Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode: 'No Kings' rallies; Warnock on govt. shutdown; Gators adapt to changing habitats
Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, GPB News

Overview

This episode of Georgia Today provides in-depth reporting on three central stories:

• Large-scale "No Kings" protests across Georgia against the Trump administration and government shutdown
• Senator Raphael Warnock’s stance and solutions as the federal government shutdown continues
• Scientific research on how Georgia’s alligators are adapting to rising salinity brought on by climate change

Additional brief coverage includes organizational news from Planned Parenthood Southeast, a major investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and updates on energy infrastructure and Atlanta sports.

1. "No Kings" Protests Across Georgia

Segment begins at [00:50]

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Protests in Cherokee County:

  • Diverse demonstrators (LGBTQIA, various racial and economic backgrounds) gathered, highlighting a sense of unity against authoritarianism and the Trump administration.
  • Ellen Eldredge describes the scene: "Demonstrators in puffy and colorful costumes lined both sides of Riverstone Parkway for several blocks..." ([01:09])
  • Beth Evans, a protester, emphasized inclusivity:

    "We're just a melting pot." ([01:44], Beth Evans)

• Personal Histories:

  • John Longino brought family history into the protest by referencing relatives drafted in WWII to underline the value of democracy:

    "That's my dad. He and his three brothers—they were the first four people drafted in Fulton County in 1942..." ([01:50], John Longino via Ellen Eldredge)

• Tucker Rally Focus:

  • Primary concerns: government shutdown, cuts to affordable healthcare, attacks on democracy.
  • Rosemary Sims condemned tax breaks for billionaires while health costs spike:

    "It's absurd...people are about to lose their medical insurance...that means some people are going to end up trying to pay $1,000 per month..." ([02:45], Rosemary Sims)

  • Steve Richardson, ex-CDC employee, advocated for protecting CDC staff and facilities:

    "Now [the CDC museum] is in danger of being shut down because they fired the head of education there. So I'm coming to say, please stop, rethink. We can't take any more cuts to CDC." ([03:08-03:21], Steve Richardson)

• Atlanta Demonstration Highlights:

  • Thousands gathered, waving flags and chanting outside the Civic Center.
  • Taffy Jo Mears linked her protest to American values:

    "It's been a lifelong mission for me to hold power accountable, to be what they made us pledge to every day for 12 years—right with liberty and justice for all." ([03:28], Taffy Jo Mears)

  • Mary White LaSanne reflected on personal growth and generational activism:

    "I was consumed with little kids...so I didn't get out to the march. But now I'm here. So keep it up everybody." ([03:46], Mary White LaSanne)

  • Sam Walker, first-time protester, urged collective action:

    "It's we the people. We have to fight for what we believe in. We have to stand up." ([03:55], Sam Walker)

Notable Moments

• Demonstrations remained peaceful and drew broad support from passing motorists.
• Police presence was notably supportive, focused on maintaining safety ([02:05]).

2. Government Shutdown: Warnock’s Perspective

Segment begins at [04:31]

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Senator Raphael Warnock’s Position:
  • Advocates for including ACA subsidy extensions in any government funding deal.
  • Rejects the notion that a choice must be made between reopening the government and maintaining health care affordability:

    "They are putting forward a false choice, either open the government or lower people's health care costs. I think that's a false choice. We have to lower people's health care. Health care cannot wait." ([04:53], Raphael Warnock via Ellen Eldredge)

• Republican Perspective:
  • Health care debates are secondary; reopening the government is the immediate priority.
• Public Impact:
  • Shutdown (now at 20 days) is causing staffing shortages and long wait times at Atlanta’s airport ([05:37]).
  • ACA premiums expected to double for some as open enrollment nears.

3. Climate Change & Georgia’s Alligators

Segment begins at [06:03]

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Key Scientific Findings:
  • Rising sea levels are increasing the salinity of freshwater habitats in Georgia.
  • Alligators and crocodiles possess a biological mechanism—specialized glands in their tongues—to sense salinity.
• Research Efforts:
  • Benjamin Englett (Kennesaw State University) is examining how well juvenile alligators cope with changing salinity.
  • Risks: Gators unable to mature due to salinity changes could threaten overall population health.

    "If we have, you know, smaller alligators that can't make it to big size because they can't handle small changes in salinity, then we're not going to have any big populations anymore." ([06:30], Benjamin Englett via Ellen Eldredge)

• Ecological Importance:
  • Georgia hosts roughly 250,000 alligators, making it the fourth most populous state for the species ([06:40]).

4. Briefs and Additional News Highlights

Planned Parenthood Southeast Investigation

Reported after [06:40]

• The Atlanta-based board has hired a law firm following allegations of mismanagement and mission undermining.

Business Investments

• Pharma Manufacturing:
  • Mumbai-based ACG to build a $200 million capsule facility in Atlanta (200+ jobs, completion by 2027).
• Energy Storage:
  • Georgia Power is constructing a 200 MW battery storage facility to back up solar power in Twiggs County.

Sports

• Atlanta United Sacks Coach:
  • Head coach Ronnie Dyla was let go after a poor 2025 season ([08:28]).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Democratic Values:
  • "We do not want a king." ([01:48], Peter Biello)
  • "It's we the people. We have to fight for what we believe in." ([03:55], Sam Walker)
• On Social and Economic Issues:
  • "I think it's absurd that the billionaires are getting tax breaks and the people are about to lose their medical insurance..." ([02:45], Rosemary Sims)
• On Scientific Urgency:
  • "If we have...smaller alligators that can't make it to big size...we're not going to have any big populations anymore." ([06:30], Benjamin Englett)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• ‘No Kings’ Protests: [00:50] – [04:31]
• Gov’t Shutdown & Warnock’s Statement: [04:31] – [06:03]
• Alligator Research & Climate Change: [06:03] – [07:00]
• Planned Parenthood & Business Briefs: [07:00] – [08:03]
• Atlanta United Coach Dismissed: [08:28]

This summary encapsulates the episode’s key content, voices, and facts, providing a clear and vibrant guide for those seeking the essentials of Georgia’s current news landscape.