Georgia Today (GPB News) – Episode Summary
Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Peter Biello
Episode Overview
In this episode, Georgia Today delves into several pressing news topics affecting Georgia and beyond. The main stories include both Georgia senators refusing to support new funding for Homeland Security/ICE in response to recent fatal shootings, the departure of an Emory doctor amid scrutiny over familial Iranian government ties, and a slowdown at the Port of Savannah after a record-breaking year. The podcast also covers developments in sober housing regulation, updates on Georgia election law, Kaiser Permanente’s Atlanta expansion, UPS job cuts, and projections for the Atlanta Braves' 2026 season.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Georgia Senators Oppose DHS/ICE Funding (00:33–01:17)
- Context: Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff announce opposition to funding the Department of Homeland Security due to concerns over recent fatal shooting incidents by federal agents during immigration raids in Minneapolis.
- Political Stance: Ossoff states preference for funding national defense and transportation, but demands civil liberty protections before supporting ICE funding.
- Potential Consequence: Without passage of the funding package, a partial government shutdown looms.
Notable Quote:
"We negotiate some solution that's responsive to this overwhelming public concern about the chaos and the indignity and the constitutional rights violations that we're seeing in Minnesota and elsewhere."
— Griffith Lynch [01:03]
2. Emory Doctor’s Departure Amid Iran Ties Controversy (01:17–01:56)
- Situation: Dr. Fatima Ardashir Larijani, a lung cancer specialist, no longer works at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Center. The decision follows public outcry over her family connection—her father is a senior Iranian official linked to suppressing anti-government protests.
- Details: University faces pressure from Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter, but cites "personnel matter" for the departure.
3. Sober Housing and Addiction Recovery Reform (01:56–06:02)
- Insightful Story: The journey of "Lt. Dan", a Navy veteran who struggled with addiction, exemplifies systemic gaps in transitional support after rehab.
- “Sat in jail for 21 days. Got out Veterans Day of 2018. About 3 o'clock in the morning.” — Lt. Dan [02:50]
- "The next day, three people found Dan asleep, rolled up in a dirty rug on the red patio of the extension in Marietta." — Ellen Eldredge [03:08]
- Systemic Challenges:
- Many sober residences are uncertified and unregulated due to optional membership in the Georgia Association of Recovery Residences (GAR).
- Barriers such as zoning restrictions and NIMBYism ("Not In My Back Yard") hinder certified recovery housing.
- The Senate study committee led by Senator Randy Robertson seeks "good, clean, safe places" for those in recovery.
- Policy Recommendation: The committee's report urges that the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) adopt best practices for certified residences and create a registry, keeping legislative intervention minimal.
Notable Quotes:
"My primary focus here is getting the bad actors out of this arena and making sure that we have good, clean, safe places for people that are recovered or recovering."
— Senator Randy Robertson [04:35]
"The biggest hurdle facing recovery residences right now is zoning stigma, NIMBYism."
— Attorney Ian Neubauer via Robertson [04:54]
"The goal is create a family that props one another up, supports one another."
— Senator Randy Robertson [05:44]
4. Court Upholds Georgia Election Law Provisions (06:22–06:57)
- Legal Update: Eleventh Circuit upholds parts of Georgia’s 2021 law allowing state takeovers of county election management after 2020 election disputes.
- Plaintiff’s Position: Plaintiffs (election security advocates) lacked standing, per ruling; substantive merits unanswered.
- State Officials' Response: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr hail the decision as supporting "election integrity."
- Concerns: Opponents argue county takeover endangers fair elections and violates separation of powers.
5. Kaiser Permanente’s Atlanta Expansion (06:57–07:33)
- Business News: Kaiser Permanente acquires 7 acres near downtown Atlanta for $31 million, aiming to improve care access.
- Background: The site is near the location of WellStar’s hospital closure in 2022. Future development remains unspecified, pending community engagement.
6. Port of Savannah Faces Post-Boom Slowdown (00:23, 07:44–08:19)
- Economic Snapshot: After a record-breaking 2025 (second busiest year with 5.7 million containers), Savannah port anticipates lower demand due to global economic factors and recent mill closures.
- Leader’s Perspective:
- "We do anticipate softer demand for the next six months, but we're hearing our customers get excited about the second half of 2026 and perhaps into 2027."
— Griffith Lynch [00:23, 08:09]
- "We do anticipate softer demand for the next six months, but we're hearing our customers get excited about the second half of 2026 and perhaps into 2027."
- Cause of Spike: Summer rush fueled by businesses pre-empting new tariffs.
7. UPS Announces Major Job Cuts (08:29–08:54)
- Corporate Restructuring: UPS to reduce up to 30,000 jobs (mainly through buyouts and attrition) and close 24 facilities amid decreased demand and fewer Amazon shipments.
- Context: Reflects industry-wide adaptation to changing shipping volumes and market realities.
8. Braves Named ESPN’s 2026 Breakout Team (08:54–end)
- Sports Forecast: ESPN analyst Bradford Doolittle projects the Atlanta Braves as the No.1 breakout team for 2026, with a 59% chance to reach 90 wins.
- Factors: Return to health for core players Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider expected to drive a strong rebound from two injury-stricken seasons.
- Projection: Anticipated 11-win improvement if players return to form.
Memorable Quotes
- “We negotiate some solution that's responsive to this overwhelming public concern about the chaos and the indignity and the constitutional rights violations that we're seeing in Minnesota and elsewhere.”
— Griffith Lynch [01:03] - "My primary focus here is getting the bad actors out of this arena and making sure that we have good, clean, safe places for people that are recovered or recovering."
— Senator Randy Robertson [04:35] - "The goal is create a family that props one another up, supports one another."
— Senator Randy Robertson [05:44] - “We do anticipate softer demand for the next six months, but we're hearing our customers get excited about the second half of 2026 and perhaps into 2027.”
— Griffith Lynch [00:23, 08:09] - "Sat in jail for 21 days. Got out Veterans Day of 2018. About 3 o'clock in the morning."
— Lt. Dan [02:50]
Timeline & Timestamps
- [00:33] – Senators Warnock & Ossoff on DHS/ICE funding
- [01:17] – Emory University doctor departure over Iran ties
- [01:56–06:02] – Sober housing feature & recommendations for regulation
- [06:22] – Georgia election law upheld
- [06:57] – Kaiser Permanente’s Atlanta expansion
- [07:44] – Savannah Port's record year, outlook for 2026
- [08:29] – UPS job cuts and restructuring
- [08:54] – Braves as 2026 breakout team by ESPN
Summary
This episode provides sharp insights into the intersection of politics, public health, economic shifts, and community resilience in Georgia. From major policy stances by senators and ongoing legal battles over election control, to personal recovery narratives and the macroeconomics of shipping and sports, listeners get a broad yet vivid portrait of Georgia at the start of 2026.