Legislative session begins; Savannah historic preservation; Giuliani held in contempt

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: January 13, 2025

Host: Peter Biello
Publisher: Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) News
Episode Title: Legislative Session Begins; Savannah Historic Preservation; Giuliani Held in Contempt

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1. Georgia's 2025 Legislative Session Kicks Off

The 158th Georgia General Assembly commenced on January 13, 2025, marking the beginning of a pivotal legislative session headed by House Speaker John Burns and Senate Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones.

Key Highlights:

• Opening Ceremonies:

  • John Burns (House Speaker) formally opened the House of Representatives:

    "[00:47] For convening the 158th General Assembly, as prescribed by the constitution of the state of Georgia, has arrived."

  • Burt Jones (Lt. Governor) convened the Senate.

• Legislative Priorities:

  • Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch emphasized the focus on farm and hurricane relief:

    "[01:16] ...farm relief and the hurricane relief in South Georgia is going to be a pretty important part of our legislative session this year."

  • Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones highlighted the Democrats' emphasis on expanding healthcare:

    "[01:31] ...we can expand health care for working families."

• Session Duration and Context:
  The Legislature is set to meet for 40 days in the coming months, initiating an election cycle where voters will soon choose the governor and other statewide officials.

Reporter: Sarah Kalis provided in-depth coverage, noting the session's unofficial kickoff at the annual Wild Hog Dinner in Atlanta, designed to raise funds for hunger prevention.

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2. Controversy Surrounds Property Tax Relief Law HB581

Georgia lawmakers approved HB581 last year with bipartisan support, aimed at providing property tax relief to homeowners. However, the law includes an opt-out provision for local governments, leading to significant debate.

Key Points:

• Local Opt-Outs:
  Some local officials argue that opting out could lead to a substantial decrease in revenue necessary for funding schools and other essential services.

• Public Reaction:
  At an Augusta Commission meeting, former Mayor Bob Young criticized proposals to exclude Richmond County:

  "[02:42] I just don't understand why anyone would consider taking the voices of 48,000 Richmond Countyans and tossing them away. Saying what you said doesn't count. What you said doesn't matter. That's not voter suppression. It's voter nullification."

• Decision Deadline:
  Local governments have until the end of February to decide on their stance. If they opt out, the law remains in effect for the next 50 years unless changed.

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3. Savannah Historic Preservation Initiatives

Historic Savannah Foundation is spearheading efforts to preserve lesser-known historic properties across Savannah by launching an Endangered Places list.

Highlights:

• Call to Public:
  The foundation is soliciting nominations from residents to identify buildings at risk of neglect or demolition.

• Insights from Leadership:
  Ellie Isaacs, Director of Preservation, explained the initiative:

  "[03:20] The first ever Endangered Places list will roll out later this year... trying to get a feel for lesser known properties that have fallen through the cracks of historic preservation."

  Harold Jones added enthusiasm about uncovering hidden histories:

  "[03:41] You can drive by a place and not even know the history or the stories that it has. And I think that's like the most exciting part."

• Launch Timeline:
  The Endangered Places list is expected to be announced in the spring, with nominations accepted via the Historic Savannah Foundation's website.

Reporter: Benjamin Payne provided detailed reporting from Savannah.

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4. Atlanta's One Safe City Program Shows Positive Results

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and public safety officials reported significant improvements in the city's crime statistics, attributing success to the One Safe City program.

Key Achievements:

• Reduced Crime Rates:

  • Harold Jones noted decreases in vehicle theft, homicide, robbery, and property crime for 2024.

• Alternative Programs:
  Emphasis on non-policing strategies such as diversion services, community interventions, and youth employment initiatives has been pivotal.

• Youth Engagement Success:
  Teresa Austin Gibbons, Interim Atlanta Labor Commissioner, highlighted the impact of job matching programs:

  "[04:14] ...engaged over 5,000 young Atlantans, reducing youth crime by 23%. Arrests among 14 to 17-year-olds dropped by nearly 200."

• Neighborhood Impact:
  Zone 3, encompassing Southeast Atlanta neighborhoods like Mechanicsville and Peoplestown, experienced the most significant crime reductions since 2023.

Reporter: Amanda Andrews covered the developments in Atlanta.

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5. Rudy Giuliani Held in Contempt for Defamation

Former New York City Mayor and Trump ally, Rudy Giuliani, was found in contempt of court for perpetuating false claims about two former Georgia election workers, Shay Moss and Ruby Freeman.

Case Details:

• Defamation Judgment:
  A jury awarded Moss and Freeman a $148 million defamation judgment against Giuliani.

• Contempt Finding:
  The federal judge in Washington, D.C., U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, ruled Giuliani violated court orders preventing him from defaming the women:

  "[05:01] The federal judge... warned Giuliani that future violations could result in jail time."

• Legal Implications:
  This ruling marks the second conviction of Giuliani last week, underscoring the legal consequences of his continued spread of misinformation.

Additional Context:
As Warner Court proceedings continue, Giuliani faces heightened scrutiny for his actions against election workers, reflecting broader tensions surrounding election integrity narratives.

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6. Additional News Highlights

Flag Display During Inauguration:

• President-elect expressed concerns about maintaining flag half-staff status.
• Following President Joe Biden's order to honor former President Jimmy Carter, discussions arose about future flag protocols during inaugurations.

Walmart Recalls Chicken Broth:

• Walmart is recalling 48-ounce cartons of Great Value family-sized chicken broth sold in 242 stores across nine states, including Georgia.
• FDA Report:
  Packaging issues may cause spoilage, potentially affecting over 2,000 cases with shelf lives extending to March 2026.

Passing of Wilbur Gamble:

• Terrell County mourns Wilbur Gamble, a respected peanut farmer and the longest-serving County Commission Chairman in Georgia history, passing at age 90.
• Known as the "Peanut Man," Gamble held the commission chairmanship for over five decades without missing a regular meeting.

Macy's Store Closures:

• Macy's announced the closure of three stores in Duluth and Suwanee, part of a larger reorganization affecting 66 locations across 22 states.

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Expansion:

• The hospital unveiled a new $150 million trauma and critical care tower, marking the first phase of a comprehensive emergency room renovation.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Broadcasts:

• Details released on viewing options for 26 of 30 spring training games:
  • FanDuel Sports Network to broadcast seven games.
  • Gray Media will cover ten games, including the Top Prospect game.
  • Remaining games available for free streaming on Braves.com, MLB TV, and the MLB app.

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Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today provided a comprehensive overview of significant developments in Georgia's legislative landscape, historic preservation efforts, public safety advancements, and high-profile legal cases. Additionally, listeners were informed about local business updates, healthcare advancements, and sports broadcasting plans, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on the events shaping the state.

For more detailed coverage, visit gpb.org/News or subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast to stay updated on future episodes.

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This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights presented in the January 13, 2025, episode of Georgia Today. All quotes are attributed accurately with corresponding timestamps.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today podcast from GPB News. Today is Monday, January 13th. I'm Peter Biello. On today's episode, Georgia's 2025 legislative session gets underway. Savannah asks the public to help identify more historic buildings, and former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani is found in contempt of court. These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia today. Georgia's 2025 legislative session got underway today. Georgia House Speaker John Burns gaveled in the state House of Representatives, I like doing that. And in the state Senate, Lt. Governor Burt Jones convened its members time.

[John Burns]

For convening the 158th General assembly, as prescribed by the constitution of the state of Georgia, has arrived.

[Peter Biello]

Lawmakers arrive with a long list of priorities for their constituents. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports on the session's unofficial kickoff.

[Sarah Kalis]

Last night, lawmakers attended the annual Wild Hog Dinner in Atlanta to raise money for hunger prevention and celebrate the start of the legislative session. Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch says he's excited to get work done under the.

[John Burns]

Gold Dome, but we do believe that the farm relief and the hurricane relief in South Georgia is going to be a pretty important part of our legislative session this year.

[Sarah Kalis]

Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones says Democrats will also prioritize hurricane relief and health care.

[Peter Biello]

One of the things we're always going to be shooting for is to make.

[Harold Jones]

Sure we can expand health care for working families.

[Sarah Kalis]

The legislators will meet at the State Capitol for a total of 40 days over the next few months. For GPB news, I'm Sarah Kalis in Atlanta.

[Peter Biello]

The Legislature convenes at the start of an election cycle in which the governor's office and many statewide positions will be chosen by voters in 2026. You'll find daily in depth legislative coverage and reports on the issues and people that affect your Life. On the 55th season of GPB's, lawmakers tune into lawmakers on your GPB TV station each evening at 7. On days the Legislature is in session. Local boards, commissions and councils across Georgia are deciding if they want to opt out of a new Georgia law aimed at property tax relief for homeowners. State lawmakers approved HB581 last year with broad bipartisan support, and voters overwhelmingly backed it on the November ballot. But some local officials are warning of a drastic drop in revenue to fund schools and other local needs if they don't take advantage of an opt out in the law. At an Augusta Commission meeting today, former Augusta Mayor Bob Young blasted a proposal to exclude Richmond county from the law.

[John Burns]

I just don't understand why anyone would consider taking the voices of 48,000 Richmond Countyans and tossing them away. Saying what you said doesn't count. What you said doesn't matter. That's not voter suppression. It's voter nullification.

[Peter Biello]

Local governments have until the end of February to decide where they stand. As the law is currently written, the decision will remain in Place for 50 years. Historic preservation advocates in Savannah are putting a call out to the public for help identifying properties at risk of falling into disrepair. GPB's Benjamin Payne reports The first ever.

[Ellie Isaacs]

Endangered Places list will roll out later this year from the Historic Savannah Foundation. The nonprofit is trying to get a feel for lesser known properties that have fallen through the cracks of historic preservation. For example, a building well outside the cobblestone streets of Savannah's famed downtown, of which there are many. So, says Ellie Isaacs, the foundation's director.

[Sarah Kalis]

Of preservation, there's history overflowing everywhere.

[Harold Jones]

You know, you can drive by a.

[Sarah Kalis]

Place and not even know the history or the stories that it has. And I think that's like the most exciting part.

[Ellie Isaacs]

Isaac says the first Endangered Places list will likely be announced this spring. Georgians can nominate properties online through the Historic Savannah Foundation's website. For GBP News, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah.

[Peter Biello]

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens joined public safety officials to share the latest crime statistics and updates on the One Safe City program. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports the city is seeing improvements.

[Harold Jones]

According to the Atlanta Police Department, vehicle theft, homicide, robbery and property crime all went down in 2024. The city also highlighted non policing alternatives like diversion services, community intervention and summer youth employment programs. Interim Atlanta Labor Commissioner Teresa Austin Gibbons says matching young people with employers had an impact. This program engaged over 5,000 young Atlantans, reducing youth crime by 23%. Arrest among 14 to 17 year olds dropped by nearly 200. Zone 3, which covers Southeast Atlanta neighborhoods like Mechanicsville and Peoplestown, saw the greatest reduction in crime since 2023. For GPB news, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Peter Biello]

Rudy Giuliani has been found in contempt of court for continuing to spread lies about two former Georgia election workers. That's after a jury awarded the women a $148 million defamation judgment. The federal judge in Washington, D.C. friday became the second last week to find the former New York City mayor and Donald Trump ally in contempt of court. The judge found Giuliani violated court orders barring him from defaming Shay Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman. U.S. district Judge Beryl Howell warned Giuliani that future violations could result in jail time as of today, a large American flag at Donald Trump's private Mar? A Lago Club has been ra to full height. The President elect has expressed frustration that flags will be flying at half staff during his inauguration next week. President Joe Biden ordered flags lowered to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter. It's not the first time flags have been lowered during an inauguration. It happened in 1973 when Richard Nixon was sworn in for a second term shortly after the death of former President Harry Truman. Walmart says customers should throw out a chicken broth product that was sold in stores, mostly in southern states late last year. The retailer has recalled 48 ounce cartons of great value family sized chicken broth that had been sold at 242 stores in nine states, including Georgia. The U.S. food and Drug Administration reported the recall in December. It affects just over 2,000 cases of broth with a shelf life lasting until March 2026. The FDA says the containers had packaging problems that could lead to broth spoiling.

[Amanda Andrews]

We could all use a little help navigating the news these days. The Consider this podcast wants to give you a hand Six days a week will help you make sense of the day's big news story and what it means for you in less than 15 minutes. Listen now to the Consider this podcast from NPR.

[Peter Biello]

Southwest Georgia's Terrell county is mourning the passing of a beloved peanut farmer who became the longest serving County Commission chairman in Georgia history. Wilbur Gamble died at the age of 90. His funeral was set for today. According to his obituary, Gamble was chairman of the Georgia peanut commission for 23 years beginning in 1985, becoming known as the Peanut Man. He was elected to a dozen four year terms as county commission chairman beginning in 1968, reportedly never missing a regular monthly meeting. Three Georgia stores are among 66 Macy's locations the retail giant plans to close. Macy's confirmed last week that a furniture and mattress gallery in Duluth and two full service stores in Duluth and Suwanee, both north of Atlanta, will shutter in the first quarter of this year as part of a company reorganization. The the closures affect stores in 22 states. Albany's Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital cut the ribbon last week on a new $150 million trauma and critical care tower. The hospital said the four story facility will open for patient care on Wednesday. It's the first phase of a project that also promises to completely renovate the current emergency room. In sports, the Atlanta Braves announced details today on how fans can watch spring training games. 26 of 30 spring training games can be viewed through local television, cable or streaming. Beginning with the game against the Tampa Bay Rays on February 23, Braves rights holder FanDuel Sports Network will broadcast seven. Gray Media will broadcast 10, including the second annual Top Prospect game against the Detroit Tigers on March 16. And all remaining home games can be streamed for free directly on braves.com, mLB TV and in the MLB app. That's it for this edition of Georgia Today. If you want to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org News and subscribing is a great idea. That way, we will pop up in your podcast feed automatically tomorrow. Do it now and you won't miss a thing. If you've got feedback, we would love to hear from you. Send it to us by email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.