Georgia Trend Daily – Feb. 4, 2026
Feb. 4, 2026 Georgia Ports Authority
Georgia Ports initiative helps families repair, buy or build homes
Staff reports that the Georgia Ports Authority’s Workforce Housing Initiative has so far helped 178 families repair, buy or build a home in the Savannah area. “A strong community depends on strong families and stable neighborhoods,” said Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch. “When the people who keep Georgia’s economy moving can afford to put down roots in the communities around us, everyone benefits.”
Feb. 4, 2026 Georgia Trend Exclusive!
Fighting A-Fib
Mary Anne Dunkin reports, on a quiet Friday evening last June, Mary Nash (Mary Nash is not the patient’s real name. It was changed to protect her health privacy.) was sitting on her couch watching TV when her Apple Watch buzzed against her wrist. Expecting an incoming text, she glanced down – but what she saw instead startled her: a notification that the watch had detected an irregular heart rhythm.
Feb. 4, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coca-Cola launches new cherry-flavored soda, brings back another
Amy Wenk reports that Coca-Cola is leaning into a classic fruit flavor that’s long held a sweet spot for the Atlanta brand. The beverage company said Monday it is launching “Coca-Cola Cherry Float,” which is inspired by the soda fountain treat but does not include dairy ingredients.
Feb. 4, 2026 Coastal States Bank
Coastal States Bank Donates $136,000 to Charities in Community Commitment Initiative
Staff reports that Coastal States Bank (“CSB”), a local community bank, donated $136,000 to Georgia and South Carolina-based charities and nonprofits in 2025. The contributions were made through CSB’s Community Commitment, an employee-funded, bank-matched initiative designed to address the diverse needs of the communities the bank serves.
Feb. 4, 2026 Saporta Report
Grady Hospital’s John Haupert accepts Georgian of the Year honor
Maria Saporta reports that Georgia Trend, at its 100 Most Influential luncheon Jan. 29 at the Georgia Aquarium, highlighted John Haupert, president and CEO of Grady Health System, for his contributions in strengthening the leading trauma hospital in the state. The Georgia Trend luncheon is one of the most important gatherings of the year, when top leaders in the state mingle with other key figures in the business and civic communities.
Feb. 4, 2026 Savannah Morning News
The first large-scale American nickel refinery prepares for a $36 million deal in Georgia
Jillian Magtoto reports, it appears KaLeigh Long has found a home for Westwin Elements, a company she founded three years ago to build the first commercial-scale nickel refinery in the United States. And she’s made it clear she wants it in Richmond Hill, close to ports, manufacturers and defense bases.
Feb. 4, 2026 The Brunswick News
Shrimp transparency bill passes Senate hurdle, a step closer to law
Michael Hall reports that restaurants everywhere in Georgia may soon have to tell their patrons if the shrimp they serve is imported if House Bill 117 passes through the Georgia General Assembly and is signed by Gov. Brian Kemp. The bill took a major step toward that end this week when the state Senate passed an amended version of the bill in a 43-8 vote.
Feb. 4, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Georgia librarians could face criminal charges for ‘harmful materials’
Ross Williams reports that librarians and education advocates are warning that a bill moving through the state Legislature could cause Georgia’s librarians to self-censor controversial materials and lead to more challenges on books about LGBTQ people or issues. Senate Bill 74, sponsored by Sylvania Republican Sen. Max Burns, changes an exemption in state law dealing with the distribution of harmful materials to minors.
Feb. 4, 2026 Capitol Beat News
Georgia election review panel recommends gradual shift to hand-marked ballots
Ty Tagami reports, after six lengthy hearings around the state last year, a special legislative committee studying the elections process has recommended incremental changes to Georgia’s voting system. The study committee chaired by Rep. Tim Fleming, R-Covington, who is running for Georgia secretary of state, recommended Monday that the state use hand-marked paper ballots during the general elections in November.
Feb. 4, 2026 GPB
Anti-smoking campaign: Increasing Georgia’s tobacco tax will raise revenue, protect public health
Ellen Eldridge reports, at 37 cents per pack, Georgia has one of the country’s lowest tax rates on tobacco, which costs the economy and the health of residents, anti-smoking advocates said. Increasing the price of a pack of cigarettes is the single most effective way to reduce consumption and raise state revenue, Brian King with Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said.
Feb. 4, 2026 State Affairs
Big fines, prison time for blocking police with car in House Bill
Beau Evans reports, blocking a police officer with a stopped car could become a crime in Georgia under legislation that cleared a first hurdle in the House on Tuesday. House Bill 1076Track, sponsored by Rep. Ginny Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs, would make it a felony to obstruct an officer with a motor vehicle that is either “moving or stationary.” Penalties include one to five years in prison and a maximum $100,000 fine.
Feb. 4, 2026 WABE
Former Georgia energy regulator launches bid to retake seat
Emily Jones reports that former Georgia Public Service Commissioner Fitz Johnson, who lost his election last year, is running to reclaim the position. It’s one of two commission seats on this year’s ballot. Johnson was appointed in 2021 to fill a vacancy on the commission in district three, which covers Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton counties.
Feb. 4, 2026 Macon Telegraph
Geoff Duncan calls for repeal of Georgia abortion ban during Macon stop
Lucinda Warnke reports, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan called for an end to Georgia’s six-week abortion ban, a measure he now regrets supporting, during a campaign stop in Macon Monday. The law, commonly referred to as Georgia’s “heartbeat law,” bans abortion when fetal cardiac activity can be detected, which is typically around six weeks gestation.
Feb. 4, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Republican health care executive becomes surprise late entrant in Georgia’s race for governor
Jill Nolin reports, it turns out the race to be Georgia’s next governor is not so set after all. With the primary less than five months away, another prominent candidate has jumped into the contest for the Republican nomination.
Feb. 4, 2026 Capitol Beat News
Bill capping annual property tax increases advances through Georgia Senate
Mark Niesse reports, Georgia homeowners’ property values couldn’t rise faster than the inflation rate, putting a brake on annual property tax increases, according to a bill that passed the state Senate on Tuesday. Property taxes pay for most local services, including schools.
Feb. 4, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Governor’s race: Duncan, Thurmond are first to reveal latest fundraising totals
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam report, it’s put-up-or-shut-up time for Georgia’s gubernatorial hopefuls. And former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and ex-DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond are the first major contenders to show their cards after Saturday’s fundraising deadline.
