Georgia NOW!

Two Flock Safety license plate reader cameras were cut down at the entrance to Savannah’s Sweetwater Station neighborhood, adding to a growing debate over surveillance, public safety and privacy. The incident comes after several Savannah police employees were charged with allegedly misusing Flock data.
Also, in this episode:
Flock cameras in Savannah: Residents are divided over the cameras, with most of those contacted by local media supporting their return. Supporters say the technology can help document vehicles entering and leaving neighborhoods and assist with investigations, while critics want residents to have more control over where cameras are used and how long data is retained.
Privacy concerns: Recent arrests involving alleged misuse of Flock data have increased scrutiny of how law enforcement agencies access and monitor the system. Privacy advocates say Georgia needs stronger protections for digital data and surveillance technology.
Lawmakers consider safeguards: State Sen. John Albers is working with law enforcement groups on a task force focused on preventing misuse of Flock data. The group is considering regular audits, tighter access controls and other safeguards, with recommendations expected ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Balancing safety and privacy: Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley says the challenge is finding a balance between using technology to improve public safety while protecting individual privacy.
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Four former Savannah police employees are facing charges over alleged misuse of Flock Safety license plate reader data, raising new questions about privacy and oversight as law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on surveillance technology. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court is sending a challenge to Georgia’s 2021 voting maps back to a lower court for reconsideration.
Also, in this episode:
Flock Safety data: The arrests followed an internal Savannah Police Department audit and add to growing concerns about improper searches of license plate reader data. Privacy advocates say Georgia’s laws have not kept pace with modern surveillance technology and are calling for stronger digital privacy protections.
Georgia voting maps: A federal appeals court is sending a challenge to the state’s 2021 congressional and legislative maps back to a lower court following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The decision could make racial gerrymandering claims more difficult to prove and reshape how challenges to voting districts are handled.
Dolly Parton fundraiser: An Atlanta bar is honoring Dolly Parton with a special “Dolly hour” fundraiser benefiting her Imagination Library. Jolene Jolene is donating proceeds from its Dirt Road Martini, inspired by Parton’s reported favorite drink, while fans celebrate the singer’s music, generosity and legacy.
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Georgia lawmakers are examining the role of pharmacy benefit managers as prescription drug costs continue to rise. Independent pharmacists say PBMs can steer patients toward corporate pharmacies and leave small, community pharmacies struggling to stay open, while PBM representatives argue they help lower costs.
Also, in this episode:
PBM reform: A Georgia House study committee is considering greater transparency and potential reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager system. Independent pharmacists say reimbursement rates and prescription steering are putting pressure on small pharmacies, while industry representatives point to billions in savings.
Bond Beyond Bars: A new program at the Cobb County Jail is helping incarcerated mothers reconnect with their children while preparing for life after release. The program combines family visits with workforce training, parenting classes and education.
Atlanta chefs build their businesses: Chow A La Carte is giving chefs, many of them immigrants and minority business owners, a platform to showcase their food and build a following. Founder Johanna Solomon says the goal is to create a sustainable space where chefs can grow their businesses and eventually move on to their own restaurants.
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Georgia’s two gubernatorial candidates are making their personal stories and records a central part of their campaigns ahead of November’s election. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson are highlighting difficult childhood experiences while making their case to Georgia voters.
Also, in this episode:
Georgia governor’s race: Bottoms discussed how her father’s addiction and incarceration shaped her childhood while criticizing Jackson’s ties to President Donald Trump. Jackson, who grew up in foster care, says those experiences helped shape his leadership and argues that a candidate’s record reveals their character.
Preserving Paradise Garden: A four-acre art environment in rural Chattooga County is preserving the legacy of Southern folk artist Howard Finster, who began his art career at 59 and created more than 46,000 pieces. The Paradise Garden Foundation says Finster’s work shows that important art can come from rural communities, while the site’s artwork and landscape face ongoing threats from time and deterioration.
Peachtree Circle historic district: The Atlanta City Council Zoning Committee has put a proposed historic district designation for Peachtree Circle in Ansley Park on hold amid neighborhood opposition. The proposal would protect about 60 historic homes, but opponents raise concerns about property values, taxes and future renovations.
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GLAAD says gaps in HIV knowledge and media representation are fueling stigma, especially among younger Americans. Advocates say more accurate stories about people living with HIV could help build understanding and reduce misinformation.
Also, in this episode:
Georgia solar manufacturing: A massive Qcells solar panel factory in Cartersville is navigating uncertainty as tariffs and changing federal tax credits reshape the U.S. solar industry. Experts say consistent policy will be critical to building a stronger domestic clean energy supply chain.
Foster children and school enrollment: Georgia’s Division of Family and Children’s Services is accusing the Muscogee County School District of illegally delaying enrollment for more than 30 foster children, including students receiving special education services. The district denies violating state law and says it is working with DFACS to resolve the dispute.
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An Atlanta nonprofit is repairing donated bicycles and giving them to children. The organization is preparing 25 bikes for an upcoming giveaway at Glanton Elementary School in Grantville, with every bike accompanied by a helmet and bike-safety lessons.
Also, in this episode:
Avondale Estates revitalization: The city’s downtown is attracting new restaurants and retail as leaders work to create a connected community with gathering spaces for residents.
Heat safety for kids: With high temperatures continuing across Georgia, doctors are urging parents, teachers and coaches to watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
Beluga whales arrive in Georgia: Two beluga whales rescued from a marine park in Canada have arrived safely at the Georgia Aquarium and are acclimating to their new environment before joining the aquarium’s existing beluga pod.
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U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff campaigns against President Trump and Republican challenger Mike Collins, criticizing the administration over prices, the war in Iran and other issues.
Also, in this episode:
Partisan division: A new study examines whether working together on nonpolitical community projects can reduce partisan hostility in rural Georgia and Virginia.
Homelessness in Fulton County: An annual survey finds the number of unhoused residents increased 34% from 2025, while available rehousing beds dropped from 148 to 29.
New jobs in Gainesville: Cirkla plans to build a food packaging manufacturing facility, bringing $5 million in investment and 140 jobs to the area.
Stockbridge mayor: Mayor Jayden Williams reached a deal with the city over restrictions stemming from an investigation into his spending and conduct. A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22.
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Southern leaders are calling for more investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency, saying clean energy could help make energy more affordable for Americans.
Also, in this episode:
Gov. Brian Kemp has suspended all seven members of the Dublin City Board of Education amid a $20 million financial crisis and concerns over the district’s accreditation.
A new study finds more than 80% of Georgia parents support mental health screenings in schools, while nearly 80% support providing treatment at school.
DeltaX is establishing its North American manufacturing headquarters in Walton County, bringing an estimated 250 jobs and $141 million in investment to Monroe.
Georgia lawmakers are optimistic about the future of literacy outcomes as the state expands its literacy coaching program to every public elementary school.
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Four more mosquito traps in DeKalb County have tested positive for West Nile virus, while Fulton County reported a second positive test near Old National Park. Health officials are urging Georgians to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Also, in this episode:
One of Atlanta’s iconic skyscrapers is undergoing another round of renovations, with a restaurant, marketplace and cafe planned for 2027. The building’s owners are also considering adding an observation deck.
Republican Rick Jackson unveiled his “Legacy Corridors” economic policy, which would invest in small businesses in historically Black business districts across Georgia. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms’ campaign for governor says her plan focuses on expanding access to loans, grants and other resources for minority-owned businesses.
Shadowbox Studios and an affiliated real estate company are suing DeKalb County over its data center moratorium. The companies argue the moratorium is illegal and say it has reduced the value of their property by $200 million.
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Recent rains have officially ended Georgia’s severe drought, bringing relief to farmers and livestock producers as they look ahead to the fall harvest.
Also, in this episode:
Georgia lawmakers are examining rising foster care costs in the wake of an $85 million budget shortfall and a significant decline in the number of foster homes.
Jackson County schools canceled classes after multiple campuses received anonymous, computer-generated bomb threats.
Atlanta-based surveillance technology company Flock Safety says it will make changes to its platform amid growing privacy concerns and documented abuses of its system.
🎧 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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