Georgia Today Podcast – February 24, 2026
Host: Orlando Montoya (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
Episode Focus: Updates on proposed harsher penalties for protesters, a new measles case in Georgia, ongoing election integrity efforts in Fulton County, and other statewide news

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights critical legislative and public health developments in Georgia, emphasizing newly proposed penalties for protest-related offenses, an emerging measles case, and the intensified focus on election integrity in Fulton County. Other important updates include medical research on childhood adversity, high-profile court cases, and significant Georgia sports and cultural news.

Key Discussion Points

1. Harsher Penalties for Protesters

Segment Start: 00:45

• House Bill 1076:

  • Proposes making it a felony (punishable by 1-5 years imprisonment and up to $100,000 fine) to use a vehicle to obstruct law enforcement during protests.
  • Presented as a response to concerns over protest tactics that endanger officers.
  • Motivated by recent protests nationally and specific incidents in Georgia, including the shooting of Renee Goode during an encounter with ICE.

• Key Quote:

  • State Rep. Ginny Earhart (R–Powder Springs) at the hearing:
    • "The danger is real. A motor vehicle in the hands of an ill intentioned person is a lethal weapon." (Amanda Andrews reporting, 01:20)

• Controversy:

  • Critics argue Georgia law already criminalizes harming officers with vehicles.
  • Cited concern over using recent high-profile protest incidents to justify additional measures (01:25).

2. Second Measles Case Confirmed in Georgia

Segment Start: 01:54

• Case Details:

  • Involves an unvaccinated individual in Bryan County who recently traveled out of state.
  • Presence at Bryan County Middle High School on Feb. 13 (role not specified).
  • Measures: Unvaccinated students to remain home for two weeks; local public health department conducting contact tracing.

• Official Statement:

  • "They've spent more than 100 hours on contact tracing so far."
    – Nancy Neidem Shirich, Dept. of Public Health spokesperson (Sophie Gradis reporting, 02:17)

• Context:

  • Second confirmed case on Georgia’s coast in 2026; risk to vaccinated individuals considered very low.

3. Fulton County's Commitment to Election Integrity

Segment Start: 02:42 / 03:22 (Speech highlight)

• County Address Highlights:

  • Chairman Rob Pitts reaffirms fiscal strength, health care investments (new emergency center and senior clinic).
  • Addressed recent FBI raid on election offices; doubled down on county’s resolve to protect election processes.

• Key Quote:

  • "We will fight any effort to take over our elections with every resource that we have available to us. That's today, that's tomorrow and as long as it takes to protect democracy and your right to vote."
    – Rob Pitts, Fulton County Chairman (03:46)

• Upcoming Dates:

  • Primary Election: May 19
  • General Election: November 3

4. New Study Connects Childhood Hardship to Obesity Risk

Segment Start: 04:09

• UGA Research Findings:

  • Adverse childhood experiences (abuse, financial hardship, parental divorce) correlate with higher obesity risk.
  • Researchers advocate for routine screening of these factors during pediatric visits.

• Key Quote:

  • "If a child goes into a pediatrician's office and they do a simple questionnaire to just see where they are ... if the child's scoring high, we can maybe talk to the parent."
    – Shauna Adis, UGA assistant professor (04:43)

• Study Data:

  • Based on a national cohort of 12,000+ children, ongoing since 2016.

5. Barrow County Trial: Parental Responsibility in School Shooting

Segment Start: 05:12

• Case Summary:

  • Trial of Colin Gray enters its seventh day; accused of providing his son Colt the rifle used in a 2024 school shooting.
  • GBI Agent Kelsey Ward testifies about interviewing Gray on the day of the shooting.

• Emotional Moment:

  • "He's a hot head. I was too like that ... This was not on my damn radar."
    – Colin Gray (audio played in court, 05:40)

6. Other Noteworthy Stories

Home Depot Earnings Report

Segment Start: 02:42

• Home Depot surpasses Wall Street expectations despite a slow housing market.
• Q4 earnings: $2.5 billion for 3 months ending Feb. 1.

Cultural & Sports Highlights

Segment Start: 06:30

• Fine Book Fairs: First Georgia event comes to Oglethorpe University.
• Film Industry: Macon prepares for a surge in movies/TV production, led by 'Man of Tomorrow.'
• Atlanta Braves: Launching 'Braves Vision' network in 2026 for full TV control, following collapse of FanDuel partnership.
• Atlanta Falcons: Announce release of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as free agency opens.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ginny Earhart (R–Powder Springs):
  "The danger is real. A motor vehicle in the hands of an ill intentioned person is a lethal weapon." (01:20)

• Rob Pitts, Fulton County Chairman:
  "We will fight any effort to take over our elections with every resource that we have available to us. That's today, that's tomorrow and as long as it takes to protect democracy and your right to vote." (03:46)

• Shauna Adis, UGA:
  "If a child goes into a pediatrician's office and they do a simple questionnaire ... if the child's scoring high, we can maybe talk to the parent." (04:43)

• Colin Gray (on son, in court audio):
  "He's a hot head. I was too like that. ... This was not on my damn radar." (05:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |:---------------------------------------------------|:----------:| | Harsher penalties for protesters | 00:45 | | Measles case update | 01:54 | | Home Depot quarterly report | 02:42 | | Fulton County election integrity | 02:42, 03:22| | UGA study on childhood adversity & obesity | 04:09 | | Barrow County school shooting trial | 05:12 | | Book fair, film, sports news | 06:30 |

For more detail, visit gpb.org/news.