The Brief from WABE

As the backlog of immigration cases in Georgia grows while the Trump Administration shuffles judges around, members of Congress are trying to separate the courts from political influence; This last winter and spring were the driest in Georgia's recorded history according to federal records; and the director of water strategy at the Metro Atlanta Chamber places Georgia's current drought conditions in context.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump nominates Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC; State lawmakers are running out of time to choose a new way for Georgians to vote; and Fulton Commission approves $1.3-billion to spruce up Atlanta's jail, among other projects. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ossoff co-sponsors Senate bill to give local cities agency over ICE immigration detention centers; Sonny Perdue retires; and Hartsfield-Jackson keeps 'world's busiest' designation for another year--and it isn't even close (despite how Chicago's O'Hare tries to spin it)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former executive with the High Museum of Art pleaded not guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of barrels; Dunwoody residents vocally oppose a city agreement with the public safety tech company Flock; and why better understanding of bird behavior could slow the spread of avian flu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As record high temperatures are expected, the state's drought worsens; Georgia prisons implement drones in the fight against contraband; and parting words from the outgoing CEO of Clarkston-based "Friends of Refugees." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican legislation on Governor Brian Kemp’s desk would expand access to birth control; Former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene -- once an adamant loyalist of President Donald Trump -- is now calling for his removal from office using the 25th Amendment; and we hear from two of the authors behind Planet Money's first book explaining the economic forces affecting our everyday lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The median home price in Fulton County neared $750,000 in March; When it comes to avoiding the relic known as the penny, state lawmakers say it all adds up--unless you round down; and GSU athletics plan to expand in Atlanta's Summerhill neighborhood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for the federal government to step up and repair damage at the CDC increase some eight months after someone shot it up; Fulton County's Reparations Task Force issues a 600+ page report; and on this date in 1974, Henry "Hank" Aaron hit homerun number 715 and surpassed Babe Ruth as baseball's "Homerun King." .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hip-hop artist Offset is recovering after the former Migos member was shot outside of a Florida casino; Private companies will soon be able to add their own renewable energy sources to Georgia Power's grid; and Delta ups baggage fees to subsidize fuel cost increases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big backups at the busiest airport in the world; State lawmakers advance efforts to suspend the gas tax; and what your local water provider is doing to make sure dirty tasting, smelly water is a thing of the past. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of two Georgia warehouses in question following shifts in Dept. of Homeland Security leadership; Sine Die is near; and what Cuba looks like from an Atlantan's perspective as the Trump administration imposes tough sanctions on the island. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials react to violent weekend in Atlanta after multiple young people shot; UPS agrees to cap voluntary separation buyouts; and a final-seconds two-pointer keeps Emory from NCAA Div. III national title. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia lawmakers have approved next year's $38.5 billion dollar state budget, which moved through in the final hours of the legislative session last night; Georgia property owners may soon be able to sue their cities and towns if they believe certain laws related to homelessness and immigration aren't being enforced aggressively enough; North Georgia streams are some of the most biodiverse places in the country and biologists are trying to help one threatened species of blue-striped fish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sine Die caps the 2026 General Assembly; hundreds of layoffs are coming to Stone Mountain Park; and the BeltLine reaches an affordable housing milestone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Democrats resist efforts to re-classify some elected positions concentrated in metro Atlanta; The government wants to collect and store DNA for immigrants taken into custody; and DeKalb gets serious about tire cleanup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia's Senators call for bipartisan investigation into Iran strikes; "No Kings" rally leaders encourage protestors to keep showing up to be effective; and a look at the big legislative issues rolling into Sine Die. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Republican-backed election bill, that would change this year's elections, passed the State Senate Friday; Travelers at the world’s busiest airport say TSA employees are long overdue to be paid as the DHS shutdown continues; and a new book chronicles how a Cartersville company was the only one willing to bring back Ebola patients from West Africa 12 years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued long TSA lines prompt Delta to ease ticket restrictions, promote rebooking; State lawmakers plead with ICE officials to release Loganville double amputee; and the influence Frida Kahlo had on one Atlanta artist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The proposed 38 and half billion 2027 state budget is headed for a vote in the State Senate after passing out of committee today Wednesday; The Gwinnett County school board unanimously approved Alexandra Estrella today as the new superintendent of the largest school district in Georgia; East Lake Foundation president and CEO Illy Askia joins "All Things Considered" to talk about how its model can be replicated in other communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Groups question ICE presence, purpose at Atlanta's airport; Georgia stopped collecting vehicle gas taxes, but that's done little to bolster pump prices; and 'What time is it?' Why lawmakers think Georgians can't be bothered with changing a clock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TSA call-outs cause hours-long lines at Atlanta's airport; State lawmakers vote to ban cell phones in high school classrooms; and Atlanta sees its 16th-worst pollen count ever. Achoo...we're just getting started. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia becomes the first state to suspend its gas tax in response to the war in Iran, which has caused gas prices to spike; Governor Brian Kemp signed his fourth round of one-time state income tax rebates at the State Capitol Friday; The Princeton Eviction lab found that Atlanta had more than 144 thousand evictions last year, we hear from one of the researchers involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State lawmakers pass bill to suspend Georgia's gas tax; homeowner's insurance is about to see another premium increase; and a conversation with the legendary Dionne Warwick. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Senate looks to ban phones in Georgia high schools; Two decades past verdict, and father convicted of killing infant child wants a new trial; and the mystique that is the Georgia Guidestones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World's busiest airport feeling pinch of partial government shutdown; a judge delivers a major blow to the Trump administration's anti-vaccine agenda; and the first installment in WABE's series, "Invisible Scars." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic state senator Nabilah Parkes of Duluth is resigning; charges have been dropped in the case of five teenagers involved in the death of Hall County teacher and coach Jason Hughes; a new report from Duluth-based Planned PEThood of Georgia outlines a framework for improving the delivery of animal welfare services in the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACLU to Dept. of Homeland Security: Stop detaining immigrants in temporary holding cells in the basement of an Atlanta immigration office; Could professional hockey return to Atlanta?; and why this year's Dogwood Festival has an admission charge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With QR codes on ballots now unlawful in Georgia, another new voting system is on the horizon; gas prices sharply increase as war with Iran continues; and the significance of the Stitch project adding "Inc." to its name. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judge denies Laken Riley killer a new trial; state lawmakers pass 2027 budget; and Yamaha ditches California for Georgia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulton DA says state GOP is targeting her for prosecuting Donald Trump; political shuffle on Fulton County Commission sets the stage for major shifts; and what a year into Trump's second term means for the Atlanta-based CDC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Candidates qualify for the commission that sets Georgia Power rates; and an investigation into a controversial land swap in DeKalb CountySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the biggest names running for state office qualify under the Gold Dome; Fulton commissioners approve plan aimed at improving conditions at the Rice Street jail; and a conversation with Boris Kodjoe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite fellow GOP efforts to stop him, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger qualifies to run for governor; Atlanta Fed finds businesses are hesitant to expand because of current political climate; and what do you do when flames decimate your entire studio? For one Atlanta artist, you turn the ashes into inspiration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Father of suspected Apalachee School shooter found guilty on all charges; Sen. Warnock (D-Ga) tams with Social Circle to block ICE detention center; and putting the 'e' in AI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Closing arguments in the trial of a father whose son is accused of killing four at Apalachee High School in 2024; FCC green-lights merger of Atlanta-based Cox Communications and Connecticut-based Charter Communications; and: Want to run for office in 2026? You've got until Friday to get to the Gold Dome. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trial continues for the father of the boy accused of shooting and killing people at Apalachee High School; Georgia Power gets billions in federal dollars toward savings on residents bills; and College Park prepares for this summer's World Cup matches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Supreme Court's presiding justice diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer; Georgia House lawmakers pass early education literacy bill; and APS teachers learn how to teach the game of soccer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Brian Kemp increased the 2026 state budget by nearly 1.4 billion dollars to help fund his priorities before it passed Wednesday; A new report from Emory University and reproductive-rights groups finds Georgia's abortion law continues to complicate health care for many pregnant and post-partum patients; A program from the Atlanta-based Southern Center for Human Rights trains volunteers to take notes in court and report back any misconduct.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anti-booting bill DOA, sponsor says; Georgia gets incremental victory in often-called "Water Wars" saga; and 'Figaro! Figaro! Fiiiiiigaro my!' $27.5-million gets the Atlanta Opera one fine future venue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marietta Police Department confirms its working with ICE; A new housing option for seniors is coming to the heart of downtown Atlanta; and what a million dollar grant can do to help Emory researchers better understand the long-term effects of data centers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several law enforcement leaders are backing a proposal to build a new state mental health hospital; City of Social Circle officials say they "continue to have more questions than answers" on how federal immigration officials plan to build a detention center there without infrastructure to support it; Democratic leaders are introducing legislation they say will safeguard against acts of voter suppression. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Power's parent company saw a good fourth quarter thanks largely to data centers; a high-ranking state senator won't seek re-election after more than two decades at the Gold Dome; and President Donald Trump holds his first event in Georgia since winning a second term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State GOP holds on to Macon Senate seat; Georgia sees push to fully eliminate legal abortion; and the Atlanta start-up promising to ease your travel anxiety before you even check out of your hotel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several Apalachee High School students testify in day two of Colin Gray trial; Georgia lawmakers remember influence of Rev. Jesse Jackson; and the City of Atlanta honors a Black Little League team of yesteryear. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A jury trial begins in the Apalachee High School shooting; Various groups file suit to protect ballots seized in FBI raid on Fulton election office; and an Atlantan brings home the Gold from the Winter Olympics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The State Senate has passed a Republican-backed package of bills to significantly cut state income taxes; The MARTA Board of Directors says they've done nothing wrong after a committee vote behind closed doors to halt work on the Eastside Beltline streetcar project; the National Center for Civil and Humand Rights in Atlanta is offering special programming every Saturday during Black History Month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environmental groups challenge state lawmakers to revisit Georgia Power's approved expansion; Can drones stop a school shooting in process?; and Broadway Sideways: a fresh take on show tunes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A jury is set in the trial of a father whose son is accused of fatal school shooting; Fulton County pressures feds to inventory, provide copies of documents seized in elections office raid; and a look at secrecy surrounding South Carolina's frightening measles outbreak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Affidavit made public surrounding FBI raid on Fulton Elections office; More police are part of the reason violent crime has fallen, but it's not the only factor; and Atlanta's own Spike Lee turns back the clock to 1988. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DOJ given Tuesday deadline to unseal documents related to FBI raid of Fulton elections office; man falsely charged and detained for kidnapping sues police, prosecutors; and Southwest Atlanta Black bookstore to close after 35 years in business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annual 'Latino Day at the Legislature' takes serious tone amid ICE raids; City of Atlanta and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper settle Clean Water Act lawsuit; and the end of a 50-year era. Art Papers announces it will cease publication at the end of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.