Memorial Day weekend brings heavy rain and flash flood warnings across metro Atlanta, with 3-6 inches possible in some areas. The 49th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival continues in Piedmont Park despite the weather. MARTA unveiled Five Points Station upgrades ahead of World Cup crowds. A massive fish kill on the Chattahoochee River is under investigation. Public outcry halted a controversial proposal to replace BeltLine light rail with bike lanes. And Georgia Tech and UGA baseball will host NCAA tournament regionals after dominating their conference tournaments.
Flash Flood Watch Issued for Memorial Day as Heavy Rain Continues
A flood watch covers much of north Georgia and metro Atlanta for Monday, with thunderstorms expected to bring 3-6 inches of rain. Some areas of Cherokee and Cobb counties saw 6 inches Sunday, and flooding already blocked portions of I-75.
Transit & Transportation
2 storiesMARTA Unveils Five Points Station Upgrades Ahead of World Cup
MARTA is readying its busiest station for the influx of international soccer fans. Five Points Station has received upgrades to handle the increased crowds expected during FIFA World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Public Outcry Stalls Proposal to Replace BeltLine Light Rail with Bike Lanes Atlanta Civic Circle
Development & Housing
2 storiesPortman Acquires Westin Peachtree Plaza, Plans Renovation Before Super Bowl
Portman Hospitality Fund I has acquired the Westin Peachtree Plaza from Marriott International, bringing the iconic 73-story tower back to the firm that designed it nearly 50 years ago. A full renovation is planned before Atlanta hosts Super Bowl LXII in 2028.
Community & Events
2 storiesAtlanta Jazz Festival Draws Crowds to Piedmont Park Despite Rain
The 49th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival kicked off Memorial Day weekend in Piedmont Park, with attendees refusing to let thunderstorms dampen the free three-day celebration of jazz and live music.
- Atlanta Street Fringe Festival Returns to Little 5 Points Rough Draft Atlanta
Environment
1 storyMassive Chattahoochee Fish Kill Under Investigation
Thousands of dead fish washed up along at least 20 miles of the Chattahoochee River after Wednesday's storms. The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper says drought conditions, polluted stormwater runoff, and sewage overflows created "the perfect storm."
Public Safety
1 story219 DUI Arrests in First 48 Hours of Memorial Day Weekend
Georgia State Patrol reports 219 DUI arrests and nine fatal crashes so far during the 78-hour Memorial Day holiday travel period. Officials are urging motorists to buckle up and put phones away.
Business & Economy
1 storyRodney Scott's BBQ Closes, Nando's Plans BeltLine Expansion
Atlanta's restaurant scene continues to shift as James Beard-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott shutters all locations, while South African chicken chain Nando's announces plans to open along the BeltLine.
Politics & Policy
1 storyTwelve Georgia Legislative Races Advance to June Runoffs
Voters in five state Senate districts and seven state House districts will return to the polls June 16 after no candidate cleared the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff in Tuesday's primary.
Sports & Recreation
1 storyGeorgia Tech, UGA Baseball to Host NCAA Tournament Regionals
Georgia Tech and Georgia will both host NCAA baseball regionals starting Friday after dominating their conference tournaments. Tech won its first ACC title since 2014, while Georgia claimed its first-ever SEC championship.