Georgia NOW News for Wednesday Jan. 21, 2026

An Atlanta fashion show is turning art into advocacy, spotlighting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking while helping rebuild confidence and leadership through fashion. At the Capitol, Gov. Brian Kemp is backing a major push for needs-based college aid, proposing $325 million for the DREAM Scholarship to help students who don’t qualify for HOPE afford higher education. Voters on Sapelo Island are also weighing a referendum that could reshape the future of the historic Hog Hammock community, as residents warn larger homes could drive families off ancestral land. Elsewhere, a former College Park police chief is calling for an investigation into alleged political interference, advocates warn Georgia’s foster care system faces an $85 million funding gap, and food banks say winter weather disruptions could leave families without meals. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has delayed plans to garnish wages from defaulted student loan borrowers as lawsuits challenge how repayment restarts were handled. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNews #AtlantaNews #SurvivorAdvocacy #HumanTraffickingAwareness #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HigherEducation #DreamScholarship #SapeloIsland #GullahGeechee #FosterCare #FoodInsecurity #StudentLoans #GaPol