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Gwinnett County lands UCB deal to anchor Rowen mini-city project

UCB plans a major research hub near Dacula, marking a milestone for the 2,000-acre project.

Development

A proposed mini-city taking shape in Gwinnett County took a major step toward becoming reality after successfully wooing a global <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biopharmaceutical" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/12/biotech-dealmaking-boom" data-vars-content-id="bc70fb43-cbd8-4054-aa2b-25b961903ca6" data-vars-headline="Gwinnett County lands UCB deal to anchor Rowen mini-city project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/12/biotech-dealmaking-boom" target="_self">biopharmaceutical</a> giant.Why it matters: UCB&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ucb.com/about-ucb/magazine/detail/article/growing-our-us-roots-with-a-new-facility-in-georgia" data-vars-content-id="bc70fb43-cbd8-4054-aa2b-25b961903ca6" data-vars-headline="Gwinnett County lands UCB deal to anchor Rowen mini-city project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ucb.com/about-ucb/magazine/detail/article/growing-our-us-roots-with-a-new-facility-in-georgia" target="_blank">investment</a> is the largest in county history and accelerates plans for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rowen" data-vars-click-url="https://rowenlife.com/" data-vars-content-id="bc70fb43-cbd8-4054-aa2b-25b961903ca6" data-vars-headline="Gwinnett County lands UCB deal to anchor Rowen mini-city project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rowenlife.com/" target="_blank">Rowen</a>, a 2,000-acre research-focused &quot;knowledge community&quot; halfway between Atlanta and Athens.

Bill would move Georgia to new time zone, end biannual clock change

The Georgia Senate passed legislation that, if approved by the U.S. transportation secretary, would move the state into the Atlantic time zone.

Culture

Twice a year, we dread adjusting our internal and external clocks to reflect whether we&#x27;re in standard or daylight saving time.<ul><li>One Georgia legislator&#x27;s solution: place the state into a completely different time zone and leave the clocks alone for good.</li></ul>The latest: The state Senate on Monday passed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legislation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69591" data-vars-content-id="28cd767f-569d-48b6-b302-7a154702d0db" data-vars-headline="Bill would move Georgia to new time zone, end biannual clock change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69591" target="_blank">legislation</a> that would ask the U.S. transportation secretary to move Georgia from the Eastern time zone to the Atlantic time zone, which is one hour ahead.

Atlanta joins thousands of No Kings protests set for Saturday

Organizers are planning more than 3,000 protests across the U.S.

Politics

Organizers across the U.S. are planning more than 3,000 local events Saturday for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" data-vars-content-id="3af917df-0e66-425d-a3db-e62e4efce339" data-vars-headline="Atlanta joins thousands of No Kings protests set for Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" target="_self">No Kings</a> Day of Nonviolent Action, including several in metro Atlanta.The big picture: Progressive political groups, labor unions and human and civil rights organizations expect Saturday&#x27;s nationwide demonstrations to surpass last year&#x27;s No Kings rallies in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" data-vars-content-id="3af917df-0e66-425d-a3db-e62e4efce339" data-vars-headline="Atlanta joins thousands of No Kings protests set for Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" target="_self">June</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="October" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" data-vars-content-id="3af917df-0e66-425d-a3db-e62e4efce339" data-vars-headline="Atlanta joins thousands of No Kings protests set for Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" target="_self">October</a>.

New ad blitz shows how tariffs hurt small businesses

The campaign is targeting Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Nashville and Newark because they are located in states hit hardest by tariffs.

Business

A new month-long ad campaign is hitting Atlanta and other cities Monday to try to bring attention to small businesses who have been affected by tariffs.Why it matters: According to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surveys by the Council on Foreign Relations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cfr.org/articles/what-americans-really-think-about-trade-and-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="2813c8e9-99ea-480c-89b8-db8300a649a1" data-vars-headline="New ad blitz shows how tariffs hurt small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cfr.org/articles/what-americans-really-think-about-trade-and-tariffs" target="_blank">surveys by the Council on Foreign Relations</a>, two-in-five Americans mistakenly believe a tariff is paid by a foreign country. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research from the New York Fed " data-vars-click-url="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/02/who-is-paying-for-the-2025-u-s-tariffs/" data-vars-content-id="2813c8e9-99ea-480c-89b8-db8300a649a1" data-vars-headline="New ad blitz shows how tariffs hurt small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/02/who-is-paying-for-the-2025-u-s-tariffs/" target="_blank">Research from the New York Fed </a>and Columbia University shows nearly 90% of the tariffs President Trump enacted in 2025 were paid by U.S. firms and consumers.

Braves use Opening Day to mark 60 years in Atlanta

An on-field ceremony Friday before the first pitch will mark the team's 60 years in Atlanta.

Sports

The Atlanta Braves kick off the 2026 season at home Friday with a three-game stretch against the Kansas City Royals, and fans are invited to join the festivities.Why it matters: This season marks 60 years since the Braves have called Atlanta home.

NBA cancels Hawks' Magic City Night after backlash

The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned "Magic City Night" promotion days after the idea went viral and sparked backlash online.

The NBA late Monday canceled the Atlanta Hawks&#x27; planned &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Magic City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/15/magic-city-documentary-debuts-today-on-starz" data-vars-content-id="1fd2b3af-e5ac-42f3-b04a-3764ba2cb1b3" data-vars-headline="NBA cancels Hawks&#x27; Magic City Night after backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/15/magic-city-documentary-debuts-today-on-starz" target="_self">Magic City</a> Night&quot; promotion after backlash, commissioner Adam Silver said.Driving the news: The league pulled the plug just days after the team announced the idea and it quickly went viral online.

Falcons close the book on Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta

After eight playoff misses, releasing the veteran QB frees cap space and hands the reins to Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons plan to cut ties with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, closing out a $180-million investment that never produced sustained success.Why it matters: The Falcons&#x27; short-lived quarterback experiment created confusion about the team&#x27;s direction and stalled momentum during another losing season.<ul><li>The team plans to release the veteran from the roster when the new league year starts next month, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/02/new-gm-ian-cunningham-says-falcons-plan-to-release-quarterback-kirk-cousins/" data-vars-content-id="8c6f71a6-4a5f-4d2b-a5b9-2741aab0d70a" data-vars-headline="Falcons close the book on Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/02/new-gm-ian-cunningham-says-falcons-plan-to-release-quarterback-kirk-cousins/" target="_blank">announced</a> Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.</li></ul>

MARTA preps for massive ridership during FIFA World Cup

Elected officials and civic and business leaders are hoping MARTA can handle the ridership surge in June.

MARTA says it&#x27;s prepared to transport hundreds of thousands of soccer fans from around the globe when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="6a3b3b94-dc6e-4292-909b-c33744eae346" data-vars-headline="MARTA preps for massive ridership during FIFA World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> comes to town.Why it matters: MARTA moves millions of people every year — but it hasn&#x27;t been tested by such a large event since the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Arthur Blank appoints new Falcons president and CEO

Greg Beadles will succeed Rich McKay to serve as president and CEO of the Falcons.

The Atlanta Falcons will undergo significant changes after the team wrapped its eighth consecutive losing season.Why it matters: The shakeup comes days after Falcons owner Arthur Blank <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fired" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-part-ways-with-raheem-morris-terry-fontenot" data-vars-content-id="baecff87-7091-4fe7-b64d-158b92fd538b" data-vars-headline="Arthur Blank appoints new Falcons president and CEO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-part-ways-with-raheem-morris-terry-fontenot" target="_blank">fired</a> head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot Sunday following the team&#x27;s season-ending game against the New Orleans Saints (which it won). <ul><li>Long-suffering fans are also fed up with a team that often ends the first half with a winning score, but blows the lead and eventually loses in the second half.</li></ul>

Atlanta Airbnb hosts could earn $3M during 2026 World Cup games

A study commissioned by the platform says the average earnings per host in Atlanta will be about $3,700 throughout the games.

Airbnb hosts in Atlanta and other U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" data-vars-content-id="c0d1143b-f308-48e7-b329-0880e00f096c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta Airbnb hosts could earn $3M during 2026 World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" target="_self">World Cup</a> cities could earn $4,000 on average by renting out their homes during the tournament, research from the company shows.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Visiting fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" data-vars-content-id="c0d1143b-f308-48e7-b329-0880e00f096c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta Airbnb hosts could earn $3M during 2026 World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" target="_self">Visiting fans</a> are expected to boost local economies, with Airbnb guests pouring $865 million into accommodations, food, shopping and more nationwide, per a Deloitte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://airbnb.app.box.com/s/riy8ulen3labs1ykhfo863hrs57nuesi" data-vars-content-id="c0d1143b-f308-48e7-b329-0880e00f096c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta Airbnb hosts could earn $3M during 2026 World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://airbnb.app.box.com/s/riy8ulen3labs1ykhfo863hrs57nuesi" target="_blank">study</a> commissioned by the platform.

Atlanta among 27 cities courting 2031 Rugby World Cup

If Atlanta is selected, the 2031 rugby matches will be held the same year as the NCAA Men's Final Four.

Atlanta has submitted a bid to be a host city for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2031 Rugby World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/18/usa-rugby-matches-summer-2025-american-legion-memorial-stadium" data-vars-content-id="9bc9ddb9-2f8f-4dac-aae7-6715eeb84331" data-vars-headline="Atlanta among 27 cities courting 2031 Rugby World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/18/usa-rugby-matches-summer-2025-american-legion-memorial-stadium" target="_self">2031 Rugby World Cup</a>.Why it matters: This is the latest high-profile sporting event city boosters hope to bring to Atlanta, which is also preparing for the eight matches it will host during next year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="9bc9ddb9-2f8f-4dac-aae7-6715eeb84331" data-vars-headline="Atlanta among 27 cities courting 2031 Rugby World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a>.

Cricket stadium planned for LaGrange

Plans call for 10,500-seat stadium, soccer field and hotel in Sola mixed-use community

A sport that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="originated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/history-of-cricket/early-cricket" data-vars-content-id="f3eef6e3-d4f2-4d0f-b9b2-9b7fa56369fa" data-vars-headline="Cricket stadium planned for LaGrange" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/history-of-cricket/early-cricket" target="_blank">originated</a> in the woodlands of England is coming to west Georgia. Why it matters: While it&#x27;s played around the world, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cricket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/28/cricket-major-league-us-mlc" data-vars-content-id="f3eef6e3-d4f2-4d0f-b9b2-9b7fa56369fa" data-vars-headline="Cricket stadium planned for LaGrange" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/28/cricket-major-league-us-mlc" target="_self">cricket</a> has yet to find mainstream traction in the U.S.

Atlanta Falcons roster ranks among NFL's oldest

Atlanta's roster skews older than the league average

The stuck-in-a-rut Atlanta Falcons, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several years ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2022/4/25/23038796/falcons-on-their-way-to-becoming-one-of-the-youngest-teams-in-the-nfl" data-vars-content-id="20c7c27f-37e4-4476-ac65-da3dd17de0cc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta Falcons roster ranks among NFL&#x27;s oldest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2022/4/25/23038796/falcons-on-their-way-to-becoming-one-of-the-youngest-teams-in-the-nfl" target="_blank">several years ago</a> had one of the NFL&#x27;s younger teams, today has one of the oldest rosters in the league.Why it matters: Age isn&#x27;t nothing but a number, sure, but it comes with pros (experience) and cons (more injuries). <ul><li>Take, for example, the Falcons.</li></ul>

We asked, you answered: Brilliant Atlanta Dream mascot ideas

A cloud, a polar bear and a chicken wing bone are among the contenders

The Atlanta Dream is in desperate need of a mascot and the team&#x27;s front office told Axios they&#x27;re open to ideas. <ul><li>Here are some of Axios readers&#x27; thoughts:</li></ul>🐻‍❄️ Anthony P. proposed &quot;Bernice the Polar Bear&quot; in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.&#x27;s daughter and CEO of the King Center and Coca-Cola&#x27;s famous polar bear.<ul><li>Anthony has a very specific vision: &quot;Bernice will be a six-foot polar bear with white fur, a black nose, cerulean eyes, pink inner ears, a pink scrunchie, a magenta sweatband, sunglasses, a Dream Jersey, and sneakers.&quot;</li></ul>😱 David B. proposed a play on &quot;dreams&quot; with &quot;The (Opponents&#x27;/Visitors&#x27;) Nightmare.&quot;🐑 On the topic of dreams, Nathan G. proposed a wolf in contrast with the sheep often associated with sleep or a unicorn. &quot;Moon or stars would be safe.&quot;🍑 Denise B. wants something that embraces the city&#x27;s culture, like a peach dressed in a &quot;very Atlanta way — some blinged out necklaces, sunglasses, etc.&quot;☁️ Jackie G. has a simple request: &quot;something puffy and white that looks like a cloud.&quot;🍗 Daniel S. thinks &quot;If we want the Dream to have a mascot everyone in ATL can identify with and relate to, doesn&#x27;t it have to be a discarded chicken wing bone?&quot;<ul><li>&quot;Alternatively, they could put a giant metal pothole cover on the court as an homage to driving ITP.&quot;</li></ul>

Sports 🏅

Braves use Opening Day to mark 60 years in Atlanta

NBA cancels Hawks' Magic City Night after backlash

USMNT to play in Atlanta before World Cup

Falcons close the book on Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta

MARTA preps for massive ridership during FIFA World Cup