Georgia NOW News for Wednesday Jan. 7, 2026

Georgia voters in northwest Georgia are preparing for a special election after former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped down from Congress, with Gov. Brian Kemp setting a March 10 election date and a possible runoff in April if no candidate secures a majority. At the same time, the governor has appointed several new judges to courts across the state, and a new law is expanding access to dental care by allowing licensed dentists to treat some patients virtually, a change supporters say could benefit rural communities. Concerns are also growing in northwest Georgia over a proposed PFAS bill that critics say would shield carpet companies from lawsuits tied to “forever chemicals.”

Elsewhere, Valdosta City Schools packed tens of thousands of meals over winter break to help keep students fed, while coastal leaders work to plan Georgia’s long-term water future amid shifting demand and supply. Looking ahead to the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers are expected to revisit major education proposals, including cell phone bans, absenteeism penalties and limits on diversity programs. Federal prosecutors have also charged a former Georgia state lawmaker in connection with alleged pandemic unemployment fraud.

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