AGP Executive Report

Falcons Move: Atlanta is trading for Chiefs OT Wanya Morris to add tackle depth after Kaleb McGary’s retirement, a key fit with the team’s lefty QB competition and more under-center plans. World Cup Watch in Georgia: FIFA’s lightning-suspension rules could mean long delays, while Atlanta-area officials are also warning fans about World Cup scams targeting visitors with fake ticket offers and “stranded tourist” currency tricks. Soccer Pop Culture: Spain teen star Lamine Yamal was spotted shopping at a Walmart in Fort Oglethorpe as World Cup hype hits Georgia. Caribbean Arts & Events: Rum Island Festival names comedian Pretty Vee as host for its inaugural July 11 Piedmont Park event. Local Music & Theater: Corinne Bailey Rae brings her 20th-anniversary “Like a Star” tour stop to Buckhead Theatre, and Chandra Currelley performs at Macon’s Douglass Theatre June 13. Food Scene: Juici Patties opens its first Georgia location in Atlanta, expanding the Jamaican chain beyond Florida and New York. Sports Entertainment: Netflix adds Clint Eastwood’s true-crime “Richard Jewell” to its lineup.

World Cup Security: Atlanta has finalized its multi-agency counter-terrorism plan for the 2026 opener, with former FBI Special Agent Richard Kolko breaking down how the city is preparing. World Cup Fan Tech: Cosm Atlanta’s new immersive “Shared Reality” Dome opens at Centennial Yards, aiming to bring host-city match angles to fans. Local Crime & Safety: A southwest Atlanta SWAT standoff ended after hours when a suspect refused to come out of a home, following a neighborhood lockdown. Reality TV: “Love Island USA” kicked off public voting, but the official app crashed at launch—voting was extended and there’s no episode tonight. Sports TV/Times: The SEC released 2026 kickoff windows, including Tennessee-Texas at noon ET on Sept. 26 and more flex scheduling. World Cup Logistics: FIFA’s stadium “debranding” is underway, with some venues temporarily renamed to protect sponsor rules. Music Spotlight: Ye announced the June 19 release date for “Bully (Deluxe)” alongside the “GEMINI SEASON” single and video. Atlanta Soccer: Atlanta United welcomed Uzbekistan as the national team settles into its World Cup base. Baseball Update: The Braves lost 2-1 to the White Sox, snapping their streak of consecutive series wins.

College Baseball Spotlight: Kirby Smart checked in on Georgia’s run to the College World Series, praising the Bulldogs’ “tenacity,” clutch hitting, and resilience after comebacks vs. Florida and Mississippi State. MLB (Atlanta): The Braves open another chapter in Chicago vs. the White Sox, with Braden Montgomery’s debut homer still fresh and Atlanta riding strong recent form behind Chris Sale. World Cup in Georgia: Metro Atlanta is gearing up for FIFA World Cup 2026 with watch parties and a big fan-festival push; Atlanta is also flagged as one of the more affordable host options, and The Weather Channel is rolling out a Fan Comfort Index for match days. Local Arts & Culture: Emory’s Carlos Museum hosts “Footwork: Where We Gather,” a sports-photography exhibition tying Atlanta fan culture to identity and community. Music & Film: Netflix is celebrating the one-year anniversary of “KPop Demon Hunters” with anniversary screenings, including free outdoor showings in Atlanta. Sports Business/Jobs: Gov. Kemp announced a $22M firearms manufacturing investment in south Georgia creating 120 jobs.

WNBA Spotlight: Angel Reese powered the Atlanta Dream to an 82-75 win over the Chicago Sky, posting 17 points and 17 rebounds for her 57th career double-double—setting a new WNBA record for double-doubles through her first 75 games. MLB (Local Sports): The Braves took a hit as Ronald Acuña Jr. left Tuesday’s game with hamstring tightness, but the bigger headline was Braden Montgomery’s debut: the White Sox rookie hit a walk-off two-run homer to beat Atlanta 6-5 in 10 innings. MARTA Safety Update: A 17-year-old student was shot on a MARTA train at Midtown; the suspect, Anthony Gresham, now faces federal charges tied to the mass-transport attack. Georgia Arts & Music: Athens alt-rock band Greywater announced a June 13 show at the 40 Watt Club, with Futon and 7th Try on the bill. Fashion/Tech Buzz: Cannes drew attention for AGIBOT X2, a humanoid robot making fashion and film appearances and set to expand into sports training in Atlanta ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

World Cup Watch in Atlanta: Organizers are rolling out free match-viewing and culture events for fans without tickets, including FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park and free public watch parties at Pittsburgh Yards along the Beltline. Local Retail: Trader Joe’s opens a new Johns Creek store (June 11) at 1000 Medley Blvd, adding to its growing Georgia footprint. Pro Sports (Atlanta): Falcons WR Drake London locks in a four-year, $141M extension through 2030, saying his focus is earning the money with consistency. WNBA (Georgia connection): Caitlin Clark hits a dramatic 32-foot winner as Indiana beats Washington 78-76 after a late lead swing. MLS (Revolution): Will Sands agrees to a multi-year extension with New England through 2029-30. Community & Fitness: Pembroke’s Krista Johnson Memorial Run for Change draws hundreds and raises about $30,000 for youth wellness. Entertainment/TV: Prime Video’s The Probability of Miracles adds Georgia Acken and others to the cast. Music: Show Me The Body shares “Eat For Peace,” the opener to their upcoming album Alone Together.

College Sports Drama: A Texas judge granted an injunction letting Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby stay eligible for the 2026 season after the NCAA’s gambling ban—prompting fresh backlash and reports that Georgia and other Big 12 schools are considering not scheduling Texas Tech. World Cup in Atlanta: Local artists are leaning into soccer culture ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, including an Atlanta Soccer Map project, while the city and partners are ramping up anti-trafficking training with “It’s a Penalty” for frontline workers. Arts & Entertainment: Eyedrum Art & Music Gallery is hosting “The Legacy of KAOS,” tracing the Atlanta chapter of the influential graffiti/style-writing crew. Live Music Pick: Stewart Copeland brings his “Have I Said Too Much” spoken-word tour to City Winery Atlanta on June 9. Community Spotlight: “An Evening for the K9s” fundraiser drew K9 teams statewide to support Georgia Police K9 Foundation work. Sports (Local): Georgia baseball punched its ticket to Omaha, and a Toombs County sophomore got a front-row trophy moment.

NIL Ruling in Georgia Sports: The College Sports Commission says an arbitrator upheld Georgia athletes’ ability to receive NIL deals after the regulator re-reviewed them under updated compensation rules, while denying Georgia’s request for legal fees. World Cup Fan Rules: FIFA reversed its earlier water-bottle ban, allowing each attendee one sealed 20-ounce soft plastic disposable bottle, plus mandatory three-minute hydration breaks for players. MARTA Security for the World Cup: MARTA is ramping up patrols and using its real-time crime center after recent violence at stations, with extra overnight coverage planned for the tournament period. Atlanta Arts/Film: Craig Zobel’s thriller “Turpentine” is filming in Atlanta and just added Paul Walter Hauser, Boyd Holbrook, Michael Peña and more to its cast. Music & Community: Athens PrideFest returns with a downtown parade, live music and performances, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Weather Watch: The NWS warns humidity could push heat index values into the 100s in parts of central and east Georgia this week.

MARTA Safety & Justice: A candlelight vigil in metro Atlanta honored Margaret Sams-Swan, the 66-year-old fatally stabbed at the Oakland City station, as her family pressed for more safety measures and police detailed the alleged attack. World Cup Watch (Georgia): Spain’s Lamine Yamal is staying back in Chattanooga for rehab and won’t play Peru in the final friendly; Spain opens World Cup play in Atlanta next week. Music & Community: Grammy winner David Phelps will join the Atlanta Pops Orchestra July 3 at Trilith Live for “Celebrate America,” a patriotic set tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Sports (Georgia): The Atlanta Braves kept rolling, sweeping the Pirates with a 3-2 win highlighted by Michael Harris II’s big pinch-hit double. Arts & Local Culture: The 27th Flying Colors Butterfly Festival is underway at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, with live butterfly encounters and pollinator education running through late August. Tech & Politics: A Georgia data-center fight is heating up as residents report water and displacement concerns, fueling a fast shift in public opposition.

MARTA Under Federal Scrutiny: The U.S. Transportation Department opened an investigation into MARTA’s spending and safety protocols after recent stabbings, as early voting ramps up in metro Atlanta and World Cup crowds are expected. Super Regional Spotlight: Georgia baseball rallied from a 7-0 hole to beat Mississippi State 13-12 in Game 1, taking a 1-0 series lead and setting up a big Game 2 at Athens. WNBA Sideline Firestorm: Mystics coach Sydney Johnson was ejected and escorted off the court by police after a heated exchange with officials during Atlanta’s 109-77 win over Washington. Local Arts & Entertainment: Duluth’s Jeff Foxworthy released his new stand-up special “The Joke’s On Me,” mixing behind-the-scenes comedy-writing clips with fresh material filmed at Gas South Theatre. Sports Recruiting Buzz: Stone Mountain Stephenson EDGE K.J. Green committed to LSU, while Georgia Tech landed four-star DL Jamar Thompson, keeping the Yellow Jackets rolling on the recruiting trail. World Cup Health Push: AIDS Healthcare Foundation is rolling out “GOOOOOOOOOAL!” safe-sex billboards in Atlanta and other host cities ahead of World Cup matches. Community Pride: Pride Run ATL drew runners and walkers to Piedmont Park, blending fitness with LGBTQ+ celebration.

WNBA Spotlight: Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream rolled past the Washington Mystics 109-77, with Reese posting 18 points and 17 rebounds as Atlanta’s defense and shooting pulled away fast. College Baseball (Georgia): No. 3 Georgia beat No. 14 Mississippi State 13-12 in a wild Athens super regional Game 1, erasing a big early deficit and setting up the next step toward Omaha. Soccer + World Cup Buzz (Chattanooga/Georgia): Spain held a special community training session at Baylor School in Chattanooga, with fans getting autographs and close access ahead of Spain’s Atlanta opener vs. Cape Verde on June 15. Local Sports (Chattanooga FC): Chattanooga FC dominated Red Bull New York II 4-0, led by Tate Robertson’s brace. MARTA Safety Update: Police say a shooting on a Midtown MARTA train was targeted; MARTA is boosting officer presence as the investigation continues. Entertainment Note: Ariana Grande kicked off her “Eternal Sunshine” tour in Oakland with a full setlist now circulating.

WNBA Spotlight: The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics in Commissioner’s Cup action at Gateway Center Arena (6 p.m. ET), with Shakira Austin expected to power the paint as both teams chase momentum. WNBA Betting Buzz: Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty headlines Saturday’s slate, with Caitlin Clark listed probable after a back injury scare. MLB Braves Watch: Pirates at Braves matchups drive multiple same-game parlay and NRFI picks, with Braxton Ashcraft and Spencer Strider among the pitching storylines. Falcons Roster Talk: One analyst says Atlanta should consider trading cornerback Mike Hughes before roster cutdowns. Local Community Grants: Jackson EMC Foundation awarded $40,000 to Hall County programs, including art therapy and summer learning support. Health Fraud Case: A Marietta lab owner faces Medicaid fraud charges and a civil suit over alleged genetic testing claims without proper physician orders. Weird Crime: Taylor County deputies say they solved a case after a metal roof was stolen from a vacant home. Tech-Driven Policing: A Ring alert helped lead Cherokee County deputies to suspects after a shooting tied to a driveway confrontation. Arts & TV: Hallmark’s “The Greek Aisle” was shot on location in Corfu and kicks off Summer Nights.

WNBA Spotlight: The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics at Gateway Center Arena Saturday, with watch points on Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Georgia’s own Dream standouts like Allisha Gray and Naz Hillmon. Baseball (Athens): Georgia opens its Athens Super Regional vs. Mississippi State in Game 1, with a key note: Tre Phelps is suspended for the opener. MLB (Atlanta): The Braves kick off a Pirates series with a 6-3 win, powered by Mauricio Dubon’s third straight homer and a bullpen finish. Sports Culture: Caitlin Clark’s Team USA coach Kara Lawson calls her “one of the best playmakers…in the world,” while Lexie Hull’s bold Fever pregame outfit keeps fans talking. Film/Atlanta: “Scary Movie 6,” shot at Tyler Perry Studios, moves up to a June 5 theater release, with Atlanta listed as a major filming base. Local Life: MARTA’s Midtown station briefly closes after a targeted shooting on the platform. Music/Events: Amplify Decatur Music Festival (Day Two) lands roots Americana headliners Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

NCAA Baseball Super Regionals: The 2026 field is down to 16 teams, with Georgia’s Athens Super Regional set for Saturday (Mississippi State vs. Georgia, 11 a.m. ET) as the bracket and live scores roll through June 5–8. WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark powered through illness to help Indiana beat the Atlanta Dream 83-71, tying her own WNBA record while Kelsey Mitchell hit a major franchise milestone. Atlanta Arts & Culture: The Atlanta Municipal Market welcomed four new Black woman-owned businesses, including A Taste of Secrets, as the historic spot keeps expanding its community footprint. Film in Georgia: Jennifer Holland and Dave Annable star in the Civil War supernatural thriller “Brine,” shot around Georgia marshlands, with a release this fall. Local Lifestyle/Business: Aligned Fitness acquired six Club Pilates studios, signaling continued growth for the boutique fitness brand. Wildlife Alert: Georgia DNR is asking residents to report or kill invasive Argentine black-and-white tegus as sightings spread.

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell powered the Indiana Fever to an 83-71 win over the Atlanta Dream, with Mitchell hitting 5,000 career points in the third and Clark adding 17 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Local Sports: The Dream’s Angel Reese logged an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double in the loss, while Atlanta’s Brionna Jones sat out with a knee injury. Music & Culture: Florida Georgia Line reunited at CMA Fest in Nashville, kicking off with “Round Here” and “Cruise” after a 2022 hiatus. Film Watch: Director Adam Rehmeier talked about bringing “Carolina Caroline” to theaters, a Southern road heist with Kyle Gallner and Samara Weaving. Tech for Events: T-Mobile rolled out Dynamic CX, using AI to keep service steady during big concerts and packed stadium crowds. Community & Safety: Anti-human trafficking billboards launched around Atlanta ahead of World Cup crowds, urging people to report suspected trafficking.

Local Shelter Opening: Furkids opened its new Sutherlin Dog Shelter in Cumming, nearly doubling capacity with a more humane, enrichment-focused setup and welcoming 50 rescued dogs. Public Safety & Legal News: A security guard at an Athens Social Security office was arrested and charged with battery after an altercation with a visitor; police cited excessive force based on video. Community Fundraiser: Special Olympics Georgia’s “Cops on Donut Shops” returns Friday, June 5 at Dunkin’ locations statewide to raise money for athletes. Sports—Georgia Spotlight: Former Georgia baseball coach David Perno shared a lung-and-blood cancer diagnosis and surgery details, saying he’s still coaching while recovering. Arts & Entertainment: The Atlanta Fringe Festival runs through June 7, with 21 LGBTQ+ artist-led shows in the 51-show lineup. WNBA—Local Watch: The Atlanta Dream host the Indiana Fever today, with Caitlin Clark and Rhyne Howard headlining the matchup. World Cup Buzz: Atlanta is projected to sell about 1.34 million beers across eight 2026 World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Traffic Alert: GDOT plans a full weekend closure of I-285 Westside (June 5–8) between SR 139/MLK Jr. Drive and Cascade Road.

NBA Finals (Knicks-Spurs): New York took Game 1 105-95, riding Jalen Brunson’s 30 points and a late surge to go up 1-0, putting the Knicks three wins from a title. MLB (Braves-Blue Jays): Toronto’s Simeon Woods Richardson was traded to the Blue Jays, and Atlanta hosts the Jays at Truist Park Wednesday night. Entertainment (Atlanta filming & concerts): Atlanta’s State Farm Arena announced a World Cup-era summer concert run featuring Shakira, Ariana Grande, J. Cole, and more, while casting calls keep rolling for local TV/film extras and puppet projects. Arts & culture (Georgia wine): Georgian wine promotion hit Paris with a National Wine Agency tasting and presentation, plus international wine tours tied to National Wine Day. Community & safety: Atlanta police are investigating an attempted robbery that ended in a shooting at a Shell station. Sports beyond Atlanta: A Georgia Tech PhD student won his first WSOP bracelet, taking $346K in a 6-handed event.