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🌱 Patch AM: Why some wheelchair users say Atlanta’s airport leaves them stranded

Make time for Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta - Beginner & Beyond Basic on the Atlanta Patch calendar

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Thursday January 15th Patch AM
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Hey there, Atlanta! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why some wheelchair users say Atlanta’s airport leaves them stranded
  • How $1.8 billion could reshape your daily I-75 commute
  • Could Fulton’s budget fight stall Atlanta’s homelessness housing pipeline?

Also on today's calendar: Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta - Beginner & Beyond Basic and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Atlantafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did King Tut say when he had a nightmare? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Atlantafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Windy and colder, with a high of 40 and low of 24 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 52, low: 41.
  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 54 and low of 27 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Flyer raises concerns over Atlanta airport disability assistance (fox5atlanta.com) — A North Georgia traveler is challenging how wheelchair assistance is handled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, saying attendants won’t escort him to the rideshare pickup area without extra payment. The wheelchair service company cites safety rules, while the airport’s Office of Civil Rights is investigating and exploring alternative solutions for disabled passengers.
   

2. Georgia seeks to spend $1.8 billion to unclog Interstate 75 (newser.com) — Atlanta drivers could see major relief on I-75 as Gov. Brian Kemp proposes spending $1.8 billion on new toll express lanes through the city’s southern suburbs. The plan, part of a $2.4 billion infrastructure package, also boosts work on Georgia 316 toward Athens and sends hundreds of millions to local road, bridge, and rural gas projects statewide.
   

3. Homeless housing funds questionable ahead of Fulton County budget finalization (11alive.com) — Funding for Atlanta’s Home First Initiative is in doubt as Fulton County debates whether it can keep paying for supportive services tied to hundreds of permanent supportive housing units. Advocates warn this could stall efforts to reduce chronic homelessness in the city, while county leaders insist the final 2026 budget and new state funds may still offer relief.
   

4. Georgia's Former Trade Director Tapped as Chief of Protocol (globalatlanta.com) — Atlanta’s role as a World Cup host city is driving new diplomatic activity, with countries seeking deeper engagement with both the city and state. Georgia has named veteran trade official Mary Waters as chief of protocol to help manage international relationships and visiting dignitaries, aiming to leverage the global spotlight for long-term economic and tourism gains.
   

5. Atlanta priest remembered during memorial mass after death due to flu complications (atlantanewsfirst.com) — Mourners in downtown Atlanta gathered at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to remember Father John Howren, a longtime priest with the Archdiocese of Atlanta who died from flu complications while visiting Mexico City. Friends and family recalled his kindness, music-filled Masses, and decades of service as they work to bring him home for a local funeral.
   

📸 Around Atlanta

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Local Martial Arts School Awarded THE BEST OF GRANT PARK 2025
    Kick Start Martial Arts proudly received the title of Best Martial Arts School in Grant Park for 2025. Our commitment to excellence has also earned... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Meet LifeLine Animal Project's Pets of the Week —Timyka Artist Read on Patch
  • Fox Rothschild’s Atlanta Office Steps Up to Support the Boyce L. Ansley School —Lauren Klippel Read on Patch
  • Please help me locate my two fur babies .
    They left home around 9am. The darker one is female and answers to Kizzy , the other one is male and answers to Kofi. If you spot them please contact… (Nextdoor South West End)
  • I sent in a formal “compliment” to the sanitation department but id love to be able to thank this man for what he did today.
    Any ideas how to find him? I was at my absolute blackout level of energy trying to get the dog to stop and back away when he stepped in. I was truly… (Nextdoor Grant Park)
  • Marriott International posted a job opening for Night Auditor & Hotel Operations in Atlanta. Apply here.
  • Atlanta Staffing posted a job opening for Shoe Repair / Cobbler / Leather Artisan - Buckhead, Atlanta, GA in Atlanta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Atlanta here.

Ok Atlanta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I want my mummy!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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