; designs, Zanetta Illustration

Submissions from developers will be scored based on experience with similar projects and each company’s specific vision for the site and ability to execute it, according to AUD. 

Whichever developer is picked will work closely with both AUD and APS to finalize the intergovernmental Lakewood Heights redevelopment plan before moving forward, per officials.

For interested parties, a two-hour Q&A session and bus tour of the Lakewood Heights Elementary School property is schedule for 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday. An option to attend virtually is also being provided. Otherwise, find more context and imagery for the Lakewood Heights plan in the gallery above. 

A map of historically significant Atlanta Public School properties, as compiled by Atlanta Preservation Center and APS.APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development

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A map of historically significant Atlanta Public School properties, as compiled by Atlanta Preservation Center and APS.APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development

The former Lakewood Heights Elementary School. Google Maps

Overview of the former Lakewood Heights Elementary School property today. APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development

An aerial view over the intersection of Charleston and South Bend avenues with new on-street parking, apartments standing two and three stories, and the adaptively reused school. APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development; designs, Zanetta Illustration

Four options for adaptive-reuse and new construction in Lakewood Heights compiled in a March report this year. APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development

A draft concept for the corner of Charleston and Sawtell avenues shows a new commercial storefront, courtyard, and potential look of new townhomes, per the master plan. APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development; designs, Zanetta Illustration

APS/Housing Innovation Lab/Atlanta Urban Development

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Mayor Dickens & Atlanta Urban Development Corporation Announce Request for Qualifications for Redevelopment of Lakewood Heights Elementary School into Mixed-Use Community with Affordable Housing Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD) officially announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the redevelopment of the former Lakewood Heights Elementary School, into a vibrant mixed-use community that … Continued

The post Mayor Dickens, City of Atlanta to Convert Lakewood Heights Elementary to Afforable Housing Complex appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

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Porsha’s journey and marriage to Simon Guobadia were a whirlwind that began with controversy and ended in a legal battle. As BOSSIP previously reported, their relationship ignited chatter from the start, as their engagement was announced in March 2021, just one month after they went Instagram official. This raised eyebrows, given Simon was still married … Continued

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— Applications Open July 16 through September 3, 2025 — South Arts is pleased to announce the application cycles are now open for various grant initiatives, including: Emerging Traditional Artist Program; Artist Creative Practice; Arts Readiness, Relief, & Recovery; Arts in Community; Arts in Rural Places; Professional Development; Accessibility; and In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants. … Continued

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By bawintern Boys & Girls Clubs all over the country are bracing for the worst after Trump recently froze funding that could destroy summer and fall programs for low-income families. According to AP, the Trump administration froze more than $6 billion in federal education grants intended for after-school and summer programs, English language instruction, adult … Continued

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