Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode Date: September 4, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
Main Topics: Election board nominees in Fulton County; Anniversary of the Apalachee High School shooting; Senators grill Secretary Kennedy on health care; Changes at Emory University; Advances in mental health care; Waffle House anniversary; Georgia sports updates.

1. Overview

This episode of Georgia Today delivers concise, in-depth coverage on pivotal issues across the state, including heated political battles over Fulton County election board nominees, the somber anniversary of a mass school shooting in Winder, the political firestorm surrounding Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., changes in university diversity programs, mental health treatment innovations, and a nostalgic look at the Waffle House’s cultural legacy.

2. Key Discussion Points and Insights

A. Fulton County Election Board Nominees

• The Fulton County Board of Commissioners delays confirmation of two controversial Republican election board nominees.
• Context: A Fulton Superior Court held the commissioners in contempt for failure to appoint nominees, but fines are paused pending appeals.
• Chairman Rob Pitts explains the Board’s approach:

  "I make my own decisions. I do my research and use my best judgment... we resolve disagreements like this in a court of law and not in the court of public opinion." — Rob Pitts, Chairman (03:47)

B. Apalachee High School Shooting: One-Year Anniversary

• The community marks a year since the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School, where two teachers and two students were killed.
• Survivors and recent graduates spoke at the Georgia Capitol, sharing personal trauma and calling for action.
• Soundbite from survivor Kira McConatha (01:42):

  "The minutes we sat there in the dark, hot, compacted classroom felt like hours waiting for someone to come in and rescue us. I have never been put into such a tragic, traumatizing, evil situation."

• The event prompted a new Georgia law expanding collaboration between schools and law enforcement for safety.

C. Health & Human Services Secretary Kennedy Grilled Over Public Health Failures

• During a Congressional hearing, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. justified the controversial firings at the CDC, framing it as part of a mission to tackle chronic disease:

  "We are the sickest country in the world. That's why we have to fire people at cdc. They did not do their job. This was their job to keep us healthy." — Kennedy (02:43)

• Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock challenges Kennedy, citing a resurgence in childhood measles deaths:

  "...for the first time, we're seeing deaths from children, from measles. We haven't seen that in two decades. We're seeing that under your watch. You are a hazard." — Senator Warnock (00:35, 03:00)

• Senator Jon Ossoff also calls for Kennedy’s resignation (03:12).

D. Emory University Ends DEI Programs

• In response to new federal rules threatening funding, Emory University is closing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices and programs.
• Interim President Leah Ward Sears states compliance with federal standards is mandatory, promising support for impacted staff (04:20).

E. Mental Health Progress: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

• TMS, a non-invasive therapy using magnetic fields to stimulate brain regions associated with emotional regulation, is discussed as a promising treatment for depression and anxiety (04:50–08:52).
• Patient Testimony: Jenna Habe recounts years of failed treatments and newfound hope with TMS:

  "Because I've tried the medications and they may work for a couple weeks, then they stop working." (05:39) "I don't know how, but somehow it helped. Now I'm able to get through a workday and get everything done that I need to get done that day." — Jenna Habe (08:42)

• Expert Insights:
  • Dr. Peter Rosenquist emphasizes the precision and reduced invasiveness compared to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT):

    "The brain is a sort of interconnected series of processing centers." (07:13)
    "ECT is known for affecting the entire brain. It's hard to aim electrical energy and so you get a seizure..." (07:45)

F. Waffle House 70th Anniversary

• Waffle House, a cultural icon in Georgia and the South, reaches its 70th year (10:07).
• Professor Ty Matiasky remarks on Waffle House’s legendary status:

  "When you hear the term Waffle House, oftentimes food is not the first thing you think of... you might think of some kind of wild goings on after dark..." (10:07)
  "It's seen as like a no nonsense, affordable restaurant that's always there for you. Like it's open 24, 7, 365 days a year..." (10:37)

• The signature yellow and black color scheme was inspired by school buses for visual recognition (11:08).

G. Business and Georgia Sports Updates

• Home Depot progresses toward acquiring GMS Inc., a building materials firm, for $5.5 billion (09:01).
• Atlanta Falcons, Dream, Braves:
  • Falcons may field four rookie starters in upcoming NFL game (11:31).
  • Atlanta Dream climbs WNBA standings with a win over the Sparks.
  • Braves defeat Chicago Cubs, highlighted by Bryce Elder’s pitching and Ha Seong Kim’s home run.

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sen. Raphael Warnock on Kennedy:

  "You are a hazard." (00:35, 03:00)

• Kira McConatha (Apalachee survivor):

  "The minutes we sat there in the dark...felt like hours..." (01:42)

• Rob Pitts (Fulton County Chair):

  "In our society, we resolve disagreements like this in a court of law..." (03:47)

• Waffle House insight from Ty Matiasky:

  "When you hear the term Waffle House, oftentimes food is not the first thing you think of..." (10:07)

4. Timestamps for Key Segments

• Fulton County Election Board Delay: 00:05–00:35, 03:12–04:04
• Apalachee High School Shooting Anniversary & Vigil: 00:44–02:17
• Kennedy Congressional Hearing: 02:17–03:12
• Emory DEI Program Closure: 04:04–04:50
• TMS Mental Health Spotlight: 04:50–08:52
• Home Depot Acquisition: 09:01–10:07
• Waffle House Anniversary Feature: 10:07–11:31
• Georgia Sports News: 11:31–end

5. Tone and Language

The episode maintains a clear, empathetic, and fact-driven tone, with moments of candid emotion (particularly from survivors and advocates). The reporting style is brisk but compassionate, with a focus on public interest and community impact.

For further updates and in-depth Georgia news, visit gpb.org/news.