North Georgia’s alpine town of Helen draws millions each year, but when the Oktoberfest crowds fade, it’s the locals who keep the town alive. Residents step in during the slower months to support small businesses, carrying forward a long-standing spirit of resilience that has defined the community for decades.

Meanwhile, new data shows the cost of living in Georgia is climbing fast. At the same time, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues to dominate globally, once again ranking as the world’s busiest airport after serving more than 106 million passengers in 2025. Economic development is also in focus, as Prime Inc. plans a major expansion in Spaulding County—bringing new jobs and a significant investment to the region.

And in energy, a growing push for “plug-in solar” could make renewable power more accessible, especially for renters. While the technology is gaining traction in places like California and Europe, efforts to expand it in Georgia have stalled amid policy hurdles and debate over safety and utility impacts.

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Dry, dangerous conditions are gripping Georgia this week, as heat, wind, and drought combine to raise wildfire risks across the state. 

Meanwhile, a major report out of Fulton County is shedding new light on the lasting impact of slavery and Jim Crow. The county’s Reparations Task Force estimates that as much as $900 billion in stolen labor can be tied to a single decade of slavery. 

Federal authorities are also sounding the alarm about a disturbing online threat. Investigators say a group known as “764” is targeting children, with activity increasing in Atlanta. 

And despite policy shifts and market uncertainty, Georgia’s clean energy sector continues to show resilience. But experts warn that recent project cancellations and reduced investment signal a slowdown that could impact future growth.

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From building the next generation of health advocates to tracking Georgia’s shifting energy landscape, this episode covers the stories shaping communities across the state.

A Georgia nonprofit, BLKHLTH, is celebrating a decade of impact as it trains young adults to become leaders in public health. Through its CARES fellowship, students like those at Morehouse School of Medicine are gaining real-world experience in policy and advocacy.

Plus, a new agritourism map is making it easier to explore Georgia’s farms, state tax revenues are on the rise, and a major federal operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service results in dozens of arrests across metro Atlanta.

And in a deeper dive, we break down how changes in federal policy, decisions by the Georgia Public Service Commission, and the rapid growth of data centers are reshaping Georgia’s clean energy future. Advocates from groups like the Georgia Sierra Club warn about rising costs and fossil fuel reliance, while companies like Georgia Power face increasing scrutiny over who ultimately pays the price.

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Georgia regulators are opening the door to a new kind of clean energy—and it could change how major companies power the grid.

Plus, the race for Georgia governor is starting to take shape. Insurance Commissioner John King is throwing his support behind Republican candidate Rick Jackson, passing over several other high-profile statewide contenders. 

And in South Georgia, state leaders are investing in agriculture. A new Georgia Grown Resource Center is now open in Albany—the second of nine planned statewide—aimed at helping farmers and food producers expand their reach and grow their businesses.

We’ll also tell you why airline passengers may soon be paying more to check their bags, as Delta and Southwest raise fees.

And a controversial decision in Coweta County: commissioners have approved a massive $17 billion data center campus despite strong pushback from residents concerned about environmental impacts and the loss of conservation land.

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

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Georgia voters turned out for a closely watched special election in the state’s 14th Congressional District. Nearly 130,000 ballots were cast, with Republican Clay Fuller defeating Democrat Shawn Harris with about 56% of the vote.

Meanwhile, a coalition of midwives is suing the state of Georgia, arguing that restrictive laws are worsening access to maternity care. 

In Atlanta, leaders are celebrating a new investment in second chances. The historic Odd Fellows building has been transformed into Georgia Works Village, a program offering housing, job training, and counseling for men working to rebuild their lives. 

Plus, Atlanta Pride is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Grand Marshals, honoring individuals and groups uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community. And a bill aimed at improving care for sickle cell patients is headed to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk, as lawmakers push to close critical gaps in treatment.

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

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Georgia’s political spotlight is intensifying as a major Republican super PAC makes a massive early move in the state’s U.S. Senate race. As Republicans battle it out in a crowded primary, Ossoff is working to solidify Democratic support with a message focused on voting rights and government accountability.

Plus, three Georgia universities are gaining national recognition. Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Mercer University all climbed in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings, with standout performances in engineering, public affairs, healthcare law, and primary care training.

Also in this episode, new research from the University of Georgia raises concerns about kids and social media. 

In housing news, Atlanta is emerging as one of the top cities in the country for first-time homebuyers, thanks to relatively affordable rent and a strong supply of attainable homes.

Finally, city leaders are responding to tragedy after a deadly shooting at Piedmont Park. Atlanta’s mayor is now offering a reward for information as police continue investigating the killing of a teenage girl and the injury of another.

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

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Georgia politics, clean transportation, public health, and election logistics all intersect in today’s episode — with major developments that could shape the state’s future.

The race for lieutenant governor is taking center stage, with a crowded field made up largely of current and former lawmakers. The contest has already turned contentious, as one candidate’s controversial campaign ad prompted state Senator Nabilah Parkes to jump into the race, framing her campaign as a response to divisive rhetoric. With the lieutenant governor wielding significant power over the state Senate, this race could have far-reaching implications for Georgia’s political direction.

Meanwhile, Georgia is emerging as a national leader in zero-emission truck adoption, ranking fifth in the country when adjusted for market size. 

Efforts to combat the opioid crisis are also moving forward, as the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust prepares to open a new round of grant funding later this month. 

In other public health news, the CDC has paused dozens of lab tests in what officials describe as a routine review — though the scale of the move is raising questions.

And although the legislative session has ended, Georgia lawmakers may not be done yet with a deadline looming concerning ballots for the midterms. 

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

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Georgia lawmakers wrap up the 2026 legislative session with a late-night push, sending a slate of major bills to Governor Brian Kemp for final approval. From a nearly $39 billion state budget and potential tax cuts to expanded access to birth control and new rules for transparency under the Gold Dome, we break down what passed—and what didn’t, including lingering concerns over future election procedures.

Then, environmental advocates in Georgia sound the alarm over a federal decision to expand oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Critics warn the move could threaten endangered species like the Rice’s whale and weaken protections under the Endangered Species Act.

Plus, voters in northwest Georgia head to the polls in a closely watched congressional race, runners gear up for the iconic Peachtree Road Race, and a new bill aims to bring transparency to the senior living industry—where hidden referral fees can come at a steep cost.

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

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Georgia communities are in limbo after the Department of Homeland Security pauses plans for new ICE detention centers — including two proposed sites in Social Circle and Oakwood. 

Plus, Georgia Power customers could see the long-term impact of rising coal ash cleanup costs. The price tag has climbed to 8.5 billion dollars — and much of it is already being passed on through monthly bills.

Also, a bill aimed at certifying community health care workers stalled at the Capitol, with advocates promising to try again in 2027 as they push to expand access in underserved areas.

And, two Georgia Supreme Court justices face challengers ahead of the May 19 election, as candidates make their case to voters in one of the state’s most consequential nonpartisan races.

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

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Georgia’s legislative session comes down to the wire, as lawmakers rush to pass bills on the final day under the Gold Dome. With just hours left, leadership holds the keys to what gets a vote — and priorities like data center tax breaks, election changes, and energy policy could shift quickly. 

Plus, a major development in a high-profile Ponzi scheme case: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announces a $6.7 million agreement to repay some victims of the First Liberty Building & Loan scheme. 

We also hear from families calling for changes to Georgia’s abortion law after tragic losses, as one proposed measure fails to get a vote this session. And, new funding is headed to rural hospitals across the state, with nearly $400,000 awarded for critical upgrades.

In other news: Buc-ee’s is expanding again in Georgia with a new location planned in Forsyth, and The Little Clinic is preparing to close all 18 of its locations statewide.

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

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