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News Roundup

Why DeKalb Poll Workers Spent the Weekend Counting Votes By Hand

Your AM Rundown: Plus, a new survey explains how metro Atlantans really feel about their economic prospects.

A poll worker counts ballot papers
After several technical glitches, poll workers in DeKalb County are still counting votes in a commission race. (Getty Images)

Top of the morning! We hope you enjoyed the extra day of rest.

Here is Your AM Rundown, with news updates in 400 words or less. Get caught up on headlines and other developments you might’ve missed. 

Here’s what to know for today: 

  • While many residents spent time soaking up the long weekend, poll workers in DeKalb County were busy counting votes by hand. Technical glitches forced officials to sort through ballots for the District 2 commissioner race the good ‘ol fashioned way. In total, staff were counting votes from 40 precincts to determine the outcome. Before the hand count, it appeared as though former DeKalb school board member Marshall Orson and business management consultant Lauren Alexander were headed for a runoff.
  • With rising inflation, where does metro Atlanta rank on the economic optimism scale (yes, it’s a thing)? The answer: 105 on a scale of 0 to 200, according to a new study.
  • The case against rappers Young Thug and Gunna comes down to using the Atlanta emcees’ lyrics against them. Is it legal? Has it happened before? For Capital B Atlanta, writer Jacinta Howard spoke to experts and activists about the long — potentially racist — history behind hip-hop artists having their art used as evidence.
  • Last Tuesday was Primary Day in Georgia, but things are really just getting started on the midterm election front. Need a refresher on what happened, as well as updates on the runoffs and November races to come? Read our latest Political Reporter’s Notebook from Chauncey Alcorn. 

ICYMI: Want to get more involved in the Atlanta city budget? Here’s your friendly reminder to fill out a survey from our friends at Canopy Atlanta, so that we can bring valuable information to your community and keep you looped in on the process. 

Got tips, pitches, or other updates to include in Your AM Rundown? Hit us up at atltips@capitalbatl.org.