Georgia NOW!

Georgia NOW

Opinions. Headlines. Conversations. This is Georgia NOW!

  1. 1D AGO

    Georgia NOW News for Friday May 15, 2026

    Gov. Brian Kemp calls lawmakers back to the Capitol for a high-stakes special session that could reshape Georgia politics for years to come. Legislators will revisit the state’s political maps following a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act, while also racing to address a looming election deadline tied to ballot QR codes.    Kemp also signed a law that would make several local offices in Metro Atlanta counties nonpartisan beginning in 2028. Supporters say it could reduce political division, but critics argue removing party labels will confuse voters and disproportionately impact Democratic and Black communities in counties like DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett. Plus, a new study from Emory University highlights growing food insecurity among Georgia families with children. And Gov. Kemp signs expanded medical cannabis legislation into law, removing THC caps and broadening access for patients suffering from chronic pain and other illnesses. Finally, a lawsuit was filed by the town of Social Circle against ICE over plans for a new immigration detention center, alleging federal officials skipped required environmental reviews. 🎧 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. #Georgia #GeorgiaPolitics #BrianKemp #VotingRights #MetroAtlanta #FoodInsecurity #MedicalCannabis #ICE #GeorgiaNews #Podcast

    6 min
  2. MAY 6

    Georgia NOW News for Wednesday May 6, 2026

    Georgia headlines this week span tragedy inside an immigration detention center, a long-awaited release, unusual election logistics, economic investments, and resilience in both farming and mental health advocacy. A 33-year-old Cuban man died at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin in what officials say is a suspected suicide, now under investigation. Immigrant rights advocates are calling for an independent review, pointing to ongoing concerns about conditions at the facility. Meanwhile, a Gwinnett County barber held at the same center for more than a year has been released following sustained community pressure, with supporters saying the move is critical for his health and recovery. In metro Atlanta politics, voters in one state Senate district will face a rare scenario—casting ballots in both a special election and a primary for the same seat on the same day.  On the economic front, nearly $3 million in new funding is headed to Atlanta to support housing stability and small businesses, while in South Georgia, recent rains are bringing relief to peanut farmers racing against time to plant their crops after drought delays. And as Mental Health Awareness Month continues, Atlanta-based nonprofit Silence the Shame is marking 10 years of impact, even as it faces significant funding challenges. Leaders say the mission continues, with upcoming events aimed at sustaining critical conversations and support around mental health. 🎧 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. #GeorgiaNews #Atlanta #Immigration #Elections #MentalHealth #Farming #SmallBusiness

    6 min

About

Opinions. Headlines. Conversations. This is Georgia NOW!

You Might Also Like