Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode Date: December 29, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Podcast Description: “Georgia Today” delivers daily news and in-depth coverage of important stories across Georgia.

Overview

This episode centers on several major Georgia news stories: fresh sexual assault allegations against filmmaker Tyler Perry, the emergence of attack ads against Lt. Governor Burt Jones, a concerning avian influenza outbreak affecting Georgia's bird populations, and other key state updates in health, policy, and local achievements.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Tyler Perry Faces New Sexual Assault Allegation

Timestamp: 00:32 – 01:48

• Story Summary: An actor, Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in Tyler Perry’s 2016 film “A Madea Halloween,” filed a lawsuit in California last week, alleging that Perry assaulted him at Perry’s home in Los Angeles. Rodriguez seeks at least $77 million in damages.
• Perry’s Response: Tyler Perry’s attorney called the lawsuit a “money grab scam.”
• Supporting Details:
  • AP reported on text messages where Rodriguez thanked Perry and discussed financial distress as recently as August 2025.
  • Rodriguez’s attorney didn’t respond to inquiries about those messages.
  • Another actor, Derek Dixon, filed a similar lawsuit against Perry earlier this year.

Quote (Peter Biello, 00:32):
“Perry’s attorney denied the allegations, calling it a, quote, money grab scam.”

2. Attack Ads Targeting Lt. Gov. Burt Jones

Timestamp: 01:48 – 02:26

• Details:
  • A group called “Georgians for Integrity” spent roughly $5 million on ads, mailers, and texts attacking Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones since November.
  • The ads allege misuse of office for personal gain. Jones calls them “fabricated trash” and threatens legal action.
  • No funders have been publicly identified. Rival gubernatorial candidates deny involvement.
  • The state GOP alleges these ad expenditures violate campaign finance law.

Quote (Sarah Kallas, 01:56):
“Jones calls the ads, quote, fabricated trash, and his campaign has threatened to sue television stations if they keep airing it.”

3. Remembering Former President Jimmy Carter

Timestamp: 02:26 – 03:07

• Context: One year since Carter’s death.
• Legacy: Described as a humanitarian and champion of peace post-presidency.
• Notable Reflection: Former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young discussed the enduring impact of Carter’s spirit and words.

Quote (Andrew Young, 02:49):
“His body has left us, but his words and his spirit will always be with us.”

4. HIV Prevention and Telemedicine

Timestamp: 03:07 – 04:18

• Study Highlight: Telemedicine is making HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) more accessible in Georgia and the US.
• Key Findings:
  • More patients are accessing PrEP without visiting clinics, reducing stigma and logistical barriers.
  • TelePrEP model improves comfort and access.

Quote (Aaron Siegler, 03:51):
“Our goal should be to make services like this easy to access, and the TelePrEP model…it allows some users to be met closer to where they’re most comfortable.”

5. Rural Health Care Expansion Efforts

Timestamp: 04:18 – 05:22

• Georgia’s Request: Over $1.4 billion in federal grants through the Rural Health Transformation Program, part of a law passed under President Trump.
• Purpose: Improve telehealth, expand obstetrics, and incentivize health workers in rural areas.
• Backdrop: Declining rural hospital access; many counties don’t have hospitals.

6. Avian Influenza Outbreak Among Migrating Birds

Timestamp: 05:22 – 06:15

• Bird Migration Season: Hundreds of species journey south in fall/winter, increasing disease spread risk.
• Expert Insight:
  • Staggering increases in highly pathogenic virus detections.
  • Rise in avian influenza cases this season may indicate a cyclical shift.
• Impact: While the poultry industry is currently bird-flu free, many wild birds (e.g., vultures, eagles, geese) have died.

Quote (Becky Paulson, 05:37):
“Really across the continent, we’re starting to see pretty staggering increases in detections of highly pathogenic viruses.”

7. Veterans Support Pilot in Atlanta

Timestamp: 06:15 – 07:10

• HOPE Atlanta Initiative: Pilot program launched to help veterans facing financial trouble or risk of homelessness.
• Funding: $200,000 from Home Depot Foundation.
• Services: Utility, rent, mortgage support, and resiliency training.
• Peer Support Approach: Veterans assist fellow veterans in need.
• Early Results: 50 veterans helped; hopes to extend the program beyond June.

Quote (Alison Poole White, 06:51):
“All of us need help at some time in our life. Sometimes it’s really difficult to humble ourselves enough to take that first step... We love to utilize a peer approach, a veteran to veteran approach.”

8. Data Center Tax Credit Under Scrutiny

Timestamp: 07:10 – 08:01

• Audit Findings: A 2018 tax credit aimed at attracting data centers cost the state almost half a billion dollars in lost revenue last fiscal year.
• Report Conclusion: Most centers would have come to Georgia anyway, without tax incentives.
• Implication: Sparks debate over the value of such tax credits.

9. Health Savings Accounts Now Available for More Georgians

Timestamp: 08:01 – 08:49

• Policy Update: As of January 1st, ACA Bronze and Catastrophic health plans now allow account holders to open Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
• Key Benefits: Tax-free payment of health expenses, including deductibles and copays.

Quote (Kevin Robertson, 08:21):
“HSAs are designed to pay for the health care expenditures that health insurance does not.”

10. Perry High School Marching Band Honored

Timestamp: 08:49 – 09:52

• Achievement: Perry High’s Panther Regiment Marching Band invited to New Orleans’ All State Sugar Bowl Parade—only GA high school band selected.
• Mission: Parade performance and competition in “Battle of the Bands.”
• Support: Made possible by sponsorships and fundraising.

11. Atlanta Hockey Update

Timestamp: 09:52 – 10:37

• Event: Thousands missed the Atlanta Gladiators vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates game due to a hockey players’ strike.
• Resolution: Strike ended with a tentative deal; game will be rescheduled.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[Tyler Perry’s attorney] denied the allegations, calling it a, quote, money grab scam.” —Peter Biello (00:32)
• “Jones calls the ads, quote, fabricated trash, and his campaign has threatened to sue television stations if they keep airing it.” —Sarah Kallas (01:56)
• “His body has left us, but his words and his spirit will always be with us.” —Andrew Young on Jimmy Carter (02:49)
• “Our goal should be to make services like this easy to access, and the TelePrEP model...it allows some users to be met closer to where they’re most comfortable.” —Aaron Siegler (03:51)
• “Really across the continent, we’re starting to see pretty staggering increases in detections of highly pathogenic viruses.” —Becky Paulson (05:37)
• “All of us need help at some time in our life...We love to utilize a peer approach, a veteran to veteran approach.” —Alison Poole White (06:51)
• “HSAs are designed to pay for the health care expenditures that health insurance does not.” —Kevin Robertson (08:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:32 – Tyler Perry allegations explained
• 01:48 – Burt Jones attack ads and political impact
• 02:26 – Jimmy Carter legacy, Andrew Young reflection
• 03:07 – Telemedicine and HIV prevention progress
• 04:18 – Georgia seeks rural health grants
• 05:22 – Avian influenza outbreaks in Georgia
• 06:15 – HOPE Atlanta veteran support pilot
• 07:10 – Data center tax credit controversy
• 08:01 – ACA health plans now allow HSAs
• 08:49 – Perry High School band honored
• 09:52 – Atlanta Gladiators hockey and strike update

Conclusion

This Georgia Today episode offers a rich snapshot of state issues, from headline-making lawsuits and political intrigue to public health, local achievements, and reflections on enduring leadership. The tone is informative, concise, and attentive to the voices of experts, officials, and community members.