Podcast appearances and mentions of Patricia Murphy

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy are joined by Georgia native and former congressional aide Brendan Buck to break down the politics of the ongoing government shutdown and why health care remains such a challenge for Republicans. Buck, who worked for former House Speakers Paul Ryan and John Boehner, explains the risks his party faces if it lets health insurance subsidies expire and why some conservatives now want to extend them. Then Politically Georgia's Candidate Forum series continues with former state senator Jason Esteves, a Democratic candidate for governor, who talks about affordability, Medicaid expansion, and why he believes Georgia Democrats must offer voters something to vote for — not just against. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy are joined by AJC senior reporter Tamar Hallerman to unpack the fallout from President Trump's sweeping pardons for his 18 federal co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case. They explain what the move means for the stalled Fulton County prosecution, how it could affect Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and why replacing District Attorney Fani Willis has proven so complicated. Then the show kicks off Politically Georgia's Candidate Forum series with former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, who talks about his decision to run for governor as a Democrat, his priorities on affordability and health care, and his message to voters who want to move past Trump-era politics. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell discuss the Senate's procedural vote to advance a deal that could end the record-long government shutdown and what the proposal means for Georgia. They explain why Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock voted against the measure and how both parties are preparing for the political fallout. Then Greg and Tia sit down with Congressman Buddy Carter, a Republican running for U.S. Senate, to get his thoughts on the shutdown negotiations, health care subsidies, and his ongoing effort to win Donald Trump's endorsement in Georgia's GOP race. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell tackle listener questions in a new Mailbag Monday edition of Politically Georgia. They explain why members of Congress continue to receive pay during the federal shutdown and dig into Governor Brian Kemp's decision not to use state funds to replace frozen SNAP benefits. The hosts also discuss the growing backlash over the shutdown's impact on Georgia families, the latest twists in the First Liberty Ponzi scheme investigation, and why most of the state's congressional delegation is staying unusually quiet during the standoff in Washington. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell analyze Democrats' historic victories in Georgia's Public Service Commission races — the party's first statewide wins outside of federal contests in nearly two decades. They explore what the results say about energy prices, Republican messaging, and the political mood heading into 2026. Then Tia shares part of her recorded interview with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who breaks from GOP leadership over the ongoing government shutdown and criticizes Speaker Mike Johnson's approach. The hosts discuss Greene's changing style, her national profile, and what her next political move might be. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Election officials urge voters to use drop boxes, faith leaders speak out against SNAP delays, and we do a final election check-in before results start rolling in. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down new results from the AJC–University of Georgia poll that show former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as the early frontrunner in the Democratic primary for governor, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones leads a crowded Republican field. They discuss what the numbers reveal about name recognition, fundraising power, and how undecided voters could still reshape both races. The hosts also look at the Senate race, where Congressman Mike Collins and Buddy Carter are competing for Trump-aligned voters, and explain why Jon Ossoff remains well positioned heading into 2026. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following two federal court rulings, the Trump Administration said it would partially fund SNAP benefits this month. The uncertainty surrounding SNAP is expected to increase demand at Seattle food banks. We talk with Deb White, a Plymouth Housing resident who relies on food assistance, and Jen Muzia, executive director of the Ballard Food Bank. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy talk with former Congressman Tom Graves about Georgia's Public Service Commission races and how energy policy has become one of the most important issues on the ballot. Graves explains why nuclear power could be key to meeting the state's growing energy demand and why he thinks innovation, not partisanship, should guide Georgia's future. Then AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch joins the show to preview Atlanta's mayoral and City Council races, including Mayor Andre Dickens' reelection bid, the competitive City Council president contest, and the issues shaping voters' decisions from public safety to housing affordability. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon's CEO comments on recent layoffs, Issaquah on edge following immigration arrests, and "ghost students" are stealing financial aid from WA colleges. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City Hall hosts resource fair for furloughed federal workers, environmentalists sue to protect the Olympic marmot, and Seattle rideshare drivers protest self-driving taxis. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA to provide emergency funds for food banks, Mayor Harrell wants to ban law enforcement from wearing masks, and the Seattle Storm hires a new head coach. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the latest AJC–University of Georgia poll that shows where Georgia voters stand heading into 2026. Democrats rank the economy and standing up to Donald Trump as their top issues, while Republicans focus on immigration and public safety. The hosts also discuss why Governor Brian Kemp continues to draw support from some Democrats and what that says about his political staying power. In the second half, they explain why state lawmakers are holding off on redrawing congressional maps and how a pending Supreme Court decision could change the rules for redistricting across the South. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon might be laying off thousands of employees this week, the National Guard can't enter Portland until at least tomorrow evening, and Halloween is going to be wet. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down new results from the AJC–University of Georgia poll showing Donald Trump's support among Republicans holding strong and Democrats still deeply opposed — signs that Georgia's political divide remains firmly in place heading into 2026. Then Patricia shares her reporting from the campaign trail with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michael Thurmond, who's pitching himself as a “fixer” focused on consensus, competence, and inspiring disillusioned voters. From his sermons in Columbus to his statewide travels, Thurmond is betting that experience and optimism can still win Georgia Democrats back. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Furloughed federal workers volunteer in Seattle, former Microsoft executive named in Epstein flight logs, and we visit a backyard fight club that serves up more than punches. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA Supreme Court hears WSU hazing death case, Portland Trail Blazers head coach arrested in FBI gambling probe, and we hear from the candidates for King County Executive. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waymo starts testing in Seattle, healthcare continues to be at the center of the federal shutdown, and Tacoma approves a camping ban. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy talk with former Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux about her call for Democrats to move beyond identity politics and focus on a unifying message that appeals to Georgia's diverse electorate. Bourdeaux explains why she thinks the party risks alienating moderate voters and praises candidates who can “seize the center.” Then Greg speaks with A'shanti Gholar, president and CEO of Emerge, about training and supporting women candidates nationwide — including several in Georgia — and why she believes representation and authenticity remain the keys to political progress. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy take listeners inside a surprising scene in Atlanta politics — a farewell dinner for former Buckhead City leader Bill White and former U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker, both newly appointed by Donald Trump to diplomatic posts. Patricia shares what she observed as former rivals offered unexpected praise and raised questions about White's political future. Then the hosts turn to Trump's latest comments on Georgia's 2026 Senate race and how his next move could shape the contest between Derek Dooley, Mike Collins, and Buddy Carter. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thousands expected to protest in Seattle this weekend, mayoral candidates talk bike safety, and attorneys raise the alarm about unlawful ICE arrests. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle City Attorney candidates square off, White River Bridge to reopen Friday, and President Trump might shut down UW’s Primate Research Center. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Question: why is Rep. Nikema Williams (D) unveiling a slate of endorsements for municipal races in her district when most of the races are Democrat v Democrat? Is this a slate of debts owed for her ascendancy into the Congressional seat when the late Rep. John Lewis passed? Otherwise, what's the sense in this? It's a bad look - particularly for the former Georgia Democratic Party chair.------Speaking of endorsements, former state Senator Jason Esteves netted the endorsement of Jason Carter, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate and grandson of the late President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalyn. Also, I believe (and correct me if I'm wrong) Esteves was the only gubernatorial candidate in the Atlanta Pride parade this past weekend. Uhm ... ------An Atlanta school board candidate Rep. Nikema WIlliams didn't endorse (okay, his school zone isn't in her district, so there's that) has some refreshing candor when it comes to what we need to be teaching our kids: an accurate representation of our nation's history, warts and all.------Why is the city of Atlanta gumming up the process to file for a protest march with this weekend's upcoming 'No Kings' protests? ------Good on Atlanta Journal Constitution op/ed columnist Patricia Murphy openly wondering how Donald Trump can craft peace in the Middle East (truth is, he didn't; the deal was a year old) but can't unite Congress to end a government shutdown?

Seattle City Council approves sales tax increase, Mariners return home for Game 3 of the ALCS, and we look at how the cost of housing is factoring into the Seattle mayor's race. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Greg Bluestein breaks down how Georgia's 2026 Senate race is taking shape amid the federal shutdown. Republicans Derek Dooley, Mike Collins, and Buddy Carter are all targeting Senator Jon Ossoff, accusing him of putting partisanship over reopening the government. Ossoff, meanwhile, is doubling down on health care and cost-of-living issues to defend his record. Then co-host Patricia Murphy joins Greg and AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch to preview Atlanta's elections, from Mayor Andre Dickens' reelection bid to the fierce City Council president race between Marci Collier Overstreet and Rohit Malhotra. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy dig into one of Georgia's most competitive and consequential races on the ballot — the fight for the Public Service Commission. Republican incumbent Tim Echols joins the show to defend his record on energy rates, data centers, and rural solar while making his case for another term. Then Democratic challenger Dr. Alicia Johnson talks about affordability, grid modernization, and why she says the PSC needs a “consumer-first mindset.” The hosts wrap with what this down-ballot race could signal for Georgia's 2026 elections. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport responds to the federal shutdown, the Vashon Water Taxi starts its Saturday pilot, and Game 2 of the American League Championship Series is underway. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. Don't forget to leave us a Mariners voicemail at (206) 616-6746. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starbucks to lay off nearly 1,000 more local employees, healthcare costs could double for some WA residents, and the Mariners are set to play their most important game in two decades. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We awoke to word that a ceasefire agreement had been reached freeing the remaining 20 hostages from Hamas control with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netenyahu's blessing. What remained unclear, at least initially, was if President Donald Trump knew if Gazans would be free to return to Gaza or be temporarily or permanently displaced. The framework of the '20-point plan' is very shaky, and - it turns out - recycled from past plans offered a year ago, but rebuffed by Netenyahu and because so, unpursued by then-President Joe Biden. And there's no guarantee it'll hold. I'll keep reminding anyone paying attention, by the way, that the world only has a Hamas to deal with because Netenyahu propped it up at the expense of looming Palestinian statehood.------Are we witnessing the caterpillar-to-butterfly "molting" of Marjorie Tayler Greene into a rational politician? Could she be better-positioned now (than before) to take a stab at statewide office? Atlanta Journal Constitution op/ed writer Patricia Murphy thinks ... maybe. That she's taking to the set at CNN to speak with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown on this is telling, in and of itself. Her potential general election combatant - Democrat Shawn Harris - calls "bullsh*t."

Troops can't deploy to Portland yet, appeals court rules, Mayor Harrell signs executive orders amid National Guard escalations, and a massive heat wave is hitting the Pacific Ocean. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Georgia Democrats' biggest annual gala, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivered a fiery speech denouncing Donald Trump and urging the party to “fight authoritarianism head-on.” Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down how Pritzker's sharp tone reflects a broader tension among Democrats debating how hard to hit Trump while also reaching swing voters. Then the hosts turn to the Republican side, where early fundraising numbers show Derek Dooley and Mike Collins locked in a tight race for cash — and for Donald Trump's attention — in Georgia's 2026 Senate contest. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr joins Politically Georgia to talk about his campaign for governor, his record on public safety and economic growth, and how he plans to stand out in a crowded Republican primary. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy press Carr on Donald Trump's influence, the leadership-committee fundraising fight, and whether “Kemp-style conservatism” still defines Georgia's GOP. Carr also outlines his priorities on crime, health care, and rural development while taking aim at his top rivals, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've known Clay & Shelly since 2019; they're an active younger couple with two kids. Both are realtors - in fact they're a married "team" - who have to shell out the full cost of health insurance as small business owners. Clay took to social media to spell out what the federal government shutdown and Democrats' posturing to save ACA credits (and claw back Medicare/Medicaid cuts) is about: the cost increase to cover their family is akin to that of a "decent used car" in 2026. Patricia Murphy at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, however, opines that Democrats are the "biggest losers" in this shutdown stalemate, but is this not the kind of "kitchen table issue" Democrats are supposed to be standing firm for?Meanwhile, Sheryl Arno, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, opined in the AJC as well that the looming Medicaid cuts are going to impact families who have loved ones with special needs - and not just poor families. Those in the "messy middle" who earn just enough not to qualify for Medicaid may find themselves taking their adult neuro-atypical children back in and be full-time caregivers if the GOP-led cuts to vital waiver programs take effect in 2026.

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the latest twists in Georgia politics. A new poll shows Keisha Lance Bottoms with an early lead in the Democratic primary for governor, but rivals are scrambling for attention in a crowded field. They also analyze a suburban Senate race that underscores Republican strength in the exurbs. And they look at the unraveling of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' election interference case against Donald Trump, once a national spotlight for Democrats but now all but dead amid scandal and setbacks. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 race for governor is getting more crowded. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy sit down with state Rep. Ruwa Romman, the first Palestinian-American elected to Georgia's legislature, to talk about why she's running, her push for a higher minimum wage, and her call to build a movement of engaged voters. In the second segment, author Bill Johnstone joins the show to share stories from his new book on former U.S. Senator Wyche Fowler, covering Fowler's career from Atlanta City Hall to Capitol Hill to his role as ambassador. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is now officially a candidate for governor. In an interview recorded after a campaign event, Raffensperger tells Greg Bluestein why he believes his conservative record can win over Republican voters and how his personal story of loss drives his push to fight fentanyl. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down what his entry means for the 2026 race. Then producer ShaneyB joins for listener questions on young candidates, campaign finance, and whether Jon Ossoff and Geoff Duncan could campaign together. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Decker's remains have been confirmed, Starbucks is closing stores and rolling out layoffs, and Lynnwood is allowing cannabis sellers. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former state Representative Mesha Mainor, once a Democrat and now a Republican, joins hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy to discuss her run for state school superintendent. Mainor explains why she's challenging incumbent Richard Woods, her push for school choice, and her views on issues ranging from teacher autonomy to school safety. The hosts also unpack how her candidacy fits into Georgia's broader political battles over education and culture. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. 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 shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has set off fierce debates about hate speech, cancel culture, and the limits of the First Amendment. On today's episode of the AJC's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy talk with civil and human rights attorney Nora Benavidez about what's at stake for free expression, the detention of Atlanta journalist Mario Guevarra, and why she sees troubling signs of creeping authoritarianism. Then the hosts break down a closely watched special election in metro Atlanta and what it reveals about Georgia's shifting political landscape. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. 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

Bothell principal under investigation for post about Charlie Kirk, UW breaks ground on renovating the Shell House, and the Seattle Storm rally in the WNBA playoffs to stay alive. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lavonia, Georgia hospital getting out of the 'labor and delivery' business leaves four counties and those pregnant living in them an hour or more away from a still-functioning L&D facility. This is largely the result of Medicaid funding cuts (and I'd argue, Georgia never accepting Medicaid expansion funding since 2010). This is where I mention all four counties going overwhelmingly for Trump in 2024, 2020 and 2016. This doesn't occur in a "statewide race" vacuum, either. Democrats are being wooed now by a gubernatorial candidate who hopes to represent them that once represented the GOP and championed rebuffing Medicaid expansion and stood alongside Governor Brian Kemp as he signed the current six-week abortion ban into place. That doesn't prevent Patricia Murphy of the AJC from scribing an op/ed that perhaps Duncan is what the Georgia Democratic Party needs to win. ------Former South Carolina Congressional candidate, retired sociology professor and author Mal Hyman joined me days ago to discuss the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination and what it says about discourse in our country, and the intimidatory effect of MAGA on weak-spined Republicans that we ALL need to stiffen their spines and re-take their party from. We also discuss Charlie Kirk having more influence on college campuses than professors were ever allowed to.

Patricia Murphy speaks with state GOP chair Josh McKoon about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, how Republicans are responding, and what it means for security at political events. Then Greg Bluestein and AJC reporter Zach Hansen turn to the Rivian electric vehicle plant, where a groundbreaking ceremony signals new momentum but also raises questions about jobs, incentives, and the future of Georgia's EV industry. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. 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

Elected leaders from Washington state are praising the arrest of a suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Washington's Attorney General has unveiled a new website to help people keep tabs on the legal challenges coming from our state, and this weekend kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month.It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA student test scores remain below pre-pandemic levels, Fred Meyer will move ahead with Seattle area closures, and King County forges ahead to build a walk-in mental health crisis center on Capitol Hill. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy talk with Republican strategist Stephen Lawson about the fast-moving races for governor and U.S. Senate — including Brad Raffensperger's next move and the viability of Derek Dooley's bid. Then Charlie Hayslett, author of the Trouble in God's Country blog, joins to discuss alarming population trends in rural Georgia, where more counties now see deaths than births and what that means for the state's future. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. 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

Georgia's biggest economic development project is now at the center of a political firestorm. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy unpack the federal raid on Hyundai's electric vehicle plant and what it means for Governor Brian Kemp's economic agenda, U.S.–South Korea relations, and the 2026 Senate race. Then AJC president and publisher Andrew Morse joins the show to discuss the decision to end the paper's print edition and what's next as the AJC goes fully digital. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. 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

Extreme heat warning extended to Wednesday, FBI leads renewed search for fugitive Travis Decker, and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh makes history, again. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of WA is under a heat advisory, downtown light rail service will be disrupted on Saturday morning, and President Trump's Border Czar visits the PNW. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW researchers detail human rights abuses by ICE, neighbors dedicate benches to dog walker killed in car jacking, and a heat advisory for Seattle begins Friday morning. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heavy rain in store for Seattle, Nike co-founder Phil Knight makes a record donation for cancer research, and T-Mobile announces layoffs. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.