• Georgia lawmakers eye pausing new data center construction and showcasing the musical talents of Atlanta's unhoused
    Jan 24 2026

    Georgia officials are warning residents to brace for the severe wintry weather hitting much of the county. Plus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has filed a bill to pause building new data centers in Georgia. And judges here are seeking funds from the state for better personal security when they're not at the courthouse. Also, researchers from UGA say their new peer reviewed study has the best evidence on one of the biggest recent scientific debates in Georgia-- surrounding potential mining near the Okefenokee. And a new project aims to showcase the musical talent of folks living unhoused in Atlanta.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    16 mins
  • Trump immigration policies impacting Georgia and some residents could see relief from spiking power bills
    Jan 17 2026

    Governor Brian Kemp is proposing new spending for state workers including teacher pay raises as well on million to help curb homelessness. Plus, another metro Atlanta city is pausing data center development as the area continues o see rapid growth in the large facilities. And some Georgia Power customers may see some relief later this year on their bills. Also, three inmates are killed and dozens injured at an understaffed Georgia prison after a fight breaks out at the facility. And we look at how Georgia is impacted by the Trump administration's immigration policies.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    16 mins
  • Different approaches to cutting Georgia taxes and people protest ICE killing in Minnesota
    Jan 10 2026

    Lawmakers present different ideas on making life more affordable by cutting taxes as the Georgia legislative session is set to begin. And we look at a report on the DeKalb County families living in extended stay hotels because they can't afford a more permanent place to live, and how that can take a toll on their safety, health and finances. We hear from one of the many thousands of people from Venezuela now living in Atlanta on what he thinks of what's happened there. Plus, a report from a protest in Atlanta in response to the fatal shooting of a woman in Minnesota by an ICE officer.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    16 mins
  • Fani Willis pushes back against state lawmakers and health support for pregnant veterans
    Dec 20 2025

    Fulton County DA Fani Willis appeared before a committee that's investigating her and forcefully pushed back against lawmakers. Plus, military veterans face a greater risk for pregnancy complications than civilians. So the Atlanta VA is working to connect pregnant and postpartum vets with extra support to try to better protect their health. And we have updates on Georgia Power expansion plans, data centers, an animal shelter in DeKalb and a push to teach more Black kids to swim.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    16 mins
  • Georgia Power's surprise agreement and a judge orders state prisons to provide hormone therapy for transgender inmates
    Dec 13 2025

    In a surprise announcement, Georgia Power says it's reached an agreement with state regulators on a massive, controversial expansion plan that covers $15 billion in construction. Plus, a federal judge is ordering Georgia's prison system to provide hormone therapy for transgender inmates. And Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is expected to appear next week before a Georgia State Senate Committee that is investigating her for alleged misconduct connected to her prosecution of the now-dismissed 2020 election interference case, which included the indictment of President Donald Trump. Also, we continue our Medical Wealth Gap series exploring just how much insurance plans are going to spike if Congress can't work out a deal.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    17 mins
  • Fulton taxpayers possibly on the hook to pay legal fees and a look at how Georgians are impacted by health funding cuts
    Dec 6 2025

    Fulton County taxpayers could be forced to pay millions of dollars of legal fees after a judge dismissed the 2020 election interference case involving President Donald Trump. And the Atlanta Board of Education has voted to either re-purpose or completely close 16 schools over the next couple of years. Plus, we look at a local nonprofit expanding services to open a women-only facility to help those experiencing homelessness. Also, we'll have the first two parts of our Medical Wealth Gap series exploring how Georgians are impacted by rising costs and cuts in federal funding.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    16 mins
  • SPECIAL: Detained in Georgia
    Nov 29 2025

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement detains thousands of immigrants across Georgia mostly in rural communities in the south of the state. This summer, WABE’s immigration reporter Emily Wu Pearson visited Lumpkin, one of those communities, to learn how increasing detentions under the second Trump Administration is affecting the area.

    Story 1: Unlike in the U.S. Court system for citizens, legal representation is not guaranteed for detained immigrants. And lawyers costs thousands of dollars. We hear from a small group of attorneys working pro bono to help.

    Story 2: Immigration cases are often open to the public. We hear from a group of volunteers who watch hours of court proceedings to keep tabs on the judicial system.

    Story 3: With detention centers in such rural locations, family members often have a hard time getting to and staying near facilities. We look at the journey to help family members and those trying to make those trips a little easier.

    Story 4: Millions of dollars a month flow to companies operating immigrant detention facilities in Georgia. We look at where the money comes from and where it goes.

    For more on this series, go to wabe.org/detention

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    17 mins
  • Inside Georgia's immigration courts and state superintendent calls for teacher raises
    Nov 22 2025

    Georgia's superintendent calls for pay raises for teachers. It comes at a time when schools are having a hard time getting some students back in the classroom. We look at how chronic absenteeism still remains well above pre-pandemic numbers. Plus, attorneys are gathering Northwest Georgia residents to continue fighting against extensive chemical contamination in the Dalton area. And the state requires mental health treatment be covered by insurance companies the same as physical illness, But that is not always happening. We hear about how advocates are trying to save lives by making sure the law is followed. Also, we go inside Georgia's backlogged immigration courts.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    16 mins