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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.

Transit

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.

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.

How to see the FIFA World Cup trophy in Atlanta

Fans can visit The Home Depot Backyard for soccer experiences Friday and Saturday.

Sports

Fans of soccer and shiny gold objects will have an opportunity this weekend to see the FIFA World Cup trophy in person.Driving the news: The Coca Cola-sponsored Trophy Tour will make a stop at The Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Friday and Saturday from 2-9pm.

Kemp calls special session to redraw Georgia congressional maps

New maps could break up majority-Black districts in Congress and the state General Assembly.

Politics

Georgia lawmakers will convene a special session next month to consider redrawing state House, state Senate and congressional district boundaries and determine how voters will cast ballots later this year.Why it matters: New maps could break up majority-Black congressional districts and dilute Black- and other minority-majority districts in the General Assembly.

Who has Atlanta's best ice?

For the people who love to chew ice, tell us where you go to satisfy your craving.

Food and Drink

👋 It&#x27;s Thomas. Let&#x27;s talk about ice — the frozen kind.I love to chew ice. It&#x27;s arguably a bad habit, and has earned me scorn from friends, coworkers and strangers. <ul><li>However, the texture and sound is relaxing. </li></ul>Yes, but: I try to be quiet and never chew in places like libraries or movie theaters. And it can&#x27;t be just any cup of ice.<ul><li>Nugget ice, what you&#x27;ll find at most Chick-fil-A locations, hospitals or county park concession stands, is the best.</li><li>A close runner-up is a flaked version that I&#x27;ve only ever found at The Varsity, which a company spokesperson told me comes from an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A-1 Flake Ice Machine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.a1flakeice.com/" data-vars-content-id="926b4092-06cb-42b8-9a65-0bd7cf604842" data-vars-headline="Who has Atlanta&#x27;s best ice?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.a1flakeice.com/" target="_blank">A-1 Flake Ice Machine</a>.</li></ul>Fun fact: Both The Varsity and Chick-fil-A sell ice bags. <ul><li>The fast-food chain recently added an ice-cup option to its online menu.</li></ul>To my fellow ice eaters: who has the best ice in Atlanta?

How to skip the line at Little Tart Bakeshop

Pre-orders, midweek mellowness and another location for pastry fans

Long weekend lines are worth the wait at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Tart Bakeshop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.littletartatl.com/" data-vars-content-id="78861d8d-576c-4f49-9c3c-a212755d5c0c" data-vars-headline="How to skip the line at Little Tart Bakeshop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.littletartatl.com/" target="_blank">Little Tart Bakeshop</a>, the tried-and-true intown bakery with locations in Grant Park, Summerhill and at farmers markets around town.Yes, but: If you want speedier access to cloud-fluffy croissants and pastries, there are plenty of ways to get your fix without the wait, owner Sarah O&#x27;Brien told Axios.

Atlanta's chicken wing bracket: Voters have crowned a winner

In the final round, 119 voters chose The Local over JR Crickets — and it wasn't close.

After a week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="of voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/26/atlanta-best-chicken-wings-bracket" data-vars-content-id="c61a1662-0980-4b51-b39f-e8a86404a63c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s chicken wing bracket: Voters have crowned a winner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/26/atlanta-best-chicken-wings-bracket" target="_self">of voting</a>, Axios Atlanta readers have crowned the winner of our chicken wing bracket challenge: The Local.The Latest: In the final round, 119 voters chose The Local over JR Crickets — and it wasn&#x27;t close, with roughly 75% choosing the former over the famed establishment.

Torchy's Tacos to close West Midtown restaurant

The restaurant chain's only location in Georgia opened in August 2024.

A Texas-based taco chain will close its Atlanta restaurant — and the only location in Georgia — roughly 18 months after it opened to customers.Driving the news: Torchy&#x27;s Tacos confirmed to Axios that it will close the eatery at 1055 Howell Mill Road in West Midtown.<ul><li>Torchy&#x27;s last day serving customers will be Monday, Feb. 3, Jane Beck, a spokesperson for the restaurant, told Axios.</li></ul>

Atlanta's best chicken wings: Vote in our Super Bowl wing bracket

Atlanta's wing debate is heating up just in time for the big game. Vote in our Sweet 16 bracket to help crown the city's best chicken wings.

With the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl right around the corner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/14/seattle-s-super-bowl-dream-runs-through-the-49ers" data-vars-content-id="3811d786-de04-4d2a-aa3d-0af64f72cb67" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s best chicken wings: Vote in our Super Bowl wing bracket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/14/seattle-s-super-bowl-dream-runs-through-the-49ers" target="_self">Super Bowl right around the corner</a> and March Madness not far behind, one thing is certain: A lot of wings will be eaten.State of play: Before the holidays, I asked readers where they go for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city&#x27;s best chicken wings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/14/best-chicken-wings-in-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="3811d786-de04-4d2a-aa3d-0af64f72cb67" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s best chicken wings: Vote in our Super Bowl wing bracket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/14/best-chicken-wings-in-atlanta" target="_self">the city&#x27;s best chicken wings</a>. The response was overwhelming, passionate — and, in some cases, deeply personal.

Bill would make lemon pepper Georgia's official chicken wing flavor

State Rep. Eric Bell said his "lighthearted" bill recognizes lemon pepper wings as a Southern staple that represents Georgia's cultural flavor and global influence.

Should lemon pepper be classified as the state&#x27;s official flavor for wings? One Georgia legislator thinks so.Why it matters: ATLiens were already hip to the flavor, but national audiences were introduced to the blend when Darius, a character portrayed by actor LaKeith Stanfield in the TV show &quot;Atlanta,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marveled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLQO6UYTt58" data-vars-content-id="0693c039-07e1-4c7f-b952-38963ae141f0" data-vars-headline="Bill would make lemon pepper Georgia&#x27;s official chicken wing flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLQO6UYTt58" target="_blank">marveled</a> at a to-go box filled with wings tossed in a lemon pepper wet sauce.

Atlanta restaurants, chefs named 2026 James Beard semifinalists

Finalists will be unveiled March 31, and winners will be announced June 15.

Several Atlanta chefs and restaurants have been named semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards.Why it matters: The awards are one of the food and drink industry&#x27;s most prestigious prizes.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers opens new location near The Works

The new location is at the corner of Chattahoochee Avenue and Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard in the Underwood Hills neighborhood.

A restaurant known for its unique mashup of burgers is opening its sixth standalone outpost in Atlanta&#x27;s Upper Westside.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grindhouse Killer Burger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.grindhouseburgers.com/" data-vars-content-id="95034f69-c1ea-4759-9eb2-d40c28086c82" data-vars-headline="Grindhouse Killer Burgers opens new location near The Works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.grindhouseburgers.com/" target="_blank">Grindhouse Killer Burger</a>&#x27;s new location adds another restaurant option in the rapidly redeveloping Underwood Hills neighborhood.

Months after closing Ponce location, Eats to reopen in West End

Eats will operate in Wild Heaven Brewery's West End taproom adjacent to the Beltline's westside trail.

Nearly three months after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eats closed its popular restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/03/atlanta-eats-restaurant-closing-ponce-de-leon-33-years" data-vars-content-id="2bdbaf12-b8b6-437a-b650-f309fe6574ad" data-vars-headline="Months after closing Ponce location, Eats to reopen in West End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/03/atlanta-eats-restaurant-closing-ponce-de-leon-33-years" target="_self">Eats closed its popular restaurant</a> on Ponce de Leon Avenue, the Atlanta culinary staple will reopen in a new home.Why it matters: Eats built a loyal following over the last 33 years by serving comfort food at affordable prices.

Busy Bee Cafe to open 3rd restaurant at Centennial Yards

The new location for the restaurant, which originally opened in 1947, will serve beer, wine and cocktails.

The team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Busy Bee Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebusybeecafe.com/" data-vars-content-id="65267cea-383a-444a-827e-efb9a125f89b" data-vars-headline="Busy Bee Cafe to open 3rd restaurant at Centennial Yards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebusybeecafe.com/" target="_blank">The Busy Bee Cafe</a> has signed a lease to open inside a luxury apartment complex at Centennial Yards.Why it matters: The iconic soul food restaurant, which originally opened in 1947 and has attracted big names over the years, has earned industry recognition with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Bib Gourmand" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/georgia/atlanta_2884144/restaurant/the-busy-bee" data-vars-content-id="65267cea-383a-444a-827e-efb9a125f89b" data-vars-headline="Busy Bee Cafe to open 3rd restaurant at Centennial Yards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/georgia/atlanta_2884144/restaurant/the-busy-bee" target="_blank">Michelin Bib Gourmand</a> designation and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard &quot;America&#x27;s Classic&quot; award" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/announcing-the-2022-americas-classics-winners" data-vars-content-id="65267cea-383a-444a-827e-efb9a125f89b" data-vars-headline="Busy Bee Cafe to open 3rd restaurant at Centennial Yards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/announcing-the-2022-americas-classics-winners" target="_blank">James Beard &quot;America&#x27;s Classic&quot; award</a>.

Food and Drink 🍽

Atlanta food news: Beltline sports bar and North Avenue Dairy Queen

Who has Atlanta's best ice?

Atlanta's James Beard Awards finalists

Eats reopens inside Wild Heaven in Atlanta

Muchacho brings tacos to West Midtown