Fulton County ballot case; Pleas to change abortion law; Braves opening day

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary — March 27, 2026
Key Topics: Fulton County Ballot Case, Abortion Law Pleas, Braves Opening Day
Host: Orlando Montoya (with Peter Biello and GPB reporters)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Georgia Today dives into three major Georgia stories:

• The legal battle over 2020 election ballots between Fulton County and the Trump administration.
• Emotional pleas from families affected by Georgia’s abortion law.
• The Atlanta Braves’ much-anticipated 2026 Opening Day, complete with season analysis and fan energy.

The episode also covers developments in state budgeting, solar energy, campaign finance, local events, and festival news.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Fulton County vs. Trump Administration: 2020 Ballot Seizure

[00:02 – 01:33]

• Attorneys debated in court regarding the FBI's seizure of 2020 election ballots from a Fulton County warehouse after a January raid.
• Fulton County’s attorney called the seizure "unusual and unconstitutional."
• The administration cited ongoing investigations into election irregularities.
• A state Senate bill (HB960) was passed which could require hand-marked paper ballots for Georgia elections, add voter roll enforcement, and shift recount oversight.

Quote:
"I actually fundamentally disagree with the prem that there's something wrong with the system in the first place."
— Senator Kim Jackson, opposing HB960 [01:48]

Quote:
"I did it again in 2023, I did it again in 2024 and now here I am."
— Sen. Greg Dolezal, bill sponsor, on his ongoing push for hand-marked ballots [02:02]

• The bill still requires House approval before the end of session.

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2. Pleas to Change Georgia’s Abortion Law

[02:22 – 03:22]

• Families of three women who died following abortion complications are urging lawmakers to amend the law.
• The law's six-week cutoff prevented timely care; exceptions are seen as "too vague."
• Case highlighted: Adriana Smith, declared brain-dead and kept on life support to deliver her baby.
• The "Reproductive Freedom Act," which would repeal key abortion restrictions, has seen no movement this session.

Quote:
"The fetus will be treated as the patient."
— Recounted statement from hospital, relayed by Donna Lowery [03:03]

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3. State Budget, Disability Waivers, Campaign Finance Updates

[03:22 – 05:39]

• The Senate’s proposed budget adds $20M for home and community-based disability waivers (over 1,200 new slots), notably more than the House’s proposal (200 slots).
• Urgent needs of unhoused, elderly, and disabled Georgians spotlighted.
• A bill progressing to criminalize the distribution of out-of-state campaign funds.

Quote:
"The big one, of course, is the budget bill. The Senate released its version this week and it is expected to vote on it today. There are differences from the House budget, so a joint committee will have to come in with an agreement and usually they come to some agreement and sometimes it's down to the last minute."
— Donna Lowery [04:44]

• Other legislative priorities: property tax cuts, school zone cameras put to voters, and intense negotiation expected through the final session days.

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4. Record Solar Energy, Railroad Property Suit, Local Development

[05:39 – 07:44]

• Georgia’s solar generation increased 20% year-over-year, now making up 8% of total electricity, in response to national renewable trends and data center energy demand.
• A federal judge dismissed Columbus’ lawsuit against railroad companies over city land, citing federal law.
• Anchors Marina, a new project on Lake Sinclair, is underway (hotel, retail, boating facilities).

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5. Atlanta Braves 2026 Opening Day Special

[07:44 – 11:22]

Opening Day Atmosphere and Ceremony

• Weather is in the 80s, enthusiastic fans already gathering outside Truist Park before the 7:15pm game vs. the Kansas City Royals.
• Braves celebrate 60 years in Atlanta with alumni appearances by Dale Murphy, Chipper Jones, and first pitch by Joe Torrey.
• Festivities include music and an F35 flyover.

2026 Team Outlook

Quote:
"Braves fans have reason to be optimistic this year. The star hitters, Matt Olson, Austin Riley, new guy Mike Yastremski, they all hit very well during spring training."
— Peter Biello [08:32]

• Pitching rotation headlined by Chris Sale (starting opener), with key arms Ronaldo Lopez and (soon) Spencer Strider.
• Injuries affect young pitchers Hurston Waldrop and Spencer Schwellenbach, and shortstop Hassan Kim (out with finger injury).
• Jurickson Profar suspended for the entire season for PEDs; "not a great look" for player or team.
• Ronald Acuña is healthy; infield covered by Mauricio Dubon and Atlantan Kyle Farmer.

New Management and Viewing Options

• Walt Weiss, long-time coach and former player, replaces retired Brian Snitker as manager.
• Launch of "Braves TV" streaming service ($100/year) offers a new affordable, blackout-free viewing alternative for local fans; full MLB access for $200/year.

Quote:
"So this feels like a discount and actually a simple way to watch the teams."
— Peter Biello [10:39]

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6. Sports and Spring Festival Highlights

[11:26 – end]

• U.S. men’s national soccer team hosts Belgium (as World Cup warm-up) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Major spring events include: Macon Cherry Blossom, Savannah Music, Fire Ant Festival (Ashburn), Peanut Proud (Blakely), Banana Pudding (Milledgeville), Geechee Gullah (Richmond Hill), Oyster Fest (Warner Robins), Georgia String Band (Calhoun), Little Five Fest (Atlanta), Brookhaven and Atlanta's Dragon Festival, and Marietta Food & Wine.

Quote:
"Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you make it a great weekend and do something good for yourself, because you deserve it."
— Orlando Montoya [End]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:02] - Episode open and top headlines
• [00:45] - Fulton County vs. Trump administration, HB960 recap
• [02:22] - Abortion law case and family pleas
• [03:22] - State budget, disability waivers, campaign finance
• [05:39] - Solar energy, land lawsuit, Anchors Marina
• [07:44] - Atlanta Braves Opening Day at Truist Park (with Peter Biello)
• [11:26] - U.S. soccer, major state festivals, and weekend sign-off

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• "I actually fundamentally disagree with the prem that there's something wrong with the system in the first place." — Sen. Kim Jackson [01:48]
• "I did it again in 2023, I did it again in 2024 and now here I am." — Sen. Greg Dolezal [02:02]
• "The fetus will be treated as the patient." — Hospital to family of Adriana Smith [03:03]
• "So this feels like a discount and actually a simple way to watch the teams." — Peter Biello on Braves TV [10:39]
• "Whatever you do this weekend... do something good for yourself, because you deserve it." — Orlando Montoya [End]

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Tone & Style

Warm, informative, and local-first reporting — balancing serious legislative news with sports excitement and a celebratory run-down of community events. The hosts and reporters provide clear explanations, and the in-depth Braves season preview delivers insight for die-hard and casual fans alike.

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For more details on these stories, visit GPB News

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Transcript

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom on today's episode. Attorneys for Fulton county and the Trump administration squared off in court today over the county's demand that the FBI return seized ballots from the 2020 election. The family of three women who died as a result of abortion related complications are pleading with lawmakers to change state and today is opening day for the 2026 Atlanta Braves season.

[Peter Biello]

Braves fans have reason to be optimistic this year. The star hitters Matt Olson, Austin Riley, new guy Mike Yastremski, they all hit very well during spring training, so here's hoping that carries forward during the regular season.

[Orlando Montoya]

Today is Friday, March 27th. I'm Orlando Montoya and this is Georgia Today. Attorneys for Fulton county and the Trump administration squared off in court today over the county's demand that the FBI return seized ballots from the 2020 election. The arguments come after the unprecedented raid on an Atlanta elections warehouse in January. An attorney for the county told a federal judge the ballot seizure was unusual and unconstitutional. The administration says it's investigating election irregularities. Georgia voters could cast their ballots using hand marked paper ballots this November if a bill passed by the Georgia Senate today becomes law. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

[Sarah Kalis]

House Bill 960 would require handmarked paper ballots, implement fines for counties who fail to remove ineligible voters from their rolls and put recounts under the jurisdiction of the State Elections Board whose members are appointed, not elected. Democrats like Senator Kim Jackson opposed the bill.

[Donna Lowery]

I actually fundamentally disagree with the prem that there's something wrong with the system in the first place.

[Sarah Kalis]

Republican Senator Greg Dolezal, who sponsored the bill, hit back, saying that he had been pushing to move to hand marked paper ballots since 2021.

[Peter Biello]

I did it again in 2023, I did it again in 2024 and now here I am.

[Sarah Kalis]

Because HB960 originally had different language and the Senate added the voting language, the Georgia House needs to approve it in the two legislative days remaining this session for it to become law. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis at the State Capitol.

[Orlando Montoya]

The family of three women who died as a result of abortion related complications in Georgia are pleading with lawmakers to change state law. GPB's Sophie Gradas has more.

[Sophie Gradas]

Amber, Nicole Thurman and Candy Miller were hospitalized after attempted abortions past six weeks of pregnancy, the legal cutoff in Georgia. Their families say the law kept these women from getting care before their condition became an emergency. They there are some exceptions in the law for medical emergencies, but they've often been described as too vague. April Newkirk's daughter, Adriana Smith, was declared brain dead and kept on life support in an effort to deliver her baby.

[Peter Biello]

Last year, it was said to me

[Donna Lowery]

and her father they would no longer

[Peter Biello]

treat Adriana Smith as the patient. The fetus will be treated as the patient.

[Sophie Gradas]

So far, there's been no movement on a state bill, the Reproductive Freedom act, which would repeal key language of the state's abortion law. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Graudas.

[Orlando Montoya]

In its version of the state budget, the Georgia Senate is proposing to spend $20 million to expand access to a program that helps people with disabilities live independently by helping pay for home and community based care. Lawmakers voted on Wednesday to fund just over 1,200 additional slots under the new options waiver and comprehensive supports waiver. It's a major change to the House version of the budget, which only funds 200 slots. Advocates and families of people with disabilities say the Senate's proposal addresses the urgent need of unhoused people, seniors and people aging out of state custody who need support within the next year. The deadline for both chambers to agree on next year's budget is next week. Republican lawmakers are advancing a measure to limit out of state support for Georgia political campaigns. The bill would make it a felony to accept money from out of state donors and give it to a local campaign. The legislation cleared a state House committee in a party line vote on Thursday. Democrats said the measure would protect wealthy candidates who can self fund their campaigns. The bill is nearing final passage as the Legislature's final days approach. GPB's Donna Lowery of our program lawmakers says there's still a lot more for the House and Senate to do.

[Donna Lowery]

The big one, of course, is the budget bill. The Senate released its version this week and it is expected to vote on it today. There are differences from the House budget, so a joint committee will have to come in with an agreement and usually they come to some agreement and sometimes it's down to the last minute. Of course, the General assembly is constitutionally mandated to pass a budget, so we know that's going to happen. Also still out there, a revived plan to cut property taxes. That's something that was big with House Speaker John Burns and another one to let voters decide on school zone cameras that came back up this week, plus lots of other bills. We can also expect long hours every day and during the two days they gavel in next week, which is only Tuesday and then Thursday and that Thursday is day 40, or as it's called, sine die. We could see a long day that day too.

[Orlando Montoya]

Get the latest from under the Gold Dome on GPB's Lawmakers. You can catch that program every night at 7 when the legislature is in session on GPB TV or watch the show anytime at gpb.org Lawmakers Georgia generated a record level of electricity from solar power last year. Climate Central on Wednesday reported the state's solar Generation increased about 20% from 9.3 to 11.8 gigawatt hours from 2024 to 2025. That represents about 8% of the state's total electricity generation. The increase mirrors national numbers and comes in the midst of a large surge in electricity demand driven by power hungry data centers. A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit in which the Columbus government sought to reclaim property from Norfolk Southern and other railroad companies. The judge on Wednesday ruled the city's claims are blocked by federal law. Columbus wants the 90 acres for future development and claims the railroads are violating their agreements with the city about how they would use the property. A historic marina site on Middle Georgia's Lake Sinclair could be transformed into a modern destination with the marina, boat shop, hotel and retail space. Plans are moving forward for Anchors Marina at the site of the former Bass boathouse. Construction crews have begun work on the project's first phase, including improved fuel pumps, docks and access for boaters. It's opening day for the Atlanta Braves 2026 season and the first time since 2022 that the Braves are opening the season at home. The Braves will face the Kansas City Royals at Truest park tonight. Joining me now from Truist park to give us a preview of the season ahead is GPB's Peter Biello. Good afternoon, Peter. Hey Orlando, what's the vibe there at Truist?

[Peter Biello]

Well, it is hot. It is going to be in the 80s today, so it's going to be a pretty hot opening day. But other than that, people are excited. There's already people milling about outside Truest Park. It's just going to be exciting to watch a ball game starting at 7:15.

[Orlando Montoya]

What have the Braves planned for opening day ceremonies?

[Peter Biello]

Well, this is a special year. This is the 60th anniversary of the team moving from Milwaukee to Atlanta, so the Braves have invited several notable alumni to help celebrate. Players from different decades like Dale Murphy is going to be here. Chipper Jones is going to be here. Joe Torrey, who won several World Series with the Yankees, also managed the Braves and also played for the Braves way back in the day. He's going to be throwing out the first pitch. There's also going to be some music as part of the celebration and there's going to be an F35 flyover before the game as well.

[Orlando Montoya]

How is this year's team shaping up?

[Peter Biello]

Braves fans have reason to be optimistic this year. The star hitters, Matt Olson, Austin Riley, new guy Mike Yastremski, they all hit very well during spring training. So here's hoping that carries forward during the regular season. And as far as pitching, I mean, Chris sale, he's almost 37, but he's looking strong. He's going to start the game tonight against the Royals and we've got great pitching behind him as well. Ronaldo Lopez is going to be in the lineup, or rather the starting rotation and Spencer Strider, who's going to start while injured, he will join eventually and he looked good during spring training as well.

[Orlando Montoya]

But what about injuries?

[Peter Biello]

Yeah, I mean, as I mentioned, Spencer Strider, nobody likes having him on the injured list to start the season, but he may miss one or two starts and then get back into the swing of things. Hurston Waldrop and Spencer Schwellenbach, both young starting pitchers, they are on the injured list. They had surgery during the off season. And Hassan Kim, Brave shortstop, he did really well last year. Fans were looking excited to see him again, but he hurt his finger in the offseason so he's going to be out for a while. We've got Mauricio Dubon and Kyle Farmer, who is an Atlanta native, holding down spots in the infield as needed. And though it's not an injury worth mentioning that it is sort of a black eye that Juricks in Profar Braves outfielder, was caught once again with performance enhancing drugs. He missed half the season last year. He's missing the entire season this year. So that's not a great look for him, not a great look for the team. But the team is moving forward. We've got four great outfielders on the roster, including Ronald Acuna, thank heavens, is

[Orlando Montoya]

healthy right now and the team has a new manager. Tell me about him.

[Peter Biello]

Yeah, Walt Weiss, he was a player for the Braves way back in the day. He's been a coach for the Braves under Brian Snicker for several years now. It's going to be interesting to see where he takes this team given that he has been doing things the Snicker way for so long. Snicker recently retired. Snicker, of course, has a World Series to his credit. So let's see what Walt Weiss can do. Very excited to see.

[Orlando Montoya]

I understand the Braves fans can watch their team with a new option this year. What about that?

[Peter Biello]

Yeah, there is a streaming service that the Braves launched this year called Braves tv. You can get it through the MLB app And essentially for 100 bucks a year, you can watch most Braves games through a streaming service which if you are a fan who's been watching in the Braves coverage area for a long time, you know that you're either subjected to blackouts or you get to pay a premium. So this feels like a discount and actually a simple way to watch the teams. And then through this same app you could also pay 200 bucks to see pretty much any team you want out of market away teams. So that's an exciting way to stay connected to the team even if you can't make it to Truist spot.

[Orlando Montoya]

All right, taking us out to the ball game tonight, GPB's very own Peter Biello. Thanks for the update.

[Peter Biello]

Thanks Orlando.

[Orlando Montoya]

Also in Georgia sports, the U.S. men's national soccer team will host Belgium on Saturday at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The international friendly will be a warm up for the FIFA World cup, eight games of which will be played at the stadium starting in June. It also will be a chance for Team USA supporters to see the squad before the tournament. The US has not played well against Belgium in the past, but they are currently on a five game winning streak. In international friendlies and outside sports, there's still a lot to do this weekend. It's spring after all, and our calendars are getting full with events. Let's talk about a few of the Macon's Cherry Blossom Festival continues this weekend. It's also the first weekend for the 2026 Savannah Music Festival in Ashburn. The town has its annual Fire Ant Festival, Blakely has the Peanut Proud Festival, and in Milledgeville, you'll find the State Banana Pudding Festival of Georgia. Yum Yum. The 5th Annual Geechee Gullah Festival is in Richmond Hill, Rigby's Oyster Fest is in Warner Robbins, and the 18th annual Georgia String Band Festival is in Calhoun. In the metro Atlanta area, you can find the Little Five Fest in Little Five Points neighborhood. In Brookhaven they have a Cherry Blossom Festival too. And the Atlanta Dragon Festival will take place in Lawrenceville. And food and wine lovers will gather for the Food and Wine Festival in Marietta. And whatever you do this weekend, I hope you make it a great weekend and do something good for yourself because you deserve it. That's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news we invite you to hit subscribe on this podcast so you never miss an episode. And if you have feedback, send that our way. We love your comments at Georgia Today at gpb. Org I'm Orlando Montoya. Have a great weekend.