Georgia NOW!

Georgia voters have a narrow window to cast ballots before the upcoming primary runoff elections. We break down what voters need to know about early voting, the key statewide races still on the ballot, and what’s at stake as candidates compete for spots in November’s general election. Plus, a new report finds Georgia is among a handful of Southern states driving a sharp rise in the number of unins...

A longtime Jones County educator is headed to the state stage after being named Georgia’s 2027 Teacher of the Year.  Plus, Georgia is set to receive millions of dollars to address PFAS contamination, even as federal regulators move to weaken some drinking water protections. Experts warn that the so-called "forever chemicals" can pose serious health risks and say communities in northwest Georgia ha...

Federal funding is bringing healthcare upgrades and expanded services to hospitals, public health agencies and nonprofits across Georgia, with investments supporting neonatal care, rural health and family assistance programs. Plus, Cafe Momentum Atlanta is helping young people impacted by the juvenile justice system gain job skills, education support and mentorship as they build pathways toward fu...

A federal judicial misconduct investigation is raising questions after a judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit received a private reprimand for an affair with a high-ranking law enforcement officer, including sexual activity in the judge’s chambers during business hours, and attending a partisan political event. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to remove U.S. District Judge Eleano...

Women veterans who experienced military sexual trauma face significantly higher risks during pregnancy, according to research from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Georgia NOW's latest episode examines the long-term health impacts of military sexual trauma, or MST, and why experts say the effects can extend far beyond military service.  Plus, the Georgia Public Service Commission approves...

From energy infrastructure and data center growth to another major Interstate 285 shutdown, this episode of Georgia NOW News looks at the pressures shaping Georgia’s future. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted its first “State of Energy” event in downtown Atlanta, where business and utility leaders discussed the state’s growing energy demands.  Plus, drivers in metro Atlanta are preparing for a...

A new center in southeast Georgia is helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse access resources all in one place. The Waycross Family Justice Center is already serving hundreds of victims while working to break down barriers in rural communities where transportation and services can be difficult to access.  U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock is raising concerns about suspicious...

Georgia’s top Democratic candidates are hitting the campaign trail together. U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms will make their first joint campaign appearance in Atlanta as they work to energize voters ahead of November’s election. Plus, a devastating fish kill stretches nearly 20 miles along the Chattahoochee River after severe flooding and stormwater...

On this episode of Georgia NOW News, a Georgia organization is working to address the growing mental health challenges facing farmers.  Also, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2026, but experts warn residents not to let their guard down as the season approaches. Plus, North Georgia apple growers are closely mon...

On this Memorial Day edition of Georgia NOW News, we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation and highlight ceremonies taking place across Georgia, from Marietta National Cemetery to Andersonville and communities throughout the state. Then, we look at how Goodwill of North Georgia is helping thousands of people build new careers through trade certification programs, in...

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms secured the Democratic nomination for governor without a runoff and outlines the issues she says will define her campaign heading into November.  Plus, Georgia leaders, advocates and mental health experts gathered at the 30th annual forum hosted by The Carter Center to discuss prevention, insurance parity and the future of behavioral health care in the sta...

From primary election shakeups and looming runoff battles to a metro Atlanta ovarian cancer support group changing lives, this episode covers some of the biggest stories shaping Georgia right now. We break down the results from Georgia’s May primary and general elections, where several major statewide races — including governor, U.S. Senate, lieutenant governor and secretary of state — are headed...

Georgia Republicans escalated a fight over election transparency this week, and a judge reversed a decision that would have allowed GOP observers into the state’s Election Night Reporting Room, known as “the bunker.”  Plus, advocates across Atlanta are calling for a different approach to addressing homelessness among young adults. At the Atlanta Thrive Summit, service providers and formerly unhous...

It's Election Day! Georgia voters head to the polls today for the May primaries and nonpartisan elections, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Plus, a new ProPublica investigation into the trucking company tied to Georgia Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Mike Collins is renewing calls for stronger federal trucking safety regulations. Safety advocates say proven technology like speed limite...

Gov. Brian Kemp extends Georgia’s gas tax suspension just ahead of the busy Memorial Day travel weekend, as drivers continue to feel the strain of high fuel prices. Plus, Georgia shatters its primary early voting record with nearly one million ballots already cast before Election Day, as candidates across the state make their final push to voters. A major economic development is coming to Macon-Bi...

Gov. Brian Kemp calls lawmakers back to the Capitol for a high-stakes special session that could reshape Georgia politics for years to come. Legislators will revisit the state’s political maps following a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act, while also racing to address a looming election deadline tied to ballot QR codes.    Kemp also signed a law that would make several local...

Gov. Brian Kemp signed Georgia’s fiscal year 2027 budget Tuesday, calling the spending plan fiscally responsible while prioritizing education, public safety, behavioral health, and agriculture.  Plus, Georgia voters are preparing to decide two influential Public Service Commission races as concerns over utility costs and Georgia Power’s grid expansion bring new attention to the regulatory body. Wi...

From workforce legislation and education reform to the growing strain on Georgia’s small businesses, today’s episode covers the economic pressures and policy changes shaping the state. Gov. Brian Kemp signed a new round of bills aimed at strengthening Georgia’s workforce pipeline, expanding scholarship opportunities and coordinating statewide workforce development efforts. Supporters say the measu...

Georgia lawmakers move to lower taxes and boost economic growth as Gov. Brian Kemp signs another round of legislation into law. We also take a look at Georgia’s upcoming attorney general primary race ahead of Election Day on May 19, with candidates focusing on issues ranging from public safety to civil rights and consumer protection. Plus, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports on a proposal to...

From agriculture legislation and constitutional rights to ambulance delays, Mother’s Day bailouts and a major Habitat for Humanity build, this episode covers the latest stories shaping communities across Georgia. Gov. Brian Kemp signs new agriculture and forestry bills into law, advocacy groups prepare a virtual town hall on the 14th Amendment, and new state data reveals long ambulance wait times...

Georgia lawmakers and state agencies are driving major policy changes across the state. Gov. Brian Kemp signed a slate of public safety bills aimed at supporting law enforcement officers, strengthening penalties for crimes targeting women and children, and improving interactions between police and people with developmental disabilities.  Plus, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns announces appointments...

From a South Georgia teacher’s fight against alleged racial discrimination to major changes in Georgia’s education system, this episode covers the stories shaping communities across the state. We hear from Lana Foster, the former Echols County educator whose years-long legal battle over racism in her school district just scored a major victory in federal court. Then, Gov. Brian Kemp signs sweeping...

Georgia headlines this week span tragedy inside an immigration detention center, a long-awaited release, unusual election logistics, economic investments, and resilience in both farming and mental health advocacy. A 33-year-old Cuban man died at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin in what officials say is a suspected suicide, now under investigation. Immigrant rights advocates are calling for...

Georgia’s reproductive rights landscape is once again in flux after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a temporary decision restoring access to abortion medication by mail. Advocates across the state are reacting with cautious optimism as the court halts a lower court ruling that would have restricted access to mifepristone.  Meanwhile, a new partnership aims to bring hope to Georgians living with rare...

Georgia’s political landscape could look different in the years ahead following a major decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on the Voting Rights Act. Gov. Brian Kemp says the ruling won’t impact the upcoming midterm elections. But he signaled that redistricting battles could be on the horizon before 2028.  Plus, a major shakeup in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District after the passing of longtim...