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Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott dies after decades in politics

Scott served nearly 25 years in Congress and decades in Georgia politics.

News

Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott of Georgia has died at age 80 after more than five decades in public office, his staff announced Wednesday.Driving the news: Scott served in Congress for more than two decades and had qualified to run for his 13th consecutive term representing the south metro Atlanta district.<ul><li>His health was a growing concern for colleagues in recent years, and he was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ousted from his leadership role" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/16/angie-craig-david-scott-steering-agriculture-democrats" data-vars-content-id="4cbe02aa-a1f7-47db-b3e8-469c7710ab1e" data-vars-headline="Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott dies after decades in politics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/16/angie-craig-david-scott-steering-agriculture-democrats" target="_self">ousted from his leadership role</a> on the House Agriculture Committee after the 2024 election. He was the committee&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first Black chairman" data-vars-click-url="https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399460" data-vars-content-id="4cbe02aa-a1f7-47db-b3e8-469c7710ab1e" data-vars-headline="Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott dies after decades in politics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399460" target="_blank">first Black chairman</a>.</li></ul>

Test drive: MARTA's new rapid bus line

The route runs from South Downtown to the Atlanta Beltline's Southeast Trail.

Transit

MARTA&#x27;s long-awaited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bus rapid transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/21/marta-bus-rapid-transit-camera-enforcement" data-vars-content-id="a7ba0191-d094-4e37-b9d0-d57eb2930a61" data-vars-headline="Test drive: MARTA&#x27;s new rapid bus line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/21/marta-bus-rapid-transit-camera-enforcement" target="_self">bus rapid transit</a> route from South Downtown to the Atlanta Beltline&#x27;s Southeast Trail is up and running. <ul><li>And even in its unfinished first phase, it&#x27;s a fast and easy ride.</li></ul>

After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement

The proposal to renew its contract with the Atlanta-based company had been delayed twice over concerns about security.

Public Safety

After months of delays, security concerns and community angst, Dunwoody leaders approved a new contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/all-deals/2026/04/13/flock-safety-fundraising-surveillance-tech" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/all-deals/2026/04/13/flock-safety-fundraising-surveillance-tech" target="_self">Flock Safety</a> to continue operating license plate reader cameras in the city.Why it matters: While the Atlanta-based company remains generally popular among law enforcement agencies and governments, some cities are ending agreements over privacy issues and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/" target="_blank">concerns</a> about how federal immigration authorities can use collected information to track down and detain undocumented people.Driving the news: Dunwoody council members unanimously approved its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="master services agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/Flock%20Master%20Services%20Agreement.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31254&amp;publishId=39283&amp;isSection=false" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/Flock%20Master%20Services%20Agreement.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31254&amp;publishId=39283&amp;isSection=false" target="_blank">master services agreement</a> with Flock, a $15,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contract" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(a)%20Flock%20OS911%20Contract.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31108&amp;publishId=39285&amp;isSection=false" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(a)%20Flock%20OS911%20Contract.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31108&amp;publishId=39285&amp;isSection=false" target="_blank">contract</a> to implement its OS 911 system for the police department, and an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(b)%20Flock-Dunwoody%20PD%2C%20DFR%20Expansion%20Agreement.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31109&amp;publishId=39288&amp;isSection=false" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(b)%20Flock-Dunwoody%20PD%2C%20DFR%20Expansion%20Agreement.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31109&amp;publishId=39288&amp;isSection=false" target="_blank">agreement</a> to use its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Drone as First Responder program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/25/fulton-sheriffs-office-drone-jail-contraband-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/25/fulton-sheriffs-office-drone-jail-contraband-atlanta" target="_self">Drone as First Responder program</a> for $200,000. Catch up quick: The vote to approve the 12-month agreement with Flock had been delayed in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="February" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/02/25/dunwoody-flock-contract-911/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/02/25/dunwoody-flock-contract-911/" target="_blank">February</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/03/26/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-march-update/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/03/26/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-march-update/" target="_blank">March</a> after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="YouTuber" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/@BennJordan/videos" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BennJordan/videos" target="_blank">YouTuber</a> Benn Jordan showed Dunwoody leaders how he was able to hack into the camera system.What they&#x27;re saying: Jordan, who lives in Mableton, told Axios cities like Dunwoody should &quot;make sure that you have an independent security audit before having a surveillance vendor.&quot; <ul><li>During Monday&#x27;s Council meeting, resident Jason Hunyar alleged, based on public records he requested, that a Flock employee &quot;initiated&quot; viewing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a live camera feed" data-vars-click-url="https://jasonhunyar.substack.com/p/why-are-flock-employees-watching-720" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jasonhunyar.substack.com/p/why-are-flock-employees-watching-720" target="_blank">a live camera feed</a> at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantajcc.org/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantajcc.org/" target="_blank">Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta</a>.</li><li>Flock employees <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accessed cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/04/14/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-passed/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/04/14/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-passed/" target="_blank">accessed cameras</a> in the fitness center, pool area and gymnastics room, Hunyar said.</li><li>Fellow Dunwoody resident Jessica Burbank told Council members Flock is &quot;building a national network of surveillance cameras.&quot; </li><li>&quot;I think it&#x27;s time to carefully consider if this is really how we want to live in America,&quot; she said.</li></ul>The other side: Mayor Lynn Deutsch said she was &quot;concerned and perplexed&quot; when the camera at MJCCA was accessed by a Flock employee. <ul><li>Deutsch said Flock&#x27;s previous agreement with Dunwoody allowed the company to use the city&#x27;s network of cameras for demonstrations.</li><li>The agreement approved Monday no longer contains that provision, and Flock spokesperson Holly Beilin told Axios the company sent a letter of apology to MJCCA.</li><li>Chris Castaldo, Flock&#x27;s chief information security officer, addressed in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blog published last month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-cybersecurity-how-we-protect-customer-community-data" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-cybersecurity-how-we-protect-customer-community-data" target="_blank">blog published last month</a> security concerns and how it protects data collected by license plate readers.</li></ul>The big picture: Beilin said concerns over license plate reader technology are part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="larger national conversation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" target="_self">larger national conversation</a> over surveillance, data, privacy and security.<ul><li>&quot;That being said, we have to build trust with communities so that they understand that this data is secure and that it&#x27;s being used in a way that aligns with their values,&quot; Beilin told Axios.</li><li>Flock now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has new compliance tools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flocksafety.com/trust/compliance-tools" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flocksafety.com/trust/compliance-tools" target="_blank">has new compliance tools</a> that allow clients to tweak settings to prohibit immigration-related searches or get flags when unusual search patterns are made by users, for example.</li></ul>Zoom out: Cities across the country are cutting ties with Flock.<ul><li>Denver Mayor Mike Johnston <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said in February" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/24/denver-replace-flock-surveillance-axon-license-plate-readers" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/24/denver-replace-flock-surveillance-axon-license-plate-readers" target="_self">said in February</a> the city would not renew its contract with the Atlanta-based company, and instead <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/01/axon-license-plate-reader-contract-approved" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/01/axon-license-plate-reader-contract-approved" target="_self">approved</a> a contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/18/new-proposed-license-plate-reader-company-dhs-ties" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/18/new-proposed-license-plate-reader-company-dhs-ties" target="_self">Axon</a> to provide license plate reader technology.</li><li>City Council members in San Diego late last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/12/city-council-flock-alternatives-license-plate-reader-police-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/12/city-council-flock-alternatives-license-plate-reader-police-surveillance" target="_self">urged</a> the police department to seek alternatives to Flock for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="citywide license plate reader program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" target="_self">citywide license plate reader program</a> but ended up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="maintaining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" target="_self">maintaining</a> its contract with the company.</li><li>Several cities in California, including Santa Cruz and Mountain View, have ended agreements with Flock, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the Guardian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/06/flock-cameras-privacy-concerns" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/06/flock-cameras-privacy-concerns" target="_blank">according to the Guardian</a>.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Whether cities that have agreements with Flock will begin to feel pressure from residents who have concerns about the technology.

Georgia Tech turns dorms into World Cup stays

With 500,000 visitors expected, Tech is offering $237-a-night rooms near Atlanta's Fan Zone.

Georgia Tech is joining your neighbors (and maybe you) and getting in on the FIFA World Cup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home-sharing bandwagon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/10/airbnb-fifa-world-cup-rentals-cost" data-vars-content-id="a9433540-7fc5-4044-a199-4b1373b35f5d" data-vars-headline="Georgia Tech turns dorms into World Cup stays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/10/airbnb-fifa-world-cup-rentals-cost" target="_self">home-sharing bandwagon</a>.Why it matters: Atlanta&#x27;s host committee expects hundreds of thousands of people to visit the city during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the six-week tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="a9433540-7fc5-4044-a199-4b1373b35f5d" data-vars-headline="Georgia Tech turns dorms into World Cup stays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" target="_self">the six-week tournament</a>, which starts on June 11.<ul><li>Those visitors need a place to sleep. As with college students, sometimes anywhere will suffice.</li></ul>

Piedmont Park is growing — but so are the pressures

The Piedmont Park Conservancy is building a master plan to push the boundaries to the corner of Piedmont and Monroe

Environment

Piedmont Park is getting bigger — and so are demands on the green space.Why it matters: Piedmont Park is Atlanta&#x27;s busiest green space, drawing large events and daily crowds that can strain its infrastructure and nearby neighborhoods.<ul><li>Park supporters now face a balancing act between accommodating those demands and protecting communities&#x27; quality of life.</li></ul>

Why Georgia wildfires are surging this year

Severe drought conditions, fallen timber and "zombie fires" are helping blazes spread faster.

Georgia is on pace for its worst <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/04/georgias-wildfire-season-outlook" data-vars-content-id="90f342a1-fb88-410b-9b76-1e814efe0e13" data-vars-headline="Why Georgia wildfires are surging this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/04/georgias-wildfire-season-outlook" target="_self">wildfire</a> season in recent years, driven by the state&#x27;s most severe drought in a decade.Why it matters: The threat isn&#x27;t limited to rural South Georgia, where the state&#x27;s timber and agriculture businesses are concentrated.<ul><li>More than 80% of Georgia&#x27;s population live in the wildland-urban interface — areas where neighborhoods border forests — and smoke can reach metro Atlanta, causing Code Red air quality days and spiking ER visits.</li></ul>

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.

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.

Atlanta settles lawsuit over pollution into Chattahoochee River

Atlanta will continue investing in improvements at the R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center as part of a consent decree.

The city of Atlanta has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pollution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/03/chattahoochee-riverkeeper-clean-water-act-lawsuit-threat" data-vars-content-id="fbd846ce-84ef-4b83-9fd4-7323741f19da" data-vars-headline="Atlanta settles lawsuit over pollution into Chattahoochee River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/03/chattahoochee-riverkeeper-clean-water-act-lawsuit-threat" target="_self">pollution</a> from its largest wastewater plant into the Chattahoochee River.Why it matters: The city will continue investing in improvements at the R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center, which sits along the river off Bolton Road in northwest Atlanta.

When to expect peak fall foliage in Georgia

Peak fall foliage changes will begin to pop up around metro Atlanta in early November.

Things to Do

It may feel like we&#x27;re in the thick of summer — but it&#x27;s never too early to map out when Georgia&#x27;s fall foliage will hit its peak this year.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/fall-warming-temperatures-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="b6d6ba35-4c42-4ef9-884f-f5d1cab239e4" data-vars-headline="When to expect peak fall foliage in Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/fall-warming-temperatures-climate-change" target="_self">fall</a> color change starts in the North and high elevations in the U.S., before making its way South, according to travel brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SmokyMountains.com" data-vars-click-url="https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/" data-vars-content-id="b6d6ba35-4c42-4ef9-884f-f5d1cab239e4" data-vars-headline="When to expect peak fall foliage in Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/" target="_blank">SmokyMountains.com</a>.

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.

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>.

Big gaps in who recycles in Atlanta

An audit says poor data and weak enforcement are sending Atlanta recyclables — especially from multifamily homes — straight to the landfill.

Up to half of Atlanta homes — especially multifamily units — may be sending recyclables to landfills, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per a new city audit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlaudit.org/recycling---june-2025.html" data-vars-content-id="a3ff1621-96ea-484f-aa47-79c1afef660c" data-vars-headline="Big gaps in who recycles in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlaudit.org/recycling---june-2025.html" target="_blank">per a new city audit</a>.Why it matters: Poor data, lack of enforcement and unclear goals weaken Atlanta&#x27;s recycling program and threaten sustainability efforts, auditors found.

Controversial Okefenokee mine blocked by land sale

A six-year fight to stop mining near the Okefenokee ends in a $60 million land deal.

Climate

A six-year battle to block a controversial mine near the Okefenokee Swamp is over after a nonprofit land conservation group bought the proposed site.Why it matters: Scientists and environmental advocates said Twin Pines Minerals&#x27; proposed titanium and zirconium mine posed an existential threat to the swamp, one of Georgia&#x27;s natural wonders.

PSC elections will guide electricity rates and clean energy future

Two Georgia Public Service Commission races will decide who oversees state's electricity rates and clean energy future.

Early voting has begun to pick who should serve on the Georgia Public Service Commission, the state regulator that decides how much you pay to turn on your lights.Why it matters: In addition to electricity and natural gas rates, the five-member commission regulates telecom companies and has major say over the future of clean energy in Georgia.

A series of maps show the predicted weekly progression of fall foliage across the U.S. in 2025, from Oct. 3 to Nov. 3. The maps show that the Northeast and parts of the Midwest will see peak fall colors in mid-October, while the Pacific Northwest and parts of the South will experience peak colors later in the month.

2025-08-14-foliage

Data: smokymountains.com; Map: Axios Visuals

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