Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 13, 2026
Jan. 13, 2026 Savannah Morning News
Southern Living says its excited to visit these 2 Georgia cities in 2026
Miguel Legoas reports, last month, Southern Living released its list of eight destinations its personnel can’t wait to visit this year. It included two Georgia cities: Dahlonega and Rome.
Jan. 13, 2026 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Duncan’s Narrow Path to Nomination
Brian Robinson writes, on the week that former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan announced his candidacy to run as a Democrat for governor, I woke up to a text from a former Democratic state House member. The message contained only a 2019 photo, offered without commentary, of Duncan smiling broadly behind Gov. Brian Kemp as he signed the Heartbeat Bill that banned abortions after the point that a heartbeat is detected on an ultrasound.
Jan. 13, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Top Atlanta CEO: U.S. action in Venezuela ‘massive pivot’ in energy
Mirtha Donastorg reports that Jeffrey Sprecher, CEO and founder of Atlanta-based Intercontinental Exchange and a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, weighed in Monday on the U.S. involvement in Venezuela and what it could mean for energy prices. The comments come a little over a week after the U.S. military and law enforcement raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and left dozens of people in the South American country dead.
Jan. 13, 2026 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Renowned Columbus artist’s childhood home to be restored — and moved — for museum
Brittany McGee reports that the Historic Columbus Foundation is partnering with the Columbus Consolidated Government to preserve the history of renowned Columbus artist Alma Thomas. Historic Columbus plans to move Thomas’ childhood home approximately 2 miles from Rose Hill to the Liberty Heritage Historic District, next door to the Ma Rainey House, former home of the iconic Blues singer, where it can be transformed into a city-owned museum, HCF executive director Elizabeth Walden told the Columbus Council during a meeting last month.
Jan. 13, 2026 WSB Radio
Atlanta HBCU president says he has been ‘terminated’
Staff reports that the president of Morris Brown College in Atlanta says he’s been fired. Dr. Kevin E. James made the announcement in a social media post, saying the school’s board of trustees terminated his service without providing specific cause or explanation.
Jan. 13, 2026 Marietta Daily Journal
From AI and school choice to squatters and taxes, Cobb Republicans outline 2026 agenda
Megan Jackson reports that Cobb Republican legislators outlined their priorities for this year’s legislative session, including public safety, artificial intelligence and squatters during the Cobb GOP’s breakfast on Saturday. The Georgia General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session began Monday as both the state House and Senate convene to discuss and vote on new legislation.
Jan. 13, 2026 State Affairs
New session buzzes with bills, bickering and big ambitions
Beau Evans reports that Sen. Jaha Howard, D-Smyrna, played it cool as he exited the Senate chamber. The first day of the new legislative session had just wrapped up, and the freshman lawmaker could barely take a step in the Capitol without someone shaking his hand.
Jan. 13, 2026 Macon Telegraph
Macon commissioner who recently resigned is running for lieutenant governor
Lucinda Warnke reports that former Macon-Bibb County mayor pro tempore and District 5 commissioner, Seth Clark, announced a campaign for lieutenant governor Monday morning, according to a news release. Clark resigned from his positions within the county government last Tuesday, prompting rumors that he may seek a statewide office during the midterms in November.
Jan. 13, 2026 Saporta Report
Faith leaders plead for ‘civility’ before legislative session start
Delaney Tarr reports that a group of Georgia faith leaders and community members gathered before the start of the 2026 legislative session at the Georgia State Capitol on Jan. 12 with a simple demand. Civility. The group, called “First Five Freedoms,” is a coalition founded by Andrew Lewis made up of faith leaders, community leaders, and citizens across the state from all religious and political backgrounds.
Jan. 13, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Georgia’s Gold Dome is humming with talk of affordability, though ideas for tackling it vary
Maya Homan and Alander Rocha report, the hallowed halls of Georgia’s state Capitol were abuzz Monday as lawmakers, lobbyists and everyday citizens flocked to the Gold Dome for the start of the 2026 legislative session. For lawmakers in the state House and Senate, that means a 40-day countdown to introduce, deliberate and finalize laws for the upcoming year has officially begun.
Jan. 13, 2026 Capitol Beat News
Georgia General Assembly kicks off ’26 session focused on affordability and taxes
Mark Niesse reports, lawmakers, lobbyists and protesters swarmed to the Georgia Capitol on Monday, the first day of the annual legislative session in a crucial election year. State senators and representatives — several of whom are running for higher office — pitched ambitious agendas for tax cuts, a cellphone ban in high schools and affordability before voters weigh in during elections later this year.
Jan. 13, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
US Senate confirms Georgia general after bipartisan push from Kemp, Warnock
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam report, after months of delay, the U.S. Senate last night confirmed Lt. Gen. Tom Carden as the new vice chief of the National Guard Bureau. And it took an enormous bipartisan effort to push the former Georgia National Guard commander across the finish line.
