Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Episode Title: ICE eyeing Georgia warehouse; Blood supply shortage; Antiques Roadshow in Savannah

Overview

This episode of Georgia Today explores three main stories: the potential establishment of a large ICE detention center in Social Circle, Georgia; a region-wide blood supply shortage following winter storm cancellations; and a behind-the-scenes look at the Antiques Roadshow’s visit to Savannah. The show also highlights the lives of public figures with deep Georgia ties, such as the late Dr. William Foege and musician Chuck Leavelle.

Key Discussion Points

ICE Facility Rumors in Social Circle, Georgia

• Senator Jon Ossoff is seeking answers from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem regarding rumors that ICE plans to convert a warehouse in Social Circle (population 5,000) into a facility to house up to 10,000 people slated for deportation.
  • City officials, including City Manager Eric Taylor, express frustration with the lack of transparency and the unsuitability of the warehouse for human habitation.
    • Eric Taylor: "The frustration here is that they're looking at a building that was not built for human habitation. This is not something hands down that the city can support." [01:18]
  • The warehouse owner is under a nondisclosure agreement and unable to comment on negotiations.
  • Community Vigil: More than 200 people attended an online vigil for Alex Priddy, killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, with organizers calling for grassroots action against rising authoritarianism.

Blood Supply Shortage After Winter Storm

• The recent severe winter storm left thousands without power in northeast Georgia and caused the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives.
• As a result, the American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood, platelet, and plasma shortage.
  • Garrett Reed (Red Cross of Georgia): "These are typically the donors that are being reached for those units for when we have trauma or we have a special need for a special patient and then also our black donors for sickle cell. Atlanta is the number one user of sickle cell products in the country." [03:43]
  • Key statistic: Nationwide, the blood supply dropped 35% in the past month. [04:00]
• Residents with O-type blood and Black donors for sickle cell are particularly needed.
• Recovery efforts continue as power restoration and sheltering remain priorities.

Antiques Roadshow Tapes in Savannah

• PBS’s Antiques Roadshow filmed three episodes at the Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah; the GPB team offers a behind-the-scenes view.
  • Intake Process: Items are sorted by volunteers at the triage tent, then routed to the appropriate appraisal tents.
    • Appraisal Example: Amanda Everard assessed a family-owned French vase, valued originally at $2,500-$3,000, now estimated at $400-$600. [09:15]
      • Guest reaction: "Really?... That much difference? Wow. Well, that's disappointing. That's okay." [09:39]
  • Memorable Participants: Twin sisters June and Becky, former flight attendants, brought their vintage uniforms for appraisal—one valued at $1,000, the other at $1,500 for a complete set. [10:19]
    • June and Becky: "So many things, they're valued at whatever, but they mean more to you than what the money is… sentimental." [10:35]
  • Production Note: Only about 100 of more than 2,000 attendees made it on camera.
    • Marcia Bemko (Executive Producer): "Having that shared experience, our shared humanity is really special and should be treasured forever and ever." [11:04]

Additional Headlines

• Flight Cancellations: Over 200 flights canceled at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport post-storm.
• Election Lawsuit: Federal judge in Macon dismissed a Trump-era DOJ lawsuit seeking voter data; case may be refiled in Atlanta.
• Obituaries:
  • Dr. William Foege, leader in global smallpox eradication and former CDC director, died in Atlanta at 89.
  • Michael Adams, UGA president (1997-2013), remembered for transforming the campus; died at 77.
• Georgia Ports: Blue Ridge Connector rail project is 95% complete, aiming to improve logistics and cut emissions.

Featured Story: Georgia Legends—Chuck Leavelle

• Musician Chuck Leavelle (Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones) is highlighted ahead of a Georgia Legends TV episode.
  • Origins: Learned piano from his mother; aspired to play music professionally as a first grader.
    • Jeff Hollinger (Host): "It was as though the stars had aligned for him. This is the kind of talent that you see at Juilliard or any of those places."
  • Musical Influence: Responsible for "Jessica." [13:02]
    • Hollinger: "If you don't recognize Jessica, you should turn in your Southern card."
  • Role with the Stones: Musical director, organizing their expansive catalog.
    • Hollinger: "He's sort of like a shepherd dog with the flock." [14:41]
  • Personality: Noted for his discipline in a chaotic industry.
    • Hollinger: "Lovell is... a unicorn. It's hard to imagine this sort of sane human being who also happens to be one of the most creative forces of the last 40 or 50 years in music." [15:13]
  • Tree Farmer and Conservationist:
    • Active in land conservation, appointed by a former governor.
    • Hollinger: "He is not someone who is merely making the public acclamation that he is interested in the ecology of the land, but he is actively involved in it every day of his life." [15:41]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Eric Taylor (Social Circle City Manager):

  • "They're looking at a building that was not built for human habitation. This is not something hands down that the city can support." [01:18]

• Noel Heatherland (Vigil):

  • "Bravery sometimes is shaking in your boots and doing something anyway. And that seems to be the type of person that Alex was." [01:55]

• Blood Supply Urgency:

  • "Nationwide, the blood supply has dropped 35% in the last month." [04:00]

• Appraisal Surprise (Antiques Roadshow Guest):

  • "Really?... That much difference? Wow. Well, that's disappointing. That's okay." [09:39]

• Sentimental Value (June and Becky):

  • "So many things, they're valued at whatever, but they mean more to you than what the money is… sentimental." [10:35]

• Shared Experience (Marcia Bemko):

  • "Having that shared experience, our shared humanity is really special and should be treasured forever and ever." [11:04]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• ICE Facility, Vigil, & Political Response: 00:29 – 02:05
• Winter Storm Impacts and Blood Crisis: 02:05 – 04:08
• Election Lawsuit & Dr. Foege Obituary: 04:08 – 06:30
• Georgia Ports Expansion: 06:30 – 07:14
• Antiques Roadshow in Savannah: 07:36 – 11:17
• Chuck Leavelle Feature (Georgia Legends): 12:00 – 16:37

Conclusion

This episode delivers crucial updates on potential changes in Georgia’s immigration infrastructure, a statewide public health plea for blood donations, and a charming look at the culture and community surrounding Antiques Roadshow in Savannah. Personal stories—both triumph and loss—interlace with broader public affairs, all showcased in GPB News’ approachable and informative tone.