House passes Laken Riley act; Ted Turner hospitalized; Ga. prepares for wintry mix

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: House Passes Lake and Riley Act; Ted Turner Hospitalized; Ga. Prepares for Wintry Mix
Release Date: January 7, 2025

Hosted by Peter Biello from Georgia Public Broadcasting, the January 7, 2025, episode of "Georgia Today" delves into significant legislative developments, notable local news, emergency preparedness in the face of impending winter weather, and tributes to former President Jimmy Carter. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

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1. Legislative Update: House Passes Lake and Riley Act

The episode opens with a pivotal legislative development as the U.S. House of Representatives passes the Lake and Riley Act, marking the first bill of the new Congress. This strict border measure is named in memory of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who tragically lost her life in an incident involving an illegal immigrant from Venezuela last year.

• Peter Biello states at [00:43]:
  "The U.S. house has passed its first bill of the new Congress. The strict border measure, called the Lake and Riley act, was named after a Georgia nursing student killed last year by a Venezuelan man who was in the country illegally."

While the House has moved forward with the bill, its future remains uncertain as it faces potential hurdles in the U.S. Senate.

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2. Local Developments

a. Hospitalization of Ted Turner

In notable health news, media mogul Ted Turner has been hospitalized with pneumonia. A spokesperson confirmed that the 86-year-old founder of CNN is expected to make a full recovery. Turner, who was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018, is receiving care and rest.

• Peter Biello reports at [01:27]:
  "CNN founder Ted Turner is recuperating from a recent illness. A family spokesperson told GPB today that Georgia media mogul was hospitalized with a mild case of pneumonia and expects a full recovery."

b. Monkey Breeding Facility Lawsuit Intervention

The district attorney of Southwest Georgia's Decatur County, Joseph Mulholland, is intervening in a lawsuit concerning a proposed $400 million monkey breeding facility in Bainbridge. Opponents of the Safer Human Medicine project, which breeds monkeys for medical research, have filed a motion to block tax incentives provided to the company.

• Peter Biello explains at [01:27]:
  "The district attorney for Southwest Georgia's Decatur county is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit over a proposed monkey breeding facility."

Mulholland characterized the lawsuit as a "scheme not based on actual antagonism between the parties," suggesting a strategic move rather than genuine opposition.

c. Georgia Republican Party Expels Jeff Duncan

In internal party developments, the Georgia Republican Party has expelled former Lieutenant Governor Jeff Duncan for endorsing Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the previous presidential election. The party's executive committee has demanded that Duncan cease identifying as a Republican and barred him from attending any state GOP events.

• Peter Biello notes at [03:04]:
  "The Georgia Republican Party has expelled former Lt. Gov. Jeff Duncan from its ranks for endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president last year."

This expulsion underscores ongoing rifts within the party, particularly stemming from Duncan's refusal to support former President Donald Trump's attempts to challenge the 2020 election results in Georgia. Duncan responded to his ousting via social media, emphasizing that the party should focus on more pressing concerns.

d. Shooting at Honduran Consulate Near Atlanta

A tragic incident occurred yesterday at the Honduran consulate just outside Atlanta, resulting in one death and another injury. Dorville police responded to gunshots, apprehending a suspect at the scene. The deceased was a Mexican citizen employed as a security guard at the consulate.

• Peter Biello reports at [03:04]:
  "One person has died and another has been injured in a shooting yesterday at the Honduran consulate just outside Atlanta."

The Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary confirmed the details, highlighting the severity of the incident.

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3. State Preparedness for Wintry Weather

As Georgia braces for a potential wintry mix—including freezing rain, ice, and snow—state agencies are ramping up their preparedness efforts. Governor Brian Kemp has directed the Departments of Transportation and Public Safety, among others, to ensure readiness for the adverse weather forecast.

• Dylan Lusk, a forecast meteorologist, comments at [02:48]:
  "This far out, the details are still kind of fuzzy when we talk about winter precipitation in Georgia. Literally one degree in temperature makes a huge difference, but we're pretty confident at this point that we're going to see, especially in northern Georgia, some kind of winter weather."

Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of readiness, signaling the state's proactive stance in mitigating the storm's impact.

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4. Tribute to Former President Jimmy Carter

a. State Funeral and Legacy

The podcast pays homage to Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, whose state funeral ceremonies have transitioned to Washington, D.C., following observances in Georgia. Carter is remembered not only as a global humanitarian and statesman but also as a significant influencer of Georgia's burgeoning film and television industry.

• Sara Kalis shares at [04:40]:
  "Carter's American flag draped casket left the Carter center and his namesake library for a final time as a US army band played Amazing Grace."

Widespread public mourning was evident, with over 23,000 attendees at Carter's public repose, including notable figures like Wendy Davis, who remarked, "This was an appropriate way to pay my respects." [05:02]

b. Georgia's Film Industry and Carter's Influence

Former Georgia governor Jimmy Carter played a pivotal role in establishing the Georgia Film Office, laying the groundwork for the state's current film and TV industry powerhouse. Sophie Gradas and Lee Thomas, Director of the Georgia Film Office, discuss Carter's foresight in nurturing the industry by providing support and incentives for film productions.

• Lee Thomas states at [06:03]:
  "When Jimmy Carter saw that, he thought, you know, we should try to get more of this. It doesn't require roads to be built or factories or anything. It just kind of comes in and dumps money."

Carter's initiative led to increased film tourism and economic benefits for regions like Raven County. Christopher Escobar of the Atlanta Film Society highlights Carter's passion for cinema, noting that Carter watched over 400 films during his presidency, fostering a deep connection with filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola.

• Christopher Escobar remarks at [07:13]:
  "President Carter actually holds the record of watching more films than any other American president."

The legacy Carter left continues to influence Georgia's film landscape, though industry leaders acknowledge challenges ahead, such as competition from overseas productions and the dominance of big-budget films that may diminish local film tourism.

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c. Renaming of Post Office in Plains

In a recent honor, President Joe Biden approved legislation to rename the post office in Plains, Georgia, after Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Now known as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office, this renaming effort was spearheaded by Georgia's congressional delegation, including both U.S. Senators.

• Peter Biello concludes at [09:15]:
  "President Joe Biden approved legislation this weekend renaming the post office in Plains, Georgia, after former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter."

This gesture serves as a lasting tribute to Carter's enduring impact on both the state and the nation.

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5. Water Rights Settlement at Hyundai's Electric Vehicle Plant

Environmental and economic stakeholders in southeast Georgia have reached a critical agreement concerning water rights at the site of Hyundai's extensive electric vehicle (EV) plant.

• Peter Biello introduces at [00:05]:
  "Environmental advocates and economic developers in southeast Georgia have struck a deal over water rights at the site of Hyundai's massive electric vehicle plant."

Benjamin Payne elaborates on the settlement at [00:43], highlighting that last year, Ogeechee Riverkeeper, a nonprofit organization, challenged groundwater withdrawal permits issued to Bryant and Bulloch counties. The Riverkeeper contended that these permits threatened the Floridan Aquifer, a crucial underground water reservoir.

The recent settlement with the Savannah Joint Development Authority resolves the lawsuit by adjusting the timeline for sourcing new water supplies from 25 years to 15 years and instituting enhanced water quality monitoring at existing wells. Both parties expressed a unified commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth, especially in light of Hyundai's EV factory, which has created thousands of jobs since its late last-year inauguration.

• Benjamin Payne concludes at [01:27]:
  "In a joint statement, both sides say they remain committed to striking a balance between environmental protection and job creation."

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6. Additional Honors and Recognitions

In addition to the renaming of the post office, the episode touches upon various other honors related to Carter's legacy, including the continuation of his funeral proceedings in Washington, D.C., and the impact of his policies on Georgia's infrastructure and economy.

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Conclusion

The January 7, 2025, episode of "Georgia Today" delivers a comprehensive overview of critical legislative actions, significant local incidents, proactive measures against impending winter weather, and heartfelt tributes to a revered state and national figure, Jimmy Carter. Through engaging discussions and insightful reporting, host Peter Biello and his team provide listeners with an in-depth understanding of the events shaping Georgia today.

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For more detailed coverage and the latest updates, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the "Georgia Today" podcast and visit GPB News.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today podcast from GPB News. Today is Tuesday, January 7th. I'm Peter Biello. On today's episode, the U.S. house passes the Lake and Riley Act, Ted Turner is hospitalized for pneumonia and Georgia prepares for a forecast of snow and ice. These stories and more are coming up on this edition of GEORGIA today. Environmental advocates and economic developers in southeast Georgia have struck a deal over water rights at the site of Hyundai's massive electric vehicle plant. GPB's Benjamin Payne reports.

[Benjamin Payne]

Last year, the non profit group Ogeechee Riverkeeper challenged groundwater withdrawal permits that the state had issued to Bryant and Bulloch counties. The Riverkeeper's argument was that the permits would draw too much water from a fragile underground reservoir known as the Floridan Aquifer. But a settlement announced this week with the Savannah Joint Development Authority puts an end to that lawsuit. The agreement cuts the timeline for finding new water sources from 25 years to 15. It also adds more water quality testing at the current wells. In a joint statement, both sides say they remain committed to striking a balance between environmental protection and job creation. The Hyundai AV factory opened late last year, employing several thousand workers. For GPB News, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah.

[Peter Biello]

The U.S. house has passed its first bill of the new Congress. The strict border measure, called the Lake and Riley act, was named after a Georgia nursing student killed last year by a Venezuelan man who was in the country illegally. The bill faces an uncertain future in the US Senate. CNN founder Ted Turner is recuperating from a recent illness. A family spokesperson told GPB today that Georgia media mogul was hospitalized with a mild case of pneumonia in expects a full recovery. The 86 year old was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018. The district attorney for Southwest Georgia's Decatur county is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit over a proposed monkey breeding facility. Opponents of the planned $400 million complex in Bainbridge hailed the motion filed last week. The company that breeds monkeys for medical research, Safer Human Medicine, sued local development officials over the project's tax incentives last year. In his motion, DA Joseph Mulholland argued the lawsuit is a scheme not based on actual antagonism between the parties. It's looking more likely that there will be freezing rain and ice or snow at the end of this week in parts of North Georgia. The National Weather Service is increasing its confidence in a wintry mix. Forecast meteorologist Dylan Lusk is with the agency's Peachtree City office.

[Dylan Lusk]

This far out, the details are still kind of fuzzy when we talk about winter precipitation in Georgia. Literally one degree in temperature makes a huge difference, but we're pretty confident at this point that we're going to see, especially in northern Georgia, some kind of winter weather.

[Peter Biello]

Governor Brian Kemp today ordered state agencies, including the Departments of Transportation and Public Safety, to prepare for the storm. The Georgia Republican Party has expelled former Lt. Gov. Jeff Duncan from its ranks for endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president last year. The party's executive committee yesterday demanded Duncan stop calling himself a Republican and banned him from attending any state GOP events. It's the latest rift in an intraparty clash that began when Duncan refused to support former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Duncan responded to the ouster on social media, saying he believes the party should have more important concern. One person has died and another has been injured in a shooting yesterday at the Honduran consulate just outside Atlanta. Dorville police responded to a report of gunshots yesterday afternoon. A suspect was taken into custody at the scene. A Mexican citizen who worked as a security guard at the consulate was killed. That's according to a statement by the Mexican foreign affairs secretary. One other person was taken to a hospital for treatment. Jimmy Carter's state funeral has moved to Washington, D.C. after observances in Georgia. Hail to the Chief and a 21 gun salute came as the 39th President's remains were placed into a special air mission jet to the nation's capital from Dobbins Air Reserve Base north of Atlanta. GPB's Sara Kalis has more.

[Sara Kalis]

Carter's American flag draped casket left the Carter center and his namesake library for a final time as a US army band played Amazing Grace. The Carter center says over 23,000 people attended Carter's public repose. Wendy Davis was one of those mourners. Well, I'm a longtime fan and admirer of the president and just felt like.

[Peter Biello]

This was an appropriate way to pay my respects.

[Sara Kalis]

Funeral proceedings for Carter Continue in Washington, D.C. for GPB News, welcome to News. I'm Sarah Kalis in Atlanta.

[Peter Biello]

Former President Jimmy Carter is being remembered as a global humanitarian and statesman, but he was also something that many of us can relate to a film buff. And he had a big hand in making Georgia's now booming film and TV industry what it is today. GPB's Sophie Gradas has more.

[Sophie Gradas]

Before Georgia became home to the studios that churn out superhero movies, it was known for some more humble classics. Think Driving Miss Daisy, My Cousin Vinnie, Smokey and the Band. Go back further and we find the film that really kicked it all off, deliverance, released in 1972. Despite some of the more traumatic plot points, people seem to resonate with the North Georgia scenery featured in the movie. They flocked to Raven county for whitewater rafting tourism, which is still alive today.

[Lee Thomas]

And it brought money to a very poor part of the state.

[Sophie Gradas]

That's Lee Thomas, director of the Georgia Film Office.

[Lee Thomas]

When Jimmy Carter saw that, he thought, you know, we should try to get more of this. It doesn't require roads to be built or factories or anything. It just kind of comes in and dumps money.

[Sophie Gradas]

Carter, then Georgia governor, created the Georgia Film Office the following year. The idea was to have a dedicated team that could coordinate with producers from all over the world, Thomas says.

[Lee Thomas]

It worked for one. You had the governor of our state that was out there saying, you know, we want this business.

[Sophie Gradas]

She says. Carter was committed to making sure projects went off without a hitch. The office was tasked with finding permits and scouting locations for all sorts of films.

[Lee Thomas]

Maybe glaciers are tough for us, but pretty much every location we can find.

[Sophie Gradas]

So Georgia was already at an advantage when the state legislature passed tax credits for film and TV producers in the early 2000s in an effort to compete with increasing industry incentives in other states.

[Lee Thomas]

People already recognized us as a place where films were made.

[Sophie Gradas]

This legacy of Carter's is testament to something he would do later on, too, says Christopher Escobar of the Atlanta Film Society.

[Christopher Escobar]

President Carter actually holds the record of watching more films than any other American president.

[Sophie Gradas]

During his four year term, President Carter watched something like 400 films, occasionally inviting staff, too. Records show he had varied taste.

[Christopher Escobar]

You know, Bambi and the Godfather, Young Frankenstein, Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid, French Connection, Star Wars, True Grit. Oh, we also did Rocky.

[Sophie Gradas]

Oh, wow. And store this for future trivia games. As the first new president since the Vietnam War, Carter made history when he invited a highly decorated American filmmaker for a private screening of a soon to be released film.

[Peter Biello]

I love the smell of my Pum.

[Sophie Gradas]

In the Morning, Apocalypse Now.

[Christopher Escobar]

Francis Ford Coppola talks about how President Carter holds a special place in his heart. So there's both personal and official capacities and where we see that President Carter's legacy in filmmaking and in the art form is going to be felt for generations.

[Sophie Gradas]

Escobar, who runs the historic Plaza and Terra theaters in Atlanta, says now, even with a strong foundation, there is a lot of uncertainty in how Georgia's film industry will manage what's coming. For the first time in a while, film and TV production overseas is. Is starting to outpace that in the US There are other changes, too. When Jimmy Carter created the Film Office, more often than not, audiences could expect to recognize local spots on the big screen and locals could expect big business. Lee Thomas, with the Film Office, admits some of that disappears with the rise of big budget films.

[Lee Thomas]

You kind of lose that film tourism aspect when everything's built on a stage.

[Sophie Gradas]

But Thomas celebrates the industry growth, and she says former President Carter did, too.

[Lee Thomas]

Just like all of us, I think he was amazed at how big the industry had had gotten.

[Sophie Gradas]

She says it will take continued investments and incentives to keep that industry in Georgia. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gratis.

[Peter Biello]

President Joe Biden approved legislation this weekend renaming the post office in Plains, Georgia, after former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter. The facility on Main street will now be known as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office. The effort was led by Georgia's congressional delegation, including both US Senators. And that is it for this edition of GEORGIA today. We do appreciate you tuning in. We hope you'll come back tomorrow. The best way to remember to do that is to subscribe to this podcast. When you do, we will pop up automatically in your podcast feed. And remember, you can always check out the latest [e-mail] news. Our email box is open for your suggestions. If you've got feedback on this podcast and on the news we're covering, let us know. The address is Georgia Today. At gpb. Org, I'm Peter Biello. Thank you again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.