Judge Hears Suit Against New Election Rules 

Georgia Democrats have urged a Fulton County judge to overturn two new rules passed by the Republican-controlled State Election Board ahead of the presidential election.

The first rule requires county election boards to conduct a “reasonable inquiry” before certifying election results, while the second allows board members to examine election documents before certification.

Democrats argued that the rules are too vague and could create confusion, particularly regarding the definition of a “reasonable inquiry.”

Attorneys representing the State Election Board defended the rules, emphasizing that county boards must fulfill their certification duties within the given timeframe. The judge plans to issue a ruling on the matter before the election. 

  Georgia’s Prisons Declared “Horrific” 

The U.S. Justice Department announced that Georgia’s prison system is violating inmates’ constitutional rights by failing to protect them from widespread violence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke characterized the conditions as “horrific and inhumane.” 

A multi-year investigation found systemic issues like understaffing, contraband control, and improper gang influence leading to unsafe conditions, including assaults, rape, and murder.

Georgia Commissioner of Corrections Tyrone Oliver noted reduced staffing and aging infrastructure contribute to increased contraband and criminal activity.

Record Systems Riddled with Vulnerabilities 

A year-long investigation by software developer Jason Parker uncovered critical vulnerabilities in systems used by hundreds of courts, government agencies, and police departments across the U.S., including in Georgia. 

Georgia’s voter registration cancellation portal allowed anyone with basic information—such as a name, birth date, and county—to cancel voter registrations. 

Parker found other vulnerabilities, including flaws in  document management systems used by local courthouses, which allowed unauthorized access to sensitive records, such as psychiatric evaluations under seal. In one case, unauthorized people could grant themselves court clerk privileges, enabling them to create, delete, or modify filings.

Parker, who worked with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, emphasized that fixing these vulnerabilities requires a complete overhaul of security practices, not just quick fixes.

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➤ Atlanta: Gov. Brian Kemp announced the suspension of Georgia’s gas tax starting from Oct. 3 through Oct. 9, as part of the state’s response to Hurricane Helene. (More)  

➤ Statesboro: The city council approved a contract with Southern Disaster Recovery for $1 million to handle debris removal after Hurricane Helene, although costs may exceed this amount. (More) 

➤ Gainesville: E-Gyu Revolving Sushi & BBQ, an authentic sushi and Korean barbecue restaurant, is opening a location in the city. (More) 

➤ Savannah: Chatham Area Transit resumed services on Wednesday. All modes of transportation will be free of charge through Friday, Oct. 11. (Details) 

➤ Columbus: Paws Humane Society is in discussions to take over the management of Columbus Animal Care and Control following staffing shortages and arrests of eight employees. (More) 

➤ Georgia: Georgia Power has mobilized 20,000 personnel to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, restoring power to over 1 million customers, approximately 80% of those affected. (Details) 

➤ The Atlanta Braves lost the first game of their Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres and will now face elimination with one more loss. (More)

➤ Atlanta Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson is dealing with a hamstring injury that has caused him to be limited at the team’s practices heading into tonight’s primetime matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (More)

➤ Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin announced that he will retire from basketball at the age of 21 in order to “follow Jesus.” (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NHL

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➤ The city of Atlanta, in partnership with Atlanta Urban Development and Atlanta BeltLine Inc., has acquired Mall West End for $450 million to redevelop the property into a mixed-income, mixed-use affordable housing project. (More)

➤ Pecan growers in South Georgia have suffered severe losses from Hurricane Helene, with some losing 70% of older pecan trees and 40% of younger trees, according to UGA extension teams. (Details) 

➤ Three class-action lawsuits have been filed against BioLab and KIK Consumer Products, alleging negligence that resulted in a fire at the chemical plant and the release of hazardous material into the air. (More)  

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➤ Rapper Rich Homie Quan died from an accidental drug overdose, according to the Fulton County medical examiner. (More) 

➤ Athens venues, including Ciné and Buvez, will feature horror movie screenings throughout October. Ciné will show films like Ghostbusters and The Shining, while Buvez will offer free screenings of classics like Suspiria and The Thing.  (Listings) 

➤ The Military Influencers Conference, held in Atlanta from Sept. 29 through today, has brought together military entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders, including notable figures like Killer Mike. The conference featured discussions on veteran transition challenges. (More) 

Did you watch the vice-presidential debate?

1. Yes 
2. No
3. Only highlights

Yesterday’s Results:

Does watching sports make you want to snack?

1. Sometimes: 31%
2. No: 28%
3. Yes: 23% 
4. What would sports be without snacks? 18%

What is the smallest county in Georgia by land area? 

Show me the answer