Rare Transit Of Mercury Visible On Veterans Day, Weather Permitting

Mercury will visibly move across the sun this upcoming Veterans Day, the last event of its kind until May 7, 2049, making it a last-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some Georgia residents.

Fernbank Science Center astronomer April Whitt says Fernbank will join other centers in the South in attempting to observe Mercury's transit.

"From our vantage point, we can actually see the little black dot, the nighttime side of that planet move across the face of the sun," Whitt said.

Read more from GPB's Sarah Rose here.

The March of Dimes says Georgia ranks 45th nationwide for its high number of perterm births. MARCH OF DIMES

Study: Preterm Births In Georgia Rise For The 3rd Year

A new report shows the number of babies born early in Georgia is rising. The state already ranks near the bottom when it comes to maternal and infant healthcare.

The report from the March of Dimes gives Georgia an “F” with a preterm birth rate of 11.5%, meaning the state is close to having 12% of all babies born early and ranks 45th nationwide. Last year, Georgia’s rate was 11.4%. 

Read more from GPB's Ellen Eldridge here.

Governor Kemp announced the second of two healthcare waiver proposals to increase coverage on Monday. STEPHEN FOWLER / GPB NEWS

How Governor Kemp's Proposed Medicaid Plans Stand To Impact Georgians

Governor Kemp announced the second of two healthcare waiver proposals to increase coverage on Monday. If approved, the waivers will allow the state of Georgia to remain compliant with the Federal Affordable Care Act — making changes to the health insurance market in the state without expanding Medicaid.

To better understand the impacts on the proposed waivers on the health and pocketbooks of Georgians across the state, On Second Thought sat down with Ariel Hart, health reporter for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and Andy Miller, CEO and editor of Georgia Health News.

Listen to their conversation here.

For these stories and more visit GPBNews.org.