WABE's Week In Review

We have more on the impact in Georgia of federal cuts including the cancelation all contracts with Atlanta's refugee resettlement groups. The cuts also call for canceling the lease for an office in metro Atlanta that monitors rivers for flooding and pollution and trimming Medicaid money. Plus, the state of Georgia is cutting taxes and giving rebates again. And we examine how animals use natural medicines to cure their illnesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at how federal policy changes and massive cuts could impact Georgia, including immigration officials arresting more than 1,500 people in the state since Inauguration Day. Plus, library officials as we'll as weather forecasters here are seeing or set for budget cuts that could limit access to information from online databases to emergency weather hitting the area. Also, we are in Augusta for a unique look at he Masters golf tournament in an area hit hard just months ago by Hurricane Helene. And two important stories about keeping mothers and babies safe and connected even when they are separated by bars and/or mental illness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have more on the ramifications of federal cuts to Georgia. We have more on the job layoffs at the Atlanta-based CDC. We also hear from an historic HBCU on the path forward amid the dismantling of the Department of Education. Plus, Atlanta is one of the main spots for relocating refugees, but those agencies are seeing contracts canceled and aid closed off. And we hear from scientists on a new way to spread their message (and coping mechanism): stand-up comedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia lawmakers made big moves this week pushing forward the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a ban on cell phones for students in K-8,and a pay raise for Governor Brian Kemp. Meanwhile, a state House committee is also hearing a proposal to ban all abortions in Georgia, but that measure has opponents on both sides for different reasons. Plus, we examine another new federal slashing plan that cuts jobs from the Atlanta-based CDC. And we interview the new head of the Southeast's department of the Environmental Protection Agency. And how the dismantling of the Department of Education could eliminate a farmworker program in Georgia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at Georgia's General Assembly passing tort reform, the top legislative priority for Governor Brian Kemp. Plus, lawmakers act to move forward protections for IVF, punishments for librarians and support for the state's sliding film industry. Also, Atlanta's City Council is temporarily exempting the Beltline and other infrastructure projects from the city's rules about protecting and removing trees. Plus, firings and funding cuts at the National Weather Service and other agencies have some worried about Georgia’s upcoming hurricane season. And we examine a pilot internship program with Atlanta music legend Jermaine Dupri and Emory University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear more from federal workers fired from local offices of the IRS and HUD as well as ongoing drama at the CDC and the Office of personnel management. Plus, we talk to the consuls general of Canada and Mexico about the trade war with the U.S. And MARTA stands behind its assessment of public funds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at some of the bills that passed or failed on Crossover Day, the time when a bill lives on as it goes to the other chamber or essentially dies for the session. The moves includes the failure of a bill to ban DEI in schools and the passing of a plan to lower the state income tax. Plus, we look at more impact locally from federal decisions in Washington, D.C., including in Atlanta at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health researchers. And City Lights Host Lois Reitzes announced her retirement from WABE this week after 45 years on air. We hear from her on why and what is next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into the impact decisions in Washington, D.C. are having in Georgia, including the ramifications of dismantling a major regulatory body that stemmed from a crisis that decimated this region. And we head to the legislative session for a breakdown of big-ticket legislation that is headed for crossover day, including IVF treatment access and gambling. We also go inside one of Atlanta's Black churches that was recently given money to preserve its history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the impact in Atlanta of the Trump administration's policy firing federal workers, specifically at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Plus, we dive into some proposed state legislation that would put more pressure on local governments to clear homeless encampments or possibly pay homeowners whose values dropped because of them. Also, education researchers say students in Georgia have still not recovered academically to pre-pandemic achievement levels. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of the Week In Review, we take a look at our multi-part series on maternal health called Missing Moms from WABE Health Reporter Jess Mador. Georgia can be a dangerous place to be pregnant and give birth. The state’s maternal mortality rate is among the worst in the United States. But the risks are not equal. Black Georgians are much more likely than other women to experience complications or die during or after pregnancy. Families want change. Policymakers and advocates are pushing solutions. To understand what is — and is not — working to address Georgia’s maternal health crisis, we’re exploring the complex factors behind it and what’s being done to address it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of the Week In Review, we take a look at our multi-part series on maternal health called Missing Moms from WABE Health Reporter Jess Mador. Georgia can be a dangerous place to be pregnant and give birth. The state’s maternal mortality rate is among the worst in the United States. But the risks are not equal. Black Georgians are much more likely than other women to experience complications or die during or after pregnancy. Families want change. Policymakers and advocates are pushing solutions. To understand what is — and is not — working to address Georgia’s maternal health crisis, we’re exploring the complex factors behind it and what’s being done to address it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now modifying the content on its website to "comply with President Trump's Executive Order" to dismantle DEI programs within the government. Also, Waffle House says it will charge extra for eggs as millions of chickens have been culled in response to the bird flu outbreak. Plus, we have more on Fulton County facing a lawsuit over its interpretation over the homestead exemption tax law that has some residents seeing massive tax bills. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have more on President Donald Trump signing the Laken Riley Act into federal law as he was surrounded by the late Georgia nursing student's family this week. Plus, Democrats in the state legislature are making another attempt to extend health coverage to more Georgians under Medicaid, and this time, four Republicans have already signed on. Also, we look at the impact on Georgia homeowners as half of the state's 180 school districts have started the legal process to opt out of the Homestead Exemption law, according to a survey from the Georgia School Superintendents Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at another case of bird flu at a commercial facility in north Georgia, and how it has forced the killing of millions of birds and seen prices increases. Plus, dozens of people who live in Georgia were among those who received pardons from President Trump for their participation in the January 6th insurrection. And cars abandoned along the roadways, thousands without power, water mains busted, we'll look at the impact of the most recent winter storm to hit Georgia. Also, Jan. 20 might feel like a long time ago now, but it was a big day this week. We'll have local reactions to the presidential inauguration, MLK Day celebrations and the college football championship here in Atlanta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a deep dive into state politics as Governor Brian Kemp charts a course for tort reform, his biggest issue this session. It could have a big impact on the civil litigation, the business community and those who were done wrong and seeking damages. Plus, we look at the republican infighting at the Capitol that saw one GOP lawmaker arrested and another, one of the powerful politicos there, facing criticism from his own party. And a water main break in Dekalb County impacted thousands of residents, forcing a boil advisory for days, and now some lawmakers are using the incident to highlight the need for increasing water and sewer rates. Also, a ruling on right whales could hurt the survival of species that give birth off Georgia's coast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia's legislative session is set to start next week and Speaker Jon Burns is promising support for legislation to protect in-vitro fertilization. Also, the number of people who are homeless in Georgia stayed mostly flat over the past year, but it still totals more than 12,000 people statewide. Plus, we look at he ceremonies honoring the only U.S. president from Georgia, Jimmy Carter, who died last month at 100 years old. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special Week In review episode, we look at the impact of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 at his home in Plains,Ga. Carter was 100 years old. We dive into his impact on environmental policy as well as his humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll have more on an uptick in state funding for higher education has brought down the cost of attending Georgia’s public colleges and universities in recent years. Plus, Atlanta officials are spending millions to build two grocery stores in so-called food desert locations in the city. And a Virginia-based homebuilder says it is set to build hundreds of houses in Gwinnett County. Also, Atlanta's famed New Year's Eve Peach Drop is back on this year after a hiatus in 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of the Week in Review, we showcase our series "Six Million and Lonely" by All Things Considered host Jim Burress and producer Christopher Alston. It looks at the growing problem of loneliness, especially in the metro Atlanta area, where a U.S. Census Bureau quarterly survey found people here were the second most isolated in the country. The series highlights the problems and finds some solutions to combat social isolation and loneliness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Georgia appeals court ruled this week that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office should be removed from the election interference case involving President-Elect Donald Trump and 14 others. the judges said Willis' her personal relationship with a special prosecutor created an “appearance of impropriety.” And we'll also look at why thousands of Amazon drivers picketed this week at multiple facilities across the country, including in Atlanta. Plus, we take a tour of Atlanta's controversial Public Safety Training Center. The facility dubbed "Cop City" by its opponents is now built after years of clashes and protests. We look at how police aim to provide security there while building a community and repairing relationships. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia governor Brian Kemp signs on with some two dozen other republican governors across the country in expressing support for President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Plus, we examine where tens of millions of dollars in opioid settlement money is going in Georgia. Also the spotted lanternfly, a tree-sucking, rapidly multiplying insect that’s already invaded other U.S. states, is now in Georgia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Georgia politicians, who didn't win their last election bids, are set to join the new Trump administration. We'll look more at what former Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler as well as former Congressman Doug Collins are slated for. Plus, the man found guilty last month of murdering Laken Riley on the campus of University of Georgia is asking for a new trial. The case became a political flashpoint during an election year as Jose Ibarra was in the country illegally. Also we explain the milestone hit by Georgia's school voucher program. And we go to the coast, where the first critically endangered right whale calf of the season has been spotted. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Jose Ibarra, who was in the country illegally, was found guilty of killing nursing student Laken Riley in case that became a political football this election year. Plus, a Georgia State Election Board member wants the state to provide voters' personal information to the makers of EagleAI,  a controversial tool for challenging voter eligibility. Also, we look at how the incoming Trump administration may impact environmental and immigration issues Georgia. And TSA officials predict this Thanksgiving travel season will break records with score of passengers set to travel through Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A federal investigation has found Fulton County Jail is violating the civil rights of people in its custody by failing to protect them from violence, using excessive force, and holding them in filthy and unsafe conditions. Sheriff Patrick Labat says the issues predate his tenure but he believes the problems outlined by the department of justice are fixable. Plus, DeKalb County is planning to raise water and sewer rates to make major improvements to its water system. And we go inside a program that sends medical professionals to new and expecting moms in an effort to curb Georgia's extremely high maternal mortality rate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We spend the first half of the show detailing some of the impact from Tuesday's election on Georgia: From taxes to transit to runoff races. Then we remember billionaire co-founder of Home Depot Bernie Marcus, who died this week. Plus, the late music producer Rico Wade is honored by East Point with monument dedicated by the city and his closest friends and colleagues. Also, we hear an auctioneering prodigy in action. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Williams, also known as rapper Young Thug, is now pleading guilty in the massive gang and racketeering trial. Plus, we explore the complicated relationship between former President Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp after the Kemp is not at another Trump rally in Georgia. And metro Atlanta's housing prices have surged in the last couple of years, so what are Trump and vice president Kamala Harris saying about what they would do to help those who can't buy and are being priced out on rent? Also, we have more on what some metro Atlanta law enforcement officials are doing to increase security this heated election season.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WABE's Marisa Mecke explores a 2023 raw sewage spill from a Fulton County water treatment plant that forced officials to close off huge swaths of the river. The incident poured in millions of gallons of raw sewage into the river that supplies Atlanta with a majority of its drinking water. How officials handled the situation has left doubts about how seriously authorities take sewage pollution in Atlanta for many of the groups aiming to protect the river. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgians continue to be courted by presential candidates and their surrogates. Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris were here this week with Harris campaigning alongside former president Barack Obama for the first time. And an update on the three white men who are serving life sentences after murdered Ahmaud Arbery as they seek a new trial. Plus, "Jailbots!" The sheriff in Cobb County is using high-tech guards to keep watch on inmates. Also, right whales are showing some positive population numbers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The chemical fire just south east of Atlanta in Conyers at the Biolab facility last month has some lawmakers calling for the facility to be shuttered, some lawyers talking class action lawsuit. Meanwhile, the state has opened a community center to help residents. Plus, a Georgia grand jury has indicted a father and son for their alleged parts in last month's mass shooting at Apalachee High School that killed two students and two teachers last month. And the former Atlanta Medical Center site is taking another step toward redevelopment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Georgia and other states were trying to recover from hurricane Helene, Milton hit. We look at the impact from the two storms. Plus, fallout from the chemical fire at the Biolab facility in Conyers continues as some residents want the facility shutdown as the blaze sent plumes of chemicals into the air around metro Atlanta. And Atlanta has one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. We are with them as they remember and mourn the October 7th attack that saw scores of people killed, injured and kidnapped one year ago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We explore the impacts of Hurricane Helene in Georgia: Thousands still without power, scores of homes and businesses ruined and at least 33 people in Georgia alone were killed. Plus we have more from the visits this week by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump (both times). And some are calling for the closure of a plant near Atlanta where a chemical fire sent a huge plume to the air. We'll also have a look at a damning Department of Justice report on Georgia's prisons. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At least 11 people died in Georgia as Hurricane Helene rolled through the state. Plus, former President Donald Trump stumped in Savannah this week. He was pitching a plan to stimulate manufacturing, but unlike during his last Georgia rally, Trump refrained from antagonizing Governor Brian Kemp. Also, the controversial State Election Board is preparing to investigate eight heavily Democratic counties for dismissing thousands of voter challenges. And the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick are preparing for a potential strike next week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republicans on the controversial Georgia State Election Board approved a rule this week requiring a hand count of ballots cast on election day. That's in opposition of the republican attorney general and secretary of state, who fear the last-minute change could cause delays and confusion on election night and the days that follow. Plus, we have the context behind visits from candidates Kamala Harris, J.D. Vance and Tim Walz. Also, we have more on a company seeking to mine next to the Okefenokee Swamp benefiting off a state tax credit meant for conservation. And how a racial disparities in maternal healthcare is furthering the mistrust between communities of colors and the healthcare system. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Georgia judge is dismissing three more counts in the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and his allies. Plus, attorneys for the man whose son is accused of opening fire at Apalachee High School argued in a new court filing that he needs to be separated from the general population behind bars for his own safety. And Georgia's Republican State House Speaker says lawmakers will consider new gun regulations during the 2025 legislative session. Also, diseases from Georgia's ticks are spreading faster due to climate change. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We take a look back at the deadly Barrow County school shooting that left two students and two teachers dead and nine people injured. The 14-year old alleged shooter is in custody along with his father and neither are seeking bail. We hear from the community about those who lost their lives, how a community is trying to recover and what some lawmakers are saying. Plus, we have a special feature on Georgia's foster care system: When parents have their kids taken into foster care, the state orders them to pay support. We explore how this move is impacting parents being able to bring their kids back home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lawsuit supported by the Harris Campaign is challenging new rules for certifying elections in Georgia that could result in some local election boards voting against certifying results this fall. Plus, Georgia's presidential ballot will have six candidates for voters to choose from, which is unusual as the state has had at most only three presidential candidates on the ballot each election since 2004. And we examine the strategy of the Harris campaign to hit places outside metro Atlanta. Also, thousands of people adopted from outside the country before the year 2000 may not have U.S. citizenship, and we hear the story of Georgia man who was deported because of a loophole in U.S. adoption law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WABE's Molly Samuel and the environment team of Emily Jones and Marisa Mecke review the flooding in Georgia after Tropical Storm Debby. The team also looks at the future of flooding as climate change makes storms more severe and expand their reach across the state. Plus, we look at if some metro Atlanta stormwater systems can handle more severe storms. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The State Election Board faces bipartisan scrutiny after approving another rule change that could disrupt the certification of Georgia's election results this November. Plus, we hear from Georgians who spoke at the Democratic National Convention and those who were there as delegates. Also, after much controversy at the beginning of the school year, some Georgia educators are now teaching the Advanced Placement course in African American Studies. And The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is allocating $2 million to transform the former site of the Chattahoochee Brick Company, which has a horrific past, for recreation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris recently campaigning in North Carolina-- a state with a similar electorate to Georgia--we look at why these neighboring battlegrounds have not aligned in recent elections. Plus, Georgia residents are still cleaning up after Tropical Storm Debby and as we found out, with climate change supercharging storms, more areas outside the coast are vulnerable. And, Georgia has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, but some medical experts say treating high blood pressure may bring that number down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp made his first public comments this week since former President Donald Trump restarted their public feud. Plus, Atlanta-based Delta is facing a battle on two sides: a class action lawsuit by some passengers and a blame game with Crowdstrike over massive delays due to technical glitches. Also, we'll hear more from some Georgia's faith leaders who kicked off a "Get out the Vote" campaign in an effort to reach Black voters. And we hear about the cleanup from Tropical Storm Debby, whose intense rain caused widespread flooding along the coast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The transformation of the Democratic campaign for the White House was on full display as Vice President Kamala Harris rallied a boisterous crowd on Tuesday in Atlanta. Former President Donald Trump and his running mate Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance are set to rally Saturday evening in Atlanta. Plus, Georgia Superintendent Richard Woods says the Advanced Placement course in African American Studies violates Georgia's “Divisive Concepts” law. And new web portal allowing Georgians to cancel their voter registration is facing additional scrutiny after it was revealed it showed voters personal information.Also, we look at how East Point's racial past plays a role in not having a public pool in the city just outside Atlanta since the early 1980s.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atlanta-based Delta Airlines far outpaced other carriers in cancellations and delays after a widespread tech outage. Federal officials are now investigating if the airline is fulfilling its legal obligation to customers. Plus, we hear from local voters and politicians on the presidential run for Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden bows out. And Georgia state Superintendent Richard Woods changed a previous decision and will now allow schools to teach "some or all of the standards" in the Advance Placement course in African American Studies after major blowback. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.