🍽️ The Center

Stay Informed: Latest News from Across Georgia

New roots 

Tuesday, April 28 — U.S. Soccer will open the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayette County next month. The 230-acre facility will have 17 state-of-the-art fields and will be used as a training center for National Teams, coaches, staff, and athletes.

Morning showers will give way to afternoon clouds with a high of 77° today. More rain is forecast this evening into the overnight hours. 

Georgia’s state environmental agency declared a Level 1 drought for the entire state, requiring public water systems to launch information campaigns about conservation efforts.

The candidates for governor sparred at yesterday’s Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series. You can watch the Democrats here and the Republicans here.  

Atlanta Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Lakewood Heights that also injured two other innocent bystanders. 

 An arson suspect is in custody after several grass fires were set in DeKalb County on Monday morning.

The Georgia Attorney’s office obtained new indictments against three people who allegedly damaged property as a protest against the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. 

Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order allowing the late U.S. Rep. David Scott to lie in state at the Georgia Capitol rotunda on Fri., May 1. 

City Springs Theatre Company will close its 2025-26 season with a production of “Mean Girls” running from May 1-17. 

Oprah Winfrey made a surprise visit to Morehouse College on Friday, hosting graduating seniors in her scholars program, which she founded in 1989.

 The Hawks and Knicks play Game 5 of their tied first-round playoff series tonight at 8 p.m. at Madison Square Garden (NBC, Peacock; 92.9 FM), with Game 6 scheduled in Atlanta on Thursday (Tickets).

ELSEWHERE

Cole Allen, the man accused of opening fire outside of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this weekend, has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump. 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are in the U.S. for a four-day tour, the first visit by a British monarch since 2007. Charles addresses Congress today, and the White House will host a state dinner tonight.

 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a new voting map that would tip four seats in Republicans’ favor.

With U.S.-Iran peace talks at an impasse, President Trump told Tehran to “call us” if it wants a deal, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi flew to Russia, where President Vladimir Putin voiced strong support for Iran.

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:

• Night of Ideas

• TrustDALE

• North Fulton’s health board

• From CNN to The Center

AND 

• Volunteer Opportunities

$895. That’s how much the average homeowner saves each year with Guardian Service, a free insurance concierge that shops 50+ top carriers to find competitive home and auto coverage. The best part? It only takes five minutes to get started. SPONSOR MESSAGE

1. Night of Ideas returns to Atlanta tomorrow 

Presented by Villa Albertine, the fifth edition of Night of Ideas comes back to Atlanta tomorrow. 

Night of Ideas is a free evening of discussion and debate, bringing together different voices from the civic, cultural, and policy spheres. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s theme is “Enlightenment Now!” 

This year’s speakers include Civil Rights activist and former Mayor of Atlanta Andrew J. Young; Nicole Kruse, VP for development at The Carter Center;  Anne-Laure Desjonquères, Consul General of France in Atlanta; Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Atlanta; and Nikishka Iyengar, Founder and CEO of the worker-owned cooperative The Guild.

Click here to learn more about the event. 

Orthopedic issues? This is how you Get Better.

SPONSORED BY PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDICS

Peachtree Orthopedics has 42 leading physicians, with specialists in every body part – providing expert, focused care that is designed for the quickest recovery and the best outcome.Our UrgentORTHO Clinics offer same-day, evening, or even Saturday hours. So come when it works for you, get seen quicker, incur less cost, and avoid the E.R.! 

New patients can use our ChatORTHO feature – a free online resource where you can chat with a live Peachtree clinician.

Peachtree Orthopedics has served Atlanta for over 70 years with a commitment to helping you return to the things you love. No matter your orthopedic challenge – they’ll help you Get Better too.

➞ Learn more or book an appointment here.

2. Hidden mold could be costing you more

TOGETHER WITH TRUSTDALE

Mold doesn’t always show up where you expect it. It can grow behind walls, under flooring, or inside areas you rarely check. By the time you notice a musty smell or a visible patch, the problem has usually been there for a while.

In this blog, you’ll learn where mold hides, the early signs homeowners often miss, how quickly it can spread, and why working with a professional can help you fix the issue before it turns into a bigger expense.

Learn more from TrustDALE here.

Robert Spano Conducts America @ 250 Concerts

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Music Director Laureate Robert Spano returns to Symphony Hall to conduct two weeks of concerts celebrating America @ 250, featuring music by iconic composers like Bernstein and Rachmaninoff. He’ll be joined by a host of acclaimed soloists on stage with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, April 30-May 9. 

America @ 250 celebrates the sounds that define our nation, such as Bernstein’s First and Second symphonies, and pairs them with works of reflection and virtuosity from expats who lived in America, like Rachmaninoff, whose Third Piano Concerto features the virtuosic Stephen Hough.

Experience programs curated to reflect both historical and current American culture, conducted by Robert Spano, April 30-May 9.

➞ Tickets on sale now.

3. North Fulton County residents now have board of health services, senior care in Alpharetta

Residents in North Fulton who previously had to travel to Sandy Springs or downtown Atlanta now have their own board of health, vital records and support for seniors.

Among the services, there are two programs for those 55 and older.

The facility also has an adult day health program to assist seniors who are a bit more frail or who may be experiencing the early stages of dementia.

Read more in this story from GPB. 

4. The Center’s transformation

The million-square-foot-plus space at 190 Marietta St. held multiple identities before Ted Turner claimed it in 1985 and based his global news network in the heart of Downtown Atlanta.

Now called The Center, the office and hotel complex is on the precipice of another new era.

CNN’s exit from downtown Atlanta in 2024 opened up hundreds of thousands of square feet of multi-use space. Paired with built-in parking and a regional development boom, The Center has become an asset for Atlanta, and it will now include a food hall and a future residential component.

Read more about plans for The Center here.

Celebrate Atlanta’s urban forest! Root Ball 2026 returns Thurs., May 14, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. Proceeds support Trees Atlanta. Fun, food, live music, silent & live auctions. Purchase your tickets now. SPONSOR MESSAGE

5. Volunteer Opportunities

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HANDS ON ATLANTA 

Impact Community Food Pantry is looking for volunteers on Thursday morning in Snellville. Volunteers will organize the food pantry, assemble food boxes, monitor clients and lines, and distribute food. 

Campbellton Community Garden is seeking volunteers on Saturday morning in Atlanta to help turn an empty lot into a food-producing garden and greenspace for the community. Plan to weed, mulch, and take on other tasks as assigned.

Keep Smyrna Beautiful (pictured) needs volunteers to assist with the 2026 Smyrna Garden Tour on Saturday afternoon in Smyrna. Expect to check in ticketholders, serve as a garden docent, and provide event support. 

$895. That’s how much the average homeowner saves each year with Guardian Service, a free insurance concierge that shops 50+ top carriers to find competitive home and auto coverage. The best part? It only takes five minutes to get started. SPONSOR MESSAGE

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