Politically Georgia

President Donald Trump’s increased deportation efforts are drawing reactions across Georgia, including from Governor Brian Kemp. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut explore how these immigration actions are impacting the state.AJC crime and safety reporter Joszef Papp joins us to talk about his visit to a poultry farm in Gainesville. He shares what he learned about the community’s response and the perspectives of the local immigrant population.We also speak with Savannah Senator Derek Mallow about what he’s hearing from his coastal constituents and his legislative priorities as the session narrows in on Georgia’s budget.Finally, we hear from state Representative Houston Gaines of Athens, who shares his thoughts on the federal government’s approach to immigration following the murder of nursing student Laken Riley and what additional measures he’d like to see enacted. Links to today’s topics:Mother of five among those arrested by ICE in Georgia operation‘We’re not hurting anybody,’ says wife of immigrant taken from Georgia churchTwo key Trump administration officials worked for ICE in AtlantaHave a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We begin today with breaking news: immigration raids were carried out in Georgia and several other states yesterday. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell examine the impact of these actions and what they signal for immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration.Next, President Trump has issued an executive order temporarily halting communications from federal public health agencies, including the Atlanta-based CDC, to the public and among agencies. AJC health reporter Ariel Hart joins us to discuss the potential consequences for the CDC’s ability to share critical information about dangerous diseases.We also dive into an Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation exposing failures of the Atlanta police citizens review board to investigate officer misconduct. AJC investigative reporter Samantha Hogan joins us to reveal the details of her investigation.Additionally, today marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazi concentration camp where more than 1 million people, most of them Jews, were murdered. Hear how descendants of Holocaust survivors in Atlanta are working to ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten. Links to today’s topics:ICE makes arrests in metro Atlanta, announces ‘targeted operations’ here and elsewhereReports: Communication paused from the CDCAJC investigation: Deadly forceOn 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation, descendants keep memories alive Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued sweeping executive orders that could significantly alter U.S. immigration policy. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with immigration attorney Chuck Kuck to analyze the implications of Trump’s decisions and what might come next.The, the the AJC’s Zachary Hansen joins the podcast to explore how Trump’s promise to end what he calls Biden’s electric vehicle mandate could affect Georgia’s booming EV industry, which has seen substantial investment in recent years.Finally, former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins’ nomination to lead the Veterans’ Administration is on its way to the full Senate. We’ll break down what’s next as Collins awaits confirmation in the days ahead.  Links to today’s topics:What do Trump’s new restrictions mean for immigrants in Georgia?A federal judge temporarily blocks Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenshipTrump’s executive orders are already beginning to change Georgia policyFormer Georgia Congressman Doug Collins’ VA secretary nomination moves to Senate floor U.S. House sends bill named after murdered Georgia nursing student to Trump Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new challenger has stepped up in Georgia politics. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut speak with Democratic state Senator Emanuel Jones, who has filed paperwork to challenge veteran Congressman David Scott in the 2026 race. Jones shares his vision and why he jumped into the race early.We also sit down with Republican state Senator Jason Anavitarte, who provides his firsthand perspective on President Trump’s inauguration and weighs in on the progress of the Laken Riley Act in Washington. Anavitarte also outlines his legislative priorities for the upcoming session at the state capitol.Finally, we analyze Attorney General Chris Carr’s strong fundraising totals in the race for Georgia governor. Carr’s early entry into the race appears to be paying off as we look at his cash on hand and where he’s starting to spend it.  Links to today’s topics:Emanuel Jones to challenge David Scott for Atlanta area congressional seatGeorgia legislators debate action on gun saftey after Apalachee high school shootingsSenator Anavitarte introduces school safety billChris Carr raises $2 million in 40-day quest for governor Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the day after President Donald Trump issued executive orders granting reprieves to as many as 1,600 individuals convicted in the January 6th riots, federal judges have begun releasing those convicted and dismissing pending cases. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis about the sweeping pardons and the growing use of executive orders by presidents of both parties.We are also joined by former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who was among several Biden appointees targeted in another Trump executive order firing them from federal positions. Bottoms, who had already resigned, shares her thoughts on being able to say, “You can’t fire me—I quit!”Finally, Tia provides updates on the confirmation hearing for Georgian Doug Collins, President Trump’s pick to lead the Veterans’ Administration, and the key moments shaping the process.  Links to today’s topics:Trump pardons Jan. 6 defendants including 44 from GeorgiaPresidential pardon power explainedBottoms to Trump: I've already quitHere's what Donald Trump did on his first day in powerDoug Collins tells committee he'll put veteran's first if confirmedHave a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office and has already issued a wave of executive orders, including pardoning January 6th defendants. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell, and Bill Nigut examine what’s next for Trump’s first 100 days and how his agenda could impact Georgia.We also hear from Jason Carter, grandson of the late President Jimmy Carter, who provides updates on his family and reflects on the potential effects of the Trump administration on Georgia’s political climate.Plus, Georgia State professor Dinesh Shah unpacks TikTok’s rapid resurgence and its implications for social media and digital communication.Links to today’s topics:Donald Trump returns to power and begins to unravel Joe Biden’s legacyHere’s what President Donald Trump did on his first day in officeTrump pardons Jan. 6 defendants, including 44 from GeorgiaAtlanta influencers and TikTok users caught in turmoil over ban of appTikTok says it's restoring service to US users based on Trump's promised executive orderHave a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy cover the historic convergence of Donald Trump’s return to the White House on the same day as the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. We discuss what to expect as President-elect Trump begins his term with a series of executive orders, including action on immigration and the expected pardoning of January 6th defendants. We also analyze the Georgians who will serve as key allies, staff, and advisers in Trump’s administration and how prominent Georgia Democrats are preparing to navigate the new political landscape following their November losses. As a special Politically Georgia podcast bonus, Bill Nigut speaks with Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., about the significance of this year’s inauguration coinciding with the King holiday and her reflections on her father’s legacy in today’s political climate.   Links to today’s topics:Georgia prepares for Trump’s return to powerA Trump convoy from Atlanta settles into suburban DC RV park for inaugurationBernice King reflects on Trump's inauguration falling on MLK JR. DayHonor MLK’s birthday at these Atlanta events   Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Brian Kemp made it clear in his State of the State address that his top priority for the 2025 legislative session is passing a bill to limit civil lawsuits and cap massive jury awards. Kemp even hinted he’s prepared to call a special session if lawmakers don’t pass the measure before sine die. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein analyze the highlights of Kemp’s speech and what it means for the session ahead.Before Kemp’s speech, tensions flared when Georgia Senator Colton Moore was blocked from entering the House chamber, leading to a scuffle with House officials and Moore being arrested and led away in handcuffs. We’ll explain what led to the confrontation and its political implications.Plus, with Washington gearing up for Donald Trump’s second inauguration, we break down the latest exclusive AJC poll results revealing how Georgia voters feel about the president-elect’s return to power. Links to today’s topics:Highlights of Kemp state of state address Kemp vows to pass bill curbing "excessive" lawsuits one way or another Far right state senator barred from trying to enter state House Speaker Burns faces bipartisan pushback for banning senator from House chamber in advance of state of state Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Brian Kemp is set to deliver his annual State of the State address, where he’s expected to highlight his push for limits on civil lawsuit awards and reveal more details on a proposed $1 billion investment in Georgia’s infrastructure. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut and Riley Bunch preview Kemp’s legislative priorities for the 2025 session. We’ll also explore how Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ collaborative relationship with Governor Kemp has improved city-state dynamics, a sharp contrast to the tense relationship Kemp had with former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch joins us to break down how this partnership is benefiting both Atlanta and Georgia. Plus, the New Georgia Project—a voting rights group founded by Stacey Abrams—has agreed to pay $300,000 to settle allegations that it funded Abrams' first gubernatorial campaign without proper disclosure. We’ll discuss what this settlement means for the future of the once-prominent Democratic organization.  Links to today’s topics:What to expect from Brian Kemp’s State of the State addressFar-right Georgia lawmaker says he will flout House ban to attend Kemp speechGeorgia voters expect strong economy under Trump, but are anxious about tariffsHow Andre Dickens and Brian Kemp reset city-state relationsStacey Abrams group to pay largest fine for campaign violations in Georgia history  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the 2025 Georgia legislative session begins, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution conducted an exclusive poll to gauge how Georgians feel about the major issues lawmakers are set to debate. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell analyze the poll results with the AJC’s Maya T Prabhu and discuss what they reveal about voter priorities for this session. Plus, the U.S. Senate is preparing to take up the Laken Riley Act, named after the Georgia nursing student tragically killed by an undocumented immigrant. The bill has sparked debate among Democrats, yet it’s receiving notable bipartisan support—with Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath voting in favor and Senator Jon Ossoff announcing his support. We’ll explore the political dynamics surrounding the  measure.   Links to today’s topics:AJC poll: voters say discrimination against transgender people is high, but back restrictive measuresAJC poll: Georgians worry abiut being targeted for gun violence but don't support new gun safety measuresSpeaker Jon Burns supports protection for use of IVFVotes on Laken Riley Act show shift in Georgia Democrats' thinking on immigrationSenate hearing schedule for Trump nominees  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices