KSU player in gambling ring; Study to replace federal dollars; Clarke County Jail art

Summary

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Georgia Today Podcast | January 16, 2026

Host: Orlando Montoya (GPB)
Episode Topics: KSU basketball gambling scandal, Medicaid funding concerns and strategy, Clarke County Jail art program, Atlanta World Cup prep, and more

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Episode Overview

This episode provides an in-depth look at several major Georgia news stories, including the unsealing of an indictment naming a Kennesaw State basketball player in a national game-rigging scheme, ongoing research into replacing federal Medicaid dollars, preparations for the 2026 legislative session, a pivotal vote on Atlanta’s homelessness partnerships, World Cup compliance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, major fines for health insurers, the return of the Dogwood Festival, and a unique art program for incarcerated individuals at Clarke County Jail.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. KSU Player Named in National Gambling Ring ([00:41])

• Story Summary:
  Federal prosecutors have indicted 39 college basketball players—including standout Kennesaw State guard Simeon Cottle—in an alleged scheme to rig games for gambling payouts.

  • The ring began with pro games in China, later recruiting US college players.
  • An estimated 30 NCAA games were affected over two seasons.
  • Simeon Cottle has been suspended indefinitely by Kennesaw State.

• Notable Insight:
  The scandal impacts not only individual careers but also raises broader concerns about the integrity of college sports in Georgia and beyond.

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2. The 2026 Georgia Legislative Session & Budget Focus ([01:07])

• Session Recap:
  The opening week was mostly ceremonial: calendar approvals and Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State address.
  • Passage of a bill invalidating Savannah’s gun lock ordinance.
• Upcoming Week ([02:03]):
  • Next week is dedicated to the state budget ("budget week"), with agencies presenting funding goals.
  • “The budget, of course, is the only mandated goal during the session.” – Pamela Kirkland ([02:16])
  • Lawmakers Spotlight podcast returns Jan 26.

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3. Researching Replacement of Lost Federal Medicaid Funds ([02:26])

Reporter: Ellen Eldredge

• Why It Matters:
  Federal Medicaid cuts loom, threatening coverage for 2.2 million Georgians and funding 40% of births statewide.
• Georgia Health Initiative's Role:
  • Research is focused on educating stakeholders and nonprofits about Medicaid’s vital role.
  • Cindy Delphin, VP of Policy, emphasizes:

    "There will be much for our state policymakers to think through as they reflect on our health, the state of our health care system and helping to make sure that people in Georgia have the coverage that they need." ([03:14])

• Insight:
  The research is framed both as an urgent policy tool and as a resource for the public to understand healthcare access.

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4. Tension over Atlanta’s Homeless Support Partnerships ([03:43])

• Background:
  Atlanta’s rapid housing project is underway, aiming to complete 100 permanent supportive units, with a 2019 deal obligating the city to construction funding and Fulton County to support services over 30 years.
  • In December, Fulton County said it lacks funds for its share, causing public criticism.
• Quote:
  Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens:

  “We are standing here today saying do what you say you’re gonna do, and for the next 30 years you’re supposed to put up at a minimum, $4.8 million. You can’t walk back from that.” ([04:22])

• Upcoming Vote:
  Fulton County Commissioners to set 2026 budget on Jan 21.

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5. Mercedes-Benz Stadium Prepares for FIFA World Cup ([04:57])

Reporter: Amanda Andrews

• Preparations:
  • All non-FIFA corporate logos (approx. 2,000) must be covered/removed for FIFA compliance, a process starting May 25.
  • Special challenge: the iconic Mercedes-Benz emblem integrated in stadium’s roof “pillows.”
  • Adam Fullerton (Stadium VP):

    “There’s a really, really nice Mercedes Benz emblem that’s built into those pillows... So we’ve gotta go out on those pillows and actually cover up the emblem.” ([05:20])

• Event Timeline:
  First World Cup game in Atlanta on June 15.

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6. State Issues Fines for Mental Health Coverage Violations ([05:48])

• Details:
  Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner John King levies nearly $25M in fines against 22 health insurers for failing to comply with state mental health parity laws.
  • Parity law requires equal treatment of mental health/substance disorders and physical health.

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7. Dogwood Festival Saved After Budget Crisis ([06:20])

• Update:
  Atlanta’s Dogwood Festival—one of the oldest, largest fine arts festivals—was nearly canceled due to a budget shortfall but will proceed April 10-12, 2026, with a new sponsor and a small entrance fee.

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8. Clarke County Jail Art Program Showcased ([07:02])

Reporter: Emma Auer

• “Creative Tracks” Program:
  • Began a year ago, with three cohorts of incarcerated people creating and sharing art.
  • Exhibit: January 22, Linden House Arts Center, Athens ([07:40])
  • Educator Kristin Bach:

    “A lot of my students don’t consider themselves as active artists, so I really try to break down the boundaries of what art making can be.” ([00:31] and [07:30]) “We really wanted to inform our community that a lot of these incarcerated individuals, this might be the first time that they have been seen or heard. We want our community to know that they’re doing a ton of hard work to try to better their lives and make a new chapter moving forward.” ([07:54])

• Reentry Success:
  Creative Tracks participants are also in a reentry program for community-based classes and reintegration support.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Medicaid’s Challenge:
  “There will be much for our state policymakers to think through...” —Cindy Delphin ([03:14])

• Mayor Dickens on County’s Funding Obligation:
  “You can’t walk back from that.” —Andre Dickens ([04:22])

• Art Breaks Down Barriers:
  “I really try to break down the boundaries of what art making can be.” —Kristin Bach ([07:30])

• First Time Being Seen or Heard:
  “This might be the first time that they have been seen or heard.” —Kristin Bach ([07:54])

• FIFA Logo Removal Challenge:
  “We’ve gotta go out on those pillows and actually cover up the emblem.” —Adam Fullerton ([05:20])

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Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------| | 00:41 | KSU basketball player indicted in gambling ring| | 01:07 | Georgia General Assembly update | | 02:26 | Medicaid research and policy | | 03:43 | Atlanta housing project & Fulton funding debate| | 04:57 | World Cup stadium preparations | | 05:48 | Mental health coverage fines | | 06:20 | Dogwood Festival update | | 07:02 | Clarke County Jail art program |

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Conclusion

This episode offers a concise yet comprehensive round-up of crucial developments shaping Georgia’s public life, from sports integrity and legislative budgeting to healthcare access and the humanizing power of art in incarceration. The Georgia Today podcast remains a valuable source for understanding statewide issues and community initiatives as they unfold.

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Transcript

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, a Kennesaw State basketball player was named in a sprawling indictment targeting an alleged gambling ring that prosecutors say rigged games. Research is underway on how state lawmakers might replace lost federal dollars for health care, and inmates at the Clark County Jail get a chance to put their art on display.

[Kristin Bach]

A lot of my students don't consider themselves as active artists, so I really try to break down the boundaries of what art making can be.

[Orlando Montoya]

Today is Friday, January 16th. I'm Orlando Montoya and this is Georgia Today. Federal prosecutors have revealed a sprawling scheme to rig college basketball games while yielding big payouts to gamblers. An indictment unsealed yesterday includes allegations against 39 players, including one at Kennesaw State University. Prosecutors allege the fixers started with professional games in China before turning their focus to recruiting college players in the U.S. roughly 30 games were impacted over two seasons ending last year, according to the indictment. Kennesaw State says it has indefinitely suspended its standout guard Simeon Cottle from all team activities. Georgia lawmakers have wrapped up their first week of the 2026 General Assembly. The action under the Gold Dome was largely perfunctory and ceremonial, including approving the legislative calendar and hearing governor Brian Kemp's State of the State address. A bill aimed at invalidating Savannah's gun locking ordinance achieved final passage. GPB lawmakers host Donna Lowry told GPB Morning Edition host Pamela Kirkland that next week also should include quiet but important work.

[Pamela Kirkland]

Well, next week is budget week, and so for most of the week they will focus long days on hearing the budget goals of state agencies. The budget, of course, is the only mandated goal during the session. So because they are not meeting and gaveling in, we will not have a lawmakers show next week, but we will be back on Monday, January 26 at.

[Orlando Montoya]

7Pm Lowery shares her insights into the Legislature on the GPB podcast Lawmakers Spotlight. In coming years, lawmakers will have to deal with federal cuts to Medicaid, which covers 2.2 million Georgians and pays for about 40% of births in the state. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more on how one organization is using research to help prepare.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Georgia Health Initiative's research focuses on helping a variety of people, nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders better understand the role Medicaid plays in Georgia. Cindy Delphin is the vice president of policy. She says funding cuts to both Medicaid and healthcare delivery systems will lead to Georgians losing access to coverage.

[Cindy Delphin]

So there will be much for our state policymakers to think through as they reflect on our health, the state of our health care system and helping to make sure that people in Georgia have the coverage that they need.

[Ellen Eldredge]

The initiative's research is for those who want to understand how healthcare works and who it serves in Georgia. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Orlando Montoya]

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens this week spoke during a tour of the city's latest rapid housing development about the importance of partnerships to fight homelessness. But Fulton county leaders might not have their promised funding. City and county leaders met at the development in South Atlanta, where 100 units of permanent supportive housing are coming. Funding from the city supports its construction. Then Fulton county steps in to cover supportive services as part of a 30 year agreement signed in 2019. In December, the county told the city it doesn't have the funds to cover those costs. Dickens says county officials need to follow through on their commitment.

[Andre Dickens]

And so we are standing here today saying do what you say you're gonna do, and for the next 30 years you're supposed to put up at a minimum, $4.8 million. You can't walk back from that.

[Orlando Montoya]

Fulton county commissioners will vote on the 2026 box budget on January 21st. Atlanta's Mercedes Benz Stadium is preparing to rebrand itself for the FIFA World Cup. Local tournament organizers met today to talk about game preparations. GPB's Amanda Andrews tells us how the stadium plans to meet FIFA regulations.

[Amanda Andrews]

Organizers are working to take down nearly 2,000 corporate logos in and around the stadium but before the games to comply with FIFA's clean zone regulations. The stadium includes a modular roof that can open and close. It's made of eight lightweight, inflated plastic pedals they call pillows. Stadium operations vice president Adam Fullerton says those pillows are a challenge.

[Adam Fullerton]

There's a really, really nice Mercedes Benz emblem that's built into those pillows. So it's a white pillow system with a black emblem on it, and the emblem's literally built into the material. So we've gotta go out on those pillows and actually cover up the emblem.

[Amanda Andrews]

Logo removals will begin in full during the Atlanta United season break starting May 25. The first World cup game in Atlanta kicks off June 15. For GPB news, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Orlando Montoya]

Georgia's insurance and safety fire commissioner is issuing nearly $25 million in fines to health insurance companies for violating the state's mental health parity laws. Georgia law requires insurers to cover mental health and substance use disorders in ways comparable to physical health Commissioner John King issued the fines against 22 companies earlier this week. Atlanta's largest and longest running fine arts festival is returning this spring after a troubling 2025. The 90 year old dogwood Festival last August revealed a deep budget shortfall that threatened to cancel the 2026 event. The festival yesterday announced it would go on thanks to a new sponsor and a nominal entrance fee April 10th through 12th.

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[Orlando Montoya]

The Linden House Arts center in Athens will team up with the Clark County Sheriff's Office to display the artwork of incarcerated people. WUGA's Emma Auer has more.

[Emma Auer]

The Creative Tracks program at the Clark County Jail started about a year ago and has worked with three groups of incarcerated people. Kristin Bach is a local business owner and educator who teaches the course. She says she wants her students to view art as something they can incorporate in their lives.

[Kristin Bach]

A lot of my students don't consider themselves as active artists, so I really try to break down the boundaries of what art making can be.

[Emma Auer]

On Thursday, January 22, the students work will be on display at the Lindenhaus Art center in Athens starting at 5:30pm Bak hopes the exhibit will help the community be more welcoming when incarcerated individuals are released.

[Kristin Bach]

We really wanted to inform our community that a lot of these incarcerated individuals, this might be the first time that they have been seen or heard. We want our community to know that they're doing a ton of hard work to try to better their lives and make a new chapter moving forward.

[Emma Auer]

Participants in Creative Tracks are also a part of the Reentry Success Program, which allows incarcerated people to take classes from community partners. For GPB News, I'm Emma Auer.

[Orlando Montoya]

And that's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news we'd like you to hit subscribe on this podcast so you always stay connected to us. Never miss an episode. If you have feedback, we'd love to hear that. Send us feedback to Georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya and as we head into a weekend that could bring snow to parts of Georgia, I hope you stay warm and keep your internal weather sunny. We'll be back on Tuesday. We're taking the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday off so I hope you have a great three day weekend.