5 things to know today: Expect major traffic snarls after I-85 fire, interstate collapse and more
1. Expect major traffic snarls after I-85 fire, collapse. Expect major backups into work and school the morning after a massive fire on I-85 caused the interstate to collapse in Atlanta. The collapse happened on I-85 northbound just south of Ga. 400 near Piedmont Road about 7 p.m. Thursday. [Read more]
2. I-85 collapses after massive fire: 'The entire bridge is compromised.' Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency after fire officials extinguished a massive fire on I-85 in Atlanta that led to the collapse of a bridge on the crowded interstate. [Read more]
3. I-85 bridge disaster quickly becomes political. It didn't take long for the I-85 bridge collapse to become political fodder. In a 2:35 a.m. email to supporters, Fulton County Commission Chair John Eaves, a candidate in the crowded Atlanta mayoral race, called the traffic misery staring Atlanta in the face in the aftermath of the massive I-85 fire and collapse a crisis that "exposes the underlying issue of the lack of a cohesive and comprehensive transportation plan." [Read more]
4. Pollen shoots to more than 3,550. Allergy sufferers, plan early. The pollen count soared to 3,559 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air, according to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma. That is the highest it has been all year. Pollen has, however, been in the "extremely high" range all week. [Read more]
5. With Ossoff at the gates, Republicans try to fortify Georgia Sixth. National Republicans are pouring more resources into Georgia's special election to counter Democrat Jon Ossoff's candidacy, with a TV ad blitz launching on Friday and plans to add staffers and open new offices in the suburban Atlanta district. [Read more]
