2024 left many Atlanta people and projects in flux as entities like GRTA were threatened and MARTA saw more conflict. The city lost icon Dexter King and novelist Tina McElroy and celebrated the legacy of Jimmy Carter.
As always, major projects continued to expand the landscape at Amsterdam Walk and the Beltline — though some schools were threatened with closure and project plans were suspended.
At SaportaReport, the team expanded with new writers covering MARTA woes and local education. Here are the year’s most-read stories clicked on by thousands of readers and some popular pieces by our columnists and contributors. Click the headline to read each story.
TOP STORIES
1. ‘Rock & Roll President’ Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday celebration at Fox Theatre upholds his musical legacy
2. Before his death, Dexter King reconciled with his sister Bernice King
3. Spelman’s interim president addresses Helene Gayle’s resignation after leave of absence
4. Bill to abolish GRTA and the ATL gaining steam
5. Dan Cathy suspends plans for Midtown connector park over expressway
6. Hard to believe: Atlanta group has two horses in the 2024 Kentucky Derby
7 . The future of Amsterdam Walk
8. Hartsfield-Jackson’s Bheodari: ‘We’ve got to stop this revolving door’
9. Georgia casino push continues with business, legislative interest
10. Kendeda Fund reaches end of its philanthropic journey
MARIA SAPORTA
1. Before his death, Dexter King reconciled with his sister Bernice King
2. Bill to abolish GRTA and the ATL gaining steam
3. Dan Cathy suspends plans for Midtown connector park over expressway
DELANEY TARR
1. Georgia casino push continues with business, legislative interest
2. Beltline to kick off intersection overhaul, closing 10th and Monroe June 9 to 14
3. Heavy metal bar Halford’s takes over Corner Tavern in Little Five Points
TOM BAXTER
1. The frightened girl, her puppy and the network state
2. If your electricity bill were a tax notice, you’d never stand for this
3. In Georgia and North Carolina, surprises come a little early
ALLISON JOYNER
1. Spelman’s interim president addresses Helene Gayle’s resignation after leave of absence
2. CDC report ranks Atlanta No. 3 in new HIV infections
3. New Spelman board chair aims to increase endowment to $1 billion in five years
MEGAN ANDERSON
1. ‘Rock & Roll President’ Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday celebration at Fox Theatre upholds his musical legacy
2. Things to do in Atlanta this June to kick-off an unforgettable summer season
3. Pullman Yards preserves history while marking it as Atlanta’s standout Arts & Entertainment district
ADRIANNE MURCHISON
1. Micro-home developer pushes back on unhappy residents
2. Georgia novelist who blazed her own path dies
3. Parents foresee chaos if Fulton elementary school closes permanently
SEEN IN ATLANTA – KELLY JORDAN
1. Riding the Rails – Views of MARTA heavy rail & reflections on the Streetcar
2. Views on the historic Medical Arts Building – 384 Peachtree Street
3. The MET and the MINT – 680 Murphy Ave SW
GRACE DONNELLY
1. ‘Cop City’ construction on track for December completion, Atlanta Police Foundation tells community advisory committee
2. Tensions flare between MARTA & City Council members at transportation committee meeting
3.MARTA appoints interim leaders following chief of staff departure
MARK LANNAMAN
1. Mobile solar microgrid sees deployment amidst Hurricane Helene recovery efforts
2. Norcross approves rezoning request to build 16 homes for students facing housing insecurity in extended stay motels
3. MARTA unveils Indian Creek Station plans
STORIES OF ATLANTA – LANCE RUSSELL
1. An Unsolved Mystery
2. The Five and Dime
3. Connecting the Dots
ATLANTA WAY 2.0
1. Welcome to Atlanta Way 2.0; it’s a movement!
2. Advancing Social Capital for Upward Mobility
3. Atlanta Way 2.0 committed to inclusivity
GUEST COLUMNS
1. The future of Amsterdam Walk
2. Capital one and Discover merger key for improving credit access
3. Blackout by design: Disenfranchisement and exploitation in Georgia’s power industry
SAMMIE PURCELL
1. ‘Megalopolis’ review: Francis Ford Coppola’s epic vision is messy and mesmerizing
2. Film Review: Aaron Pierre is a force to be reckoned with in ‘Rebel Ridge’
3. Film Review: ‘Blink Twice’ nails the vibes, misses on the substance
THOUGHT LEADERS
In 2024, readers were most captivated by stories on emerging tech trends, global politics, and major sporting events. The shift towards digital connectivity also brought attention to topics like sim globe registration, as people sought ways to streamline communication across borders. These top stories reflect the growing interest in both global issues and technological advancements.
Atlanta had a year full of change, challenges, and big developments. From honoring legends like Jimmy Carter and Dexter King to ongoing MARTA struggles and major city projects, it’s clear the city is evolving fast.
Atlanta has experienced a transformative year, marked by significant challenges and notable advancements. Celebrating figures such as Jimmy Carter and Dexter King, alongside ongoing MARTA issues and ambitious city initiatives, highlights the city’s dynamic evolution and resilience in facing change.