Podcast appearances and mentions of burt jones

On this week's Political Breakfast: The campaign for billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson confirmed with WABE he will NOT be part of Monday's Atlanta Press Club debate, in the battle for the Republican nomination in the Georgia governor's race. His opponent, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, is now prepared to face an empty podium on Monday afternoon at 2:45, and answer questions from a panel of journalists alone. He also criticized Jackson for not showing up on social media. Jackson's campaign cited a scheduling conflict: an event with Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. The campaign said in a statement that the APC could not accommodate later dates, so Jackson has accepted Gray TV's invitation to debate on President Trump's birthday, or Flag Day on June 14th, "when runoff voters will be fully engaged and making a decision ahead of Election Day." Meanwhile, Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominated in the May primary with 56 percent of the vote. She will face either Jones or Jackson in November. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, a special "run-off radio" program! Shelley talks runoffs and elections with John F. Kennedy and Greg Dolezal in studio with their future battle for Lt. Gov, Burt Jones for GA Gov, and is continued to be joined by Caroline Bordeaux. As always, listen live weekdays from 7 pm - 9pm on 95.5 WSB.

On today's show, a special "run-off radio" program! Shelley talks runoffs and elections with John F. Kennedy and Greg Dolezal in studio with their future battle for Lt. Gov, Burt Jones for GA Gov, and is continued to be joined by Caroline Bordeaux. As always, listen live weekdays from 7 pm - 9pm on 95.5 WSB.

Ben and Tom discuss Trump's strong primary night with Burt Jones winning in Georgia and Gallrein beating Massie in Kentucky, Trump extending his Iran timeline beyond the prior 2-3 day window, and Target's better-than-expected Q1 resultsJoin our live YouTube stream Monday through Friday at 8:30 AM EST:http://www.youtube.com/@TheMorningMarketBriefingPlease see disclosures:https://www.narwhal.com/disclosure

Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell break down a dramatic primary night in Georgia, where several of the state's biggest races are now headed to high stakes runoffs. They examine Derek Dooley's surprise surge into the GOP Senate runoff against Mike Collins, the outsider message reshaping Republican politics, and why Gov. Brian Kemp remains such a powerful force in the race. The episode also dives into Keisha Lance Bottoms' dominant victory in the Democratic governor's primary, the bruising Republican governor's contest between Burt Jones and Rick Jackson, and what the results say about the direction of Georgia's electorate heading into November. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Morning Xtra with Tug and Los delivers conservative talk on the biggest political, cultural, and news stories of the day. Smart analysis, unapologetic opinions, and real conversations every weekday morning. Every weekday from 6a to 10a! First thing to know: Sarah Warren gets a huge victory / more tax talk The Big Georgia Primary Results that are headed to Runoffs Thomas Massie is out, Ed Gallrein is in Atlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Xtra with Tug and Los delivers conservative talk on the biggest political, cultural, and news stories of the day. Smart analysis, unapologetic opinions, and real conversations every weekday morning. Every weekday from 6a to 10a! The 8 o'clock hour is brought to you by Central Heating & Air, your Atlanta Carrier Experts. 770-GET-HEAT, Centralheat.com First thing to know: Georgia Primary Election Lieutenant Governor Greg Dolezal joins the show after Primary Night in Georgia Atlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Xtra with Tug and Los delivers conservative talk on the biggest political, cultural, and news stories of the day. Smart analysis, unapologetic opinions, and real conversations every weekday morning. Every weekday from 6a to 10a! Greg Dolezal continued Victor Armendariz joins the show Wrapping up the show Atlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off Georgia’s primary election night, Greg Dolezal joins Xtra 106.3 to talk about the Lieutenant Governor runoff, exploding property taxes, government spending, and why voters are frustrated. He also dives into the fight over Georgia data centers, eminent domain, immigration policy, and protecting “Western values.” A wide-ranging and unfiltered political conversation from one of Georgia’s rising Republican voices. Watch The Morning Xtra every weekday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the Xtra 106.3 YouTube or listen on the Xtra 106.3 App

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has secured the Democratic nomination for governor of Georgia after avoiding a runoff in Tuesday's primary election. If elected in November, Bottoms could become Georgia's first Black woman governor and the nation's first Black woman elected governor. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Massie vs Trump. San Diego Mosque Attackers Murder 3. LIRR Strike Deal. Another Buffalo Heartbreaker. Wemby Dazzles.  It's Tuesday, May 19th — a huge primary day in Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Alabama — and 3,557,000 independent Americans are being locked out of the elections deciding their representation. Paul Rieckhoff runs a solo briefing on the closed-primary problem nobody in the rigged two-party system wants to talk about: taxpayer-funded elections, run in public schools by public poll workers, that exclude anyone who refuses to put on a jersey. With 93% of House races and 80% of Senate races already decided by primaries, this isn't a procedural quirk — it's a structural assault on representative democracy. Paul also unpacks the Trump-versus-Tom Massie proxy war in Kentucky, including the Secretary of Defense leaving his post to campaign against a sitting Republican congressman, the Georgia governor's race chaos between Burt Jones and Brad Raffensperger, and Trump's ever-expanding billion-dollar White House construction project that's quietly morphed from a ballroom into something that sounds a lot more like a bunker. He closes with the heroism of Amin Abdullah at the San Diego mosque shooting, a Long Island Railroad strike resolved in workers' favor, and the young helpers showing up across America when it counts. Righteous anger, patriotic hope, and a clear-eyed look at why the independent movement is the only path forward. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump's Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on the show we talk about Thomas Massie, China Spreading Propaganda, Slush Fund, All of Shelley Wynter's Statewide Endorsements of Derek Dooley, Burt Jones, Greg Dolezal, Bill Cowsert, Kelvin King, Mesha Mainor, Charlie Bethel and Sarah Hawkins Warren. Shelley also talks about Atlanta Jazz Fest.

Also, Democrats need to present an alternative to GOP and their own 'status quo' & is there a pattern of campaign finance ethics issues with Bottoms' campaigns?Not only did Brian Kemp call a special session of the General Assembly back to the Gold Dome to address a mess of its own making (mandating the elimination of QR codes from voter ballots), but the already-and-disproportionately gerrymandered state - in his mind - needs another redraw. So what are Democrats to do?Well, for starters, they need to understand that they, as a party, aren't much more popular than the historically unpopular President they're trying to mitigate by retaking the House the November. My goodness, if they could provide clarity by way of a slate of candidates backing a populist message that's centered on the working class, eschewing 'Third Way' "baby steps pragmatism" for a bold visionary agenda, the places they could ascend to!That agenda starts with fixing the way we govern and elect leaders. They include:Uncapping the House. New England California Republicans would love this because they'd finally have representation, and a nation whose voice in the House has been diluted by 1/3 since the 1930s gets its clout back.Eliminate partisan gerrymandering. Racial gerrymandering's supposedly gone, so get rid of partisan gerrymandering to ensure that, and do it before we've drawn ourselves into a civil war. By doing those two things you've already fixed the electoral college, but because it's broken, you have to also uncap the Supreme Court. Grow it to 13 to match the number of US court circuits. Oh, and Set term limits on that court.You can't tell me the American people wouldn't be solidly behind that. Call it "Project 2032" if you need to - so they know it can't be done overnight and that they (we) the voter have to stay on task to ensure we do our part to meet that date to see those accomplishments come to fruition. As Democrats, there'll be some self-inflicted pains in some "blue states," but gains to be made in others. So be it. This is how you grow your brand in places you aren't winning in. - - - I spent most of my show going off on that tangent, but closer to home, there are concerns - and now a filed campaign finance ethics complaint - shedding light on the Keisha Lance Bottoms' gubernatorial campaign. I highlighted a lot of those concerns before the complaint was filed, but this information's readily available for anyone to gather and use against her - including Burt Jones and Rick Jackson. Heck, I got it from a Republican campaign finance wonk. Is this "more baggage" to consider when deciding who Democrats in Georgia should back to be their gubernaotiral nominee? It bears mentioning this isn't the first time such allegations have come up. Then councilwoman Bottoms, when pivoting to a mayoral run, was hit with a $37,000 fine for campaign ethics violations.

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the increasingly volatile race for second place in Georgia's governor's contest, where Democrats are scrambling to emerge as the strongest alternative to Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republicans remain locked in an expensive fight over who can take on Burt Jones. They dig into Michael Thurmond's pitch to cut the state sales tax, why Jason Esteves may be gaining momentum, and why so many Democratic voters remain undecided just days before the primary. Then Greg and Patricia turn to the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, where Josh McLaurin, Nabilah Islam Parkes and Richard Wright are battling for a job that suddenly carries much higher stakes in Georgia politics. They also discuss why a Democratic win in either race could trigger a major power struggle under the Gold Dome. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the May 7 edition: A federal judge says the U.S. Justice Department doesn't have to return Fulton County ballots seized in a January raid; a 2-mile stretch of I-285 will be closed this weekend; and President Donald Trump reiterates his endorsement of Burt Jones for governor.

The Morning Xtra with Tug and Los delivers conservative talk on the biggest political, cultural, and news stories of the day. Smart analysis, unapologetic opinions, and real conversations every weekday morning. Every weekday from 6a to 10a! The 6 o'clock hour is brought to you by Subaru of Gwinnett Kid’s back from college; Candidate Week continues; and Remembering Ted Turner Atlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Xtra with Tug and Los delivers conservative talk on the biggest political, cultural, and news stories of the day. Smart analysis, unapologetic opinions, and real conversations every weekday morning. Every weekday from 6a to 10a! Bill Maher calls out the Left’s name-calling Gubernatorial Candidate Burt Jones joins the show Atlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones joins The Morning Xtra to discuss his run for governor, President Trump’s endorsement, cutting income and property taxes, affordability, school choice, and the future of Georgia’s economy. Jones also weighs in on redistricting, insurance costs, workforce development, AI, and why he believes Georgia is already on the right track. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from his late-night phone call with President Trump and the state of the 2026 race. A wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping Georgia’s future.

Greg Bluestein hosts with Patricia Murphy to dig into the AJC's new polling on Georgia's Republican races for governor and U.S. Senate. They size up Rick Jackson's close contest with Burt Jones, the large share of undecided voters and what the numbers suggest about Donald Trump's influence in the GOP primary. They also weigh Mike Collins' lead in the Senate race, Buddy Carter's attacks and Derek Dooley's challenge in turning Brian Kemp's support into broader momentum. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus Carolyn Bourdeau's seems to dislike her party's gerrymandering response; why? And FRIDAY FUNNIES w/Sterling ThrillNew - and shocking - Democratic gubernatorial polling shows Keisha Lance Bottoms mightn't need worry about a run-off. The Insider Advantage polling of 800 likely Georgia voters (likely split in half by party affiliation but they gave us no in tabs) has Bottoms netting 52% of likely Democratic party voters with only 14% undecided - meaning if correct, there'd be no run-off. It also shows a neck-and-neck race for the GOP nod with Rick "the ick" Jackson and Burt Jones but Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger actually within striking distance and few undecideds there, too. I'm skeptical. - - - Meanwhile, Democrat and former Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux didn't race to pen an op/ed when Trump coaxed mid-decade gerrymanders in red states but is now bemoaning it all now that Democrats have responded. She, Joe Manchin & Kyrsten Sinema should gather for a meal or something. PLUS: my Friday Funnies therapy sesh with good friend, comedian Sterling Thrill.

Greg Bluestein hosts with Patricia Murphy for a look at two major Republican debates in the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series. They break down the sharp exchanges between Burt Jones and Rick Jackson in the governor's race, including attacks over immigration, campaign money and allegations tied to Jones' use of power. Greg and Patricia also examine the Republican U.S. Senate debate, where Buddy Carter and Mike Collins clashed over an ethics complaint while Derek Dooley tried to position himself as an outsider alternative. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show we talk about Trump's fox news poll, East village homeless shelter, Shelleys Endorsement of Burt Jones and the traffic downtown for the weekend.

The Morning Xtra with Tug and Los delivers conservative talk on the biggest political, cultural, and news stories of the day. Smart analysis, unapologetic opinions, and real conversations every weekday morning. Every weekday from 6a to 10a! First thing to know: Do Democrats follow a pattern? Virginia is forgetting about a little thing called the Supremacy Clause Elizabeth Warren’s kind of man Atlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PLUS: Senator Warnock takes more verbal whacks at RFK Jr., and new polling bolsters Bottoms' grip on the Democratic primary . Oh, and Tucker Carlson's a liarThe Democratic Congressional primary in Georgia's 13th Congressional district now features an open seat, as longtime Rep. David Scott suddenly passed away earlier this week at the age of 80, bringing about yet another special election in Georgia this cycle, but also putting a pause on the primary race where many of Scott's opponents saw his age as a liability.Joining for insights into how her campaign may respond, plus provide her condolences, Georgia state representative Dr. Jasmine Clark.Also offering his condolences, Republican former Rep. Tom Price. - - - In Washington, Georgia's Reverand Senator Raphael Warnock had yet another opportunity to pelt Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with plenty of evidence that RFK is unqualified and unserious for the job as head of the Department of Health & Human Services.- - - Got a Keisha Lance Bottoms mailer, so maybe that's where her campaign funds are going? So far, it's still just Jason Esteves on the air, when Rick Jackson or Burt Jones aren't. I bring this all up (again) because even newer poling shows Bottoms' grip on the Democratic primary seems even stronger, and in run-off one-on-one's she still beats the field. While on that race, an internal Georgia Democratic party memo from chair Charlie Bailey evokes "bullishness" on Democrats winning that seat. - - - Not buying the Tucker Carlson apology shtick, but I do know he's just among the handful of rats hopping off the sinking ship. Nor am I giving room to the sudden pearl-clutching from MAGA after Virginia voters voted TO gerrymander (in response to Trump's mid-decade attempt to mitigate his midterm demise).

PLUS: Scott Soracco is a "fighting fifty" Democrat filling an empty ballot slot - but he's aiming to win, JD Vance's poll numbers are on (not in) the couch and GA gubernatorial talk.I've said for years now, the spike in oil and gas prices, and subsequently everything we bought & paid for while Joe Biden wa sin office, was due in large part to one key decision then-President Donald Trump made in 2020. See, then, in April of 2020, while we were all sheltering-in-place and not filling gas tanks, the oil industry was cratering. Many industries were, as you recall, but precious oil had to survive, right? So Trump needled OPEC nations to agree to throttle back production - for two years! (Gift NYT link; enjoy!) That deal lasted through April of 2022, long after his J6 tantrum and exit. Wouldn't you know, inflation only began cooling a month after that deal expired? I revisit this because it's time for Democrats to start reminding people of that deal and to pour cold water on the gaslighting the GOP has gotten away with (and still trots out!) that Trump somehow inherited an affordability crisis when in fact, he sparked it!Once I got that off my chest, I decided to play "pretend," as in "pretend I was on 'NewsNight with Abby Phillip' Monday night as 'cosplay Trump' investment firm CEO Hal Lambert - dressed in Trump suit & tie - played the role of 'Scott Jennings' that night, and needed correcting. Make no mistake: Bakari Sellers, Leigh McGowan and Margaret Donovan, along with Phillip, did a commendable job, but left out a few key barbs I happily supplied in "post-edit." ---Scott Soracco is one of the "Fighting 50" Democratic Georgia candidates who's stepped up to bring voters to the polls for the entire ticket, but hey, it's 2026 - he can actually win State House district 29, so let's hear him out!---Back pretending I'm on the 'NewsNight' set, "we" weigh in on Trump's sacrilegious AI-generated depiction of him as "Doctor Jesus," and MAGA suddenly having issues with faith leaders weighing in on political discussions when it's A) a Catholic (the Pope) and B) contrarian to their worldview. ---Speaking of 'overt political activity,' JD Vance - spending time in Athens, Georgia, this week, also traveling the globe to shill for Viktor Orban likely doesn't help with his poll numbers - per Harry Enten at CNN. ---In the run-up to the Wednesday night WXIA-TV/NextStar Georgia Democratic gubernatorial debate, I instead hovered over Patricia Murphy's latest AJC op/ed, focusing on Rick Jackson v Burt Jones food fight on the right.

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy answer listener questions about a late-session push to make some metro Atlanta elections nonpartisan and the legal fight likely to follow. They also unpack the strategy behind Rick Jackson's ad using praise from Burt Jones and what it reveals about the governor's race. Then Greg sits down with congressional candidate Rob Adkerson, a former top aide to Barry Loudermilk, to discuss his campaign, views on Congress and foreign policy, and how he would represent a solidly Republican district. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the final days of the legislative session from the Capitol, starting with a push to expand Georgia's school cellphone ban to high schools. Greg and Patricia speak with state Rep. Scott Hilton, who makes the case for the bell-to-bell ban and outlines how schools would phase it in. They also examine the broader education agenda, including a literacy overhaul and tensions between the House and Senate. Then they dig into accusations that Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is stalling legislation tied to the governor's race and what it signals about power struggles under the Gold Dome. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of Americans will take part in the third 'No Kings Day' multi-pronged protest today, and yet there are those who question the efficacy. "The needle isn't moving" said one Substack scribe, and she's not wrong, but she isn't just talking about the last year. 'Occupy Wall Street' was fifteen years ago. FIFTEEN YEARS!On this week's "Politics Girl" podcast, host Leigh McGowan and guest Ezra Levin opine that it's not enough to just go, we need to be bringing people with us. Okay, yes. Sure. Make it a friend date, but ask everyone around y'all - pick ten - what they're doing tomorrow and/or Monday. I guarantee you it'll be the normal mundane stuff we all do in life wholly unrelated to resistance. That's the problem. Meanwhile, CBS News' White House correspondent Ed O'Keefe hopped on a call to provide an update on the US/Israel "excursion" on Iran and helps to delineate what's fact vs just "what Trump said" on presents and negotiations. Ed touches on the TSA/DHS situation, too, and what good it'll be to potentially have the National Guard involved at airports, too. Back to 'No Kings,' the big question is: "What Comes Next?" Under the Gold Dome, Georgia Republicans are passing legislation to make many metro Atlanta county races "non-partisan" in order to try and shield voters from knowing who's in which party. Why just "those" counties? C'mon. They're all "blue." Lastly, has Burt Jones found Rick Jackson's weakness? Maybe. Rick doesn't seem to be sharp on many issues.

As wildfires have been ravaging South Georgia for more than two weeks, the Georgia Forestry Commission is actively updating residents. Newsweek reminding us that post-Helene tinder beds and a current and prolonged drought made conditions "favorable" for wildfire activity. - - - Onto the political headlines: the attack on the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), as Twitter/X trolls (led by Elon Musk) are pushing vapid disinformation about a DOJ/FBI case lacking any substantive evidence. It was Nashville TV reporter Phil Williams who took to Substack to exclaim: "it's almost as if the people most excited by the indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center have not read the indictment--or they really don't care." Oh for sure.Focus on the bigger picture, though:1. You have Trump wanting to undo the 2020 election (how does one do this in 2026?) 2. while he and his minions concoct theories of foreign adversarial tinkering with Dominion voting machines (that coming up empty with their investigations) 3. which led to the seizure of Fulton County ballots three months ago with no "there there" for them to make noise about To review: the Trump 2020 "big lie" yarn keeps spawning investigations and seizures and coming up empty, but his administration keeps expending resources to find a hint or whiff of SOMETHING to cling to while seeding doubt of the American electoral process as a 2026 midterm that looks increasingly dour for MAGA and the GOP looms.- - - Meanwhile, in Georgia, the Fighting 50 Pac backs Rebecca Sims for Georgia's House 32nd district, and for good reason. Hear my introduction to her and come away as encouraged as I am that she's going to make a difference - even if it's just to bring more voters for her "up-ballot" Democrats. - - - Back to election chaos: in Georgia, Georgia Recorder columnist Jay Bookman believes chaos is a "policy choice." In the piece, he points to fake elector + current Lt. Governor (and GOP gubernatorial candidate) Burt Jones, who both seated "election fabulist" Salleigh Grubbs to the state election board - to which I'll add that Jones' keeping Trump's endorsement may lie with Jones having plenty of dirt on Donald and might talk if Trump were to read polling trends and jump onto the Rick Jackson bandwagon just to look like he's picked a winner. - - - Oh, and Friday Ron Show means "Friday funnies" with my good friend, comedian and satirist Sterling Thrill.

Brian is joined by Will Cain to break down the latest military assessments of the US conflict with Iran and why the UAE is standing firm with the United States. Plus, former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu discusses the federal government shutdown's impact on travel and the airlines. [00:00:00 Will Cain   [00:18:26] Chris Sununu   [00:36:50] Marc Thiessen   [00:55:12] Adm. Mark Montgomery (Ret.)   [01:24:03] Lt. Gov. Burt Jones   [01:32:00] Frank Siller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Likened to useless "Ken and Barbie dolls" by TSA union representation, TSA agents in Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport aren't able to do much to lessen the long, winding lines of passengers trying to clear security to make their flights on-time. CBS News Congressional correspondent Taurean Small tells me if there's any chance a deal to fund DHS gets done before the 'No Kings' weekend. Local Atlanta TV station WANF provided a look in at the overflowing airport, too: a madhouse before 8am. ------We can at least be grateful no one has died (yet) at Atlanta's airport; not the case at NYC's LaGuardia, thanks in large part to understaffing and missing safety equipment. Uhm, where's the scrutiny on DOT Secretary Sean Duffy? That crash got Josh Doss (a great follow on Instagram) to thinking about how our government prioritizes its spending on bombs and not the health & well-being (and actually safety!) of us here at home. Sheer brilliance. Also, did you know that it's 3x harder for 'blue' states to get needed federal aid from this President? Of course you knew. ------Trump took yet another opportunity to tell the media how many dangerous criminal and mentally unwell immigrants "sleepy Joe" Biden let in, but did you know his grandfather was an undocumented immigrant who skipped Germany to avoid military service (you can't make this stuff up) and wound up being deported from Bavaria?----- 45:00 ------A pro-Burt Jones mailer pointed to a "Jackson" op/ed that railed on Jones' intent to eliminate the state's income tax. Problem is, it wasn't Rick Jackson that wrote the piece; it was Senator Kim Jackson, Democrat of Stone Mountain. Her op/ed actually deserves its time to shine. ------Lastly, a little on the Meta/YouTube New Mexico decision and did Trump throw Stephen Miller and his white nationalist tendencies under the bus to pivot on immigration tactics to try and win back midterm voters?

On this week's Political Breakfast, we cover majoring bickering between Republicans running for Georgia Governor. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson are on the attack. Jones has accused Jackson's company, Alpharetta-based Jackson Healthcare, of allowing doctors to perform transgender treatment on minors and prison inmates, and placing staff inside Planned Parenthood facilities. Jackson has accused Jones of using corrupt fundraising methods, and being a "stone cold liar." Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson talk with host Lisa Rayam about how that's affecting the other top GOP candidates and the Democrats too. In addition, the team talks about the travel troubles at the nation's airports, including Hartsfield Jackson International in Atlanta. The partisan divide in Congress over voting on funding the Department of Homeland Security, has translated into TSA agents working weeks without a pay check. Many have called it quits -- which means if you're flying, airport officials say you'll be waiting at least 4 hours to get through security. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell answer listener questions on the surge of anonymous attack ads targeting Burt Jones and the speculation surrounding who is funding them. They also break down the increasingly unpredictable lieutenant governor's race, including Nabila Islam Parks' late entry and the fallout inside Democratic circles. Greg and Tia examine the Democratic primary for governor, where Keisha Lance Bottoms appears to have an early edge, and why rivals are targeting each other instead. Plus, they discuss Georgia's nonstop election cycle, the state's battleground status, and the impact of the partial government shutdown on Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PLUS: why 'electability' is the determining factor for my decision to vote for Jason Esteves & what happened to "Tulsi: 2020?"Atlanta Journal Constitution columnist Bill Torpy wrote of a recent anti-Muslim AI-generated video state Senator Greg Dolezal shared on social media - not just to pile on with the immense disgust for it (which came not just from Democrats), but also to pinpoint this being the moment former state Senator Nabila Parkes opted to pivot from running for insurance commissioner to joining Senator Josh McLaurin to seek the nomination for lieutenant governor in the Democratic primary instead. That exposed rifts within the party, too, but also left Democrats with one less Senate vote to fend off GOP bills the remainder of the general assembly session. Speaking of in-party division, the routine examination of ideology within the Democratic party has come about again, with yet another study on how likely primary voters are identifying themselves to be, ideologically. Now, bear in mind the poll's being done by the centrist thinktank, Third Way, but let's chew on their findings, nonetheless. Their determination is that the party's electorate is less progressive and more moderate, to which I point out that they also say they're less moderate than liberal, and that it wasn't that long ago folks were afraid to use the "L-word" to describe themselves out of fear of being demonized for it. That was a societal norm in the "Rush Limbaugh" era of discourse, and now we see a lot of that aimed at the word "progressive," too. Read into that what you will, but my hunch is there's a good bit of "progressive" in the "liberal" portion of the base, and it vastly outnumbers self-identified moderates and conservatives. It's that sort of divisiveness within the party - I'd argue made worse by outside forces and a lack of self-awareness within, too, that concerns me heading into a 2026 election cycle where Democrats - if they can unite - stand to gain much. I see way too much social media declarations exhorting an unwillingness to vote for any of the seven Georgia gubernatorial candidates, for example, when each of the seven in the race are vastly superior to Burt Jones or Rick Jackson (apologies to Carr and Raffensperger, neither standing a chance on the right). It's also why I made an example of myself and shared that I've landed at voting for Jason Esteves but won't need to "hold my nose" to vote for whomever the nominee will be after May 19th and the likely run-off. I explain why Esteves is the most electable and why I believe that should matter to primary voters but also reveal that it was RIck Jackson's (way too early) attack mailer aimed at Keisha Lance Bottoms that settled it for me.Speaking of Esteves, he revealed earlier this week that his mother is in the end-of-life chapter, having Alzheimer's and being cared for via home hospice. He also reminded followers the importance of having an advance health directive prepared.His "sandwich generation" status is relatable, and for me, brought up an important reminder that far too many of us in this country don't even have the safety net of not being a fiscal burden for our loved ones; that the economic toll our seniors place on our kids and grandkids is avoidable with more from government invested in "us" and less in wars of choice.Finally, Senator Jon Ossoff's grilling of Tulsi Gabbard was a thing of beauty, but it also triggered my recollection of who Tulsi Gabbard used to be - notably when she sought the Democratic party's nomination for President in 2020. Hear as I take a trip back into time (thanks to her unblemished Youtube page) when Tulsi loathed Donald Trump and our country's insatiable appetite for war.

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the rapidly intensifying Republican primary for Georgia governor, where billionaire Rick Jackson's massive ad spending has triggered a bitter clash with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. They discuss how the attacks, lawsuits and legislative maneuvers are reshaping the GOP contest while sidelining other candidates such as Brad Raffensperger and Chris Carr. Then they turn to the Democratic primary, where former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms leads early polls as rivals focus on battling each other for a runoff spot. Along the way, Greg and Patricia explore how strategy, money and messaging are shaping both parties' paths to November. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nothing like settling into the recliner Sunday evening to be rattled by the reality that the Trump White House should've known - prior to launching warfare on Iran - that the Strait of Hormuz ought to have been war-gamed (it has been, before) for becoming a deadly "choke point." That's what a 13-minute '60 Minutes' segment (yeah, on CBS, still) enlightened its audience to Sunday.Former Biden transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg - on CNN's 'State of the Union' Sunday - calling it "amateur hour." Joining Ron to discuss, CBS News national security advisor Dr. Jeff McCausland (44:30) Oh, and even before 20% of the world' oil supply got choked off, it turns out the late 2025 economic data was revised downward (and it wasn't good before that). So. Much. Winning. Maybe that explains why Trump's trying everything possible to will the economy into the black and of the red, by threatening (and failing, legally) Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. ---The TV flame war between Rick Jackson and Burt Jones is so one-sided it's almost bringing about some ... pity? ... for Burt. Almost. There's Jackson's attacks on Jones, with Jones opting to cast Jackson as a pro-Planned Parenthood businessman. That put Jackson on the defensive before putting out an ad featuring - get this - Burt Jones lauding Jackson just last fall. Oof. Meanwhile, as Ron noted last week, the AJC's Greg Bluestein noted the race for 'runner-up' in the Democratic gubernatorial primary is afoot. After the dust-up at the Stonecrest, Ga., forum between Geoff Duncan and Jason Esteves, the Esteves camp rolled out a Duncan-targeted microsite with a vast array of screen grabs of Duncan's past press clippings and social media posts. It's effective - for those who'll go to it (but how many people will that even be?)

The Rick Jackson v Burt Jones ad wars had been entertaining for those of us outside Burt Jones campaign HQ for a while now, but if we take a moment to study it all further, to note that - according to an email chain obtained by the AJC (I'm guessing Burt Jones' folks provided it) - Jackson baited Burt into taping a complimentary video using a foster children's charity to lure him in last fall, does it not give you what the young people call "the ick?" Meanwhile, stating the obvious, Burt Jones has now publicly said he believes Jackson is the source of all the money being 'Georgians for Integrity' attack ads targeting him. Friend of the show Keith McCants' latest Peanut Politics blog brings up a good point: Before the GOP Tests Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democrats Better Do It FirstHe's not wrong. As I've noted for a week plus now, the race for "second place" is on, as if the Democratic gubernatorial combatants have conceded the former Atlanta mayor will finish in position to be in a potential run-off. Keith's wondering why none of those candidates are taking shots at Bottoms while the current GOP front-runner - Rick Jackson - is.

It seems forever ago we were all gripped by the "Fulton County v Donald Trump" summer court drama, but since Trump & his co-conspirators slipped out of DA Fani Willis' grip (and that of Jack Smith, too), it seems surreal to think that her office - and in essence the taxpayers of Fulton County - may be on the hook for the Trump defense team's $17 million legal tab, right?Whelp; here we are. Naturally her office can't possibly absorb that cost without it shuttering the office altogether, so at the very least, superior court judge Scott MacAfee threw her a lifeline - allowing the county to join in taking on the matter. On to discuss with me is CBS News' legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum. Then, the 2026 gubernatorial TV ads are getting nasty, with Rick Jackson going predictably anti-immigrant, Burt Jones trying (and mostly failing) to tie Jackson to Planned Parenthood and then there's Democrat Jason Esteves putting his chips on the table with a TV ad checking off a lot of the necessary boxes for him to be seen as viable by more than 4-5% of those polled. Finally, how on earth did the Atlanta Hawks' planned "Magic City" promotional night ever make it past a pitch meeting in the first place? The NBA put the brakes on the - ahem - "cultural" theme, and I just have to wonder why the league didn't have a system in place where they'd have to sign off on stuff like this anyway.

Just days after realizing her gubernatorial campaign had no viable path forward and little more than 36 hours after announcing so, Georgia state representative Ruwa Romman granted The Ron Show her first extended on-air interview. In it, she doesn't hold back with her concerns about the viability of the remaining candidates to win in November and asserted she wouldn't support former GOP Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan were he to become the nominee. In the conversation, you'll hear - in her own words - how things came apart for her volunteer-heavy movement despite another campaign's internal polling showing she was the lone candidate making any positive gains. In the second half of the show, our weekly check-in with comedian and political satirist Sterling Thrill in New York City for a work project and stints at Laughing Buddha in Manhattan, plus Ron reviews the ad spending to date and to come and how Rick Jackson is not only outspending Burt Jones but is also the only combatant to pause Jones' "leadership committee" spending advantage through court action. Finally, Jay Bookman's most recent Georgia Recorder op/ed covers the bullying of Georgia towns by DHS/ICE and their disregard for impacts their massive, planned detention facilities will have on locals and their municipal governments. Oh, and while on the subject of mass deportation, Oklahoma's governor let slip the long-known, rarely spoken duality of GOP public xenophobia vs donor/employers' need for that sweet, sweet cheap illegally obtained labor. Oops.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who is running in the Georgia Governors' race, joins The Morning Xtra to talk about his campaignAtlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PLUS: GA Sen. Dolezal plays 'lie by omission' game on voter registration laws & finally someone notices renters are getting screwed in tax cut conversations under the Gold Dome.After Trumps' 'State of the Union' marathon, Ron caught up with Atlanta-based political consultant Andrew Heaton to talk about the many false economic claims, Donald's push to replace income taxes with 'consumption tax' tariffs, and why Democrats may be missing opportunities to challenge the bigger issues — including ICE enforcement and the Epstein files.They also discuss whether Democrats should change their strategy when it comes to responding to Trump's speeches. Perhaps by pre-butting instead of rebutting. Andrew and Ron also dive into the Georgia gubernatorial race now with Rick Jackson's entry on the Republican side changing the dynamic for Burt Jones; he may need to be on the minds of Democratic voters when deciding who their nominee will be. In the second half of the show, CNN's Daniel Dale fact-checks the 'State of the Union,' to which I add where the affordability crisis can actually be traced back to a former President whose initials are DJT, with ramifications right up to the peak of post-pandemic inflation. Also, a notable Home Depot earnings report provides insights into the Trump-era housing slump, two Democrats step up to run for state Supreme Court seats, and finally someone's noticing that all these discussions in the state legislature to lower income and/or property taxes not only leaves renters out, but actually puts more of the tax burden on them to make up the funding gap.Lastly, Ron offers a warning to liberals and progressives doing that performative outrage thing and ensnaring the men's hockey team in their web of disdain. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #AndrewHeaton #StateOfTheUnion #TrumpSpeech #RickJackson #BurtJones #KeishaLanceBottoms #GeorgiaPolitics #EpsteinFiles

California Governor Gavin Newsom came to town to stump for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the Georgia governor's race over the weekend. He stressed how important it is for voters to mobilize, especially in wake of the recent federal raid on Fulton County's election office. But some comments Newsom made alongside moderator and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens sparked controversy -- and parts of his speech, edited and shared without full context, are being amplified by MAGA media and some Republican lawmakers, including President Trump himself. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson calls it rage bait. Republican strategist Brian Robinson says, it's all part of politics. Both break down this viral Newsom video with host Lisa Rayam. Plus, a federal judge just ruled against Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, deciding that Jones can no longer raise millions for his campaign through a special fundraising committee. It's a blow to Jones' campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump returned to Georgia and largely left the 2026 landscape unchanged. Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down his renewed endorsement of Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the governor's race, his decision to stay neutral in the GOP Senate primary, and what that means for Mike Collins, Buddy Carter and Derek Dooley. They also unpack a federal judge's ruling that blocks Jones from spending leadership committee funds and how that could reshape the race. And they examine Trump's revived claims about the 2020 election and calls to scrutinize Fulton County's elections, along with the political fallout for both parties. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Morning Xtra with Tug and Los delivers conservative talk on the biggest political, cultural, and news stories of the day. Smart analysis, unapologetic opinions, and real conversations every weekday morning. Every weekday from 6a to 10a! The 8 o'clock hour is brought to you by Central Heating & Air, your Atlanta Carrier Experts. 770-GET-HEAT, Centralheat.com First thing to know: Georgia Governors’ Race Headlines Kelly Loeffler, who serves 28th administrator of the Small Business Administration under President Trump joins the show Sports More on the Georgia Governors’ Race Atlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the competing tax plans reshaping the debate under the Gold Dome. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is pushing to phase out the state income tax, House Speaker Jon Burns wants to eliminate property taxes on homesteads, and Gov. Brian Kemp is urging a more incremental approach. AJC reporter David Wickert joins to walk through the math behind the proposals, including projected multibillion-dollar revenue losses and what they could mean for schools, local governments, and the broader state budget. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the shock entry of billionaire Rick Jackson into Georgia's race for governor and what it means for an already crowded Republican field. GOP strategist Stephen Lawson weighs in on how Jackson's money, outsider message, and alignment with President Donald Trump could scramble the fight for the MAGA base and alter the strategies of rivals like Burt Jones, Chris Carr, and Brad Raffensperger. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam, to talk about the latest candidate to jump into Georgia's gubernatorial race. It's already a crowded race on both sides. Now billionaire businessman Rick Jackson, founder and CEO of Alpharetta-based Jackson Healthcare, has made a million-dollar splash. But will Jackson's spending power be able to compete with high-profile names in the Republican primary, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, as well as Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we talk about Jamse Talarico in Texas who may give the Republicans a lot of problems. At 12:30 We talk about Burt Jones and Rick Jackson, and what I actually think.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 21st Publish Date:  January 21st Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, January 21st and Happy Birthday to Jack Nicklaus I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: INGLES 7 STORY 1: Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee Seventh-grader Ella Grace Beard from Marietta Middle School clinched the top spot at the Marietta City Schools spelling bee on Friday, sealing her victory with the word “allergenic.” The competition was intense—10 students, each a champion from their school, battled it out for 26 rounds. Now, Ella Grace is headed to the Georgia District 2 spelling bee in Cherokee County. Her dad, Jason Beard, couldn’t be prouder. “She’s been studying like crazy—she even got a dictionary for Christmas last year,” he shared. Superintendent Grant Rivera, who handed out trophies to Ella Grace and runner-up Sreenika Arcot, called the spelling bee one of the most stressful events of the year. Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, praised the event as a celebration of intelligence. Words like “archetype” and “tenement” challenged the spellers, but Ella Grace rose to the occasion. Now, she’s ready for the next round. STORY 2: Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens had a simple message at the Cobb Chamber luncheon: when Atlanta thrives, the whole region wins. Borrowing JFK’s famous line, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” Dickens made it clear that Atlanta’s success ripples far beyond city limits. Take the FIFA World Cup, for example. Starting in June, Atlanta will host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the impact? It’ll stretch across the metro—Cobb County, Truist Park, Six Flags, Marietta Square. Through “Showcase Atlanta,” a leadership initiative chaired by Dickens, Arthur Blank, and UPS CEO Carol Tomé, the city plans to maximize the World Cup’s economic impact while spotlighting Atlanta’s culture and hospitality. And it’s not just about FIFA—Atlanta’s hosting the Super Bowl in 2028 and the NCAA Final Four in 2031. But Dickens didn’t shy away from challenges. With the metro population expected to grow by 1.8 million by 2050, he stressed the need for affordable housing and better transportation. “Teachers, first responders—they’re being priced out of the communities they serve. That’s a loss for all of us,” he said. And traffic? Atlanta’s infamous for it. Dickens wants to change that, starting with MARTA expansion into Cobb and Gwinnett. “We can’t keep doing this one-person-per-car thing forever,” he said. Dickens closed with a reminder: safety, health, opportunity—these aren’t partisan issues. “We all want thriving communities,” he said. “That’s something we can all agree on.” STORY 3: Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty   Jordan Dean, 30, of Marietta, is facing an animal cruelty charge after what authorities describe as a heartbreaking case involving his Great Dane, Snoop. On Oct. 23, 2025, Dean reportedly brought Snoop to Cobb County Animal Services, claiming he’d found the dog as a stray near a Walgreens on Canton Road. But Snoop’s condition told a different story. Severely emaciated, his ribs and bones jutted out—no fat, barely any muscle. A cruelty exam scored Snoop at 1/9 on the body condition scale. He weighed just 50 pounds. After care, he reached 107 pounds with no medical issues causing the weight loss. Dean was arrested Jan. 5 and released the next day on a $10,000 bond. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 7 STORY 4: Where the sidewalk ends: Mableton mayor talks SPLOST goals Mableton Mayor Michael Owens has his sights set on two big priorities: public safety and economic growth. And with the upcoming vote on a 1% special sales tax (SPLOST), he sees a chance to make it happen. If approved, the 2028 SPLOST would bring $97.6 million to Mableton—its first time creating its own project list since becoming a city in 2022. For Owens, it’s a defining moment. Top of the list? Sidewalks. “It’s the one thing everyone’s asking for,” Owens said, pointing to gaps along Veterans Memorial Highway and Nickajack Road. Parks, neighborhoods, and even businesses are disconnected, making walking unsafe—or impossible. But sidewalks are just the start. Owens envisions SPLOST funds going toward civic spaces, recreation centers, and even office parks to attract businesses. “You drive down Veterans Memorial, and it’s all shopping centers—no office buildings, no tech parks. That has to change,” he said. For Owens, the November vote is more than a tax—it’s a chance for Mableton residents to shape their city’s future. STORY 5: Marietta Police paint vibrant interrogation room for child witnesses, victims   The Marietta Police Department has turned one of its interview rooms into something truly special—a space designed with kids in mind. Gone are the cold, blank walls. In their place? A vibrant, hand-painted mural that feels more like a storybook than a police station. It’s colorful, calming, and, most importantly, comforting—created to help children, especially those who’ve experienced trauma, feel a little less scared during tough conversations. Marietta High School art teachers Amanda Rudolph and Katherine Robinson, along with students from the National Art Honor Society, poured their hearts into this project. The department’s goal? To make sure every child feels protected and heard. Break: STORY 6: Mableton earns recognition as environmentally friendly city    Mableton just snagged some serious recognition for going green. Mayor Michael Owens and city council members accepted the Silver-level Green Communities certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). It’s a big deal—proof that the city’s making real moves to cut its environmental impact. How’d they do it? Think tree preservation ordinances, a community composting program, expanded recycling, and even switching to a 100% electric vehicle fleet. Practical stuff with long-term impact. The certification also boosts Mableton’s chances for state and federal grants, meaning more investment without raising taxes. The Green Communities program evaluates cities on their environmental performance, and Mableton’s efforts earned them a spot among metro Atlanta’s leaders. But the work doesn’t stop here—the certification lasts four years, and the city will need to keep proving its commitment to stay certified. STORY 7: Senate bill would hold down property tax increases that fund Georgia schools  Georgia lawmakers are back at it, debating how to handle property taxes—and this time, they’re eyeing a cap tied to inflation. A new bill from Senate Republicans would force all school systems to limit property tax hikes, even as rising home values push assessments higher. Here’s the twist: last year, 71% of Georgia’s school systems voted to reject a similar cap. Why? Because it slashes funding for education. If this bill passes, schools would lose the ability to tax property values that outpace inflation, leaving them scrambling to cover costs. Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, the bill’s sponsor, argues it’s about fairness. The bill would also impact city and county governments that opted out of last year’s cap. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones called it a priority, saying it’s about “putting more money back in Georgians’ pockets.” Meanwhile, other tax proposals are swirling at the Capitol—like eliminating income taxes or ending homestead property taxes altogether. Gov. Brian Kemp? He’s pushing for tax rebates and a slight income tax cut. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 7 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.