Georgia NOW!

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.
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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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Georgia lawmakers are nearing the end of the legislative session with little movement on PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” leaving advocates concerned about continued exposure risks. While no new regulations passed, environmental groups say they’re relieved that proposals limiting corporate liability also failed—for now. 
Meanwhile, a federal court case over the handling of Fulton County’s 2020 election ballots could soon see a decision. Attorneys for the federal government and county officials clashed over whether the original ballots should be returned.
In other news, some TSA workers in Atlanta are finally receiving backpay after weeks of missed paychecks during the recent partial government shutdown. While the payments bring some relief, workers say the financial fallout—from late fees to missed bills—won’t be easily undone.
Drivers across the country are also feeling the strain as gas prices climb past $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, driven by global conflict. Georgia drivers are seeing slightly lower prices thanks to the state’s gas tax suspension.
Georgia’s Secretary of State is relaunching a business training initiative aimed at helping identify and prevent human trafficking, with participating businesses displaying awareness signage.
And in healthcare, a major insurance provider is expanding coverage for doula services—an effort advocates say could improve maternal health outcomes and help sustain Georgia’s growing doula workforce. 
Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at georgianow.com.
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Georgia lawmakers are racing against the clock as major legislation moves in the final days of the 2026 session. The state Senate is pushing for hand-marked paper ballots by the midterms, while House leaders had planned a slower transition closer to 2028.
A controversial bill to make district attorneys nonpartisan in five metro Atlanta counties is now headed to the governor’s desk. 
Meanwhile, lawmakers are also advancing a proposal that could make it easier for the state to take over financially struggling cities. Activists warn the bill could disproportionately impact diverse and Black-led communities while shifting power away from local governments.
And in Paulding County, the future of the City of Hiram hangs in the balance. A last-minute bill could dissolve the city entirely, transferring its assets and authority to the county—sparking concerns about local control, representation, and racial equity.
With the legislative session ending April 2, advocates say now is the time for Georgians to speak out.
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A closely watched runoff election is now underway in Northwest Georgia, as voters begin early voting to replace former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller are making their case to voters, with early voting running through Thursday ahead of the April 7 election.
Delta Air Lines is pulling back special perks for members of Congress, citing strained resources during the partial government shutdown. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets across metro Atlanta over the weekend as part of nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations, voicing frustration with the Trump administration. 
Environmental groups are running out of time at the state Capitol as they push for legislation to regulate data centers. Advocates argue the massive facilities are driving up costs for Georgia residents while receiving billions in tax incentives, as lawmakers weigh several stalled bills before the session ends.
Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at georgianow.com.
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