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 monitoring persistent drought conditions that could affect this year’s crop, while a former CDC supervisor admits to stealing more than $190,000 in taxpayer funds through a fraudulent invoicing scheme.

And farmers in Georgia raise concerns about a proposed natural gas pipeline that could cut through productive farmland, adding to ongoing debates over property rights, compensation and agricultural impacts.

🎧 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.

#GeorgiaNOW #GeorgiaNews #Agriculture #MentalHealth #HurricaneSeason #Drought #GeorgiaFarmers

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, including formerly incarcerated Georgians seeking a fresh start and stable employment.

Plus, renowned Gullah Geechee Chef Carlos Brown brings the flavors and traditions of his heritage to McDonough with a new restaurant, while Atlanta-area innovators explore how artificial intelligence could help meet the demands of the region’s rapid growth.

And Georgia environmental groups take the EPA to court, arguing the agency is failing to enforce key clean air standards that protect public health.

🎧 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.

#GeorgiaNOW #GeorgiaNews #MemorialDay #Goodwill #Environment #AI

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 state.

Also, TSA workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport voice concerns over a proposed study examining airport security privatization, metro Atlanta's Muslim community comes together for a vigil following a deadly mosque shooting in California, and Atlanta's park system earns a spot among the nation's top 20 in the latest ParkScore rankings.

🎧 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.

#GeorgiaNOW #GeorgiaNews #GeorgiaPolitics #MentalHealth #Atlanta #HartsfieldJackson #PublicSafety #Parks #Election2026 #PodcastNews

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 to June runoffs. 

Then, we hear the inspiring story behind Harts of Teal, an Atlanta-based ovarian cancer support group founded by survivor Kim Airhart after her diagnosis. 

Plus, the Georgia Ports Authority commits millions toward a major Savannah River deepening study that could reshape shipping in Georgia for decades, and Georgia health officials confirm three new measles cases tied to international travel in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta family.

🎧 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.

#Georgia #GeorgiaPolitics #Election2026 #JonOssoff #KeishaLanceBottoms #Atlanta #OvarianCancerAwareness #SavannahPort #Measles #GeorgiaNews

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 unhoused youth shared why traditional systems often fail young people transitioning out of foster care or college. 

Also in today’s episode:

🎧 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.

#Georgia #Atlanta #Politics #Homelessness #Elections #JonOssoff #GeorgiaNews #Podcast

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 limiters and automatic emergency braking could save lives, while Collins has opposed some federal mandates.

Civil rights leaders and activists mobilize after a recent U.S. Supreme Court Voting Rights Act ruling. Organizers say the ruling is energizing a new generation of voting rights advocates ahead of future redistricting and election fights.

Gov. Brian Kemp also vetoed $300 million in spending proposals amid concerns over revenue losses tied to Georgia’s new income tax cut while affordability and inflation remain top issues for Georgia voters this election season. Plus, a warning from the Georgia State Patrol about a growing text scam targeting drivers with fake violation notices.

🎧 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.

#Georgia #GeorgiaPolitics #ElectionDay #VotingRights #MikeCollins #BrianKemp #RaphaelWarnock #GeorgiaNews #TruckSafety #Inflation #PublicPolicy

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-Bibb County, where Georgia-based manufacturer Unified Legacy plans a $125 million investment expected to create more than 500 jobs. In health news, Emory University joins a national coalition aimed at expanding HIV prevention services through local pharmacies following the passage of a new Georgia law.

And later, Gov. Kemp’s veto of a controversial gun bill is drawing praise from gun safety advocates and criticism from supporters who say the measure would have protected lawful gun owners.

🎧 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.

#GeorgiaNOW #GeorgiaPolitics #GeorgiaNews #ElectionDay #GasPrices #EconomicDevelopment

Kemp also signed a law that would make several local offices in Metro Atlanta counties nonpartisan beginning in 2028. Supporters say it could reduce political division, but critics argue removing party labels will confuse voters and disproportionately impact Democratic and Black communities in counties like DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett.

Plus, a new study from Emory University highlights growing food insecurity among Georgia families with children.

And Gov. Kemp signs expanded medical cannabis legislation into law, removing THC caps and broadening access for patients suffering from chronic pain and other illnesses.

Finally, a lawsuit was filed by the town of Social Circle against ICE over plans for a new immigration detention center, alleging federal officials skipped required environmental reviews.

🎧 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.

#Georgia #GeorgiaPolitics #BrianKemp #VotingRights #MetroAtlanta #FoodInsecurity #MedicalCannabis #ICE #GeorgiaNews #Podcast

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. With 10 candidates competing across two seats, early voting is underway ahead of the May 19 primary.

Also in this episode:

🎧 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.

#GeorgiaNews #GeorgiaPolitics #BrianKemp #GeorgiaPSC #GeorgiaPower #StaceyAbrams #ImmigrationReform #GeorgiaNOW

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 measures will help Georgia remain competitive for jobs and economic growth in the years ahead.

Then, we hear from Georgia small business owners feeling the impact of tariffs, inflation and rising operating costs. Business owners in Augusta and Atlanta describe shrinking profits, higher supply expenses and difficult decisions to stay open as economic uncertainty continues.

Plus, leadership changes at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as president and publisher Andrew Morse announces his departure after leading the paper’s digital transformation efforts. And in Monroe County, Oglethorpe Power breaks ground on a massive $3.3 billion natural gas power plant expected to serve hundreds of thousands of homes.

🎧 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.

#Georgia #GeorgiaNews #BrianKemp #SmallBusiness #Economy #AJC #WorkforceDevelopment #EnergyNews