Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast

4.7 (15)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

A Georgia politics roundup from the WABE newsroom. From under the Gold Dome or across the state, reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk to politicians and experts to break down each week’s biggest headlines in Georgia.

TRAILER

Coming November 8: In These Times with Bill Nigut

Subscribe now to catch the first episode, dropping November 8. In These Times with Bill Nigut is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, in-depth conversations about the political, cultural, and social forces shaping Georgia and the wider world. This series brings together expert analysts to help listeners make sense of the biggest stories of the moment, offering clarity without the noise of partisanship. But politics is just part of the story — the show also highlights voices from the arts, music, theater, film, and literature, exploring how creativity and culture help us navigate and reflect on these complex times. Insightful, wide-ranging, and grounded in curiosity rather than division, In These Times with Bill Nigut is your guide to understanding where we are — and where we’re going. Learn more: https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/in-these-times-with-bill-nigut/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 min
SEP 19

Farewell from 'Plugged In': A look back at 4 years in Georgia politics

In the final episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, along with producer Brendan Rivers, discuss the last four unprecedented years in Georgia politics. Plus, a preview of what the WABE newsroom will be keeping an eye on over the coming months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

36 min
SEP 12

Battery plant raid tests Georgia’s ties with South Korea

Georgia Republicans spent years building ties with companies in South Korea, culminating with Hyundai building a multi-billion dollar electric vehicle plant outside of Savannah. But last week, a battery factory at the site was raided by federal immigration agents, who detained more than 300 South Korean citizens. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at the ongoing fallout from the Hyundai raid. Plus, WABE Immigration Reporter Emily Wu Pearson takes listeners to a federal immigration detention facility in Georgia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 min
SEP 5

Inside Georgia's new system for compensating the wrongfully convicted

Earlier this year, state lawmakers created a new process for compensating Georgians who have been wrongfully convicted and jailed. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take listeners inside some of the first hearings, where judges and lawyers are trying to navigate a new process somewhat on the fly. Plus, Governor Brian Kemp has officially endorsed his pick to take on U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff next year and lawmakers mark one year since the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 min
AUG 29

White House looks to fire top federal officials with Atlanta ties

The Trump administration is looking to fire two top federal officials with Atlanta ties that would likely have national implications. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss moves to fire a Georgia-born Federal Reserve Governor and the director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Plus, Governor Brian Kemp has dispatched the national guard to help with immigration enforcement as President Donald Trump deploys guardsmen on the streets of Washington, D.C. and we take a look at why a judge is holding the Fulton County Commission in contempt of court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 min
AUG 22

Fulton County Commissioners could face jail time; 2026 campaigns ramp up

Two national figures made stops in Georgia this week to test out political messaging for the 2026 elections. Meanwhile, four major U.S. Senate candidates all gathered in one room. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Rahul Bali and Brendan Rivers discuss the early start to the campaign season. Plus, Fulton County Commissioners defy a judge’s order and could face jail time and a Georgian who rose to national prominence during the 2020 election considers running for Secretary of State. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 min
AUG 15

The latest on the CDC shooting

Employees at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been left shaken after a man fired hundreds of bullets at the Atlanta headquarters and killed a police officer. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” WABE Criminal Justice Reporter Chamain Cruz and WABE Health Reporter Jess Mador join hosts Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas and Brendan Rivers with an update on the investigation and how the shooting is the latest example of increasing threats, and sometimes violence, directed at public officials and institutions. Plus, more candidates jump into Georgia’s 2026 statewide races. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 min
AUG 8

Trump wants to dismantle two federal agencies established by Jimmy Carter

Former President and Georgia native Jimmy Carter created the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Emergency Management Agency back in 1979. But now President Donald Trump is calling for these two departments, among others, to be dismantled. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali look at how debates over the shape of the federal government during Carter’s time can shed light on what’s happening today. Plus, a look at bathroom parity at the State Capitol, off-schedule redistricting appears to be off the table for Georgia Republicans, an update on drama over appointments to the Fulton County Board of Elections and census data suggests that Metro Atlanta’s population boom may be slowing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 min

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4.7

out of 5

15 Ratings

Local and lively

05/11/2024

love ATL music

Really appreciate Sam and Rahul’s excellent politics reporting and summaries- vital work for an informed community.

A Georgia politics roundup from the WABE newsroom. From under the Gold Dome or across the state, reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk to politicians and experts to break down each week’s biggest headlines in Georgia.