Lawmaker charged with theft; Schools will carry drug overdose reversal kits

Summary

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, a Georgia lawmaker is charged with theft of government funds. Georgia public schools will now have drug overdose reversal kits and Braves legend Dale Murphy misses his chance to be elected to baseball's hall of Fame.

[Jeff Hollinger]

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.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Monday, December 8th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today.

A Georgia Statehouse member faces accusations of lying to collect federal unemployment benefits during the pandemic, prosecutors said today. 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. Henderson has pleaded not guilty and declined to comment after her release on bail. She she's accused of illegally collecting more than $17,000 in unemployment benefits. Prosecutors allege Henderson falsely claimed that she was entitled to benefits as a laid off substitute teacher during the pandemic. Henderson could be suspended from office without pay after a state review panel considers her case.

All public schools in Georgia soon will have overdose reversal kits. The state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and the state Department of Education announced the initiative on Friday, and DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner said the initiative allows educators and communities a chance to prevent deaths. Distribution began this fall in parts of metro Atlanta and in southwest and central Georgia. The initiative was prompted by a new state law that requires schools to stock naloxone and allows teachers and other school staff to carry and administer the medication on school property.

Atlanta Braves legend Dale Murphy may loom.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

Large in the hearts of fans here in Georgia, but the but those with.

[Peter Biello]

The power to send him to the.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

Baseball hall of Fame seem less impressed. Murphy got six votes in the recent hall of Fame Contemporary ballot vote, which is far from the 12 he needed to be sent to Cooperstown, New York. For a look at why he's falling.

[Peter Biello]

Short, let's turn to GPB's Jeff Hollinger. Jeff, welcome to the program.

[Jeff Hollinger]

Peter. It's good to be with you. And disappointing news about Dale Murphy. There had been such a push over the last couple of months of so many baseball players, so many celebrities. Maybe that doesn't matter as much. But but well known names going to bat, if you'll pardon the pun, for Dale Murphy trying to get him into Cooperstown. And disappointingly here on this Monday, he falls short and there is that sort of cold reality that this might not happen.

[Peter Biello]

Let's look at maybe.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

Why? Because he spent parts of 15 seasons with the Braves. Few other teams as well. Other one of those teams we shall not mention. He hit398 homers over his career career batting average of.265. Was a two time MVP five time Gold Glove winner in the outfield. So those are impressive numbers. So why aren't they enough?

[Jeff Hollinger]

Dale Murphy in the 1980s, between that period between about 1980-87, 88, 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 as to whether he gets in or not. He had knee problems. He also had a blood infection that also took him down as well. But the issue of his knees by the time, you know, the late 80s came became a huge issue with Dale.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

That seems to be a common story, at least for this particular ballot. Don Mattingly, first baseman for the Yankees also got six votes. He had a bright shining series of years in New York in the 80s, but after that he fell off too.

[Peter Biello]

In part because of a back injury.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

Is that the story here? That you have to be good but.

[Peter Biello]

You also have to be consistent?

[Jeff Hollinger]

I think you have to have a, A a career that is lengthy. Jeff Kent certainly has impressive numbers for second baseman, had 17 years in major League Baseball. He's greatly helped by Barry Bonds in San Francisco.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

Jeff Kent, we should say did pass muster and get elected to the hall of Fame over the weekend.

[Jeff Hollinger]

He did get in and you know, I think, I think you look at Cooperstown, I think we look at it a little bit differently whether we want to or not. In 2025, the, the days of Aaron and Ma and Mantle and DiMaggio have long since passed. 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 than, than those three they got in. Murphy did not. And it just doesn't look like Dale's going to get in at this point. You know, Dale played center field, unlike others who were playing right or left field. You know, he's playing on, on the turf of the time, which also beat up his knees. I always like to think that had somebody in the Braves organization made the proper decision to put him in right or left field, maybe we would be talking very differently about Dale Murphy today.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

Well, what do Georgia fans remember about Dale Murphy that perhaps those on the voting committee need to keep in mind if he does get another shot.

[Jeff Hollinger]

You know, Peter, I had the great pleasure of covering him in the 1980s and I saw him at his zenith and I this was a very different Atlanta, very different Atlanta metro, very different Southeast. You know, the Superstation was just kicking in and Dale was the face of the Atlanta Braves. And, you know, the Braves had a couple of good teams there in the early 80s, but by the time they got to the late 80s, I mean, they were, they were horrible. I mean, they were really, really terrible baseball teams. But Dale Murphy was this, this lone bright star. He was such a big star in Atlanta. There was just nothing like him.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

That's GPB's Jeff Hollinger remembering Dale Murphy, his impact on the Braves and why he may not be able to get into the Baseball hall of Fame.

[Peter Biello]

Jeff, thank you very much.

In other Georgia sports news, Kennesaw State won its first Conference USA title Friday night in only its second season as a member. First year coach Jerry Mack led his team to the championship win. After The Owls finished 2 and 10 last season, the Atlanta Falcons ended another losing season and were officially eliminated from playoff contention in a thoroughly dismal Sunday performance at home. The Falcons surrendered 31 points in the second half of a 37. 9 blowout by the Seattle Seahawks. And the world's top ranked men's national soccer team will play at least twice in Atlanta during the 2026 World Cup. The match schedule for next year's tournament was released on Saturday. It shows the Spanish national team playing twice in Atlanta during the World Cup's grouping stages in June.

Researchers at Emory University have recorded disparities in who has been prescribed weight loss medications known as GLP1s. GPB's Sophie Gradis has more on the findings.

[Sophie Gradis]

GLP1 prescriptions have taken off in the last few years. A recent analysis of 19 million people who have used them for type 2 diabetes, obesity or both suggests the rise in prescriptions aren't just driven by a clinical need. Says Emory University global health professor Hui Xiao.

[Hui Xiao]

We see people with better insurance, more coverage, lower co pay, their use of GLP1 are much, much higher than people with less generous coverage or no insurance.

[Sophie Gradis]

GLP1s are expensive thousands of dollars a year, and for now, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the medication for weight loss alone. President Trump says he plans to negotiate lower prices on GLP1s if purchased through Trump Rx. Separate negotiations by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid promise to curb millions in out of pocket costs. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradas.

[Peter Biello]

2024 broke all records for the amount of time Americans spent with electricity interruptions. A new report last week by the U.S. energy Information Administration says hurricanes including Helene accounted for the vast majority of hours spent without power. US electricity customers experienced an average of 11 hours with electricity interruptions in Georgia. The average is about nine and a half hours behind Florida, Texas and the Carolinas.

Governor Brian Kemp lit the Christmas tree at the Georgia Capitol today, kicking off the holiday season at the Gold Dome. GPB's Sarah Kalis has more.

[Sarah Kalis]

The Spelman College Glee Club performed Christmas carols in the Capitol Rotunda as part of the tree lighting ceremony. Governor Kemp reflected on the holiday season as he lit the 26 foot tall red cedar tree from a family farm in the northwest Georgia town of Lindell.

[Governor Brian Kemp]

It's a time to pause and reflect on the blessings in our own lives and find ways to pay those blessings forward.

[Sarah Kalis]

Radio personality Clark Howard shared memories with the crowd about Clark's Christmas Gift, an initiative embraced by the state to provide Christmas gifts to nearly 10,000 children in Georgia's foster care system. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallas at the State Capitol.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

And that's a wrap on Georgia Today. Thank you so much for tuning in.

[Peter Biello]

Check out gpb.org news for any updates to the story you heard on the podcast today and for the latest updates about any other story that may pop up.

[Unidentified Host/Co-host]

If you haven't subscribed to this podcast, highly recommend it.

[Peter Biello]

We'll be back tomorrow afternoon. You won't want to miss a thing. If you've got some feedback for us, the best way to reach us is by email. When you email Georgia todaypb.org it'll go to the whole team again. Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

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