Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB)
Episode Theme: Start of Georgia’s 2026 legislative session with a spotlight on affordability, a deadly altercation at a state prison, and other significant news in health, politics, and culture across Georgia.

Main Theme Overview

This episode covers pivotal events in Georgia as the 2026 legislative session gets underway. Affordability emerges as a central issue for lawmakers, while activists press for progress on civil rights and healthcare. The episode also delves into a tragic deadly incident at Washington State Prison, public health updates on flu and measles, notable political races, and cultural highlights such as an in-depth segment on the legacy of Senator Sam Nunn.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State Legislative Session & Affordability

[00:34 - 01:14]

• The 2026 General Assembly convened, with affordability dominating the agenda.
• House Majority Leader Chuck F. Strachan (R):
  • "It's a big deal right now. I think that increasing inflation, expenses, a lot of times DC Policy is squeezing our wallets here in the state. And so as state legislators, there are limited areas where we can really work to address affordability, and that's where we're bearing down." (00:57)
• Lawmakers aim to tackle homeownership and insurance premium costs.

Activists at the Capitol

[01:27 - 02:01]

• The ACLU of Georgia hosted “Pack the Capitol,” encouraging lawmakers to prioritize constituents’ voices.
• Andrea Young, ACLU Executive Director:
  • "When our legislature listens to the people, listens to the majority, we will have a Georgia that is worthy of the sacrifices of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and Martin and Coretta King." (01:45)
• Advocacy focus: Medicaid expansion, civil, and environmental protections.
• The legislative session runs until early April.

2. Capitol Building Renovations

[02:14 - 02:52]

• Ongoing renovations ($400 million) since 2024 have updated the State Capitol with new HVAC, carpets, chairs, and restoration of gold leaf ceilings.
• House Speaker John Burns:
  • "Our capital, as we all know, is one of the most beautiful capitals in the country. But what the work's been done here just really brings us back to the state of art..." (02:35)
• Renovation expected to continue into the next year.

3. Political Developments

[02:52 - 03:52]

• Seth Clark of Macon enters the race for Georgia Lieutenant Governor as the second Democrat in the primary.
• He will compete against Josh McLaurin; five Republicans are seeking the GOP nomination.
• Clark’s focus: affordability, public schools, and healthcare.

4. Public Health Updates

[03:52 - 04:32]

Measles

• First confirmed measles case in Georgia this year: an infant too young for vaccination, contracted during international travel.
• Most measles cases in recent years traced to unvaccinated people returning from abroad.
• Reporter Sophie Gradis:
  • The public health department is tracking down contacts of the infected baby. (03:52)

Flu

[04:32 - 05:15]

• High levels of flu activity continue; six additional deaths in early January.
• Georgia records the highest number of illnesses from the flu’s top strain (Flu A).
• Most hospitalizations: young children, adults, and middle-aged people.
• Public urged to seek free/low-cost flu vaccines at local health departments.

5. Deadly Altercation at Washington State Prison

[05:15 - 06:03]

• Three killed, twelve hospitalized after incidents at Washington State Prison.
• E.K. May, Washington County Coroner:
  • Reports more deaths than normally seen in a year at the prison.
• One victim, Jimmy Trammell, was days from finishing a 10-year sentence.
• Michelle Lett, Aunt of Jimmy Trammell:
  • "Three days out. We was planning for him to come home. He was glad. He was excited. Every other day he was calling, 'I'm on my way home. I'm on my way home. I can't wait to see y'all. I'm so glad I'm coming home.'" (05:33, repeated from earlier segment 00:23)
• Georgia DOC has not confirmed the incident; the prison was under federal civil rights investigation during the Biden administration.

6. Cultural & Institutional News

[06:03 - 06:35]

• Savannah’s Telfair Museum is reducing its workforce by 15% to stabilize finances, though community outreach and education remain unaffected.

7. Georgia Legends: Senator Sam Nunn

[06:35 - 11:51]

• Upcoming episode of "Georgia Legends" (GPB TV) spotlights Senator Sam Nunn.

• Jeff Hollinger, GPB Host:

  • Praises Nunn’s distinguished career, community roots, and impact on American foreign policy.
  • "It seems as though someone was writing a story about Sam Nunn would be the next American president...But it did not happen." (10:22)
  • Notes Nunn’s teamwork skills and leadership on nuclear arms reduction were shaped by his athletic, small-town Georgian upbringing and crisis experiences like the Cuban Missile Crisis.

• Senator Sam Nunn (recounted by Hollinger):

  • "We were right there in V. Spartan Air Force Base, right at the peak of the danger we thought was the war is going to happen anytime...made a huge impression on me...how short the decision time was, how crucial the decisions were..." (09:13, paraphrased)

• Nunn's legacy includes military expertise, nuclear policy, and personal humility regarding presidential ambitions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chuck F. Strachan (Majority Leader, R): "Increasing inflation, expenses, a lot of times DC Policy is squeezing our wallets here in the state..." (00:57)
• Andrea Young (ACLU): "When our legislature listens to the people, listens to the majority, we will have a Georgia that is worthy of...the sacrifices of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and Martin and Coretta King." (01:45)
• Michelle Lett (Aunt of Prison Victim): "Three days out. We was planning for him to come home..." (05:33)
• Jeff Hollinger (on Sam Nunn): "It seems as though someone was writing a story about Sam Nunn would be the next American president..." (10:22)
• Senator Sam Nunn (recounted): "We were right there... right at the peak of the danger we thought was the war is going to happen anytime made a huge impression on me..." (09:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:34: Start of legislative session, focus on affordability
• 01:27: ACLU’s Pack the Capitol event, advocacy for Medicaid expansion/civil rights
• 02:14: Update on Capitol renovations
• 02:52: Lieutenant Governor race, Seth Clark’s campaign
• 03:52: Measles case in Georgia (Public Health)
• 04:32: Flu update & resources
• 05:15: Washington State Prison deaths and victim’s family testimony
• 06:03: Telfair Museum job cuts
• 06:35 - 11:51: Segment on Senator Sam Nunn’s legacy with Jeff Hollinger

Overall Tone and Style

The episode remains journalistic, factual, and empathetic, featuring both policy discussion and human stories. Short news pieces alternate with longer, more reflective interviews and testimonials, maintaining GPB’s reputation for in-depth, community-focused reporting.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview and highlights the main events, voices, and nuances from the podcast episode for listeners who want to stay informed without hearing the full broadcast.