Georgia NOW!

For the first time in more than 50 years, Haiti is back on soccer’s biggest stage. As the nation returns to the FIFA World Cup, Atlanta leaders are celebrating with Haiti House, a cultural hub featuring food, music, watch parties, and community events. Organizers say the space is designed to introduce visitors to Haiti's rich culture, history, and resilience while challenging stereotypes that have long shaped public perception.
Former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's stepping away from the Republican Party. In a series of social media posts, Greene criticized Republican leaders she believes have failed their voters, while making clear she is not becoming a Democrat. Instead, she described herself as politically independent and "1000% a proud American."
Georgia could lose nearly 800,000 acres of farmland by 2040. A new state initiative, the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund, aims to slow that trend by helping farmers sell development rights while keeping their land in agricultural production. The first round of applications is currently under review, with $2 million available to support farmland preservation efforts across the state.
Listen now for these stories and more from across Georgia.
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Several new Georgia laws will take effect July 1 as the state's new fiscal year begins. Among them, House Bill 406 requires homeowners associations to provide written notice of unpaid fines or fees and give residents 30 days to address them before taking further action. Other measures expand literacy and dyslexia support, increase access to advanced math courses, ban personal electronic devices for K-8 students during the school day, strengthen protections against odometer fraud, regulate cryptocurrency kiosks, and allow banks to freeze accounts when financial exploitation of seniors or disabled adults is suspected.
Additional laws will allow trained pharmacists to dispense HIV prevention medications, require anti-human trafficking training for hotels and short-term rental properties, and increase penalties for pimping and pandering offenses.
Meanwhile, Georgia could lose nearly 800,000 acres of farmland by 2040. State leaders hope the new Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund will help slow that trend by allowing farmers to sell development rights while keeping their land in agricultural use. The first round of applications is now under review with $2 million available in funding, and selected applicants are expected to be announced in August.
For news anytime, visit heargeorgianow.com.

At Beulah Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, U.S. Sen. John Ossoff cast Georgia’s Senate race as a test of character, democracy, and voting rights. Ossoff criticized Republican nominee Mike Collins over election denialism, support for Jan. 6 rioters, and what he described as attacks on voting rights, urging Georgians to judge candidates by their actions and records.
Meanwhile, domestic violence and sexual assault programs across Georgia are facing uncertainty after Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed $13 million in new funding. According to the Georgia Recorder, service providers answered more than 110,000 domestic violence crisis calls last year, while reports increased 12%.
Advocates warn the loss of funding comes as demand for services continues to grow and could leave survivors with fewer resources and fewer places to turn for help.
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Georgia's statewide election picture is coming into focus after voters decided several key primary and runoff races. We break down the winners in the lieutenant governor, attorney general, labor commissioner, insurance commissioner, and public service commission contests ahead of November.
Also in this episode, healthcare advocates sound the alarm over rising insurance costs and medical debt in Georgia, a Gwinnett nature center expands accessibility with a new sensory-friendly treehouse, and communities across the state celebrate Juneteenth with events honoring freedom, history, and culture.
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Georgia's November election matchups are set after Republican voters chose Rick Jackson for governor and Mike Collins for U.S. Senate in Tuesday's runoff elections. 
Also, Georgia House leaders push back on Gov. Brian Kemp's call to redraw legislative maps during a special session, Mableton debates how to fund police services, and Tropical Storm Arthur brings heavy rain and flooding concerns to the state.
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MARTA, and a federal judge's apology are among the top stories from around Georgia.
In this episode, lawmakers return to the State Capitol for a special session that could have major implications for future elections. 
Plus, a Georgia psychiatrist says genetic testing is helping some patients find more effective treatments for depression and anxiety. 
We'll also look at growing concerns over violence on MARTA as state leaders press transit officials for answers ahead of the FIFA World Cup. 
And a federal judge in Georgia issues a formal apology after an investigation found misconduct that included inappropriate behavior in chambers, participation in a partisan event, and misleading investigators.
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Scam warnings, election endorsements, invasive hornets, a landmark legal settlement, and a court ruling on election transparency are all making headlines across Georgia.
In this episode, Fulton County leaders launch a campaign to help protect seniors from fraud as scammers target older adults during the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. 
Plus, Georgia voters head to the polls for primary runoff elections as high-profile endorsements shake up key races. 
We'll also tell you why agriculture officials are asking coastal Georgia residents to watch for yellow-legged hornets, an invasive species that threatens honey bees and the state's agricultural industry.
And after a seven-year legal battle, a Houston County sheriff's deputy reaches a settlement over insurance coverage for gender-affirming care. 
Finally, a Fulton County judge dismisses a lawsuit seeking greater access to Georgia's election reporting process on election night.
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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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