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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Gov. Brian Kemp signs a 60-day gas tax suspension and approves a one-time income tax rebate as Georgians face rising costs. Meanwhile, state lawmakers delay a switch to hand-marked ballots, keeping touchscreen voting in place for now.

In Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens highlights falling crime, rising graduation rates, and new affordable housing while calling for continued investment in underserved neighborhoods. Plus, turkey season opens across Georgia, and what hunters need to know before heading out.

Also, civil rights groups host a Cobb County panel on a racial gerrymandering case, aiming to inform voters about what’s at stake in local elections.

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Georgia business leaders highlight the state’s economic momentum at the first-ever State of Economic Development event, with officials pointing to job growth, tax cuts, and rural investment as keys to continued success.

Meanwhile, a South Georgia woman faces an attempted murder charge under the state’s abortion law after a premature birth, raising legal and ethical questions as details remain unclear.

Plus, the University of Georgia’s new medical school draws overwhelming interest, lawmakers advance a plan aimed at preventing homelessness, and a proposed federal Farm Bill could override Georgia’s recent pesticide restrictions—sparking concerns about public health and environmental protections.

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A major health tech company is expanding in Georgia, bringing hundreds of jobs to Cobb County. Gov. Brian Kemp announced Glytec will relocate its global headquarters near Cumberland, adding 500 positions as the company continues to grow its diabetes management platform.

Meanwhile, a partial government shutdown is causing disruptions at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where TSA staffing shortages have led to the closure of a security checkpoint. City leaders are stepping in to help ease the strain.

Public health officials are also raising concerns as flu deaths in Georgia reach their highest levels in five years, with 243 lives lost since October. Experts say it’s not too late to get vaccinated as the virus continues circulating into the spring.

At the State Capitol, lawmakers are racing to pass legislation before the session ends. A bill that would legalize gun silencers in Georgia is advancing, while advocacy groups are pushing back on several controversial proposals they describe as “messaging bills.” Critics argue measures involving student groups, DNA collection for detained individuals, and protest restrictions could raise constitutional concerns as debate continues under the Gold Dome.

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