In this episode of Georgia NOW News:

Georgia announced a record $35.2 billion in economic development investments for fiscal year 2026, with more than 25,000 new private-sector jobs expected.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms proposed allowing local governments to suspend or eliminate sales taxes on groceries, baby formula, feminine hygiene products and diapers.

A Danish researcher pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1 million in federal grant money intended for autism and other public health research at the CDC.

Republic National Distributing Company is closing its Georgia operations, with 558 employees in Atlanta and Marietta expected to lose their jobs.

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In this episode of Georgia NOW News:

A new national poll found 75% of Americans oppose having a data center near their home, as concerns about transparency, power and water use continue in Georgia.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport expects around 2.3 million travelers during the Labor Day travel period.

Dragon Con continues in Atlanta through the holiday weekend, with the annual parade scheduled for Saturday.

Gov. Brian Kemp declared Sept. 4 Apalachee Remembrance Day, honoring the students, staff and community members affected by the 2024 school shooting.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security subpoenaed 13 voter files from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office as part of an immigration investigation.

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In this episode of Georgia NOW News:

🎧 Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com — and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Georgia NOW News wherever you get your podcasts.

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This episode covers conservation, health, cybersecurity, the changing workplace and energy efficiency across Georgia.

Georgia is proposing its first major update to the state’s protected species list in 20 years. The changes would increase the number of protected plant and animal species from 318 to 423, with public comments accepted through Sept. 20.

A 24-year-old Atlanta nurse is encouraging people to seek health care early after an MRI for swollen lymph nodes unexpectedly revealed a noncancerous brain tumor.

Norcross officials are investigating a ransomware attack that affected some city computer systems earlier this month. 

A survey of more than 11,000 high school students found that health benefits, time off and flexible work schedules are more important to many students than a high salary when considering their first job.

Georgia has distributed $50 million in federal funding to help residents make their homes more energy-efficient. 

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U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s reelection campaign is gaining national attention as he takes on Republican opponent Mike Collins while emphasizing constituent services and a more measured campaign style.

Meanwhile, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms is challenging Republican Rick Jackson to six debates and outlining an ethics platform focused on financial transparency and limiting business ties between governors and the state.

Also, in this episode:

Georgia agriculture officials are warning farmers about the pasture mealybug, an invasive insect recently confirmed at a turfgrass business in Decatur County.

Georgia health officials report four new measles cases connected to a metro Atlanta daycare outbreak, bringing the state’s reported total to 11 cases.

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September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis is partnering with Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute to provide free screenings as advocates raise awareness about the disease and its disproportionate impact on Black men.

Also, in this episode:

Georgia Power’s agreement to supply 3,200 megawatts of electricity to OpenAI’s massive Project Camellia data center in Effingham County has cleared regulatory review. 

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock is calling for a statewide moratorium on data centers unless projects meet safeguards addressing electricity and water costs, tax breaks, pollution, noise and transparency.

Georgia is temporarily relaxing gasoline rules to increase fuel supplies and help avoid shortages and high prices at the pump.

The Georgia American Gold Star Mothers were honored through a volunteer cleanup project at the Marietta National Cemetery, recognizing the organization’s service and support for families of fallen U.S. service members.

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Two Flock Safety license plate reader cameras were cut down at the entrance to Savannah’s Sweetwater Station neighborhood, adding to a growing debate over surveillance, public safety and privacy. The incident comes after several Savannah police employees were charged with allegedly misusing Flock data.

Also, in this episode:

Flock cameras in Savannah: Residents are divided over the cameras, with most of those contacted by local media supporting their return. Supporters say the technology can help document vehicles entering and leaving neighborhoods and assist with investigations, while critics want residents to have more control over where cameras are used and how long data is retained.

Privacy concerns: Recent arrests involving alleged misuse of Flock data have increased scrutiny of how law enforcement agencies access and monitor the system. Privacy advocates say Georgia needs stronger protections for digital data and surveillance technology.

Lawmakers consider safeguards: State Sen. John Albers is working with law enforcement groups on a task force focused on preventing misuse of Flock data. The group is considering regular audits, tighter access controls and other safeguards, with recommendations expected ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

Balancing safety and privacy: Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley says the challenge is finding a balance between using technology to improve public safety while protecting individual privacy.

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Four former Savannah police employees are facing charges over alleged misuse of Flock Safety license plate reader data, raising new questions about privacy and oversight as law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on surveillance technology. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court is sending a challenge to Georgia’s 2021 voting maps back to a lower court for reconsideration.

Also, in this episode:

Flock Safety data: The arrests followed an internal Savannah Police Department audit and add to growing concerns about improper searches of license plate reader data. Privacy advocates say Georgia’s laws have not kept pace with modern surveillance technology and are calling for stronger digital privacy protections.

Georgia voting maps: A federal appeals court is sending a challenge to the state’s 2021 congressional and legislative maps back to a lower court following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The decision could make racial gerrymandering claims more difficult to prove and reshape how challenges to voting districts are handled.

Dolly Parton fundraiser: An Atlanta bar is honoring Dolly Parton with a special “Dolly hour” fundraiser benefiting her Imagination Library. Jolene Jolene is donating proceeds from its Dirt Road Martini, inspired by Parton’s reported favorite drink, while fans celebrate the singer’s music, generosity and legacy.

🎧 Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com — and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Georgia NOW News wherever you get your podcasts.

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Georgia lawmakers are examining the role of pharmacy benefit managers as prescription drug costs continue to rise. Independent pharmacists say PBMs can steer patients toward corporate pharmacies and leave small, community pharmacies struggling to stay open, while PBM representatives argue they help lower costs.

Also, in this episode:

PBM reform: A Georgia House study committee is considering greater transparency and potential reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager system. Independent pharmacists say reimbursement rates and prescription steering are putting pressure on small pharmacies, while industry representatives point to billions in savings.

Bond Beyond Bars: A new program at the Cobb County Jail is helping incarcerated mothers reconnect with their children while preparing for life after release. The program combines family visits with workforce training, parenting classes and education.

Atlanta chefs build their businesses: Chow A La Carte is giving chefs, many of them immigrants and minority business owners, a platform to showcase their food and build a following. Founder Johanna Solomon says the goal is to create a sustainable space where chefs can grow their businesses and eventually move on to their own restaurants.

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Georgia’s two gubernatorial candidates are making their personal stories and records a central part of their campaigns ahead of November’s election. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson are highlighting difficult childhood experiences while making their case to Georgia voters.

Also, in this episode:

Georgia governor’s race: Bottoms discussed how her father’s addiction and incarceration shaped her childhood while criticizing Jackson’s ties to President Donald Trump. Jackson, who grew up in foster care, says those experiences helped shape his leadership and argues that a candidate’s record reveals their character.

Preserving Paradise Garden: A four-acre art environment in rural Chattooga County is preserving the legacy of Southern folk artist Howard Finster, who began his art career at 59 and created more than 46,000 pieces. The Paradise Garden Foundation says Finster’s work shows that important art can come from rural communities, while the site’s artwork and landscape face ongoing threats from time and deterioration.

Peachtree Circle historic district: The Atlanta City Council Zoning Committee has put a proposed historic district designation for Peachtree Circle in Ansley Park on hold amid neighborhood opposition. The proposal would protect about 60 historic homes, but opponents raise concerns about property values, taxes and future renovations.

🎧 Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com — and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Georgia NOW News wherever you get your podcasts.

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