A new report from Social Security's trustees warns benefits could be reduced by up to 22% as early as 2032 if lawmakers fail to address the program's funding shortfall. More than 1.9 million Georgians rely on Social Security, which helps keep more than 515,000 older adults out of poverty. AARP is urging voters to ask candidates how they plan to protect the program ahead of November's midterm elections.

Metro Atlanta's Venezuelan community is mobilizing to help survivors after two devastating earthquakes. Volunteers in Lawrenceville are collecting water, medicine, clothing, and non-perishable food to send to affected families, with donations heading first to Miami before being transported to Venezuela.

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A new state audit shows artificial intelligence is becoming a regular part of education in Georgia. Nearly 60% of teachers surveyed say they use generative AI to help prepare lessons, and almost 90% report it has improved their teaching and saved valuable time. At the same time, many educators worry students are relying on AI to complete assignments, raising concerns about cheating and the loss of critical thinking skills. The survey also found AI use is highest among high school students.

As thousands of visitors flock to downtown Atlanta for FIFA World Cup festivities, many are discovering one of the city's largest open-air art galleries. More than 20 local artists have transformed downtown walls into colorful murals celebrating Atlanta's culture, history, and identity. One standout work reimagines Edward Hopper's Nighthawks inside a Waffle House, complete with hidden Atlanta references, including a tribute to OutKast's André 3000.

Listen now for these stories and more from across Georgia.

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U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock is criticizing President Donald Trump after the president backed away from signing the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, despite its passage in both chambers of Congress. Warnock says the bill would have made it easier for families to compete with large corporate investors by preventing companies that own more than 350 single-family homes from buying additional properties. The issue is especially relevant in metro Atlanta, where corporations own more than one in four single-family rental homes. Warnock also criticized efforts to tie the housing package to the SAVE Act, arguing lawmakers should stay focused on lowering housing costs.

Children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta will soon have expanded access to free mental health care through a new partnership with CHRIS 180. A three-year grant from The Rich's Foundation will fund two licensed therapists at club locations while providing trauma-informed training for staff across all 26 metro Atlanta clubs. Supporters say the initiative will reduce barriers to care and help create safer, more supportive environments for young people and their families.

Listen now for these stories and more from across Georgia.

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For the first time in more than 50 years, Haiti is back on soccer’s biggest stage. As the nation returns to the FIFA World Cup, Atlanta leaders are celebrating with Haiti House, a cultural hub featuring food, music, watch parties, and community events. Organizers say the space is designed to introduce visitors to Haiti's rich culture, history, and resilience while challenging stereotypes that have long shaped public perception.

Former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's stepping away from the Republican Party. In a series of social media posts, Greene criticized Republican leaders she believes have failed their voters, while making clear she is not becoming a Democrat. Instead, she described herself as politically independent and "1000% a proud American."

Georgia could lose nearly 800,000 acres of farmland by 2040. A new state initiative, the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund, aims to slow that trend by helping farmers sell development rights while keeping their land in agricultural production. The first round of applications is currently under review, with $2 million available to support farmland preservation efforts across the state.

Listen now for these stories and more from across Georgia.

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Several new Georgia laws will take effect July 1 as the state's new fiscal year begins. Among them, House Bill 406 requires homeowners associations to provide written notice of unpaid fines or fees and give residents 30 days to address them before taking further action. Other measures expand literacy and dyslexia support, increase access to advanced math courses, ban personal electronic devices for K-8 students during the school day, strengthen protections against odometer fraud, regulate cryptocurrency kiosks, and allow banks to freeze accounts when financial exploitation of seniors or disabled adults is suspected.

Additional laws will allow trained pharmacists to dispense HIV prevention medications, require anti-human trafficking training for hotels and short-term rental properties, and increase penalties for pimping and pandering offenses.

Meanwhile, Georgia could lose nearly 800,000 acres of farmland by 2040. State leaders hope the new Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund will help slow that trend by allowing farmers to sell development rights while keeping their land in agricultural use. The first round of applications is now under review with $2 million available in funding, and selected applicants are expected to be announced in August.

For news anytime, visit heargeorgianow.com.

At Beulah Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, U.S. Sen. John Ossoff cast Georgia’s Senate race as a test of character, democracy, and voting rights. Ossoff criticized Republican nominee Mike Collins over election denialism, support for Jan. 6 rioters, and what he described as attacks on voting rights, urging Georgians to judge candidates by their actions and records.

Meanwhile, domestic violence and sexual assault programs across Georgia are facing uncertainty after Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed $13 million in new funding. According to the Georgia Recorder, service providers answered more than 110,000 domestic violence crisis calls last year, while reports increased 12%.

Advocates warn the loss of funding comes as demand for services continues to grow and could leave survivors with fewer resources and fewer places to turn for help.

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Georgia's statewide election picture is coming into focus after voters decided several key primary and runoff races. We break down the winners in the lieutenant governor, attorney general, labor commissioner, insurance commissioner, and public service commission contests ahead of November.

Also in this episode, healthcare advocates sound the alarm over rising insurance costs and medical debt in Georgia, a Gwinnett nature center expands accessibility with a new sensory-friendly treehouse, and communities across the state celebrate Juneteenth with events honoring freedom, history, and culture.

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Georgia's November election matchups are set after Republican voters chose Rick Jackson for governor and Mike Collins for U.S. Senate in Tuesday's runoff elections. 

Also, Georgia House leaders push back on Gov. Brian Kemp's call to redraw legislative maps during a special session, Mableton debates how to fund police services, and Tropical Storm Arthur brings heavy rain and flooding concerns to the state.

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MARTA, and a federal judge's apology are among the top stories from around Georgia.

In this episode, lawmakers return to the State Capitol for a special session that could have major implications for future elections. 

Plus, a Georgia psychiatrist says genetic testing is helping some patients find more effective treatments for depression and anxiety. 

We'll also look at growing concerns over violence on MARTA as state leaders press transit officials for answers ahead of the FIFA World Cup. 

And a federal judge in Georgia issues a formal apology after an investigation found misconduct that included inappropriate behavior in chambers, participation in a partisan event, and misleading investigators.

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Scam warnings, election endorsements, invasive hornets, a landmark legal settlement, and a court ruling on election transparency are all making headlines across Georgia.

In this episode, Fulton County leaders launch a campaign to help protect seniors from fraud as scammers target older adults during the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. 

Plus, Georgia voters head to the polls for primary runoff elections as high-profile endorsements shake up key races. 

We'll also tell you why agriculture officials are asking coastal Georgia residents to watch for yellow-legged hornets, an invasive species that threatens honey bees and the state's agricultural industry.

And after a seven-year legal battle, a Houston County sheriff's deputy reaches a settlement over insurance coverage for gender-affirming care. 

Finally, a Fulton County judge dismisses a lawsuit seeking greater access to Georgia's election reporting process on election night.

🎧 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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