Wake up, Wednesday
April 16 — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — which was again named the world’s busiest airport — kicked off its 100th birthday celebration yesterday with a pep rally and the introduction of Centennial Ambassadors, including Big Boi, DC Young Fly, Bert Weiss, and Shanti Das.
🌞 Sunny and 72° today.
🗣️ Police used stun guns on two protesters, and at least six people were removed and three arrested at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s town hall in Acworth last night.
🏀 The Hawks face elimination Friday after a 120-95 Play-In loss to Orlando last night. They’ll play the winner of tonight’s Heat-Bulls game for the final playoff berth.
🚨 Advocates and politicians will call for a halt to the Georgia State Patrol’s policy of high-speed pursuits at a press conference this afternoon in Little Five Points following the death of a teenager on Monday night.
⚖️ The Georgia Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday that a 20-year-old denied a gun carry license should be able to obtain one despite age restrictions.
💰 Dunwoody City Council members debated whether economic conditions and uncertainty should slow the city’s commitment to fund local projects.
🗳 Atlanta City Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet has officially announced her candidacy for City Council President.
🎗️ 11Alive reporter Jon Shirek, whose deep Atlanta knowledge defined local television for over 40 years, died of brain cancer yesterday.
ELSEWHERE
🇨🇳 China’s economy grew 5.4% in Q1, outpacing expectations, but officials warned of potential shocks from U.S. tariffs.
🦠 Texas has reported 561 measles cases with 58 hospitalizations and two children’s deaths. Nationwide, 712 cases span 24 states.
PICTURE THIS: FIFA President Gianni Infantino was in Atlanta on Monday to unveil the FIFA Club World Cup trophy alongside Mayor Andre Dickens for this summer’s FIFA Club World matches — the 32-team precursor to next year’s World Cup. Some of this summer’s matches will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in June and July. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster (photo by Samantha Gardella).
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Georgia tax refunds
• ‘SNL’ photographer in Atlanta
• Pickleball delay in Tucker
AND
• Concert Picks
🏃 Join Move For Grady on April 26! With three cycling distances and two run/walk options, there’s something for everyone. Then celebrate your accomplishment – and support for Grady – with a fun finish line celebration at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium. SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. Georgia taxpayers to get refunds up to $500 after Kemp signs legislation
💸 Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation on April 15 that will deliver the biggest tax cut in Georgia’s history and a third one-time refund check.
The $1 billion in tax relief means state taxpayers will get up to a $500 refund later this year, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Georgians who file jointly will receive $500, single filers will receive $250, and heads of household will get $375.
✍️ More on this story here.
Kim Chong Hak’s American debut at The High!
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM
🏔️ This month at The High, Kim Chong Hak: Painter of Seoraksan bursts to life with vibrant colors and dynamic landscapes. Experience the energy of Korea’s Mount Seorak through Kim’s expressive brushstrokes—perfect for celebrating the vibrancy of spring!
➞ Don’t miss this breathtaking exhibition. Open now!
2. In conversation with ‘SNL’ photographer Mary Ellen Matthews
📷 Mary Ellen Matthews has been the resident photographer at “Saturday Night Live” since 1999. Now, she’s sharing her famous portraits in a new book.
Released in conjunction with the sketch comedy show’s 50th anniversary, “The Art of the SNL Portrait” features a collection of photos taken by Matthews during her tenure with the show – think the photographs that pop up of the host or musical guest when the show transitions from a commercial break back to live programming.
Matthews is set to appear at a book signing on April 16 at Don Purcell Jeweler in Buckhead Village from 5-7 p.m. Guests will be able to meet Matthews, buy the book, and have it signed.
🍸 Check out Sammie Purcell’s interview with Matthews here.
3. Tucker City Council postpones pickleball facility funding
🎾 At its April 14 meeting, The Tucker City Council heard that proposed projects for 2026 will not include $1.2 million for a controversial pickleball complex at Tucker Recreation Center.
While presenting the city’s preliminary list of 2026 capital projects, Tucker City Manager John McHenry said the city has “not made a decision” surrounding a proposed 12-court pickleball complex that has been met with neighborhood opposition.
McHenry deferred $1.2 million previously discussed for the complex in the 2026 budget to 2027.
🚧 Read more from Cathy Cobbs here.
RELATED
➡ Although a decision about building the Tucker pickleball complex appears to be delayed until 2027, opponents to its construction are bringing in some heavy hitters to the battle, including Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel.
🏃 Join Move For Grady on April 26! With three cycling distances and two run/walk options, there’s something for everyone. Then celebrate your accomplishment – and support for Grady – with a fun finish line celebration at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium. SPONSOR MESSAGE
4. Concert Picks
VIA HOW DO YOU ATLANTA?
Wed., April 16
🗣️ The Linda Lindas (pictured) @ Terminal West
🚙 Asleep at the Wheel @ Gas South Theater
✝️ YHWH Nailgun @ Vinyl
😎 Yesness @ Aisle 5
🏖️ Beach Bunny @ Buckhead Theatre
Thurs., April 17
💖 V Love + Athena + Rachel Deelynn + Buster Chrome @ Boggs Social & Supply
💃 Surya @ SCADshow
🎃 Magnolia Park @ Terminal West
🔥 John Batiste @ Fox Theatre
🎈 NAO @ Tabernacle
Fri., April 18
☠️ Poison The Well @ The Eastern
🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé @ Magnolia Hall
🎷 Anat Cohen + GSU Jazz Band @ Rialto Center for the Arts
❤️🔥 MESHUGGAH + Cannibal Corpse + Carcass @ Coca-Cola Roxy
🎛️ Aname @ Believe Music Hall
Sat., April 19
🥁 Global Drumbeat Music Festival @ Westside Motor Lounge
🎵 Kidd G @ The Loft
🎻 Damien Escobar @ Center Stage
🌹 Them Dirty Roses @ Vinyl
🎤 Annie DiRusso @ Terminal West
🦜 The Black Jacket Symphony presents Jimmy Buffett @ Atlanta Symphony Hall
Sun., April 20
💭 Zoe Bayani + Honeypuppy + Penny Loafer + Yes Dear @ The Garden Club at Wild Heaven West End
🎧 Iann Dior @ The Masquerade – Hell
🎚️ Initiate @ The Masquerade – Altar
🔫 Giovannie and The Hired Guns @ Terminal West
Mon., April 21
🏄 Nada Surf @ Terminal West
📻 Corridor + Robber Robber @ Aisle 5
🎙️ The Burt Bacharach Songbook Live feat. Todd Rundgren @ Buckhead Theatre
Tues., April 22
🪨 The Blue Stones + Veaux @ Terminal West
🌕 Kevin Kaarl @ The Eastern
Wed., April 23
🎹 Jesse Lynn Madera @ Eddie’s Attic
👍 ALLGOOD @ Vinyl
🕷️ Cold @ The Masquerade – Purgatory
🎸 Justin Hayward @ Center Stage
🎶 Disturbed @ Gas South Arena
TUNE IN
🎙️ Don’t miss Sammie with the AJC’s Mike Jordan every Thursday at 9:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. as they preview the top events in town on WABE.
🏃 Join Move For Grady on April 26! With three cycling distances and two run/walk options, there’s something for everyone. Then celebrate your accomplishment – and support for Grady – with a fun finish line celebration at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium.
SPONSOR MESSAGE
🔤 Don’t miss News Word Atlanta, our new, daily word game – Presented by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta’s premier undergraduate learning experience.
🦋 Connect with us on Bluesky.
