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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.

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.

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.

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.

Measles cases rising in Georgia as vaccination rates drop

Most North Georgia counties now fall below herd immunity threshold, leaving kids at higher risk.

Health

Cases of measles are surging in Georgia, leaving local communities vulnerable to a virus that was uncommon until recent years and which public health officials say is preventable.Why it matters: Most North Georgia counties don&#x27;t meet the herd immunity threshold for measles, with vaccination rates for kindergarteners well below the 95% mark, per new data collected and analyzed by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2025/measles-vaccine-schools-outbreaks-public-health/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzY3MTU3MjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzY4NTM5NTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NjcxNTcyMDAsImp0aSI6ImE3ZDE5NjMzLWU1NGMtNDVjMy04NzllLTQ1ZmM5NTg4MDhlOSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9oZWFsdGgvaW50ZXJhY3RpdmUvMjAyNS9tZWFzbGVzLXZhY2NpbmUtc2Nob29scy1vdXRicmVha3MtcHVibGljLWhlYWx0aC8ifQ.YVNK2Csiqf58uH7d_RB2KlDmCOBAaL3I3qEg90ApgeA&amp;itid=gfta" data-vars-content-id="b077b2a6-d5e4-4575-a944-20e1227297b5" data-vars-headline="Measles cases rising in Georgia as vaccination rates drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2025/measles-vaccine-schools-outbreaks-public-health/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzY3MTU3MjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzY4NTM5NTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NjcxNTcyMDAsImp0aSI6ImE3ZDE5NjMzLWU1NGMtNDVjMy04NzllLTQ1ZmM5NTg4MDhlOSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9oZWFsdGgvaW50ZXJhY3RpdmUvMjAyNS9tZWFzbGVzLXZhY2NpbmUtc2Nob29scy1vdXRicmVha3MtcHVibGljLWhlYWx0aC8ifQ.YVNK2Csiqf58uH7d_RB2KlDmCOBAaL3I3qEg90ApgeA&amp;itid=gfta" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>.

Georgia flu cases spike as "super flu" wave spreads

Georgia has recorded nearly 30 flu deaths as hospitalizations spike and cases remain high.

Georgia is one of roughly 20 states seeing a massive surge in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flu cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/16/flu-cases-rising-in-dallas-fort-worth" data-vars-content-id="97da7296-d9db-4b6b-bb9f-318fc8ffa60f" data-vars-headline="Georgia flu cases spike as &quot;super flu&quot; wave spreads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/16/flu-cases-rising-in-dallas-fort-worth" target="_self">flu cases</a> this winter, many of them attributed to the so-called &quot;super flu.&quot;Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="97da7296-d9db-4b6b-bb9f-318fc8ffa60f" data-vars-headline="Georgia flu cases spike as &quot;super flu&quot; wave spreads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="97da7296-d9db-4b6b-bb9f-318fc8ffa60f" data-vars-headline="Georgia flu cases spike as &quot;super flu&quot; wave spreads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="97da7296-d9db-4b6b-bb9f-318fc8ffa60f" data-vars-headline="Georgia flu cases spike as &quot;super flu&quot; wave spreads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a> — are slamming the U.S. this winter.

Pilates is Atlanta's top fitness routine

Across the country, Pilates was also the top format — just like last year and the year prior — increasing 66% year over year.

If your New Year resolutions include getting more active, you may want to consider a workout that&#x27;s taken Atlanta by storm.Driving the news: The top fitness routine in metro Atlanta is Pilates, according to data ClassPass shared with Axios.

Georgia once again receives an F in preterm birth report

Georgia's preterm birth rate in 2024 was 11.8%, according to the March of Dimes annual report card.

Georgia&#x27;s preterm birth rate did not change from 2023 to 2024, according to an annual report from March of Dimes — but that&#x27;s not exactly good news.Why it matters: The report underscores persistent gaps in equity, access and maternal care. It should be a &quot;wake-up call&quot; that change is needed in the U.S., said Michael Warren, the chief medical and health officer of March of Dimes, a nonprofit focused on ending preventable preterm birth and infant death.

Ditching the clipboard: Wellstar patients can check in digitally

The system, which is voluntary, will be added across the Wellstar Health System.

A Georgia health care system is installing Clear&#x27;s digital platform to modernize check-ins at offices across the state.Why it matters: The typical check-in process — filling out forms, verifying personal info — before you see your doctor can be tedious.Driving the news: Wellstar Health System is implementing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clear1" data-vars-click-url="https://identity.clearme.com/post/introducing-clear1-the-future-of-identity-assurance" data-vars-content-id="5e0a0f15-b9aa-4b6a-a705-aa18b1a58753" data-vars-headline="Ditching the clipboard: Wellstar patients can check in digitally" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://identity.clearme.com/post/introducing-clear1-the-future-of-identity-assurance" target="_blank">Clear1</a> system patients can use to check in when they arrive at their doctor&#x27;s office.

Time change: We "fall back," but that doesn't mean more sleep

Shifting back to standard time can be disruptive, but there are ways to ease the transition.

Clocks &quot;fall back&quot; at 2am Sunday — but sleep experts say that doesn&#x27;t mean you&#x27;ll feel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more rested" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/18/sleep-tips-expert-hours" data-vars-content-id="4b7dbed8-10db-419a-9787-4b48e31513da" data-vars-headline="Time change: We &quot;fall back,&quot; but that doesn&#x27;t mean more sleep" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/18/sleep-tips-expert-hours" target="_self">more rested</a>.Why it matters: The shift from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="daylight saving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/07/daylight-saving-time-when-lose-hour-health" data-vars-content-id="4b7dbed8-10db-419a-9787-4b48e31513da" data-vars-headline="Time change: We &quot;fall back,&quot; but that doesn&#x27;t mean more sleep" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/07/daylight-saving-time-when-lose-hour-health" target="_self">daylight saving</a> to standard time can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to poorer sleep, even if you gain an hour.

Opioid use disorder cases jumped post-pandemic in Georgia

Diagnoses across the country jumped nearly 40% between 2021 and 2024.

Diagnoses of opioid use disorder among the commercially insured jumped nearly 40% nationwide between 2021 and 2024, according to data from FAIR Health&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opioid Tracker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fairhealth.org/fh-trackers/opioid-abuse-map" data-vars-content-id="ed75ca26-e6f7-4ab6-87ff-d7af0e5257d3" data-vars-headline="Opioid use disorder cases jumped post-pandemic in Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fairhealth.org/fh-trackers/opioid-abuse-map" target="_blank">Opioid Tracker</a> shared first with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/opioid-use-disorder-cases-jump" data-vars-content-id="ed75ca26-e6f7-4ab6-87ff-d7af0e5257d3" data-vars-headline="Opioid use disorder cases jumped post-pandemic in Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/opioid-use-disorder-cases-jump" target="_self">Axios</a>.Why it matters: The finding suggests the opioid crisis cuts across demographics and income levels, putting health systems and insurers under mounting pressure to manage addiction treatment.

Medicaid cuts worry those with disabilities

Funding for a specific waiver that benefits those with autism and other disabilities could be in jeopardy, advocates say.

Carol Veschi, who relies on Medicaid to help care for her 18-year-old son with autism, is worried about how changes to the government program could affect her son.Why it matters: There are a lot of unknowns about how the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/08/medicaid-cuts-states" data-vars-content-id="e3347b98-17ed-4780-9c12-92705d8a0e02" data-vars-headline="Medicaid cuts worry those with disabilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/08/medicaid-cuts-states" target="_self">cuts</a> could affect people with disabilities enrolled in Medicaid.

Gwinnett faces debate over funding faith-based pregnancy center

Critics say faith-based Georgia Wellness Group should not receive $450,000 in federal cash.

Reproductive rights advocates do not want Gwinnett County commissioners to allocate nearly half a million dollars in public funding to a faith-based nonprofit that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="steers pregnant people from abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/05/21/abortion-support-billboard-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="c2bba9ae-9c3e-4118-8f28-bd4d44a11ffd" data-vars-headline="Gwinnett faces debate over funding faith-based pregnancy center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/05/21/abortion-support-billboard-atlanta" target="_self">steers pregnant people from abortion</a>.Driving the news: Gwinnett will have a public hearing Wednesday on a proposed federal funding package for area nonprofits, including the Georgia Wellness Group.

Metro Atlanta outpaces U.S. average for gyms

The region boasts 16.5 gyms per 100,000 people, beating the national average and boosting healthy living.

If you don&#x27;t have a place to work out in metro Atlanta you might not be looking hard enough.Why it matters: Gyms offer city dwellers a way to get and stay healthy, and can serve as excellent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;third places&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/09/dowd-ymca-history-dilworth-uptown" data-vars-content-id="3c3cf595-87d4-400f-84d5-efa8bed16d67" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta outpaces U.S. average for gyms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/09/dowd-ymca-history-dilworth-uptown" target="_self">&quot;third places&quot;</a> — a spot to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hang out and connect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/03/04/chicago-workout-friends-groups-classes-gyms" data-vars-content-id="3c3cf595-87d4-400f-84d5-efa8bed16d67" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta outpaces U.S. average for gyms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/03/04/chicago-workout-friends-groups-classes-gyms" target="_self">hang out and connect</a> outside home or work.

More pregnant Georgians are skipping prenatal care, CDC finds

A cartogram of the United States showing the change in the share of births receiving late or no prenatal care from 2021 to 2024. Late care is defined as care beginning in the third trimester. Overall, the share increased 1.0 percentage points. Increases were seen in 40 states and in D.C. Georgia had the largest increase at +3.5pp, and Arkansas had the largest decrease at -1.7pp.

Health 🩺

More pregnant Georgians are skipping prenatal care, CDC finds

Measles cases rising in Georgia as vaccination rates drop

Georgia flu cases spike as "super flu" wave spreads

Pilates is Atlanta's top fitness routine

Georgia once again receives an F in preterm birth report