Georgia Today Podcast — February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Georgia Today, hosted by Orlando Montoya, covers a range of urgent and compelling stories relevant to the state: a new case of measles in Bryan County, teacher support for a school cell phone ban, a candlelight vigil for people detained by ICE in Athens, an in-depth discussion about predatory practices around pelvic mesh lawsuits, significant community park funding, a possible change to HOPE Scholarship drug conviction restrictions, and local sports news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Another Measles Case Confirmed in Bryan County

• [00:42] The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed a new measles case in an unvaccinated resident of Bryan County. The individual had recently traveled out of state but not internationally.
• The agency is now notifying potential contacts.
• This second case follows a January incident involving a baby too young for vaccination.
• In 2025, Georgia recorded 10 confirmed cases.

2. Teachers Overwhelmingly Support School Cell Phone Ban

• [01:46] Researchers at Georgia Southern University surveyed roughly 3,000 teachers statewide, revealing that about 90% support the current ban on cell phones for grades K-8—and would also support extending the ban to high schools.
• Dr. Abraham Flanagan highlights the impact of devices:

  "The collective sentiment that was expressed is something needs to be done...the devices are interfering with teaching and interfering with learning...the current approach...just doesn't seem to be working." — Abraham Flanagan ([02:42])

• The issue extends to chronic absenteeism: 1 in 5 students in Georgia is “chronically absent”—devices contribute to being “cognitively absent” even when physically present.

3. Athens Vigil for People Detained by ICE

• [03:47] A coalition of religious groups gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor those detained and those who have died in ICE detention. Candles were lit, songs sung, and names read aloud.
• Jo Beth Allen, United Methodist church member, shared a poignant story:

  "Her husband paid her bond but it was too late. ICE took her to Stuart Detention center, then deported her to Guatemala. She is frantic to be reunited with her baby to be able to breastfeed her child." — Jo Beth Allen ([04:07])

• The vigil also featured readings from the Bible, Torah, Quran, and other holy books about compassion for immigrants.

4. Trial Update for Apalachee High School Shooting

• [04:34] The mother of the accused shooter Colt Gray testified in Colin Gray’s (her estranged husband's) trial. She described a chaotic home life and said she urged Colin to lock up firearms. The case centers on whether Colin Gray is responsible for giving his son access to the weapon.

5. Georgians Mark Fourth Anniversary of War in Ukraine

• [05:31] Ukrainian community members in Georgia commemorate the ongoing conflict, expressing pain at the loss and lack of progress.

  "We don't see in the news Ukraine here anymore... my neighbors are wondering how is it going over there? And that's why I don't want to say we lost hope, but it does look like there is no light in the end of the tunnel at this moment." — Ulyana Gonzales ([05:31])

• Despite the hardships, organizing relief and talking to young people keeps spirits up.

6. $3 Million in Grants for Park Improvements

• [06:39] Nonprofit Park Pride announced 19 new community-initiated park improvement projects in Atlanta and DeKalb County.
  • 60% of the $3.5 million in grants will serve historically disinvested neighborhoods.
  • Andrew White of Park Pride emphasized the priority:

    "Whether it's bicycle connectivity or parents pushing strollers or ADA accessibility, access is something that is a big need and desire from communities." — Andrew White ([07:07])

• Projects will include trail extensions, new spaces, and crucial improvements to safety and signage.

7. Inside the Pelvic Mesh Lawsuit Scandal ("The Pain Brokers")

• [07:53] Interview with Elizabeth Chambly Burch about her new book, The Pain Brokers, exposing a troubling web of doctors, lawyers, and lenders exploiting women harmed by pelvic mesh implants.
• How the scheme worked: Via data breaches and cold calls, women with mesh implants were convinced (sometimes under false pretenses) to undergo risky removal surgeries for profit.

  "They told them, you have a ticking time bomb in you...You have to come to South Florida immediately... These mesh doctors end up removing five of these in a day... One of the doctors bragged to me, hey, I'd rip these out in 15 minutes." — Elizabeth Chambly Burch ([09:20]–[10:09])

• Many signed complex medical, legal, and financial consent forms—often without understanding the ramifications.

  "They were filling out medical consent forms. But hidden...was also an attorney client retainer agreement, as well as a lien against a future settlement." — Burch ([11:22])

• Many women lost settlement money to middlemen, with some even chased for further payments.
• The story is exemplified through "Jerry" of Arkansas, whose life was ruined by the unnecessary surgery.
• Burch describes the "seedy underbelly" of mass tort litigation:

  "All of these guys were there...celebrating having sold all of these thousands of women's claims to another law firm for $40 million. They went on to buy...platinum toe rings and oxblood red alligator boots...you just, you can't make up the outrageousness of this stuff." — Burch ([14:54])

8. Retirement of State Representative Lynn Smith

• [16:01] Lynn Smith, chair of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee and a legislative force on environmental issues, will retire at year’s end after 30 years.

9. Closure of Iconic Athens Restaurant

• [16:50] Weaver D's, the soul food landmark memorialized by R.E.M.'s album Automatic for the People, will close after nearly 40 years.

10. Legislation to Expand HOPE Scholarship Access

• [17:38] House Bill 206 would allow students with personal-use marijuana convictions to remain eligible for the HOPE Scholarship.

  "This would be a moderate step in the right direction...to put us in federal standings with the Pell Grant and FAFSA." — Rep. Eric Bell ([17:51])

• The bill awaits approval from the House Committee on Higher Education.

11. Sports Update: Peyton Glavin Joins the Braves

• [18:27] The Atlanta Braves signed Peyton Glavin, son of Hall of Famer Tom Glavin, to a minor league deal. He is expected to report to AA Columbus.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "The collective sentiment... is the devices are interfering with teaching and interfering with learning." — Dr. Abraham Flanagan ([02:42])
• "She is frantic to be reunited with her baby to be able to breastfeed her child." — Jo Beth Allen ([04:07])
• "We don't see in the news Ukraine here anymore...I don't want to say we lost hope, but it does look like there is no light in the end of the tunnel at this moment." — Ulyana Gonzales ([05:31])
• "One of the doctors bragged to me, hey, I'd rip these out in 15 minutes." — Elizabeth Chambly Burch ([10:09])
• "They went on to buy...platinum toe rings and oxblood red alligator boots...you can't make up the outrageousness of this stuff." — Elizabeth Chambly Burch ([14:54])
• "This would be a moderate step in the right direction..." — Rep. Eric Bell ([17:51])

Important Timestamps

• 00:42 — Measles case update
• 01:46 — Teacher support for phone ban, Dr. Flanagan’s analysis
• 03:47 — Athens ICE vigil
• 04:34 — Apalachee High School shooting trial update
• 05:31 — Ukrainian community’s reflections on the war anniversary
• 06:39 — Park Pride community grants
• 07:53 — The Pain Brokers interview (pelvic mesh lawsuit scandal)
• 16:01 — Rep. Lynn Smith’s retirement
• 16:50 — Weaver D’s closing
• 17:38 — HOPE Scholarship expansion proposal
• 18:27 — Braves sign Peyton Glavin

This episode offers a powerful cross-section of local news, health concerns, policy debates, human stories, and investigative reporting—making it essential listening for anyone looking to stay informed about Georgia’s people, politics, and communities.