Georgia NOW News for Tuesday Dec. 23, 2025

Georgia leaders are looking to Mississippi for answers as new national data shows the state is struggling with reading proficiency. Mississippi has climbed from near the bottom of national rankings to the top 10 by retraining teachers in science-based reading instruction, placing literacy coaches in classrooms and requiring third graders to demonstrate reading proficiency before promotion. Georgia is now among dozens of states seeking guidance on whether similar strategies could work here. Schools in Marietta are already seeing results from one major change: banning cell phones during the school day. Educators report lower stress, improved focus and test scores jumping nearly 20 points, prompting lawmakers to weigh broader restrictions during the upcoming legislative session. A Georgia father is also calling for changes to state custody laws after a rare legal battle to gain rights to his newborn son, following a case in which the child’s mother was declared brain-dead while pregnant and kept on life support under Georgia’s abortion law. Advocates say the case highlights gaps in protections for unwed fathers. At the federal level, marijuana has been reclassified as a Schedule III drug, a move hemp industry leaders say could reduce stigma and expand medical access. Still, Georgia’s hemp businesses face uncertainty as new federal legislation could ban most CBD products starting in 2026. In Atlanta’s West End, families gathered for a holiday giveaway led by rapper Lil Baby and local nonprofit partners, while libraries in Henry County say inflation will force most locations to close on Saturdays unless additional funding is approved. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNowNews #GeorgiaNews #GaPol #Literacy #Education #CellPhoneBan #CustodyLaw #HempIndustry #CommunityGiving #Libraries #AtlantaNews