Fox-news/us/us-regions/southeast/georgia

• Second Georgia lawmaker accused of ripping off taxpayers with pandemic unemployment fraud announces retirement - Georgia Rep. Karen Bennett accused of unemployment fraud, charged with making false statements to collect $13,940 in COVID benefits while working.
• After 2 straight losses, Democrat Stacey Abrams sits out 2026 race for Georgia governor - Stacey Abrams announces she won't seek Georgia governor in 2026, choosing instead to focus on fighting authoritarianism under Trump's presidency.
• Trump seeks more than $6M from Fani Willis's office in wake of election interference case - President Donald Trump's lawyers in Georgia filed a motion this week seeking more than $6 million from the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.
• Georgia calls special election in March to fill MTG vacancy after Trump rupture and resignation - Georgia sets March 10, 2026 special election to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene's House seat after her resignation following public break with President Trump.
• DOJ charges ex-Georgia Democrat lawmaker with allegedly fraudulently obtaining COVID unemployment benefits - Former Georgia lawmaker Karen Bennett allegedly fraudulently claimed nearly $14,000 in COVID unemployment benefits while working from home during the pandemic.
• Illegal immigrant allegedly severs man's thumb with machete at Georgia Christmas holiday party - Christmas party in Georgia turns violent as man allegedly attacks guest with machete, severing thumb. Victim hospitalized with serious injuries.
• EXCLUSIVE: 17,500 illegal immigrants arrested under Laken Riley Act in Trump’s second term - DHS arrests over 17,500 illegal immigrants in 2025 under new Laken Riley Act, targeting criminals for mandatory detention and deportation processing.
• 3 Georgia jail escapees allegedly force Lyft driver to Florida before capture by authorities - Three inmates escaped from DeKalb County jail Monday and were captured in Miami after allegedly forcing a Lyft driver to drive them to Florida at gunpoint.
• Manhunt underway for 3 'dangerous' inmates who broke out of Georgia jail - Three dangerous inmates escaped from DeKalb County Jail near Atlanta Monday. Authorities warn residents to avoid approaching the possibly armed fugitives.
• Georgia homeowner charged in shooting of suspected teen porch pirates - Police say a Georgia homeowner shot two teens suspected of stealing packages from his porch. Both were hospitalized, and the homeowner now faces assault charges.