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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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