Atlanta, GA
Atlanta City Council votes to put controversial airport shuttle contract on hold
ATLANTA – An Atlanta City Council committee voted Wednesday to put a lucrative airport shuttle contract on hold after getting pushback from several community members and small business owners.
Many speakers at the transportation committee meeting accused the city of not following its own rules when they awarded the multi-million dollar shuttle contract to a New York-based company that already operates in dozens of airports across the country.
“I work in 15 different states in the U.S., and today I refuse to do business with the city of Atlanta,” business owner Sheila Jordan said.
Atlanta City Council revisits airport shuttle contract; Who should get the bid?
Jordan was one of many speakers who opposed the city’s decision to grant the airport shuttle contract to ABM, instead of a small and local business enterprise like A-National that currently holds the contract.
“It is because your procurement is broken. It is because your payment and contracting structure is broken,” she continued.
The shuttle contract for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is up in the air as the City Council agrees to revisit who should take it over.
Attorney Kevin Ross represents A-National Limousine Service, a company owned by Atlanta-based contractor Darrell Anderson.
Though Anderson currently has the shuttle terminal contract, the city opted out of renewing it before rebidding the contract four different times.
“You can’t change scoring methodology in the midst of procurement. That is simple a no-no, that not legal. It is unfair to the process, unfair to everyone involved,” attorney Kevin Ross told council.
Attorney Steve Labovitz, who is a veteran city Hall insider, said he was not familiar with the details of this deal, but said he was scratching his head when looking from the outside.
“Do the right thing. This should not stand,” Labovitz concluded.
One speaker said the city’s decision to award the contract to ABM violates the foundation the late Mayor Maynard Jackson laid for minority and small business at the airport, which has now become a national model.
“Maynard chained himself at the airport and demanded small and minority participation, and the airport today is spitting on that legacy and playing politics” consultant Duwon Robinson commented.
Mayor Andre Dickens administration recommended the contract be put on hold and the committee passed that vote unanimously.
Anderson’s extended contract expired December 31, 2023.
Atlanta, GA
Braves News: Austin Riley progressing, Atlanta secures series win, and more
The Atlanta Braves received another positive update from third baseman Austin Riley, who exited Sunday’s game with soreness on his side. An MRI revealed that there was just some inflammation and that a move to the injured list would not be necessary.
David O’Brien of The Athletic reported that Riley told manager Brian Snitker that he was feeling much better on Tuesday.
Austin Riley felt “much better” today and was even having trouble finding the spot that’s sore in his side, Snitker said. Still day-to-day, but sounds like IL definitely not needed, barring any setbacks.
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 14, 2024
After this news, it is still likely that Riley will return to the lineup this week.
More Braves News:
Chris Sale was dominant as the Braves beat the Chicago Cubs 7-0 to win the series. The Braves are now 6-4 in their last 10 and trail the NL East by two games.
Spencer Schwellenbach, the Braves’ No. 3 prospect, has been promoted to Double-A Mississippi. The 23-year-old has manufactured a 2.53 ERA in High-A Rome this season.
Over the past week, AJ Smith-Shawver has turned in two starts and EJ Exposito has kept his hot streak alive. For more, check out the Braves’ Prospects Weekly Report.
Braves Podcasts:
MLB News:
Houston Astros starter Ronel Blanco was ejected on Tuesday night after a foreign substance check. The glove is being sent to the commissioner’s office.
Minnesota Twins reliever Justin Topa will be shut down for six weeks with a partially-torn patellar tendon in his left knee. There is a surgical option for Topa, but as of right now, he has declined it.
The Milwaukee Brewers placed first baseman Rhys Hoskins on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain. He is expected to miss two to four weeks.
The Chicago White Sox moved right-hander Michael Soroka to the bullpen after a tough season in the rotation spot thus far. He has put together a 6.39 ERA in nine starts.
The New York Mets designated two players for assignment in infielder Joey Wendle and reliever Yohan Ramirez.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery last summer, New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez began a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday.
Atlanta, GA
Report: Steelers' opponent, location revealed for season opener
As he settles in as Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith will reportedly head into familiar territory right away. According to WSB-TV’s Zach Klein, the Steelers will head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in the season opener.
Smith spent the last three years as the Falcons’ head coach, amassing a 21-30 record before his firing after the 2023 season. He then latched on with the Steelers, where he’ll now work with a quarterback room of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields after some major moves this offseason.
According to Klein, Smith won’t have to wait long to return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Smith spoke about his tenure in Atlanta after taking over in Pittsburgh earlier this offseason, pointing out the need to build the roster from scratch during his time at the helm.
“It was a unique situation, essentially rebuilding a team” Smith said, via Falcon Report’s Daniel Flick. “There were some good lessons learned. It was a tough lesson, but it’ll help me here, especially with some of the young players here that we have, and how you fit the offense and try to play to those guys’ strengths.”
Pittsburgh and Atlanta both made major moves at the quarterback position this offseason. Wilson is coming in as the expected starter for the Steelers this year with Fields as his backup while the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract and selected Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Raheem Morris is now at the helm for Atlanta, as well.
Chiefs, Ravens to kick off 2024 NFL season
The full NFL schedule is set to be revealed Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET, but some games have already been announced. That includes the first game of the year, which will see the two-time defending champions in a rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship.
The Super Bowl LVIII-winning Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Baltimore Ravens in a highly anticipated matchup to start the year. The 2024 NFL season begins on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
Baltimore 1-3 against the Chiefs with quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes under center. Last time the Chiefs and Ravens were face-to-face, Kansas City won 17-10 and advanced to the championship game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this report.
Atlanta, GA
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Libby Allnatt
Libby Allnatt is the Editor/Reporter for What Now Atlanta. She has been in the journalism industry since graduating from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, gathering experience in copy editing, writing and social media. With a passion for helping people find their new favorite places, Libby enjoys highlighting small businesses, trying new coffee shops and exploring a city’s signature spots. Originally from Salt Lake City, she loves discovering all the Peach State has to offer.
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