Georgia Today Podcast — January 30, 2026
Main Stories: Winter Storm Emergency, ICE General Strike, Autism Bill Proposal

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Peter Biello from Georgia Public Broadcasting presents top news stories affecting Georgia, including a major winter storm state of emergency, protests and strikes against ICE, new legislation to better support individuals with autism during law enforcement interactions, and various other statewide updates. The reporting reflects Georgia's civic, social, and legislative pulse heading into the weekend.

Major Segments & Discussion Points

1. Winter Storm Emergency in Georgia

• Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency as a new winter storm is set to hit northeast and east central Georgia.
• Forecasts predict up to 6 inches of snow with winds up to 35 mph. The conditions follow a previous ice storm that blanketed the region in sleet and freezing rain the prior weekend.
• Meteorological Impact:
  • National Weather Service meteorologist Carmen Hernandez warns of roads quickly becoming hazardous due to already low temperatures.
• Local Reporting:
  • [01:00] Reporter Chase McGee details local preparations and expected challenges as the region braces for heavy accumulation and dangerous travel.
• Memorable Quote:
  • Carmen Hernandez: "Those road temperatures are going to be closer to that freezing mark, so the snow is going to immediately start sticking to the roads, causing widespread road issues." (01:16)

2. Protests & General Strikes Against ICE

• Context: Activists across Georgia and the U.S. are staging strikes and demonstrations to oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
• Business Support:
  • Atlanta restaurant owner Jacob Hunter discusses his approach during the strike, emphasizing employee rights and support for immigrant communities.
  • [02:57] "We want people to express, you know, their rights ... we're also donating 10% of sales from each Daily Atlanta location to immigrantjustice.org to support legal advocacy and protection for immigrant communities." — Jacob Hunter
• Protests Include: School walkouts, boycotts, and public demonstrations.

3. Autism-Focused Legislation

• Proposed Bills: Lawmakers at the Georgia State Capitol are introducing legislative measures to ease interactions between police and individuals with autism.
• Feature Bill:
  • Senate Bill 433 proposes a specialized license plate to alert officers that an occupant may have autism, encouraging police to adjust their approach (e.g., turning off sirens/lights when safe).
  • [06:16] Notable Quote from Senator Brian Strickland (a parent of a child with autism): "They'll provide a resource for our law enforcement and entire first responder community to be more equipped when they encounter these individuals with conditions that aren't immediately identifiable on our roads."
• Other Measures:
  • Training for officers on autism awareness and optional driver's license symbols to denote hidden disabilities.

4. Other Key News Updates

• Murder Case and New Trial Request

• [01:46] Judge H. Patrick Haggard is reviewing evidence in the Jose Ibarra case, with expert testimony suggesting DNA could have been transferred and was not conclusively tied to the suspect.

• Savannah Talmadge Bridge Collision

• [03:31] A Coast Guard investigation finds operational errors led to a tugboat and crane colliding with the Talmadge Bridge, causing major traffic disruptions but no injuries.

• Lawmaker Fraud Allegations

• [04:20] Rep. Dexter Sharper becomes the third Georgia House member charged with COVID-19-related unemployment fraud, following similar accusations against two other Democratic legislators.

• Supporting Addicted Nurses

• [05:04] Advocates are pushing House Bill 219 to offer confidential alternatives to disciplinary actions for nurses with substance use disorder, removing career-long penalties that discourage self-reporting.
  • Tim Davis, Georgia Nurses Association: "Creating an alternative discipline really removes that trepidation that any nurse might have about reporting themselves and getting the help that they need." (05:26)

5. Sports and Events Round-Up

• Atlanta Falcons

• [07:10] The franchise finalizes its leadership lineup, naming Ian Cunningham as GM, Matt Ryan as president of football, and Kevin Stefanski as head coach amid a period of organizational change.

• Atlanta Braves

• The Braves cancel their anticipated Braves Fest due to the hazardous winter weather threatening the Southeast.
• Roster update: Veteran pitcher Martin Perez signs a minor league deal, aiming for a comeback after injury.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Winter Storm Conditions:
  • [01:16] Carmen Hernandez, National Weather Service: "The snow is going to immediately start sticking to the roads, causing widespread road issues."
• On Supporting Immigrant Rights:
  • [02:57] Jacob Hunter, Atlanta restaurant co-owner: "We want people to express... their rights... we're also donating 10% of sales from each Daily Atlanta location to immigrantjustice.org."
• On Autism Legislation:
  • [06:16] Sen. Brian Strickland: "They'll provide a resource for our law enforcement... to be more equipped when they encounter these individuals with conditions that aren't immediately identifiable."
• On Addiction Recovery for Nurses:
  • [05:26] Tim Davis, Georgia Nurses Association: "Creating an alternative discipline really removes that trepidation that any nurse might have about reporting themselves and getting the help that they need."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Winter Storm Emergency & Kemp Declaration — 00:38 – 01:46
• ICE General Strike & Business Reaction — 01:46 – 03:10
• Savannah Talmadge Bridge Collision Report — 03:10 – 04:20
• Legislator Fraud Charges — 04:20 – 05:04
• House Bill 219 for Nurses' Addiction Recovery — 05:04 – 05:50
• Autism-Focused Legislative Proposals — 05:50 – 06:47
• Sports Updates (Falcons/Braves) — 07:10 – end

This episode delivers a concise yet comprehensive look at urgent weather, social justice activism, new policy proposals for vulnerable communities, and key developments in state sports—ensuring listeners are informed on what matters most in Georgia right now.