By Jill Nolin | Editor
“It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” — John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, sharing his vision for Independence Day (which he thought should fall on July 2 when the Continental Congress ended debate and decided to severe ties with the crown).
Happy Fourth to you, however you decide to spend it.
Here’s a look back at the big stories you may have missed this week.
A new Georgia law eases barriers that advocates and physicians said hindered access to medical cannabis and hampered interest for those who may benefit. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
HEALTH
By Alander Rocha
A new state law that took effect Wednesday fundamentally changed Georgia’s medical cannabis program.
The new law, named “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” significantly eases barriers that advocates and physicians said have hindered access to medical cannabis and hampered interest for patients.
Georgia lawmakers first opened the door to medical cannabis in 2015 and created what has been called the state’s low THC oil program ever since. Under the bipartisan measure passed during the 2026 legislative session, Georgia’s program will have a new straightforward name – medical cannabis – and new rules.
Amy M. Jacobs (left), commissioner of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, visited pre-K summer transition program classes in northeast Georgia recently. Photo courtesy of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
EDUCATION
By Jeff Amy
Georgia’s prekindergarten program for 4-year-olds is supposed to provide a free spot to any parent who wants to enroll their child.
But that universal guarantee has been voided by a shortage of classrooms in parts of the state.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Democratic nominee for governor, says she wants to fill that gap if she’s elected.
Blake Osborne, who lives in Cobb County, is among those who have struggled. He was facing paying $1,600 a month for prekindergarten for his 4-year-old daughter until she came off a waiting list at one of the six state-paid programs the family applied to.
“If it’s universal, that means there should be a spot for every kid,” Osborne said.
In January, FBI agents carried out a raid at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center is located in Union City, Georgia. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder
2020 ELECTION
By Maya Homan
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is reassigning hundreds of analysts to assist with an ongoing investigation into Fulton County’s 2020 election records, according to an internal memo first obtained by MS NOW. The case is a “priority effort” for FBI Director Kash Patel.
Roughly 260 intelligence officers will be directed to the case from all FBI field offices, MS Now is reporting. Each analyst will be expected to check a total of 708 records by July 17. The memo authorized weekend and holiday overtime pay, according to MS NOW.
Sen. Jon Ossoff and Congressman Mike Collins, Georgia’s Democratic and Republican candidates for U.S. Senate in 2026. A U.S. Supreme Court decision could cause even more cash to pour into the race. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder and Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder
COURTS
By Ross Williams
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal limits on how much political parties can spend on candidates Tuesday, likely increasing the flow of cash into federal races.
Republicans celebrated the decision as a victory heading into November’s pivotal midterm elections, when Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is attempting to hold onto his seat against Republican Congressman Mike Collins. Ossoff is the only Democrat up for re-election in a state won by Republican President Donald Trump in 2024, which makes him a major target for the GOP.
In a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, the conservative justices found that limits on a national party’s ability to spend on federal candidates violate the First Amendment’s free speech protections.
MORE FROM THE RECORDER
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