Georgia Today — August 20, 2025

Host: Peter Biello (GPB News)
Episode Theme:
This episode explores critical stories impacting Georgia, including accusations from CDC workers against the Trump administration, the launch of U.S. Rep. Mike Collins’ Senate campaign, renewed protests over abortion laws following preventable deaths, a high-profile lawsuit against Emory Healthcare, and other significant local developments.

1. CDC Workers Accuse Trump Administration of Endangerment

[00:33 – 01:20]

• Incident:
  Following a deadly attack at the CDC headquarters earlier this month (Atlanta), hundreds of current and former CDC employees are accusing the Trump administration of endangering their safety.
• Action:
  They sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging him to stop spreading vaccine misinformation.
  • Notable Quote:
    “HHS leaders, Congress and the White House have all been notably quiet about the CDC shooting. And so the question we're all asking within HHS is who's going to be next?” — Molly Magne, NIH worker [01:08]
• Context:
  The gunman in the CDC shooting, who killed a DeKalb County police officer, was reportedly angry about COVID-19 vaccines.

2. Renewed Calls to Repeal Georgia’s Abortion Law after Preventable Deaths

[01:20 – 02:36]

• Vigil:
  A vigil was held marking three years since the death of Amber Nicole Thurman, who died from abortion-related complications under Georgia’s restrictive law.
  • Notable Quote:
    “I don't take it lightly. I'm grateful, but I won't stop until we get change. And we're over the Supreme Court and says we agree that these laws have to be changed.” — Shanette Williams (Thurman’s mother) [02:04]
• Legislation:
  Georgia bans abortion after roughly six weeks of pregnancy.
• Maternal Deaths:
  Both Thurman’s and Candy Miller’s deaths were deemed preventable by the Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
• Activism:
  Critics argue the law does not protect women adequately during medical emergencies.

3. Emory Healthcare Lawsuit over Layoffs

[02:36 – 03:17]

• Issue:
  Emory Healthcare is accused of violating federal law by laying off over 500 full-time employees in its finance department without proper notice.
• Details:
  The layoffs are not listed on the required state tracking website.
• Response:
  Emory Healthcare did not comment before the episode’s deadline.

4. Trump Calls for Fed Governor Lisa Cook’s Resignation

[03:17 – 04:11]

• Reason:
  President Trump is pressuring Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to resign after allegations regarding false mortgage application statements and as part of broader efforts for control over interest rates.
• Background:
  Cook, from Milledgeville, Georgia, was the first Black woman appointed to the Fed in 2022 by President Biden.
• Political Context:
  Republican donor Bill Pulte, now head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is leading the campaign against her.

5. Walmart Recalls Radioactive Shrimp

[04:11 – 04:31]

• Recall:
  Walmart recalled “Great Value” brand frozen shrimp in 13 states, including Georgia, over possible radioactive contamination with cesium-137.
• Advice:
  The FDA advises customers to return or discard the shrimp.

6. Savannah Horse Carriage Ordinance

[04:31 – 05:08]

• Action:
  Savannah's mayor allowed a new city ordinance to pass, lowering the temperature limit for horse-drawn carriage operations to 92°F for the rest of the year, and 85°F starting January.
  • Mayor's Stance:
    Mayor Van Johnson called the changes “terribly short-sighted” and warned it could put local businesses at risk but respected the council’s decision.

7. Rep. Mike Collins Launches Senate Campaign

[05:08 – 05:50]

• Campaign Kickoff:
  U.S. Rep. Mike Collins launched his Senate campaign in Butts County, pledging steadfast support for President Trump and touting a tough stance on immigration.
  • Notable Quote:
    “With President Trump in the White House and me in the U.S. Senate, the hardworking men and women of this country will not be forgotten anymore.” — Rep. Mike Collins [05:16]
• Legislation:
  Highlighted sponsorship of the “Lincoln Riley Act” on immigration, named after a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant.
• Democratic Response:
  Democrats held a protest in Collins’ district the previous day.
• Race:
  Collins is one of three Republicans seeking to unseat Sen. Jon Ossoff.

8. Other Local News Highlights

[05:50 – 06:45]

• Hurricane Erin Impact:
  Tybee Island beaches closed to swimming as lifeguards flag dangerous surf caused by Hurricane Erin offshore.
• Atlanta Braves:
  Braves defeated the Chicago White Sox 11–10, rallying from a six-run deficit.
  • Key players: Drake Baldwin, Michael Harris II, Jurickson Profar, Matt Olson.

Memorable Quotes

• Molly Magne (NIH):
  “The question we're all asking within HHS is who's going to be next?” [01:08]
• Shanette Williams (mother of Amber Nicole Thurman):
  “I won't stop until we get change. And we're over the Supreme Court and says we agree that these laws have to be changed.” [02:04]
• Rep. Mike Collins:
  “With President Trump in the White House and ME in the U.S. Senate, the hardworking men and women of this country will not be forgotten anymore.” [05:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:33] CDC workers accuse Trump administration of endangerment
• [01:08] HHS employee Molly Magne speaks out
• [01:48] Vigil for Amber Nicole Thurman and abortion law debate
• [02:36] Lawsuit against Emory Healthcare over layoffs
• [03:17] Trump calls for Fed governor Lisa Cook’s resignation
• [04:11] Walmart radioactive shrimp recall
• [04:31] Savannah horse carriage ordinance controversy
• [05:08] Mike Collins Senate campaign launch and rally
• [05:50] Tybee Island beach dangers and Braves win

This episode weaves together urgent public health debates, political maneuvers, and community advocacy, offering a snapshot of the widespread issues facing Georgia in the summer of 2025.