Georgia voters are heading to the polls as high-profile primary debates take center stage across the state. This week, the Atlanta Press Club partnered with Georgia Public Broadcasting to host a series of debates featuring candidates for U.S. Senate, governor, and other key races. The debates come as early voting kicks off with record-breaking turnout across Georgia.

In Northwest Georgia, schools are taking new steps to combat the opioid crisis. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has distributed overdose reversal kits to 180 schools, part of a broader push to equip campuses statewide with Narcan. 

That same trust is also launching a new round of funding to address addiction statewide. Officials announced $20 million in grants for programs targeting local needs. Applications are now open for organizations looking to make an impact.

And across Georgia, drought conditions are raising concerns. The state’s Environmental Protection Division has issued a Drought Response Level 1, urging public awareness and voluntary conservation as water supplies tighten. 

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A major Ponzi scheme case out of Georgia is now driving change at the State Capitol. Federal prosecutors have charged Brant Frost IV in connection with an alleged $140 million fraud tied to First Liberty Building & Loan, as victims continue to wait for answers—and their money. Now, a new law signed by Brian Kemp could help. Senate Bill 284 allows the state to return recovered funds directly to investors, a significant shift from previous rules that sent penalties to the state instead.

Meanwhile, Georgia is being recognized nationally for efforts to streamline the path from high school to college. With support from the Lumina Foundation, state leaders are expanding programs like Georgia MATCH, which connects students directly to colleges based on their academic record—cutting down on the stress and uncertainty of traditional applications. 

Wildfires continue to devastate parts of South Georgia, with tens of thousands of acres burned in Clinch and Brantley counties. Despite some weekend rain, containment remains low, and local leaders describe the destruction as heartbreaking as crews begin assessing damage to homes and infrastructure.

In other news, new data shows a sharp rise in immigration arrests across the state. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Georgia now ranks among the top states for enforcement activity, averaging dozens of arrests per day earlier this year.

And concerns are growing near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after officials reported an unidentified petroleum-based substance near the headwaters of the Flint River. Authorities say the material appears contained, but the source remains unknown.

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Georgia voters are heading to the polls as early voting kicks off for the May 19 primary and general elections. Counties across the state are opening polling locations through May 15, with officials expressing confidence in preparedness and election security. 

At the same time, thousands of refugee and immigrant families in Georgia are facing new uncertainty after federal changes cut off SNAP benefits for certain non-citizens — including some granted asylum. Advocacy groups say they’re seeing a surge in emergency requests for help as families lose hundreds of dollars a month in food assistance, with even more cuts to Medicaid eligibility expected later this year.

In central Georgia, researchers are turning their attention to a small but significant bird — the Prothonotary warbler. Students at Georgia College are tracking the species as a key indicator of wetland health, launching a first-of-its-kind study in the state to better understand its nesting and migration patterns amid habitat loss.

And in Atlanta, city leaders are making a national pitch. The Democratic National Committee is considering the city as a potential host for the 2028 convention, with local officials pointing to Georgia’s political influence and cultural reach as key selling points.

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The passing of longtime Congressman David Scott is being felt across Georgia and beyond. The Democrat, who served more than two decades in Congress and made history as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, is being remembered for his legislative impact, advocacy, and decades of public service. 

Meanwhile, dangerous wildfires continue to spread across South Georgia, threatening more than 1,000 homes. The massive blazes in Clinch and Brantley counties have already destroyed dozens of homes, with officials warning residents to stay alert as conditions remain unpredictable. 

Plus, how those same fires are impacting Georgia farmers, why the state is now leading the nation in pre-K education standards, and what scientists are discovering about the stress levels of Georgia’s infamous Joro spiders.

And with early voting set to begin, what you need to know before heading to the polls for Georgia’s upcoming primaries and general elections.

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Georgia’s highest court is weighing a case that could have long-term implications for residents impacted by the 2024 BioLab fire in Conyers.

At the same time, Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency across South Georgia as wildfires rapidly spread amid extreme drought conditions. 

In metro Atlanta, city leaders have quietly joined a growing legal fight against the Trump administration over new federal funding requirements tied to immigration enforcement and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. 

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is launching an investigation into whether the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers is contributing to rising power bills for Georgia families, raising new questions about energy demand and consumer protections.

Plus, the Democratic Party of Georgia is making a historic investment in upcoming state Supreme Court races, while Republicans, including Gov. Kemp, are backing incumbent justices.

And, the U.S. Department of Justice has indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center on federal fraud charges, allegations the group strongly denies as it vows to fight the case in court.

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A new refundable adoption tax credit is offering financial relief to Georgia families navigating the high cost of adoption. One mother shares how she only learned about the benefit after finalizing her daughter’s adoption—and how recent changes could make a lasting impact on her family’s future.

Plus, a sharp drop in Affordable Care Act enrollment is raising concerns across the state. Hundreds of thousands of Georgians have lost or skipped coverage after pandemic-era subsidies expired, leaving rural hospitals bracing for potential strain as the uninsured rate climbs.

Also, dozens of Georgia senior living communities are earning national recognition, with demand expected to surge as the state’s aging population grows. And in politics, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms weighs her strategy in a crowded race for governor, while new polling shows a large share of voters still undecided.

We’re also tracking a massive wildfire burning in South Georgia, where thousands of acres are scorched and evacuations may be imminent. And a major national advocacy group is pouring millions into Georgia’s upcoming midterm elections, signaling the state’s continued role as a key battleground.

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A major leadership shakeup could be coming to the nation’s top public health agency. President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, putting a veteran military physician and former deputy surgeon general in line to guide the CDC through its next chapter. 

Plus, election officials across Georgia are bracing for a major shift in how votes are cast and counted. With a July 1 deadline looming, counties are being told to prepare for hand-marked paper ballots after a 2024 law bans the use of QR codes. 

We also cover new economic development in South Georgia and highlight the return of the Georgia Legal Food Frenzy, which has delivered millions of meals to food banks over the past 15 years.

And, a closer look at the growing drought impacting South Georgia farmers, driving up irrigation costs and raising concerns about crop survival. Finally, businesses may soon see financial relief as they begin applying for refunds on tariffs struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

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A new report from American Rivers puts a spotlight on the Suwannee River, ranking it among the most endangered rivers in the country. Experts warn that rising pollution levels and weakening water flow could have long-term impacts on ecosystems and drinking water across state lines.

We also look at a looming housing issue as emergency rental assistance is set to expire for hundreds of Georgians. Advocates say many families may struggle to relocate, even as the state works to transition recipients onto waitlists for longer-term support.

Plus, a legal battle in rural Georgia: the Georgia Court of Appeals has upheld a decision allowing a private railroad company to use eminent domain in Sparta. Property owners are pushing back, with plans to appeal to a higher court.

And in weather, the National Weather Service says dry conditions will continue to fuel drought concerns and elevate fire risk this week, though some relief could be on the horizon. Temperatures are also on a rollercoaster, dipping early before climbing back into the high 80s.

Finally, bipartisan opposition is growing against a controversial elections bill, as critics urge Brian Kemp to veto legislation that would make certain local races nonpartisan in several metro Atlanta counties. 

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A bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the state’s rural doctor shortage is now on Governor Brian Kemp’s desk. Supporters say the measure could bring internationally trained physicians into underserved communities.

We also cover a new tuition increase across the University System of Georgia, the upcoming leadership transition as Chancellor Sonny Perdue announces his retirement, and a closely watched Democratic gubernatorial debate featuring Michael Thurmond, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Geoff Duncan.

Plus, legal trouble at the High Museum of Art, and a massive $1.3 billion overhaul approved for the Fulton County Commission jail system.

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Georgia NOW dives into a growing food insecurity crisis across South Georgia, where counties below the “gnat line” are facing hunger rates higher than the national average. Food banks are seeing demand surge while donations continue to shrink. 

Plus, a bipartisan bill aimed at reining in homeowners’ associations is now headed to Governor Brian Kemp. The measure would make it harder for HOAs to foreclose on residents and create a new hearing process to resolve disputes outside of costly court battles.

Also, a legal challenge could shake up a key Public Service Commission race, Georgia Equality rolls out its first round of 2026 endorsements, and Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Athens draws a sparse crowd and sharp criticism.

And in last but not least in today's episode: efforts to expand community solar in Georgia stall at the State Capitol, leaving advocates frustrated and consumers without cheaper renewable energy options.

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