Politically Georgia

On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy cover the historic convergence of Donald Trump’s return to the White House on the same day as the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. We discuss what to expect as President-elect Trump begins his term with a series of executive orders, including action on immigration and the expected pardoning of January 6th defendants. We also analyze the Georgians who will serve as key allies, staff, and advisers in Trump’s administration and how prominent Georgia Democrats are preparing to navigate the new political landscape following their November losses. As a special Politically Georgia podcast bonus, Bill Nigut speaks with Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., about the significance of this year’s inauguration coinciding with the King holiday and her reflections on her father’s legacy in today’s political climate.   Links to today’s topics:Georgia prepares for Trump’s return to powerA Trump convoy from Atlanta settles into suburban DC RV park for inaugurationBernice King reflects on Trump's inauguration falling on MLK JR. DayHonor MLK’s birthday at these Atlanta events   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

Governor Brian Kemp made it clear in his State of the State address that his top priority for the 2025 legislative session is passing a bill to limit civil lawsuits and cap massive jury awards. Kemp even hinted he’s prepared to call a special session if lawmakers don’t pass the measure before sine die. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein analyze the highlights of Kemp’s speech and what it means for the session ahead.Before Kemp’s speech, tensions flared when Georgia Senator Colton Moore was blocked from entering the House chamber, leading to a scuffle with House officials and Moore being arrested and led away in handcuffs. We’ll explain what led to the confrontation and its political implications.Plus, with Washington gearing up for Donald Trump’s second inauguration, we break down the latest exclusive AJC poll results revealing how Georgia voters feel about the president-elect’s return to power. Links to today’s topics:Highlights of Kemp state of state address Kemp vows to pass bill curbing "excessive" lawsuits one way or another Far right state senator barred from trying to enter state House Speaker Burns faces bipartisan pushback for banning senator from House chamber in advance of state of state 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

Governor Brian Kemp is set to deliver his annual State of the State address, where he’s expected to highlight his push for limits on civil lawsuit awards and reveal more details on a proposed $1 billion investment in Georgia’s infrastructure. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut and Riley Bunch preview Kemp’s legislative priorities for the 2025 session. We’ll also explore how Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ collaborative relationship with Governor Kemp has improved city-state dynamics, a sharp contrast to the tense relationship Kemp had with former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch joins us to break down how this partnership is benefiting both Atlanta and Georgia. Plus, the New Georgia Project—a voting rights group founded by Stacey Abrams—has agreed to pay $300,000 to settle allegations that it funded Abrams' first gubernatorial campaign without proper disclosure. We’ll discuss what this settlement means for the future of the once-prominent Democratic organization.  Links to today’s topics:What to expect from Brian Kemp’s State of the State addressFar-right Georgia lawmaker says he will flout House ban to attend Kemp speechGeorgia voters expect strong economy under Trump, but are anxious about tariffsHow Andre Dickens and Brian Kemp reset city-state relationsStacey Abrams group to pay largest fine for campaign violations in Georgia history  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 the 2025 Georgia legislative session begins, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution conducted an exclusive poll to gauge how Georgians feel about the major issues lawmakers are set to debate. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell analyze the poll results with the AJC’s Maya T Prabhu and discuss what they reveal about voter priorities for this session. Plus, the U.S. Senate is preparing to take up the Laken Riley Act, named after the Georgia nursing student tragically killed by an undocumented immigrant. The bill has sparked debate among Democrats, yet it’s receiving notable bipartisan support—with Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath voting in favor and Senator Jon Ossoff announcing his support. We’ll explore the political dynamics surrounding the  measure.   Links to today’s topics:AJC poll: voters say discrimination against transgender people is high, but back restrictive measuresAJC poll: Georgians worry abiut being targeted for gun violence but don't support new gun safety measuresSpeaker Jon Burns supports protection for use of IVFVotes on Laken Riley Act show shift in Georgia Democrats' thinking on immigrationSenate hearing schedule for Trump nominees  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 Georgia’s legislative session continues, business leaders gathered at the annual Eggs & Issues breakfast to hear from Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and House Speaker Jon Burns. Politically Georgia’s Greg Bluestein checks in with hosts Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy with highlights from the event and the key priorities lawmakers are setting this year.Meanwhile, the Georgia Senate has voted to extend the special committee investigating Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her handling of the Trump election interference case. AJC senior reporter Tamar Hallerman explains the latest developments in this ongoing conflict.Plus, we’ll dive into special counsel Jack Smith’s claim that Donald Trump would have been convicted of election interference if not for his victory, and why former Congressman Doug Collins’s cabinet confirmation hearing is on hold.  Links to today’s topics:Kemp to dole out extra $50 million in Georgia school security grantsTrump picks former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins to run Veterans AffairsGeorgia Senate revives panel investigating Fulton DA Fani Willis 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’s lawmakers are back under the Gold Dome for the start of the 2024 legislative session, and Politically Georgia is live from the Georgia State Capitol. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy bring you the latest as lawmakers begin 40 days of critical debate.Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones joins the podcast to talk about Democratic priorities this session and how the party plans to recover after November’s tough losses.We also highlight the rising political figures to watch this session as they build momentum for future statewide races.Plus, Governor Brian Kemp is set for a high-profile week, addressing business leaders at the Eggs and Issues breakfast and preparing for his State of the State address.  Links to today’s topics:Georgia Legislature convenes with a more diverse crop of lawmakersWhat to watch for as the Georgia legislative session beginsYour guide to the 2025 session of the Legislature 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

Jon Burns, Georgia House Speaker, outlines the Republican agenda for the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing Medicaid, school safety, and IVF protections. Michelle Au, a Democratic state Representative, shares her vision and priorities for her party after recent election losses. They dive into issues like gun safety and mental health, and discuss the implications of strict abortion laws. Tensions and opportunities for bipartisanship are highlighted as both parties prepare for a pivotal 40 days under the Gold Dome.

Today marks the conclusion of memorial services for Jimmy Carter, the Georgia peanut-farmer-turned-president, as he is laid to rest. On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell provide coverage of the state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where Carter will be eulogized by his grandson Jason Carter and President Joe Biden, with a homily by former UN Ambassador Andrew Young.We also guide you through the final leg of Carter’s journey as his remains are flown back to Georgia for a private funeral service in Plains, where he will be buried alongside his beloved wife, Rosalynn, at their family home.   Links to today’s topics:Full coverage: Jimmy Carter 1924-2024   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

Jimmy Carter’s final journey continued yesterday as a horse-drawn caisson carried his remains to the U.S. Capitol. During a moving memorial service in the Rotunda, House and Senate leaders honored the selfless life of service lived by Georgia’s only U.S. president. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy reflect on the day’s tributes and the significance of the event.Tia shares her interviews with the deans of Georgia’s congressional delegation, Democrat Sanford Bishop and Republican Austin Scott, who attended the Capitol memorial and reflected on Carter’s lasting legacy.Plus, the U.S. House has passed with bipartisan support the Lakin Riley Act, named in honor of the UGA nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it will test the positions of Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock on tightening laws for immigrants who commit crimes while in the country illegally. Links to today’s topics:Nation begins goodbye as Jimmy Carter lies in state at U.S. CapitolJimmy Carter funeral procession moves from Georgia to D.C.: Live updates recapBill named after Laken Riley is first to be passed in U.S. House this yearPatricia Murphy: Washington finally gives Jimmy Carter the respect he deserved all along  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 Georgia GOP has unanimously voted to expel former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, barring him from running as a Republican in Georgia. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy speak with Duncan about his response to this decision and what it means for his political future.Later, WABE contributor and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joins us to discuss what Georgians can expect from President-elect Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. Robinson also shares his perspective on the key legislative issues likely to dominate the upcoming session under the Gold Dome.Finally, we provide an update on the memorial plans for President Jimmy Carter, whose remains will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Hear about the eulogies and tributes from national leaders as the country prepares to honor Georgia’s only U.S. president.  Links to today’s topics:Georgia GOP expels Geoff Duncan after his support of Kamala HarrisHere’s what a second Trump administration could mean for GeorgiaCarter service at U.S. Capitol delayed by weather, VP Harris to attend   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