WABE’s Week In Review: The Atlanta Mayor’s Race And An Investigation Into Georgia’s Prison System
This week, a poll by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution revealed that more than 40% of voters still haven’t made up their minds about the Atlanta mayoral race, even though the election is about six weeks away.
The candidates are on the campaign trail and attending numerous mayoral forums. Five of the frontrunners appeared at a forum this week on the topic of housing and real estate where they shared their vision for the future of the city. With so many candidates in the race, there’s likely to be a runoff between the top two finishers on Nov. 30.
ICU beds nearly full in Georgia
On the COVID-19 front this week, daily case numbers and hospitalizations continued to drop slowly, but ICU bed capacity remained at 95 percent statewide. Hospitals are still struggling to care for all the COVID patients.
Georgia attorney general threatens to sue Biden
Meanwhile, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr signed on to a letter this week with top lawyers from other Republican states threatening to sue the Biden administration over a COVID-19 vaccine mandates for businesses. The letter argues that the requirement is counterproductive and illegal.
Justice Department investigates Georgia prison system
And the U.S. Department of Justice announced this week that it’s opening an investigation into Georgia’s state prison system for possible civil rights violations. Federal officials say staff shortages are leading to violence and sexual abuse.
Marjorie Taylor Greene gets challenger in GOP primary
Jennifer Strahan says she’s a no-nonsense conservative and filed paperwork this week to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in April’s GOP primary. Strahan is the president and CEO of a national healthcare consultancy.
Her bid to unseat Greene comes as the lower chamber voted to strip Greene of her committee assignments in February. Strahan calls that a blow for the 14th Congressional District.
Atlanta goes for 2026 World Cup bid
A delegation from soccer’s world governing body FIFA visited Atlanta this week. The city is making a bid to host matches during the 2026 World Cup, which is coming to North America.
FIFA officials toured Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which holds nearly all of Major League Soccer’s attendance records.
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