Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: 'Death of Democracy' Protest; Ga. Power Freezes Rates; Ossoff Takes on Housing Crisis
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

Introduction

Hosted by Peter Biello, this episode of Georgia Today delves into pressing issues affecting Georgia and beyond, including a significant protest in Atlanta, a notable decision by Georgia Power, and Senator Jon Ossoff's investigation into corporate landlords. The episode also touches on related political developments, local community stories, and updates from the University of Georgia and the Atlanta Braves.

1. Protests in Atlanta: "Death of Democracy"

Overview:
Hundreds of demonstrators convened at Piedmont Park in Atlanta to protest what they describe as the "death of democracy." Organized by the movement 5051 Georgia, the protest highlighted concerns over perceived threats to civil and equal rights under the current administration.

Key Points:

• Demonstration Details: Participants laid out homemade headstones symbolizing "dies in" to represent lives and rights at risk.
• Speakers' Perspectives:
  • Bri Boyd, Vice Chair of 5051 Georgia: Expressed urgency, stating, “We are literally watching democracy crumbling before our eyes. So this is to bring attention to...” (02:58).
  • Planet Money Host: Emphasized the vast scope of democracy, noting, “...democracy is massive, but... We are talking, you know, civil rights, we're talking basic, basic equal rights.” (03:04 – 03:10).

Notable Quotes:

• Bri Boyd: “We are literally watching democracy crumbling before our eyes. So this is to bring attention to.” (02:58)

Reportage:
Sarah Kallas of GPB News provided on-the-ground insights, highlighting the emotional and symbolic actions of the protesters and the broader implications for Georgia’s political climate.

2. Abortion Law Controversy: Adriana Smith’s Case

Overview:
A contentious case at Emory Healthcare has ignited debate over Georgia's stringent abortion laws. Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old woman declared brain dead while two months pregnant, remains on life support due to legal mandates.

Key Points:

• Legal Dispute: Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr asserts that life support maintenance isn't intended to terminate a pregnancy, thus not required under state law.
• Adriana Smith’s Condition: Declared brain dead on February 19th, with the state’s abortion law restricting terminations post six weeks, granting personhood rights to the fetus.
• Political Context: The law reflects measures from conservative states following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Notable Quotes:

• Attorney General Chris Carr: “Removing life support is, quote, not an action with the purpose to terminate a pregnancy and there therefore keeping her on life support is not required.” (00:51)

Implications:
This case exemplifies the intense legal and ethical battles emerging from Georgia's abortion restrictions, raising questions about medical autonomy and state intervention.

3. Congressional Budget Bill and Andrew Clyde’s Vote

Overview:
Congressman Andrew Clyde shifted his stance on President Trump’s comprehensive budget bill during a House Budget Committee vote, highlighting internal divisions within the Republican party.

Key Points:

• Voting Change: Clyde moved his vote from "no" to "present," aligning briefly with conservative efforts to advance Trump’s agenda on Medicaid and clean energy subsidies.
• Party Divisions: Despite advancing, the bill faces significant disagreements among Republicans, primarily over Medicaid cuts and green energy program funding.
• House Dynamics: Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing to secure the bill before the Memorial Day deadline amid these internal conflicts.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Clyde: “I changed my vote to advance Trump's agenda, including on Medicaid and clean energy subsidies.” (00:51)

• White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt: “It's absolutely essential that Republicans unite and pass the bill.” (01:30)

Analysis:
The bill's progress underscores the fragile unity within the GOP, balancing fiscal priorities with ideological commitments, and signals a challenging period ahead for legislative negotiations.

4. Senator Jon Ossoff Investigates Corporate Landlords

Overview:
Facing mounting tenant grievances, Senator Jon Ossoff has initiated an investigation into the practices of corporate landlords in Georgia, aiming to address systemic issues in the housing market.

Key Points:

• Tenant Experiences: Renters like Shana Brooks Warhite have reported neglect and poor treatment from property management, leading to withholding rent as a form of protest.
• Corporate Dominance: The Government Accountability Office indicates that large companies now own a quarter of all single-family rental homes in Atlanta.
• Investigative Focus: Ossoff’s probe examines the management practices of four major property companies, including fee structures and maintenance responsiveness.

Notable Quotes:

• Shana Brooks Warhite: “We're not humans to them. We're dollar signs. I felt so desperate that I withheld my rent in hopes that someone from the property management team would finally reach out to me.” (03:53)

Implications:
Ossoff’s investigation aims to bring accountability to large-scale landlords, potentially leading to policy reforms that protect renters’ rights and improve living conditions.

5. University of Georgia's Disease Research Initiative

Overview:
The University of Georgia has launched a research initiative focused on understanding diseases that affect both humans and canines, under the umbrella of the Precision One Health Initiative.

Key Points:

• Focus on Cushing’s Disease: While primarily impacting around 100,000 dogs annually in the U.S., this research explores its rare occurrence in humans, characterized by symptoms like weight gain, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
• Research Methods: Utilization of organoids—three-dimensional mini-organs grown from canine tumors—to test potential treatments.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health to better understand disease distribution and prevention.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. John Michel: “...trying to understand how the interactions between humans, the environment and animals could facilitate the distribution.” (04:55)

• Dr. John Michel: “I had a bad feeling you were gonna bring that up.” (10:12) – (Note: This appears to be part of an ad and not relevant to the content.)

Reportage:
Chase McGee provided an in-depth look into the initiative, highlighting its potential to bridge gaps between veterinary and human medicine, ultimately contributing to comprehensive health solutions.

6. Georgia Power Freezes Rates for Three Years

Overview:
In a significant move to alleviate consumer costs, Georgia Power, alongside the State Public Service Commission (PSC), announced a three-year freeze on base electricity rates.

Key Points:

• Rate Freeze Details: The agreement bypasses the scheduled July rate case, maintaining current rates for a minimum of three years.
• Future Considerations: Potential rate increases could still occur based on unresolved issues regarding Hurricane Helene’s damage repairs and the costs associated with powering data centers.
• Public Hearing: The PSC will conduct public hearings before finalizing the agreement, ensuring transparency and public input.

Notable Quotes:

• Grant Blankenship, GPB Reporter: “...your power bill saw increases every year since 2022. And the PSC expected Georgia Power to pitch new rates in public hearings in July. But if approved, the agreement will skip the July rate case and instead freeze power rates at current levels for at least three years.” (05:31)

Implications:
The rate freeze provides immediate financial relief to consumers amid rising energy costs but leaves room for future adjustments based on infrastructural and technological demands.

7. Local Community and Cultural Updates

A. Netflix and Sesame Street Partnership

• Overview: Netflix has secured a new streaming deal with Sesame Street, ensuring the beloved children's program remains available on PBS while expanding its reach.
• Details: Starting later this year, new episodes will premiere simultaneously on Netflix, PBS, and the PBS Kids app.

B. PBS Annual Meeting and Graduation Highlights

• PBS Meeting: Officials from PBS and local affiliates gathered in Atlanta to commence their three-day annual meeting, discussing future initiatives and collaborations.
• Graduation Season: Notable speakers at Atlanta’s historically black colleges included:
  • Cornel West at Morehouse College
  • Bishop T.D. Jakes at Morris Brown College and Spelman College
  • Taraji P. Henson: Motivated graduates to "be fearless," sharing her personal journey overcoming domestic abuse and advocating for mental health in minority communities through her nonprofit, the Boris Lawrence Foundation.

Notable Quotes:

• Taraji P. Henson: “You've watched my journey both on screen and off. It hasn't been pretty or easy. I've had to fight for equity and a seat at the table until I discovered that I am the table.” (07:38)

8. Sports News: Atlanta Braves and All-Star Week

Overview:
The Atlanta Braves are navigating player injuries ahead of the All-Star Week, while preparations for the All-Star Futures Game are underway.

Key Points:

• Player Updates:
  • Spencer Strider: Removed from the injured list due to a hamstring injury sustained during a warm-up. After an April start loss in Toronto and subsequent rehabilitation, Strider feels ready to return and is scheduled to play against the Nationals.
• All-Star Futures Game:
  • Managers: Chipper Jones (NL team) and Marquise Grissom (AL team) will lead the teams at Truist Park on July 12th.
  • Player Selection: Participants are drawn from affiliates of all 30 MLB clubs.
  • Honors: Chipper Jones, an eight-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, and Marquise Grissom, a two-time All-Star, bring their extensive experience to mentor emerging talent.

Notable Quotes:

• Shana Brooks Warhite: “I've had to fight for equity and a seat at the table until I discovered that I am the table.” (07:38) – (Note: This seems to be repeated from the graduation segment.)

Implications:
The Braves’ roster management highlights the team’s resilience, while the Futures Game underscores Atlanta’s ongoing commitment to fostering new baseball talent.

Conclusion

Peter Biello wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe and engage with GPB News for ongoing updates on these stories and more. The episode effectively captures the multifaceted issues impacting Georgia, from political protests and legal battles to community achievements and sports developments.

Note: All timestamps refer to the provided transcript and aid in locating specific quotes within the podcast.