Georgia NOW News for Thursday Jan. 8, 2026

Georgia politics and policy debates are heating up as President Donald Trump seeks to recover more than $6.2 million in legal fees following the dismissal of Georgia’s election interference case, a move that could shift costs to Fulton County taxpayers under a new state law. At the Capitol, lawmakers are signaling a potential tax showdown, with Senate Republicans pushing to phase out the state income tax while House leaders focus on cutting property taxes. At the same time, proposed federal cuts to public media funding are raising alarms, with educators and broadcasters warning the loss could hit children and communities in news deserts the hardest.

Across metro Atlanta, Wellroot Family Services is opening new rent-free housing for young adults aging out of foster care, offering stability as they transition into adulthood. DeKalb County leaders are creating a new Women’s Commission to ensure policies better account for the needs of women and children. In Paulding County, a Hiram city councilwoman is being credited with saving her neighbors’ lives after alerting them to a house fire. And as deer season winds down across Georgia, wildlife officials are reminding hunters to follow regulations and consider donating venison to help families in need.

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