Category: Development

Atlanta, Ga. — March 27, 2026 — Georgia is enduring its most severe drought in nearly 10 years, with the latest U.S. Drought Monitor showing approximately 80% of the state locked in at least severe drought (D2 or worse).

According to the map released Thursday by the National Drought Mitigation Center and partners, data valid as of March 24, 2026, reveals stark conditions: roughly 96% of Georgia is experiencing some level of drought or abnormally dry conditions.

Georgia Drought Hits Severe Conditions

Severe drought covers about 38% of the state, extreme drought (D3) affects another 35–42%, and exceptional drought (D4) — the highest category — grips nearly 8%, particularly in southern counties.

The National Weather Service in Atlanta has highlighted the historic nature of the situation.

In a recent drought information statement, forecasters noted that “Coverage of D2-D4 drought is at its highest in Georgia since 2011,” with hydrologic and fire weather impacts increasing statewide despite occasional light rains.

This marks the worst statewide drought coverage in over a decade, surpassing recent dry spells and echoing the intensity last seen in the fall of 2011.

In south Georgia, conditions have deteriorated further. Lowndes County and several southeastern counties are now in exceptional (D4) drought — the worst possible category on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale.

Is Georgia in a Drought?

The official definition describes D4 as involving “Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells creating water emergencies.”

Local officials are already seeing the effects. Lowndes County fire crews have responded to multiple grass fires and wildfires since February, prompting ongoing burn restrictions.

EMA Lowndes Public Information Officer Megan Barwick urged residents: “Please hold off on any outdoor burning until the restriction is officially lifted. These conditions create a high risk of fires spreading quickly, putting our community and first responders in danger.”

Across north and central Georgia, rivers, streams, and lakes remain at critically low levels, while fire danger stays elevated.

The National Weather Service has warned that without a sustained active weather pattern bringing meaningful rainfall, the drought is likely to persist through the spring months.

Agricultural impacts are currently limited as the growing season is just beginning, but experts caution that continued dryness could soon stress crops, pastures, and water supplies for farms and communities.

Streamflows are below normal in many areas, and long-term hydrologic drought effects are already evident.

The broader Southeast region is feeling similar strain, with abnormally dry conditions and drought covering nearly all of the area as of mid-January updates, though some localized improvements have occurred in parts of Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas in recent weeks.

Residents and officials are being advised to conserve water, monitor local burn bans, and stay informed through county emergency management alerts.

The seasonal drought outlook from the Climate Prediction Center suggests that while some coastal improvement is possible later in spring, much of Georgia’s interior faces continued elevated drought risk into April and beyond.

As Georgia enters what could be a challenging spring, the message from forecasters remains clear: significant, widespread rain is needed to ease the grip of this record-setting dry spell.

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Nestled in the heart of Atlanta’s historic West End, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) stands as a beacon of higher education for African Americans, blending a rich history of resilience and innovation with a roster of influential alumni who have shaped civil rights, arts, entertainment, and more

As one of the city’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), CAU continues to empower students through its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and entrepreneurship.

Here’s what you need to know about this iconic institution.

A Storied History Rooted in Empowerment

CAU’s origins trace back to the post-Civil War era, emerging from two pioneering institutions dedicated to educating freed African Americans.

Atlanta University was founded in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, with support from the Freedmen’s Bureau, making it the nation’s oldest graduate institution primarily serving African American students.

Meanwhile, Clark College was established in 1869 by the Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta’s Summerhill community, named after Bishop Davis Wasgatt Clark, and aimed at creating a university for educating freedmen.

These foundations laid the groundwork for what would become a powerhouse of Black education in the South.

Key milestones marked the evolution of both schools. Atlanta University began granting bachelor’s degrees in 1870 and focused on training Black teachers and librarians for Southern public schools.

Clark College was officially chartered in 1877, conferred its first degrees in 1880, and relocated to a 450-acre property in South Atlanta in 1883.

In 1897, renowned scholar W.E.B. Du Bois joined Atlanta University’s faculty as a professor of history and economics, where he conducted groundbreaking sociological research, hosted national conferences on African American issues, and popularized the concept of the “talented tenth” to describe an elite class of Black intellectuals.

Another pivotal figure, Hale Aspacio Woodruff, joined in 1931 and established the first art department at an HBCU, launching the University’s Art Annuals from 1942 to 1970 as national exhibitions for Black artists.

The paths of Atlanta University and Clark College converged in the 1930s and 1940s through shared affiliations and proximity, culminating in their historic merger on July 1, 1988, to form Clark Atlanta University—the first HBCU in the southern United States established by African Americans for African Americans.

This consolidation was part of the broader Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC), formed in 1957 with institutions like Morehouse College, Spelman College, and others, fostering collaboration among HBCUs.

CAU played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1960, AUC students, including those from Atlanta University and Clark College, formed the Atlanta Student Movement, issuing an “Appeal for Human Rights” and leading sit-ins that were integral to desegregation efforts.

Student leader Carolyn Long Banks later became the first African American woman to serve on the Atlanta City Council.

Post-merger, CAU achieved numerous accolades, including hosting field hockey events during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, launching WCLK-91.9 FM as Georgia’s first Black federally licensed educational FM radio station in 1974, and receiving major grants for research centers like the Center for Functional Nanoscale Materials.

In 2025, CAU was renewed as an R2 “High Research Activity” institution, one of only two private HBCUs with that status.

Today, with enrollment exceeding 4,000 students, CAU upholds its motto: “I’ll Find a Way or Make One,” emphasizing innovation and perseverance.

Famous Alumni Who Have Made Their Mark

CAU’s alumni network is a testament to its impact, boasting trailblazers across various fields. Here are some notable figures:

• Ralph David Abernathy: A civil rights activist and close collaborator with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Abernathy served as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was instrumental in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and other pivotal movements (Class of 1951).
• James Weldon Johnson: Poet, diplomat, lawyer, and civil rights activist who authored “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” known as the Black National Anthem (Class of 1894).
• Kenny Leon: Tony Award-winning director known for Broadway productions like “A Raisin in the Sun” and former artistic director of Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre.
• Kenya Barris: Writer, producer, and director behind hit shows like “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish,” who has pledged significant donations to CAU.
• Pinky Cole: Entrepreneur and founder of the popular vegan restaurant chain Slutty Vegan, embodying CAU’s spirit of innovation. 5 19
• Hosea Williams: Civil rights leader, activist, and politician who founded Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless (Class of 1951).
• Eva Marcille: Model, actress, and winner of “America’s Next Top Model,” known for roles in TV and film.
• Hank Johnson: U.S. Congressman representing Georgia’s 4th District since 2007.
• Pearl Cleage: Acclaimed playwright and author of works like “Flyin’ West.”
• Jermaine Dupri: Grammy-winning music producer and founder of So So Def Recordings.
• David Satcher: Former U.S. Surgeon General and director of the CDC.
• Carolyn Long Banks: Trailblazing politician and first Black woman on the Atlanta City Council (Class of 1962).

Other distinguished alumni include singer Bobby V, voting rights activist Melanie L. Campbell, and physicist Shirley Ann Jackson, former head of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Looking Ahead

As CAU celebrates its legacy—recently marking its 35th anniversary as a consolidated institution in 2024—it continues to drive progress with initiatives like the PROPEL Center for HBCU innovation and a $250 million capital campaign.

For Atlantans, CAU isn’t just a university; it’s a vital part of the city’s cultural and educational fabric, inspiring the next generation to find a way or make one.

Whether you’re a prospective student, alumni, or local resident, CAU’s story reminds us of the power of education in building a brighter future.

In a major step forward for women’s professional soccer in the region, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Atlanta has finalized an agreement with the City of Marietta to acquire land for a dedicated, world-class training facility.

The announcement marks an exciting milestone for the expansion franchise, owned by Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), as it builds toward its debut season in 2028.

The deal involves AMBSE purchasing a nearly 33-acre property along Franklin Gateway in Marietta.

This strategic site, located just half a mile from the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground (home to MLS side Atlanta United), positions the new NWSL club to benefit from proximity to established elite soccer infrastructure while establishing its own independent headquarters.

As part of the agreement, the City of Marietta will acquire a separate 10-acre parcel currently owned by AMBSE, creating a mutually beneficial land exchange.

Marietta city leaders unanimously approved the transaction, valued at approximately $21 million, during a recent council session.

Construction on the state-of-the-art facility is set to begin immediately, with completion targeted ahead of the club’s inaugural 2028 campaign. Plans include an approximately 38,000-square-foot headquarters building, four full-size soccer fields, and two half-size pitches.

The overall investment in the project is expected to exceed $100 million, delivering significant economic benefits to the Marietta area through jobs, development, and community impact.

Arthur Blank, owner and chairman of AMBSE, emphasized the importance of this development in creating a top-tier organization.

“When we announced NWSL Atlanta 2028, we made a commitment to provide the necessary resources to create a world-class organization on and off the pitch, including the development of a training ground dedicated to our newest club and staff,” Blank stated. “Securing this property in Marietta is a critical first step as we begin building the foundation of NWSL Atlanta 2028.”

The training ground will complement the team’s primary home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where capacity will be adjusted to around 28,000 for NWSL games.

The facility underscores Atlanta’s growing investment in women’s soccer, joining the Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS) under the AMBSE umbrella.

Local officials expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential to elevate the community.

This agreement follows Marietta’s proactive efforts to attract the franchise, including the city’s earlier purchase of the Franklin Gateway land (previously eyed for an IKEA development) to position itself as an ideal location.

With groundbreaking work now on the horizon, NWSL Atlanta 2028 continues to take shape as a flagship addition to the National Women’s Soccer League, promising high-caliber facilities and a strong foundation for success on and off the field. Fans can look forward to more updates as the club progresses toward its 2028 launch.

Metro Downtown Atlanta’s development landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by large-scale mixed-use projects, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on revitalizing the city’s historic core. These changes reflect a broader effort to make Downtown more vibrant, walkable, and economically robust, particularly in preparation for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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