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Kemp weighs special session as ballot law deadline looms

Election officials have a July 1 deadline to stop using QR codes to count ballots.

News

Pressure is building for Gov. Brian Kemp to call a special legislative session to delay a major overhaul of Georgia&#x27;s voting system before the elections.Why it matters: Calling lawmakers back is rare, logistically complex and politically fraught — especially this year, as officials face tight election timelines and an expected debate over voting security.

Edibles.com opens first store near Atlanta Beltline

The store, which is located near the Atlanta Beltline, will feature a variety of CBD and hemp-derived products.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edibles.com" data-vars-click-url="https://edibles.com/" data-vars-content-id="10a3f09a-9f17-4399-b056-a4b3c375ecbd" data-vars-headline="Edibles.com opens first store near Atlanta Beltline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://edibles.com/" target="_blank">Edibles.com</a> has opened its first retail store near the Atlanta Beltline&#x27;s Eastside Trail in Inman Park.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edible Brands" data-vars-click-url="https://ediblebrands.com/" data-vars-content-id="10a3f09a-9f17-4399-b056-a4b3c375ecbd" data-vars-headline="Edibles.com opens first store near Atlanta Beltline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ediblebrands.com/" target="_blank">Edible Brands</a>, the parent company that established Edibles.com last year, said in a news release it&#x27;s ready to expand its operations to include brick-and-mortar stores.

90th Dogwood Festival returns to Piedmont Park with entrance fee

Executive director Brian Hill told Axios the Dogwood Festival is charging a "nominal entrance fee to be able to keep the festival alive."

Things to Do

The popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta Dogwood Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://dogwood.org/" data-vars-content-id="fdef238c-6953-4059-8d40-604e1ed84add" data-vars-headline="90th Dogwood Festival returns to Piedmont Park with entrance fee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dogwood.org/" target="_blank">Atlanta Dogwood Festival</a> returns to Piedmont Park this weekend, and for the first time will charge visitors a small fee to attend.Why it matters: The three-day festival was in &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grave risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/26/dogwood-festival-piedmont-park-shutting-down-fundraising" data-vars-content-id="fdef238c-6953-4059-8d40-604e1ed84add" data-vars-headline="90th Dogwood Festival returns to Piedmont Park with entrance fee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/26/dogwood-festival-piedmont-park-shutting-down-fundraising" target="_self">grave risk</a>&quot; of not returning due to budget constraints fueled by the pandemic, rising costs and falling sponsorships.

Atlanta Beltline celebrates opening of Southside Trail segment

Segments 4 and 5 of the trail are a 1.2-mile path that runs from Boulevard to Glenwood Avenue.

The Atlanta Beltline will celebrate the completion of two segments along its Southside Trail with a ribbon cutting Thursday.The latest: The ribbon cutting will mark the opening of Segments 4 and 5, called the Southeast Trail, a 1.2-mile path that runs from Boulevard to Glenwood Avenue.<ul><li>It completes the segment that runs from the Krog Street Tunnel to Boulevard.</li><li>It also brings the trail network&#x27;s total miles paved to 14.8.</li></ul>

Colorectal cancer's alarming rise in young Georgia adults

Many young adults in Georgia aren't getting screened early enough.

Health

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorectal cancer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/05/early-colorectal-cancer-screening-more-cases" data-vars-content-id="3f2600cc-5d1d-47e8-8cdb-a14b2afd2505" data-vars-headline="Colorectal cancer&#x27;s alarming rise in young Georgia adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/05/early-colorectal-cancer-screening-more-cases" target="_self">Colorectal cancer</a> is now the deadliest cancer for Americans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under 50" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/02/colorectal-cancer-rises-55-and-younger" data-vars-content-id="3f2600cc-5d1d-47e8-8cdb-a14b2afd2505" data-vars-headline="Colorectal cancer&#x27;s alarming rise in young Georgia adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/02/colorectal-cancer-rises-55-and-younger" target="_self">under 50</a>, per new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JAMA research" data-vars-click-url="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2844189" data-vars-content-id="3f2600cc-5d1d-47e8-8cdb-a14b2afd2505" data-vars-headline="Colorectal cancer&#x27;s alarming rise in young Georgia adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2844189" target="_blank">JAMA research</a> — and cases are rising in Georgia.Why it matters: Screening more young adults for colorectal cancer could save lives.

Children's Healthcare CEO to retire after 40 years with hospital

Donna Hyland will step down as CEO and will be succeeded by Patrick Frias.

Outgoing Children&#x27;s Healthcare of Atlanta CEO Donna Hyland said the hospital system&#x27;s future is in good hands as a familiar face takes the helm.The latest: Hyland will wrap up 40 years at Children&#x27;s when she retires and Patrick Frias, president and CEO of Rady Children&#x27;s Health in San Diego, will take up the mantle.<ul><li>Frias previously worked for 18 years as a cardiologist at Children&#x27;s Healthcare.</li></ul>

Measles cases rising in Georgia as vaccination rates drop

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

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.

A choropleth of the United States showing rate of colorectal cancer in people under 50, 2018-2022. In the U.S. overall, the rate is 9.2 cases for every 100k people. Rates are lowest in the west and highest in the Midwest and South. The state with the lowest rate is Nevada, at 7.6 cases per 100k people, and the state with the highest rate is Kentucky, at 11.4 cases per 100k people.

Colorectal cancer cases per 100k residents under 50 years of age

Keep on running, Georgia

Georgia's heart health: Move more, beat slower

A scatterplot showing average resting heart rate and daily exercise minutes, by state, based on a study of 146k Apple Watch users with five or more VO2 max readings between January 2021 and February 2025. States with residents that spend more time exercising tend to have lower average resting heart rates. Mississippi and West Virginia had the highest resting heart rates, and Hawaii the lowest. Mississippi had the fewest exercise minutes and D.C. the most. Georgia had an average of 31.3 minutes of daily exercise and an average resting heart rate of 63.6.

Average resting heart rate and daily exercise minutes, by state

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.

Change in the share of births receiving late or no prenatal care from 2021 to 2024

A map showing the MMR or overall vaccination rates for U.S. kindergarteners by county from either 2023 or 2024. Only 815 counties have reached the herd immunity threshold of at least 95% of their students vaccinated. Vaccination rates were most consistently high in New England states, Arkansas, California and Texas. 

Health 🩺

Colorectal cancer's alarming rise in young Georgia adults

Children's Healthcare CEO to retire after 40 years with hospital

Georgia's heart health: Move more, beat slower

More pregnant Georgians are skipping prenatal care, CDC finds

Measles cases rising in Georgia as vaccination rates drop