Collins Named to Two Offices

President Trump expanded the role of newly confirmed Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, naming the former Georgia congressman as the temporary leader of two watchdog offices.

Collins’ appointment as acting head of the Office of Special Counsel and the Office of Government Ethics came after Trump fired the previous directors of the two departments, one of whom is suing.

The Office of Special Counsel processes whistleblower complaints and monitors the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from participating in partisan activities while on the job.

The Office of Government Ethics monitors the financial disclosures and potential conflicts of interest for officials and employees in more than 140 federal agencies.

  ‘Reimagined’ Circus Coming to Town 

A new-look, animal-free Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus visits Georgia starting Friday, with Atlanta performer Lauren Irving as one of the ringmasters.

The original “The Greatest Show on Earth” ended its 146-year run in 2017 under pressure from animal rights groups. The circus relaunched without elephants, big cats, and other animals in 2023.

Today’s version also does not include clowns. Instead, a comedy group performs. Ringmasters are called “show guides,” and the action in the three rings is constant for the two-hour show.

Performances will run Friday through Monday at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 at the Gas South Arena in Duluth.

This Year’s Coming Attractions Previewed

The state’s tourism office released a roundup of the “most anticipated” attractions coming to Georgia this year, a long list of must-see events and openings. Click here to see the list.

Topping the list is the May opening of the Georgia Aquarium’s bioluminescence exhibit, an “immersive glowing wonderland” celebrating the 20th anniversary of the largest aquarium in the U.S.

Other new attractions include rides and exhibits at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, and the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville.

This year also brings the MLB All-Star Game and six of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup matches ahead of Atlanta serving as one of the host cities for traditional FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.

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➤ Elbert County: The state’s agriculture department lifted the statewide ban on poultry shows, citing controls now in place after bird flu was detected at two sites in Elbert County. (More)

➤ Macon: Legislation to designate Ocmulgee Mounds as a national park and preserve didn’t pass amid Congress’s year-end budget wrangling, but supporters remain optimistic. (More)

➤ Statewide: Flags at Georgia’s Capitol and other buildings will fly at half-staff today in honor of Officer Jeremy Labonte, the Roswell police officer killed in the line of duty last week. (More)

➤ Statesboro: Georgia Southern celebrated its rifle team winning the 2025 Southern Conference title in Charleston, S.C. North Georgia placed second in the eight-team event. (More)

➤ State: Gov. Brian Kemp’s supporters encouraged him to run against Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026 and have urged him to announce his candidacy soon to limit intra-party divisions. (More)

➤ Gillsville: State Rep. Emory Dunahoo, R-Gillsville, has introduced a bill to require public K-12 schools to display the Ten Commandments, saying he expects a legal challenge if it passes. (More)

➤ Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers report to MLB spring training today. (More)

➤ Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young was named the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons unveiled a new ball cap ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. (See Photo)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ BJ’s Wholesale Club will open a store in Warner Robins this summer, with construction currently underway. (More)

➤ Upscale convenience store chain Wawa is set to host the grand opening of its new store in Hinesville on Feb. 20, the fourth of more than a dozen Wawa locations planned for the state. (More)

➤ Tort reform, a top priority of the state’s business community, cleared its first legislative hurdle as a state Senate committee advanced two bills. (More)

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➤ A sea otter glammed it up for the camera at the Georgia Aquarium. (Watch Video)

➤ Lake Oconee, near Greensboro, was one of the main filming locations for You’re Cordially Invited, a new Amazon Prime movie starring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon. (More)

➤ Beyoncé added a third Atlanta date to her Cowboy Carter tour, with shows now set for July 10, 11, and 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Details)

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