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.”  

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 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 package

Congress in disarray as Georgians press for disaster relief

Court ruling another blow to Fani Willis in a year of setbacks

Key players weigh in on Fani Willis' disqualification from Trump election 

conspiracy case

Georgia 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.”   

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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 built

Georgia AG Chris Carr launches GOP campaign for governor, kicking off 2026 race

Details 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.”   

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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 drama

Congress unveils funding deal with more than $100 billion in disaster aid

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.”    

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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 world

Georgia’s insurance chief is getting ready to challenge Jon Ossoff. That’s if Brian Kemp doesn’t

Patricia 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.”    

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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 Belgium

The 90/10 cost split in the Medicaid expansion argument

Lawmakers struggle to reach deal to avert government shutdown

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.”    

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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 healthcare

Manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer Meets Unexpected Obstacle: Sympathy for the Gunman

ValuePenguin: Worst insurance companies for paying claims

KFF News: Cost of Health Insurance

Gerogia 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.”   

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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 Trump

House signs off on military spending bill with ban on gender-affirming care

The 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.”   

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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 worst

Book review: “Everything Trump Touches Dies” by Rick Wilson

Book review: Running Against the Devil" by Rick Wilson

AJC: 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.”    

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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 politics

Georgia law makes hemp more legit with age and testing requirements

Georgia House speaker talks 2025 agenda, from trans sports to Medicaid expansion

Transgender Georgians brace for new restrictions under Trump

Activists 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.”    

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