Abrams-founded voter advocacy groups fined; Flu and COVID rising; RIP Natalie Dupree

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host: Peter Biello | Georgia Public Broadcasting

On this episode of Georgia Today, host Peter Biello delves into a range of pressing issues affecting Georgia residents, from significant political developments and public health concerns to tributes to local legends and updates in the sports world. Below is a detailed summary of the key segments discussed in this episode.

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1. Massive Fines for Stacey Abrams-Founded Voter Advocacy Groups

The episode opens with a groundbreaking story about two voter advocacy groups founded by Democrat Stacey Abrams—The New Georgia Project and its affiliated Action Fund—being fined a record $300,000 by the Georgia Ethics Commission.

• Peter Biello introduces the topic at [00:52], highlighting the severity of the fines:
  “The Georgia Ethics Commission is levying the largest ethics fine in state history on two Georgia voter advocacy groups founded by Democrat Stacey Abrams.”

• Russ Goodman, expressing bipartisan concern, emphasizes the importance of legal compliance in elections:
  “I don't care if you're a Republican, a Democrat, a Libertarian, Green Party. If people are breaking the law and illegally influencing an election... that should upset you and you should want to see something done about it.” [01:29]

Despite Stacey Abrams stepping down before her gubernatorial run and claiming non-involvement, the groups admitted to campaign finance violations, including failure to disclose contributions and expenditures. The group's legal team argued that the Republican majority of the commission was politically motivated.

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2. Rising Flu and COVID-19 Cases

As Georgia transitions back to regular routines post-holidays, public health officials report a surge in flu and COVID-19 cases.

• Peter Biello introduces the segment at [01:41], with GPB's Ellen Eldredge providing detailed reporting from the Georgia Department of Public Health.

• Dr. Cherie Drenzik, an epidemiologist, advises continuous vigilance and vaccination:
  “Are reminding people it's still not too late to get vaccinated... It is not too late to receive a flu vaccine.” [02:05]

Dr. Drenzik notes that while RSV activity is declining in Georgia, it remains high nationwide. She underscores the importance of ongoing genomic surveillance to monitor and control virus spread effectively.

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3. Legislative Focus on Hurricane Helene Relief

Georgia's 2025 legislative session places significant emphasis on relief efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

• Donna Lowery, GPB-hosted lawmakers' segment, features a conversation with Russ Goodman, Chairman of the Georgia Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, starting at [02:49].

• Russ Goodman passionately discusses the impact of Hurricane Helene and the state's response:
  “We suffered really a generational loss... six and a half billion dollars worth of damage in 12 hours... It's just broken a lot of hearts.” [03:09]

He outlines priorities such as reforestation, tax credits, increased funding for the Georgia Development Authority, and support for local infrastructure repairs. Goodman's heartfelt account reflects the profound effect of the hurricane on Georgia's agricultural backbone and broader communities.

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4. Water Main Break in DeKalb County

A critical infrastructure issue is highlighted with a significant water main break in metro Atlanta's DeKalb County.

• Peter Biello reports at [05:35] that over 20,000 residents and businesses were affected by the rupture of a 30-inch cast iron pipe installed in 1941. A boil water advisory remains in effect for major institutions, including the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University campuses.

Efforts to distribute bottled water to affected populations are underway, while repairs continue to restore normal water service.

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5. Federal Withdrawal of Whale Protection Rules

In environmental news, the federal government has retracted proposed regulations aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

• The reversal, announced in the final days of the Biden administration, removes measures that would have mandated ships to reduce speeds in east coast waters to prevent whale fatalities.

• Buddy Carter, Republican Congressman from Savannah, supports the decision:
  “It would protect harbor pilots, small business owners, and the coastal economy.”

Environmentalists criticize the move, arguing it endangers the already perilous future of the North Atlantic right whale.

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6. EPA Finalizes Ethylene Oxide Pollution Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded new regulations targeting ethylene oxide pollution, a carcinogenic chemical used by the Atlanta-based medical sterilization company, Sterogenics.

• These rules aim to safeguard workers and local communities from harmful emissions, addressing longstanding lawsuits against Sterogenics for environmental violations.

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7. University System of Georgia Reduces College Costs

Chase McGee reports [07:40] on significant reductions in the financial burden of attending colleges within the University System of Georgia (USG).

• The state's contribution to college expenses has increased to approximately 60%, up from a low of 47% post-Great Recession.

• Contributing factors include the elimination of special student fees, restoration of full funding for the Hope Scholarship, and a $1.6 billion federal infusion during the pandemic.

This shift aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable for Georgia students.

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8. Tribute to Southern Culinary Icon Natalie Dupree

In a heartfelt segment, the podcast mourns the passing of Natalie Dupree, a celebrated cookbook author and television host renowned for her contributions to Southern cuisine.

• Peter Biello announces her passing at [08:18], highlighting her role in founding the Southern Foodways Alliance and her influential cooking show, New Southern Cooking, which debuted on PBS in 1985.

• An excerpt from her interview with Orlando Montoya reveals her views on the evolution of Southern cooking and culinary education:
  “It's become a real profession... they don't pull out that cooking in a kitchen is a long, hard road up.” [10:04]

Dupree's legacy includes teaching thousands through her cooking school at Rich's department store in Atlanta and advocating for the diversity and professionalism in Southern culinary arts.

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9. Bo Jackson Settles Legal Dispute

Former professional athlete Bo Jackson has relinquished a $25 million judgment he previously won against his niece and nephew, Erica and Thomas Lee Anderson.

• The settlement, confirmed by court orders at [11:56], nullifies the judgment while imposing restrictions that keep the Anderson siblings at least 500 yards away from Jackson, except during specific public events.

This resolution concludes a high-profile legal battle stemming from allegations of extortion and false accusations by the Andersons against Jackson.

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10. Georgia Bulldogs’ Trevor Etienne Enters NFL Draft

In sports news, standout running back Trevor Etienne of the Georgia Bulldogs has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

• Etienne, who rushed for 609 yards and scored nine touchdowns last season, expressed gratitude towards his support network:
  “I thanked God, my family, coach Kirby Smart and the UGA coaching staff and Dawg Nation for the support...” [08:18]

His move leaves a notable vacancy in the Bulldogs' lineup as he transitions to a professional career.

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11. Weather Updates and Closing Remarks

Peter Biello wraps up the episode by reminding listeners to stay informed about upcoming weather conditions, particularly potential snow, and encourages subscription to the podcast for continuous updates on local news and politics.

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Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today provides a comprehensive overview of significant political, health, environmental, and cultural developments within the state. From legislative actions and public health advisories to tributes to influential figures and updates in the sports arena, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the events shaping Georgia's present and future.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today podcast from GPB News. Today is Wednesday, January 15th. I'm Peter Biello. On this podcast, you'll hear the GPB news team's most recent reports. Your tips and suggestions for future episodes are welcome. Email georgia todaypb.org on today's episode 2 voter advocacy groups founded by Stacey Abrams get hit with massive fines Flu and Covid cases are quickly rising, and we remember Natalie Dupre, the celebrated cookbook author and television host who over the years witnessed the diversification of Southern cuisine.

[Natalie Dupree]

There is Southern Italian, there is Southern French, there is Southern Chinese cooking, and the question is whether that helps it or hurts it.

[Peter Biello]

These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. The Georgia Ethics Commission is levying the largest ethics fine in state history on two Georgia voter advocacy groups founded by Democrat Stacey Abrams. The New Georgia Project and its affiliated Action Fund have admitted to campaign finance violations and will pay a $300,000 fine. Commission director David Imadi said the groups failed to disclose contributions and spending, among other violations.

[Russ Goodman]

I don't care if you're a Republican, a Democrat, a Libertarian Green Party. If people are breaking the law and illegally influencing an election, particularly the extent they did, that should upset you and you should want to see something done about it.

[Peter Biello]

Abrams stepped down from the groups before she ran for governor and says she wasn't involved. The group's lawyers previously argued the commission's Republican majority, including Imadi, were politically motivated. The Georgia Department of Public Health says flu and Covid numbers are going up quickly as people return to work and school after the holidays. GPB's Ellen Eldredge reports state health officials.

[Dr. Cherie Drenzik]

Are reminding people it's still not too late to get vaccinated. Dr. Cherie Drenzik is an epidemiologist with the state health department. She says it's typical to see Covid cases post holidays, and January is often when we see the highest rates of flu. It is not too late to receive a flu vaccine.

[Peter Biello]

Even though we may be peaking or.

[Dr. Cherie Drenzik]

Close to peaking, we often have declines and then even spring waves as well. Drenzik says ongoing genomic surveillance is critical for virus prevention and control over time. Meanwhile, respiratory synaptial virus, or rsv, activity is declining in Georgia but remains high nationally. For GBB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia's 2025 legislative session is underway, and among the top priorities for state lawmakers is Hurricane helene relief efforts. GPB's lawmakers host Donna Lowery spoke with Georgia Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Chairman Russ.

[Natalie Dupree]

Goodman Chairman, let's talk about it. Chairman Russ Goodman, let's talk about what your priorities are for this session.

[Russ Goodman]

Well, I think number one is hurricane relief and what we're going to do to help the communities that have been devastated from Hurricane Helene. You know, where I live at, I mean, our family, we suffered really a generational loss. And it's that way for communities all over where I live. I mean, literally, we went to, we went to sleep and, or say went to sleep. The sun went down. And when it came back up, a third of our ag economy in the state of Georgia was gone. You know, of course, agriculture is our number one industry in the state. And so literally, to think about it in those terms, you know, six and a half billion dollars worth of damage in 12 hours. I've seen a lot of, I've seen a lot of grown men fight back tears and break down and cry. And I'm talking about men that normally would just about seem die and go to hell to show another man any vulnerability. You know, just tough men that it's just broken a lot of hearts. And so I'm hoping that, you know, going into this session that we're going to have some measures that are going to help not only our farm families, but also the communities that have been devastated from the hurricane. So, you know, some of those things being things like reforestation, tax credits. You know, I'm hopeful that we can get some more money in the state, put some money over in the GDA Georgia Development Authority for low interest loans to farmers. Their requests are already outpaced. The money was there. I would really like to see the state put some more money there. And you have to realize, farmers, when we went into this cotton, 67 cent a pound. I mean, cotton was 67 cent a pound the year I was born. I'm 47 years old, right? Corn below $4 a bushel. So our ag economy was already suffering going into this. And then this hurricane comes and it's just, it's been tough. And, you know, I hope that we're also going to be able to help these local counties and local municipalities.

[Natalie Dupree]

I.

[Russ Goodman]

Guess, and, you know, help with the expense that they incurred from the hurricane. And we still got a lot of problems, a lot of things we're trying to that need to be fixed, infrastructure, bridges, roads and things like that. So that's going to be a large portion of it.

[Peter Biello]

That was Lawmakers host Donna Lowery speaking with Georgia Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Chairman Russ Goodman. You'll find daily in depth legislative coverage and reports on the issues and people that affect your Life. On the 55th season of GPB's, lawmakers tune in to lawmakers on your GPB TV station every evening at 7 on days when the Legislature is in session. Repair work continues on a water main break that caused more than 20,000 residents and businesses in metro Atlanta's DeKalb county to lose water last night. A boil water advisory remains in effect for a large swath of the county, including the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University campuses. Atlanta public and city of Decatur schools are distributing bottled water to students. County officials say the break was caused by a ruptured 30 inch cast iron water pipe installed in 1941 and and freezing temperatures. The federal government is withdrawing proposed rules that would have required more ships to slow down in east coast waters to try to save a vanishing species of whale. Environmentalists say the move, announced today in the waning days of the Biden administration, will leave the endangered North Atlantic right whale vulnerable to extinction. Savannah Congressman Republican Buddy Carter applauded the decision, saying it would protect harbor pilots, small business owners and the coastal economy. Maritime interests and wildlife conservationists have debated the proposed vessel speed rules for two years. Federal authorities say there's no way to implement the rules before President Elect Donald Trump takes office on Monday. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has finalized rules aimed at protecting workers and communities from cancer causing ethylene oxide pollution. Ethylene oxide is the chemical used by an Atlanta medical sterilization company, Sterogenics, that has been at the center of multiple lawsuits over its emissions. The University System of Georgia has reduced the financial burden of attending college significantly in recent years. GPB's Chase McGee reports on an audit shared with the system's Board of Regents.

[Chase McGee]

Yesterday, the system's chief financial officer told board members the state is now paying about 60% of the cost of attending a USG school. Students pay the remaining 40%. The state's share of cost fell as low as 47% in the aftermath of the Great Recession more than a decade ago. The CFO says several factors helped them bring down student costs. Those include the General assembly eliminating special fees that students had to pay and restoring full funding of the Hope Scholarship, as well as a $1.6 billion infusion of federal money during the pandemic. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee.

[Peter Biello]

Southern culinary icon Natalie Dupre has died. The celebrated cookbook author and television host's obituary says she died on Monday at her home in North Carolina. The Virginia native had many Georgia connections, including the cooking school she founded at Rich's department store in downtown Atlanta, where she taught thousands of students. Her new Southern Cooking debuted on PBS in 1985. Speaking with GPB's Orlando Montoya in 2014, she reflected on the many culinary changes in the south since then, especially its diversity.

[Natalie Dupree]

That was our goal before we started doing the television series. We sat down on the list that things that we wanted to do were to teach people how to cook and teach them about Southern ingredients. So that was always my mission. And it makes me feel very good that people still remember it after all these years. I just love it.

[Orlando Montoya]

I want to ask about how cooking on television has changed since your groundbreaking television series, New Southern cooking in the 1980s.

[Natalie Dupree]

Nobody really shows a mess anymore on television. What we did what was called live to tape. So if I made a mistake, which naturally I would, rushing through a recipe and talking at the same time. And besides, I'm a messmaker anyway. So if I made a mess, I had to solve it on television. And everybody saw that it could be solved where now everything is edited so highly that nobody really gets to make a mess anymore or fix it.

[Orlando Montoya]

You started the cooking school at Richards department store in Atlanta in 1975. How has food education changed? I mean, how have the people who come to your lessons changed?

[Natalie Dupree]

Well, it's become a real profession. And when I started the cooking school, most of the chefs in America were European or like in an ethnic restaurant, like a Chinese or a Mexican. They were maybe of that cuisine. But now all sorts of people have been raised to a professional level. They're turning out chefs for the culinary schools. And I think that's one of the disservices that some of the television shows do, too, because they don't pull out that cooking in a kitchen is a long, hard road up. The European chefs used to start when they were 16, working in the kitchen as peeling potatoes and working their way up till they were in their 20s, when they really were considered a chef. Now, young people go to school and think that two years they should come out and get a job.

[Orlando Montoya]

And not only that, but start a.

[Natalie Dupree]

Restaurant and start a restaurant. That's right. That's right.

[Orlando Montoya]

What do you think is the biggest threat to Southern food waste right now?

[Natalie Dupree]

There is Southern Italian, there is Southern French, there is Southern Chinese cooking. And the question is whether that helps it or hurts it. And we don't know, just like we didn't know was New Southern cooking when I did quick cooked green beans, whether or not that would hurt Southern cooking. And in fact, people don't cook their green beans for a long time anymore, although sometimes I do and sometimes I don't.

[Orlando Montoya]

You have guacamole in Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking?

[Natalie Dupree]

Sure we have guacamole in there because avocados, you know, were part of Florida and part of the south and they're also part of our culture right now.

[Peter Biello]

Among Natalie Dupree's many contributions to the culinary world, she helped to found the Southern culture and culinary organization Southern Foodways Alliance. Natalie Dupre was 85 years old. Former professional baseball and football player Bo Jackson is abandoning a 25 million dollar judgment he won after accusing his niece and nephew of extorting him. In February of last year, Cobb County Superior Courts awarded Jackson the amount, finding that his nephew tonight, Thomas Lee Anderson of Smyrna and niece Erica Anderson of Texas repeatedly threatened on social media to make false accusations about Jackson unless he gave them $20 million. In an order filed yesterday, Jackson and his niece and nephew entered an agreement that wipes out the $21 million judgment but ensures that the siblings stay at least 500 yards from Jackson at all times, except at certain events like family functions and sporting events. At those events, however, the Andersons must not talk directly to Jackson or his immediate family members. Jackson, a native of Alabama, was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1982 but chose to attend Auburn University on a football scholarship. He played most of his baseball career for the Kansas City Royals and spent four seasons in the NFL with the Los Angeles Raiders. And one more story before we go the Georgia Bulldogs are losing a talented running back to the NFL draft. Trevor Etienne announced on social media today that he's declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft in he thanked God, his family, coach Kirby Smart and the UGA coaching staff and Dawg Nation for the support he's received. Etienne rushed 609 yards and scored nine rushing touchdowns last season. He spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Florida Gators. If you're like me, you are watching the weather forecast for next week very closely. Sometimes there are little snowflakes in my weather app, and sometimes there are none. If there is snow, we will be reporting on it here on Georgia Today. Make sure you catch that coverage by subscribing to this podcast and check out gpb.org news for the latest updates on snow or politics or whatever happens to be going on in the state. We appreciate having you as a listener. I'm Peter Biello. We'll be back tomorrow afternoon.

[Chase McGee]

We could all use a little help. Navigating the news these days, the Consider this Podcast wants to give you a hand. Six days a week will help you make sense of the day's biggest news story and what it means for you. In less than 15 minutes. Listen now to the Consider this podcast from NPR.