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)

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.

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.

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]

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.

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).

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]

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]

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

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]

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.

For more details on these stories, visit GPB News