Gov. Kemp called a June special session to redraw Georgia's voting maps after the Supreme Court banned race-based redistricting. Fani Willis vowed to sue over the new law making metro Atlanta elections nonpartisan. Atlanta City Council advanced a contested Kirkwood senior housing complex, John Lewis Memorial Park got $2 million in federal funding, the Jazz Festival returns this weekend for its 49th year, and the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour arrives at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Kemp Calls Special Session to Redraw Georgia's Congressional Maps and Overhaul Voting Process
Gov. Brian Kemp has called state legislators back to the Capitol for a June 17 special session to redraw voting district boundaries and change election administration rules following the Supreme Court's April ruling that race cannot be used in redistricting. Civil rights leaders are angry, calling the timing and scope an attack on Black voting power.
Civics & Politics
2 stories
Fani Willis Vows to Sue Over New Law Making Metro Atlanta Elections Nonpartisan
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says she will file a lawsuit challenging the new Georgia law that removes party labels from district attorney and solicitor races in metro Atlanta counties. Gov. Kemp signed the bill Wednesday over fierce opposition from prosecutors who say it targets Black elected officials.
Development & Housing
4 stories
Atlanta City Council Advances Contested Kirkwood Senior Housing Complex After Zoning Snag
A controversial plan to build 42 micro-apartments for homeless seniors at 88 Howard Street in Kirkwood is headed for a final Atlanta City Council vote after a public-notice error forced a redo vote by the Zoning Review Board. The project has divided the neighborhood.
Food & Culture
4 stories
Atlanta Jazz Festival Returns This Weekend for 49th Edition with Full Lineup Revealed
The Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to Piedmont Park this weekend for its 49th year, with three days of live performances across the city. The annual Memorial Day weekend tradition has grown into one of Atlanta's signature cultural events.
Transit & Infrastructure
1 storyBeltLine Bike and Scooter Path Proposal Alarms Rail Transit Advocates
A proposal to build a dedicated bike and scooter path along the Atlanta BeltLine corridor is raising concerns among rail transit advocates who say it could delay or complicate the planned streetcar extension. Axios Atlanta reported the debate is heating up as the BeltLine approaches buildout.