Meimei Xu
@meimeixu.bsky.social
Digital editor at Atlanta's NPR affiliate, WABE News | mxu@wabe.org
Formerly at The Harvard Crimson and AAJA Voices
Formerly at The Harvard Crimson and AAJA Voices
The Trump administration received backlash after media reports of funding cuts to Head Start in drafts of the White House budget proposal.
The final proposal did not include these cuts, but Georgia advocates say the fight to preserve the child care program is not over. www.wabe.org/georgia-head...
The final proposal did not include these cuts, but Georgia advocates say the fight to preserve the child care program is not over. www.wabe.org/georgia-head...
Georgia Head Start parents, educators keep advocating after program avoids federal elimination for now
Though Head Start, a free, federally funded child care program, is no longer facing complete elimination, Georgia parents and advocates say the fight to preserve Head Start is far from over.
www.wabe.org
June 2, 2025 at 7:50 PM
The Trump administration received backlash after media reports of funding cuts to Head Start in drafts of the White House budget proposal.
The final proposal did not include these cuts, but Georgia advocates say the fight to preserve the child care program is not over. www.wabe.org/georgia-head...
The final proposal did not include these cuts, but Georgia advocates say the fight to preserve the child care program is not over. www.wabe.org/georgia-head...
A massive tax package touted by President Donald Trump contains federal cuts to a program that provides nutrition and lifestyle education to families on Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. www.wabe.org/cuts-to-snap...
Cuts to SNAP-Ed in Trump’s tax bill may affect long-term health, Georgia advocates say
A massive tax package contains federal cuts to a program that provides nutrition and lifestyle education to families on SNAP benefits.
www.wabe.org
May 20, 2025 at 10:41 PM
A massive tax package touted by President Donald Trump contains federal cuts to a program that provides nutrition and lifestyle education to families on Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. www.wabe.org/cuts-to-snap...
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill Tuesday to give Georgians a new $250 tax credit for each child under age six starting next year. The law also increases the tax credit for child and dependent care expenses from a 30% to 50% match of the federal credit.
www.wabe.org/georgia-enac...
www.wabe.org/georgia-enac...
Georgia enacts child tax credit increase and extra $250 for children under 6
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill Tuesday to give Georgians a new $250 tax credit for each child under age six starting next year. In addition, the law increases the amount of tax credit that Geor...
www.wabe.org
May 14, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill Tuesday to give Georgians a new $250 tax credit for each child under age six starting next year. The law also increases the tax credit for child and dependent care expenses from a 30% to 50% match of the federal credit.
www.wabe.org/georgia-enac...
www.wabe.org/georgia-enac...
The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education is bringing back equity policies after it previously voted to rescind them to comply with a directive from the Trump administration to remove DEI policies or face the elimination of federal funds. #gapol www.wabe.org/city-schools...
City Schools of Decatur board reinstates equity policies after judges halt Trump DEI ban in schools
The City Schools of Decatur board is bringing back equity policies after it previously voted to rescind them to comply with a directive from the Trump administration.
www.wabe.org
April 30, 2025 at 4:47 PM
The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education is bringing back equity policies after it previously voted to rescind them to comply with a directive from the Trump administration to remove DEI policies or face the elimination of federal funds. #gapol www.wabe.org/city-schools...
University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents voted to consolidate Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College Tuesday. It still needs approval from SACSCOC.
The board also set flat in-state tuition rates but increased out-of-state and country rates.
www.wabe.org/georgia-univ...
The board also set flat in-state tuition rates but increased out-of-state and country rates.
www.wabe.org/georgia-univ...
Georgia university system board approves 2025-2026 tuition, consolidation of Georgia Southern and East Georgia State College
The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents voted Tuesday on the 2025-2026 academic year tuition rates and to consolidate Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College.
www.wabe.org
April 15, 2025 at 9:10 PM
University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents voted to consolidate Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College Tuesday. It still needs approval from SACSCOC.
The board also set flat in-state tuition rates but increased out-of-state and country rates.
www.wabe.org/georgia-univ...
The board also set flat in-state tuition rates but increased out-of-state and country rates.
www.wabe.org/georgia-univ...
Two highly contested Georgia education bills — which would withhold state funding for schools promoting DEI and bar librarians from allowing minors to access explicit content — did not pass this year. But a lawmaker behind the bills plans to push for them in 2026. #gapol www.wabe.org/contested-ge...
Georgia bills restricting DEI policies, explicit library materials failed, but lawmaker determined to pass in 2026
Two of highly contested state education bills — which would withhold state funding for schools with DEI policies and bar librarians from allowing minors to access explicit content — are not moving for...
www.wabe.org
April 10, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Two highly contested Georgia education bills — which would withhold state funding for schools promoting DEI and bar librarians from allowing minors to access explicit content — did not pass this year. But a lawmaker behind the bills plans to push for them in 2026. #gapol www.wabe.org/contested-ge...
Georgia Democratic state senators filed 20 amendments and several motions to protest and delay a bill that withholds state funding from schools and universities with programs and policies that promote DEI.
HB 127, however, still advanced on party lines. #gapol www.wabe.org/a-georgia-an...
HB 127, however, still advanced on party lines. #gapol www.wabe.org/a-georgia-an...
A Georgia anti-DEI bill advances despite contentious filibuster by Democrats
As the clock neared midnight Wednesday, Georgia Democratic state senators filed 20 amendments and several motions to protest and delay a bill that withholds state funding from schools and universities...
www.wabe.org
April 3, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Georgia Democratic state senators filed 20 amendments and several motions to protest and delay a bill that withholds state funding from schools and universities with programs and policies that promote DEI.
HB 127, however, still advanced on party lines. #gapol www.wabe.org/a-georgia-an...
HB 127, however, still advanced on party lines. #gapol www.wabe.org/a-georgia-an...
A Georgia State Senate committee has passed a substitute measure that guts a teacher sick leave increase bill and replaces it with language from a stalled bill that would withhold state funding for public schools with DEI programs and policies. #gapol www.wabe.org/georgia-stat...
Georgia state senators bring back a stalled bill mirroring Trump efforts to curb DEI in schools
A Georgia State Senate committee has passed a substitute that guts a teacher sick leave increase bill and replaces it with language from a stalled bill that would withhold state funding for public sch...
www.wabe.org
March 28, 2025 at 7:38 PM
A Georgia State Senate committee has passed a substitute measure that guts a teacher sick leave increase bill and replaces it with language from a stalled bill that would withhold state funding for public schools with DEI programs and policies. #gapol www.wabe.org/georgia-stat...
Teacher and student organizations in Georgia are trying to figure out what President Donald Trump's recent executive order calling for the closure of the US Department of Education means for schools in the state.
www.wabe.org/how-closing-...
www.wabe.org/how-closing-...
How closing the US Education Department will impact Georgia
Following President Donald Trump’s executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, teacher and student organizations in Georgia are figuring out how to move forward.
www.wabe.org
March 26, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Teacher and student organizations in Georgia are trying to figure out what President Donald Trump's recent executive order calling for the closure of the US Department of Education means for schools in the state.
www.wabe.org/how-closing-...
www.wabe.org/how-closing-...
Georgia state senators passed a Republican-backed bill that could open up librarians to misdemeanor charges for allowing minors to access explicit or “harmful” materials.
www.wabe.org/georgia-sena...
www.wabe.org/georgia-sena...
Georgia Senate passes bill removing legal protection for libraries providing 'explicit' materials to minors
Georgia state senators passed a Republican-backed bill that could open up librarians to misdemeanor charges for allowing minors to access explicit or "harmful" materials.
www.wabe.org
March 4, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Georgia state senators passed a Republican-backed bill that could open up librarians to misdemeanor charges for allowing minors to access explicit or “harmful” materials.
www.wabe.org/georgia-sena...
www.wabe.org/georgia-sena...
Georgia state senators unanimously passed a bill Wednesday intended to address chronic absenteeism, which refers to when students miss 10% or more of the school year. #gapol www.wabe.org/bill-address...
Bill addressing student chronic absenteeism unanimously passes Georgia Senate
Georgia state senators unanimously passed a bill Wednesday intended to address chronic absenteeism, which refers to when students miss 10% or more of the school year.
www.wabe.org
February 26, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Georgia state senators unanimously passed a bill Wednesday intended to address chronic absenteeism, which refers to when students miss 10% or more of the school year. #gapol www.wabe.org/bill-address...
Democratic legislators and advocates are protesting Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's decision to sign the state onto a lawsuit to block a Biden rule classifying gender dysphoria as a disability. Advocates say the suit could strip federal disability protections. www.wabe.org/democrats-ad...
Democrats, advocates urge Georgia AG to drop out of lawsuit they say could affect disability accommodations
Democratic legislators, disability advocates and parents are saying that a move by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr to block a Biden administration rule could strip federal disability accommodation...
www.wabe.org
February 18, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Democratic legislators and advocates are protesting Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's decision to sign the state onto a lawsuit to block a Biden rule classifying gender dysphoria as a disability. Advocates say the suit could strip federal disability protections. www.wabe.org/democrats-ad...
The City of Atlanta intends to opt out of the statewide homestead tax exemption — which limits property tax increases by freezing property values based on a yearly assessment of consumer price index — in order to maintain the existing local exemption. For WABE News: www.wabe.org/city-of-atla...
City of Atlanta will opt out of statewide limit on property tax increases to keep local base freeze
The City of Atlanta intends to opt out of the statewide homestead tax exemption, which limits annual property tax increases by freezing property values based on a yearly assessment of consumer price i...
www.wabe.org
January 31, 2025 at 9:28 PM
The City of Atlanta intends to opt out of the statewide homestead tax exemption — which limits property tax increases by freezing property values based on a yearly assessment of consumer price index — in order to maintain the existing local exemption. For WABE News: www.wabe.org/city-of-atla...
The Gwinnett County Board of Education ended Superintendent Calvin Watts’ contract prematurely by a vote of 3-2 on Friday. For WABE News: www.wabe.org/gwinnett-boa...
Gwinnett board of education prematurely ends Superintendent Calvin Watts' contract
The Gwinnett County Board of Education ended Superintendent Calvin Watts' contract prematurely by a vote of 3-2 on Friday.
www.wabe.org
January 31, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The Gwinnett County Board of Education ended Superintendent Calvin Watts’ contract prematurely by a vote of 3-2 on Friday. For WABE News: www.wabe.org/gwinnett-boa...
Major metro Atlanta school districts intend to opt out of the statewide homestead tax exemption, which will cap yearly property tax increases. Many of them have cited concerns about a decrease in school funding. Here are some of the upcoming public hearings: www.wabe.org/metro-atlant...
Metro Atlanta school districts plan to opt out of homestead tax exemption. Here's a full list of public hearing dates
Major metro Atlanta school districts are intending to opt out of the statewide homestead tax exemption, which puts a cap on yearly property tax increases. Here is our full list of public hearings resi...
www.wabe.org
January 29, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Major metro Atlanta school districts intend to opt out of the statewide homestead tax exemption, which will cap yearly property tax increases. Many of them have cited concerns about a decrease in school funding. Here are some of the upcoming public hearings: www.wabe.org/metro-atlant...
After Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address on Georgia’s achievements and his legislative goals, state Democratic leaders are preparing to push back on tort reform, medical insurance and details of the governor’s school safety proposals. www.wabe.org/georgia-demo...
Georgia Democratic leaders plan to challenge Gov. Kemp's legislative proposals this session
After Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address on Georgia's achievements and his legislative goals, state Democratic leaders are preparing to advance their priorities as...
www.wabe.org
January 16, 2025 at 9:06 PM
After Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address on Georgia’s achievements and his legislative goals, state Democratic leaders are preparing to push back on tort reform, medical insurance and details of the governor’s school safety proposals. www.wabe.org/georgia-demo...
Georgia State Patrol officers arrested Republican Georgia State Sen. Colton Moore on Thursday for trying to enter the House chambers after House Speaker Jon Burns banned him from the floor. Moore is being processed for misdemeanor obstruction at the Fulton County Jail. www.wabe.org/georgia-stat...
Georgia State Sen. Colton Moore arrested for attempting to enter House chambers after he was banned
Georgia State Patrol officers arrested Republican Georgia state Sen. Colton Moore for trying to enter the House chambers after House Speaker Jon Burns banned him from the floor.
www.wabe.org
January 16, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Georgia State Patrol officers arrested Republican Georgia State Sen. Colton Moore on Thursday for trying to enter the House chambers after House Speaker Jon Burns banned him from the floor. Moore is being processed for misdemeanor obstruction at the Fulton County Jail. www.wabe.org/georgia-stat...
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp proposed an additional allocation of $50 million in one-time funds toward school safety grants on Monday amid calls for increased security measures after a Barrow County school shooting in September.
I report:
www.wabe.org/georgia-gov-...
I report:
www.wabe.org/georgia-gov-...
Georgia Gov. Kemp proposes additional $50 million in school safety funds after Apalachee shooting
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp proposed an additional allocation of $50 million in one-time funds toward school safety grants on Monday amid widespread calls for increased safety funding after a school shoot...
www.wabe.org
January 13, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp proposed an additional allocation of $50 million in one-time funds toward school safety grants on Monday amid calls for increased security measures after a Barrow County school shooting in September.
I report:
www.wabe.org/georgia-gov-...
I report:
www.wabe.org/georgia-gov-...
School districts around metro Atlanta are closing ahead of the predicted winter weather on Friday, with some schools switching to remote work. www.wabe.org/metro-atlant...
Metro Atlanta schools closing due to winter weather on Friday
School districts around metro Atlanta are closing ahead of the predicted winter weather on Friday, with some schools switching to remote work.
www.wabe.org
January 9, 2025 at 7:19 PM
School districts around metro Atlanta are closing ahead of the predicted winter weather on Friday, with some schools switching to remote work. www.wabe.org/metro-atlant...
As the legislative session approaches in Georgia, some lawmakers are looking to target disinformation and misinformation, including a revamp of a failed bill criminalizing the use of deepfakes to influence elections. Here's the debate surrounding this legislation.
www.wabe.org/a-proposed-g...
www.wabe.org/a-proposed-g...
A proposed Georgia deepfake election interference law could return
As the legislative session approaches in Georgia, some lawmakers are looking to target disinformation and misinformation, including a revamp of a previously failed bill criminalizing the use of deepfa...
www.wabe.org
December 18, 2024 at 5:06 PM
As the legislative session approaches in Georgia, some lawmakers are looking to target disinformation and misinformation, including a revamp of a failed bill criminalizing the use of deepfakes to influence elections. Here's the debate surrounding this legislation.
www.wabe.org/a-proposed-g...
www.wabe.org/a-proposed-g...
If you're shopping for holiday gifts in Atlanta this weekend, consider giving these local shops a visit!
www.wabe.org/10-local-sho...
www.wabe.org/10-local-sho...
10 local shops around metro Atlanta to find holiday gifts
If you’re tired of big box gift ideas, here is a list of local stores around metro Atlanta where you can find stocking stuffers for the holidays.
www.wabe.org
December 13, 2024 at 11:31 PM
If you're shopping for holiday gifts in Atlanta this weekend, consider giving these local shops a visit!
www.wabe.org/10-local-sho...
www.wabe.org/10-local-sho...
Georgians will travel in record-breaking numbers during the holidays this year.
AAA projects that 3.7 million Georgians will travel at least 50 miles from home from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 this year, beating last year’s record of 3.6 million.
www.wabe.org/a-record-3-7...
AAA projects that 3.7 million Georgians will travel at least 50 miles from home from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 this year, beating last year’s record of 3.6 million.
www.wabe.org/a-record-3-7...
A record 3.7 million Georgia travelers projected for the holidays
Georgians will break traveling records for the holidays this year, AAA projects.
www.wabe.org
December 12, 2024 at 7:27 PM
Georgians will travel in record-breaking numbers during the holidays this year.
AAA projects that 3.7 million Georgians will travel at least 50 miles from home from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 this year, beating last year’s record of 3.6 million.
www.wabe.org/a-record-3-7...
AAA projects that 3.7 million Georgians will travel at least 50 miles from home from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 this year, beating last year’s record of 3.6 million.
www.wabe.org/a-record-3-7...
BTS Jimin’s “Who” and “Like Crazy” took 1st and 5th place for most streamed songs in 2024 on Spotify for Atlanta listeners, though he wasn't on US or global top 10 lists. #BTS #Jimin #kpop #atlanta
www.wabe.org/two-jimin-so...
www.wabe.org/two-jimin-so...
Two Jimin songs land on Atlanta's 2024 top 5 most streamed Spotify songs
Jimin's "Who" and "Like Crazy" took first and fifth place for Atlanta listeners for the 2024 edition of Spotify Wrapped.
www.wabe.org
December 5, 2024 at 10:06 PM
BTS Jimin’s “Who” and “Like Crazy” took 1st and 5th place for most streamed songs in 2024 on Spotify for Atlanta listeners, though he wasn't on US or global top 10 lists. #BTS #Jimin #kpop #atlanta
www.wabe.org/two-jimin-so...
www.wabe.org/two-jimin-so...
Georgia lawmakers are recommending the creation of “comprehensive” AI policies for all state bodies, cities, counties and school systems. The report by the Georgia Senate Study Committee on AI also supports criminalizing disinformation spread by AI. #gapol www.wabe.org/georgia-lawm...
Georgia lawmakers propose sweeping AI policies, privacy and ethics laws
Georgia lawmakers are recommending that all state bodies, cities, counties and school systems create “comprehensive” policies to ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
www.wabe.org
December 4, 2024 at 10:57 PM
Georgia lawmakers are recommending the creation of “comprehensive” AI policies for all state bodies, cities, counties and school systems. The report by the Georgia Senate Study Committee on AI also supports criminalizing disinformation spread by AI. #gapol www.wabe.org/georgia-lawm...
Eshé Collins, an Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education member and attorney, beat former school administrator Dr. Nicole Evans Jones for the Atlanta City Council Post-3 At-Large seat. #gapol
See all the metro Atlanta runoff race results here: www.wabe.org/school-board...
See all the metro Atlanta runoff race results here: www.wabe.org/school-board...
School board member Eshé Collins wins runoff election for Atlanta City Council seat
Metro Atlanta residents returned to the polls Tuesday for runoff elections for six races in the City of Atlanta and DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.
www.wabe.org
December 4, 2024 at 5:09 PM
Eshé Collins, an Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education member and attorney, beat former school administrator Dr. Nicole Evans Jones for the Atlanta City Council Post-3 At-Large seat. #gapol
See all the metro Atlanta runoff race results here: www.wabe.org/school-board...
See all the metro Atlanta runoff race results here: www.wabe.org/school-board...