Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya | Produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting

1. Governor Brian Kemp’s Decision Not to Run for U.S. Senate

In the episode’s opening segment, host Orlando Montoya delves into the significant political development of Governor Brian Kemp announcing his decision not to seek the U.S. Senate seat in 2026. This announcement sparks discussions about the future of the Republican race and its implications for the upcoming midterm elections.

Bill Crane, a seasoned Georgia political strategist, provides his insights:

“If he had decided to be the nominee, it would have been an extremely competitive race with incumbent Senator Ossoff more of a toss up now. Not knowing who the GOP nominee will be”
[00:39]

Crane elaborates that Kemp's choice is primarily a family and personal decision rather than purely political. He emphasizes Kemp’s preference for executive roles over legislative positions and notes the potential for a "spirited primary" among GOP candidates. The absence of Kemp and possibly Donald Trump from the ballot could significantly influence Republican turnout and the overall competitiveness of the race.

2. Atlanta City Council Advocates for Stricter High-Speed Police Chase Policies

Amanda Andrews reports on the Atlanta City Council's initiative to implement stricter guidelines for high-speed police chases conducted by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP). The proposed policies aim to enhance public safety by reducing the number of chases that end in crashes.

Key recommendations include:

• Restricting chases to violent felonies
• Requiring supervisor approval
• Banning pit maneuvers in densely populated areas

Statistics highlighted by the council reveal that over half of the GSP’s 6,700 chases concluded in a crash. A poignant moment in the discussion features Kate Schenke, who shares her personal tragedy:

“It could have been a family going to target, but 80 miles an hour down that road, heavily populated? It's just, it's not the first time this has happened. I'd love it to be the last.”
[06:19]

The council has mandated that the Atlanta police chief report back within 60 days on the policy changes implemented in collaboration with the GSP.

3. Josh McLaurin Enters the Lieutenant Governor Race

Democrat Josh McLaurin, a state senator from north Georgia, announces his candidacy for lieutenant governor. Benjamin Payne covers McLaurin’s platform, which positions the race as a "referendum on the Trump administration", particularly targeting the administration’s tariff policies.

McLaurin criticizes the current approach to tariffs, especially those impacting the Port of Savannah, the East Coast’s second-busiest port:

“Savannah, Georgia, is the frontline in the war that Georgia should be fighting against these senseless tariffs. But right now our state leaders are doing anything but stand up to Trump's tariffs.”
[07:09]

He argues that the 145% tariffs on Chinese imports are detrimental to consumers and working-class Georgians, labeling them as "a needless tax".

4. Court Appearance of Alleged Apalachee High School Shooter

The podcast covers the court proceedings of Colt Gray, the student accused of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School that resulted in the deaths of two teachers and two students. Chase McGee reports on the possibility of a guilty plea scheduled for October:

“Judge Prim also noted that the plea would not conflict with his father Colin Gray's trial for providing the rifle used in the shooting.”
[08:29]

Colt Gray’s defense attorney, Alphonso Kraft, indicated readiness for a plea hearing post a recent psychological evaluation. The timing strategically avoids overlapping with his father’s trial, ensuring no prejudicial overlap.

Bill Crane adds context to the timing:

“I think the October timing works well because Colin Gray's trial scheduled in September, he and in order to avoid any publicity tainting that trial, it makes sense.”
[08:29]

Gray, being a juvenile, will not face the death penalty, regardless of the plea outcome.

5. Additional News Highlights

• Ben Crump’s Lawsuit: Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump files a lawsuit against a former Florida sheriff’s deputy for the unjustified shooting death of U.S. Senior Airman Roger Fortson. The incident, which took place in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, raises serious concerns about excessive force by law enforcement.

• Homeless Encampments Cleared in Atlanta: Following a tragic incident in January where a man was fatally crushed during an encampment clearance, Atlanta resumes clearing homeless encampments under Interstate 20. This move has sparked community outrage and debates over the humane treatment of homeless populations.

• Rural Hospitals Tax Credit Program: Georgia taxpayers contributed over $74 million to support rural hospitals via a state tax credit program initiated in 2017. The program aims to bolster hospitals in counties with populations below 50,000, funding capital projects and operational expenses.

• Federal Budget Cuts to NEH: President Trump’s proposed federal budget includes the completion of ending the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The NEH, crucial for supporting arts and culture across all 50 states, including Georgia, has already faced budget nullification from the Department of Government Efficiency.

6. Cultural Segment: Joy Harjo’s Visit and Impact of NEH Cuts

A highlight of the episode features a cultural segment with Joy Harjo, the nation’s first Native American Poet Laureate, visiting Middle Georgia State University in Macon. Harjo engages with students, inspiring a renewed appreciation for poetry and the humanities.

Sol Harmon, a Howard High School student, interacts with Harjo, exploring themes of inspiration and personal growth through poetry. Their dialogue underscores the importance of humanities in education and community engagement.

Grant Blankenship reports on the detrimental effects of federal cuts to the NEH on the Georgia Humanities Council (GHC):

“When DOGE zeroed out the budget for the National Endowment for the Humanities, that took Georgia Humanities annual operating budget of about $1.5 million with it. That's about 15 cents per Georgian per year.”
[12:29]

Despite a philanthropic donation from the Mellon Foundation, the GHC struggles to maintain programs like National History Day and partnerships with the Smithsonian, which foster educational and cultural dialogues across the state.

Aubrey Newby, director of the Hay House, emphasizes the role of GHC in preserving African American history:

“Communities came together and made up banners that they could stretch across the road that said the Smithsonian is here. The Smithsonian is coming.”
[14:11]

The segment concludes with a call to support and sustain humanities initiatives essential for fostering conversational and cultural growth within Georgia.

Conclusion

Orlando Montoya wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe to the podcast and engage with GPB News for continued coverage of these critical issues. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of pivotal political developments, public safety concerns, judicial proceedings, and cultural challenges facing Georgia, enriched with firsthand accounts and expert analyses.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Bill Crane on Kemp’s Decision:
  “If he had decided to be the nominee, it would have been an extremely competitive race with incumbent Senator Ossoff more of a toss up now. Not knowing who the GOP nominee will be”
  [00:39]

• Kate Schenke on High-Speed Chase Tragedy:
  “It could have been a family going to target, but 80 miles an hour down that road, heavily populated? It's just, it's not the first time this has happened. I'd love it to be the last.”
  [06:19]

• Josh McLaurin on Tariffs:
  “Savannah, Georgia, is the frontline in the war that Georgia should be fighting against these senseless tariffs. But right now our state leaders are doing anything but stand up to Trump's tariffs.”
  [07:09]

• Bill Crane on Colt Gray’s Plea Hearing:
  “I think the October timing works well because Colin Gray's trial scheduled in September, he and in order to avoid any publicity tainting that trial, it makes sense.”
  [08:29]

• Aubrey Newby on Community Efforts:
  “Communities came together and made up banners that they could stretch across the road that said the Smithsonian is here. The Smithsonian is coming.”
  [14:11]

For more detailed reports and ongoing coverage, visit gpb.org/news or subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast.