Flash floods turned the Downtown Connector into a river Wednesday evening, stranding drivers and prompting dramatic rescues. The CTR, the reimagined former CNN Center, officially opened ahead of the World Cup. With primary results settled, Keisha Lance Bottoms turns her focus to November while Republicans Burt Jones and Rick Jackson gear up for a June 16 runoff. Waymo paused robotaxi service after at least two vehicles got stuck in flooded streets. Memorial Day weekend kicks off with the Atlanta Jazz Festival and MomoCon returning to town.
Flash Floods Swamp Downtown Connector, Veteran Wades Through Water to Rescue Stranded Driver
Torrential rain during Wednesday's rush hour turned parts of I-75/85 into a river, stranding vehicles and shutting down the Downtown Connector for over 90 minutes. A veteran waded through chest-deep water near Baker Street to rescue a woman clinging to the roof of her submerged car.
Politics & Policy
2 storiesJackson and Jones Gear Up for GOP Governor Runoff After Bitter Primary
With Keisha Lance Bottoms securing the Democratic nomination, the spotlight shifts to Republicans. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare executive Rick Jackson will face off June 16 after neither cleared 50% in Tuesday's primary. Expect the negative ads to continue.
Development & Housing
3 storiesThe CTR Opens Downtown, Ready for World Cup Crowds
The reimagined former CNN Center officially opened Wednesday as The CTR, a mixed-use development positioned to welcome international visitors during next month's FIFA World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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Transit & Transportation
1 storyWaymo Pauses Atlanta Service After Robotaxis Get Stuck in Floods
At least two Waymo autonomous vehicles drove into flooded streets during Wednesday's storms, prompting the company to temporarily suspend service. Video showed one driverless car attempting to navigate rising water on North Avenue.
Community & Events
1 storyAtlanta Jazz Festival, MomoCon Headline Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend brings back two Atlanta favorites: the free Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to Piedmont Park, while MomoCon takes over the Georgia World Congress Center with anime, gaming, and pop culture programming.
Business & Economy
1 storyAtlanta Fashion Tech Startup Mirour Pivots to Retail
Mirour, the Atlanta-based startup that built AI-powered virtual fitting rooms for fashion brands, is pivoting to serve brick-and-mortar retailers. The shift comes as the company seeks a more sustainable business model.