Georgia’s election laws are back in the spotlight after a federal judge declined to block the state’s ban on giving food and water to voters waiting in line at polling places. We break down the ruling, why the challenge was dismissed, and what it means as lawmakers prepare to revisit election issues during a special legislative session.

Plus, Emory University is leading a major new study to examine whether toxic contamination from Superfund sites is affecting the health of residents in Glynn County. The $15 million research project aims to provide answers for communities that have lived near contaminated industrial sites for decades.

Also in this episode: South Georgia’s historic wildfires are finally 100 percent contained after burning more than 50,000 acres and destroying over 100 homes; health officials warn Georgians to prepare for dangerous heat and humidity as the state gets ready to host FIFA World Cup events; and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger weighs in on the debate over hand-marked paper ballots and Georgia’s voting technology.

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Georgia is preparing to expand access to HIV prevention medications through pharmacies, but advocates say important questions remain before the new law takes effect on July 1. We examine what the legislation could mean for public health, particularly in rural communities, and why organizations are pushing for strong implementation and language access protections.

Plus, Gov. Brian Kemp announces a $22 million investment from Rideout Arsenal that will bring 120 new jobs to Thomasville, strengthening manufacturing opportunities in South Georgia.

Also in this episode, DeKalb County leaders reject a proposed liquor store after strong community opposition, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources launches a public review of the state's protected species list for the first time in two decades, giving residents a chance to help shape conservation priorities.

🎧 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’s progress on child well-being has stalled after years of improvement, according to the latest Kids Count Data Book. We break down the report’s findings, including concerns about low birth weights, housing affordability, and declining education outcomes, while also highlighting areas where children are seeing gains.

Plus, Gov. Brian Kemp announces $26 million in transportation funding for road and airport projects across Georgia, Google invests in a major wetlands restoration effort in the Flint River basin, and Zoo Atlanta’s elephants are benefiting from a new high-tech enrichment wall designed by a Georgia Tech researcher.

Also in this episode, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation raises concerns about Georgia’s growing alternative medicine industry, uncovering warning signs involving costly treatments, questionable credentials, and potential financial risks for patients.

🎧 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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A major employer is heading to Cobb County, bringing nearly 400 new jobs and a $13 million investment as Authority Brands establishes a new Franchisee Success Center in metro Atlanta.

Plus, despite recent rain easing drought conditions across Georgia, experts warn that South Georgia remains in extreme drought and metro Atlanta could face future water supply challenges as Lake Lanier sits below full pool.

We'll also tell you about Clayton County Public Schools' $117 million investment in a new arena designed to create career-training opportunities for students while boosting the local economy.

And with the FIFA Men's World Cup coming to Atlanta, local leaders and hospitality workers are receiving specialized training to identify and report human trafficking as part of a global awareness campaign.

Also, Georgia gas prices remain steady as summer travel season gets underway.

🎧 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 heading back to the Capitol for a special session on June 17, with Gov. Brian Kemp expanding the agenda to include property tax relief measures. Here's what's on the table and why election officials are also looking for answers before a looming ballot deadline.

Plus, the Georgia Chamber names its 2026 Legislators of the Year, early voting continues ahead of Georgia's primary runoff elections, and DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston challenges a new state law changing how some local races are conducted.

We'll also look at a federal judge's decision to block new restrictions on SNAP benefits that could affect millions of Americans.

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Unhoused residents have been displaced from two Gainesville encampments as advocates and community groups work to provide support. Also, a third reported jet fuel spill this year at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the environmental concerns surrounding the Flint River.

Plus, a new study finds many Savannah restaurants advertising local wild-caught shrimp may be serving imported products, a proposed bypass sparks debate in Oconee County, and Georgia's State Board of Public Health prepares to meet after an eight-month hiatus.

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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 uninsured young children. Advocates say the post-pandemic Medicaid renewal process has left many eligible families without coverage, raising concerns about access to critical healthcare during a child's earliest years.

Also in this episode: rising fuel costs are squeezing Georgia businesses as the state's gas tax suspension comes to an end; and researchers at Georgia State University are developing a telescope designed to search for signs of life beyond our solar system, with hopes of eventually building a larger instrument capable of studying distant planets in unprecedented detail.

🎧 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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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 have been dealing with contamination concerns for years.

Also in this episode: police K-9 teams sharpen their skills during specialized training at a Marietta water park; proposed federal student aid changes could impact beauty and wellness students who depend on financial assistance; and budget cuts aimed at balancing Georgia’s finances may have given the state's feral hog population an unexpected break.

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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 future careers.

Also, University of Georgia researchers are launching a new study to better understand Georgia’s male loggerhead sea turtle population and the effects of rising temperatures on the species.

And Gov. Brian Kemp announced that ArcelorMittal Building Solutions will establish its North American headquarters and a new manufacturing facility in Macon-Bibb County, bringing new jobs and investment to Middle Georgia.

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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 Eleanor Ross from a voting rights case, citing media reports that attempt to connect her to the misconduct probe.

Plus, Georgia is continuing to grapple with the rapid growth of data centers. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has announced a new “Data Center-Ready” designation aimed at helping communities determine whether they have the infrastructure and workforce needed to attract the facilities.

Also, Savannah leaders and clean energy advocates are looking for new ways to strengthen energy resilience after the loss of federal funding for some renewable energy programs. Residents who benefited from solar initiatives say the investments paid off during Hurricane Helene.

In other news, Georgia drivers could soon feel more pain at the pump after Gov. Brian Kemp allowed the state’s gas tax suspension to expire, paving the way for higher fuel prices statewide.

And on the campaign trail, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms held their first joint campaign event, as Republicans prepare for key runoff elections later this month.

🎧 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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