Kemp won't run for Senate; Ga. Democrats elect new leader; Proposed Medicaid cuts

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: May 5, 2025
Host: Peter Biello

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

Governor Brian Kemp announced via social media platform X that he will not seek a Senate seat in the upcoming election. In his statement, Kemp emphasized the personal and familial considerations behind his decision. “After discussing with friends, supporters, and leaders across the country, I decided being on the ballot next year is, quote, not the right decision for me and my family” (00:46). Kemp reaffirmed his commitment to the Republican Party, stating he has already engaged with President Trump and Senate leadership to support a strong Republican nominee. This decision comes as Democrat Jon Ossoff, the incumbent, is running for re-election. Kemp, who is term-limited as governor, was anticipated to be a significant contender, especially in a midterm election cycle typically favorable to the opposition party of the incumbent president.

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2. Fatal Shooting in Savannah Raises Concerns within the LGBTQ Community

A tragic incident occurred in Savannah with the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Chris Allen Villegas Fentress two days before St. Patrick's Day. The Savannah Pride Center's Michael Bell expressed concerns that the murder might be a hate crime. “A hate crime when the shooter has a history of anti-gay messages that they've posted on their social media, when the victim is visibly, identifiably part of our community and anti-gay slurs were thrown... Absolutely. It's time for an investigation” (01:54). However, the Savannah Police Department has stated there is no evidence to classify the killing as a hate crime, responding to GPB with a terse one-sentence report confirming their response to the incident (02:11).

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3. Senator Raphael Warnock’s Town Hall Addresses Trump Administration Criticisms

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock held a town hall meeting at Zion Hill Baptist Church near Atlanta, where he confronted challenging questions regarding his stance against the Trump administration. GPB's Sarah Kalis reported that Warnock faced inquiries about combating budget cuts, tariffs, and foreign policy issues. In his response, Warnock asserted his determination to utilize available tools despite reduced power in his role: “And here I am doing everything I can with the tools I have. But those tools are not the same as they were my first two Congresses. But I'm going to use the tools I have. Just because we're out of power doesn't mean we don't have any power” (02:49). As the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Warnock indicated plans to call Trump administration officials for testimonies. The session was briefly disrupted by pro-Palestine protesters, highlighting the tense political climate surrounding his tenure.

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4. Georgia Democratic Party Elects New Chairman

The Georgia Democratic Party has elected Charlie Bailey as its new chairman, succeeding U.S. Representative Nekimah Williams. Bailey, who previously ran for attorney general in 2018 and lieutenant governor in 2022, both times losing narrowly to Republican candidates, expressed his commitment to leveraging past electoral experiences to guide Democrats in future campaigns. “Those narrow losses can help me show other Democrats how to beat GOP candidates” (03:23). Bailey's election reflects a desire within the party to rejuvenate its leadership and strategy following recent electoral setbacks and Williams' departure amid dissatisfaction over her leadership.

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5. Proposed Medicaid Cuts Threaten Children with Asthma

Congress is deliberating significant reductions to the Medicaid budget, which could adversely impact approximately 2 million Georgians, primarily pregnant women and children. Ellen Eldredge from GPB highlights the disproportionate effects these cuts may have on children suffering from asthma. Dr. Christy Sadromelli, a pediatric pulmonologist, emphasized the reliance on Medicaid among her patients, stating, “...many, many children, both healthy children and children who have diseases, chronic diseases like asthma, do rely on Medicaid” (00:39). Further, Sadromelli noted that in hospital settings, up to 70% of pediatric asthma patients depend on Medicaid (04:20). Additionally, proposed Medicaid work requirements for adults pose further challenges for caregivers and individuals unable to work due to health issues, exacerbating the strain on vulnerable populations (04:36).

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6. Gwinnett Chamber Appoints New Leader to Boost Economic Development

In a strategic move to enhance business growth, the Gwinnett Chamber has appointed Kevin Carmichael as the Senior Vice President for Economic Development. Carmichael, formerly an executive with the Georgia Chamber and having held senior roles at NCR Voyex, brings extensive experience in digital commerce and economic strategy. This appointment aims to attract new businesses and foster economic expansion within Gwinnett County, Georgia's second most populous region.

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7. Clean Energy Jobs at Risk Amid Trump’s Budget Cuts

Clean energy advocates in Georgia are mobilizing against proposed federal budget cuts that threaten funding for environmental programs critical to the state's economy. President Trump's budget proposal includes significant reductions in funding for clean energy initiatives, which Diamond Spratling from the Atlanta-based nonprofit Girl Plus Environment criticizes as not only detrimental to job growth but also to social justice: “Clean energy jobs are not just a career path. They are a pathway to justice, dignity and economic liberation for so many communities, especially young people of color” (05:34). The Georgia Chamber of Commerce reported that as of last year, 82,000 Georgians were employed in clean energy roles. The proposed cuts jeopardize these positions and the broader goals of economic and environmental sustainability within the state.

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8. Albany Technical College Opens New Training Facility

Albany Technical College inaugurated a $10 million facility named the Anthony Parker Transportation Academy, honoring the college’s longest-serving president who led from 1995 until his passing in 2022. The academy is dedicated to training students in automotive, collision repair, and diesel technology, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these industries and supporting the local economy through vocational education.

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9. Remembering Jim Dent, Pioneer Golfer and Augusta National Legend

The podcast paid tribute to the late Jim Dent, a pioneering African American golfer and legendary caddie at Augusta National Golf Club. Dent, who passed away at 85, was renowned for his exceptional knowledge of the Augusta course and his prowess on the PGA Tour, including winning the inaugural World Long Drive Championship in 1974. His grandson shared the news on Facebook, highlighting Dent’s significant contributions to golf and his beloved legacy in Augusta.

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10. Atlanta Braves Update

The Atlanta Braves managed to stave off a series sweep against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 4-3 victory, led by Austin Riley’s two-run homers. This win ended the Dodgers' seven-game winning streak. Looking ahead, the Braves are set to open a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park, with AJ Smith-Shawver slated to start the next game.

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Closing Remarks

Peter Biello concluded the episode by encouraging listeners to stay updated with the latest Georgia news via GPB.org and to subscribe to the podcast for ongoing coverage. He also welcomed listener feedback through email, reinforcing the community-driven nature of the podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Governor Brian Kemp: “Not the right decision for me and my family” (00:46)
• Michael Bell, Savannah Pride Center: “Absolutely. It's time for an investigation” (01:54)
• Senator Raphael Warnock: “Just because we're out of power doesn't mean we don't have any power” (02:49)
• Charlie Bailey, New Democratic Chairman: “Those narrow losses can help me show other Democrats how to beat GOP candidates” (03:23)
• Dr. Christy Sadromelli: “...many, many children...do rely on Medicaid” (04:20)
• Diamond Spratling, Girl Plus Environment: “Clean energy jobs are not just a career path...” (05:34)

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Timestamps Reference:

• Sections correspond to transcript times, e.g., [00:46] for Governor Kemp’s announcement.

Transcript

[Public Health Official]

DBHDD has an urgent warning for all Georgians. One of every ten counterfeit pills contains fentanyl, a powerful and very deadly drug. Pills from friends or dealers are unsafe and one pill can cause an overdose. More [e-mail].

[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 he won't run for Senate next year The Georgia Democratic Party elects a new leader and proposed cuts to Medicaid could hurt children with asthma.

[Dr. Christy Sadromelli]

Many, many children, both healthy children and children who have diseases, chronic diseases like asthma, do rely on Medicaid.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Monday, May 5th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Governor Brian Kemp says he will not run for Senate next year. In an announcement on X, Kemp said that after discussing with friends, supporters and leaders across the country, he decided being on the ballot next year is, quote, not the right decision for me and my family. He said he spoke with President Trump and Senate leadership earlier today and said he would work alongside them to ensure Republicans have a strong nominee. Incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff is running for re election. Kemp, who is term limited as governor, was widely considered to be strong competition for Ossoff in a midterm election year when the major party opposing that of the incumbent president tends to do well. The fallout from a fatal March shooting of a gay man in Savannah has some members of the city's LGBTQ community questioning the city's commitment to keeping it safe. 29 year old Chris Allen Villegas fentress was fatally shot two days before St. Patrick's Day. Michael Bell of the Savannah Pride center says the killing should be investigated as.

[Michael Bell]

A hate crime when the shooter has a history of anti gay messages that they've posted on their social media, when the victim is visibly, identifiably part of our community and anti gay slurs were thrown, Absolutely. It's time for an investigation, but the.

[Peter Biello]

Savannah Police Department says there's no evidence the killing meets that criteria. In response to an open records request, the agency provided GPB with a one sentence report acknowledging police responded to the crime. Georgia US Senator Raphael Warnock faced tough questions and condemned the Trump administration in a town hall near Atlanta last night. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports Warnock answered questions.

[Sarah Kalis]

For two hours from some of the hundreds of people at Zion Hill Baptist Church. Constituents asked him what he is doing to challenge the Trump administration's budget cuts, tariffs and foreign policy.

[Raphael Warnock]

And here I am doing everything I can with the tools I have. But those tools are not the same as they were my first two Congresses. But I'm going to use the tools I have. Just because we're out of power doesn't mean we don't have any power.

[Sarah Kalis]

Warnock, who is a ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee, said he will bring Trump administration officials in to testify. The town hall was briefly interrupted by pro Palestine protesters. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis in Atlanta.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia's Democratic Party has elected Charlie Bailey as its new chairman. Bailey won a leadership race on Saturday, pledging to help the party win elections. He ran for attorney general in 2018 and lieutenant governor in 2022, losing both times to Republicans. He said those narrow losses can help him show other Democrats how to beat GOP candidates. Bailey replaces U.S. representative Nekimah Williams, who stepped down after electoral defeats last year, spotlighted discontent with her leadership. The American Lung association says proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance program could have disproportionate effects on kids with asthma. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Congress is considering cutting billions of dollars from the Medicaid budget, which insures about 2 million people in Georgia, mostly pregnant women and children. Dr. Christy Sadromelli is a pediatric pulmonologist. She says about half the pediatric asthma patients nationwide rely on Medicaid.

[Dr. Christy Sadromelli]

And when I'm working in the hospital, it's actually closer to 70% of the patients I take care of. And you can see this dynamic, you know, in Atlanta and other places in Georgia where many, many children, both healthy children and children who have diseases, chronic diseases like asthma, do rely on Medicaid.

[Ellen Eldredge]

She says proposed Medicaid work requirements for adults will hurt caregivers, students and others who are unable to work due to illness or disability. For GBP News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

The state's second most populous county has a new leader to attract and grow business. The Gwinnett Chamber said today that it's hired a former executive with the Georgia Chamber as senior vice president for economic development. Kevin Carmichael most recently held multiple senior positions with Atlanta based digital commerce giant NCR Voyex. Georgia clean energy advocates are rallying behind federally funded clean energy programs President Trump's proposed budget significantly reduces federal funding for a raft of environmental programs benefiting many states, including Georgia. Trump calls some of the programs racially divisive. Speaking with reporters today, Diamond Spratling of the Atlanta based nonprofit Girl plus Environment says that jobs in the clean energy sector are on the line.

[Diamond Spratling]

Clean energy jobs are not just a career path. They are a pathway to justice, dignity and economic liberation for so many communities, especially young people of color.

[Peter Biello]

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce says 82,000 Georgians held clean energy jobs as of last year. Albany Technical College today celebrated the opening of a $10 million facility that will train students pursuing careers in automotive, collision repair and diesel technology. The Anthony Parker Transportation Academy was named for the college's longest serving president, who led the school for 27 years beginning in 1995. He died in 2022. Pioneering golfer Jim Dent has died. His grandson posted on Facebook. Dent died on Friday, a week before his birthday. Dent grew up in Augusta, where he played at the Municipal Chorus known as the Patch, and was one of the legendary black caddies at Augusta National Golf Club. Known for their expertise of the course and the game. He went from caddying to making it on the PGA Tour. He was best known for how far he hit the golf ball and Dent won the inaugural World Long drive championship in 1974. Jim Dent was 85 years old. The Braves may have lost the three game series against the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, but the bright spot they were not swept last night. Austin Rielly hit two two run homers as the Braves ended the Dodgers seven game winning streak with a 4. 3 victory. Braves had been 05 against the Dodgers this season. Braves opened a three game series against the Cincinnati Reds tonight at Truest Park. AJ Smith Shawver will get the start for Atlanta and that is it for this very newsy Cinco de Mayo. Thank you so much for tuning in. Remember you can find all the Latest updates at gpb.org news Our reporters are constantly posting new stories there. And remember to subscribe to this podcast. It's a great way to stay on top of the goings on in Georgia. Your feedback powers this podcast, so send it our way by email. Your notes go to the whole team when you send it to Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thank you again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Diamond Spratling]

Planet Money helps you understand the economy. We find the people at the center of the story.

[Peter Biello]

Garbage in New York that was like a controlled substance.

[Diamond Spratling]

We show you how money influences everything. Tell me what you like by telling me how you spend your money. And we dig until we get answers.

[Peter Biello]

I had a bad feeling you're gonna bring that up.

[Diamond Spratling]

Planet Money finds out. All you have to do is listen. The Planet Money podcast from NPR.