Georgia Today – January 28, 2026

Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB)
Main Topics: FBI search at Fulton elections office, debate over cell phone ban in high schools, Columbus' relationship with ICE, and more.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rundown of significant news stories across Georgia, exploring the FBI's search at Fulton County’s elections office, parents’ opinions on banning cell phones in schools, Columbus’s stance on cooperating with ICE, the spread of avian flu, a public health effort around blood pressure awareness, and the profile of Georgia’s youngest legislator.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FBI Search at Fulton County Elections Office

• [00:32] FBI agents executed a search warrant at Fulton County's main election office in Union City, Atlanta.
• The details remain scarce; spokespersons cited an ongoing investigation.
• The search follows FBI Director Cash Patel’s aggressive pursuit of President Donald Trump’s political grievances, particularly surrounding the 2020 election and Trump’s ongoing claims against Georgia’s election integrity.
• The Trump administration is filing suit to force Georgia to turn over sensitive voter list data—this comes after a recent, similar suit was dismissed.

"The search comes as the FBI, under the leadership of Director Cash Patel, has moved quickly to pursue the political grievances of President Donald Trump."
— Peter Biello, [00:35]

2. Immigration Enforcement and Local Policy

DeKalb County Debates ICE Cooperation

• [02:12] County commissioners postponed a resolution that would reduce ICE's operations locally.
• Resident Anna Ziering shared the traumatic impacts of ICE activities, referencing events in Minnesota:

"My wife reached out to Evan to ask how he was doing. He asked her to send him new ski goggles. His old ones weren't keeping out the tear gas that fogs the streets."
— Anna Ziering, [02:20]

• Amendments to reject ICE tactics are being considered and will be revisited next week.

Columbus’ Relationship with ICE

• [02:45, 02:55] Mayor Skip Henderson clarified at a city council meeting that police do not seek to detain people solely based on immigration status and only work with ICE if crimes are suspected.

"The only way they'll ever participate with ICE is if there's a warrant, and they are looking to apprehend somebody who's committed a crime in our community or in other areas."
— Mayor Skip Henderson, [02:55]

• Henderson acknowledges local sensitivities about ICE and pledges regular updates.

3. Avian Flu in Georgia Poultry

• [03:10] Another highly pathogenic avian influenza case confirmed in Hart County—the third in Georgia this year.
• The commercial flock impacted included about 40,000 birds.
• It’s part of a series of outbreaks since 2022.

4. Proposed Cell Phone Ban in Georgia Public High Schools

• [03:50] Emory University’s survey shows majority parental support for expanding a ban on cell phone use to public high schools, citing improved mental well-being.

"Starting this year, kids in public elementary and middle schools cannot use their phones during school. A bill currently making its way through the Legislature would include high schools and take effect in July 2027."
— Ellen Eldredge, [03:50]

• 70% of supportive parents believe the ban benefits mental health.
• Julia Gazmarian (Emory University) emphasized the ongoing research on the impact of these policies.

"The Emory team is jumping in in terms of doing research on evaluating the impact of those policies... and sharing results of what we're seeing after policies are implemented."
— Julia Gazmarian, [04:11]

• Dissenting parents’ major concern: ability to reach children in emergencies.

5. Public Health Outreach: Blood Pressure Monitors in Libraries

• [04:39] Augusta University researchers are placing blood pressure monitors in public libraries—now in 20 locations across multiple counties—to address high rates of heart disease and stroke.

"If left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke, both conditions in which Georgia ranks near or higher than the national average..."
— Sophie Gradus, [04:48]

• Brianna McIndoe’s team focuses on ease of access (“just like a library book”) and bridging health awareness gaps, especially among women.

"You just need a library card. You go in, check it out and it's just like a library book."
— Unnamed researcher, [05:15-05:19]

6. Youngest Georgia Legislator: Akbar Ali

• [06:02] Rep. Akbar Ali (D–Lawrenceville), Georgia’s youngest legislator, turns 22 and discusses his legislative goals: improving affordability, public education, and HOA reform.

"Right now, people are craving a new vision. People are craving a new energy, that new drive just to have some fresher ideas, and I'm very proud to be the tip of the spear of that in this very moment."
— Akbar Ali, [06:20]

"Overreach is rampant. There's not enough guardrails here. That's why I'm working with several of my colleagues... to put in some guardrails here."
— Akbar Ali, [06:39]

Notable Quotes

• Mayor Skip Henderson (on ICE cooperation):
  "The only way they'll ever participate with ICE is if there's a warrant and they are looking to apprehend somebody who's committed a crime in our community or in other areas." [02:55]

• Anna Ziering (on ICE impacts):
  "He asked her to send him new ski goggles. His old ones weren't keeping out the tear gas that fogs the streets." [02:20]

• Julia Gazmarian, Emory University (on cell phone policy research):
  "The Emory team is jumping in... doing research on evaluating the impact of those policies and continuing to work closely with the schools..." [04:11]

• Rep. Akbar Ali (on representing change):
  "I'm very proud to be the tip of the spear of that in this very moment." [06:20]

Important Timestamps

• 00:32: FBI search at Fulton County elections office
• 02:12: DeKalb County ICE resolution and public comment
• 02:45/02:55: Mayor Skip Henderson on ICE cooperation policy
• 03:10: Avian flu case in Hart County
• 03:50: Cell phone ban survey and legislative update
• 04:39: Public blood pressure monitors in libraries
• 06:02: Profile of Rep. Akbar Ali

This summary captures the comprehensive news landscape in Georgia as reported by Peter Biello and GPB News, highlighting developments in election security, immigration, public health, and youth representation in state government.