Politically Georgia

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

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut have an exclusive interview with U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. The Democrat shares how he plans to navigate the Trump presidency as a member of the Senate minority and discusses his efforts to protect Georgia’s treasured Okefenokee swamp. We then shift from Washington to the state capitol to speak with state Senator Jason Esteves. Esteves outlines what’s next for Georgia Democrats and previews the key legislation expected in the upcoming legislative session.   Links to today’s topics:Jon Ossoff wants a second term in Georgia. He plans to work with Donald TrumpHouse signs off on military spending bill with ban on gender-affirming careThe federal government wants to grow the Okefenokee. Should it aim even bigger?  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

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, questions about his impact on the nation and his policy agenda are front and center. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut talk with Rick Wilson, a co-founder of the Lincoln Project and a celebrated political strategist, about the future of the anti-Trump movement and his views on what lies ahead for the nation. Wilson, author of the bestseller Everything Trump Touches Dies, shares his thoughts on the challenges facing Trump critics as the new administration takes shape.Later, we turn to President-elect Trump’s latest statements on immigration. Charles Kuck, one of the nation’s leading immigration attorneys, joins us to discuss Trump’s claims about ending birthright citizenship, deploying U.S. troops to target undocumented immigrants, and the broader implications for immigration policy.  Links to today’s topics:With Trump administration looming, Georgia immigrants prepare for the worstBook review: “Everything Trump Touches Dies” by Rick WilsonBook review: Running Against the Devil" by Rick WilsonAJC: With Trump administration looming Georgia immigrants prepare for the worst 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

Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick is sparking debate with his call for the U.S. House to reconsider spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut speak with Congressman McCormick about his controversial statement and the GOP allies backing potential cuts to these social safety net programs.Next, AJC reporter Mark Niesse joins the show to discuss how a new state law is transforming Georgia’s hemp industry. While some retailers are thriving, others are struggling under the law’s impact on how hemp products are sold and consumed.Finally, Patricia and Greg bring updates from the Biennial Institute, the three-day session in Athens where Georgia’s new and returning lawmakers gather to prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Links to today’s topics:Georgia congressman eyes "third rail" of American politicsGeorgia law makes hemp more legit with age and testing requirementsGeorgia House speaker talks 2025 agenda, from trans sports to Medicaid expansionTransgender Georgians brace for new restrictions under TrumpActivists urge legislators to abandon focus on transgender youth 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

Transgender rights have emerged as a key topic in national and state politics, sparking passionate debate on both sides of the aisle. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell explore how transgender issues, including healthcare and participation in sports, are shaping Georgia’s legislative and political landscape.We speak with Dr. Jason Schneider, a metro Atlanta physician who provides gender-affirming care for adults, to gain a better understanding of the medical procedures involved in gender transitioning. Conservative advocate Cole Muzio shares his views on proposed legislation to ban transgender treatments for minors and restrict transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports.Finally, Democratic Senator Sally Harrell, the mother of a transgender child, discusses the personal and political dimensions of these issues and offers her perspective on the role transgender rights will play in the state’s future. Links to today’s topics:Speaker Jon Burns says he supports measure to ban transgender grils from participating in women's sportsActivists urge legislators to abandon focus on transgender youthFrom the 2023 session: Senate bill bans some care for transgender youth 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

President-elect Trump has chosen two prominent Georgians—former Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler—to join his administration. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut explore what these appointments mean for Georgia and the political dynamics in Washington.We also turn to Congress, where lawmakers are scrambling to fund the government before the Christmas deadline. Congressman Buddy Carter joins us to share insights on the fight for Hurricane Helene relief and the challenges ahead.Meanwhile, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis faces a new legal hurdle as she’s ordered to turn over documents from her election interference investigation. AJC reporter Tamar Hallerman provides the latest on the case against Trump and whether it’s running out of steam as he prepares to return to the White House.Finally, it’s Friday, so we’re answering your questions from the listener mailbag and giving you our who’s up and who’s down for the week. Links to today’s topics:Georgia’s governor requests $12.2 billion in federal aid for Hurricane HeleneFulton DA Fani Willis ordered to turn over records of Georgia Trump investigationTrump taps David Perdue as U.S. ambassador to China 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

Former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler is heading to Washington to lead the Small Business Administration under the Trump Administration. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut examine what Loeffler’s appointment means for Georgia politics and the 2026 governor’s race.We also speak with state Rep. Tim Fleming about the recently announced $6 billion federal loan that could jumpstart construction on the long-delayed Rivian electric vehicle plant in his district. Fleming shares his insights on what this development could mean for Georgia’s economy.Finally, we turn to the Democratic Party’s next steps following their losses in November. DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry, a self-described progressive, offers his perspective on how Democrats should regroup and redefine their approach moving forward.  Links to today’s topics:Donald Trump picks Kelly Loeffler as head of the Small Business AdministrationAfter months of uncertainty, Rivian’s Georgia plant appears primed to restartGeorgia’s House speaker wants to ban transgender girls from women’s sportsNew audit could reignite debate about Georgia’s school funding formulaHave 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

Georgia Democrats are grappling with the future of their party after Donald Trump’s convincing 120,000-vote win in the state this year. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell speak with Jason Carter, the Democratic nominee for governor a decade ago, about how the party can rebuild and whether he sees himself stepping back into the political arena.The conversation also turns to education policy as Georgia lawmakers prepare for their next session. AJC education reporter Martha Dalton joins us to discuss whether legislators will take on the challenge of revising the state’s 40-year-old funding formula for public schools, addressing long-standing concerns about chronic underfunding. Links to today’s topics:Here are some things to know about Jason CarterA passing of the torch from one Carter to the next at DNCSpeaker Jon Burns wants to ban transgender girls from women's sportsEducators prepare for how school policies could change under TrumpTransgender Georgians brace for new restrictions under President-elect TrumpNew audit could reignite debate about Georgia’s school funding formula 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

President Joe Biden faces bipartisan criticism for his decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, reversing earlier statements that he wouldn’t intervene. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut are joined by trial lawyer Lester Akin-Tate to break down the legal and political implications of Biden’s controversial move.Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is shaking up his administration as he prepares for his return to the White House. We’ll look at Trump’s decision to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray with a new loyalist and analyze what this means for his next term.Finally, Georgia’s 2026 race for governor is heating up as Attorney General Chris Carr officially announces his campaign. We’ll explore his entry into the race and consider other potential candidates who may soon declare their intentions.  Links to today’s topics:Biden's broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacyTrump's FBI pick has plans to reshape the bureau. This is what Kash Patel has said he wants to doGeorgia’s Chris Carr is already running for governor. Is it too soon?  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