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Collins wins Georgia GOP Senate runoff, advances to Ossoff fight

Collins wins Georgia GOP Senate runoff, will face Ossoff

The result sets up one of the nation's most closely watched Senate races.

Politics

Republican Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Collins " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/27/mike-collins-georgia-senate-race-trump" data-vars-content-id="ca5bcfa3-dd63-4eab-ab4e-c8090386aff1" data-vars-headline="Collins wins Georgia GOP Senate runoff, advances to Ossoff fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/27/mike-collins-georgia-senate-race-trump" target="_self">Mike Collins </a>on Tuesday defeated Derek Dooley and will face off against Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in November.Why it matters: President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="ca5bcfa3-dd63-4eab-ab4e-c8090386aff1" data-vars-headline="Collins wins Georgia GOP Senate runoff, advances to Ossoff fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> endorsed Collins after the May 19 primary. He now faces a well-funded Democratic incumbent who&#x27;s won a statewide campaign in Georgia before.<ul><li>Republicans view the Georgia Democrat&#x27;s seat as key to maintaining control of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/gop-senate-midterms-2026" data-vars-content-id="ca5bcfa3-dd63-4eab-ab4e-c8090386aff1" data-vars-headline="Collins wins Georgia GOP Senate runoff, advances to Ossoff fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/gop-senate-midterms-2026" target="_self">U.S. Senate</a>.</li></ul>

Atlanta's FIFA Fan Festival is open. Here's how to enjoy your experience

The FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta includes places where you can grab food and drinks, listen to live entertainment and partake in activities.

Things to Do

Atlanta&#x27;s official gathering spot for FIFA World Cup 2026 opened Thursday, and thousands of people donning the jerseys of their favorite teams ventured to Centennial Olympic Park to kick off the opening ceremony.Why it matters: Thirty years ago, the city hosted the world at the same location where the 1996 Olympics were held in Atlanta. <ul><li>Now, Atlanta is among 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that are doing that exact same thing, Mayor Andre Dickens said.</li></ul>

Where doulas are covered by Medicaid

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid.

Wellness Brief

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid — a dramatic shift from just a few years ago.By the numbers: 28 states and D.C. are actively reimbursing, according to the National Health Law Program. Before 2020, only Oregon and Minnesota did.

Georgia House shelves redistricting in special session

Lawmakers sidelined new political maps for now, despite pressure to move quickly this summer.

Georgia House Republicans shelved plans to redraw political maps during a special legislative session that began Wednesday.Why it matters: Georgia Republicans worried a redistricting fight over state legislative and congressional seats could energize Democrats and overshadow the campaign season.

The World Cup is here. Here's how to plan your commute around the games

A new commute guide estimates the best and worst times to travel Downtown on match days.

Travel

With about 300,000 people expected to visit Atlanta for the city&#x27;s eight World Cup matches, you&#x27;ll want to avoid the accompanying traffic in and around Downtown over the next month.Why it matters: Dodging Atlanta traffic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is stressful" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="772a249b-26c2-4c01-a7e8-c8fa2813c469" data-vars-headline="The World Cup is here. Here&#x27;s how to plan your commute around the games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" target="_self">is stressful</a> on a normal day, and the World Cup will likely put even more strain on the region&#x27;s congested roads.

Federal investigation puts MARTA under new scrutiny

The FTA wants MARTA crime, fare evasion and safety records after two violent incidents.

Transit

The Trump administration is launching an investigation into MARTA after two violent events on the transit system, including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seemingly unprovoked fatal stabbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/03/marta-safety-world-cup-security-fatal-stabbing-fare-gates-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="10f16ae5-c8cd-4fef-8c06-4e87101bf2fa" data-vars-headline="Federal investigation puts MARTA under new scrutiny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/03/marta-safety-world-cup-security-fatal-stabbing-fare-gates-atlanta" target="_self">seemingly unprovoked fatal stabbing</a> of a 66-year-old train passenger.Why it matters: Concerns about MARTA&#x27;s safety are drawing federal scrutiny and becoming a political flashpoint.<ul><li>Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy&#x27;s probe comes as the transit agency tries to reassure the public that the buses and trains are safe to ride before, during and after the FIFA 2026 World Cup.</li></ul>

Atlanta's first autonomous transit route launches Friday

The new route links West End MARTA to Lee & White as Atlanta tests autonomous transit.

Atlanta&#x27;s first autonomous transit route — and newest robotic designated driver — launches in the West End on Friday.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATL Spoke" data-vars-click-url="https://beltline.org/atl-spoke/" data-vars-content-id="03853d47-592b-485b-b8d2-2cdfa8c44b19" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first autonomous transit route launches Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beltline.org/atl-spoke/" target="_blank">ATL Spoke</a> is a one-year foray into technology that advocates say could solve the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last-mile" data-vars-click-url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_mile_(transportation)" data-vars-content-id="03853d47-592b-485b-b8d2-2cdfa8c44b19" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first autonomous transit route launches Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_mile_(transportation)" target="_blank">last-mile</a>&quot; problem keeping some riders off transit.

MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing

Officials aim to rebuild confidence with more police, cameras and World Cup security plans.

MARTA is aiming to rebuild rider confidence after the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old woman on a train.State of play: Several recent violent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="incidents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/06/02/police-searching-suspect-georgia-state-marta-station-stabbing/" data-vars-content-id="9179efda-05a1-4825-a042-005f6c8d958c" data-vars-headline="MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/06/02/police-searching-suspect-georgia-state-marta-station-stabbing/" target="_blank">incidents</a> have raised concerns about public safety as MARTA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prepares" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/22/stat-du-jour-almost-a-free-ride" data-vars-content-id="9179efda-05a1-4825-a042-005f6c8d958c" data-vars-headline="MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/22/stat-du-jour-almost-a-free-ride" target="_self">prepares</a> to transport hundreds of thousands of World Cup fans during the six-week tournament.

Atlanta Beltline bike and scooter lane proposal alarms rail advocates

Transit supporters say Council member Mary Norwood's idea would kill rail's future along the Beltline.

Atlanta Beltline transit advocates are breathing a sigh of relief after a City Council proposal to build separate bike and scooter lanes — which could threaten future rail plans — was pulled.Why it matters: Rail transit has been central to the Beltline vision for decades. But recent opposition from residents and developers concerned over costs, construction and compatibility has slowed momentum.

I-285 in Atlanta closes this weekend. Here's how to get around it.

Weather permitting, I-285 will be closed between the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (Exit 9) and Cascade Road (Exit 7) interchanges between Friday evening and Monday morning.

The Georgia Department of Transportation will shut down Interstate 285 on Atlanta&#x27;s west side this weekend as part of a project to rebuild that part of the highway.Why it matters: Closing a major interstate in a city that already suffers from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic congestion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="da8f7203-7c4b-4c0b-a38b-f346fb99e647" data-vars-headline="I-285 in Atlanta closes this weekend. Here&#x27;s how to get around it." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" target="_self">traffic congestion</a> will make getting around even harder.

Self-driving pod system planned for Atlanta airport area

Leaders hope small on-demand vehicles can reach jobs and destinations MARTA doesn't currently serve.

The future of moving around outside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport might include your own little <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="autonomous pod" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" data-vars-content-id="4d133399-2a96-478c-b2a0-6aed55718f76" data-vars-headline="Self-driving pod system planned for Atlanta airport area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" target="_self">autonomous pod</a>.Why it matters: The world&#x27;s busiest airport is surrounded by warehouses, cargo businesses, hotels, Delta Air Lines offices and more. It&#x27;s a 24-7 environment.<ul><li>A coalition of local businesses wants to try a cheaper, autonomous option that could connect the area and serve places and people that MARTA can&#x27;t reach.</li></ul>

Test drive: MARTA's new rapid bus line

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

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>

MARTA rolls out leaner, faster Atlanta bus network

Fewer routes come with more frequent service, plus on-demand zones for lower-density areas.

MARTA riders will see a brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new bus route map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2021/11/09/atlanta-marta-new-bus-routes" data-vars-content-id="06f2ef9e-0c29-4783-bfbe-9b58a640c94c" data-vars-headline="MARTA rolls out leaner, faster Atlanta bus network" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2021/11/09/atlanta-marta-new-bus-routes" target="_self">new bus route map</a> tomorrow — a leaner, more efficient one, officials say — as the transit agency rolls out the system&#x27;s first comprehensive redesign since the 1970s.Why it matters: MARTA buses move hundreds of thousands of people every week to the places the heavy rail system can&#x27;t reach.<ul><li>Transit agency officials say the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NextGen bus route redesign" data-vars-click-url="https://itsmarta.com/nextgen2.aspx" data-vars-content-id="06f2ef9e-0c29-4783-bfbe-9b58a640c94c" data-vars-headline="MARTA rolls out leaner, faster Atlanta bus network" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://itsmarta.com/nextgen2.aspx" target="_blank">NextGen bus route redesign</a> will put more people within reach of more hospitals, grocery stores, jobs and schools than before, and faster.</li></ul>

A new model is replacing traditional car buying and leasing in Atlanta

Multi-year car loans assume your life stays the same, but a more flexible model is emerging.

Partners

Buying or leasing a car still runs on a decades-old model — even as everything else about how we live has changed.The background: Work arrangements have grown more flexible and many households relocate more often than they did a generation ago, particularly in fast-growing metros like Atlanta, where tens of thousands of new residents arrive each year.<ul><li>For many drivers, especially those still figuring out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how long they&#x27;ll stay in the area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/19/young-people-in-atlanta-thinking-about-leaving" data-vars-content-id="9368c14e-ba10-4779-a870-c20db1ed2a58" data-vars-headline="A new model is replacing traditional car buying and leasing in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/19/young-people-in-atlanta-thinking-about-leaving" target="_self">how long they&#x27;ll stay in the area</a>, committing to a multi-year car loan or lease no longer fits the way they live.</li><li>And yet, in a city like Atlanta, having access to a car is still essential for getting to work, running errands and navigating the region&#x27;s wide geographic footprint.</li></ul>

Transit 🚗

The World Cup is here. Here's how to plan your commute around the games

Federal investigation puts MARTA under new scrutiny

Atlanta's first autonomous transit route launches Friday

MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing

Atlanta Beltline bike and scooter lane proposal alarms rail advocates