WABE's Week In Review

Several communities in Georgia are eyeing potential legislation in an effort to rein in the use and potential abuse of license plate readers from Atlanta-based Flock. Also, U.S. Post Office officials say they are taking extraordinary measures-- like extra deliveries, special pickups, and more localized drop offs to board of election facilities-- to make sure ballots are returned on time and safely. We'll also break down the political landscape as President Donald Trump makes his second visit and former President Barack Obama is set to come here in less than a week. Plus, the Trump administration is changing how it interprets the Endangered Species Act and that could have an affect on some iconic Georgia species. And since it is Halloween season, we'll take a trip to one of the nation's premiere haunted houses, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special episode, we focus on some of the big races in the state for November's election. Early voting is already shattering midterm records as Georgians hit the polls in what will likely be a defining election for the course of our state and country. Our news team looks at the races for governor, U. S. senator, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and labor commissioner. The topics vary from personal attacks to data centers to unfounded claims of voter fraud. You can find more at our special election hub at wabe.org/2026election.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some advocates are raising questions after the State Election Board’s Executive Director called on the Trump Administration to examine whether Georgia should be allowed to use its current voting machines. Plus, we breakdown the one and only debate in Georgia's race for governor. Also, nearly two weeks after termed-out Governor Brian Kemp signed the initial gas tax suspension, high diesel prices continue to impact Georgia’s agriculture sector. And five-and-a-half years after the Atlanta spa shootings, where eight people were killed, new delays in Fulton County's death penalty case against the alleged gunman have drawn a rare rebuke from the presiding judge. Atlanta officials are wrapping up the design phase of a transformation project for a memorial and park on the 75-acre site of the former Chattahoochee Brick Company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DeKalb County is suing a real estate company over a controversial 2021 land swap just after it reopened a large portion of Intrenchment Creek Park that had been blocked off for years because of the deal. Plus, backlash over the possible sale of the Atlanta City Detention Center to Fulton County is intensifying after city officials proposed using the proceeds for Mayor Andre Dickens' neighborhood reinvestment plan. Also, some immigrants who are legally in Georgia could lose their health coverage as more provisions of the Republican law H.R. 1 took effect October 1. And MARTA is looking to expand transit on Atlanta's Southside through a rapid bus expansion project, but some residents have questions. We'll also hit the campaign trail with Georgia's race for U.S. Senate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some local lawmakers are joining the push for guardrails on police surveillance as a growing national concern over the misuse of automated license plate readers, like those made by Atlanta-based Flock Safety. And diesel prices in Georgia recently hit the highest level on record. We look at the pressure it is placing on food supply, transportation and retail prices. Plus, as Google looks to cut a deal for energy for its data centers, one climate group is releasing tips for how to understand the massive facilities popping up all over the state. Also, the Atlanta City Council made moves on parental leave, rail on the Beltline and rules around short-term rentals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.