Georgia lawmakers worked into Friday morning to pass a nearly $39 billion budget and a slate of bills before the legislative session ended.

Why it matters: Sine die is lawmakers' final chance to pass priorities — and with 2026 elections looming, the pressure to deliver wins intensified.

Zoom in: Here's what cleared both chambers and heads to Gov. Brian Kemp.

🤑 Budget: The House and Senate agreed to a $38.5 billion spending plan that includes state employee pay raises and literacy coaches for elementary schools, a priority of House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington).

Homelessness: Lawmakers passed a bill that would allow property owners to sue local governments for failing to enforce ordinances related to homelessness, immigration or public safety.

• They also voted to require organizations distributing food in Atlanta to join a state database or risk citations.

🚇 Transit: Lawmakers approved a bill dissolving two state transit agencies and shifting some powers to a new Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority.

• The measure also extends MARTA's 1% sales tax for a decade and further limits the state's role in transit planning.

💵 Taxes: Lawmakers approved a plan to cut Georgia's income tax to 3.99% if fiscal conditions are met. The bill also exempts taxes on tips and overtime up to $1,750.

• State representatives also backed a scaled-down proposal allowing local governments to use a sales tax to offset property taxes.

🎓 Education: The Senate narrowly approved a needs-based scholarship program for low-income students attending postsecondary institutions.

Transparency: Sexual harassment settlements involving members of the Georgia General Assembly could be made public under legislation approved on Sine Die.

🎩 Pennies: The House sent legislation allowing retailers to round cash transactions' totals to the nearest nickel as the U.S. phases out the penny to Kemp.

What's next: Kemp has 40 days to sign, veto or allow the bills to become law.

What we're watching: Kemp's veto statements, as this is his final year at the Capitol.

• Also, whether the governor answers some lawmakers' calls for a special session to postpone the Legislature's self-imposed deadline this July to remove QR codes from ballots.

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🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Spring Break at Six Flags Over Georgia Apr 3-12: Kick off the season with ten days of nonstop fun during Spring Break.

• Enjoy high speed coasters, family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and sunny day adventures perfect for all ages.
• From adrenaline-pumping thrills to playful moments with the whole crew, there's no better place to celebrate your week off.

A new exhibit on display in Atlanta is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Life magazine publishing Gordon Parks' iconic photo essay of Black American life in the Jim Crow South.

Why it matters: The photographs of Black families carrying out their day-to-day activities forced readers to confront the human reality of de jure segregation.

Driving the news: Jackson Fine Art's Gordon Parks: The South in Color exhibit will feature more than 30 photographs from Parks' series and present a new set of photos published by the Gordon Parks Foundation.

Zoom in: The exhibit, curated by artist Dawoud Bey, includes photos from the 1956 Life magazine spread that followed the Thornton family and their extended relatives in and around Mobile, Alabama.

Go: The exhibit will be on display through June 13.

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The Atlanta Falcons yesterday unveiled new uniforms players will wear at the start of the 2026 season.

• Red will be the primary home jersey, and players will don a black helmet, white pants and red socks. The word "Falcons" will appear across the jersey's chest.
• For away games, the Falcons will sport black helmets, white jerseys, white or black pants and white socks. "Atlanta" will be written on the front of the jerseys.

✋ The new secretary of homeland security has paused plans to open Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers nationwide, including in Walton County. (WSB)

🎬 "ATL," the cult classic portraying youth culture, helped launch rapper T.I.'s career and was the precursor to the state becoming a top film industry destination. (AJC)

🎒 Two private schools said they will reach out to parents and children affected by Midtown International School's abrupt closure. (Rough Draft)

🧪 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has halted lab testing for dozens of diseases due to a "routine review" of its standards. (AP)