Happy Monday and June! The summer break is here, along with the celebration of Pride Month. Georgia residents can also look forward to tax refund checks of up to $500 as announced by state officials.
This summer is packed with events in Atlanta, promising an exciting calendar ahead. From international sports matches to cultural celebrations, here’s what to mark on your Google Calendar or your unique Hunky Hometown Firefighter Calendar.
The FIFA Club World Cup will take center stage from June 16 to July 5, with Atlanta hosting six matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Soccer fans can look forward to seeing major international teams like Chelsea FC and Manchester City.
Juneteenth will be celebrated across the country, with events planned in Atlanta from June 14-19. This federal holiday recognizes the end of slavery in the United States, and the city’s 13th annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival will kick off the celebrations.
In July, the WWE Weekend Takeover will bring three major wrestling events to Atlanta on July 12-13, showcasing electrifying performances at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Baseball enthusiasts can anticipate the MLB All-Star Game on July 15 at Truist Park, where a variety of festivities will surround the game, including the Home Run Derby and the HBCU Classic. The All-Star Village near the park will also offer entertainment for fans of all ages.
Looking further ahead, college football fans won’t want to miss the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on August 30. This event coincides with the renowned Dragon Con, which will take place from August 28 to September 1, transforming downtown Atlanta into a haven for fans of pop culture and cosplay.
Lastly, big-name concerts will light up the summer, with performances scheduled from artists including Beyoncé, Shakira, Metallica, and the Dave Matthews Band.
In community news, a report from Partners for Home indicates a 14% increase in families experiencing homelessness in Atlanta this year. Poor conditions, especially the lack of affordable housing, are cited as key factors for this rise.
However, there is a silver lining. Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for Home, hopes that this plateau in numbers could pave the way for the development of new strategies to enhance housing stability for affected families.
In more concerning news, the Fulton County Jail has recently come under scrutiny following the deaths of two inmates in May. Benjamin Pike, 55, was found unresponsive in his cell, while 53-year-old Shon Disola succumbed to a medical emergency after being transferred to a hospital.
These tragic incidents add to the growing list of concerns regarding the jail’s conditions. According to a Department of Justice report from last November, the rigors faced by inmates, including the use of unjustified force by staff and violent incidents, have rendered conditions “abhorrent” and “unconstitutional.”
Earlier this year, an agreement was reached between the DOJ and Fulton County Jail to improve conditions, focusing on upgrades to facilities as well as better access to mental health and education resources.
In political and business news, Georgia stands unique as the only state in the U.S. with work requirements for Medicaid. Congressional Republicans are now moving towards implementing similar requirements at a national level. While some view this as a pathway for Medicaid recipients to re-enter the workforce, Georgia’s experience suggests otherwise.
On a different note, President Donald Trump is reportedly withdrawing the nomination of tech billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, citing his prior associations as a concern. The White House has chosen not to elaborate on the matter, leaving questions about the nature of these associations.
The impact of tariffs is also being felt within the Black hair care industry, which has been significantly affected by the Trump administration’s trade policies. As many stylists and beauty professionals depend on imported hair and beauty tools, current tariffs have forced some to alter their business practices.
The spike in costs for synthetic hair, which have risen dramatically over recent months, has led some hairdressers to request clients bring their own hair for appointments or limit the services they offer. This situation emphasizes the unique challenges Black hair care professionals face as maintaining their clients’ beauty standards can be financially burdensome and impacted by external factors like trade tariffs.
In light of recent events, some cool wellness activities will be taking place in Atlanta throughout June. For those looking to unwind and rejuvenate this summer, there are several options available.
On a lighter note, even baseball is brewing some existential thoughts as the underperforming Braves try to get back on track. Meanwhile, culinary enthusiasts can explore new dishes at local restaurants this month, including unique offerings like hibiscus tacos and pork belly doughnuts.
In an interesting twist on culture, Johann Strauss’ renowned piece, ‘Blue Danube’, has been beamed into space, raising thoughts about the connection between genres of music from different cultures. It’s amusing to think how a 19th-century Austrian composer would react to understanding how his work has transcended time and space.
Reflecting on history, on this date in 1977, President Jimmy Carter authorized disaster aid for shrimpers due to a harsh winter that devastated Georgia’s seafood industry. The event highlights how vulnerable certain industries can be and the need for support to help them thrive, especially in light of recent improvements to Georgia’s oyster industry through new harvest permissions.
In one final note, an amusing cultural connection was shared about the ‘Blue Danube’ being sung at Mexican birthday parties with lyrics expressing a desire for cake, showcasing the wonderful blend of different cultures.
Thanks for catching up on this week’s A.M. ATL. For any questions, comments, or ideas, feel free to reach out via email.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/06/am-atl-your-summer-schedule/
