Georgia NOW News for Friday June 5, 2026

Georgia NOW News for Friday June 5, 2026

Georgia voters have a narrow window to cast ballots before the upcoming primary runoff elections. We break down what voters need to know about early voting, the key statewide races still on the ballot, and what’s at stake as candidates compete for spots in November’s general election. Plus, a new report finds Georgia is among a handful of Southern states driving a sharp rise in the number of uninsured young children. Advocates say the post-pandemic Medicaid renewal process has left many eligible families without coverage, raising concerns about access to critical healthcare during a child's earliest years. Also in this episode: rising fuel costs are squeezing Georgia businesses as the state's gas tax suspension comes to an end; and researchers at Georgia State University are developing a telescope designed to search for signs of life beyond our solar system, with hopes of eventually building a larger instrument capable of studying distant planets in unprecedented detail. 🎧 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 #GeorgiaPolitics #RunoffElection #Healthcare #Medicaid #ChildHealth #GasPrices #SmallBusiness #Astronomy #GeorgiaStateUniversity #Podcast

Georgia NOW News for Thursday June 4, 2026

A longtime Jones County educator is headed to the state stage after being named Georgia’s 2027 Teacher of the Year.  Plus, Georgia is set to receive millions of dollars to address PFAS contamination, even as federal regulators move to weaken some drinking water protections. Experts warn that the so-called "forever chemicals" can pose serious health risks and say communities in northwest Georgia have been dealing with contamination concerns for years. Also in this episode: police K-9 teams sharpen their skills during specialized training at a Marietta water park; proposed federal student aid changes could impact beauty and wellness students who depend on financial assistance; and budget cuts aimed at balancing Georgia’s finances may have given the state's feral hog population an unexpected break. 🎧 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 #Education #TeacherOfTheYear #PFAS #ForeverChemicals #K9Units #StudentAid #FeralHogs #PublicHealth #Podcast

Georgia NOW News for Wednesday June 3, 2026

Federal funding is bringing healthcare upgrades and expanded services to hospitals, public health agencies and nonprofits across Georgia, with investments supporting neonatal care, rural health and family assistance programs. Plus, Cafe Momentum Atlanta is helping young people impacted by the juvenile justice system gain job skills, education support and mentorship as they build pathways toward future careers. Also, University of Georgia researchers are launching a new study to better understand Georgia’s male loggerhead sea turtle population and the effects of rising temperatures on the species. And Gov. Brian Kemp announced that ArcelorMittal Building Solutions will establish its North American headquarters and a new manufacturing facility in Macon-Bibb County, bringing new jobs and investment to Middle Georgia. 🎧 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. #GeorgiaNOW #GeorgiaHealthcare #EconomicDevelopment #SeaTurtles

Georgia NOW News for Tuesday June 2, 2026

A federal judicial misconduct investigation is raising questions after a judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit received a private reprimand for an affair with a high-ranking law enforcement officer, including sexual activity in the judge’s chambers during business hours, and attending a partisan political event. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to remove U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross from a voting rights case, citing media reports that attempt to connect her to the misconduct probe. Plus, Georgia is continuing to grapple with the rapid growth of data centers. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has announced a new “Data Center-Ready” designation aimed at helping communities determine whether they have the infrastructure and workforce needed to attract the facilities. Also, Savannah leaders and clean energy advocates are looking for new ways to strengthen energy resilience after the loss of federal funding for some renewable energy programs. Residents who benefited from solar initiatives say the investments paid off during Hurricane Helene. In other news, Georgia drivers could soon feel more pain at the pump after Gov. Brian Kemp allowed the state’s gas tax suspension to expire, paving the way for higher fuel prices statewide. And on the campaign trail, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms held their first joint campaign event, as Republicans prepare for key runoff elections later this month. 🎧 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. #GeorgiaNOW #GeorgiaPolitics #GeorgiaEnergy #DataCenters #CleanEnergy #GasPrices #Election2026

Georgia NOW News for Monday June 1, 2026

Women veterans who experienced military sexual trauma face significantly higher risks during pregnancy, according to research from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Georgia NOW's latest episode examines the long-term health impacts of military sexual trauma, or MST, and why experts say the effects can extend far beyond military service.  Plus, the Georgia Public Service Commission approves a deal that will lower electric bills for millions of customers by about four dollars a month.  Also in this episode, Emory University selects its next president, unanimously choosing longtime executive Christopher Augostini to lead the institution beginning this fall. And the U.S. Small Business Administration opens a disaster loan outreach center in Southeast Georgia to help residents and businesses recover from a major wildfire. 🎧 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 #Veterans #MilitarySexualTrauma #MaternalHealth #GeorgiaPower #PSC #EmoryUniversity #SmallBusiness #WildfireRecovery #GeorgiaNOW