Athens mayor defends humanitarian approach to immigrant population; Warnock urges cease-fire between Israel and Hamas

On today's episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Politically Georgia" Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz is in the middle of a storm of controversy. Some Athens residents blame him for lax enforcement of immigration laws in the community after a man authorities say illegally entered the country in 2022, Jose Ibarra, was charged in the death of nursing student Laken Riley. Girtz joins the podcast to discuss his response to the concerns and to lay out plans to improve security measures in the city. The panel looks at what the Athens-Clarke County Commission may do to enhance security when it meets tonight to discuss proposals. 

 

Then, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock visits the podcast. In a live interview he discusses his call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war so that hostages can be released and new humanitarian aid can be delivered to Palestinians caught in the fighting in the Gaza Strip. Warnock describes his reaction to the anti-Israel protesters who staged a silent demonstration Sunday at his church – Ebenezer Baptist Church. 

Plus, the hosts look at what to expect as voters go to the polls today in more than a dozen states for Super Tuesday primaries. Donald Trump will likely win a huge cache of delegates and could secure the GOP nomination in Georgia next Tuesday.  

 

LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS   

Athens mulls new security measures in aftermath of killing 

What to know about Super Tuesday and why it matters 

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. 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.” 

 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matthew McWilliams 

Editor- Matt Owen 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices