Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Main Topics: Winter storm emergency, Ponzi scheme guilty plea, first 2026 measles case in Georgia

Episode Overview

This episode of Georgia Today delivers essential updates on three major stories: a severe winter storm prompting a state of emergency across northern Georgia, a high-profile financial crime case resulting in a guilty plea, and the first confirmed case of measles in Georgia in 2026. The show combines commentary from experts, direct quotes from officials, and field reports by GPB News reporters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Winter Storm Emergency Across North Georgia

• State of Emergency Declared

  • Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency due to a major winter storm threatening at least 30 counties, including Atlanta’s Fulton County ([01:00]).
  • The order allows suspension of truck weight limits for emergency transport and authorizes up to 500 National Guard troops for response ([03:01–03:26]).

• Forecast and Weather Dynamics

  • Dr. Marshall Shepherd, UGA meteorologist, explains the “wedge” phenomenon bringing cold air down from the southern Appalachians and risking sleet/freezing rain along the I-85 corridor ([01:09]):

    • "What's driving our scenario is something called the wedge...a nose or wedge of cold air that dams up against the southern Appalachians and oozes down the I85 corridor from the Carolinas into Georgia." — Dr. Marshall Shepherd ([01:09])

  • Expect precipitation, 20–30 mph winds, and single-digit temps next week ([01:22]).
  • Early online misinformation may lead some to ignore preparations, while others may have outdated info ([01:22]).

• Preparedness Recommendations

  • Officials urge stocking up on essentials: water, non-perishable food, batteries, light sources ([01:59], [02:18]).
  • Drivers are strongly advised to stay off icy roads ([02:40]).
  • Key safety tips:
    • Do not use ovens to heat homes or bring generators inside due to carbon monoxide risk ([02:40]).
    • Emergency Director Josh Lamb emphasizes acting now:

      • "By being ready for the storm, Georgians can do their part in minimizing risk, reducing the time it takes to recover, and most importantly, prevent the loss of life." — Major General Dwayne Wilson ([02:32])

• Logistics and Response

  • National Guard troops are on standby; trucks will pre-treat roads. Coordination is ongoing among state and local agencies ([03:13–03:43]):

    • "Hopefully we won't [need to call up the National Guard], but we just want to be prepared." — Major General Dwayne Wilson ([03:13])

2. First Confirmed Measles Case of 2026 in Georgia

• Case Details & Public Health Response

  • Baby too young for routine measles vaccine is first confirmed case this year ([03:43]).
  • Last year saw 10 measles cases in Georgia ([03:43]).

• Expert Interview: Dr. Andy Shane, Pediatrician

  • Measles is extremely contagious, remaining in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves ([04:14]):

    • "Measles is one of the most contagious viruses...if a person with measles is in a room...the measles virus can continue to be present in the room for up to two hours after the individual leaves." — Dr. Andy Shane ([04:14])

  • Unvaccinated contacts: 8–9 out of 10 will likely contract measles ([04:14]).

• Outbreak Management

  • Detecting exposure leads to extensive public health investigations tracking all places an infected person visited ([05:02]).
  • Quarantine vs. Isolation:
    • Quarantine for those exposed but asymptomatic; isolation if symptoms develop ([05:40]).
    • Duration varies (quarantine may last 3–4 weeks) ([05:40]).

• Vaccine Effectiveness

  • One MMR dose: 93–95% effective; two doses: 97–98% ([06:28]):

    • "With two doses, 97% or so, 98% of the population is immune to measles." — Dr. Andy Shane ([07:01])

  • Importance of being up-to-date on vaccination ([07:27]).
  • If exposure suspected and unvaccinated:
    • Monitor for symptoms, seek care if symptoms develop, call ahead before visiting a clinic ([07:27]):

      • "If your child is unvaccinated...the first thing to do is to monitor for symptoms and if symptoms should develop, then seek medical care...call ahead and notify so that you can be seen in a way that you won't expose other people to the measles virus." — Dr. Andy Shane ([07:27])

3. Legal & Governmental Developments

• Financial Crime: Ponzi Scheme Guilty Plea

  • Georgia financial advisor Todd Burkhalter pleads guilty to wire fraud after bilking over 2,000 people out of $380 million in a Ponzi scheme ([11:21]).
    • Company based in Alpharetta; majority of victims in Atlanta ([11:21]).

• No Prosecution in Georgia Power Notebook Case

  • Former PSC candidate Patty Duran will not be prosecuted for taking a Georgia Power notebook post-meeting; DA Fani Willis says evidence insufficient ([08:36]).

4. Behavioral & Public Health Policy News

• Federal Oversight of Georgia’s Mental Health Care

  • DOJ and Georgia propose ending 16 years of federal supervision; replacement would require housing 537 more individuals via state vouchers ([09:27]):

    • "The 60 behavioral health provisions will be replaced with a single requirement that we house 537 additional individuals in supportive housing." — Commissioner Kevin Tanner ([09:27])

• Supportive Housing Funding in Fulton County

  • $2.1 million approved for supportive housing—covers 2026, not beyond ([10:08]).
  • Housing advocate stresses need for sustained support:

    • "People need stable housing, affordable housing, and so this would be a long term solution..." — Sojourner Marable Grimmon ([10:34])

5. Additional Noteworthy Headlines

• Augusta's Culinary Recognition
  • Chef Todd Schaefer of Abel Brown in Augusta nominated for a James Beard Award, alongside nine Atlanta-area semifinalists ([11:21]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We have to be okay as a culture, as a society with preparing for things...they were mad the tornado didn’t destroy their house because they actually prepared for it." — Dr. Marshall Shepherd ([01:44])

• "If you have not yet prepared for the storm, do it now. That's according to state officials." — Peter Biello ([02:12])

• "So measles is extremely contagious...unvaccinated...eight to nine...will then acquire measles." — Dr. Andy Shane ([04:14])

• "With two doses, 97% or so, 98% of the population is immune to measles." — Dr. Andy Shane ([07:01])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Winter Storm Status & Preparation: [00:31–03:43]
• Measles Case Discussion with Dr. Andy Shane: [03:43–08:35]
• PSC Candidate Legal Update: [08:36]
• Behavioral Health Federal Oversight: [09:27]
• Supportive Housing Funding: [10:08]
• Ponzi Scheme Plea Announcement: [11:21]
• James Beard Award Nomination: [11:21]

Episode Tone and Style

The tone throughout is calm, urgent when appropriate (notably during weather/emergency updates), and informative, with expert interviews and straightforward delivery from reporters and officials.

For more details on these stories, visit gpb.org/news.