Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 9, 2026
Jan. 9, 2026 The Brunswick News
Slower economic growth predicted for 2026
Gordon Jackson reports that Georgia’s economy will grow at a slower rate in 2026 with an elevated risk of a recession. That was one of the predictions made Thursday during the Georgia Economic Outlook presentation hosted by the University of Georgia Selig Center for Economic Growth.
Jan. 9, 2026 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
New Life for Historic Schoolhouse
Kathleen Conway reports, history buffs have another place to add to their bucket list, after Georgia recently added the Cross Roads School in Brooks County to the National Register of Historic Places. Preservationists say the goal is to transform it into a community center.
Jan. 9, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia, U.S. builders bullish on data centers. But economic fears grow.
Zachary Hansen reports, Georgia’s construction industry expects data centers to remain big business in 2026, but they’re less confident it’ll be a banner year to build just about anything else. Construction companies here and across the U.S. reported “dampened” optimism for the new year as they grapple with the impacts of tariffs, costs of building materials, the effects of stepped-up immigration enforcement on labor and broad economic concerns, according to an industry survey released Thursday.
Jan. 9, 2026 Coastal States Bank
Coastal States Bank Celebrates Initial Public Offering and NYSE Listing of its Holding Company with Opening Bell Ceremony
Staff reports that Coastal States Bank (“CSB”) marked a significant milestone, ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in celebration of the initial public offering (IPO) and official listing of its holding company, CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: COSO). The opening bell was rung by the company’s Chairman, Jim MacLeod and President and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen R. Stone, who were joined on the podium by members of the bank’s board of directors and senior leadership team.
Jan. 9, 2026 GPB
USDA sets ‘bridge payment’ amounts as farmers wait for long-term solutions
Orlando Montoya and Sofi Gratas report that federal agriculture officials have announced how much farmers will get in one-time economic aid for financial losses in the 2025 crop year. Ben Boyd, who grows peanuts and cotton, among other crops, in eastern Georgia’s Screven County, said he’s grateful for the support but it’s only “a Band-Aid.”
Jan. 9, 2026 WABE
Atlanta’s hospitality industry is gearing up for the World Cup
Marlon Hyde reports that Atlanta’s hospitality community is expected to welcome more than 200,000 fans and spectators for the FIFA World Cup this year. Atlanta is one of the host cities for the World Cup, which starts in June, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight matches, including one semifinal.
Jan. 9, 2026 WSB Radio
Economics expert predicts record-breaking spending for Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta
Staff reports that a hospitality economics expert predicts record-breaking spending for the upcoming Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Friday. Passionate football fans will be spending money on flights, hotels, food, fun and football on Jan. 9 at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Jan. 9, 2026 Macon Telegraph
3 Macon leaders named among Georgia’s most influential people. See who
Myracle Lewis reports that three Macon leaders have been named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s annual list of the “100 Most Influential Georgians,” which recognizes people across various fields whose leadership has benefited companies statewide and strengthened their communities Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller, Georgia Agribusiness Council President Will Bentley, and Tim Lowrimore, the Georgia Forestry Association and Georgia Forestry Foundation president and CEO, were featured on the magazine’s 2026 list for their positive impact.
Jan. 9, 2026 Savannah Morning News
After four years, first arguments heard in Tybee STVR case
Destini Ambus reports that four years after lawsuits were first filed by Tybee Alliance, residents, property owners and city leadership gathered in Courtroom 4B of the Eugene H. Gadsden Courthouse to hear verbal arguments on the constitutionality of Tybee Island’s short-term vacation rental ordinance. Tybee Alliance, a group of property management companies and STVR owners, filed a motion for summary judgment in August 2025, seeking a decision on the claim that Tybee’s STVR ordinance is unenforceable because it violates state codes limiting municipal powers on the regulation of residential rental properties.
Jan. 9, 2026 Athens Banner-Herald
Athens delegation of state lawmakers talk taxes, election year politics
Wayne Ford reports that the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly gathered on Tuesday as guests of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, which hosted a legislative preview for a new session that starts this month. Approximately 150 people gathered for breakfast at Epting Events on Barber Street, where state Sens. Frank Ginn and Bill Cowsert, and state Reps. Houston Gaines, Spencer Frye, and Eric Gisler gathered on stage.
Jan. 9, 2026 Rough Draft Atlanta
Democrat Dana Barrett enters race for Georgia secretary of state
Hayden Sumlin reports that Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett announced her campaign for Georgia secretary of state Jan. 8, citing the office’s critical role in the 2028 presidential election and increased attempts at interference. Barrett, a Democrat, represents District 3 on the Fulton County Commission, which includes all of Buckhead and parts of Sandy Springs and midtown Atlanta.
Jan. 9, 2026 The Current
Georgia Democrats align on key issues at Savannah forum
Margaret Coker reports, the seven Democratic candidates vying to become governor addressed Coastal Georgia voters Thursday in the first major policy forum of the election year, with each aiming to distinguish themselves amid a crowded race for the state’s top job. Georgia Democrats are hoping that the lack of incumbent — current Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, will leave office at the end of 2026 due to term limits — and rising economic difficulties will boost their party’s chances of winning the powerful position for the first time in more than 20 years.
Jan. 9, 2026 State Affairs
‘Culture wars,’ AI, gambling, gun bills revive under Gold Dome
Beau Evans reports, in the rush of activity leading up to the first gaveling in, it’s easy to forget that dozens of bills are still on the table for the 2026 legislative session after stalling last year. Many of the General Assembly’s testiest measures will have a new lease on life once the session starts Monday, including bills that outlaw “harmful materials” in public libraries and prohibit the teaching of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in schools.
Jan. 9, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Several new lawmakers will join the Georgia Legislature for the 2026 session
Maya Homan reports, there will be some fresh faces under the Gold Dome when lawmakers reconvene next week for the 2026 legislative session. That’s thanks to a series of off-year special elections held to replace state lawmakers who have died, resigned or been appointed to other political offices.
Jan. 9, 2026 Capitol Beat News
Affordability top concern for lawmakers in 2026 Georgia legislative session
Ty Tagami reports, when lawmakers return to the Georgia Capitol next week, they will focus on affordability. While President Donald Trump tries to address complaints about the cost of living, Georgia Republicans see the risk of a voter backlash.
Jan. 9, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Brian Kemp’s legislative agenda remains a mystery as session looms
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam report, election-year legislative sessions are always different. But the one gaveling in next week feels stranger than most.
