Georgia Today: 'Hands Off' protests; Masters Week in Augusta; Shrimpers support Trump tariffs

Summary

Georgia Today: 'Hands Off' Protests; Masters Week in Augusta; Shrimpers Support Trump Tariffs

Release Date: April 7, 2025

Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

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'Hands Off' Protests Sweep Across Georgia

Over the past weekend, Georgia became a focal point for nationwide 'Hands Off' protests, with demonstrators taking to the streets in more than a dozen cities to voice their opposition against billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. These protests, organized by Democratic activists, reflected widespread concerns about the current political climate and its impact on democracy.

Major Demonstrations:

• Atlanta: Thousands marched from Piedmont Park in Midtown to Liberty Plaza near the State Capitol. Organizer Alina Williams highlighted the overwhelming turnout, stating, "Organizers had to find extra space for the people who overfilled the park" (01:16).

  Notable Participant Quotes:

  • Emma Auer from Athens emphasized the generational stakes, saying, "I have children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. So I'm here for their future" (01:31).
  • Gary Starrett, a retired Methodist Minister in Macon, expressed his anxieties, "I worry about my grandchildren and don't know how to talk to my friends about those fears" (04:27).

Key Issues Addressed:

• Democracy and Governance: Protesters voiced fears that current leadership is undermining democratic institutions. Sarah Kalis reported, "The people who are running this country are trying to make it dysfunctional" (01:52).
• Economic and Social Concerns: Retirees and everyday Americans voiced frustrations over economic policies and social issues. Grant Blankenship from Macon remarked, "Our representatives aren't out there for us, for us older Americans" (04:27).

Masters Week in Augusta Faces Weather Challenges

Masters Week, a pinnacle event for Augusta and its local economy, encountered significant disruptions due to inclement weather. Thunderstorms led to the suspension of practice sessions, with spectators evacuated from the golf course for safety reasons. Prominent golfers like Keegan Bradley and Thomas Dettry practiced alone, while the forecast showed improved weather prospects for the remainder of the week.

Economic Impact: Local businesses, already in recovery mode from last year's Hurricane Helene, rely heavily on the Masters for a substantial portion of their annual income.

• Mary's Home Furnishings: Emma Claire Hanson highlighted the financial dependency, "We probably do anywhere from 35 to 40% of our annual business in that first quarter because of the Masters tournament" (05:43).

• Recovery Efforts: With the tournament approaching, optimism is rising for businesses to regain their footing. Hanson added, "With the Masters just days away, things are looking up" (06:12).

Shrimpers Welcome Trump Administration's Tariffs on Imported Shrimp

In a significant move to support local fisheries, the Trump administration introduced tariffs ranging from 10% to 46% on imported shrimp, depending on the country of origin. This policy aims to create a more level playing field for American shrimp farmers who contend with unfair competition from overseas suppliers.

Industry Reactions:

• John Wallace, a third-generation fisherman and owner of Anchored Shrimp Co., praised the tariffs, stating, "Create a level playing field to where we feel we can compete, make a living, you know, just be a small family owned business" (06:47).

• Economic Considerations: While acknowledging potential consumer price increases—since roughly 95% of US shrimp is imported—Wallace underscored the benefits of combating practices like forced labor and banned antibiotics used by foreign shrimpers.

Market Implications: The new tariffs are expected to bolster local shrimp businesses by reducing unfair competition, although consumers may face higher prices. Wallace noted, "Foreign shrimpers have long commanded artificially low prices as they often rely on forced labor and banned antibiotics" (07:00).

Georgia Legislature Ends Session Without Approving Controversial Bills

The Georgia legislative session concluded without passing several high-profile bills, leaving key issues unresolved for the next session.

Failed Legislation:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Efforts to ban DEI programs in schools did not advance.
• Transgender Rights: Legislation prohibiting the use of puberty blockers for transgender teenagers stalled.
• School Zone Speeding Cameras & Election Changes: Proposed restrictions on speed cameras in school zones and various election modifications were also unsuccessful.

Reactions from Lawmakers:

• Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones remarked, "We've already gotten all our priorities done" (07:48), expressing a sense of accomplishment despite the setbacks.

• Speaker of the House John Burns emphasized the chamber's commitment to prioritizing policy over politics, stating, "This chamber puts policy over politics" (07:55).

Future Prospects: As this session was part of a two-year legislative cycle, any unapproved bills may be revisited in the upcoming session, offering another opportunity for these contentious issues to be addressed.

Settlement Reached for Migrant Workers Abused by Savannah Warehouse Operator

A significant legal settlement saw E. Green Transport agree to pay over half a million dollars in back wages and damages to nearly fifty migrant workers. These workers, some of whom lacked legal authorization to work in the U.S., accused the company of withholding wages, retaliating against complaints, and engaging in other unfair labor practices.

Details of the Settlement:

• Attorney Alessandra Stevens highlighted the unique nature of the case, noting, "This case was unusual, less for the abuse and more for the investigation and settlement" (08:49).

• Worker Advocacy: Emma Auer praised the workers' resilience, stating, "These workers were really amazing self advocates. They organized together" (08:58).

Implications for Worker Rights: The settlement underscores the rights of all workers, regardless of legal status, and raises awareness about the importance of advocacy and organization in combating workplace abuse. Stevens expressed concern that many workers may hesitate to push back against abuse due to fears of deportation.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Bragg Jam Music Festival:

• Lineup Announcement: The annual Bragg Jam Music Festival in Macon revealed headliners American Aquarium and Susto, among over two dozen other acts. Scheduled for July 26th, the festival is a major tourism event expected to draw large crowds to the city.

Delta Air Lines Expansion:

• New Destinations: Delta Air Lines announced its largest winter schedule to date, adding nonstop services from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. Additional destinations include Punta Cana and St. Thomas, making Delta the only U.S. carrier offering direct flights to these locations.

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Closing Remarks

Peter Biello concluded the episode by recapping the major stories covered and expressed gratitude to his colleagues who filled in during his paternity leave. He also encouraged listeners to stay informed by subscribing to the podcast and providing feedback via email.

Final Thoughts: The episode of Georgia Today offered a comprehensive look at the pressing issues affecting Georgia—from grassroots protests defending democracy, economic challenges intertwined with major events like the Masters, supportive measures for local industries, legislative hurdles, to significant labor settlements. These stories collectively paint a vivid picture of the state's dynamic socio-political and economic landscape.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• John Wallace: "Create a level playing field to where we feel we can compete, make a living, you know, just be a small family owned business" (06:47).
• Emma Auer: "I have children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. So I'm here for their future" (01:31).
• Gary Starrett: "I worry about my grandchildren and don't know how to talk to my friends about those fears" (04:27).
• Grant Blankenship: "Our representatives aren't out there for us, for us older Americans" (04:27).
• Emma Auer: "These workers were really amazing self advocates. They organized together" (08:58).

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For more detailed stories and updates, visit gpb.org/news.

Transcript

[Chase McGee]

DBHDD is warning all Georgians that half of all opioid deaths happen at home when people take an oxy or a perk with a glass of alcohol for stress or to sleep. Learn more about protecting families from opioid [e-mail].

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to Georgia Today. This podcast features the latest reports from the GPB news team on today's episode. Over the weekend, activists gathered across Georgia as part of the nationwide hands off protests. It's Masters week in Augusta. Practice was suspended today. And Georgia shrimp farmers are praising President Trump's tariffs.

[John Wallace]

Level playing field to where we feel we can compete, make a living, you know, just be a small family owned business. And that's, that's what most of the shrimp industry is. It's just family owned businesses that are just trying to survive.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Monday, April 7th. I'm Peter Biello. Activists gathered in more than a dozen cities across Georgia on Saturday as part of the nationwide hands off protests. The demonstrators were aimed at billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. DPP's reporters were there.

[Sarah Kalis]

I'm Sarah Kalis. In Atlanta. Thousands of demonstrators marched over two miles from Piedmont park in midtown to the Liberty Plaza near the state Capitol. Organizers had to find extra space for the people who overfilled the park. Alina Williams was one of them.

[Emma Auer]

I have children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. So I'm here for their future.

[Sarah Kalis]

As for her top concerns, everything.

[John Wallace]

The.

[Emma Auer]

Environment, you know, gosh, our security, everything.

[Sarah Kalis]

Jim Zingizer is a retired CDC employee who says he is watching his former colleagues at the agency struggle.

[Peter Biello]

The people who are running this country are trying to make it dysfunctional.

[Sarah Kalis]

Protesters carried signs condemning Trump and Elon Musk. At Liberty Plaza, they heard speakers including advocates for immigrants and fired federal employees.

[Kristi York Wooten]

I'm Christy York Wooten in Savannah. Hundreds gathered in Forsyth park later marching by two federal buildings before lining East Bay street, waving signs like hands off our democracy and this is a moral moment. Laura Armitage of Savannah wore a Good Trouble T shirt in honor of late Congressman John Lewis.

[Peter Biello]

I'm here today in support of us continuing to have a democracy. And I wore this shirt because I do hope everything is peaceful and everybody does everything peacefully.

[Kristi York Wooten]

Jodfree Stringer, who moved to Savannah from Ohio, said he's concerned about a lack of respect for everyday Americans.

[John Wallace]

I'm not a veteran, but I'm a retired construction worker from Ohio, a laborer. You know, I don't understand why our union guys would support him because he don't care nothing about nobody that's not rich. And that's why I'm here today.

[Emma Auer]

I'm Emma Auer in Athens. Athens has seen several protests organized by Democratic activists since President Trump's inauguration. The Saturday protest at Athens City hall was larger than the last. More than 500 protesters quickly spilled out onto College Avenue. Donna Dempsey drove in from nearby Lawrenceville. She says she's concerned about the Trump administration's impact retirees like her.

[Kristi York Wooten]

I rely on not only Social Security that I paid into, but my 401k the last two days. I've lost everything that I've gained the last three years. So it's very concerning that our representatives aren't out there for us, for us older Americans.

[Emma Auer]

Local drumming group Palms of Fire pounded away on the steps of City Hall. Protesters demanded answers from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, President Trump and Representative Mike Collins.

[Peter Biello]

Hey, hey. Go vote Trump and Musk and Mexico.

[Grant Blankenship]

I'm Grant Blankenship in Macon, where about 500 people came together in a park running down the middle of Poplar street downtown. The Macon crowd skewed older. Some of their signs pointed to fears for future generations. Retired Methodist Minister Gary Starrett, 82, says he worries about his grandchildren and doesn't know how to talk to his friends about those fears.

[Peter Biello]

It's difficult because a lot of my friends are conservative Republicans, you know, and I love them, but I disagree with them, of course, but it's hard, you know, I hope that they'll, they'll see what's happening and slowly come to their senses.

[Emma Auer]

What do we do? Stand up like that?

[Peter Biello]

Our nation is under attack. What do we do? You heard Sarah Kallis, Kristi York Wooten, Emma Auer and Grant Blankenship covering some of the weekend protests around Georgia. Rain forced the suspension of practice at the Masters at Augusta national this morning. Spectators were pulled off the golf course because of the threat of thunderstorms. Few players ventured out for practice rounds, and those who did, including Keegan Bradley and Thomas Dettry, played alone. But a sunny and warm forecast for the rest of the week looks promising, and not just for golfers and spectators. Area business owners also count on a strong Masters week for a big chunk of their annual income. GPB's Chase McGee has that story.

[Chase McGee]

Every December 26th, Emma Claire Hanson starts to think about the Masters. She's a fourth generation family employee at Mary's Home Furnishings on Broad street, and their first quarter is always packed with locals looking to refurbish their rentals ahead of the tournament.

[Laura Armitage]

If I had to guess I would say we probably do anywhere from 35 to 40% of our annual business in that first quarter because of the Masters tournament.

[Chase McGee]

That regular income is vital for residents still recovering from last year's Hurricane Helene. It hit Augusta hard, taking lives and causing millions in damages.

[Laura Armitage]

For a while we were slow just while everyone got their feet back under em and their number one priority was just having a place to lay their head at night.

[Chase McGee]

But with the Masters just days away, things are looking up. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee in Augusta.

[Peter Biello]

Shrimp harvesters in Georgia are applauding new tariffs announced by the Trump administration on imported shrimp. GPB's Benjamin Payne reports the tariffs will.

[Benjamin Payne]

Levy a tax of anywhere from 10 to 46% depending on the country of origin. This new trade policy is welcome news to John Wallace. He's a third generation fisherman in coastal Georgia's McIntosh county and owner of Anchored Shrimp Co. A harvester and supplier of wild Georgia shrimp. Wallace says the new tariffs will help.

[John Wallace]

Create a level playing field to where we feel we can compete, make a living, you know, just be a small family owned business and that's, that's what most of the shrimp industry is. It's just family owned businesses that are just trying to survive.

[Benjamin Payne]

Wallace acknowledges consumer prices may rise as roughly 95% of shrimp sold in the US comes in from overseas. But he says foreign shrimpers have long commanded artificially low prices as they often rely on forced labor and banned antibiotics. For GPB News, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia lawmakers ended the legislative session Friday with several significant bills still in limbo.

[Sarah Kalis]

GPB's Sarah Kalis reports Controversial legislation banning diversity, equity and inclusion in schools, prohibiting the use of puberty blockers for transgender teenagers, restricting school zone speeding cameras and election changes all failed across the finish line. On signing die the Georgia Senate gaveled out for the final time this session just after 9pm hours earlier than usual for signing. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones said we'd already.

[John Wallace]

Gotten all our priorities done.

[Sarah Kalis]

And speaker of the House John Burns reacted to the news that the Senate had called it a night.

[Peter Biello]

But this chamber puts policy over politics.

[Sarah Kalis]

The House adjourned about an hour and a half after the Senate. Since this year's legislative session was the first of a two year cycle, any bills that did not receive final approval can still return next year. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis at the State Capitol.

[Peter Biello]

A Savannah warehouse operator has agreed to pay more than a half million dollars in back wages and damages to nearly five dozen migrant workers who alleged widespread abuse. Some of the workers didn't have legal authority to work in the U.S. nevertheless, last year they accused E. Green Transport of withholding their wages, retaliating against them when they complained to authorities and other unfair practices. After the U.S. department of labor investigated, the company agreed to the settlement. Attorney Alessandra Stevens of Sur Legal, representing several of the victims, says the case was unusual, less for the abuse and more for the investigation and settlement.

[Emma Auer]

Part of the reason that this case was so successful is that these workers were really amazing self advocates. They organized together, they organized to approach.

[Laura Armitage]

Their bosses, they organized to stage strikes.

[Peter Biello]

She says workers have rights regardless of legal status, and she worries that many won't push back against abuse, fearing deportation. As part of the settlement, the company did not admit any wrongdoing. The annual Bragg Jam Music Festival in Macon has released its lineup for 2025. The festival today announced headliners alt country musicians American Aquarium and indie rockers Susto. More than two dozen other acts also were named as appearing at the event. Brag Jam Music Crawl, one of the city's largest tourism events, will take place on July 26th. Delta Air Lines has announced its largest ever winter schedule to Latin America and the Caribbean. The Atlanta based airlines said on Friday that two new destinations from Hartsfield, Jackson, Atlanta International Airport, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada make it the only US Carrier offering nonstop service to those nations. Delta also plans to increase service from ATL to Punta Cana, St. Thomas and other Winter beach destinations. And that is it for this edition of Georgia Today. Thank you so much for tuning in. And thank you so much to my colleagues who filled in on the podcast while I was on paternity leave. The baby is doing well and so is Mom. If you would like to learn more more about these stories, visit gpb.org news and remember to subscribe to this podcast. That way we'll pop up in your feed automatically tomorrow and your feedback, as always, is welcome. You can send it to us by email. The address is georgia todaypb.org we look forward to hearing your feedback. I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Tonya Moseley]

This is Tonya Moseley, co host of Fresh Air. You'll see your favorite actors, directors and comedians on late night TV shows or YouTube. But what you get with Fresh Air is a deep dive. Spend some quality time with people like Billie Eilish Questlove, Ariana Grande, Stephen Colbert and so many more. We ask questions you won't hear asked anywhere else. Listen to the Fresh Air podcast from NPR and whyyy.