Politically Georgia

Governor Brian Kemp is making tort reform his top legislative priority this session, aiming to curb large jury awards and lower insurance rates. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell speak with Kemp’s top adviser, Cody Hall, about what it will take to get the measure across the finish line—and how it could shape Kemp’s political future.Then, we sit down with Senator Nikki Merritt, the newly elected chair of Georgia’s Legislative Black Caucus, to discuss SB1, a measure that seeks to ban transgender athletes from competing against women in high school and college sports. Merritt shares her perspective on the bill and how it could impact students across the state.Finally, there’s a major leadership shake-up at the Democratic National Committee as Minnesota’s Ken Martin is elected chair. Notably absent from the leadership ballot was Georgia’s own Rep. Nikema Williams, who withdrew her bid for vice chair. We’ll explore why Williams stepped aside and what it means for the party’s future. 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 today’s special episode of Politically Georgia, we sit down with legendary Democratic strategist James Carville. Carville, who once predicted Kamala Harris would win the White House, recently wrote a New York Times essay explaining why he was wrong—and he shares his advice on how Democrats can find their way back to power.We also ask Carville about Georgia’s shifting political landscape. He was instrumental in helping Zell Miller become governor in 1990, but since then, Republicans have dominated the governor’s mansion for seven consecutive election cycles. What does Carville think it will take for Democrats to flip the state once again?And finally, today marks the end of an era—Bill Nigut steps down from Politically Georgia and retires after a remarkable five-decade career covering politics. Bill shares his reflections on his time in journalism and a few final thoughts as he signs off. Links to today’s topics:James Carville: I was wrong about the 2024 electionBill Nigut: Saying goodbye after four decades in Georgia politics  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’s push to limit large jury awards is getting a major financial boost, with a company pledging $1 million in ads to help pass the measure this session. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the high-stakes fight over legal reform. State Senator Josh McLaurin, a lawyer and vocal opponent of the bill, explains why he believes the proposal favors businesses over everyday Georgians.We are also joined by Georgia ACLU’s Chris Bruce to examine President Trump’s latest executive orders and how the newest wave of federal immigration operations is impacting communities across the state.Plus, tensions flared in the Senate as Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clashed over Kennedy’s past statements on the CDC. And we take a look at the confirmation of former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler.  Links to today’s topics:Brian Kemp’s aim to limit some large jury awards gets a seven-figure boostTrump unveils executive orders that could reshape educationSenator Warnock grills Robert F Kennedy Jr. on CDC "Nazi" comparisonsKelly Loeffler is on the verge of joining Donald Trump’s inner White House circleHave 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

The White House is preparing for President Donald Trump to sign the Laken Riley Act this afternoon. The measure, named for the Georgia nursing student murdered in Athens by an undocumented immigrant, requires local law enforcement to turn over immigrants to ICE for even minor offenses. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz about the new law and its impact on communities.Later, we turn to UGA political science professor Charles Bullock, who weighs in on Trump’s first week in office and whether any president in modern history has exerted executive power as forcefully as Trump has so far.Finally, we talk to representatives from Keep Our Republic, an organization focused on election integrity. They share insights from a focus group in Baldwin County, where voters—who had backed Democratic presidential candidates for 20 years—flipped and gave Trump a majority in 2024. Links to today’s topics:Laken Riley Act: What does the immigration bill actually do? Here’s what we know – and don’t know – about Trump’s federal funding freeze in Georgia Trump’s executive orders are already beginning to change Georgia policy   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

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