Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Sophie Gradas, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Main Theme:
A roundup of the latest political, legal, public health, and sports news in Georgia—featuring updates on a special election north of Atlanta, Governor Kemp’s trade mission to Asia, legal and political developments, and an inside look at Emory’s vaccine course amid national debates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Special Election Runoff in North Atlanta Suburb

Timestamps: 00:32–01:39

• Context: Tomorrow marks the last day voters can participate in a runoff special election for a key state Senate seat north of Atlanta, covering Cherokee and north Fulton counties.
• Candidates:
  • Democrat: Deborah Shigley (only Democrat, ~40% of 21,000 votes in August election)
  • Republican: Jason Dickerson (top among 6 Republicans, just over 17%)
• District History: Previously occupied by prominent Republican Brandon Beach, who vacated after a federal nomination.
• Significance: While the district has been reliably Republican, Democrats are hopeful given Shigley’s strong showing.
• Early Voting Turnout: Over 16,000 ballots already cast.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Shigley, the only Democrat, won roughly 40%...Republican vote was split six ways, with Dickerson coming out on top with just over 17%." — Sarah Kalis (01:08)

2. Georgia Secretary of State Race Developments

Timestamps: 01:39–02:41

• Candidate Announcement:
  • Penny Brown Reynolds (Democrat, former state judge and federal official, ex-television host) announces her candidacy.
  • Priorities: Voting rights, small business support, cybersecurity, and protection for election workers.
  • The seat is open due to Brad Raffensperger (current Secretary) running for Governor in 2026.
• Historical Note: Nearly 20 years since a Democrat held this role in Georgia.
• Opponents:
  • Republicans: Kelvin King, Tim Fleming
  • Democrat: Adrian Consenary Jr.
• Notable Quote:
  • "She's pledging to protect voting rights for all Georgians." — Sophie Gradas (01:41)

3. Legal News: Disqualification in Bibb County Rape Case

Timestamps: 02:41–03:14

• Key Development:
  • The Macon Judicial Circuit DA’s office removed from a rape prosecution due to constitutional rights violations.
• Judicial Ruling:
  • Judge Jeffrey Monroe found an investigator interviewed the defendant without legal counsel, violating Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights.
  • "The judge said he was, quote, astonished by the actions of the state agents." — Sophie Gradas (03:03)
• Prosecutor Response: District Attorney Anita Howard plans to appeal.

4. Governor Kemp’s Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan

Timestamps: 03:15–03:53

• Overview:
  • Governor Kemp’s upcoming trade mission comes amid strained US-Korea relations following a significant immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant.
• Purpose:
  • To foster economic and cultural ties, also attending the Southeast US-Japan Association meeting.
• Governor’s Office: Emphasized this trip was planned prior to the plant controversy.

5. Business & Food Access Updates

Timestamps: 03:54–04:21

• Business:
  • Atlanta’s PrizePicks to sell majority stake to Swiss lottery operator Alwyn International AG in $1.6 billion deal.
• Food Security:
  • Eight Georgia food banks receive at least $100,000 from Farm to Food Bank program, aimed at combating waste and hunger.

6. CDC Vaccine Recommendations & Emory University Class Discussion

Timestamps: 04:21–06:21

• Background:
  • CDC advisory committee voted to maintain COVID-19 shot recommendations but stressed risk discussions between patients and providers.
  • Members called for more research into vaccine side effects, which some public health experts fear may cause confusion.
• At Emory:
  • Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health runs a class (“like a sci-fi show with a new villain each week”—05:05) that deeply examines different vaccines and diseases (polio, rotavirus, influenza, influenza).
• Student Perspective:
  • Alyssa Leal:
    • "I want to be able to talk about vaccines with anyone...so that I can then advocate and ease people’s concerns, because they're all valid..." (05:22)
  • Andrew Hederman:
    • "For me, I'm excited about it. I think having people interested in public health and vaccines...is always a good thing." (06:04)

7. Georgia Sports Highlights

Timestamps: 06:48–07:38

• Olympic News:
  • Ilana Meyers Taylor (Douglasville), five-time Olympic medalist, returns to US bobsled team for Milan Cortina Games.
  • Joined by Keisha Love, Kayleigh Humphries Armbruster on a 24-person roster. Training begins in Utah, races in Italy.
• Atlanta Falcons:
  • Coach Raheem Morris gives terse response ("no") when asked about quarterback competition after a significant loss to the Panthers.
  • Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. benched after two interceptions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Vaccine Course Format:

  • "You think about, you know, the old sci-fi shows, and each week there was, you know, a specific monster that they were battling or fighting. And that’s kind of what this is…" — Robert Bednarcik, Emory professor (05:05)

• Student Advocacy:

  • "I want to be able to talk about vaccines with anyone who asks, so that I can advocate and ease people's concerns…they're valid concerns." — Alyssa Leal, Emory student (05:22)

• On Public Health Engagement:

  • "I think having people interested in public health and vaccines...is always a good thing." — Andrew Hederman, Emory student (06:04)

Key Segment Timestamps

• [00:32] Atlanta suburban special election preview and details
• [01:39] Penny Brown Reynolds's candidacy for Georgia Secretary of State
• [02:41] DA’s office disqualified in Bibb County case due to constitutional violation
• [03:15] Governor Kemp’s trade mission to Asia
• [03:54] PrizePicks business deal and food bank grants
• [04:58] Inside Emory’s vaccine course and CDC vaccine advisory updates
• [06:48] Georgia winter sports and Falcons game recap

This episode of Georgia Today delivers a comprehensive overview of political and policy developments, legal news, business deals, and the pulse of public health and sports in the state, featuring voices from public servants, legal professionals, and the next generation of epidemiologists.