Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Main Themes:

• The potential economic impact of expiring Affordable Care Act tax subsidies in Georgia
• Regional coalition efforts to strengthen addiction recovery advocacy
• Additional Georgia news: Atlanta airport security, health conferences amid a federal shutdown, hospital developments, and right whale population recovery

1. The Threatened Expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies

Segment: [00:52] – [02:02]

Key Points:

• A new report from George Washington University, using CBO and Urban Institute data, warns that if ACA tax subsidies expire in November, Georgia could face among the nation’s most significant job losses.
• Without these subsidies, the annual costs for ACA health plans could more than double, pricing many residents out of coverage.
• The anticipated effects include increased numbers of uninsured Georgians, higher uncompensated healthcare costs for providers, and potential job cuts in the healthcare sector.
• Georgia is projected to lose 34,000 jobs and over $2 billion in state and local tax revenues.
• Over 1.5 million Georgians were enrolled in ACA plans last year; many are already seeing price increases.

Notable Quote:

“Georgia could see some of the highest job losses in the country if Affordable Care act tax subsidies are allowed to expire in November.”
— Peter Biello [00:52]

“On average, annual costs for Affordable Care act plans are estimated to more than double when the tax credits expire this year… Georgia is projected to lose 34,000 jobs. Researchers suggest over $2 billion will be lost in state and local tax revenues...”
— Sophie Gratas [01:12]

2. Regional Collaboration in Addiction Recovery Advocacy

Segment: [03:33] – [04:09]

Key Points:

• The newly formed Southeast Addiction Recovery Coalition convened its inaugural meeting online, bringing together about 200 advocates from 12 states, including Georgia.
• The coalition’s goal is to unify voices seeking increased funding and comprehensive support for opioid addiction treatment and prevention at both local and federal levels.
• Jeff Breedlove, a founding member, highlighted the need for organization to influence bipartisan legislative caucuses more effectively in Washington, D.C.

Notable Quotes:

“We need to organize so that members of Congress and their staff will stand with us, stand by us and advocate for us for laws and programs and funding in Washington.”
— Jeff Breedlove [03:57]

“Coalitions and activists are forming from across the spectrum of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery from addiction.”
— Ellen Eldredge [04:09]

3. Brief News Updates

Atlanta Airport Security Incident

Segment: [02:02] – [02:36]

• Atlanta Police arrested Billy Cagle, who allegedly intended to commit violence at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Authorities credited Cagle’s family for alerting them, likely averting a tragedy.

Quote:

“There were 27 rounds that could have been fired from this weapon inside the airport.”
— Police Chief Darren Sheerbaum [02:25]

Infectious Disease Conference and Federal Shutdown

Segment: [02:36] – [03:33]

• The annual ID Week (infectious disease conference) in Atlanta experienced markedly lower participation this year because Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists were unable to attend due to the government shutdown.
• Federal scientists’ involvement is restricted unless externally funded during shutdowns.

WellStar Health System Expansion

Segment: [04:22] – [04:52]

• Georgia’s Department of Community Health approved WellStar’s plan to build a new 230-bed hospital in Cobb County.
• The move follows WellStar’s controversial closure of two hospitals in lower-income Atlanta neighborhoods, sparking potential appeals from competing health systems.

North Atlantic Right Whale Population Recovery

Segment: [05:19] – [06:14]

• The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium reported the whale population now stands at an estimated 384, up eight from last year.
• This is the fourth consecutive year of slow population growth after a significant previous decline.
• Main threats remain: ship collisions and fishing gear entanglements, but 11 new calves this year offer cautious optimism.

Quote:

“Despite ongoing threats to the giant animals, there are signs of recovery, with 11 calves born this year. Experts remain cautiously optimistic about the whale's future, highlighting the importance of sustained conservation efforts.”
— Peter Biello [05:19]

4. Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode maintained a straightforward, fact-driven approach with an emphasis on recent policy developments affecting Georgia.
• Advocacy voices were highlighted for both healthcare and addiction policy segments, with calls for coordinated action and legislative support.
• The right whale population story provided a rare note of optimism amid mostly cautionary news.

5. Timestamps for Key Segments

• ACA Subsidies Expiration: [00:52] – [02:02]
• Atlanta Airport Security Incident: [02:02] – [02:36]
• ID Week & CDC Participation: [02:36] – [03:33]
• Addiction Recovery Coalition: [03:33] – [04:09]
• WellStar New Hospital Approval: [04:22] – [04:52]
• Right Whale Population Update: [05:19] – [06:14]

Summary:
This episode of Georgia Today spotlighted the far-reaching consequences of expiring ACA subsidies in Georgia, the formation of a powerful addiction recovery coalition in the Southeast, and delivered concise updates on local news stories including security at Atlanta’s airport, healthcare infrastructure changes, and a glimmer of hope for North Atlantic right whales. The tone was urgent yet balanced, with clear calls to action from advocates and informative, measured reporting throughout.