AGP Executive Report

Atlanta Beltline Safety: A new reality-based self-defense training center is drawing attention after a woman was stabbed and killed on the Beltline and a postal worker was attacked—organizers say the goal is practical de-escalation and staying out of harm’s way. Traffic & Campus Moves: APS graduation ceremonies at McCamish Pavilion will bring daily Fowler Street closures at Georgia Tech (Tue–Fri, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.), with drivers urged to reroute. Braves Update: Ronald Acuña Jr. is back—activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of the Marlins series, with playing time dependent on Miami’s turf. World Cup Prep: Atlanta is gearing up to host eight World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including a semifinal July 15. Immigration Politics: A federal immigration enforcement “rebrand” is facing long odds, with public concern still high. Food & Culture: This week’s lineup includes a downtown AAPI night market, a luau-style buffet, and a high-end collaboration dinner at Lazy Betty.

Ebola Update: The DRC outbreak has surged to nearly 500 suspected cases and 116 deaths, with the CDC confirming at least one American has tested positive and will be taken to Germany for treatment; six other Americans are headed to Germany for observation as the WHO labels it a public health emergency. MARTA Improvements: A new pedestrian bridge just opened at MARTA’s Indian Creek Station in DeKalb, finishing upgrades that include better lighting, landscaping, a repaved bus loop, and a cleaned-up, safer station entrance. Georgia Politics: A lieutenant governor candidate filed an emergency lawsuit against Brad Raffensperger over access to the state’s election reporting “bunker,” arguing observers and State Election Board members should be allowed inside. World Cup Prep: With the 2026 tournament starting June 11, U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it’s increasing travel authorizations for qualified nations as millions of visitors are expected. Sports Business: Sports Business Journal named Atlanta the No. 1 sports business city in the U.S.

NBA Conference Finals: The Knicks and Cavaliers are set for the East title showdown after New York’s sweep momentum and Cleveland’s Game 7 surge, while the West goes full blockbuster with OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander facing Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs. Braves Baseball: Atlanta kept rolling, crushing the Red Sox 8-1 with Austin Riley’s three-run blast and Grant Holmes’ six scoreless innings to take another series. WNBA Dream vs Aces: Chelsea Gray hit the go-ahead jumper with 3.6 seconds left as Las Vegas edged Atlanta 85-84 in a sold-out home opener. Georgia Politics: Tuesday’s Georgia primaries are turning into a chaotic, high-spending finish, with Democrats driving record turnout and many marquee races headed toward June runoffs. World Cup Build-Up: Metro Atlanta’s World Cup push continues, including ticketing guidance and Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s temporary tournament renaming. Tech/Local Life: Waymo’s driverless cars keep causing neighborhood headaches, with residents reporting repeated circling and glitches. Public Health: WHO declared an Ebola public health emergency as the DRC outbreak expands, with the U.S. working on relocating affected citizens.

Braves’ Statement Win: Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski powered Atlanta to an 8-1 rout of the Red Sox, with Riley’s first-inning three-run homer setting the tone and Grant Holmes tossing six scoreless while walking just one. Series Momentum: The win gave the Braves their 13th series win in 15 and kept them rolling at Truist Park. Red Sox Struggles: Boston stranded the first eight baserunners and managed only a late ninth-inning run. Dream vs. Aces Drama: At State Farm Arena, the Atlanta Dream nearly erased a 19-point deficit but fell 85-84 to the defending champion Aces, with the comeback coming up short in the final seconds. Public Health Watch: CDC says Ebola risk in the U.S. remains low as the Congo outbreak continues, with the agency ramping up monitoring and support. Local Notes: Polk County reported a 911 outage, rerouting emergency calls to Bartow County.

I-285 Disruption: A weekend I-285 closure between MLK Jr. Drive and Cascade Road is snarling SW Atlanta traffic and hitting nearby businesses, with owners saying reservations and foot traffic are down as detours push drives from minutes to 15–20. Local Crime: Downtown Atlanta saw random gunfire injure four people early Saturday near Forsyth Street and the Greyhound Bus Station; police say the investigation is ongoing. Sports—NBA: The Cavs and Pistons are headed to another winner-take-all Game 7, with Detroit hosting Cleveland Sunday night. Sports—MLB: The Braves and Red Sox keep trading late blows—Boston’s Willson Contreras hit a go-ahead homer as the Red Sox edged Atlanta 3-2, forcing Sunday’s rubber game. Tech/Commerce: Amazon is rolling out 30-minute delivery options for an extra fee, using small order hubs. Business/Politics: A DeKalb County commissioner is facing questions tied to a proposed data center deal, after emails surfaced about a drafted approval agreement.

Starbucks Restructuring: Starbucks says it will lay off 300 corporate employees and close underused U.S. offices, including in Atlanta, as part of a broader turnaround that’s expected to bring $400 million in restructuring charges. Immigration Clash in Georgia: A small town outside Atlanta, Social Circle, is suing DHS/ICE over plans to convert a warehouse into an ICE detention center that could hold 10,000 people—arguing it would overwhelm local infrastructure. Road Disruption: I-285 is fully closed this weekend between MLK Jr. Drive and Cascade Road for a major rebuild, with drivers using detours. Atlanta Crime Update: Police are investigating a downtown shooting that left four people injured near Trinity Avenue and the Greyhound bus station. Sports (Atlanta): The Braves host the Red Sox tonight at Truist Park, while the WNBA spotlight hits A’ja Wilson’s 45-point night for the Aces.

Waymo Backlash in Buckhead: Residents on Battleview Drive say dozens of empty Waymo cars keep circling their cul-de-sacs daily, raising safety fears for kids and pets after residents tried signs that only worsened the traffic. State Budget Clash: Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed $300 million after income tax cuts created a shortfall, pulling money from reforestation, conservation, historic restoration, arts and short-line rail. Public Health Watch: CDC says 16 more people in the U.S. are being monitored for hantavirus, bringing the total to 41, with monitoring sites in Omaha and Atlanta. Local Tragedy: Henry County officials are investigating the deaths of a county DOT worker, a 20-year-old woman, and an infant found in a McDonough home. Sports Buzz: Kyle Schwarber hit his 20th homer to set an MLB pace, while Atlanta’s Braves edged Boston 3-2 in 10 innings.

Braves on a roll: Atlanta hit 30 wins first in MLB, beating the Cubs 4-1 with a big eighth inning—pinch-hit damage from Mike Yastrzemski and a two-run homer from Mauricio Dubón—while the bullpen kept it tight. Waymo confusion: Residents in a northwest cul-de-sac say dozens of empty Waymo robotaxis have been circling for hours in the mornings, with some getting stuck trying to turn around; Waymo says it has addressed routing behavior. Starbucks shake-up: Starbucks plans to cut 300 corporate jobs and close regional offices, including Atlanta, as part of its turnaround. World Cup travel: Hotel prices in host cities are dropping as the June 11 start nears, with some rates already corrected from earlier expectations. Roads and schools: GDOT is shutting down I-285 this weekend for repairs, and Sutton Middle School was evacuated after a gas leak. Local politics: A Kirkwood senior housing rezoning heads toward a full Atlanta City Council vote, but added conditions are raising questions.

Immigration Court Battle: An Atlanta federal judge kept a Trump-era halt on immigration applications in place—for now—denying interim relief to at least 265 people while leaving the door open for future changes. Election Fight in Georgia: Black Georgia lawmakers blasted Gov. Brian Kemp’s special-session call to redraw maps, calling it a return to Jim Crow-era politics, as lawmakers also face a July 1 deadline tied to voting QR-code changes. Health Watch: CDC monitoring continues after a hantavirus outbreak tied to an Antarctic cruise ship, with 41 people under observation in the U.S. and officials stressing the public risk remains very low. Local Health Innovation: Wellstar expanded free “birth alert” bracelets to help expectant mothers flag complications quickly. Metro Politics & Ethics: A Roswell HOA dispute has escalated into ethics complaints against Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson, alleging improper influence over law enforcement. Sports: The NFL schedule is out, and Atlanta’s soccer scene turns to Orlando City vs. Atlanta United this weekend.

Public Safety: Atlanta Police are hunting a suspect in a fatal Beltline stabbing near the Montgomery Ferry Road overpass in Ansley Park; police say the attacker was seen on surveillance riding an orange bicycle and may have hit a USPS employee with a rock nearby. Health Watch: The CDC says hantavirus risk to the general public remains low, with 41 people being monitored in the U.S. and no confirmed cases; monitoring continues after a cruise-linked outbreak. Sports—Braves: Atlanta kept rolling, reaching 30 wins by beating the Cubs 4-1 with a big eighth inning from Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón. NFL Buzz: The league released its 2026 international slate, including Falcons-Bengals in Madrid, and Atlanta’s Falcons schedule drops early Thursday night. Immigration Fight: Social Circle, Ga., sued ICE to block a planned 10,000-bed detention center, arguing federal environmental review was skipped.

NBA Playoffs: The Cleveland Cavaliers took control of their series with the Detroit Pistons, winning Game 5 in overtime 117-113 to go up 3-2; James Harden led with 30 points and Cleveland’s late surge flipped a tight finish. MLB (Braves): Atlanta kept rolling, reaching 30 wins with a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs—Yastrzemski’s pinch-hit double and Dubón’s two-run homer helped fuel a big eighth inning. MLB (Yankees scare): New York’s Max Fried was pulled after three innings in a 7-0 loss to Baltimore due to left-elbow soreness, with scans expected. WNBA: Indiana grabbed its first win of the season, beating the L.A. Sparks 87-78 as Caitlin Clark posted 24 points and nine assists. Georgia Politics: Gov. Kemp signed a package of agriculture and forestry bills, including changes aimed at helping forest products manufacturers and clarifying prescribed burning rules. Tech/Delivery: Amazon is expanding 30-minute delivery to more cities, including more metro Atlanta coverage.

Public Health Update: CDC says hantavirus risk to the general public remains low, but cruise passengers exposed on the MV Hondius should keep quarantining in Nebraska; officials also say two people are still at Emory in Atlanta, without sharing numbers, and one earlier positive result is now “inconclusive” as retesting continues. State Politics: Gov. Brian Kemp has called a Georgia General Assembly special session starting June 17 to redraw voting districts after a Supreme Court ruling and to fix a looming problem: Georgia’s QR-code ballot tabulation ban takes effect July 1 with no replacement process in place. Retail/Tech: Amazon is rolling out “Amazon Now” 30-minute delivery in Atlanta (plus Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, Seattle), using smaller local distribution sites. Wildfire Watch: Georgia’s statewide burn ban is lifted, but metro Atlanta’s seasonal restrictions still run through Oct. 1. Metro Safety: A tanker fire at a DeKalb County business is under investigation after hazmat teams determined what material was burning.

Braves Injury Update: Catcher Sean Murphy is headed to the IL with a fractured left middle finger, and manager Walt Weiss says he could miss up to eight weeks; the Braves signed veteran Sandy León to take his spot, while rookie Drake Baldwin has stayed on track. Braves vs. Cubs: Atlanta opened the big NL matchup with a 5-2 win behind a one-hitter from Grant Holmes plus homers from Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski, and the team honored Bobby Cox and Ted Turner at Truist Park. Amazon Now: Amazon launched 30-minute delivery in Atlanta (plus other major cities), with pricing that starts at $3.99 for Prime and higher fees for non-members. Hantavirus Watch: Health officials say the public risk remains “very, very low,” and a passenger being monitored in Atlanta tested negative for the Andes strain. Metro Politics: Cobb and Fulton district attorneys are urging Gov. Kemp to veto House Bill 369, arguing it unfairly strips party labels from local races in select metro counties. Sports Elsewhere: The Atlanta Dream started 2-0, beating Dallas 77-72 as Allisha Gray scored 26 and Angel Reese added a double-double.

Health Policy: CMS is pushing hospitals to overhaul inpatient menus toward the Dietary Guidelines—less ultra-processed food, fewer sugary drinks, more whole grains and minimally processed proteins. Fast Delivery Boom: Amazon Now is officially live in Philadelphia with 30-minute delivery, and the company says it’s already operating in Atlanta and other major metros while expanding fast nationwide. Local Tech Tension: Philadelphia City Council members and allies are demanding PennDOT pause Waymo’s rollout over safety and job-loss concerns. Public Health Watch: Hantavirus cases tied to a quarantined cruise ship keep climbing globally; in the U.S., two monitored patients are at Emory in Atlanta, while others are under observation in Nebraska. Utility Update: Georgia Power says a tentative deal could shave about $4 off average monthly bills starting in June. Politics: Georgia lawmakers press the DOJ for details on a subpoena seeking Fulton County election workers’ personal info. Sports & Entertainment: Braves catcher Sean Murphy is back on the IL with a finger fracture; Pete Davidson is filming “Tommy Karate” in Atlanta this summer.

Braves Roster Shake-Up: Ha-Seong Kim is back—activated from the injured list for his season debut—while Eli White goes on the seven-day concussion IL after a hard hit into the Dodger Stadium wall. NBA Playoffs Buzz: The Thunder swept the Lakers 4-0, while the Cavs tied the Pistons series 2-2 with a 112-103 Game 4 win. Public Health Watch: After a hantavirus outbreak tied to the MV Hondius, 18 Americans returned to the U.S.; 16 isolated in Omaha and two were sent to Atlanta for care, with officials stressing the general public risk remains very low. Travel Headline: A Delta flight bound for Lagos turned back over the Atlantic due to an operational issue, landing back in Atlanta after nearly eight hours and canceling the trip. Local Culture Win: A Georgia middle school theater teacher, Freddie Hendricks, earned a special Tony Award for educators. Road/Travel Planning: AAA is forecasting heavy Memorial Day travel, with most Americans driving.

Hantavirus Response: Passengers from the MV Hondius outbreak are being flown home and monitored after three deaths, with 18 Americans tied to the case in Nebraska and two sent to Atlanta for assessment; officials stress the public risk is low while testing and a 42-day monitoring plan continue. Braves Updates: Atlanta activated SS Ha-Seong Kim off the injured list and placed OF Eli White on the seven-day concussion IL. NFL Roster Move: The Falcons signed former Raiders OL Layden Robinson after Las Vegas cut him post-draft. World Cup Pricing: Atlanta’s Arthur Blank says stadium food prices will stay the same as other events, contrasting with cities raising costs for fans. Local Infrastructure: GDOT rescheduled a major full I-285 closure for May 15–18 due to weather. Education & Community: Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are rolling out statewide Fourth of July events for America’s 250th anniversary.