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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.

Where doulas are covered by Medicaid

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid.

Wellness Brief

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid — a dramatic shift from just a few years ago.By the numbers: 28 states and D.C. are actively reimbursing, according to the National Health Law Program. Before 2020, only Oregon and Minnesota did.

Atlanta's FIFA Fan Festival is open. Here's how to enjoy your experience

The FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta includes places where you can grab food and drinks, listen to live entertainment and partake in activities.

Things to Do

Atlanta&#x27;s official gathering spot for FIFA World Cup 2026 opened Thursday, and thousands of people donning the jerseys of their favorite teams ventured to Centennial Olympic Park to kick off the opening ceremony.Why it matters: Thirty years ago, the city hosted the world at the same location where the 1996 Olympics were held in Atlanta. <ul><li>Now, Atlanta is among 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that are doing that exact same thing, Mayor Andre Dickens said.</li></ul>

Your guide to FIFA World Cup watch parties in metro Atlanta

You'll be hard-pressed to find an event that doesn't suit you over the next month.

The World Cup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has started" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026" data-vars-content-id="3bfb71f1-9d36-4dc1-ae3a-65e679f9da5b" data-vars-headline="Your guide to FIFA World Cup watch parties in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026" target="_blank">has started</a>, and you&#x27;re probably thinking about gathering a few friends and checking out a watch party around town. Why it matters: This is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once-in-a-lifetime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" data-vars-content-id="3bfb71f1-9d36-4dc1-ae3a-65e679f9da5b" data-vars-headline="Your guide to FIFA World Cup watch parties in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" target="_self">once-in-a-lifetime</a> event for Atlanta, so don&#x27;t shy away from immersing yourself in the experience — and watching your favorite teams compete for the FIFA World Cup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trophy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/11/fifa-world-cup-trophy-tour-atlanta-mercedes-benz-stadium" data-vars-content-id="3bfb71f1-9d36-4dc1-ae3a-65e679f9da5b" data-vars-headline="Your guide to FIFA World Cup watch parties in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/11/fifa-world-cup-trophy-tour-atlanta-mercedes-benz-stadium" target="_self">trophy</a>.

What it's like to watch an NBA game on Cosm's dome

Cosm opens June 10 at Centennial Yards in Downtown Atlanta

Business

Last week, I had the chance to check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cosm&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/23/cosm-centennial-yards-downtown-sphere" data-vars-content-id="bfd24c5e-c115-4c03-8e0f-c10ecc9da408" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to watch an NBA game on Cosm&#x27;s dome" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/23/cosm-centennial-yards-downtown-sphere" target="_self">Cosm&#x27;s</a> third location that&#x27;s slated to open Wednesday at Centennial Yards in Downtown Atlanta.Why it matters: Cosm&#x27;s grand opening is one day before the FIFA World Cup gets underway, offering soccer fans a unique way to watch their preferred teams in the tournament.<ul><li>It&#x27;s also another step in CIM Group&#x27;s $5 billion plan to redevelop the area formerly known as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Gulch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/gulch-project-ramp-2020-known-centennial-yards/gqL3HvjkNATDoeohHXNyiJ/" data-vars-content-id="bfd24c5e-c115-4c03-8e0f-c10ecc9da408" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to watch an NBA game on Cosm&#x27;s dome" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/gulch-project-ramp-2020-known-centennial-yards/gqL3HvjkNATDoeohHXNyiJ/" target="_blank">The Gulch</a> into a mixed-use project that could help breathe new life into Downtown.</li></ul>Zoom in: Cosm&#x27;s three-story, 70,000-square-foot venue has an 87-foot diameter, 12K+ LED dome, &quot;which bridges the gap between the virtual and physical worlds through Shared Reality,&quot; Cosm previously said in its press release.The vibe: Walking in on the ground floor, you&#x27;re greeted with a massive open space with a few seating options: small, curved couches and chairs stationed around low tables and rows of higher-top tables with chairs located in the center of the space. <figure><img alt="A lounge with a curved wall of large video screens showing a crowded basketball game and arena scoreboard; plush gray couches with pink cushions, round coffee tables, and dim lighting." height="2268" id="f75a8455-f6ee-46c8-bb32-934bd6f11c55" src="https://images.axios.com/cvI5Vi0O7oaJAFUA5VMp0Etf2SE=/2026/06/07/1780858347287.jpeg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/DANfvPAGgHnKIXIRNT1rUOqFmOw=/0x0:4032x2268/1920x1080/2026/06/07/1780858347287.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/FBPZAAeXOyicVDLh1hVhOkwC1uQ=/0x0:4032x2268/1600x900/2026/06/07/1780858347287.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/xKdp1iUxd428bem-vFCUO0yyL_c=/0x0:4032x2268/1366x768/2026/06/07/1780858347287.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/-YC-8ZTR03Iw0s8TIeNVQkntrrQ=/0x0:4032x2268/1024x576/2026/06/07/1780858347287.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/9bYhiuW2WRD5HmE_NB3zGhYYRDw=/0x0:4032x2268/768x432/2026/06/07/1780858347287.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/Q22AcOeOFXlKeja7taDlghlsMqM=/0x0:4032x2268/640x360/2026/06/07/1780858347287.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/OIqM9Z5Lx1r7WdTbDcOzcmT5kxo=/0x0:4032x2268/320x180/2026/06/07/1780858347287.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Even the lounge seating area has screens to catch viewers&#x27; attention. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios</figcaption></figure><ul><li>The ground floor also has large screens that wrap around in a panoramic view that can be seen from the second floor. Seating areas on the first and second floors of the venue also have smaller screens to keep viewers engaged.</li><li>It basically feels like you&#x27;re in a really large sports bar that has some aspects of a movie theater.</li><li>The seating that faces the dome, which is on the backside of the venue, is tiered and has spacious table tops for your food, drinks and phone. </li><li>I sat on the right side of the dome and had plenty of seating space for my purse (which is very rare for bar-like places). </li></ul><figure><img alt="Interior of a modern event venue with a wall of screens showing the Atlanta skyline and red cranes, a stage on the left, and guests at long tables while others mingle on an upper balcony." height="2268" id="013d4643-93f1-41d0-9230-8b2d70a41170" src="https://images.axios.com/GleI9mDPjr1bkBa0ATgQ6YpcGng=/2026/06/07/1780858441990.jpeg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/8a3_i_VkyskwUZl41LabBH-f7cs=/0x0:4032x2268/1920x1080/2026/06/07/1780858441990.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/OBcXEhaY1l5RaNnoZtfuND-0AVM=/0x0:4032x2268/1600x900/2026/06/07/1780858441990.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/ATBsX2eN7KLp9vWd81DBrss1-io=/0x0:4032x2268/1366x768/2026/06/07/1780858441990.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/18Ys-YqLk_evWDkMX7EGEej8YGc=/0x0:4032x2268/1024x576/2026/06/07/1780858441990.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/5AXnHTrDoA5CkukBjKpXFvDL7MA=/0x0:4032x2268/768x432/2026/06/07/1780858441990.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/k_gHTx5V3ENdbw-d6K-kv3TbmRY=/0x0:4032x2268/640x360/2026/06/07/1780858441990.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/bF0rslKsGkLu96nm4V09EOFFLF4=/0x0:4032x2268/320x180/2026/06/07/1780858441990.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>One set of screens can be viewed from the first and second floors. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios</figcaption></figure>What it&#x27;s like to watch: A mix of feeling awestruck and overwhelmed. I marveled at the screen quality while watching Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Spurs and the Knicks. I don&#x27;t follow basketball much, but I couldn&#x27;t turn my head away from the screen. <ul><li>It&#x27;s like you&#x27;re sitting in the first row at the movie theater, but you&#x27;re not tilting your head backwards (maybe because I was a few rows back). </li><li>The seating layout makes the dome viewing a communal experience. </li></ul><figure><img alt="Interior of a modern sports bar with numerous large stadium screens, a long bar on the left, rows of brown chairs, lounge seating in foreground, and a dark ceiling with exposed wiring." height="2268" id="3276c4e0-075e-44c5-84d6-612be6ca74aa" src="https://images.axios.com/FJoyE0rAV03FaSIzl5odxKUfzZk=/2026/06/07/1780858705259.jpeg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/JXGLYsqiyeb43vKKTg8utZ3rC4Y=/0x0:4032x2268/1920x1080/2026/06/07/1780858705259.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/oRQen6ndYVJFYSmn5rp0haFOlO4=/0x0:4032x2268/1600x900/2026/06/07/1780858705259.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/WC30k5vF6b6oRlznaxCSWCGG-HM=/0x0:4032x2268/1366x768/2026/06/07/1780858705259.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/9ZveSppOmX2GqWBIQnbsZTiGLB0=/0x0:4032x2268/1024x576/2026/06/07/1780858705259.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/tRKuY_mN4uBdEg0cxhO9uawbi_w=/0x0:4032x2268/768x432/2026/06/07/1780858705259.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/lphx1r7Y1AaFH8UFPIASuqkfsf8=/0x0:4032x2268/640x360/2026/06/07/1780858705259.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/6kshjcMou88_CbswvAs4w5qjps4=/0x0:4032x2268/320x180/2026/06/07/1780858705259.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>A view of tables, chairs and bar when you walk from Cosm&#x27;s main entrance. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios</figcaption></figure>Pro tip: If you&#x27;re considering a visit, take MARTA or use a rideshare service. Go: When Cosm opens Wednesday, viewers will be able to watch Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Thursday and Friday will feature FIFA World Cup games.<ul><li>If sports isn&#x27;t your thing, Cosm also plans to screen &quot;Harry Potter and the Sorcerer&#x27;s Stone,&quot; &quot;The Matrix,&quot; and &quot;O&quot; by Cirque du Soleil. </li><li>Get your tickets <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cosm.com/atlanta" data-vars-content-id="bfd24c5e-c115-4c03-8e0f-c10ecc9da408" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to watch an NBA game on Cosm&#x27;s dome" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cosm.com/atlanta" target="_blank">here</a>.</li></ul>

Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games

Between 20 and 30 food trucks will be stationed along Walton Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street on game days and a day before each match.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Truck Association of Georgia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodtruckassociationofgeorgia.com/" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodtruckassociationofgeorgia.com/" target="_blank">Food Truck Association of Georgia</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Showcase Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://showcaseatlanta.com/" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://showcaseatlanta.com/" target="_blank">Showcase Atlanta</a> is joining forces to bring dozens of food trucks to residents and visitors flocking to Downtown for the World Cup. The latest: The pedestrian food truck corridor called Global Grub Alley <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is expected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15738/1338" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15738/1338" target="_blank">is expected</a> to feature 20 to 30 food trucks along Walton Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street.

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.

Food and Drink 🍽

What it's like to watch an NBA game on Cosm's dome

Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games

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

Who has Atlanta's best ice?

Atlanta's James Beard Awards finalists