Columbarium at Oakland Cemetery

Monday Morning Highlights

Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated with the unveiling of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia at an event held at Truist Park. The weather is sunny and warm, with temperatures reaching into the 90s by Thursday.

Delta Air Lines has suspended employees for social media posts that crossed the line from healthy debate to inappropriate content regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder. Similarly, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta terminated an employee for similar reasons.

A teenage motorcycle driver lost his life in a collision with an SUV on Saturday at the intersection of Roswell Road and Laurel Forest Circle in Buckhead. Temporary lane closures will be in place on 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue in Midtown for a month as part of a major sewer main replacement project.

Early voting has begun for the runoff election in State Senate District 21, where Democrat Debra Shigley and Republican Jason Dickerson are competing to replace Republican Brandon Beach.

The Dream defeated Indiana 80-68 in Game 1 of the WNBA's first round. Game 2 of the best-of-three series is scheduled for tomorrow night in Indianapolis. Georgia Tech is now ranked No. 16 after Aidan Birr kicked a 55-yard field goal to stun No. 12 Clemson 24-21. Georgia moved up to No. 5 after beating No. 15 Tennessee in overtime. Kennesaw State, Clark Atlanta, and Georgia State also won, while Morehouse lost to Howard.

The Falcons are 1-1 following their victory over Minnesota last night on the road.

Awards and Events

At last night’s 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, “The Pitt” won best drama and best actor (Noah Wyle), while Apple TV+’s “The Studio” swept a record-breaking 13 awards, including best comedy. A public memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be held in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Local News and Community

Oakland Cemetery has unveiled its first new interment option in more than 140 years: the Columbarium. This historic structure offers niches for cremated remains, designed in 19th-century architecture to match other Victorian monuments in the 175-year-old burial ground. Since sales began on Sept. 3, more than 60 percent of the available niches have already been reserved, with fewer than 100 niches remaining.

The Decatur Book Festival celebrates 20 years of stories this October 3–4 in downtown Decatur. The festival kicks off with special events, including a Kidnote with Angie Thomas at 6 p.m. and a Keynote with Saeed Jones at 7 p.m. All remaining events take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission.

Georgia Reads Day will be held on Sept. 22 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Downtown. The event will feature a “Reading Rally” with over 400 Atlanta Public School students participating. Led by Malcolm Mitchell, the rally aims to highlight the importance of improving Georgia’s literacy rates.

International News

Arab and Muslim leaders are gathering in Doha for an emergency summit following Israel’s attack on Hamas in Qatar. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel despite concerns about recent actions against Hamas leaders. The U.S. and U.K. will sign a landmark technology agreement during President Trump’s visit this week.

More than 100,000 people attended a nationalist Unite the Kingdom rally in London, resulting in violent clashes with police. President Trump stated he would impose sanctions on Russia only if they stop buying Russian oil. Romania scrambled fighter jets after a Russian drone breached its airspace during attacks on Ukraine.

Nepal inaugurated its first female prime minister after Gen Z protestors burned government buildings to protest the suspension of social media sites. 142 countries voted in favor of a United Nations resolution on creating a Palestinian state. South Africa’s highest court overturned a law preventing men from taking women’s last names upon marriage. Australia is set to become the first country to ban AI chatbots from discussing sex and violence with children.

Munich kicks off its 190th Oktoberfest this week with the traditional keg tapping by the city’s mayor wearing Bavarian lederhosen.

Film Industry and Cultural Events

Reports that Marvel is moving parts of its cinematic universe overseas have caused concern in Georgia’s film industry, which has seen a sharp decline in projects. However, Deadline reports that the filming of James Gunn’s new “Superman” pumped over $100 million into Georgia’s economy.

For those interested in the local film scene, “Atlanta Film Chat” features interviews with industry professionals. An August report showed a drop in the number of projects shot in Georgia, from 412 three years ago to 245 last fiscal year.

Additional Updates

Join the World Affairs Council of Atlanta for a luncheon discussion on the future of the U.S.–Korea economic alliance on Thurs., Sept. 18. Explore family fun at Destination Cherokee, GA, with activities ranging from farms to wineries.

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