Georgia NOW News for Thursday Jan. 1, 2026

Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry are starting 2026 with sunshine and near-average temperatures, though forecasters say rain could return this weekend after a dry stretch. The newscast also highlights Atlanta’s Wind Phone, a public art installation that offers a space for intentional grieving and is set to move from Woodruff Park to Oakland Cemetery later this year. In state politics, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is facing a federal lawsuit over access to unredacted voter registration data, a case that has drawn opposition from voting-rights and privacy advocates concerned about exposing sensitive personal information. Meanwhile, Georgia Southern University is rolling out new 24-hour care station kiosks in Statesboro to help rural residents access essential health and hygiene products discreetly. The broadcast also notes new additions to the Georgia Register of Historic Places, a judge’s decision tossing racketeering charges tied to protests over Atlanta’s police training center, and a packed 2026 concert lineup that will bring major artists to venues across the state. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNowNews #GeorgiaWeather #WindPhone #GeorgiaPolitics #VoterData #PublicHealth #HistoricPlaces #CopCity #GeorgiaEvents #AtlantaNews