(GA. NEWS NETWORK UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
*The Laken Riley Act, named in memory of a slain UGA student by an illegal immigrant and signed into law in 2025, requires federal authorities to detain certain non-U.S. citizens arrested or convicted of specific crimes. Over 17,000 criminal illegal aliens have been arrested and detained under the law in the past year. WJBF reports the legislation aims to close gaps in immigration enforcement and prevent repeat offenders from remaining in communities.
*Results of a survey from U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs ranked several UGA programs in the top 10 nationally. UGA maintained its overall position at number 18. Andy Borst, UGA’s vice provost for academic enrollment tells Athens CEO it reflects the university’s commitment to quality and student success. The university’s Mary Frances Early College of Education’s online education programs, including curriculum and instruction, special education, and educational administration, received high rankings. Additionally, UGA’s Terry College of Business was recognized for its online Master of Business and Technology program.
*Gov. Brian Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency today ahead of this weekend’s winter storm. Governor Kemp also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC), beginning at noon today. The current State of Emergency will run through February 6 and can be found here.
*Because of the storm, Georgia Express Lanes will close Friday night but at different times and will reopen when conditions allow:
I-85 Express Lanes (HOT) – closure begins 12:00 a.m. Saturday
I-75 Northwest Corridor – closure begins 9:00 p.m.
I-75 South Metro – closure begins 10:30 p.m.