Ep 386: Georgia On ICE

Sep 1, 2025

Ep. 386 Ken rejoins Dave to discuss Trump’s firings, a midterm convention, the Minnesota shooting, Cracker Barrel retreats, the AJC throws in the towel on print, Marvel moving out, a slap at 30,000 feet, and ICE arrests in Georgia.

• Political & National Debates

  • Trump's Firings & Orders: Discussion on the recent ousting of the CDC Director and Federal Reserve's Lisa Cook, alongside controversial executive actions regarding flag burning and the end of Kamala Harris's Secret Service detail.
  • Trump's Midterm Convention: Analyzing the proposed convention, seen by some as a "three-day Trump rally" rather than a traditional political gathering.
  • Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting: A somber account of the tragedy, focusing on the shooter Robin Westman's mental health issues, the mayor's immediate anti-gun stance, and the Pope's diplomatic message of condolence.

• Pop Culture & Business Insights

  • Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engagement: Reactions to the high-profile celebrity engagement, including jokes about a "thick prenup" and discussions on their respective careers and vaccine promotion.
  • Cracker Barrel's Uncle Hershel Returns: The unexpected drama surrounding the Cracker Barrel logo change, the backlash against DEI initiatives, and the quiet removal of the website's "pride section," affirming its southern comfort food identity.
  • Marvel Studios Exits Georgia: The significant news of Marvel productions moving to the UK for better cash tax rebates, and the potential impact on Atlanta's film industry and the Fayette County real estate market.
  • Bizarre Lawsuits & Trademarks: A "Georgia man" suing Delta over an alleged slap, and the curious case of Bill Belichick and his girlfriend trademarking "Gold Digger" for merchandise.

• Georgia On Our Minds

  • Pike County Mill Rate Rollback:  Ken details a heated public hearing over a proposed 23% millage rate increase, leading to a commission vote to roll back property taxes, emphasizing a need for county-level budget cuts or "gov zempic."
  • Atlanta Urban Development: The closing of the iconic Cheetah club after 48 years, making way for Georgia Tech's student housing expansion, and historical context of the 1996 Olympics' impact on areas like Techwood Homes and Stewart Avenue.
  • ICE Arrests Spike in Georgia: Data showing Georgia has among the nation's highest immigration arrests, predominantly from prisons, the impact of the Criminal Alien Act of 2024 on local municipalities, and the connection to uninsured drivers and rising car insurance rates.

• Sports & Lifestyle

  • College Football Kickoff: Anticipation for the new college football season, with Georgia and Georgia Tech hoping for strong starts, and challenges of playing in high-altitude locations like Colorado.
  • Ken's Beach & Fishing Trip: A quick recap of Ken's "guys trip" to the beach, featuring surf fishing for sail cats.