Wednesday, April 23, 2025

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1897, Lucius Clay was born in Marietta. A West Point graduate, he directed military procurement during World War II, oversaw the Berlin Airlift, and helped design the U.S. interstate highway system.

If you’re looking for a hobby, get tips on starting a garden in Et Cetera—and let us know if you’re into gardening in today’s Poll.

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Atlanta Greenlights $550M+ Urban Park

The Atlanta City Council approved the “Stitch,” a 14-acre urban park over the Interstate 75/85 Downtown Connector that will reconnect neighborhoods long split by the interstate.

The project will cost an estimated $550 million to $800 million, including $200 million in mostly federal funding to get work started. Additional funding will come from bonds and local districts.

The park will feature plazas, walking trails, and new streets.

The first phase of construction is set to begin in 2026, with completion of the entire project expected around 2030.

Governor Race Taking Shape

With Gov. Brian Kemp term-limited, the race for who will succeed him is starting to take shape.

Among announced candidates, Democratic state Sen. Jason Esteves joined the 2026 race this week while Republican state Attorney General Chris Carr entered months ago.

Potential candidates include Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Democrat.

On Tuesday, Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, announced he won’t run due to his wife’s brain cancer diagnosis.

Hot and Soggy Weather on Tap

Georgia’s weather is easing into an early summer pattern already. Thunderstorms and scattered showers are expected through Saturday, with metro Atlanta, Columbus, and Savannah all in the path.

The high temperature will climb to around 90 degrees in parts of the state by the weekend, making for a soggy and hot end to the month.

While severe weather is not expected, storms could bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and frequent lightning. Storm chances peak at 50 percent today in some areas.

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Statewide: Georgia State University received a $500,000 Mellon Foundation grant to preserve Gullah Geechee heritage through burial site protection and cultural research. (More)

Coweta County: The sheriff’s office launched its annual Mantracker K9 training, drawing personnel to one of the Southeast’s largest public safety training events. (More)

Jackson County: Officials closed the northbound lanes of Interstate 85 on Tuesday morning after a tractor-trailer caught fire near Exit 129. (Photo)

Atlanta: Powder Springs native Victor Scott II fulfilled a goal of playing baseball in Truist Park, delivering three hits with a stolen base in his MLB debut against the Braves. (More)

Catoosa County: A couple received 20-year prison terms for child cruelty, including shooting their teenage children with airsoft guns for punishment. (More)

Bibb County: Authorities are investigating after an inmate at the Macon jail reported being scalded with hot water by fellow inmates. (More)

➤ Kirk Cousins attended the first day of the Atlanta Falcons’ offseason workouts on Tuesday. (More)

➤ Country star Tim McGraw will headline a pregame concert when the Atlanta Braves play Cincinnati in the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic on Aug. 2 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. (More)

➤ One analyst predicts 13 University of Georgia players will be selected in this week’s NFL draft. (More)

➤ The NCAA announced a series of sweeping rules changes that will allow colleges to pay athletes directly if an ongoing lawsuit is settled. See more stories like this at NIL Wire.

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➤ Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport will raise parking rates starting May 1, tripling some fees to offset inflation, operational costs, and parking infrastructure upgrades. (More)

➤ Thomaston residents are divided over Brightmark’s proposed $900 million plastic-to-oil plant despite hundreds of promised jobs. (More)

➤ Atlanta City Council approved the proposed Amsterdam Walk development near Piedmont Park, which includes a planned 900 apartments. (More)

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Free music and podcasts, access to lightning deals, and Whole Foods discounts are just a few of the many lesser-known perks that Amazon Prime has to offer.

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Whether you’re already a Prime member or considering signing up, here are nine Prime member benefits you should be using!

➤ Wesley Daniels tied the state record by landing a 12-ounce spotted sunfish in the Suwannee River. (More)

➤ An Atlanta plant expert offers tips for a thriving Southern garden this year. (More)

➤ Activate Atlanta in Buckhead offers immersive, team-based challenges across 10 small arenas with progress tracked on wristbands. (Watch)

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