Atlanta News

From the Saporta Report:

As homelessness becomes more visible—and more complex—in communities across Atlanta, Hope Atlanta’s Summer 2025 Field Report offers a powerful window into both the challenges and the solutions. With family homelessness up 14% and chronic homelessness down 9%, the 2025 Point-in-Time Count reflects a shifting landscape—and a need for adaptive, data-driven responses. Hope Atlanta’s Field Report highlights how […]

The post Housing, Health & Hope: What Hope Atlanta’s Field Report Reveals – And why it matters appeared first on SaportaReport.

From WABE Politics News:

ATLANTA (AP) — A Democratic former legislative leader said Tuesday that he’s raising money for a possible run for attorney general. Bob Trammell of Luthersville said he’s exploring whether he […]

Arts Atlanta:

The movie Barbie debuted in theaters in the summer of 2023. Featuring a quirky, feminist backstory about the iconic doll, the movie follows Stereotypical Barbie as she grapples with the picture-perfect fictional life, the feminine ideals she symbolizes and the unnerving reality of life for women. Throughout this tale, Barbie learns about the oppressive structure...

From WABE Local News:

Almost three years after closing to patients, Atlanta Medical Center in the Old Fourth Ward is being demolished. It’s the first phase of several years of work planned for the […]

From WABE Arts and Culture News:

After more than 45 years at WABE, Lois Reitzes hosted her final episode of City Lights ahead of her retirement. In a special live broadcast from WABE’s Studio 4, Lois […]

Two new food hubs announced for downtown ATL as World Cup nears Josh Green Mon, 06/30/2025 - 17:38

Food and drink options in Atlanta’s reawakening South Downtown district are expected to surge in coming months. 

With the city's 2026 FIFA World Cup matches less than a year away, two of the biggest players in South Downtown’s revival—tech entrepreneurs Atlanta Ventures and Underground Atlanta owners Lalani Ventures—each officially announced plans for new food hubs Monday, though with very different concepts. 

Starting this autumn, the South Downtown ATL crew plans to welcome a recurring, open-air food festival that’s proven popular in Miami, New York City, and Los Angeles called Smorgasburg Atlanta. 

The 140 Forsyth St. SW lot where Smorgasburg Atlanta is planned, in relation to South Downtown's "town square" section planned to house El Tesoro and other businesses. via South Downtown ATL/@sodowntownatl

Smorgasburg’s Atlanta incarnation will take over a surface parking lot at 104 Forsyth St., situated in between MARTA’s Five Points and Garnett stations, a few blocks southeast of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Plans call for a roster of more than 40 local vendors to set up shop on the lot every Saturday, starting in October.

Expect a curated assortment of food trucks, pop-up tents, live entertainment, artists, play areas for kids, and food trucks, all splashed with selections of beer, wine, and seasonal cocktails, as South Downtown ATL officials relayed in a new tenant announcement. Culinary vendor applications are open as of today. 

“When we looked at where to expand next, Atlanta stood out immediately,” said Smorgasburg co-owner and CEO Gaston Becherano in the announcement. “There’s a dynamic and thriving pop-up food scene here that’s deeply rooted in creativity, community, and cultural pride.”

The parking lot in question between Forsyth and Broad streets, in relation to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and other downtown landmarks. Google Maps

The news continues a culinary hot streak for Atlanta Ventures’ 10-block South Downtown redevelopment. The district signed leases for taqueria El Tesoro’s third and largest location in March, local barbecue concept Sammy’s last month, and longtime Castleberry Hill staple Bottle Rocket sushi and bar last week. The latter plans to relocate into retail space in historic Hotel Row, between Tyde Tate Thai Kitchen and Spiller Park Coffee.

Meanwhile, big plans are also cookin’ at Underground Atlanta. 

That district on Monday detailed plans for an injection of new dining—including a six-stall food hall—and retail on the above-ground section, Upper Alabama Street, that project leaders have vowed to enliven prior to World Cup festivities. Utopia Latin fusion restaurant and lounge opened on that street in April, claiming a long-vacant space. 

Main entry off Peachtree Street to Underground nightlife, as seen in January. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

New Underground concepts were described by ownership in announcement today as follows: 

• “Once a pizza cart that was part of the Underground Creative Carts Collective at Underground in 2021, Dolo’s Pizza later transitioned to a permanent space in Lower Alabama. Increasing in popularity, the pizzeria is now set to level up to a whole new location on Upper Alabama, expanding its capabilities to serve more customers.
• Joining Dolo’s Pizza on Upper Alabama is the newly announced Underground Diner. This daytime and nighttime vibrant new eatery will replace Dancin’ Crepe’s corner space.
• ... a six-stall food hall [is coming to] an Upper Alabama corner space located across the street from where Underground Diner will go. It is currently in the design phase and is expected to be open before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Rapper Trinidad James, formally known as Nicholaus Williams, opened apparel store HOMMEWRK in February of this year, located across from Utopia on Upper Alabama.”

According to owners Lalani Venture, Underground Atlanta is on pace this year to double the 1 million visitors it counted in 2024. Company CEO Shaneel Lalani says recent additions are merely the beginning and that more tenants will be unveiled soon, include the six food hall tenants. 

“The positive momentum on Upper Alabama Street is undeniable, and these new additions are helping to bring vibrant, all-day energy back to Underground,” said Lalani in a statement. “By adding more daytime dining and retail options, we’re creating a dynamic environment that invites people to come early and stay late.”

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• Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)

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Hotel Row Lalani Ventures Underground Atlanta Atlanta Ventures Historic Hotel Row Atlanta Restaurants Atlanta Restaurant News Atlanta Food Halls Food Halls Gaston Becherano Smorgasburg Smorgasburg Atlanta South Downtown Atlanta Food Trucks Five Points MARTA Station Garnett MARTA station Garnett Street MARTA Station

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The parking lot in question between Forsyth and Broad streets, in relation to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and other downtown landmarks. Google Maps

The 140 Forsyth St. SW lot where Smorgasburg Atlanta is planned, in relation to South Downtown's "town square" section planned to house El Tesoro and other businesses. via South Downtown ATL/@sodowntownatl

Main entry off Peachtree Street to Underground nightlife, as seen in January. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Subtitle Weekly Smorgasburg Atlanta fest, Underground Atlanta food hall on tap soon

Neighborhood Downtown

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From the Saporta Report:

Why are both Democrats and Republicans so sure the One Big Beautiful Bill will be President Donald Trump’s last big chance to pass legislation?

The post What both sides assume about the One Big Beautiful Bill appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

It’s so Atlanta to celebrate the demolition of history. Such was the case Monday afternoon when various VIPS, including Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman (a stand-in for Mayor Andre Dickens) and various dignitaries with Wellstar Health System and the Integral Group, gathered at the site of the former Georgia Baptist Hospital (the now-vacant Atlanta […]

The post Slow down with the wrecking ball; save the most historic Georgia Baptist building appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

If it is southwest of Atlanta, why is it called East Point? This week on the Stories of Atlanta, we take a look at what seems to be an Atlanta history contradiction. It has to do with the naming of a neighboring city and why it got its name. With the unpleasantness of dealing with […]

The post Atlanta Loses Its First Mayor appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

On Tuesday, June 10, more than 60 people packed into “Dad’s Garage Theatre “for a live taping of the “What’s Good, Atlanta?” podcast, a civic storytelling show that blends comedy, poetry and public interest. Produced by local creatives Mark Kendall and David Perdue (no relation to the former U.S. Senator from Georgia). The show brought […]

The post Laughing with, not at: How two Atlanta creatives use comedy to spark civic connection appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

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The post Persian/Iranian Americans – various events appeared first on SaportaReport.

From WABE Politics News:

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Friday ruling limits the use of nationwide injunctions. However, the justices did not decide whether President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship is lawful. The […]

Owner: Retail bound for corner on Eastside Trolley Trail, near El Tesoro Josh Green Mon, 06/30/2025 - 13:45

Plans are moving forward in Edgewood for a boutique retail concept the property owner hopes will benefit from a steady stream of multipurpose-trail foot traffic next door. 

The project, situated on the northeast corner of the Whitefoord and Woodbine avenues intersection, could be a key cog in a hub of eating and drinking establishments planned for an eastside neighborhood that lacks a historic downtown section. 

Last year, a crumbling, 2,482-square-foot commercial building from 1945 was razed at the 142 Whitefoord Ave. site. It had been vacant for more than a decade, with a collapsed roof and trees growing inside. 

Today, the .26-acre site has more cachet than most, given its front-row status along the Eastside Trolley Trail, a popular Beltline-to-Kirkwood connector trail installed in 2023 by the PATH Foundation. Across the street, taqueria El Tesoro is so popular, lines often form around the block.

Sara Thurston, the lot’s new owner and a licensed real estate agent, tells Urbanize Atlanta she’s submitted plans to the City of Atlanta for building permits to move forward with infill development on what’s currently used as a dirt parking lot. 

The 142 Whitefoord Ave. infill site in question today, with the Eastside Trolley Trail at left. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Full scope of the Whitefoord Avenue infill site in question, currently being used for off-street parking. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Thurston’s plans, drawn up by Decatur’s Lightroom architecture firm, call for a retail building standing two stories, with a restaurant on the ground floor and offices and storage for the business above. What type of restaurant could operate there has yet to be determined, per Thurston. 

The same parking footprint as the previous building’s will be used again, and plans call for the building to be “thoughtfully designed to blend in with the current landscape of the corner,” per Thurston. 

No renderings or other visuals are publicly available. Negotiations and revisions with the city are ongoing, Thurston said. 

“I’m hoping to break ground in the next three months,” said Thurston. “As soon as I get the permit approved, I want to get started.” 

The 142 Whitefoord Ave. site's location at an Edgewood intersection with commercial uses and low-rise apartments. Google Maps

The site's proximity to El Tesoro taqueria, at center across the street. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

One hurdle is the site’s status as being in a FEMA flood zone, which Thurston says requires new construction to be at least four feet above ground level. That requirement doesn’t apply to existing structures for adaptive-reuse development, but Thurston says the previous building onsite was too deteriorated to salvage.  

“My goal is to have [the retail building] completed within a year of breaking ground,” she says. “I’m so excited about it.”

Across Whitefoord Avenue, the situation appears to be quieter at another food-and-beverage concept planned for the area. 

State of the former 1950s auto garage where Whitefoord Avenue meets Leslie Street today. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Next to El Tesoro, to the north, plans were revealed in spring last year for turning a former 1950s auto garage into a local pizzeria and neighborhood market with patio seating in front and some parking in the rear.  

The building and business owner, longtime Edgewood resident Sid Weinstein, told Urbanize Atlanta he hoped to open that combo business by last fall at the latest, operating it seven days a week.

A year later, no signs of construction are visible within the tall chain-link fencing installed around the property.  

A banner on the auto garage building reads, “Getting closer … Your pizzeria, market & more …” but Weinstein declined to provide updates on where the project stands. 

The former auto garage's proximity to the taqueria next door, to the south. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

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• Edgewood news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta) 

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142 Whitefoord Avenue SE Maple Realty Inc. Sara Thurston Viking Motorcycle Club Adaptive-Reuse Sidney Weinstein El Tesoro Rudy's Auto Eastside Trolley Trail Lightroom Atlanta Infill Infill Infill Development

Images

The 142 Whitefoord Ave. site's location at an Edgewood intersection with commercial uses and low-rise apartments. Google Maps

The former building's exterior where Whitefoord and Woodbine avenues meet. Google Maps

The 142 Whitefoord Ave. infill site in question today, with the Eastside Trolley Trail at left. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

The site's proximity to El Tesoro taqueria, at center across the street. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Full scope of the Whitefoord Avenue infill site in question, currently being used for off-street parking. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Looking west across the infill site today. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

State of the former 1950s auto garage where Whitefoord Avenue meets Leslie Street today. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

The former auto garage's proximity to the taqueria next door, to the south. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Subtitle Meanwhile, across the street in Edgewood, plans less clear for separate adaptive-reuse venture

Neighborhood Edgewood

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From the Atlanta Daily World:

by Mable Taplin As a nurse and patient advocate with decades of experience, I’ve witnessed what happens when care is centered on the person. I’ve also seen what happens when it’s not. Years ago, on a medical-surgical unit, I cared for a woman having her first gallbladder attack. She was beginning to feel better after … Continued

The post Healthcare Shouldn’t Be One Size Fits Profit appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Photo: Getty Images North America   Taraji P. Henson is making her Broadway debut. According to PEOPLE, Henson is set to star in a revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, which is opening in New York City at a Shubert theatre in spring 2026. Henson will portray Bertha Holly, the matriarch of … Continued

The post Taraji P. Henson To Make Broadway Debut appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

Arts Atlanta:

The High Museum of Art presents a stunning collection of works by late multimedia artist and activist Faith Ringgold in Faith Ringgold: Seeing Children. Known for her paintings, sculptures, mixed media works, performances and activism, she is perhaps most remembered for her narrative story quilts. Some might not know that she was a prolific award-winning...

On Chamblee corner lot, project's first phase officially a go Josh Green Mon, 06/30/2025 - 11:48

Years in the making, a multifaceted Chamblee project that aims to fill an affordable-housing void is now officially under construction, continuing a wave of new development near Georgia’s second-busiest airport.  

The five-story, 67-unit first phase of Clairmont Family is underway at a corner site in the 4000 block of Clairmont Road, according to contractors McShane Construction Company.

The 2.8-acre site, situated between 5th and 6th streets, is just east of DeKalb-Peachtree Airport and south of historic downtown Chamblee, across the street from a greenspace called Clairmont Park. 

According to Mercy Housing Southeast, a nonprofit builder focused on affordable housing, the 67 apartments are the first phase of a multigenerational community and will aim to fill a “critical need for quality, workforce housing” in the growing area. 

A $5-million Georgia Invests in Housing grant is helping fund the project. 

Facade plans for the Clairmont Family venture's first phase along Clairmont Road near PDK airport. Mercy Housing Southeast; McShane Construction Company

Clairmont Family's site in relation to the airport and growing downtown Chamblee. Google Maps

Plans call for one to three-bedroom floorplans, in-home perks including granite countertops, plus an onsite laundry, outdoor lounge, and playground, along with 76 surface parking spaces, according to the contractor. 

“This is a rare opportunity to create affordable housing in an area with great surrounding amenities and services,” notes a Mercy Housing project summary. “[It’s] in one of the state’s best school districts, giving kids a strong foundation for success.”

No delivery date or range of rents for Clairmont Family has been specified. 

Chamblee city officials approved the multifamily project in summer 2021. At the time, Mercy Housing officials said another Clairmont phase will include senior housing, with all units reserved for residents earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income. The vacant site had been eyed by another developer for 39 townhomes, but those plans fizzled.  

The project site in March (at right) with Clairmont Park shown at left. Google Maps

Other recent Chamblee projects that have taken shape near PDK airport include The Foxtrot townhomes, a Dutch-inspired infill projectalso located on Clairmont Road. 

Just north of the airport, multifamily developments The Hawkins and Sky Harbor have joined a large new logistics hub along Chamblee Tucker Road in recent years. 

Clairmont Family's 4041 Clairmont Road site in relation to downtown Chamblee (top) and the nearby airport. Google Maps

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• Chamblee news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)

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4041 Clairmont Road Chamblee Chamblee News Chamblee Development Atlanta apartments Chamblee Construction PDK Clairmont Road McShane Construction McShane Construction Company Peachtree DeKalb Airport Affordable Housing affordable housing Clairmont Family Mercy Housing Mercy Housing Southeast senior housing DeKalb County DeKalb-Peachtree Airport

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Clairmont Family's 4041 Clairmont Road site in relation to downtown Chamblee (top) and the nearby airport. Google Maps

The project site in March (at right) with Clairmont Park shown at left. Google Maps

Facade plans for the Clairmont Family venture's first phase along Clairmont Road near PDK airport. Mercy Housing Southeast; McShane Construction Company

Clairmont Family's site in relation to the airport and growing downtown Chamblee. Google Maps

Subtitle Clairmont Family venture near PDK airport aims to fill “critical need for quality, workforce housing”

Neighborhood Chamblee

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From the Saporta Report:

Two former College Park employees say they left their recent grievance hearings last week frustrated and dismayed, still unclear about why they were terminated and questioning the fairness of the process. Rose Stewart, former director of human resources and risk management, and Jerry Silver, former code enforcement supervisor, had separate hearings last Thursday as part […]

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From the Saporta Report:

College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom has been elected president of the Georgia Municipal Association, the organization that represents 537 cities across the state. Her election was confirmed during GMA’s annual convention in Savannah on June 22. Motley Broom will helm of Georgia’s largest municipal advocacy and support organization. She previously served as third, second, […]

The post College Park mayor elected president of Georgia Municipal Association appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

A nonprofit that supports single parents in reaching their educational and economic goals is a finalist for the 2025 Bill Bolling Nonprofit Leader Award. Duluth-based H.O.P.E. Inc. was recently named a finalist for the award. The honor is part of the annual TechBridge Award Series, which celebrates organizations focused on technology innovation and equity across […]

The post Duluth nonprofit named finalist for Bill Bolling leadership award appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

Science Square, which opened Phase I in 2024 south of Georgia Tech’s main campus on the Westside, is expanding its capabilities with the relocation of seven biomedical research labs to “Southeast’s premier life sciences district.” The seven-lab relocation is in partnership with Emory University, a renowned school for its life sciences research, as well and […]

The post Atlanta continues cementing itself as a hub for science and technology through Science Square expansion appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

Despite increases in electricity rates over the last few years, turnout in the primary election for those ratemakers did not increase accordingly. The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) primaries took place earlier this month, with some thinking this year could be bigger than most because of a host of topics ranging from delayed elections, multiple […]

The post June 2025: A tale of two primaries and runoffs appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Atlanta Daily World:

JB’s daughter fights to keep father’s legacy intact   By Timothy Cox For Atlanta Daily World (Real Times Media)   For nearly 20 years, the largest concert venue in Augusta, Ga. has been named to honor the city’s favorite son – the “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown. In recent weeks, following the demolition of the … Continued

The post City Officials Threaten to Remove James Brown Name From Newly-built Music Arena appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From WABE Politics News:

When two South Korean companies announced a multibillion-dollar investment to build solar panel and electric battery factories in northwest Georgia, federal subsidies helped close a deal to diversify the local economy. The factories promised […]

Arts Atlanta:

In this series, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts community to share 11 things on their mind. We hope you enjoy getting to know these people better. :: Topher Payne has been writing plays and screenplays from his home in Atlanta for more than 25 years. His latest comedy, A First Lady’s Guide to Killing...