Politically Georgia

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut continues our coverage of the passing of Jimmy Carter, the only Georgia-born president of the United States. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Jon Meacham joins the podcast to reflect on President Carter’s remarkable life and enduring legacy.We’ll also bring you the latest updates on tributes and funeral arrangements as the nation honors one of its most extraordinary leaders.  Links to today’s topics:Memorial services for Jimmy Carter planned in Plains, Atlanta and DCAt Carter Center, Atlantans bring peanuts, flowers to mourn ‘passing of an era’The life and legacy of the man who had an impact around the world  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut, and Patricia Murphy honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter. From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to his trailblazing political career as governor and U.S. president, and his lifelong humanitarian efforts through The Carter Center, Carter’s impact is profound and enduring.Through archival audio, interviews, and reflections, we explore key moments in his journey—his fight for civil rights, the establishment of the Carter Center, and his legacy of diplomacy and service. We’re joined by political and personal voices, including Carter family members, long-time allies, and leaders who worked alongside him, to offer a heartfelt remembrance of the man known as Georgia’s president and a global humanitarian. Links to today’s topics:Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100Carter Center came to former president in a dreamJimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s long and (mostly) happy marriageA timeline: Ten of Jimmy Carter’s major accomplishmentsCarter’s presidency started well, but stalled amid challengesJimmy Carter’s term as Georgia governor was marked a successJimmy Carter, a man of implacable faith, lived his valuesJimmy, Rosalynn Carter built Habitat for Humanity’s reputationHave a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut walks AJC editorial cartoonist through his remarkable career, from selling insurance door-to-door to his long tenure at the AJC, where he’s won two Pulitzer Prizes for his exceptional work. Links to today’s topics:Recent Luckovich cartoonsThe Luckovich portfolio of cartoons that won the 1995 Pulitzer PrizeThe Luckovich cartoon portfolio that won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special Christmas edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy reflect on a blockbuster political year and answer your top questions from the listener mailbag. We explore the 2024 election cycle, the state Election Board, and what’s next for the economy.We also look ahead to the next legislative session, President-elect Trump’s goals for his new administration, and the potential contenders for Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial race.Finally, producer Natalie Mendenhall sits down with Dr. Drew Westen, a psychologist and professor emeritus at Emory, for guidance on discussing politics with family during the holiday season. Dr. Westen shares expert advice on fostering understanding and keeping conversations productive, whether you’re reaching across the dinner table or the political aisle.Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 The U.S. House has rejected a second attempt to pass a bill that would keep the government funded until next spring, bringing the nation closer to a partial federal shutdown. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Greg Bluestein discuss what this means for Georgia farmers waiting for Hurricane Helene relief and share Governor Kemp’s pointed reaction to the congressional gridlock. AJC Washington correspondent Tia Mitchell joins us with the latest updates from Capitol Hill. We also examine the fallout from a stunning state appeals court ruling disqualifying Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office from prosecuting the 2020 election interference case against Donald Trump and his co-defendants. What happens next? Finally, we dive into your questions from the listener mailbag and share our picks for who’s up and who’s down in politics this week.  Links to today’s topics:38 Republicans join Democrats to reject Trump-approved funding packageCongress in disarray as Georgians press for disaster reliefCourt ruling another blow to Fani Willis in a year of setbacksKey players weigh in on Fani Willis' disqualification from Trump election conspiracy caseGeorgia appeals court removes Fani Willis from Trump election conspiracy case  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In breaking news, the Georgia Court of Appeals has ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office should be removed from the 2020 election interference case. This bombshell decision upends the last remaining criminal case against incoming President Donald Trump. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, and Bill Nigut analyze the implications of the ruling and its impact on Georgia politics.We also explore the latest updates on Atlanta’s police training center, which is nearing completion despite years of controversy. AJC’s Riley Bunch shares insights from her tour of the facility and its anticipated opening.Next, we speak with Attorney General Chris Carr, who has officially launched his campaign for Georgia governor. Carr discusses why he entered the race early and his vision for leading the Peach State.Finally, we break down Congress’s failed funding negotiations, which included over $100 billion in disaster aid. We’ll look at the pressure from President-elect Trump and Elon Musk on Republican lawmakers and assess the chances of avoiding a government shutdown.  Links to today’s topics: Georgia Court of Appeals strips Fulton DA Fani Willis of Trump election interference case Despite years of controversy, Atlanta’s training center is finally builtGeorgia AG Chris Carr launches GOP campaign for governor, kicking off 2026 raceDetails of continuing resolution compromise now scuttled by Trump  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a difference four years make. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell reflect on yesterday’s official meeting of Georgia’s 16 Republican electors at the state Capitol to confirm Donald Trump’s victory. State GOP Chairman Josh McKoon joins us to compare this smooth process to the clandestine alternate electors’ meeting in 2020 that became part of Fulton County’s election conspiracy case.We also bring you the latest from Washington, where Congress is set to approve a funding bill to keep the government running until March. The measure includes $100-billion in relief for farmers hit by Hurricane Helene. Links to today’s topics:Georgia GOP electors formally vote for Trump, in contrast to 2020 dramaCongress unveils funding deal with more than $100 billion in disaster aidHave a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy record from the Georgia State Capitol, where the state’s 16 Republican electors are casting their ballots for Donald Trump. The process cements Georgia’s electoral votes and is expected to proceed smoothly—unlike the contentious events of four years ago.Before that, we sit down with Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King to discuss his political future and weigh in on the ongoing debate about insurance claims following the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.Plus, a Georgia sports legend makes news for a different reason—Herschel Walker has finally donned his cap and gown, celebrating the completion of his college degree.Links to today’s topics:Georgia Republicans will cast electoral votes for Trump in a changed political worldGeorgia’s insurance chief is getting ready to challenge Jon Ossoff. That’s if Brian Kemp doesn’tPatricia Murphy: Way to go, Herschel Walker  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a government shutdown looming, Congress is scrambling to reach a deal before Christmas. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein speak with independent journalist Michael Jones about the weekend’s missed deadline and the prospects for a last-minute agreement.We also turn to the Georgia legislature, where the debate over Medicaid expansion is set to take center stage. Calyee Noggle, president of the Georgia Hospital Association, joins us to discuss what’s at stake for hospitals and patients across the state.Finally, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Bill White, former CEO of the Buckhead City Movement, to a diplomatic post abroad. We’ll explore the role he could play in international negotiations and what his appointment means for Georgia’s political scene. Links to today’s topics:Trump has chosen ex-leader of Buckhead cityhood push to be his ambassador to BelgiumThe 90/10 cost split in the Medicaid expansion argumentLawmakers struggle to reach deal to avert government shutdownHave a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell discuss the shocking murder of insurance executive Brian Thompson in New York City. While the crime itself has no justification, it has brought national attention to mounting frustrations over health insurance companies and their increasing barriers to claim approvals. Andy Miller, editor and CEO of Georgia Health News, joins us to explore these concerns and what they mean for consumers.Plus, it’s Friday, so we’re diving into the listener mailbag to answer your questions and sharing our picks for who’s up and who’s down in Georgia politics this week.  Links to today’s topics:Brian Thompson’s killing sparks outrage over state of US healthcareManhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer Meets Unexpected Obstacle: Sympathy for the GunmanValuePenguin: Worst insurance companies for paying claims KFF News: Cost of Health InsuranceGerogia Health News  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices