Q: Was there a reason why Elton John didn't perform or none of his songs were played at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics?

—Bob Routier, Johns Creek

A: Matt Bellamy, the frontman for the British band Muse, said John was once the director of music for the Olympics and wanted to write a song for the London Games, but he "fell out" with Olympic organizers. The band's song "Survival," which was the official theme song of the Olympics, originally was scheduled to be a duet with John, Bellamy told KROQ-FM in Los Angeles in July. "He contacted us and we thought, 'This is far out,' " Bellamy said. " 'We're going to do a song for the Olympics with Elton John.' ... But then he pulled out of the Olympics."

Q: There was a recent story about an overturned tanker that spilled chemicals on the Downtown Connector and shut it down for several hours. Why wasn't it on I-285 rather than coming through town?

—Fred Costner, College Park

A: Trucks with more than six wheels are allowed inside the Perimeter of I-285 for several reasons, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. They can pick up or make deliveries "to or from a shipper physically located inside I-285," travel to or from a carrier's terminal located inside I-285 and go to or from a repair facility inside I-285. Drivers also can travel to or from their residences inside the Perimeter. Otherwise, trucks are not allowed inside the Perimeter.

Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We'll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC