Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Peter Biello (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
Episode Focus:
This episode covers a state lawmaker charged with theft, Georgia public schools equipping overdose reversal kits, the ongoing debate about Braves legend Dale Murphy’s Hall of Fame prospects, and additional headlines from around Georgia, including sports results, public health updates, and the annual Capitol Christmas tree lighting.

Main Theme

A roundup of significant Georgia news: political accountability, public health interventions in schools, major sports milestones and disappointments, and measures of community well-being and seasonal spirit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lawmaker Charged with Theft of Government Funds

[00:36 – 01:15]

• Story: State Representative Sharon Henderson (Covington, Democrat) has been indicted for fraudulently collecting over $17,000 in pandemic-era federal unemployment benefits.
• Charges:
  • 2 counts of theft of government funds
  • 10 counts of making false statements
• Allegation: Henderson claimed to be a laid-off substitute teacher to falsely obtain benefits.
• Next steps: She pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. A state panel will review her potential suspension from office.

2. Overdose Reversal Kits in Georgia Public Schools

[01:15 – 01:51]

• Initiative: All Georgia public schools will soon be outfitted with opioid overdose reversal kits (naloxone).
• Leadership: The joint announcement was made by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and Department of Education.
• Motivation:
  • Part of a new state law requiring schools to stock naloxone.
  • Empowers teachers and staff to administer the medication on school property.
• Quote:
  • "The initiative allows educators and communities a chance to prevent deaths." – Kevin Tanner, DBHDD Commissioner (paraphrased)
• Distribution: Already underway in metro Atlanta, southwest, and central Georgia.

3. Dale Murphy and the Baseball Hall of Fame Debate

[01:51 – 06:23]

A. Hall of Fame Balloting Results

• Dale Murphy received only six out of the needed twelve votes on the Contemporary ballot, falling short of Cooperstown induction.

B. Panel Discussion: Why Not Murphy?
[02:08 – 06:23]

• Jeff Hollinger (GPB sports journalist) joins Peter Biello to analyze the outcome.
• Career Overview:
  • 15 seasons with the Braves plus stints with other teams.
  • Notable stats: 398 home runs, .265 batting average, 2-time MVP, 5 Gold Gloves.
  • “In the 1980s…he was the best player in baseball.” – Jeff Hollinger, (03:00)
• Reasons for Exclusion:
  • “He had a precipitous fall at the end of his career and it really made the difference unfortunately…” – Jeff Hollinger, (03:00)
  • Suffered significant knee issues and a blood infection, decreasing his performance late in his career.
  • Hall of Fame voters value both peak performance and career longevity/consistency.
• Comparisons:
  • Other players with similar career arcs (e.g., Don Mattingly) also fell short due to injury-curtailed peaks.
  • Argument that Murphy compares favorably to Hall of Famers Kirby Puckett, Jim Rice, and Dave Parker:
    • “I like Murphy’s numbers better than all of those guys and I think he was a better player than those three. They got in; Murphy did not.” – Jeff Hollinger, (04:56)
• Georgia’s View vs. National Voters:
  • Atlanta fans remember Murphy as “the face of the Atlanta Braves”—especially during dismal team years in the late ’80s.
  • “Dale Murphy was this, this lone bright star. He was such a big star in Atlanta. There was just nothing like him.” – Jeff Hollinger, (06:10)

4. Other Headline News

A. Kennesaw State Football

• [06:27]
  • Won its first Conference USA title in only its second season since joining.
  • Notable turnaround from a 2-10 record the previous season.
  • Head coach: Jerry Mack.

B. Atlanta Falcons

• [06:27]
  • Ended another losing season.
  • Eliminated from playoff contention after a heavy loss to the Seattle Seahawks (37–9).

C. FIFA World Cup in Atlanta

• [06:27]
  • The world’s top-ranked men’s national soccer team (Spain) will play at least twice in Atlanta during the 2026 World Cup.

D. Healthcare Disparities in Prescribing GLP-1 Medications

• [07:17 – 08:16]
  • Research by Emory University reveals unequal access to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (used for diabetes and obesity).
  • Insurance coverage is a major determinant of access:
    • “We see people with better insurance, more coverage, lower co pay—their use of GLP1 [drugs] are much, much higher…” – Prof. Hui Xiao, (07:42)
  • These medications are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid for weight loss alone.

E. Power Outage Duration in 2024

• [08:16 – 08:50]
  • 2024 set a record for hours spent without electricity in the U.S.
  • Georgia averaged 9.5 hours per customer, behind FL, TX, and the Carolinas.
  • Major extended outages attributed to hurricanes, including Helene.

F. Georgia State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting

• [08:50 – 09:46]
  • Governor Brian Kemp led the annual tree lighting ceremony with music by the Spelman College Glee Club.
  • 26-foot red cedar from Lindell, GA.
  • Governor Kemp: "It’s a time to pause and reflect on the blessings in our own lives and find ways to pay those blessings forward." (09:19)
  • Radio host Clark Howard discussed “Clark’s Christmas Gift” initiative, distributing presents to nearly 10,000 children in foster care.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Peter Biello on Sharon Henderson’s charges:
  “Democratic State Representative Sharon Henderson of Covington has been indicted on two counts of theft of government funds and 10 counts of making false statements.” [00:36]
• Jeff Hollinger on Dale Murphy:
  “In the 1980s…he was the best player in baseball. But he had a precipitous fall at the end of his career and it really made the difference unfortunately…” [03:00]
• Jeff Hollinger on criteria for Cooperstown:
  “It’s not such an easy decision and easy criteria to get into Cooperstown. Now if you look at Kirby Puckett, you look at Jim Rice, you look at, at Dave Parker, I like Murphy’s numbers better than all of those guys and I think he was a better player…” [04:45]
• Prof. Hui Xiao on prescription disparities:
  “We see people with better insurance, more coverage, lower co pay—their use of GLP1 [drugs] are much, much higher…” [07:42]
• Governor Kemp on the holidays:
  “It’s a time to pause and reflect on the blessings in our own lives and find ways to pay those blessings forward.” [09:19]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Lawmaker Charged: [00:36 – 01:15]
• Overdose Kits in Schools: [01:15 – 01:51]
• Dale Murphy Hall of Fame Coverage: [01:51 – 06:23]
• Kennesaw State Football Champion / Falcons Lose / Soccer in Atlanta: [06:27]
• GLP-1 Prescription Disparities: [07:17 – 08:16]
• Power Outages in Georgia: [08:16 – 08:50]
• Capitol Tree Lighting: [08:50 – 09:46]

Conclusion

This episode of "Georgia Today" delivers a concise and informative snapshot of major updates affecting Georgians—from public health and politics to the cultural memory of local sports legends, ongoing health equity issues, and community spirit. With an accessible style, the podcast provides both news and context, making complex state issues approachable for its audience.