Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 6, 2026
Jan. 6, 2026 GPB
Logistics, timber and manufacturing head up a big year for job loss in Georgia
Grant Blankenship reports, layoffs hit a record in Georgia in 2025, even in sectors traditionally considered the economic bedrock of the state, including the icon of Georgia’s global business impact, Coca-Cola. The 4,100 jobs shed by telecommunications company US Cellular made the biggest dent, but the timber and paper industries saw big changes in 2025, too.
T. Rogers Wade. Photo credit: Contributed
Jan. 6, 2026 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Ups, Downs and In-betweens
Kenna Simmons reports, even though Democrats had notable success in November – flipping two seats on the Public Service Commission and the mayor’s office in Roswell – party leaders were pleasantly surprised and Republicans shocked in December by Eric Gisler’s upset win in a state House district that’s usually quite red. Gisler beat Republican Mack “Dutch” Guest 50.86% to 49.14% in the low-turnout special election in HD-121, which includes parts of Oconee County and Athens, in Clarke County.
Jan. 6, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This Georgia CEO is no quack. Aflac boss is longest-serving in Fortune 250.
Zachary Hansen reports that Dan Amos often says a good CEO is like a well-trained dog. “They go wherever the handlers tell them to go, and every once in a while, they’ll turn around and bark or bite,” he said.
Jan. 6, 2026 Marietta Daily Journal
Housing up 75%, incomes up 46%: The math behind Cobb’s affordability crisis
Hunter Riggall reports, approaching retirement, Sandra Lloyd wanted to become a homeowner again. But she didn’t think it was in the cards. “I think for the majority of working people who want to own a home, it is very, very difficult to cover your day-to-day expenses, and then save enough for a down payment,” she said.
Jan. 6, 2025 The Brunswick News
GAGE workforce app launching from SSI to the world
Michael Hall reports, the Golden Isles’ first tech startup, GAGE, says its relaunched and reimagined workforce development app has transformed using feedback from local companies and is ready to change how hourly employees build their resumes and interact with their employers. “This community taught us what GAGE needed to be,” said Justin Henshaw, Gage’s founder and CEO.
Jan. 6, 2026 Capitol Beat News
Study details economic benefits of data centers, factoring for lost taxes
Ty Tagami reports that data centers promise to enrich Georgia even as the state is giving them nearly half a billion dollars a year in tax breaks, according to a recent state analysis. The analysis for the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts said the state effectively gave away $474 million in the fiscal year that ended in July by exempting data centers from some taxes.
Jan. 6, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Data center ‘gold rush’ pits local officials’ hunt for new revenue against residents’ concerns
Alander Rocha reports, Twiggs County commissioners recently approved a massive data center project, sparking a legal battle and deepening distrust between citizens and their elected officials in the rural middle Georgia community. The decision was made despite vocal opposition aired at a contentious public hearing and accusations that the process was improperly rushed to bypass a state review that was at the time paused.
Jan. 6, 2026 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
This Georgia mayor pushes hard for data centers in small town Grantville. Here’s why
Kala Hunter reports, an effort to add data centers to the zoning code of a small Georgia town has prompted another community to raise major concern about whether they want to be subjected to these major facilities. During a mid-December city council meeting, the city of Grantville proposed updating its zoning language to add “data center” within certain types of zones under a “special use permit.”
Jan. 6, 2026 Savannah Morning News
New Georgia laws taking effect in 2026, see what residents should know
Vanessa Countryman reports that nearly 20 new Georgia laws are now in effect or scheduled to take effect as the New Year begins. Passed during the 2025 legislative session, the measures impact courts, consumers, insurance, health care, elections, vehicles and professional licensing.
Jan. 6, 2026 Augusta Chronicle
‘Necessary decision’: Augusta lawmaker resigns General Assembly seat
Joe Hotchkiss reports that one of Augusta’s state legislators is stepping down, citing Hurricane Helene’s lingering damage to her home. State Rep. Lynn Heffner announced Monday that her resignation from the Georgia House of Representatives is effective immediately.
Jan. 6, 2026 WABE
Second Georgia Dem state lawmaker indicted for alleged COVID-19 unemployment fraud
Melissa Feito reports, former Democratic Georgia state Rep. Karen Bennett of Stone Mountain has been indicted for alleged pandemic-era unemployment fraud not long after she resigned from her seat, making her the second Democrat from the Georgia State House to be indicted on such charges. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Theodore Hertzberg says Bennett collected almost $14,000 to which she wasn’t entitled.
Jan. 6, 2026 State Affairs
Pedestrian ‘hot spots’ map shows most deadly roads in Georgia
Beau Evans reports on Georgia’s pedestrian crisis including the 113 “focus corridors” outlined in the state’s 2018 safety plan, which were highlighted for having at least three serious injuries or fatalities between 2011 and 2015. They represent some of the most dangerous areas for people walking on sidewalks or trying to cross the street.
Jan. 6, 2026 Georgia.gov
Gov. Kemp Names Floor Leaders for 2026 Legislative Session
Staff reports that Gov. Kemp on Monday announced his administration’s floor leaders for the 2026 legislative session. “Over the last seven years, this administration has worked with the General Assembly to pass historic policies and investments that put Georgians first,” he said.
Jan. 6, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
House Democrats’ hearing on Jan. 6 anniversary will feature Geoff Duncan
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam report, on the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Democrats are pushing back against what they call Republican efforts to rewrite the history of the riot. Former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, now a Democratic contender for governor, will be a key witness at a U.S. House hearing that Democrats say will counter the president’s attempts to sanitize the mob.
