WABE's Week In Review

Atlanta is feeling the heat and the FBI dives into Fulton election records

We're experiencing extreme heat and humidity but it isn't slowing runners and soccer fans. Plus, the FBI is directing more than 250  staffers to its investigation of the 2020 election in Fulton County over President Trump's false claims of election fraud in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has approved spending $7 million to officially acquire almost 3,000 acres of land near the Okefenokee Swamp formerly slated to become a mine. And metro area Venezuelans are hurrying to get aid to those in their home country after recent earthquakes.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

QR codes on ballots delayed and developers buy up Georgia farmland

We wrap up the special session at the state Capitol where lawmakers delayed changing ballots and did not move on property taxes. Plus, developers are snapping up Georgia farmland for housing and other uses and that has some people worried. Also, a new report finds about half of Georgia households struggle to keep up with the rising cost of basic necessities like utilities and food, despite earning above the Federal Poverty Level. And the economy isn't much better for nonprofits as the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta says the staggering response they received for a new nonprofit funding initiative points to increased uncertainty in the sector. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Georgia lawmakers delay redistricting move

Republican lawmakers announced they will not redraw congressional and state legislative districts for the 2028 elections during the current a special session called by Governor Brian Kemp. Plus, we hear about some of the biggest runoff election results around the state. And despite pushback, Flock cameras will continue taking a time-stamped photo of every passing vehicle at the Atlanta airport for at least another year. Also, a Georgia teenager saw his vision come to life on Monday as one of eight winners of a national musical theatre songwriting contest.    See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is Atlanta ready for the World Cup?

The World Cup is underway and Atlanta is gearing up to host its first game. We look at preparations from transportation to fanfests to health and safety. And the Buford Highway Orchestra Project is a free program that started during the pandemic to help students who were feeling the fear and isolation of COVID. It now  serves as a reprieve from the stress of stepped up immigration enforcement. Plus, we continue our look at America celebrating its 250th birthday this year with a look through the Atlanta lens.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Georgia gears up for runoff races and MARTA faces federal investigation

Georgia's Primary runoff election is June 16 with early voting starting statewide June 8. We have more from recent debates of those battling for their party's nomination. Plus, about a week before a high-profile stabbing death on MARTA, Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt reassured the public and local leaders that overall crime on the transit system had decreased. And Georgia is among the states seeing a big increase in young uninsured children. Also, we remember Atlanta R&B legend Peabo Bryson, who died this week at 75 years old.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.