Gaveling in again
Wednesday, June 17 — On the heels of yesterday’s runoff election (scroll down for results), the Georgia Legislature is back at the Gold Dome for a special session today as Republicans seek to redraw the congressional and state legislative districts following a U.S. Supreme Court decision undoing a key part of the Voting Rights Act.
🌞 Sunny and 83° today.
💸 The Atlanta City Council approved the controversial Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, a public-private collaboration to address underserved neighborhoods, but it only goes into effect if Atlanta Public Schools or the Fulton County Commission gives the green light.
➞ The council also approved a $3.2 billion FY27 budget and passed a resolution urging the city to impose a blight tax on the stalled renovation of The Campanile building at 14th and Peachtree.
🏢 The Midtown Development Review Committee recently got its first look at a proposal for a 21-story condo building on 14th Street.
📍The Dunwoody City Council proposed keeping its 3.04 millage rate, with a final public hearing on the issue set for July 1.
🏳️⚧️ A transgender deputy in the Houston County Sheriff’s Department settled a case over the county’s health insurance policy, which excluded gender-affirming care.
⚾ Georgia beat Texas 2-0 to advance to the Final Four at the College World Series, where they will face Oklahoma tonight at 7 p.m. (ESPN).
ELSEWHERE
🇮🇱🇮🇷 Israel launched strikes in southern Lebanon today, despite President Donald Trump saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “has to be more responsible.”
🇺🇸🇺🇦 President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G7 summit in France yesterday, saying he would do “whatever I can” to help end the war with Russia.
🕵️ The White House canceled today’s planned confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence.
⚽ France, Norway, Austria, and Argentina won Group Stage matches yesterday. Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria gave him 16 career FIFA World Cup goals, tying him for the most ever. There are four games today, beginning at 1 p.m. on FS1.
🎾 Serena and Venus Williams will play doubles together at Wimbledon.
PICTURE THIS: Atlanta’s first World Cup match captivated the soccer world with a historic 0-0 draw between top-seeded Spain and Cabo Verde. Thousands packed into the World Cup FanFest in Downtown Atlanta on Monday to watch the match. The next match in Atlanta is tomorrow between Czechia and South Africa (photo by Sarra Sedghi).
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Runoff results
• Juneteenth in Atlanta
• The Reset: World Cup protocols
AND
• Concert Picks
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1. Jackson, Collins, Ivory win runoffs
FOR COMPLETE RESULTS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE
🗳️ Republican voters rebuffed two endorsements from Gov. Brian Kemp in yesterday’s primary runoff, selecting a billionaire businessman to run for governor against former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and picking a sitting congressman to face Sen. Jon Ossoff. Overall turnout was light, with 488,000 votes cast. The Secretary of State’s office said the statewide primary runoff ran “smoothly.” Here’s who won the key races, with full results on our website.
🐘 Republican races:
- U.S. Senate: Mike Collins (story)
- Governor: Rick Jackson (story)
- Lt. Governor: Greg Dolezal
- Secretary of State: Tim Flemming
🫏 Democratic races:
- Lt. Governor: Josh McLaurin
- Secretary of State: Penny Brown Reynolds
- Fulton County Commission Chair: Mo Ivory
Amy Sherald: American Sublime
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM
🎨 You’ve seen Amy Sherald’s iconic portrait of Michelle Obama. Now, her largest exhibition to date comes to Atlanta, featuring rarely seen paintings and monumental portraits spanning nearly two decades.
Amy Sherald: American Sublime is now open, bringing one of the leading artists of her generation back to Georgia. Secure your tickets before it’s gone.
Can only make it in the evening? We’ve got you covered. The show stays open after hours every Friday. Grab a drink, snag an exclusive exhibition poster, and explore the galleries at your leisure.
2. Where to celebrate Juneteenth in Metro Atlanta
🎊 Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, will be celebrated with parades and celebrations on Fri., June 19, and into the weekend.
Juneteenth is also a federal and state holiday, so expect government offices, post offices, and banks to be closed. But there should be plenty to keep you occupied, from celebrations at the Atlanta History Center to health and wellness events to block parties.
➵ We’ve rounded up a guide to some of the events around the city. Click here to take a look.
3. How FIFA players get game-ready
THE RESET | SPONSORED BY INTOWN PSYCHOLOGY
“The Reset by Rough Draft” is edited by Laura Scholz, one of Atlanta’s most respected lifestyle journalists. The Reset is a weekly, Wednesday newsletter with even more content, and you can subscribe here with one click.
☀️ Make the most of summer with your family! From Atlanta museums and farmers markets to outdoor adventures, volunteer opportunities, and creative community events,there are countless ways to stay connected and engaged.
⚽ The 2026FIFA World Cup officially began last week. Playing in a multi-week tournament in peak summer weather makes proper preparation, nutrition, and hydration protocols critical to staying game-ready. Read Laura’s story on how players prepare for matches.
🤸 TheWellstar Family Series returns to The Battery Atlanta this June and July, with kid-friendly wellness and learning events, including sports clinics, obstacle courses, cooking classes, and more. All events are free, but advance registration is required.
🔵 Get free health screenings and diabetes resources at gusto!’s West End location on June 19, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is part of a free, Juneteenth community health partnership with the Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation.
🏃🏾➡️ Lace up for the Juneteenth Atlanta 5K Freedom Run on June 21 at 9 a.m. at Piedmont Park. Sign up here.
🖼️Oasis at the High Museum of Art returns on June 20. Free for members (and $23.50 for non-members), the event includes an all-levels yoga class, a restorative sound bath, and mindfulness art-making.
🧘🏾Flow at { sacred } thread’s yoga sculpt pop-up community class is at Side Saddle Wine Saloon on June 20 at 10:30 a.m.Register in advance with a studio membership or class pack, or pay a $6 drop-in rate.
🍑Join the Downtown Native Plant & Wellness Initiative for a Peach Talk & Wellness Walk on June 26 at noon. Jim Hackler of Five Points Community Garden will lead a talk on the history of Georgia’s state fruit at Underground Atlanta, followed by a stroll through Downtown’s nature and cultural landmarks.RSVP for the event here.
🪷Experience four healing sessions ranging from yoga to guided breathwork at Healing ATL for the People on June 27. Held at Mysore Yoga Atlanta, the event features local wellness practitioners, including Jess Pfeffer of SETTLE and Conscious Babes Who Brunch, and Arturo Rios of Stretch Reset. Reserve your spot in advance.
❤️ Therapy that helps you feel seen, supported, and understood – while building practical skills to navigate life with confidence at Intown Psychology.
🖼️ Ahlers & Ogletree presents a 600-lot Modern & Contemporary Art & Design Auction featuring Picasso, Dalí, Chagall, and more. Explore fine art, furniture, and sculpture. Register and start bidding today. SPONSOR MESSAGE
4. Concert Picks
Wed., June 17
🌃 Alejandro Aranda @ Vinyl
🎼 Josh Groban + Jennifer Hudson @ Gas South Arena
🎻 America @ 250 Encore: Bernstein, Copland + Barber @ Atlanta Symphony Hall
Thurs., June 18
🖤 JINJER @ Buckhead Theatre
🎶 Scott Pryor @ Vinyl
🥶 The Cold Stares @ Aisle 5
Fri., June 19
🐱 Kittie (pictured) @ The Masquerade
⛪ The Church @ Center Stage
💜 Human League @ Fox Theatre
🎧 Maddy O’Neal @ Terminal West
Sat., June 20
👦 The Rock & Roll Playhouse plays Music of Grateful Dead + More for Kids @ Terminal West
👑 ‘68 @ The Masquerade
🌊 Dei V @ Tabernacle
Sun., June 21
🚖 The Cab @ The Masquerade
🎤 Barak @ Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Mon., June 22
🐍 Royal & the Serpent @ Terminal West
🥁 Todd Rundgren @ Buckhead Theatre
Tues., June 23
🎸 St. Vincent with the ASO @ Atlanta Symphony Hall
🦅 Rostam @ Terminal West
✨ Early bird tickets are now on sale for Community Assistance Center’s CAC Annual Gala on Sat., Sept. 19, from 6-10 p.m. Join us for an inspiring evening supporting neighbors and building a stronger, more stable community. SPONSOR MESSAGE
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