AGP Executive Report

World Cup in Atlanta: Lionel Messi and Argentina survived Cape Verde’s late fight, winning 3-2 in extra time and setting up a Round of 16 matchup with Egypt in Atlanta Tuesday. World Cup Round of 16: Egypt advanced by beating Australia on penalties, and the knockout bracket is now set with Canada, Morocco, Paraguay, France, Mexico, England, Belgium, Senegal, the U.S., and more. Local sports: The Braves added veteran Andrew McCutchen on a minor-league deal, with a workout in Florida before he joins Gwinnett. Peachtree Road Race: The official 2026 T-shirt is revealed—“We the Peaches”—as the 57th race kicks off amid heat advisories. Heat & safety: Metro Atlanta braces for another dangerous Fourth of July weekend with heat index values around 100+ and guidance to hydrate and limit outdoor strain. FBI in Georgia: The FBI is assigning hundreds of analysts to review Georgia’s 2020 election records in Fulton County. Community & culture: Black women-led bookstores in metro Atlanta are teaming up for a second Black Girl Book Fair in Decatur on July 11.

World Cup (Atlanta): Egypt made history by beating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, earning its first-ever World Cup knockout win and a Round of 16 matchup in Atlanta Tuesday against Argentina or Cape Verde. World Cup (Miami): Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal as Argentina beat Cape Verde 1-0, extending his record streak and keeping him atop the Golden Boot race. Local Sports (Braves): The Braves signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal, expected to report to Triple-A Gwinnett, as the team continues tweaking its veteran depth. Public Safety (Atlanta): Police arrested a man in Buckhead after allegations he beat a Chihuahua to death and dumped it in a dumpster behind an apartment complex. Community (Ellenwood): A Black-owned farmers market in Ellenwood says racist vandalism sparked a surge of support, with customers traveling from across Georgia to buy produce. Weather/Travel: A lightning strike forced a Delta flight headed to Atlanta to divert to Indianapolis; no injuries were reported. Lake Lanier: Officials reported a suspected algal bloom near Cumming and urged people to avoid suspicious water and keep pets out.

Heat & Safety: Most of Georgia remains under heat advisories through Saturday, with heat index values topping out around 106°F, and officials urging extra caution for kids and outdoor plans. Fourth of July Planning: Fireworks-related deaths and injuries spiked in 2025, and experts are again warning Georgians to handle fireworks carefully and keep bystanders safe. Peachtree Road Race: The Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race brings major Buckhead/Midtown road closures starting Friday night and Saturday morning—drivers should check route shutdowns before heading out. Braves Roster Moves: Atlanta recalled IF Jim Jarvis to start at shortstop and designated 1B Rowdy Tellez for assignment as the bullpen concerns linger after a rough loss to St. Louis. WNBA Spotlight: Angel Reese blasted the Atlanta Dream’s lack of All-Star starters, while also nearing suspension after picking up another technical foul. Local Sports/Community: Atlanta’s World Cup events and Fan Festival crowds continue to draw attention, alongside ongoing traffic and safety preparations for big match days.

World Cup, Atlanta Sports: England coach Thomas Tuchel says midfielder Declan Rice was dealing with “terrible pain” in stoppage time vs. DR Congo, but Rice expects to be fine for the Round of 16 vs. Mexico at the Azteca. Braves Baseball: Ozzie Albies hit a homer and drove in two as the Braves beat the Cardinals 5-1, holding St. Louis to two hits and locking in bullpen dominance. NBA, Hawks: The Hawks signed rookies Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar, adding a new class after the 2026 draft. Election Probe, FBI: The FBI is asking for a surge of more than 200 staffers to its Fulton County 2020 election investigation, including a push to review hundreds of records by mid-July. Public Safety: Atlanta Fire Rescue responded to a northwest apartment fire with heavy smoke; a person with mobility issues was rescued and no injuries were reported. Justice, Georgia Fraud: Two former State Temp employees were indicted for COVID-era Georgia Rental Assistance fraud, including identity fraud tied to more than $34,000. Heat & Weather: Extreme heat remains in place as isolated strong to severe storms are possible, with multiple severe thunderstorm warnings issued across north Georgia.

World Cup in Atlanta: England survived a scare in Georgia, rallying from 1-0 down to beat DR Congo 2-1 and reach the Round of 16, with Harry Kane’s late brace sending the Three Lions on to Mexico City. Mexico City altitude: England coach Thomas Tuchel says adapting to the Azteca’s altitude in just days is “impossible,” setting up a tough matchup against Mexico at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca. Local sports buzz: Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park hit capacity on multiple days, with crowds topping 388,000 and remaining general-admission passes sold out for key dates. Georgia health/business: US Heart & Vascular announced a Georgia expansion, partnering with two Metro Atlanta/Northeast Georgia cardiology practices to broaden access to advanced heart and vascular care. AI in schools: A new Georgia audit survey finds most teachers use generative AI to save time on instruction, but many are skeptical about student use. Travel pressure: A report says airport lounges have become overcrowded, turning a perk into a hassle for frequent flyers.

World Cup in Atlanta: Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to lift England to a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the Round of 32, sending the Three Lions to the last 16 vs. co-host Mexico at the Azteca. Altitude & preparation: England coach Thomas Tuchel said adapting to Mexico City’s altitude in just days is “impossible,” but the team is ready for the obstacles. VAR controversy abroad: Belgium rallied from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time on a late penalty after VAR review. Local safety & weather: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch continued for parts of Georgia, with warnings for damaging winds and hail. Crime & courts: Newly released 911 calls detail the hours before the mother of NFL’s Calais Campbell was found dead in Buckhead; his brother faces murder charges. Community & relief: The Atlanta Braves launched relief efforts for Venezuela after June 24 earthquakes, matching fan donations up to $25,000. Cyber scam warning: The FBI says AI-powered fake websites are driving nearly $1 billion in losses, urging shoppers to be extra cautious.

World Cup in Atlanta: England opens the knockout stage in Mercedes-Benz Stadium today, hosting DR Congo in the Round of 32 (noon ET/5pm UK). Thomas Tuchel says England are ready for any scenario, including penalties, but warns Congo “have nothing to lose” and points to the tight margins that have already knocked out big teams. Injury/lineup watch: Reece James and Jarell Quansah are out, with Declan Rice and Djed Spence among the key names in the mix as England try to avoid a late-night scramble. Local logistics: Atlanta is preparing for heavy crowds at the stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival, with clear-bag rules and MARTA/GDOT traffic plans aimed at keeping match-day gridlock under control. Local crime: Fulton County prosecutors charged Ciarre Campbell, brother of NFL star Calais Campbell, with murder in the death of his mother at an Atlanta townhome. Business/industry: Marriott and Coca-Cola announced a global beverage partnership, rolling Coca-Cola brands into Marriott hotels worldwide.

World Cup Security: The FBI says it has seized 76 drones tied to violations of Atlanta’s FIFA flight restrictions, with fines up to $100,000 and possible criminal charges; officials urge pilots to check the FAA’s B4UFLY app. World Cup Injuries: England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed right-back Reece James and defender Jarell Quansah will miss the Round of 32 vs. DR Congo in Atlanta, leaving a decision between Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa. Local Crime: Two arrests were made in the Dec. 2022 targeted killing of Georgia State student Joshua Igbinijesu near campus. Public Safety: Atlanta investigators are probing a possible chemical release after fish kill reports in the South River, with water samples being collected. Legal Accountability: The 11th Circuit upheld a $21 million verdict against an Atlanta officer in a Taser case that left a man paralyzed. Health Policy: Georgia’s medical cannabis expansion takes effect July 1, adding new qualifying conditions, lifting the 5% THC cap, and allowing vaporization products. Tragedy: A 14-year-old boy drowned after jumping off a diving rock at a Floyd County creek.

World Cup in Atlanta: England locks in its Round of 32 matchup with DR Congo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, July 1 (12 p.m. ET), with Thomas Tuchel juggling injuries and debate over midfield and penalty readiness. Local Sports: The Atlanta Braves kick off Independence Week at Truist Park with $17.76 ticket deals for the Cardinals and Mets series, plus giveaways and fireworks. NBA/Atlanta Hawks: Atlanta declines Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3M option, making him a free agent; the Hawks’ offseason reshuffle continues. Public Safety: Georgia AG Chris Carr announced 16 gang-related assault indictments tied to the Coffee Correctional Facility incident in December 2025. Weather & Health: A heat advisory is set for much of north Georgia, with heat index values around 100–107 degrees and guidance to hydrate and seek shade. State & Community: Gov. Kemp announced $7.8M in fourth-round Rural Site Development grants, and AARP awarded $194,000 to 18 Georgia community projects.

World Cup (Atlanta): DR Congo opens the knockout stage in downtown Atlanta with a Round of 32 clash against England, and striker Yoane Wissa says the moment is about embracing the challenge against one of the world’s best teams. Sports (MLB): The Braves kick off a three-game series vs. the Cardinals at Truist Park Tuesday night, with Atlanta trying to shake off a rough June and an offensive slump. Sports (NBA): The Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga’s team option, making him an unrestricted free agent for the first time. Public Safety: Cobb police say a dog dispute at an apartment complex escalated into a gun threat and arrest. Aviation: DuBois Regional Airport’s authority recommends Contour Airlines as its next Essential Air Service provider, proposing nonstop flights to Atlanta and Chicago with a federal subsidy. FBI/World Cup Security: Federal agents seized 76 drones near Atlanta Stadium during the World Cup, warning pilots about restricted airspace penalties. Heat & Housing: HVAC companies report more AC breakdown calls as metro Atlanta swelters, and the city opened a cooling center amid the heat wave.

World Cup Knockout Focus (Atlanta): Canada edged South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32 as Stephen Eustáquio struck in stoppage time, setting up a Houston matchup, while England’s Thomas Tuchel praised Jude Bellingham’s form and urged him to keep delivering in the knockout rounds ahead of DR Congo in Atlanta. Public Health: The CDC escalated its Ebola response to Level One as cases topped 1,100 across the DRC and Uganda, with the U.S. risk to the public still assessed as low. Local Courts: A Fulton judge is set to update the death-penalty case against Robert Aaron Long in the 2021 Atlanta-area spa shootings. Metro Atlanta Safety: Edgewood Avenue business owners and city leaders are pushing new safety steps after a crime spike, including debate over pausing new liquor licenses. Business & Growth: Atlanta-based House of Reux is launching ThumFlix, a mobile-first vertical streamer, and The Legacy Line advanced in Walmart’s Open Call. Weather/Travel: AAA says Georgia gas prices are down ahead of the July 4 travel surge, and heat advisories are in play across north Georgia.

World Cup (Atlanta): DR Congo made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, rallying past Uzbekistan 3-1 with Yoane Wissa scoring twice and setting up a Round of 32 clash with England in Atlanta. World Cup (Knockout picture): The tournament’s knockout field now includes nine African teams—Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Congo and Algeria—after Congo’s win and Algeria’s late drama. England’s path to Atlanta: England clinched Group L top spot with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane goals, but injuries and right-back depth worries loom ahead of the DR Congo match. MARTA disruption: Riders were stranded after a disabled MARTA train near Lenox Station; passengers were moved off by about 11:35 p.m. Heat alert: A heat advisory is set for central and parts of north Georgia Monday, with extreme heat risk later in the week. Local sports (MLB): The Giants beat the Braves 3-2 to complete a series win, while the Dodgers topped the Padres 4-2. Public safety: Police arrested Kyla Ward after a woman was critically shot at a DeKalb bus stop; the investigation continues.

World Cup Knockout Surge for Africa: DR Congo stunned Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta to reach the Round of 32 for the first time in 52 years, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice and Fiston Mayele adding a goal—setting up an England clash in Georgia. More African Teams Make History: After Algeria’s 3-3 draw with Austria, nine African nations—Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Congo and Algeria—advanced to the knockout stage, a record for the continent. England’s Atlanta Test, Injury Worries: England topped Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama and will face DR Congo in Atlanta, but coach Thomas Tuchel admitted right-back depth is shaky after Reece James’ hamstring issue and Jarell Quansah’s injury scare. Local Sports Spotlight: Braves slugger Austin Riley took heat for a slump after a $212M extension, while Atlanta’s baseball scene also keeps moving with a Braves-Giants matchup on Sunday. Atlanta World Cup Life: Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival and match-day crowd planning continue to draw attention as Georgia hosts more knockout games.

World Cup in Atlanta: England locked up Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama, scoring through Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, and now heads to Atlanta for the Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1 (kickoff noon local/5pm BST). Bracket watch: England’s next opponent is expected to be either Senegal or DR Congo, depending on the Group K result at Atlanta Stadium. Local matchday buzz: Ahead of the DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan showdown, thousands of fans poured into downtown Atlanta and the Fan Fest area, with stadium gates set to open at 4:30 p.m. and Centennial Olympic Park events running through the evening. Kane milestone: Kane became England’s all-time World Cup leading scorer with his 11th goal, surpassing Gary Lineker.

World Cup & Atlanta Logistics: England is guaranteed a World Cup Round of 32 spot after Spain beat Uruguay, and the Three Lions can still top Group L—setting up a potential Round of 32 match in Atlanta. Injury Watch: Reece James is sidelined for England’s final group game with a hamstring issue, with his knockout availability still uncertain. Local Soccer Culture: Hundreds packed Decatur Square for Decatur Watch Fest, turning the town into a World Cup viewing hub. Public Safety: The FBI is seeking possible victims after a freelance photographer secretly recorded children in public restrooms across Georgia, including Gwinnett, Jackson and Oconee counties. State Policy: New Georgia laws take effect July 1, including changes to service dog protections, building permit transparency, and child fatality review updates. Politics: Republican Rick Jackson made his first general election stop in Doraville, pitching property tax freezes and immigration enforcement. Local Business & Community: Joystick Gamebar on Edgewood Avenue will close July 12 as it relocates. Heat Alert: Forecasters warn Atlanta-area residents to prepare for dangerous heat and humidity through the holiday weekend.

MARTA & World Cup crowds: MARTA says it has moved about 1.7 million riders during World Cup events in Atlanta since June 11, with its busiest day Wednesday at roughly 220,000 rail trips. Braves injury update: Atlanta placed Robert Suarez on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation and recalled Hurston Waldrep from Triple-A Gwinnett. Chattahoochee fish kill: Georgia DNR estimates 44,509 fish died in a Chattahoochee stretch after polluted water entered from Peachtree Creek, tied to a May 20 overflow event. Heat safety: Doctors at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta warn Georgians to watch for heat illness signs—especially kids—urging hydration and fast cooling if symptoms hit. FIFA security in Atlanta: Federal officials say they’ve seized 300+ unauthorized drones nationwide since the tournament began, with Atlanta reporting 21–26 seizures. World Cup fan fest: Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Fest has drawn record crowds, with organizers reporting it hit maximum capacity during key matches. Local help for Venezuela: Metro Atlanta neighbors are collecting supplies to send to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes.