Georgia lawmakers wrap up the 2026 legislative session with a late-night push, sending a slate of major bills to Governor Brian Kemp for final approval. From a nearly $39 billion state budget and potential tax cuts to expanded access to birth control and new rules for transparency under the Gold Dome, we break down what passed—and what didn’t, including lingering concerns over future election procedures.

Then, environmental advocates in Georgia sound the alarm over a federal decision to expand oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Critics warn the move could threaten endangered species like the Rice’s whale and weaken protections under the Endangered Species Act.

Plus, voters in northwest Georgia head to the polls in a closely watched congressional race, runners gear up for the iconic Peachtree Road Race, and a new bill aims to bring transparency to the senior living industry—where hidden referral fees can come at a steep cost.

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Georgia communities are in limbo after the Department of Homeland Security pauses plans for new ICE detention centers — including two proposed sites in Social Circle and Oakwood. 

Plus, Georgia Power customers could see the long-term impact of rising coal ash cleanup costs. The price tag has climbed to 8.5 billion dollars — and much of it is already being passed on through monthly bills.

Also, a bill aimed at certifying community health care workers stalled at the Capitol, with advocates promising to try again in 2027 as they push to expand access in underserved areas.

And, two Georgia Supreme Court justices face challengers ahead of the May 19 election, as candidates make their case to voters in one of the state’s most consequential nonpartisan races.

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Georgia’s legislative session comes down to the wire, as lawmakers rush to pass bills on the final day under the Gold Dome. With just hours left, leadership holds the keys to what gets a vote — and priorities like data center tax breaks, election changes, and energy policy could shift quickly. 

Plus, a major development in a high-profile Ponzi scheme case: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announces a $6.7 million agreement to repay some victims of the First Liberty Building & Loan scheme. 

We also hear from families calling for changes to Georgia’s abortion law after tragic losses, as one proposed measure fails to get a vote this session. And, new funding is headed to rural hospitals across the state, with nearly $400,000 awarded for critical upgrades.

In other news: Buc-ee’s is expanding again in Georgia with a new location planned in Forsyth, and The Little Clinic is preparing to close all 18 of its locations statewide.

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Georgia lawmakers are nearing the end of the legislative session with little movement on PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” leaving advocates concerned about continued exposure risks. While no new regulations passed, environmental groups say they’re relieved that proposals limiting corporate liability also failed—for now. 

Meanwhile, a federal court case over the handling of Fulton County’s 2020 election ballots could soon see a decision. Attorneys for the federal government and county officials clashed over whether the original ballots should be returned.

In other news, some TSA workers in Atlanta are finally receiving backpay after weeks of missed paychecks during the recent partial government shutdown. While the payments bring some relief, workers say the financial fallout—from late fees to missed bills—won’t be easily undone.

Drivers across the country are also feeling the strain as gas prices climb past $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, driven by global conflict. Georgia drivers are seeing slightly lower prices thanks to the state’s gas tax suspension.

Georgia’s Secretary of State is relaunching a business training initiative aimed at helping identify and prevent human trafficking, with participating businesses displaying awareness signage.

And in healthcare, a major insurance provider is expanding coverage for doula services—an effort advocates say could improve maternal health outcomes and help sustain Georgia’s growing doula workforce. 

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Georgia lawmakers are racing against the clock as major legislation moves in the final days of the 2026 session. The state Senate is pushing for hand-marked paper ballots by the midterms, while House leaders had planned a slower transition closer to 2028.

A controversial bill to make district attorneys nonpartisan in five metro Atlanta counties is now headed to the governor’s desk. 

Meanwhile, lawmakers are also advancing a proposal that could make it easier for the state to take over financially struggling cities. Activists warn the bill could disproportionately impact diverse and Black-led communities while shifting power away from local governments.

And in Paulding County, the future of the City of Hiram hangs in the balance. A last-minute bill could dissolve the city entirely, transferring its assets and authority to the county—sparking concerns about local control, representation, and racial equity.

With the legislative session ending April 2, advocates say now is the time for Georgians to speak out.

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A closely watched runoff election is now underway in Northwest Georgia, as voters begin early voting to replace former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller are making their case to voters, with early voting running through Thursday ahead of the April 7 election.

Delta Air Lines is pulling back special perks for members of Congress, citing strained resources during the partial government shutdown. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets across metro Atlanta over the weekend as part of nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations, voicing frustration with the Trump administration. 

Environmental groups are running out of time at the state Capitol as they push for legislation to regulate data centers. Advocates argue the massive facilities are driving up costs for Georgia residents while receiving billions in tax incentives, as lawmakers weigh several stalled bills before the session ends.

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Environmental and faith groups are escalating their fight against the Georgia Public Service Commission, filing a new lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court over Georgia Power’s planned expansion. Advocates argue the utility failed to prove the need for thousands of megawatts of new natural gas-powered resources.

Immigration enforcement is also drawing scrutiny, as advocacy groups call on Home Depot to take a stance on ICE activity at its stores, while lawmakers and activists rally in Atlanta demanding the release of Gwinnett County barber Rodney Taylor. Supporters say Taylor, who has been detained for over a year despite serious medical concerns, should be returned to his family and community immediately.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Ports Authority is moving forward with a $55 million land purchase to expand the Port of Savannah, even as global tensions and shifting tariff policies impact shipping activity. And state agencies are investing in cybersecurity, awarding nearly $10 million in grants to local governments and organizations to strengthen digital defenses.

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Two key seats on Georgia’s Public Service Commission are in the spotlight this election cycle. District Five is wide open as Tricia Pridemore steps aside, while District Three could see a rematch as Peter Hubbard awaits a Republican challenger.

It’s also starting to feel like spring across the state, with temperatures climbing into the 80s through the weekend. Warm and clear conditions are expected to continue into early next week.

At the State Capitol, a bill expanding the classroom cell phone ban to high school students is heading to the governor’s desk. 

Another proposal could make Georgia the first state to require daily weapons screening for every public school student. That bill is still moving through the legislature and needs final approval.

In coastal Georgia, there’s a major development in a high-profile abortion-related case. A judge and district attorney say there may not be enough evidence to support a malice murder charge, opening the door for possible dismissal.

And in economic news, a Belgium-based biopharmaceutical company is planning a $2 billion facility in Gwinnett County. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs and generate billions in economic impact.

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A push to end the twice-a-year clock change in Georgia is gaining momentum, while chaos at Atlanta’s airport raises concerns about staffing and security. Meanwhile, a major conservation effort is underway near the Okefenokee, and a long-running legal battle over Cobb County school districts highlights ongoing concerns about representation and equity.

House Bill 154, known as the Georgia Sunshine Protection Act, passed the state Senate with strong support and would keep Georgia on permanent daylight saving time. The bill now heads back to the House after minor changes.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, long security lines earlier this week caused major frustration for travelers, but lines seem to have eased by Tuesday. 

In South Georgia, the state is moving forward with plans to purchase thousands of acres of land near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Georgia plans to convert the property into a public wildlife management area, supported in part by a multi-million dollar state grant.

And in Cobb County, a years-long legal fight over school board district maps has come to an end—but not without raising serious concerns. Advocates say the focus now shifts to voters, urging communities to stay informed and engaged as decisions about education, funding, and representation remain on the line.

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Federal immigration agents are now assisting with security at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as staffing shortages tied to the ongoing government shutdown cause massive delays. City leaders say the agents are there strictly to help with airport operations, not immigration enforcement.

Meanwhile, a youth braiding camp in Fairburn is giving middle and high school girls a space to learn hair styling while celebrating the history and cultural significance of Black hair. Organizers say the program is about more than technique — it’s about confidence and self-expression.

The mystery surrounding missing Fulton County election record boxes has also been cleared up. Officials say they intentionally took fewer boxes than originally expected during a January raid, focusing only on materials tied to the November 2020 election.

A new festival is also underway to highlight the student loan debt crisis impacting HBCU students. Events throughout the week aim to raise awareness and connect students with resources.

And Grady Health System is planning a major expansion in South Fulton County, including a new hospital campus expected to cost more than $1 billion. The project comes alongside a leadership transition, with the system’s current CEO set to retire and a new leader stepping in by 2027.

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