Georgia Today Podcast Summary – December 16, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya (filling in for Peter Biello)
Podcast: Georgia Today (GPB News)

Episode Overview

This episode covers several major news stories relevant to Georgia and beyond, including a high-profile lawsuit against UPS for alleged wage theft, the aftermath of the Brown University shooting involving a Georgia student, the Supreme Court hearing on a significant copyright case involving Cox Communications, groundbreaking conservation efforts on the Georgia-Alabama border, changes to Atlanta's iconic New Year's “Peach Drop,” and the latest in Georgia sports.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. UPS Sued Over Alleged Wage Theft

Segment start: 00:41

• Details:
  • New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Atlanta-based UPS, accusing the company of stealing tens of millions in pay primarily from seasonal package handlers.
  • Allegations include:
    • Forcing workers to clock in after their shifts began.
    • Deducting pay for lunch breaks never taken.
    • Failing to compensate adequately for “driver helpers” and seasonal support drivers who use personal vehicles.
  • Estimated $45 million in deprived wages.
  • Company Statement: UPS calls allegations “unfounded.”
• Reporter: Amanda Andrews coverage.

2. Georgia Student Injured in Brown University Shooting

Segment start: 01:40

• Incident Recap:
  • 18-year-old Jacob Spears—a Georgia native and freshman at Brown University—was injured in a mass shooting that killed two and wounded nine.
  • Spears, a computer science major from Evans, GA, was shot in the stomach but managed to escape with help.
  • Fundraising launched for Spears’ recovery.
  • No suspect identified as of recording.
• Memorable moment:
  • “Through sheer adrenaline and courage, he managed to run outside, where he was aided by others.” (01:55)

3. Execution Halted in Georgia

Segment start: 02:18

• Details:
  • Execution of Stacy Humphries, convicted for the 2003 killings of Cindy Williams and Laurie Brown, was put on hold by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles.
  • No reason for the suspension given; warrant valid through Christmas Eve.

4. Land Conservation Milestone on GA/AL Border

Segment start: 02:43

• Achievement:
  • The Conservation Fund secures 15 square miles and 45 miles of waterways for permanent protection in the Stateline Forest Project.
  • Region is ecologically sensitive, home to rare plant and animal species.
• Quote – Stacey Funderburk (Conservation Fund):
  • “There are some aquatic species that exist in these waterways and in no others. It is also a flyway for bats, which are endangered and threatened. There is also a big wildlife corridor here for black bears.” (03:22)
• Management:
  • Land to be managed by Alabama Forestry Commission and GA Department of Natural Resources.

5. Supreme Court Hearing: Cox Communications vs. Sony Entertainment

Segment start: 03:37
Interview: Prof. Thomas Kadri, University of Georgia

• Case Summary:
  • Sony alleges Cox failed to stop users from pirating content, seeking substantial damages ($1 billion+).
  • Supreme Court appears cautious about expanding liability for ISPs.
• Legal Implications:
  • Prof. Kadri: “There's some concern with a rule here that would impose broad liability on Internet service providers... some caution from the court, it seems at the very least.” (04:20)
  • Worry over “ripple effects” if ISPs block users based on alleged copyright infringement (potential for wrongful or overbroad disconnection).
• Technical & Social Impact:
  • Restricting Internet speeds at shared locations (universities, airports, etc.) is possible but could have wide unintended consequences.
• Normal Users at Risk:
  • “There's a way in which just your average individual could get caught up in this. There's a misplaced allegation... and that singular user ends up being blocked without good reason.” (08:46)
• First Amendment Angle:
  • “At the very least, the First Amendment should be doing some work in the background... if it's going to lead companies like Cox and others to act upon and deny access to a bunch of people's ability to get on the Internet.” (09:47)
• Closing:
  • “I've been talking with University of Georgia law professor Thomas Khadri... We'll watch for this decision.” (10:39)

6. Atlanta's New Year's “Peach Drop” Reimagined

Segment start: 10:56

• Summary:
  • The traditional downtown Peach Drop celebration will be replaced by a city-wide fireworks and drone display for public safety and crowd decentralization.
  • Noted lack of public explanation for the format change.
  • The event had prior cancellations due to COVID and funding.

7. Georgia Sports Roundup

Segment start: 12:04

• High School Football:
  • Creekside Seminoles crowned Class 4A champions; set state points record.
• Notable Coach Quote:
  • Coach Maurice Dixon: “It's about being selfless and it's about working toward a goal that you can't see. But if you keep climbing, if you keep scratching, you're going to get to where you got to get to.” (12:23)
• Baseball:
  • Ha Seong Kim re-signs with the Atlanta Braves on a $20 million one-year deal.
  • Impacts roster utility and shortstop depth.

Notable Quotes

• Prof. Thomas Kadri on average users and copyright allegations:

  • "There's a way in which just your average individual could get caught up in this. There's a misplaced allegation of copyright infringement, and then that user ends up being blocked without good reason." (08:46)

• Stacey Funderburk on ecological importance:

  • “There are some aquatic species that exist in these waterways and in no others. It is also a flyway for bats, which are endangered and threatened. There is also a big wildlife corridor here for black bears.” (03:22)

• Coach Maurice Dixon on teamwork and perseverance:

  • “It's about being selfless and it's about working toward a goal that you can't see. But if you keep climbing, if you keep scratching, you're going to get to where you got to get to.” (12:23)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:41 – UPS wage theft lawsuit
• 01:40 – Brown University shooting
• 02:43 – Conservation acquisition
• 03:37 – Cox vs. Sony Supreme Court case (with Prof. Kadri)
• 10:56 – Peach Drop New Year's event change
• 12:04 – High school football & Atlanta Braves news

Episode Tone & Delivery

The episode maintains a professional, concise, and informative tone with in-depth reporting on each subject and expert insights on legal issues. Quotes from interviewees and officials are presented verbatim to preserve authenticity and clarity.

This summary encapsulates the essential stories, analysis, and moments from the December 16, 2025, edition of Georgia Today, offering everything you need to stay up to date on Georgia-centric news.