Georgia Today – Episode Summary: "‘No Kings’ protests planned; Drought conditions worsen; Atlanta exhibitions open"

Date: October 17, 2025
Host: Sophie Gradas (Guest reporting by Sarah Kallis, Ellen Eldredge, and Christy Yorke Wooten)
Podcast: Georgia Today (Georgia Public Broadcasting)

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights three key stories shaping Georgia’s news this week: the upcoming "No Kings" protests against President Trump, increasingly severe drought conditions impacting farms and households across the state, and a vibrant series of fashion exhibitions and events opening in Atlanta. The hosts and reporters provide a blend of political analysis, scientific insight, and cultural reporting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. “No Kings” Protests Against President Trump

Time: [00:57]–[01:45]

• Nationwide Movement: Progressive groups are organizing nearly 40 protests across Georgia as part of a coordinated nationwide event.
• Message: Organizers emphasize American anti-authoritarian values, responding directly to concerns over perceived government overreach.
  • Quote (Laura Judge, Indivisible North Metro):

    “We have no kings, no thrones, no crowns here in America. That’s what America was based on, and we’re going to push back against this authoritarianism that we see.” ([01:34])

• Atlanta Rally: Protesters in Atlanta will gather at the Civic Center, with speeches focusing on the ongoing government shutdown and National Guard deployments as themes.

2. Recognizing Dementia Early

Time: [02:02]–[02:49]

• Annual Brain Health Forum: Held at The Carter Center, with researchers discussing early signs of dementia through behavioral changes.
• Key Medical Insight (Dr. Christina Pritchett, Emory School of Medicine):
  • Behavioral symptoms vary by type of dementia—frontotemporal dementia presents as impulsivity, while Alzheimer’s is marked by fear and confusion.

    “For instance, in the cases of frontotemporal dementia, it might be more like feeling more impulsive or inappropriate in social settings...But in Alzheimer’s, it might be more fear or confusion driven.” ([02:25])

  • Up to 70% of people with Alzheimer’s experience agitation and irritability.

3. Worsening Drought Hits Georgia

Time: [02:49]–[04:27]

• Statewide Impact: 64% of Georgia now faces moderate to extreme drought, up 6% from the previous week.
• Key Effects:
  • Agriculture: Cotton and peanut crops are struggling, with economic ramifications for farmers.
  • Natural Beauty: Drought is delaying fall foliage displays, affecting tourism and local traditions.
  • Energy Bills: 13,000 low-income households could get relief as state regulators consider releasing $5 million in support funds for natural gas bills.
  • Federal Programs in Limbo: The federal government shutdown threatens the stability and funding of low-income energy assistance programs, raising concerns for the upcoming winter.

4. Atlanta’s Fashion Scene Takes Center Stage

Time: [04:54]–[08:44]

• Atlanta Fashion Week:

  • Event Description: Models showcased new collections amid West African drumbeats inside a former Forever 21 store, with Georgia Tech grad Octavius Terry presenting his brand Groom and Senegalese designer Safi Toussek debuting her collection.
  • Quote (Lauren Amos, donor and advocate):

    “Being a person who’s obsessed with fashion, I saw the power of these exhibitions and the type of community that it can build and how happy people are to come in and have something incredibly democratic and expressive... I thought about my legacy and what I wanted to contribute to Atlanta.” ([05:40])

  • High Museum Exhibition: "Fashion Statements" debuts, supported by Lauren Amos' multimillion dollar gift and featuring global couture including Dutch designers Viktor & Rolf.
    • Quote (Viktor & Rolf):

      “We’re from a country where at the time there was hardly any fashion...So fashion didn’t really exist. It was considered as a hobby. So our work in the beginning was really like circling around fashion and what fashion could be...” ([06:15])

    • Atlanta is the only U.S. city hosting this exhibition.

• SCAD FASH and Pharrell Williams:

  • Award Presentation: SCAD FASH presented Pharrell Williams with the Andre Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of the late fashion icon and Vogue editor.
  • Pharrell’s Tribute:

    “He was the south personified...we don’t all walk around with like, accents and talk slow...this guy’s impact was so strong that it led me here today...This is not New York. This is not Milan. It’s just in Georgia.” ([07:41])

  • Local Globalism: Atlanta maintains a strong voice in world fashion, honoring both international designers and Southern culture.

• SCAD FASH Executive Director Alex DeLoach Davis:

  “In particular, we are finding ourselves and finding our voice and sharing it with the world and bringing the world here to come and see and hear and experience what we have to say.” ([08:20])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Laura Judge on American Values:

  “We have no kings, no thrones, no crowns here in America. That’s what America was based on...” ([01:34])

• Dr. Christina Pritchett on Disease Signs:

  “For instance, in the cases of frontotemporal dementia, it might be more like feeling more impulsive or inappropriate in social settings...” ([02:25])

• Lauren Amos on Fashion’s Impact:

  “I saw the power of these exhibitions and the type of community that it can build...” ([05:40])

• Viktor & Rolf on Dutch Fashion Roots:

  “There was no fashion industry, no fashion media, no fashion culture...” ([06:15])

• Pharrell Williams on the Southern Legacy:

  “He was the south personified...This is not New York. This is not Milan. It’s just in Georgia.” ([07:41])

• Alex DeLoach Davis on Atlanta’s Message:

  “We are finding ourselves and finding our voice and sharing it with the world...” ([08:20])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:57] — Georgia “No Kings” protests preview
• [02:02] — Early detection and discussion of dementia
• [02:49] — Statewide drought crisis and government response
• [04:54] — Atlanta’s October fashion events and museum exhibitions
• [05:40] — Lauren Amos and the democratization of high fashion
• [06:15] — Viktor & Rolf on international exhibitions
• [07:41] — Pharrell Williams on Andre Leon Talley and Southern fashion legacy
• [08:20] — Alex DeLoach Davis on Atlanta’s global impact

Tone and Language

The episode balances urgent news reporting with cultural celebration. The tone is informative, concise, and often proud, particularly when spotlighting Atlanta’s role on the world fashion stage and the grassroots activism across Georgia. The language from guests and hosts is direct, authentic, and community-focused throughout.

For full coverage, visit gpb.org or subscribe to Georgia Today wherever you get your podcasts.