Georgia Today: Rural Health Funding, Historic Swearing-in, and CBD Use Among Georgia Students

Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Peter Biello | Georgia Public Broadcasting
Episode Focus:
This episode covers Georgia's new rural health federal funding, the historic swearing-in of Alicia Johnson to the Georgia Public Service Commission, a University of Georgia study on CBD use among students, a segment on Joe Louis and his wartime activism, and a quirky tour of Georgia's New Year's Eve traditions.

1. Rural Health Initiative: $218 Million Federal Award

Segment starts at [00:02]

Overview:
Georgia is to receive $218 million in federal funds in 2026 to strengthen rural health care through the Rural Health Transformation Program.

Key Points:

• The award is through the newly created Rural Health Transformation Program, overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
• Georgia's allocation for 2026 falls short of the $1.4 billion over five years requested by state officials.
• Funds are intended for physician recruitment, upgrading technology in rural hospitals, and supporting telehealth initiatives.
• Future allocations will depend on a federal audit assessing whether the state’s spending aligns with federal priorities.

Quote:

“Governor Kemp said in a statement Monday he is, 'thankful for the over $200 million for year one,' and that subsequent awards will be decided following a federal government audit of state programs to determine if spending aligns with the administration's priorities.” – Sophie Gradus ([01:17])

2. Historic Swearing-In: Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard

Segment starts at [01:41]

Overview:
Alicia Johnson becomes the first Black woman to hold a non-judicial statewide office in Georgia. Alongside Peter Hubbard, she is also among the first Democrats elected to a statewide office since 2006.

Key Points:

• Johnson and Hubbard join the five-member Public Service Commission.
• The commission regulates utility rates, including those for Georgia Power, the state’s private electric company.
• Their election marks a significant moment in Georgia’s history and political landscape.

3. CBD Usage Among University of Georgia Students

Segment starts at [02:22]

Overview:
A recent study highlights widespread CBD use among UGA undergraduates, mainly for anxiety and sleep improvement, but also for social reasons.

Key Points:

• Survey of 4,000 undergrads: 48% tried CBD, 29% use it monthly or more.
• Edibles (gummies/oils) are the CBD products of choice, sourced from brands or friends.
• Students cite reduction of anxiety and better sleep as main reasons, but influence from peers and the novelty effect are significant.

Quotes:

“Most commonly, they use CBD to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. But the study's author, doctoral student Jenny Pless, says there's also a social aspect to CBD use.” – Chase McGee ([02:40])
“Some of the more interesting things that we found is that students also reported using it just because their friends do. They reported using it because it's legal, because it's new and exciting.” – Jenny Pless ([02:47])

4. Legal Update: Pause on Cobb County Death Sentence

Segment starts at [03:08]

Overview:
A state judge has issued a further pause on the execution of Stacey Humphries, originally slated for December 17, while questions about clemency conflicts persist.

Key Points:

• Judge Robert McBurney's order halts the execution until issues with Georgia’s clemency process are resolved.
• Lawyers allege conflict of interest with two state parole board members.

5. Feature Interview: Joe Louis's Fight for Freedom During WWII

Segment starts at [04:25]
Guest: Johnny Smith, co-author of "The Fight of His Life: Joe Louis, Battle for Freedom during World War II"

Discussion Highlights:

Joe Louis's Iconic Status

• Held heavyweight title (1937–1949); considered America’s greatest Black hero of the era.
• Biographies often overlook his activism and government role during WWII.

Quote:

“Central to understanding the legacy of Joe Louis as an activist, we have to go back in time to World War II when the United States government, the War Department, built this propaganda campaign around Louis...” – Johnny Smith ([04:46])

Significance of Max Schmeling Fights

• 1936: Schmeling defeats Louis, becomes a symbol for Nazi Germany by 1938.
• 1938 rematch: Louis's victory is seen as a symbolic triumph over Nazi ideology.

Quote:

“Louis defeats Schmeling in the first round. He destroys him, and Louis is celebrated.” – Johnny Smith ([06:43])

Louis as a Symbol for Black America

• His victories were seen as unique acts of resistance against white supremacy.
• Provided a role model before figures like Jackie Robinson and after Jesse Owens.

Quote:

“He is striking down white men with impunity. Nowhere else in America is that possible. And that is not lost on black Americans. So becomes a kind of an avenger for them.” – Johnny Smith ([07:22])

Experiences of Segregation in the Army

• Drafted as America's goodwill ambassador, Louis faced the same discrimination as fellow Black soldiers.
• Developed a deeper awareness of the injustices and hardships experienced by Black troops.

Shifting Activism After WWII

• Postwar violence against Black veterans led Louis to take a more vocal stance.
• Notably organized a benefit for assaulted veteran Isaac Woodard; called for unity and civil rights.
• Set a precedent for later Black athletes engaging in activism.

Quote:

“We must all come together, black soldiers, white soldiers, Americans, veterans, and take a stand against segregation, fight for our civil rights and our voting rights.” – Johnny Smith (paraphrasing Louis, [10:40])

Memorable Moment:

• Louis expressing:

  “I hate Jim Crow, I hate the poll tax, but I'm not gonna let this hate control me. ... I'm gonna do something about it.” – Johnny Smith quoting Joe Louis ([10:33])

6. Kennesaw Mountain Road Closure for Private Vehicles

Segment starts at [11:43]

Overview:
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park will close the summit road to private cars starting January 6, 2026, citing safety and experience improvements.

Key Points:

• The 1.5-mile road will only be open to park shuttles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
• The peak offers Civil War history and panoramic city views; the park had 1.5 million visitors in 2024.

7. Georgia’s Quirky New Year’s Eve Traditions

Segment starts at [13:05]

Overview:
Review of fun and unusual New Year’s Eve festivities across the state, each reflecting local culture.

Key Highlights:

• Brunswick Shrimp Drop: A 4-foot shrimp named Bob dropped from 65 feet, now in its third iteration.
• Helen Edelweiss Drop: Celebrates German heritage with a traditional flower drop.
• Tifton Gnat Drop: Features “Matt the Gnat”; conceived to give people a quirky celebration.
• Tallapoosa Possum Drop: Celebrates local history with a taxidermied possum named Spencer.
• Perry Buzzard Drop: Started to deter real buzzards, using a plastic, feathered buzzard.
• Atlanta's Peach Drop: Replaced by a city-wide drone and fireworks show for the first time.

Notable Quotes & Fun Facts:

“The aquatic crustacean will keep his previous name, the shrimp still named Bob...I guess you could call this one Bob Bob iii.” – Peter Biello ([13:19])
“Hughes considers Nats the welcoming committee of the South. And what better way to welcome the new year than with a familiar face?” – Peter Biello ([13:37])

8. Additional Notes

• Skip advertisements and show closing ([12:43], [13:05]).
• The episode maintains an informative, conversational tone throughout.

For Listeners:

This episode covers a wide array of critical and quirky stories—from strategic state funding and political milestones to student behavior trends and Georgia’s unique traditions—while ending with a thoughtful look at Joe Louis’s overlooked legacy as a Black activist-athlete. Perfect for those interested in Georgia’s community development, politics, culture, and history.