Georgia Today: Biden endorses Keisha Lance Bottoms; High early voter turnout; High gas prices

Summary

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Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode Date: May 1, 2026
Host: Peter Biello (GPB News)
Main Theme:
This episode highlights significant political developments in Georgia, including key endorsements and election news, state responses to national political decisions, economic updates such as gas prices, community stories of resilience, and notable local anniversaries.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Georgia Redistricting Update

• Governor Kemp’s Position:
  Governor Brian Kemp announced Georgia will not redraw its political districts for the 2026 elections, despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against majority-minority districts.
• Political Implications:
  Kemp noted the Supreme Court ruling requires new maps by 2028, not before the next election cycle. Some Republicans push for a special session, citing uncertainty over gubernatorial control after next year.
• Quote:
  • “Governor Brian Kemp is ruling out redistricting for the 2026 elections... Some Republicans are calling for a special session to redraw the maps. The timing could be critical since the GOP isn't guaranteed to hold the governor's office next year.” — Peter Biello [00:45]

2. Biden Endorses Keisha Lance Bottoms for Governor

• Significance:
  Former President Joe Biden endorsed former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the gubernatorial race. This is Biden's first endorsement since leaving office.
• Context:
  Bottoms previously worked as a senior advisor within Biden’s administration. Her Democratic competitors include Jason Estevez, Mike Thurmond, and former Republican Lt. Gov. Jeff D.
• Reaction:
  The Republican Governors Association criticized the endorsement, suggesting it indicates Bottoms’ priorities do not align with ordinary Georgians.
• Quote:
  • “In a video released today, Biden says Bottoms, quote, gets things done.” — Peter Biello [01:15]
  • “The Republican Governors association blasted the endorsement, saying it shows exactly where her priorities as governor would be. And it's not with the people of Georgia.” — Peter Biello [01:40]

3. Celebration of Congressman David Scott’s Life

• Event:
  A commemoration at the Georgia State Capitol honored the late Congressman David Scott, celebrated for over two decades of public service and advocacy, particularly on agricultural issues.
• Speakers:
  Remarks by Maxine Waters, Andrew Young, and former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell highlighted his ability to bridge divides.
• Quote:
  • “I believe that whatever the complications were, whatever the problems were, that he had worked to try and bring the two sides together and that he had done the best job that could be done.” — Rep. Maxine Waters [02:33]

4. Weather & South Georgia Wildfire Relief

• Situation:
  Forecasted thunderstorms may provide relief to wildfire-affected South Georgia, particularly Brantley County, which is suffering from severe drought and has containment efforts underway.
• Note:
  The area is two feet behind in rainfall, with over 50,000 acres burned this season.

5. Spike in Georgia Gas Prices

• Update:
  Gas in Georgia has reached $3.80 per gallon, the highest in four years. The increase is attributed to international tensions (U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict) and disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz.

6. Record High Early Voter Turnout

• Trend:
  Over 100,000 ballots cast in the first week of early voting for the May 19 primary, surpassing figures from past primaries.
• Election Official’s Perspective:
  Blake Evans, Georgia Elections Director, praised county officials for managing the turnout and emphasized public trust in the process.
• Quote:
  • “We're seeing our county election officials doing a good job of getting people through the process and I think people really trust our elections process.” — Blake Evans [04:11]
• Early Voting Timeline:
  Runs until May 15. Some counties may add polling places in the third week, potentially increasing turnout. Resources available at Georgia’s My Voter Page.

7. Rivian’s Expansion in Georgia

• Announcement:
  Electric automaker Rivian will increase production plans at its forthcoming Georgia facility by 50% for cost efficiency.
• Opening Date:
  The new plant east of Atlanta is expected to start operations in late 2028.

8. Inspiring Local Story: Kidney Donor’s Kilimanjaro Climb

• Narrative:
  Ellen Eldredge reports on Robin Ernst, a Georgia grandmother and kidney donor who summited Mount Kilimanjaro to demonstrate the vitality possible after organ donation.
• Message:
  Ernst’s journey with 15 other kidney donors (via Kidney Donor Athletes) underscores the ability to lead a vigorous life post-donation and aims to dispel myths and fears around organ donation.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “Very surreal. Didn't feel like it was actually happening until we were a couple of days into it. To be honest, I didn't even see the mountain for four days because it was in the clouds.” — Robin Ernst [05:51]
  • “Once I sat and listened to that and called the transplant clinic and got more information. It was kind of like, why would I not do this?” — Robin Ernst [07:40]
  • “I'm now going to put myself out there more and try to raise awareness for what donation can mean to others in a much more enthusiastic way.” — Robin Ernst [09:04]
• Expert Input:
  Dr. Clark Kenzinger (Piedmont Hospital) noted the rarity and impact of anonymous kidney donors.
• Quote:
  • “We have 10 or so a year that are donating out of the goodness of their heart and just their true heroes.” — Dr. Clark Kenzinger [08:03]

9. Wuxtree Records: 50th Anniversary

• Cultural Highlight:
  Athens’ iconic independent record shop, Wuxtree Records, is marking its 50th anniversary. The store played a pivotal role in launching legendary Georgia bands like R.E.M. and the B52s, with celebrations including a concert at the 40 Watt Club.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Governor Brian Kemp is ruling out redistricting for the 2026 elections..." — Peter Biello [00:45]
• "In a video released today, Biden says Bottoms, quote, gets things done." — Peter Biello [01:15]
• "I believe that whatever the complications were, whatever the problems were, that he had worked to try and bring the two sides together..." — Maxine Waters [02:33]
• "We're seeing our county election officials doing a good job of getting people through the process and I think people really trust our elections process." — Blake Evans [04:11]
• "Very surreal. Didn't feel like it was actually happening until we were a couple of days into it..." — Robin Ernst [05:51]
• "We have 10 or so a year that are donating out of the goodness of their heart and just their true heroes." — Dr. Clark Kenzinger [08:03]
• "I'm now going to put myself out there more and try to raise awareness for what donation can mean to others..." — Robin Ernst [09:04]

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Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:45: Georgia Redistricting and Political Updates
• 01:15: Biden Endorses Keisha Lance Bottoms
• 02:10: Tribute to Congressman David Scott
• 03:09: Drought, Wildfires & Storm Forecast
• 03:40: Gas Price Surge
• 03:58: Early Voting Surge & County Response
• 04:39: Rivian Announces Increased Production
• 05:42: Robin Ernst’s Kidney Donation and Kilimanjaro Summit
• 09:23: Wuxtree Records 50th Anniversary

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Tone & Style

Informative, concise, and community-centered with moments of inspiration and emphasis on local impact. The episode balances political insight with grassroots stories, reflecting both the gravity and vitality of current events in Georgia.

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For further updates and detailed reporting, listeners are encouraged to visit GPB News online.

Transcript

[GPB Announcer]

GPB belongs to Georgia and you are the center of everything we do. Become a GPB sustainer today or increase your monthly gift to fortify our work enriching Georgians of all ages. Visit gpb.org to donate today and thanks.

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, governor Brian Kemp says Georgia won't redraw its districts, at least not yet. Georgia drivers are paying the most they have for gas in almost four years, and voters are taking advantage of early voting.

[Blake Evans]

This week we're seeing our county election officials doing a good job of getting people through the process, and I think people really trust our elections process.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Friday, May 1st. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Governor Brian Kemp is ruling out redistricting for the 2026 elections. This after a US Supreme Court ruling yesterday struck a blow to majority minority districts. Kemp says it's clear the court requires Georgia to redraw its political maps before the 2028 elections. Some Republicans are calling for a special session to redraw the maps. The timing could be critical since the GOP isn't guaranteed to hold the governor's office next year. Former President Joe Biden is endorsing former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor. It's the former president's first endorsement since he left office last year, and it's not entirely unexpected. Bottoms served as a senior advisor in the Biden administration. In a video released today, Biden says Bottoms, quote, gets things done. Democratic voters will narrow down a crowded field of gubernatorial contenders in the May 19 primary. Other major candidates include former state Senator Jason Estevez, former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond and former Republican Lt. Gov. Jeff D. The Republican Governors association blasted the endorsement, saying it shows exactly where her priorities as governor would be. And it's not with the people of Georgia. Georgia legislators and family members of the late Congressman David Scott gathered at the state Capitol today for a celebration of his life. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports.

[Amanda Andrews]

The service for U.S. house Representative David Scott, who served for more than two decades, included several songs and remarks by his family members. Other speakers included former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and a by former Ambassador Andrew Young. Scott was remembered for his faith, public service and advocacy in Georgia. Waters reflected on his leadership around complex agricultural bills.

[Maxine Waters]

I believe that whatever the complications were, whatever the problems were, that he had worked to try and bring the two sides together and that he had done the best job that could be done.

[Amanda Andrews]

A funeral for the late congressman will take place Saturday at Elizabeth Baptist Church. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Peter Biello]

Thunderstorms could bring some much needed rain to South Georgia this weekend. The National Weather Service predicts nearly an inch of rain between late Friday and Saturday night. The area has seen more than 50,000 acres burned in a series of wildfires made worse by extreme drought. Brantley county, site of the Highway 82 fire, is in a two foot precipitation shortfall. The fire there is about half contained and rainfall would help. Georgia gas prices have hit their highest levels in about four years. Auto Club AAA says the state's average price for a gallon of regular is up 30 cents over the past week to $3.80. That mirrors national trends that followed the U S Israel war against Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. More than 100,000 voters already have cast ballots for Georgia's primary election in the first week of early voting. GPB's Sarah Kallis reports.

[Sarah Kallis]

More Georgians voted on Monday, the first day of early voting this year, than on the first days of voting in the 2022 and 2018 primaries. Georgia elections Director Blake Evans says so far things are going smooth, smoothly.

[Blake Evans]

We're seeing our county election officials doing a good job of getting people through the process and I think people really trust our elections process.

[Sarah Kallis]

Evan says that sometimes counties will open new polling places during the third week of early voting, which could cause another uptick in ballots cast. Early voting runs until May 15 and Election Day is May 19. Voters can visit the My Voter Page website to find polling locations in their county and go to any location to vote early. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallis.

[Peter Biello]

Rivian plans to build more cars at its future manufacturing site in Georgia than initially planned. The California based electric automaker says it's increasing production capacity by 50% to boost cost efficiency. The plant under construction near Social Circle east of Atlanta, is expected to begin operations in late 2028.

[NPR Up First Host]

You know every day on Up First, NPR's Golden Globe nominated morning news podcast, we bring you three essential stories. the heart of of each story are questions what really happened? What really mattered? What happens next? At npr, we stand for your right to be curious and to follow the facts. Follow up first wherever you get your podcasts and start your day knowing what matters and why.

[Peter Biello]

There are tens of thousands of people in need of a new kidney just waiting. Meanwhile, the idea of giving up a kidney of your own might strike you as scary. How would that change your life? Recently, a Georgia grandmother and kidney donor took on something which for most of us would be the challenge of a lifetime. To dispel some of that fear, GPB's Ellen Eldredge tells the story.

[Ellen Eldredge]

When Robin Ernst of Canton finally summited Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro, she had been hiking for four days and could barely believe what was happening.

[Robin Ernst]

Very surreal. Didn't feel like it was actually happening until we were a couple of days into it. To be honest, I didn't even see the mountain for four days because it was in the clouds.

[Ellen Eldredge]

She didn't hike alone. She was one of 16 people on the trek who, like her, had voluntarily given up a kidney.

[Robin Ernst]

Day one and two were through the rainforest, drenching rain all day long. Day three was the first day where I really thought, this mountain is. I'm not sure I'm even going to make it. It was so, so difficult.

[Ellen Eldredge]

By day four, the group felt the change in altitude above 13,000ft.

[Robin Ernst]

Several struggled with a loss of appetite. Some had headaches, some felt a little kind of foggy.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Temperatures dropped as the climbers ate an early dinner and prepared for summit night, which would bring them to the 19,341 foot peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. They started at 11pm and hiked for hours with a headlamp trudging through the snow at the top.

[Robin Ernst]

It almost felt like you were intoxicated.

[Ellen Eldredge]

The 66 year old grandmother and the others who completed the summit had more proof. Even after donating an organ, you can live an extraordinary Life. Ernst was 59 when she caught an infomercial on her kitchen television about the need for kidney donors. She and her family had organized and hosted an unrelated charity for 13 years until her daughters left for college.

[Kidney Donor Athletes Representative]

She thought it was kind of just time to disband that. So it was kind of like, what's the next. What's the next thing I can do?

[Ellen Eldredge]

She says her husband didn't bat an eye at the news.

[Kidney Donor Athletes Representative]

It was very succinctly explained. You know, we have two, we only need one.

[Ellen Eldredge]

And she picked up the phone right away.

[Kidney Donor Athletes Representative]

Once I sat and listened to that and called the transplant clinic and got more information. It was kind of like, why would I not do this?

[Ellen Eldredge]

Dr. Clark Kenzinger is with Piedmont Hospital's transplant team. He says about a third of the kidney surgeries he performs every year come from living donors. Only a fraction of them donate to complete strangers like Robin ernsted.

[Maxine Waters]

We have 10 or so a year that are donating out of the goodness of their heart and just their true heroes.

[Ellen Eldredge]

After her surgery in 2018, Ernst spent two days and nights in the hospital, followed by rest, resting at home in a recliner watching tv. Six weeks after that, Ernst says she was back to her usual exercise routine and she even completed a half Ironman Triathlon. In 2023, she joined the group Kidney Donor Athletes to support and raise awareness for an active and healthy lifestyle following organ donation. That's the group she hiked Kilimanjaro with.

[Kidney Donor Athletes Representative]

I think there's a lot of questions for most people about what's my life going to be like after I donate. Will I still be able to do all the things that I do now? And that's really why KDA was founded.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Ernst barely told her closest family members and she never sought attention for her selflessness, saying the act was not about her, but her fellow kidney donor athletes inspired her.

[Robin Ernst]

I'm now going to put myself out there more and try to raise awareness for what donation can mean to others in a much more enthusiastic way.

[Ellen Eldredge]

More than 90,000Americans are awaiting kidney transplantation For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

A revered independent record store in Athens is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. Wuxtree Records became iconic as the launchpad for bands like R.E.M. and the B52s. Its anniversary celebration will include a concert at Music Club 40 watt on Saturday. And that's a wrap on a busy week of news. Thanks for choosing to spend it with Georgia Today. We do appreciate you and we're going to be back on Monday as well with all the latest Georgia headlines. So make sure you subscribe to this podcast and check gpb.org news for updates to the stories you heard today. Now everything you heard on Georgia Today, everything you [e-mail] is available to you. Because of you. Our on Air Spring Fun Drive wraps up today, Friday, May 1st, but we still need your support. Your contribution right now supports everything you hear on GPB. So give 10 or 20 bucks a month or make a one time gift at gpb.org or call 1-800-222-4788 and thank you so much for supporting GPB. We value your feedback as well. You can send it to us by email. The address is Georgia Today at G. I'm Peter Biello. Thank you again for listening. We will see you on Monday.