Morning, y’all! Did you know spring and fall allergy seasons have different triggers? In spring, it’s usually tree and grass pollens causing the sniffles. Now, in the fall, it’s weed pollens and mold spores. Here’s how to cope, because fun facts won’t fix your itchy eyes.
Let’s get to it.
ATLANTA’S DIVERSITY GOALS UNDER THREAT
For months, major cities have tried to negotiate increasing federal pressure to do away with diversity initiatives or risk losing millions in federal support.
For Atlanta, a blueprint of municipal diversity policy, it’s a tough line to walk. Let’s roll back 50 years to understand why.
- In the 1970s, Mayor Maynard Jackson pioneered the city’s lasting minority contracting initiative, which required a 25-35% minority participation for city contracts.
- The policy wasn’t just about inequality; it was about addressing larger economic challenges to which inequality contributed.
- It even inspired the U.S. Department of Transportation minority contracting program, which is currently under threat in the courts.
- Mayor Andre Dickens told the AJC such programs helped make Atlanta, well, Atlanta — the site of the world’s busiest airport and a hub for innumerable industries in the South.
- “(This is) one of the most consequential moments in our history,” Dickens said. He pledged to find ways to protect the city’s premier diversity programs from federal crackdowns.
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GET YOUR GREEN SAVINGS WHILE YOU CAN
Time is running out in Georgia on tax savings for select electric vehicles, rooftop solar panels and other big green paraphernalia.
- The Trump administration’s federal spending bill rolled back federal incentives for certain environmentally friendly purchases, and we’re coming to the end of the line.
- The new electric vehicle credit, worth up to $7,500 in up-front savings, sunsets Sept. 30.
- The used electric vehicle credit, worth up to $4,000, also goes away Sept. 30.
- You have a little more time on things like home energy efficiency credits, credits on geothermal and solar systems, and home energy rebates. Most will last until the end of the year.
MEDICAID
A federal watchdog group compiled a report on the Georgia Medicaid program that models a future federal version under the Trump administration.
What’s the program? The Georgia Pathways program requires nondisabled adults to document low-paying work to remain eligible for health care benefits.
What’s the verdict? The U.S. Government Accountability Office found the program has spent twice as much on administrative costs as it has on providing actual health care.
The report says most of the costs came from changes in how the program determines eligibility and enrolls people, as well as redundant technologies.
Critics have said the Pathways program makes it too difficult for people to get care by snaring them in a ton of administrative work. If implemented more widely, they say, millions across the country could lose health care.
MUST-KNOW POLITICS AND BUSINESS
📺 Reactions to ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel keep pouring in.
🗳️ The 2026 Georgia governor’s race got a lot more interesting this week with the addition of Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan. Both have intriguing political records.
🎫 The Federal Trade Commission sued Ticketmaster, saying the ticket juggernaut and its parent company are using illegal methods to make customers pay more for events.
💸 Organic food prices could soar because of new import restrictions and tariffs on organic sugar. Those fancy organic foods don’t sweeten themselves.
WEEKEND PLANS
Time to get out and celebrate the last few days of Technically Summer:
- North Georgia State Fair: It’s fair time, from Sept. 18 to 28. Eat something ridiculous, pet some animals, buy one of those log sculptures they make with chain saws. Life is good.
- Fall Fest 2025 with 4-H: Seasonal garden activities and historical demonstrations. What more could you want?
- Hispanic Heritage Month Concert on the Green: It’ll be great dancing weather.
- Kirkwood Wine Stroll: Sample from more than 100 wines from 50+ vendors, plus small plates, all in support of the Kirkwood Business Owners’ Association. More info here.
Weekend spotlight: Shaky Knees
Headlined by Deftones, My Chemical Romance and Blink-182, Atlanta’s premier indie rock festival Shaky Knees promises to pull in the crowds at Piedmont Park this weekend.
The festival continues its format of two bands playing simultaneously (except for the headliners) and four stages in use. Given the groups at the top of the bill will likely draw the biggest crowds, here are some suggestions for 10 other can’t-miss acts.
NEWS BITES
A nightmare conclusion to the Atlanta Dream’s season
Unfortunately, it was a bitter end to a good year for the Dream. (Also, you can’t say I didn’t warn you about potentially egregious “dream”-related wordplay.)
NASCAR great Tony Stewart will race against his wife, Leah Pruett, in NHRA next year
Now that’s a love story! Netflix movie when? Romance novel when?
Pink is the color for fall wines
You know, I get it. It’s cozy season, but is it really full-bodied Shiraz season?
‘Art Pharmacy’ prescribes art experiences for mental health
Sad? Here, take one “look at cool painting,” followed by a steady diet of “nice music all the time,” and some “individual creative expression” as needed.
ON THIS DATE
Sept. 19, 1922
Police Will Aid In “Safety First” Week Observance. “Traffic Laws of City Must Be Obeyed,” Says Chief. Today, the third day of the Safety First week will see the most efficient protection of the citizens of Atlanta from accidents that the existing traffic laws will permit ... Motorists and pedestrians have alike been warned against heedless regard of the traffic laws.
Atlanta: Chaotic traffic vibes since at least 1922.
ONE MORE THING
A postgame quote from the Atlanta Dream’s Allisha Gray:
“The organization as a whole, it’s in a great direction ... We proved a lot of people wrong this year. A lot of people didn’t expect us to play as well and be in the position we’re in.”
Onward and upward. 🏀🌟
Thanks for reading to the very bottom of A.M. ATL. Questions, comments, ideas? Contact us at AMATL@ajc.com.
Until next time.
About the Author
AJ Willingham is an National Emmy, NABJ and Webby award-winning journalist who loves talking culture, religion, sports, social justice, infrastructure and the arts. She lives in beautiful Smyrna-Mableton and went to Syracuse University.
