AGP Executive Report

Immigration Shift: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin says the goal is to avoid daily headlines, and reports suggest Trump’s immigration enforcement has moved from viral mass raids toward more targeted operations—though public pushback remains intense, with a Politico poll finding half of Americans think enforcement is too aggressive. Public Health Watch: CDC says the general public risk from a hantavirus cruise outbreak is low, with Americans monitored after exposure and a long 42-day watch period underway. Ebola Escalation: Trump says he’s “concerned” after an American missionary tested positive for Ebola in the DRC, as the U.S. tightens travel screening. Georgia Travel Pressure: Gov. Kemp extends Georgia’s gas tax break for Memorial Day, aiming to blunt pump shock as families hit the road. Transit Upgrade: A new pedestrian bridge and station upgrades opened at MARTA’s Indian Creek stop in DeKalb, improving access for thousands of riders. Sports & Culture: Atlanta tops Sports Business Journal’s 2026 “Best Sports Business Cities,” while Savoy Automobile Museum wins a third straight USA Today 10Best title.

Transit Upgrade: A new pedestrian bridge just opened at MARTA’s Indian Creek Station, giving riders on Durham Park Road a direct, safer walk into the north end of the station—plus lighting, landscaping, a repaved bus loop, and a platform restroom as part of MARTA’s station rehab push. Sports Business Buzz: Atlanta was named the No. 1 “Best Sports Business City” in the Sports Business Journal’s 2026 rankings, topping a list of 2,384 markets. World Cup Travel Surge: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11, U.S. Customs says travel authorizations are rising and urges fans to check “Know Before You Go” rules. Public Health Watch: The CDC confirmed at least one American tested positive for Ebola after work in Congo, and the U.S. is tightening screening for travelers from affected areas. Road-Trip Reality Check: Georgia extended its gas tax suspension for two more weeks ahead of Memorial Day, while officials roll out seatbelt and speeding enforcement campaigns. Local Sports: The Cubs snapped a 4-game skid with a 2-0 shutout of the Braves.

World Cup Ticket Rush: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup lottery over, fans can still grab official seats via FIFA’s Last-Minute Sales Phase (first-come, first-served) or the official resale/exchange marketplace—just remember you need a FIFA ID and there are household and per-match caps. Road-Trip Reality Check: Georgia’s Memorial Day gas tax break is back for two weeks, but drivers are still feeling the squeeze as prices stay volatile. Atlanta Traffic: I-285 work is easing—parts of the west side are set to reopen early Monday, with GDOT urging extra travel time and detours. Health Watch: The CDC is ramping up its Ebola response after WHO declared a public health emergency, while officials stress the risk to the U.S. remains low. Local Sports: The Braves start a four-game set vs. Miami with a strong record and a pitching rotation built for rest and momentum.

WNBA Momentum Check: The Dallas Wings are trying to “turn over a new leaf” at home Monday against the Washington Mystics after dropping their first two games of a three-match homestand, with coach Jose Fernandez calling out a selfish streak and pushing defense-first, team-first basketball. NFL Schedule Buzz: The league’s 2026 slate is officially out, and sportsbooks are already weighing in—DraftKings has the Green Bay Packers favored in 13 of 17 games, while travel mileage is becoming a talking point for teams like the 49ers. Memorial Day Road Relief: Georgia is extending its gas tax break for drivers heading out for the holiday, with a 33-cent-per-gallon discount kicking in Wednesday for two weeks. Public Health Watch: A measles outbreak that started in Texas has now hit Mexico, with officials reporting thousands of cases and deaths tied to complications. Local Life: Atlanta-area workers at Waffle House rallied for higher pay and safer conditions, arguing tourism growth shouldn’t come without better treatment.

World Cup Travel Prep: Atlanta health officials say the overall hantavirus risk to travelers is “extremely low,” while they’re also gearing up for summer heat with cooling stations and safety messages in fans’ languages. Road-Trip Reality Check: A weekend I-285 closure between MLK Jr. Drive and Cascade Road snarled traffic and hit nearby restaurants and tips, with detours pushing short trips into much longer drives. Labor & Tourism: Waffle House workers rallied in downtown Atlanta demanding $25-an-hour pay, safer conditions, and 24/7 security—arguing World Cup tourism should mean better treatment for service staff. Sports Spotlight: The Red Sox edged the Braves 3-2 as Willson Contreras homered, while Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez struck out 13 and shut out the Pirates 6-0. Georgia Charm Watch: A new report named 12 “storybook towns” across the state, including Dahlonega, Helen, Blue Ridge, and Thomasville.

Hantavirus Watch in Georgia: Two MV Hondius passengers discharged from Emory have been moved to a Nebraska quarantine facility, and officials say they’re medically cleared but still being monitored—while CDC continues tracking 41 people nationwide after the outbreak, with no confirmed U.S. cases reported. Memorial Day Fuel Relief: Gov. Brian Kemp extended Georgia’s gas tax suspension for two more weeks, cutting 33 cents per gallon (diesel too) as AAA expects nearly 40 million drivers to hit the road. Waymo in Buckhead: Residents in Atlanta’s Buckhead say a fleet of empty Waymo robotaxis repeatedly looped into a dead-end street; Waymo apologized and says it fixed the routing behavior. NFL Travel Buzz: The 2026 schedule is out, with Georgia fans likely eyeing the league’s Europe push—plus Southwest launching its first-ever Alaska flights. Local Life & Leisure: Savannah’s historic squares keep drawing sold-out tours, and Georgia beaches are gearing up for nesting sea turtles and migrating shorebirds.

Hantavirus Watch: CDC says 16 more people in the U.S. are now being monitored for hantavirus after exposure tied to an April 25 flight to Johannesburg—bringing the total under monitoring to 41, with no confirmed U.S. cases reported. Local Health Update: Two cruise passengers brought to Emory for monitoring have been discharged and returned to Nebraska, while officials keep watching others. Memorial Day Gas Relief: Gov. Kemp extended Georgia’s 33-cent gas tax break for two more weeks, starting May 20 through June 3, citing price shocks tied to the Iran-driven oil market. Road Safety: A Georgia man died after a motorcycle crash in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, after hitting a turning Toyota Tacoma; impairment is unknown and toxicology is pending. Traffic & Tech: Lanes reopened after an I-85 tractor-trailer fire, and Buckhead residents are complaining about Waymo robotaxis looping through a cul-de-sac. NFL Buzz: The 2026 schedule is out, with Georgia fans already scanning Falcons matchups at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

World Cup Travel Watch: Hotel prices in 2026 World Cup host cities are dropping as the June 11 kickoff nears, with analysts saying many hotels have already “corrected” rates after initially pricing for peak demand—so flexible fans may still find deals. Atlanta Traffic & Timing: GDOT warns drivers to expect “extreme delays” from a full I-285 closure in Fulton County starting Friday night through early Monday, with detours likely to spill across metro roads. Public Health Update: WHO says the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak totals 10 cases globally (down from 11 after a negative result), while the CDC continues monitoring 41 people in the U.S. Local Safety: A 23-year-old woman, Alyssa Paige, was identified as the victim in a fatal Atlanta Beltline stabbing; a suspect is in custody. Sports Spotlight: NCAA softball regionals begin Friday with Georgia among the SEC host seeds, while NFL schedule buzz keeps building after multiple teams’ 2026 slates dropped. Business & Jobs: Starbucks plans to cut 300 corporate roles and close some U.S. offices, while keeping store workers unaffected.

NFL Schedule Drop: The 2026 season kicks off Sept. 9 with a Super Bowl LX rematch—Seattle hosts New England—then the league goes international early with the 49ers vs. Rams in Melbourne on Sept. 10. World Cup Travel Buzz: North America’s soccer surge is getting a boost from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with host-city guides and big fan energy already building. Public Health Watch: CDC says 41 people are being monitored for hantavirus after the MV Hondius cruise outbreak, but officials stress the risk to the general public remains very low. Local Good News: In Clarkston, a bike shop owner at Narrow Path Cycles is helping refugee families get rolling with repairs and support. Atlanta Crime Update: Atlanta police arrested a suspect in a fatal Beltline stabbing near Ansley Mall, with tips and video helping lead to the capture. Sports (Atlanta): Cubs beat the Braves 2-0 behind Ian Happ’s homer and a shutout pitching effort.

Hantavirus Watch: The CDC says there are currently no confirmed hantavirus cases in the U.S., even as 41 people are being monitored tied to the MV Hondius cruise outbreak—18 in Nebraska/Georgia, 7 who returned home before the outbreak was identified, and 16 exposed during flights with a symptomatic traveler. Atlanta Safety: Atlanta Police are hunting a suspect in a fatal Beltline stabbing near the Montgomery Ferry Road overpass; officials say the same person may have hit a USPS employee with a rock moments earlier. World Cup Travel Buzz: The FIFA Trophy Tour is in Atlanta this weekend, and local health officials are preparing for fan arrivals. Food & Fun: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks lands its first Washington, D.C. franchise deal, while Andretti Indoor Karting & Games keeps expanding its corporate event scene. Road Disruption: GDOT has I-285 closure plans shifting again—watch for major weekend delays.

Tourism & Culture: MUNA’s “Gets So Hot” Tour hits North America this fall, with tickets going on general sale at 10am local time today, then the band rolls into the UK and Europe in November—good news for anyone planning a music-filled trip. Education Spotlight: Georgia’s “Teach in the Peach” signing day put future educators on center stage at Atlanta’s College Hall of Fame, highlighting the state’s push to close the teacher shortage. Public Safety (Macon): A reported Macon Mall robbery on May 1 ended with suspects caught after a Monroe County deputy spotted the getaway vehicle, according to authorities. Health Watch (Hantavirus): Officials say the public risk remains low, but monitoring continues after cruise-linked hantavirus cases and exposures—so expect more updates as people return home. Travel/Transit: Delta is changing in-flight food and beverage service on shorter flights, aiming for a more consistent experience across its network. Airline/Route Buzz: Routes Europe 2026 Awards finalists were named, spotlighting airports and destinations competing for top route-development marketing honors.

Hantavirus Watch: CDC says Americans exposed on the MV Hondius should keep quarantining in Nebraska, but officials stopped short of promising everyone stays the full 42 days; two passengers are still being handled at Emory in Atlanta, and the agency reiterated the risk to the general public remains “extremely low” while more cases are still possible. Atlanta Travel Pressure: World Cup travel demand is climbing—KAYAK reports flight searches to ATL for match days are up 26%—and the city is also bracing for another traffic hit with a rescheduled full I-285 west-side shutdown (7 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday) between Exits 7 and 9. Tech + Energy Backlash: A new Gallup poll finds 71% of Americans oppose AI data centers near them, even more than opposition to nuclear plants (53%). Sports on the Move: The NFL’s 2026 international slate is out, including a Vikings trip to Mexico City and Falcons-Bengals in Madrid—more reasons for fans to plan early.

Hantavirus Watch: U.S. officials say the risk to the general public is “very, very low” as confirmed cases rise to 11, but the response keeps expanding—Americans are in specialized monitoring after the MV Hondius outbreak, and Illinois is now investigating a possible non-cruise case tied to rodent droppings. Georgia Travel Spotlight: WalletHub ranks Atlanta the No. 1 summer destination, praising attractions, late-night options, and short flights. Local Courts & Crime: A Newnan man pleaded guilty in a $140 million Ponzi scheme tied to First Liberty Building & Loan. Sports & Culture: Jason Collins—the NBA’s first openly gay player—died at 47 after a glioblastoma battle. College Football Buzz: Reports say Georgia and Florida State are discussing a 2028 neutral-site opener, with Atlanta among the candidates.

Hantavirus Update: The MV Hondius outbreak is still spreading across borders, but WHO says there’s “no sign” of a larger outbreak—while more cases could still show up because the incubation period can run weeks. Georgia Health Watch: In Atlanta, a symptomatic cruise-exposure patient tested negative, and two people are being assessed at Emory after Americans returned for monitoring (Nebraska is handling most quarantines). Amazon Now Expansion: Amazon is pushing 30-minute delivery nationwide in 2026, with Atlanta already live and more cities rolling in fast. Travel Deals: Southwest launched a limited-time sale with one-way fares starting at $59 for select dates. World Cup Travel: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia tickets are in demand ahead of the June 26 match in Houston. Local Politics: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger stopped in Macon, pitching affordability and public safety as he campaigns for governor.

Hantavirus Response: After the MV Hondius cruise outbreak, 18 Americans returned to the U.S. for monitoring—16 isolating in Omaha, with two more sent to Emory in Atlanta; officials say the risk to the general public is “very, very low,” but timelines for quarantine are still unclear. Atlanta Travel Disruption: A Delta flight headed to Lagos (DL54) turned back over the Atlantic and landed back in Atlanta after about eight hours due to an “operational issue,” and the Lagos service was canceled, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA expects Memorial Day weekend travel to stay strong despite higher costs, with most trips by road and top domestic stops including Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Miami. Local Infrastructure: GDOT pushed back the big I-285 West Side Rebuild shutdown to May 15–18 (weather permitting), warning of substantial extra travel time. Georgia Community Notes: Bobby Cox is remembered in Bartow County as “humble and generous,” and a Dunwoody teen earned Eagle Scout honors as the fourth generation in his family.

Hantavirus in Georgia: Two cruise passengers exposed to the MV Hondius outbreak arrived at Emory Monday—one symptomatic and in Emory’s biocontainment unit, the other asymptomatic and being evaluated—while officials stressed there’s “no risk to the public.” Quarantine Rollout: Across the U.S., 18 Americans (plus a dual British/US citizen) are being monitored after flights from the Canary Islands; Nebraska is handling most cases, with two more sent to Atlanta for further assessment. Public Reassurance vs. Unease: Federal officials and WHO say the broader risk is low, but people near Emory still voiced fear as the patients were transported through the hospital area. Holiday Fun, Georgia Style: Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites kicked off America’s 250th anniversary with statewide Fourth of July events. Travel Pressure: Gas prices remain a travel headache heading into Memorial Day weekend, with AAA projecting heavy driving.