Georgia Today: Episode Summary

Date: February 4, 2026
Host: Peter Biello
Podcast: Georgia Today (Georgia Public Broadcasting)

Episode Overview

This episode covers a range of pressing Georgia news stories, including developments in the Fulton County election documents case after an FBI search, major layoffs at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and new opportunities for small businesses in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Additional segments address the rule of law in Georgia, public access proposals for Cumberland Island, efforts to control the state’s wild hog population, literary insights from author Sherry Joseph, and brief updates from across the state economy, politics, and sports.

Key Segments & Insights

Fulton County Election Documents & FBI Search

[00:29 - 01:37]

• Fulton County has filed a legal motion to retrieve approximately 700 boxes of ballots seized by the FBI from the county’s elections warehouse.
• The county also seeks to unseal the affidavit supporting the search warrant.
• Fulton Commission Chairman Rob Pitts reiterates his commitment to fighting external pressures and defending the county.
  • Quote:
    “Make no mistake, in my opinion, we are the poster child here of all the states, all the counties, all the...”
    — Orlando Montoya, quoting Rob Pitts [01:07]
• The FBI’s action is believed, by local officials, to be tied more to undermining the upcoming 2026 election than investigating the 2020 results.
  • Quote:
    “This is not about 2020. This is about undermining the 2026 election. ... But if you're afraid of losing, you start laying the foundation now to sow doubt.”
    — Rep. Sarah Draper [01:55]
• President Trump’s ongoing claims of 2020 election fraud in Fulton County are noted to be without evidence.
• Georgia lawmakers, including Sen. Raphael Warnock, are seeking more information from the Justice Department.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Layoffs

[01:55 - 03:06]

• The AJC is cutting 50 jobs, about half from the newsroom, or 15% of total staff.
• President & Publisher Andrew Morse frames the layoffs as difficult but necessary to ensure the paper's continued viability and journalistic mission.

Showcase Atlanta Grant Initiative for Small Businesses

[03:06 - 03:54]

• The Showcase Atlanta initiative provides $5,000 marketing grants and expanded resources to downtown Atlanta small businesses ahead of large-scale events like the World Cup.
• Program includes a youth entrepreneurship accelerator for those under 21, offering business training and the possibility of an ATL Youth Vendor License, enabling participation in FIFA World Cup events.
• Quote:
  “Those young entrepreneurs will receive a special ATL Youth vendor license, which will allow them to obtain opportunities, funding and a vendor space to sell their goods during the upcoming FIFA World cup games of 2026.”
  — Amanda Andrews [03:34]

Rule of Law & Georgia Judiciary

[03:54 - 04:48]

• Chief Justice Nels S.D. Peterson, in his State of the Judiciary address, underscores the importance of respecting court legitimacy even amid unpopular decisions.
  • Quote:
    “But the rule of law will not survive when the legitimacy of judicial decisions in those who make them is routinely questioned every time there's an unpopular outcome.”
    — Orlando Montoya, quoting Peterson [04:18]
• Peterson urges an end to partisan elections for probate judges to help maintain public trust in judicial impartiality.

Cumberland Island Access Proposal

[04:48 - 06:13]

• The National Park Service proposes increased visitor access to Cumberland Island, including more ferries (from 300 to 700 passengers/day), campsites (from 220 to 275), and beach bike access.
• Longtime advocates warn that more tourism could undermine the island's unique and protected environment.
  • Quote:
    “To overrun it with visitation would destroy what is most sacred and beautiful about the island.”
    — Will Harlan, via Orlando Montoya [05:28]
• The agency is accepting public comments on the proposal through February 21.

Wild Hog Control Bill

[06:13 - 06:40]

• The Georgia House passed HB 946 to combat invasive wild hogs damaging farms:
  • Residents and nonresidents could trap and kill hogs without a hunting or trapping license.
  • The bill allows shooting from vehicles and using drones for tracking.
• The bill passed overwhelmingly (163-1) and now moves to the Senate.

Economic & Business Briefs

[06:40 - 07:31]

• Equifax: Reports Q4 earnings of $176 million, crediting verification services growth despite challenges in mortgage and job markets.
• Aerospace in Georgia: Industry recognized at the Capitol as second largest in state, generating $57.5 billion in annual economic impact.

Author Interview: Sherry Joseph on Angels at the Gate

[07:31 - 15:17]

• Setting & Themes:
  Joseph’s novel is set at a small, conservative Southern college (inspired by University of the South, TN), exploring class privilege, tradition, elitism, and campus sexual politics.
• Plot:
  Centers on Leah Gavin, an outsider navigating a tight-knit, affluent campus culture and unraveling the mystery of Brantley Sims’s death from the Carillon Tower.
  • Quote:
    “She doesn't come from the family income that the others do. She's much poorer.”
    — Orlando Montoya [10:39]
  • Quote:
    “...it's about people finding their way and this great mystery, too.”
    — Orlando Montoya [15:04]
• Greek Life & 1980s Culture:
  Book offers critical insight on fraternity/sorority dynamics, gender roles, and repression on insular campuses.
  • Quote:
    “If you're a woman, you're called a slut. If you're a man, you're called gay.”
    — Orlando Montoya [12:41]
  • Quote:
    “...one of the major problems that everyone is dealing with on campus is sexual repression of different kinds. ... Any queer person doesn't really exist on campus. They are all in the closet, pretty much.”
    — Sherry Joseph [13:00]
• The mystery at the heart of the novel unfolds through Leah’s unique perspective and social connections across differently privileged groups.

Legislative & Community Highlights

[15:17 - 16:42]

• Aerospace & Defense Day:
  The State Senate recognized the sector’s economic contributions, with Governor Kemp participating in an F-35 simulators event.
  • Quote:
    “Those numbers are literally out of this world.”
    — Rep. Rob Clifton [16:11]
• Girl Scout Day & Habitat for Humanity:
  Marked by a home build at the Capitol.

Consumer & Sports News

[16:42 - 17:04, 17:04 - end]

• Coca-Cola Releases:
  Launching Cherry Float and Diet Coke Cherry (with vanilla notes, including zero sugar options).
• Atlanta Braves:
  Invited two dozen non-roster players to spring training, including local Aaron Schunk.

Memorable Quotes

• “Make no mistake, in my opinion, we are the poster child here...”
  — Rob Pitts (via Orlando Montoya) [01:07]

• “This is not about 2020. This is about undermining the 2026 election.”
  — Rep. Sarah Draper [01:55]

• “To overrun it with visitation would destroy what is most sacred and beautiful about the island.”
  — Will Harlan (via Orlando Montoya) [05:28]

• “If you're a woman, you're called a slut. If you're a man, you're called gay.”
  — Orlando Montoya [12:41]

• “Those numbers are literally out of this world.”
  — Rep. Rob Clifton [16:11]

Additional Noteworthy Segments with Timestamps

• Fulton County election legal action: [00:29 - 01:37]
• AJC layoffs & rationale: [01:55 - 03:06]
• Showcase Atlanta/World Cup grants: [03:06 - 03:54]
• Supreme Court Chief Justice comments: [03:54 - 04:48]
• Cumberland Island access controversy: [04:48 - 06:13]
• Wild hog bill measures: [06:13 - 06:40]
• Sherry Joseph interview: [07:31 - 15:17]

This episode balances hard news on political and legal developments with community initiatives, cultural conversation, and local author insight, offering a vivid snapshot of Georgia’s diverse interests and ongoing challenges as the state prepares for national events and addresses internal change.