What North Atlanta Should Know Today

Monday, Aug. 31, 2026

Johns Creek formally welcomes one of its largest corporate arrivals this morning, while a Forsyth County jury’s acquittal closes a closely watched criminal case. A severe blood shortage remains unresolved despite a large Duluth drive, persistent heat begins the week, and two practical deadlines arrive today.

1. Johns Creek formally opens a major animal-health headquarters

Boehringer Ingelheim will celebrate the opening of its new U.S. Animal Health headquarters at Medley this morning.

The approximately 73,000-square-foot office brings close to 500 employees from the company’s former Duluth headquarters. It becomes the first major workplace anchor operating at Medley and one of the most significant corporate additions to Johns Creek in recent years.

The relocation does not represent 500 newly created jobs, but it gives Johns Creek a substantial new employment base and strengthens the city’s growing concentration of life-sciences businesses. Medley’s restaurants, residences, shops and public spaces will continue opening in phases ahead of the development’s broader public celebration in October. North Atlanta Star’s headquarters report and background on the office relocation.

2. Forsyth jury acquits Roswell man in dealership case

A Forsyth County jury has found a Roswell man not guilty of kidnapping and false imprisonment following a four-day trial.

Barinuadum Bariyiga had been accused of driving away from the RBM of Atlanta dealership in May 2025 while a service adviser was still inside a loaner vehicle. The adviser told police that Bariyiga ignored requests to return and intentionally missed turns.

Jurors acquitted him of both charges Thursday. Prosecutors dismissed a separate obstruction charge when the trial began. Bariyiga had spent much of the period since his arrest in custody, making the verdict consequential beyond the immediate criminal allegations. FOX 5 Atlanta’s account of the acquittal.

3. Hundreds donate in Duluth, but the blood shortage continues

Approximately 400 people registered for a five-hour blood drive Sunday at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth.

Organizers set a goal of collecting 350 pints as the American Red Cross continues responding to a national blood-supply crisis. The organization says supplies fell nearly 25% in June, with type O blood under particular strain.

Sunday’s turnout represents a substantial local response, but it does not resolve the broader shortage. Hospitals require blood continuously for surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care and other medical needs, making continued donations important after the large event ends. WSB-TV’s report from the Duluth blood drive and current Red Cross donation information.

4. Persistent heat begins the workweek

High temperatures will climb well into the 90s across North Atlanta during the opening days of September.

The National Weather Service says heat-index values above 100 are possible across most of the region outside the mountains. Rain chances will remain limited as high pressure produces a drier-than-recent pattern.

The sustained heat matters especially for outdoor workers, school athletics and residents without dependable cooling. Cars can also reach dangerous interior temperatures quickly, even during relatively short stops. National Weather Service Atlanta forecast updated Monday morning.

5. Johns Creek stormwater payments are due today

Today is the payment deadline for Johns Creek’s 2026 stormwater utility bills.

The city uses the revenue for drainage maintenance and projects addressing flooding, erosion and water quality. Bills left unpaid after today are subject to a 10% late fee.

Property owners can pay through the city’s online system. Johns Creek billing notice and payment information.

6. The Bagel Hole opens its fifth location this morning

The Bagel Hole opens at 6:30 this morning at 3560 Browns Bridge Road in north Forsyth County.

The approximately 1,400-square-foot shop at Coal Mountain Shops becomes the locally founded business’s fifth location and its first operated through its expanding franchise model.

The company began in South Forsyth in 2020 and has since moved into Alpharetta, Braselton, Dawsonville and additional parts of Forsyth. The Browns Bridge opening extends its reach into one of the county’s fastest-growing areas. North Atlanta Star’s complete opening report and the company’s location directory.

7. GA 400’s temporary exit faces a full Monday commute

The new temporary Exit 5 arrangement on southbound GA 400 receives its first complete weekday test today.

Exit 5B now serves the North Springs MARTA station, while Exit 5A carries drivers toward Abernathy Road and Hammond Drive. The former combined exit has closed and is expected to remain unavailable for approximately two years during express-lane construction.

Regular North Fulton commuters should follow the new overhead signs rather than relying on habit. Missing the appropriate temporary ramp could create a significant detour during peak traffic. Georgia DOT’s GA 400 Express Lanes project page and the temporary-exit explanation.

8. Labor Day traffic is expected to build Thursday and Friday

North Atlanta residents planning Labor Day trips should expect the heaviest departure traffic later this week.

Transportation analysts recommend leaving before 1 p.m. Thursday or before noon Friday. The most difficult periods are expected from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 8 p.m. Friday, when holiday traffic will overlap with ordinary commuting.

Atlanta also ranks among AAA’s 10 most-booked domestic destinations for the holiday, increasing the potential for congestion around major highways and the airport. AAA’s 2026 Labor Day travel forecast.

9. North Fulton’s transportation survey remains open

Residents of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs can continue commenting on North Fulton’s next Comprehensive Transportation Plan through Sept. 18.

The planning process covers roads, intersections, transit, sidewalks, bicycle connections and regional travel between the five cities. Its eventual project list could influence local spending and competition for state and federal transportation money.

The survey asks residents how they currently travel, where they encounter problems and which improvements should receive priority. North Fulton transportation survey and project background.

10. Forsyth educators receive more than $114,000 in grants

Forsyth County schools and employees received more than $114,000 through the Forsyth County Education Foundation’s latest grant announcements.

The awards support classroom and school projects that fall outside ordinary operating budgets. Their practical value will depend on how each program is implemented and whether successful ideas can be expanded beyond the initial recipients.

The grants offer a useful view of where educators see unmet needs, but families will need project-level information to understand which students and campuses benefit. Forsyth County News’ report on the education grants.

About the Author

Tsvi Jolles

Author, Editor & Publisher

Tsvi Jolles is the author of seven books and the founder and publisher of North Atlanta Star. He has lived in Cumming for almost a decade.

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