Georgia is bracing for severe weather this weekend, with the National Weather Service warning of potential strong, long-track tornadoes across north and central parts of the state on Saturday and Sunday. Residents are urged to stay alert and have emergency plans in place.

In political news, debate is heating up at the state Capitol over controversial lawsuit reform bills. Advocates on both sides spoke out about the proposed legislation on Thursday. The Asian American community gathered at the Capitol to mark four years since the 2021 Atlanta-area spa shootings, honoring the victims.

The state's economy is projected to grow by 2.4% in 2025, according to forecasters at the University of Georgia's Selig Center for Economic Growth. While this represents a slowdown from 3.1% growth in 2024, Georgia is still expected to outpace the national growth rate of 1.6%. The state's unemployment rate is predicted to rise slightly from 3.7% to 4%, remaining below the national average.

In education news, the Georgia House recently passed a school safety measure considered by Speaker Jon Burns to be the most important bill of the session. The legislation aims to enhance counseling for students, improve tracking of mental health issues across school districts, and provide school security grants.

Environmental concerns are in focus as Georgia experienced its fourth-warmest January on record in 2025. The National Weather Service reported that temperatures across the state were significantly above average, with some areas seeing record-breaking highs. This trend has raised questions about the long-term impacts of climate change on the state's agriculture and water resources.

Looking ahead, Georgia's Severe Weather Preparedness Week is scheduled for February 3-7, 2025. The event will focus on educating residents about the dangers of severe weather and proper preparedness measures. Additionally, the state legislature is set to reconvene on January 13, with Governor Brian Kemp announcing plans to focus on relief efforts following Hurricane Helene and attempts to limit lawsuit verdicts.