Georgia Today Podcast — October 27, 2025

Host: Peter Biello (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced rundown of key news affecting Georgia, featuring spotlights on the ongoing federal government shutdown’s effects in the state, new public health findings about fentanyl and stimulant use, the impact of tariffs on local business, changes at a regional museum, water rights after a major plant closure, and more.

Main Topics & Insights

1. Federal Government Shutdown: Local Impact and Furloughed Workers

Segment Begins: [00:48]

• Fifth Week Without Pay:
  Thousands of federal workers in Georgia, especially in public-facing roles like airport security and public health, are entering their fifth week without pay due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
• Reliance on Charity:
  Many have turned to food drives and community aid, such as Henry County NAACP’s food distribution event in Stockbridge.
  • Notable Quote:
    “At a church in Stockbridge Friday night, cars lined up waiting for a hot meal. Inside were couples, singles, and families.”
    — Sophie Gradas [01:10]
• Personal Testimony:
  Karen Smith, a federal worker, discussed the toll of repeated shutdowns:
  • Memorable Moment:
    “Remember Game of Thrones where winter is coming? So for me, it's November is coming.”
    — Karen Smith [01:44]
• Wider Effects:
  The shutdown’s ripple extends beyond paychecks: over a million Georgians may lose access to SNAP (food assistance) benefits if the impasse drags on into November.
  • Rep. Sanford Bishop highlighted:
    • USDA emergency SNAP fund ($5 billion) is short of projected $8 billion need.
    • He and others urge the Secretary of Agriculture to redirect funds to prevent hunger.
    • Continued push for Affordable Care Act tax subsidy extensions.

2. Water Rights After Savannah Paper Mill Closure

Segment Begins: [02:50]

• Job Losses & Regulatory Domino Effect:
  The closure of International Paper’s Savannah mill eliminated 800 jobs. Its vacated water withdrawal and discharge permits have set off intense interest among neighboring companies.
• Environmental & Economic Stakes:
  • Savannah Riverkeeper Tanya Bonatabis emphasizes that future use of these water rights will impact the river basin from mountains to coast.
    • Notable Quote:
      “That's a huge amount of money that just entered back into the equation. So as much as it could 100% have a huge positive outcome, it also just as easily could change nothing.”
      — Peter Biello & Unnamed Guest [03:24–03:38]
• Immediate Environmental Change:
  Southeast Georgia’s underground aquifer water level reportedly rose by two feet within weeks of the mill’s closure.

3. Douglas County Museum of History and Art Faces Uncertain Future

Segment Begins: [03:51]

• Lease Termination:
  The county’s Board of Commissioners voted to end the museum’s rent-free, month-to-month lease.
• Points of Tension:
  • Majority cited lack of revenue and need for the space.
  • Museum director Suzanne Hudson said she was not consulted.
• Community Role:
  • The museum is both a welcome center and an educational resource for local schools.
    • Memorable Moment:
      “We're such an asset to the county. We're a welcome center and a museum. We teach local history and so we have lots of school groups come and everything here has been given to us.”
      — Suzanne Hudson [04:25]

4. Fentanyl and Stimulant Use: Alarming Trends in Older Adults

Segment Begins: [04:40]

• Study Highlights:
  New research shows adults 65+ are now dying from fentanyl-stimulant combinations at rates seen in youths.

  • In 2015, only 9% of fentanyl deaths for this group involved stimulants; by 2023, nearly half did (mostly cocaine).
  • This matches national “fourth wave” opioid epidemic trends.

• Actionable Steps:

  • Screen for stimulant use when prescribing opioids to seniors.
  • Include caregivers in risk/safety planning.
    • Notable Takeaway:
      “Reviewing medication lists, screening for stimulant exposure and involving caregivers in safety planning are key steps.”
      — Gabe Pasha via GPB Peach Jam Host [05:25]

5. Business & Trade Briefs

Segment Begins: [05:47]

• Tariffs Squeeze Atlanta’s Carter’s Inc.:
  • Third-quarter profit: $11.6 million.
  • Company leadership cited tariffs as a major drag on earnings.
  • Plans announced to ‘right size’ the company and reduce compensation in 2026.
• Product Recall:
  • Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra Soft Cleansing Towelettes recalled in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Texas due to bacterial contamination.
• Port Performance:
  • Port of Savannah saw an 8% rise in container units moved in September.
  • Port of Brunswick’s terminal saw a 30% drop in auto/heavy equipment shipments owing to cutbacks by car makers and declines in exports to Asia.
• Potential State Park Fee Increases:
  • Proposal to raise daily entrance from $5 to $10 and annual from $50 to $70.
  • Would bring Georgia more in line with other southeastern states.

6. Sports & Community Event Highlights

Segment Begins: [07:57]

• Georgia Tech Football:
  • Defeated Syracuse 41–16 in their first home game as a top-10 team since 2009.
  • Achievement: 8-0, best start since 1966.
• Community Preview Event:
  • Early screening and discussion of Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” documentary, hosted in Cartersville with local experts.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “At a church in Stockbridge Friday night, cars lined up waiting for a hot meal. Inside were couples, singles and families.”
  — Sophie Gradas [01:10]

• “Remember Game of Thrones where winter is coming? So for me, it's November is coming.”
  — Karen Smith, furloughed federal worker [01:44]

• “That's a huge amount of money that just entered back into the equation. So as much as it could 100% have a huge positive outcome, it also just as easily could change nothing.”
  — Peter Biello & Guest [03:24–03:38]

• “We're such an asset to the county....We teach local history and so we have lots of school groups come and everything here has been given to us.”
  — Suzanne Hudson, museum director [04:25]

• “Reviewing medication lists, screening for stimulant exposure and involving caregivers in safety planning are key steps.”
  — Gabe Pasha, study author [05:25]

Key Timestamps

• [00:48] — Furloughed workers and shutdown impacts
• [01:44] — SNAP benefits threatened
• [02:50] — Water rights scramble after Savannah paper mill closure
• [03:51] — Douglas County Museum lease termination
• [04:58] — Fentanyl/stimulant use trends in older adults
• [05:47] — Business and trade highlights (Carter’s, Neutrogena, ports, state parks)
• [07:57] — Sports headlines and upcoming Ken Burns documentary screening

Tone

Concise, urgent, and informative—reflective of a daily newscast. Occasional moments of empathy and wit from interviewees and the host.

This episode delivers a focused, local snapshot of pressing issues—economic uncertainty, public health, environmental regulation, and community resources—impacting Georgians right now, with both in-depth reporting and the personal voices behind the headlines.