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Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails

The state's voter-approved outdoor gear tax will send $33 million to parks, trails and conservation projects.

News

That backpack you bought last year helped raise $33 million that will soon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fund new parks, trails and conservation projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/21/georgia-outdoor-tax-funding-awards" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/21/georgia-outdoor-tax-funding-awards" target="_self">fund new parks, trails and conservation projects</a> across Georgia — including a new Atlanta nature preserve.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program" data-vars-click-url="https://gadnr.org/gosp" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gadnr.org/gosp" target="_blank">Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program</a>, which has raised more than $110 million since Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved the tax on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor recreation goods" data-vars-click-url="https://georgiaconservancy.org/gosa/#:~:text=The%20Georgia%20Outdoor%20Stewardship%20Act%20(GOSA)%20was,in%20acquiring%20and%20improving%20parks%20and%20trails**" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://georgiaconservancy.org/gosa/#:~:text=The%20Georgia%20Outdoor%20Stewardship%20Act%20(GOSA)%20was,in%20acquiring%20and%20improving%20parks%20and%20trails**" target="_blank">outdoor recreation goods</a>, has become one of the state&#x27;s tools for expanding access to parks and protecting natural areas.

Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown

CP Group's makeover of the 1.2 million square-foot complex dubbed The Center will open a month before the World Cup begins in Atlanta.

Development

The project that will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transform the space" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/01/cnn-former-headquarters-atlanta-the-center-world-cup-mixed-use" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/01/cnn-former-headquarters-atlanta-the-center-world-cup-mixed-use" target="_self">transform the space</a> formerly known as the CNN Center will open in May.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CP Group" data-vars-click-url="https://cpgcre.com/" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cpgcre.com/" target="_blank">CP Group</a>&#x27;s makeover of the 1.2-million-square-foot complex dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thecenteratlanta.com/" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thecenteratlanta.com/" target="_blank">The Center</a> will open a month before the World Cup kicks off in Atlanta, and it could be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major activity hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/03/25/centennial-yards-downtown-entertainment-district" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/03/25/centennial-yards-downtown-entertainment-district" target="_self">major activity hub</a> during the city&#x27;s eight matches.

More people in Atlanta have bachelor's degrees, census data show

The share of metro Atlanta residents 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher rose from 39% to 42% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods.

Education

The share of metro Atlanta residents 25 and older with a bachelor&#x27;s degree or higher rose from 39% to 42% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods. How it works: That&#x27;s based on the Census Bureau&#x27;s latest five-year American Community Survey estimates.

The Golden Girls Kitchen pop-up exhibition opens in Atlanta

The experience will be at Pullman Yards through May 10.

Things to Do

Fans of the iconic sitcom &quot;The Golden Girls&quot; can now immerse themselves in the television show&#x27;s famous scenes at a new pop-up exhibition at Pullman Yards.Why it matters: The show, which aired from 1985 to 1992, has a loyal fanbase, ranging from those who remember when the show was on TV to people who discovered the show through reruns and streaming services.

Cold snap will linger in Atlanta through the weekend

The National Weather Service said lows for Saturday, Sunday and Monday will range from 15 to 20 degrees.

Climate

Temperatures could fall 20 degrees below normal or more in parts of the Eastern U.S. this week as a blast of Arctic air settles in like an unwanted house guest that doesn&#x27;t get the hint.The latest: As of Tuesday, 173 million people were under extreme cold warnings, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NBC News reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/winter-weather/winter-storm-updates-extreme-cold-warnings-snow-arctic-air-energy-rcna256081" data-vars-content-id="7ebcea99-3dec-40b8-b2b6-7c083aa9a45e" data-vars-headline="Cold snap will linger in Atlanta through the weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/winter-weather/winter-storm-updates-extreme-cold-warnings-snow-arctic-air-energy-rcna256081" target="_blank">NBC News reports</a>.Driving the news: The National Weather Service says low temperatures will remain below freezing in metro Atlanta and north Georgia through the weekend, according to its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="briefing" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&amp;issuedby=FFC&amp;product=AFD&amp;format=CI&amp;version=1&amp;glossary=1" data-vars-content-id="7ebcea99-3dec-40b8-b2b6-7c083aa9a45e" data-vars-headline="Cold snap will linger in Atlanta through the weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&amp;issuedby=FFC&amp;product=AFD&amp;format=CI&amp;version=1&amp;glossary=1" target="_blank">briefing</a> released Tuesday.

Nearly 40,000 without power as Georgia officials warn of icy roads

Any moisture left on roadways overnight will turn into black ice, state officials said.

Tens of thousands of people are still without power, and officials urge residents to stay off the roads on Monday as icy conditions remain a threat to drivers in metro Atlanta and north Georgia.The latest: As of Sunday evening, Georgia Power <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://outagemap.georgiapower.com/?_gl=1*1q7x2az*_gcl_au*MTc2OTcyMTQyLjE3NjkwMDgxMjc." data-vars-content-id="d51e885a-1158-4561-93d8-8e9bd2af1756" data-vars-headline="Nearly 40,000 without power as Georgia officials warn of icy roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://outagemap.georgiapower.com/?_gl=1*1q7x2az*_gcl_au*MTc2OTcyMTQyLjE3NjkwMDgxMjc." target="_blank">reported</a> a little more than 17,000 of its 2.8 million customers were without electricity.<ul><li>Another 22,000 outages were reported by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia EMC" data-vars-click-url="https://georgiaemc.com/news/718787/Georgias-EMCs-Report-22000-Outages-Following-Winter-Storm-Fern.htm" data-vars-content-id="d51e885a-1158-4561-93d8-8e9bd2af1756" data-vars-headline="Nearly 40,000 without power as Georgia officials warn of icy roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://georgiaemc.com/news/718787/Georgias-EMCs-Report-22000-Outages-Following-Winter-Storm-Fern.htm" target="_blank">Georgia EMC</a>, the trade association that represents the state&#x27;s 41 electric membership corporations.</li><li>Trees have been toppled in nearly every county affected by icy conditions, and state crews are working to remove debris in affected areas, said Josh Lamb, director of Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security.</li><li>State government offices in the northern half of the state will be closed Monday, and several Georgia State Park sites will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open as warming centers" data-vars-click-url="https://gastateparks.org/Alerts" data-vars-content-id="d51e885a-1158-4561-93d8-8e9bd2af1756" data-vars-headline="Nearly 40,000 without power as Georgia officials warn of icy roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gastateparks.org/Alerts" target="_blank">open as warming centers</a> for anyone who loses power.</li></ul>Driving the news: State officials briefed members of the press Sunday afternoon about Winter Storm Fern, which left nearly 1 million people without power, killed at least three people, dumped more than a foot of snow in some areas and canceled over 11,000 flights across the country, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ABC News reports" data-vars-click-url="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/winter-storm-live-updates-tracking-dangerous-ice-snow/?id=129469173" data-vars-content-id="d51e885a-1158-4561-93d8-8e9bd2af1756" data-vars-headline="Nearly 40,000 without power as Georgia officials warn of icy roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/winter-storm-live-updates-tracking-dangerous-ice-snow/?id=129469173" target="_blank">ABC News reports</a>.<ul><li>Lamb encouraged Georgians in affected areas to stay off the roads, as any moisture left on roadways overnight will turn into black ice Monday morning. </li><li>&quot;Hopefully we warm up enough [on Monday] to melt and dry everything before temperatures really plummet again on Tuesday morning,&quot; said state meteorologist Will Lanxton.</li><li>Coupled with ice, high winds also make trees and power lines vulnerable to falling, Lamb said.</li></ul>Catch up quick: Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declared" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/22/georgia-winter-storm-state-of-emergency" data-vars-content-id="d51e885a-1158-4561-93d8-8e9bd2af1756" data-vars-headline="Nearly 40,000 without power as Georgia officials warn of icy roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/22/georgia-winter-storm-state-of-emergency" target="_self">declared</a> a state of emergency for all counties ahead of the storm, which allowed him to mobilize up to 500 National Guard troops to assist in the winter weather response.<ul><li>Maj. Gen. Richard D. Wilson said troops will be primarily focused on clearing roadways, helping with power restoration efforts and moving supplies on the ground or via the air.</li><li>&quot;Our soldiers and airmen are proud to be part of the team, and so we&#x27;re going to be in this thing with you until we&#x27;re finished,&quot; Wilson said Sunday.</li><li>A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal emergency declaration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260125/president-donald-j-trump-approves-emergency-declaration-georgia" data-vars-content-id="d51e885a-1158-4561-93d8-8e9bd2af1756" data-vars-headline="Nearly 40,000 without power as Georgia officials warn of icy roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260125/president-donald-j-trump-approves-emergency-declaration-georgia" target="_blank">federal emergency declaration</a> was also issued for 112 Georgia counties, which Lamb said will allow FEMA to help the state in its response to the storm.</li></ul>By the numbers: Russell McMurry, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, said the agency treated 18,000 miles of roads before the storm.<ul><li>Crews used 1.5 million gallons of brine and about 2,500 tons of the salt aggregate mix they apply after removing sleet and freezing rain from the road.</li><li>At least two dozen state routes have some form of closures, most of which are in north Georgia and parts of metro Atlanta.</li><li>About 70 staff members and 42 pieces of equipment were moved to treat state roadways in east metro Atlanta and north and northeast Georgia.</li></ul>The fine print: School districts across metro Atlanta and north Georgia are closed Monday, as are colleges and universities.The bottom line: &quot;[Monday] morning and overnight [Sunday] are going to be very difficult, and so just stay home until we can provide more information that we know that these roads and the temperatures are favorable for travel,&quot; McMurry said.Editor&#x27;s note: This story has been updated.

Metro Atlanta under winter storm watch as state of emergency declared

The National Weather Service forecast said "significant icing" is possible, with as much as four-tenths of an inch in metro Atlanta.

The National Weather Service has added metro Atlanta and parts of central Georgia into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter storm watch" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=GAZ033&amp;warncounty=GAC121&amp;firewxzone=GAZ033&amp;local_place1=2%20Miles%20ESE%20Atlanta%20GA&amp;product1=Winter+Storm+Watch&amp;lat=33.7485&amp;lon=-84.3915" data-vars-content-id="73a2fd14-9029-421d-8ff6-2ddaac80eed2" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta under winter storm watch as state of emergency declared" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=GAZ033&amp;warncounty=GAC121&amp;firewxzone=GAZ033&amp;local_place1=2%20Miles%20ESE%20Atlanta%20GA&amp;product1=Winter+Storm+Watch&amp;lat=33.7485&amp;lon=-84.3915" target="_blank">winter storm watch</a>, with &quot;significant icing&quot; expected this weekend.Why it matters: Winter storm Fern <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is expected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" data-vars-content-id="73a2fd14-9029-421d-8ff6-2ddaac80eed2" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta under winter storm watch as state of emergency declared" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" target="_self">is expected</a> to produce snow, freezing rain and/or sleet from parts of New Mexico and Texas all the way east to Georgia and north to New England.

Atlanta prepares for massive winter storm that could bring ice and snow

The wintry precipitation could start as early as Saturday.

Metro Atlanta, north Georgia and much of the southeast are bracing for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" data-vars-content-id="664b0aff-bd73-4169-bea1-8e4cda90bc88" data-vars-headline="Atlanta prepares for massive winter storm that could bring ice and snow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" target="_self">massive winter storm</a> that will move into the region as early as Saturday. Why it matters: Be prepared to hunker down at home for a few days.

Heat streaks are becoming more common in Georgia

Macon and Augusta experienced, on average, two additional heat streaks per year while Atlanta and Albany recorded three more.

Cities across Georgia and the U.S. have more heat streaks on average each year compared to 1970, according to a new analysis. Why it matters: Prolonged heat — as much of the U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has experienced this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" data-vars-content-id="bec3b514-0e94-4c80-95bc-8343c349dd04" data-vars-headline="Heat streaks are becoming more common in Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" target="_self">has experienced this summer</a> — is particularly hazardous to human health.

Flash flood warnings trending up in Georgia

National Weather Service officials have issued 27 flash flood warnings, Iowa State University researchers said

Flash floods are becoming increasingly common in Georgia — a phenomenon consistent with climate change.The big picture: Nationally, flash flood warnings have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="set a new record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/17/flash-flood-warnings-record-nws" data-vars-content-id="1acb1527-1152-480f-a061-82c3d3264479" data-vars-headline="Flash flood warnings trending up in Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/17/flash-flood-warnings-record-nws" target="_self">set a new record</a> this year, Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick reports.

Georgia runoff to decide Democratic PSC candidate

Voters choose the Public Service Commission Democratic nominee today.

Georgia voters will decide Tuesday which Democrat will get a shot at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="influencing energy policy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/05/28/psc-elections-will-guide-electricity-rates-and-clean-energy-future" data-vars-content-id="d47281d0-3a07-4107-9fdb-9e440c6be3d6" data-vars-headline="Georgia runoff to decide Democratic PSC candidate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/05/28/psc-elections-will-guide-electricity-rates-and-clean-energy-future" target="_self">influencing energy policy</a> and energy bills. Why it matters: The Georgia Public Service Commission has authority to set electricity rates and promote clean energy. <ul><li>Nearly every debate involving solar power, high energy bills and kilowatt-chugging data centers will involve the regulatory agency&#x27;s five commissioners.</li></ul>

How to keep your dog cool during Atlanta's long, hot summer

Since dogs are people-pleasers, they can exert themselves beyond what's healthy just to keep their humans happy.

Last week&#x27;s heat wave won&#x27;t be the only one we&#x27;ll experience this year, so now is the time to brush up on how to keep your pups safe during the summer.Why it matters: Like us, our four-legged loved ones can overheat. Since dogs are people-pleasers, they can exert themselves beyond what&#x27;s healthy just to keep their humans happy.

That loud boom over the Southeast? It was likely a fireball

A meteor likely passed over the metro region before exploding, leaving fragments in South Carolina, an atmospheric scientist says.

Energy & Climate

Thursday&#x27;s loud, rolling rumble — and, for some, a sudden flash and white streak in the sky — might have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a fireball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2019/03/23/nasa-instruments-image-fireball-bering-sea" data-vars-content-id="0eadf447-5c68-408b-9529-fdf78952207b" data-vars-headline="That loud boom over the Southeast? It was likely a fireball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2019/03/23/nasa-instruments-image-fireball-bering-sea" target="_self">a fireball</a> from a meteor passing over metro Atlanta.Why it matters: More than 100 people from Georgia and parts of South Carolina and Florida reported to the American Meteor Society a potential fireball around 12:30pm.

Climate risks hit Black homeowners hardest in Atlanta

The effects of the climate crisis are not colorblind, Zillow finds.

Environment

Minority homeowners in metro Atlanta are particularly vulnerable to certain major <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate risks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/02/epa-report-climate-change-marginalized-communities" data-vars-content-id="a2c6ec51-208d-40e9-b1c5-91ce9c8cb9e2" data-vars-headline="Climate risks hit Black homeowners hardest in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/02/epa-report-climate-change-marginalized-communities" target="_self">climate risks</a>, a Zillow analysis finds.Why it matters: The findings reflect history and a legacy of redlining and economic disparities that still shape where people live — and how they&#x27;re affected by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" data-vars-content-id="a2c6ec51-208d-40e9-b1c5-91ce9c8cb9e2" data-vars-headline="Climate risks hit Black homeowners hardest in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" target="_self">climate change</a>.

Climate 🌿

Cold snap will linger in Atlanta through the weekend

Nearly 40,000 without power as Georgia officials warn of icy roads

Metro Atlanta under winter storm watch as state of emergency declared

Atlanta prepares for massive winter storm that could bring ice and snow

Georgia's drought threatens cotton and peanuts