WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1895, Booker T. Washington delivered his famous "Atlanta Compromise" speech at the Atlanta Cotton States and International Exposition.

Today, we’re covering an Atlanta City Council meeting that turned into a game of "catch" when protesters threw ping-pong balls and accusations. Read our story below!

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School Superintendent Seeks Funding for Safety

State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced he will seek additional state funding for school safety measures during the 2025 General Assembly session, following the recent school shooting in Barrow County.

Woods’ goal is to ensure every Georgia school has a school resource officer and a crisis alert system, building on previous state funding initiatives for school safety.

Two school resource officers were instrumental in stopping the suspected shooter at Apalachee High School, where two students and two teachers were killed, and nine others were injured.

Woods also proposed expanding mental health counseling in schools and implementing policies for better information sharing between law enforcement and school districts.

Vance and Kemp Present United Front

A conservative Christian group hosted an event on Monday that brought together Governor Brian Kemp and JD Vance, emphasizing Republican unity and support for Donald Trump.

Governor Kemp spoke at the event, focusing on expanding the Republican majority in Congress and supporting Trump’s return to the White House, while Vance highlighted Trump's role in ending the constitutional right to an abortion.

The event marked a shift in the relationship between Kemp and Trump after years of tension, with Ralph Reed, the event's organizer, stating both have "moved on" from past disputes.

Vance also emphasized policies to support mothers and families, stating that the Republican Party is pro-life and pro-family, while Reed affirmed that Trump’s platform still offers a pathway for future abortion restrictions.

Ping Pong Ball Protest at Atlanta City Council

A group of protesters disrupted the Atlanta City Council meeting Monday by yelling, throwing ping-pong balls on the council floor, and carrying signs criticizing Mayor Andre Dickens, including one that read, “Andre Dickens, you dropped the ball on democracy.”

The protest lasted about 30 minutes, with demonstrators calling for a referendum on the city's proposed public safety training facility. The protesters oppose the $90 million project—often referred to as “Cop City”—due to concerns about its potential to militarize police forces.

Council member Michael Julian Bond confirmed that legislation could be introduced for a ballot vote, but no council member has done so yet.

Activist Devin Barrington-Ward emphasized that the movement is focused on democracy, not on opposing public safety or law enforcement.

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➤ The Georgia Supreme Court paused orders disqualifying presidential candidates Cornel West and Claudia De la Cruz, allowing their votes to count for now. They could still be disqualified and have their votes discarded. (Details)

➤ Cobb County: A local anti-tax group launched its campaign on Saturday against a proposed transit sales tax hike—from 6% to 7%—that would raise $11 billion over 30 years for public transit projects. (Details)

➤ DeKalb County: The school district is hiring a security associate for each school to focus solely on improving the safety of the buildings. (Details)

➤ Alpharetta: Military training exercises are taking place near the Alpharetta and Milton border this week. Citizens are not in danger as safety precautions are in place. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Tuesday, in celebration of Constitution Day, 55 people from 25 different countries took their oaths to become naturalized U.S. citizens at Atlanta City Hall. (Details)

➤ Savannah: Officials approved two site variances on Tuesday for a new housing development that will include four apartment buildings and a parking garage. (Details)

➤ Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins led a 70-yard game-winning drive on Monday Night Football, securing his first win with the team. Drake London caught the go-ahead touchdown with just 34 seconds left. (See Video)

➤ The Atlanta Braves suffered a 9-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, knocking them out of the National League's final playoff spot. (More)

➤ Georgia Bulldogs All-American offensive lineman Tate Ratledge will miss several weeks with a sprained MCL in his left knee. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: MLB | WNBA

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➤ JapanFest on Sept. 21-22 marks 50 years of Georgia–Japan connections. Since 1974, Japan has been a major economic partner for Georgia, with over 40,000 Georgians employed by Japanese-owned businesses. (More)

➤ Monroe Capital provided a senior credit facility to support Point 41 Capital Partners' acquisitions of Georgia Water & Fire Restoration and Property Medics of Georgia. (Details)

➤ Hiring managers in Georgia are rejecting nearly half of AI-generated resumes, even as more job seekers use AI tools for polished and detailed documents. (More)

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➤ Athens, long celebrated for its gritty music halls, house parties, and dive bars, is embracing a new era with boutique hotels, an upscale dining scene, and the upcoming 8,500-seat Akins Ford Arena, set to open in December with a concert by the B-52s. (More)

➤ Corn mazes are offering fall fun across Georgia, with at least eight must-visit spots highlighted by the Augusta Chronicle. Favorites like Steed’s Dairy and Uncle Shuck’s promise family-friendly entertainment and photo opportunities. (See List)

➤ From elegant ballrooms to rustic barns, Georgia’s wedding venues cater to every style and budget, with costs varying by guest count and amenities. WeddingWire has named the top eight venues to consider. (See List)

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