AGP Executive Report

Falcons QB update: Michael Penix Jr. is medically cleared for full participation and will return to 11-on-11 practice Monday after knee surgery, setting up a real QB battle behind Tua Tagovailoa as Atlanta continues its preseason push. WNBA in Atlanta: The Atlanta Dream keep their momentum in the playoff chase, with the latest matchup spotlighting their recent dominance over the Phoenix Mercury and the Dream’s push for positioning. Local sports roundup: The Braves’ weekend struggles continued as Milwaukee edged Atlanta, while the Falcons routed Indianapolis 34-6 in preseason action. Public safety: Atlanta police reported a fatal I-20 crash after a possible tire blowout and a separate deadly I-85 incident after a fight escalated outside a vehicle. Animal welfare: DeKalb County saved 18 dogs from euthanasia, but dozens more still face risk as shelters remain over capacity. Arts & transit: Atlanta Botanical Garden unveiled plans for a $160M Beltline expansion with direct access by 2028.

WNBA Disruption: The Chicago Sky’s home game was interrupted again after multiple sex toys were thrown onto the court during a Friday win over the Golden State Valkyries, the second straight night of similar incidents across the league. Atlanta Air Safety: American Airlines Flight 2398 from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta to Dallas-Fort Worth landed safely after reports of smoke from a passenger device; one person was treated for burns. Road Violence: A 26-year-old woman was killed on I-85 after a roadside fight spilled into traffic, and a separate fiery single-car crash on I-20 EB killed a 54-year-old driver. Legal/Privacy Fight: An Atlanta man accused of using a “duress code” to wipe his phone faces a felony case tied to customs and border inspection. Local Sports: The Atlanta Dream’s Breanna Stewart praised Allisha Gray as the team’s most slept-on perimeter star, as Dream vs. Mercury coverage ramps up. Earthquake: A 2.4 magnitude quake was recorded in Gordon County early Saturday.

Sports—Braves vs. Brewers: Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski outdueled Chris Sale with six shutout innings as the Brewers beat the Braves 2-1, setting up Saturday’s 2:10 p.m. ET matchup at American Family Field. Health Policy—Georgia Medicaid: Advocates are alarmed after state officials warned Gov. Brian Kemp’s Pathways to Coverage could be “unsustainable” unless the federal government boosts support. Politics—Georgia governor’s race: A new poll shows the race effectively tied: Rick Jackson 46.3% vs. Keisha Lance Bottoms 46.2% among likely voters. Local Government—Stockbridge mayor in court: Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams heads to an emergency hearing after the city council stripped his powers amid allegations of misspending and sexual misconduct. Public Safety—Flight diversion: A Delta Boeing 737-900ER returned to Atlanta after a right-engine issue; passengers were rebooked. Crime—DeKalb fridge dump: Police seek two suspects accused of illegally dumping a refrigerator at a home on Brannon Hill Road. Sports—WNBA fan controversy: Another WNBA game was interrupted after sex toys were thrown onto the court, with Atlanta’s recent incident cited as similar.

WNBA Spotlight: Angel Reese went 9-for-9 and powered the Atlanta Dream to a franchise-record 124-88 win over the Los Angeles Sparks, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Falcons Update: Jawaan Taylor is back in team drills after knee surgery and the Falcons say they’re pleased with his progress as the offensive line takes shape. Local Politics: Mayor Andre Dickens blasted the DNC after Atlanta was dropped from the 2028 convention shortlist, saying the decision “abandon[s] the South” and targets Black voters. Sports Business: Private equity firm Arctos reportedly plans to buy a 10% stake in the Atlanta Falcons in a deal valuing the team at about $10.6B. Public Safety: Georgia officials warn of a fake “2026 GATE Atlanta Vendor & Artisan Market” being promoted on Facebook; it’s not authorized and could be used to collect payments and personal info. Transit: MARTA is raising daily parking rates Sept. 14 and cutting free parking time from 24 hours to 14.

Braves Baseball: Grant Holmes took a no-hitter into the seventh, and Atlanta beat the White Sox 2-0 to end a slide, with Holmes finishing a one-hitter and Raisel Iglesias closing out the ninth. Public Safety: Atlanta police are investigating shootings in northwest Atlanta and the Grove Park area; in both cases, victims were taken to the hospital and details on suspects were not released. Wanted Suspect: Police are asking for help locating Deandre Bussey, wanted for an aggravated domestic violence assault in Atlanta. Health Alert: Georgia DPH confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident, with contact tracing underway and guidance to seek care if symptoms appear. Local Politics: Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams faces an emergency civil hearing tied to misconduct allegations involving an 18-year-old student, including claims about explicit texts. Community Watch: Metro Atlanta’s Flock camera debate continues as officials and residents question surveillance and privacy impacts. Metro Sports & Culture: Georgia women’s soccer drew a record 25,433 fans at Sanford Stadium in a 6-0 win over James Madison. Business/Tech: Charter completed its $34.5B Cox takeover, bringing Spectrum to millions more customers, with Cox customers expected to see changes by mid-September.

Democratic Convention Shake-Up: Atlanta is officially out of the running to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, with the DNC narrowing finalists to Boston, Denver and Philadelphia—prompting Mayor Andre Dickens to blast the party for “abandoning” Atlanta and Georgia. Public Safety Tech Scrutiny: McDonough police say an internal audit of Flock license-plate reader use found “no discrepancies,” with 32 inquiries from January to July deemed legitimate, while other metro-area agencies face similar pressure over surveillance practices. Fraud Case in Metro Atlanta: Georgia’s insurance commissioner says an Atlanta man filed an $18K burglary claim using a counterfeit bank statement, charging him with insurance fraud and forgery. Food Insecurity Spotlight: A northwest Atlanta pantry, The Grocery Spot, says it may have to close without more funding, offering free “grocery store” style shopping for metro families. Amazon Drone Expansion: Amazon says Prime Air will expand drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. cities by end of 2026, including Atlanta, as it pushes faster delivery options. Sports—WNBA Ratings: The Atlanta Dream’s Sunday loss to the Indiana Fever averaged 2.6 million viewers on ESPN, a record for cable WNBA games.

Public Safety: Atlanta police released surveillance images after an armed robbery at a southwest Atlanta Dollar Tree, with a gunman taking more than $800; tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers. DeKalb County Response: SWAT responded to a domestic incident at Parkway Grand apartments off Flat Shoals Road after a man barricaded himself inside. Local Crime & Courts: An Atlanta man was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison in Savannah on child pornography charges. Transit & Mobility: The Atlanta Beltline expanded its free autonomous shuttle service to connect the Atlanta University Center with the West End MARTA area and nearby destinations. Business & Community: A youth soccer clinic in Augusta drew support from Georgia Power and Atlanta United as the World Cup momentum continues. Tech & Delivery: Amazon says Prime Air will expand to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by year-end, with Atlanta among the new metro areas. Sports (Atlanta): Tristan Muyumba scored again as Atlanta United beat Minnesota United 2-1, and the Braves’ AJ Smith-Shawver returned to the mound after Tommy John surgery amid relationship rumors. Arts: The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta opened “Mending to Pressure,” a show focused on resilience and healing.

Public Safety: Atlanta police released bodycam from the rescue of two abducted sisters—ages 4 and 11 months—found locked inside a sweltering trailer; the 42-year-old babysitter, Lakesha Brown, is charged with kidnapping and is in custody without bond, and officers say they used cellphone ping tech to locate her. Health: Georgia confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident, bringing the state total to seven for 2026 as health officials work to identify possible contacts. Tech & Privacy: An Atlanta-based roadside camera network operator, Flock Safety, is back in the spotlight as reporting highlights how the city’s dense camera coverage raises surveillance concerns. Local Sports: Claressa Shields returned to dominance at State Farm Arena, stopping Kaye Scott to reclaim middleweight titles and signaling interest in unification fights. Business/Logistics: Amazon says Prime Air drone delivery will expand to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by end of 2026, with Atlanta listed among upcoming metro areas. Education: Rockbridge-area classrooms reopened with themed, teacher-built “house system” designs aimed at boosting school spirit and student belonging.

Falcons Pass Rush Boost: Atlanta signed veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to a one-year, $6 million deal, adding depth after injuries and an early-season suspension hit the team’s front line. WNBA/Trans Rights Clash: The WNBA said fans should not have been forced to cover shirts during Fever–Dream, after security targeted messages tied to transgender athletes; more backlash and rallies are swirling around Sophie Cunningham’s stance. Public Health: Georgia confirmed a new measles case in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident, as CDC data shows kindergarten vaccine exemptions rising and the state still below the level needed for community protection. City Action on Blight: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is pushing City Council to consider condemnation—potentially using eminent domain—for five Westside blighted properties. Local Utilities: A water outage hit about 30 homes near 985 Hollywood Rd NW after emergency repairs to an eight-inch main. Sports—Braves: Minnesota’s Josh Bell homered early as the Twins beat the Braves 4-1, taking the first two games of the series.

Georgia Politics: Sen. Jon Ossoff’s ballroom-and-Natalie Harp remarks at an Atlanta rally sparked a sharp White House response, with Trump mocking Ossoff in return as the Georgia Senate race heats up. Public Safety: Cobb County SWAT contained a barricaded person situation in Mableton, with police asking residents to avoid the area. Local Government: Duluth approved new noise limits for lawn mowers, leaf blowers and chainsaws, setting tighter hours and an 85-decibel cap. Health: DeKalb County confirmed four more West Nile-positive mosquito trap locations; no human cases have been confirmed so far this year. Transit: MARTA riders report longer waits after World Cup-era service surges, reigniting questions about funding and reliability. WNBA/Atlanta Sports: The WNBA said security was wrong to force a mother and daughter to cover up “XX-XY Athletics” shirts during a Fever–Dream game, adding to the ongoing controversy around trans-athlete policies. NFL/Atlanta Sports: The Falcons signed veteran DE Za’Darius Smith to a one-year deal to bolster an edge rush group hit by injuries and suspensions. Business/Food: Publix is bringing back NFL-themed Pub Subs (including a Falcons version) and rolling out seasonal ice cream flavors. Community/Workforce: Georgia Manufacturing Summit returns Sept. 15 at Cobb Galleria Centre after a six-year hiatus, focusing on workforce and automation challenges.

Crypto Fraud Case: Flowery Branch man Edward Zimbardi, accused of masterminding a $165 million crypto Ponzi scheme (“The Crypto Program”), has been deported from Fiji to the U.S. to face federal wire fraud and money laundering charges. Prosecutors say investors were promised 25% monthly returns, sent crypto into wallets controlled by Zimbardi, and lost more than $165 million when the scheme collapsed in 2023. Local Sports & Health: Atlanta Public Schools is moving after-school sports indoors during extreme heat, following Georgia High School Association rules and heat/humidity monitoring to reduce heat illness risk. Atlanta Housing: Westside Future Fund broke ground on 18 new permanently affordable homes in Vine City, aiming to expand housing supply with completion targeted for mid-2027. Public Safety/Weather: Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for parts of northwest Georgia as fast-moving storms threatened damaging winds and hail. WNBA Controversy: The WNBA and Atlanta Dream faced backlash after fans were reportedly forced to cover “XX-XY” shirts during a Fever-Dream game, with the league acknowledging security acted incorrectly. Business/Tech: Atlanta city leaders discussed the use of Flock cameras amid privacy concerns and calls for tighter oversight.

WNBA Playoff Push: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever kept their hold on the No. 4 spot with a 95-91 overtime win over the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, with Clark scoring 26 and Allisha Gray putting up 32 for Atlanta. Public Safety: Atlanta police issued an Amber Alert for two sisters, Zola (4) and Norah (11 months), believed abducted by their babysitter; authorities say they may be in a white Ford F-350 with an Alabama plate. Health & Policy: Georgia’s medical cannabis regulators are considering allowing mail and third-party delivery of products to card-carrying patients statewide. Local Government: Hall County commissioners approved a 146,000-square-foot warehouse on Winder Highway near Braselton. Public Safety/Crime: A Gwinnett man was sentenced to nine years for trafficking fentanyl hidden in car batteries. City Oversight: Mayor Andre Dickens ordered a 30-day review of Atlanta’s Flock surveillance system after reports of misuse. Economy: Georgia Gwinnett College reported $642M in FY2025 economic impact and $7.6B since 2007.

WNBA Playoff Push: The Indiana Fever escaped Atlanta Dream in overtime, 95-91, after Angel Reese missed a potential game-winner in regulation and the Fever kept rolling. Caitlin Clark led Indiana with 26 points and nine assists as the win moved the Fever to 23-12 and a 1.5-game edge over Atlanta for the No. 4 seed. Georgia Politics: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff rallied supporters in Midtown as the Georgia Senate race heads into its final months, pitching his record on health care and Medicaid expansion while attacking rising costs. Extreme Heat Response: Cooling centers opened across metro Atlanta as heat index values are expected to spike, with advocates warning unhoused residents face higher risk and transportation barriers. Braves Updates: Atlanta made roster moves ahead of its Diamondbacks game, recalling lefty Ray Kerr and designating Danny Young for assignment. Baseball Injury Watch: Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado left with left trunk discomfort after running out a grounder in the fourth. Public Health: The FDA inspected New England Marine Atlanta, LLC in Tucker on July 21 for foodborne biological hazards, with the final report saying no corrective action was needed.

Court Fight: The BBC asked a U.S. federal court to help force testimony and documents from Trump family members in its $10 billion defamation case tied to a disputed Jan. 6 documentary edit. Local Governance: A growing backlash against automated license-plate readers is spreading beyond Arizona, with Scottsdale officials weighing whether to end its Flock contract as other cities cancel similar systems. Atlanta Business & Culture: The Fox Theatre’s open-air terrace is now fully enclosed as the Arcade Lounge for Marquee Club members, part of ongoing upgrades to the guest experience. Politics: With Georgia’s Senate races tightening ahead of November, Atlanta News First’s “On the Record” highlights scrutiny around Rep. Mike Collins and campaign fallout. Public Safety: Police say a woman died in a crash on I-85 near Druid Hills Road after a driver allegedly hit a guardrail. Workplace Spotlight: UCB, headquartered in metro Atlanta, won Axios’s Metro Atlanta Top Workplaces award as it expands a Gwinnett biomanufacturing campus. Sports (Atlanta): The Braves made a 40-man roster move, designating Danny Young for assignment and selecting Ray Kerr. Wildlife Watch: Coyotes sightings keep popping up across metro Atlanta, but experts say that doesn’t automatically mean the population is rising.

Atlanta Sports: The Arizona Diamondbacks crushed the Braves 10-3 as Eduardo Rodriguez went six strong and Nolan Arenado launched two homers with four RBIs, clinching the series. Atlanta Sports: In soccer, Atlanta United snapped a seven-game winless skid with a 2-1 win over the Red Bulls, getting the go-ahead from Fafà Picault in the 82nd minute. WNBA: The Minnesota Lynx kept rolling, beating the Las Vegas Aces 92-87 behind Olivia Miles and Napheesa Collier, tightening the race for the top seed. Falcons/NFL: Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa’s preseason debut raised more questions after Atlanta fell 27-7 to Denver, while Denver’s Bo Nix remains sidelined with an ankle recovery. Public Safety: A man was hospitalized after a shooting on Atlanta’s westside; police say he was alert and investigators are still looking for what led up to it. Community/Local Culture: The Atlanta Blues Challenge returns at Madlife Stage and Studios, with acts competing to represent the city at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

WNBA Playoff Push: Caitlin Clark poured in 16 of her 29 in the third quarter as the Indiana Fever beat the Dallas Wings 98-87, with Aliyah Boston adding 10 points in the fourth; the win keeps Indiana a half-game ahead of the Atlanta Dream for the No. 4 spot. MLB Braves Update: Arizona’s Ketel Marte is day-to-day after leaving Atlanta’s 2-0 loss with left knee soreness, while the Diamondbacks look to keep their pitching edge going in the Saturday rematch. NFL Falcons Spotlight: Tua Tagovailoa’s Falcons preseason debut didn’t go well in a 27-7 loss to Denver, and the quarterback competition remains wide open after a fumble and limited production. Community & Culture: The Grant Park Summer Shade Festival returns Aug. 22-23 with free live music, 140+ artists and makers, local food, family programming, and Deep South Wrestling. Public Safety Tech: Atlanta-based Flock cameras face scrutiny as reports surface of vandalism elsewhere, including a camera cut down in Yakima that investigators say is a felony. Aquarium News: Two rescued beluga whales, Zephyr and Balor, have arrived at Georgia Aquarium after coming from a shuttered Canadian zoo.