Georgia ranked among the nation’s top exporting states in 2025. Gov. Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Economic Development say the state placed seventh in total trade value and ninth in exports, surpassing $60 billion in exported goods with a 12.7% year-over-year increase, more than double the national average. Civilian aircraft parts led the state’s export categories.

A federal judge has dismissed the $1 billion lawsuit filed by the parents of Kendrick Johnson, the Georgia teen found dead inside a rolled wrestling mat at Lowndes High School in 2013. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation also released its 2026 “Places in Peril” list, with the Boggs Rural Life Center, a historic African American boarding school founded in 1906, topping the list after years of neglect and damage from Hurricane Helene.

Meanwhile, the latest federal jobs report shows the U.S. economy lost about 92,000 jobs in January, with Georgia companies cutting more than 1,700 jobs among firms with at least 100 employees — the worst January for large layoffs in a decade. Rising fuel costs may add pressure as oil prices climb past $100 per barrel, pushing the national average for gas to about $3.45 a gallon.

Georgia lawmakers are also pressing immigration officials to release Rodney Taylor, a Gwinnett County barber detained for more than a year at Stewart Detention Center despite serious medical concerns.

Internationally, Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly taken power in Iran following the death of his father, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Donald Trump has criticized the development while the conflict with Iran continues to escalate.

And with qualifying now closed, the ballots are set for Georgia’s midterm primaries. In the race for U.S. House District 1, eight Democrats and six Republicans are competing for the open seat once held by Buddy Carter.

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It’s Crossover Day at the Georgia Capitol, and lawmakers are racing to pass bills before the legislative deadline. Several proposals focus on regulating artificial intelligence and social media. One measure, Senate Bill 398, would make “virtual peeping” — using AI to create or view explicit images without consent — a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Other bills moving this week aim to strengthen online protections for children and hold people accountable for distributing explicit images.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has reassigned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as special envoy for the new “Shield of the Americas” security initiative and nominated Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead the department beginning March 31.

At the Capitol, Georgia Democrats are proposing a major change to the state’s tax system. House Resolution 1504 would replace Georgia’s flat income tax with a progressive system that taxes higher earners at higher rates, though the proposal faces long odds in the Republican-led legislature.

Lawmakers have also unanimously passed Senate Bill 406 to curb abuses by homeowners associations, raising the foreclosure threshold for unpaid dues and placing HOAs under oversight from the Secretary of State’s office.

And Wellroot Family Services is expanding behavioral health care programs across Georgia, adding housing and support services for foster youth transitioning into adulthood.

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Georgia’s amended 2026 budget is now law. Gov. Brian Kemp signed the plan this week, highlighting nearly $2 billion in tax refunds, additional income and property tax relief, and pay support for teachers and law enforcement. The budget also includes $1.7 billion to expand I-75 express lanes in Henry County and funding to help build a new mental health hospital. Lawmakers say the spending package also backs Georgia’s first needs-based scholarship program.

At the Capitol, Democratic State Sen. Sonia Halpern is warning about a proposal that would allow property taxes on Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, arguing it could put Georgia at a competitive disadvantage compared with other states.

In Cobb County, the city of Mableton has passed a local version of the CROWN Act, banning discrimination against natural hairstyles such as braids, twists and afros in schools and workplaces.

Security has also increased at Fort Gordon in Augusta as tensions rise overseas, with the base raising its force protection level and warning drivers to expect longer wait times at entry gates.

And in Washington, President Donald Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following congressional scrutiny over a $220 million immigration ad campaign. Trump says Noem will instead serve as special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas,” a new Latin American security coalition, while Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin has been nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

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Qualifying for Georgia’s 2026 election cycle is underway, with several major candidates filing paperwork this week. Democratic U.S. Sen. John Ossoff officially qualified for reelection, while Republican U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter also entered the Senate race. Ossoff used the moment to criticize President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran, calling the upcoming midterms a crucial test of checks and balances. In the governor’s race, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and former state Sen. Jason Estevez qualified on the Democratic ticket, while Attorney General Chris Carr filed to run as a Republican. Candidates have until Friday to qualify.

Meanwhile, members of Atlanta’s Iranian community say internet disruptions are making it difficult to reach family amid unrest in Iran. One resident described the moment as both hopeful and frightening as many in the diaspora watch events unfold overseas.

And Georgia lawmakers are pressing federal immigration officials to release Rodney Taylor, a Gwinnett County barber detained for more than a year at Stewart Detention Center despite serious medical concerns. Taylor, who was brought to the United States from Liberia as a child and has never left the country, lost both legs due to medical complications. Lawmakers say conditions at the facility have worsened his health and are demanding federal officials act.

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Two Georgia Supreme Court justices could soon face challengers. Former state Sen. Jen Jordan has launched a campaign against Presiding Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren, focusing on protecting voting rights and privacy. Warren was appointed by former Gov. Nathan Deal in 2018 and won a full term in 2020.

Farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for relief starting March 16 through Georgia’s $531 million block grant program, covering losses not addressed by federal aid.

At the Capitol, the Georgia Senate failed to vote on a bill meant to shield consumers from costs tied to data center energy infrastructure after key residential protections were removed.

In Gwinnett County, former physician Dr. Candace Richardson is using holistic wellness and a “Sneaker Spirit Squad” attendance program to support students at an alternative school.

A proposed Georgia Senate bill would give the attorney general exclusive authority to file PFAS pollution lawsuits, potentially blocking local governments from pursuing their own cases.

Internationally, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi says the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could open a path for change, though he says he is not seeking office.

And U.S. Sen. John Ossoff, launching his reelection campaign, criticized President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran and says he will support a War Powers Resolution requiring congressional approval for further strikes.

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Over the weekend, U.S. and Israeli forces launched major strikes on Iran, targeting Revolutionary Guard sites, missile facilities and air defenses. Iranian state media reports Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, though independent confirmation remains limited. President Donald Trump called the operation historic and urged Iranians to “take over” their government. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones across the region, reportedly striking U.S. military sites, including damage near the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait. As Congress prepares possible votes on war powers resolutions, protests have erupted in Georgia, including in Augusta, where demonstrators say lawmakers — not the president alone — should authorize military action.

At the Capitol, Georgia Democrats have introduced legislation to protect public school students from punishment for participating in protests. Senate Bill 479 and House Bill 1239 would allow excused absences for civic engagement, following reports that some students were disciplined for protesting federal immigration enforcement.

In Stone Mountain, one mother says Georgia’s housing crisis has forced her family to move more than two dozen times, highlighting the strain of rising rents. Meanwhile, Fulton County hosted its 19th annual Black History Film Festival, awarding scholarships and spotlighting Black storytelling as both culture and economic driver.

And in energy news, the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $26.5 billion in loans to Georgia Power and Alabama Power — subsidiaries of Atlanta-based Southern Company — to modernize the grid amid growing demand from data centers. Georgia Power is set to receive $22.5 billion, with officials claiming long-term customer savings.

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After a 10,000-gallon jet fuel spill at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport contaminated the Flint River, the city of Griffin is investing $100,000 in upgraded water contamination detection equipment. Griffin temporarily shut off its water intake and later flushed millions of gallons from its system after residents reported foul odors traced to a de-icing agent reacting with chlorine. Though tests showed no toxins, city leaders say stronger monitoring is needed.

Meanwhile, grocery prices have risen 30% since 2020, according to the Urban Institute, prompting some advocates to call for a temporary price freeze on staple foods. At the federal level, key Education Department responsibilities are being shifted to other agencies, including moving school safety grants to Health and Human Services.

At the Capitol, leaders honored the Original 33 — the first Black legislators elected to Georgia’s General Assembly in 1868 — following passage of a law requiring a monument in their honor. Lawmakers are also working to improve maternal health outcomes through a new Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank aimed at reducing systemic barriers to care.

And State Rep. Gabriel Sanchez is advancing housing legislation to ban hidden rental fees, curb AI-driven rent hikes and increase transparency around corporate ownership of single-family homes, saying systemic changes are needed as families struggle with affordability.

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State Rep. Lynn Smith of Newnan is retiring after a 30-year career under the Gold Dome. First elected in 1996, Smith represents House District 70 and chairs the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee. She helped shape Georgia’s regional water planning framework and championed the statewide Water Management Planning Act. Smith will complete her term through November’s elections.

In Columbia County, a resident has filed two lawsuits challenging approval of major data center rezonings at White Oak Business Park and Pumpkin Center, alleging incomplete water, sewer and traffic analyses. Meanwhile, the Georgia House passed House Bill 1023 requiring weapon detection systems at main public school entrances, with grants available and $50,000 per school proposed in the 2027 budget.

President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history, touting economic gains and immigration crackdowns. He claimed 2.4 million Americans were lifted off SNAP, though reports say that figure reflects projected benefit losses under new work requirements. Democrats disputed his broader economic claims.

House Republicans also advanced the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, which would place a literacy coach in every K-3 public school and provide added resources to teachers and families, though funding details remain under review.

And in Richmond Hill, environmental concerns continue over a proposed Westwind Elements nickel refinery. While local officials declined to offer incentives, the company can still proceed. Residents worry about toxic chemicals, environmental risks and the site’s proximity to neighborhoods and schools.

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A new bill at the Capitol could make it easier for Georgians to use solar power. House Bill 1304, the Georgia Residential Solar Access Act, would expand access to portable residential solar devices up to 1,200 watts and prevent utilities from requiring prior approval, special meters or extra fees. Supporters say it would lower barriers to clean energy and help families save money.

In the governor’s race, a federal judge has temporarily blocked Lt. Gov. Burt Jones from raising unlimited funds through his leadership committee, siding with rival Rick Jackson and reshaping the Republican primary. Meanwhile, another GOP lawmaker has introduced a bill that would bar candidates with certain state contracts from running for office — a move critics say targets Jackson.

Wildfires in southeast Georgia forced evacuations in Charlton County over the weekend before orders were lifted. Crews reported the 550-acre blaze was about 70% contained Sunday night, with roughly 75 homes and 150 outbuildings near the fire footprint. Officials believe a downed power line sparked the flames.

New research from the University of Georgia links adverse childhood experiences to a higher risk of obesity, with experts urging pediatricians to screen children during annual checkups. Georgia businesses are also reacting to shifting federal tariff policies, with some reporting gains and others welcoming court rulings that struck down portions of President Donald Trump’s plan. And as Atlanta prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Airbnb is offering a $750 incentive to attract new hosts and meet rising demand.

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Georgia has confirmed its second measles case of 2026. State health officials say an unvaccinated Bryan County resident who recently traveled out of state tested positive. Bryan County is part of the Coastal Health District, which also reported Georgia’s first measles case this year. In 2025, the state recorded 10 cases, including at least one in Fulton County. Health leaders are urging vaccination as the best protection and are working to notify anyone who may have been exposed.

In Atlanta, the Black Health Matters Winter Summit brought free screenings, fitness sessions and medical resources to Friendship Baptist Church, with more than two dozen partners offering services from mammograms to blood pressure checks to help close persistent health gaps. Meanwhile, the Georgia Senate has set aside $409 million in its amended budget to build a 300-bed state mental health hospital — the first since the 1960s — with a proposed location near Atlanta or Augusta. Lawmakers say local jails have become de facto mental health facilities and the investment is needed to ease the strain.

In Athens, faith leaders held a candlelight vigil outside the federal courthouse to honor people held in ICE detention, reading names of those who died in custody and calling for compassion toward immigrants. And at the Capitol, State Rep. Eric Bell is advancing the Pollution Prevention and Producer Responsibility Act of 2026, which would require producers to reduce packaging and beverage container waste, establish producer responsibility organizations and create a state advisory board to guide implementation. Supporters say similar models in other states and countries have reduced waste and strengthened sustainability.

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