Podcast appearances and mentions of rahul bali

Two Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) incumbents are on the ballot this year after a lengthy legal battle and their challengers are taking aim at the current commission’s performance. Voting in the primary is already underway. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali speak with WABE and Grist climate reporter Emily Jones about the PSC and some of the challenges the statewide body is grappling with, like the influx of data centers, increasing energy costs and climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar For All program aimed to improve access to clean energy and solar programs. Now, under the Trump Administration, local advocates and business leaders say $7 billion, embarked for organizations nationwide, was temporarily withheld. Diamond Spratling, the founder and executive director of Girl Plus Environment, and Tonya Hicks, the president and CEO of Power Solutions, share why they feel it’s important for communities to have this investment and what access to clean energy could mean for communities in Georgia. We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. State officials are now grappling with questions about tax incentives, and data centers’ usage of water and energy. We air WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali’s latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Gwendolyn Campbell. She’s the valedictorian for the Class of 2025 at Morris Brown College. Campbell talks about her academic journey, juggling family responsibilities, overcoming health challenges and her aspirations to go to law school and provide legal help to youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old nurse and mother, was about nine weeks pregnant in February when doctors declared her brain dead after she suffered a medical emergency. Smith’s family says doctors at Emory University Hospital have been keeping her on life support because she is pregnant, citing Georgia’s restrictive abortion law. In this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at the case and its possible implications. Plus, a former Atlanta mayor says she’s running for governor and some Republicans say they want to eliminate the state income tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, judges heard appeals in two major Georgia voting cases. One panel is considering whether conservative group True the Vote illegally intimidated voters when they helped file tens of thousands of voter challenges while another is reviewing Georgia’s political maps in the ongoing fight over redistricting. In this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what’s at stake for Georgia elections in these long-running federal court cases, which could have national implications. Plus, a messy Republican primary in Georgia for the U.S. Senate is now underway and Governor Brian Kemp has finished vetoing and signing bills from this year’s legislative session into law, including one that could allow President Donald Trump to recover millions of dollars in legal costs from taxpayers in the Georgia election interference case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has announced that he will not run for Senate. Of all the states President Donald Trump won in the 2024 election, only Georgia has a Democratic senator defending their seat. Republicans had seen Kemp as the strongest candidate to challenge incumbent Jon Ossoff. On this week's episode, hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what the two-term governor's decision to opt out of the race signals about Kemp's political future, the fight for control of the Senate and the status of the body itself. Plus, we take you inside the Georgia Democrats' election for new leadership ahead of the midterms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since taking office for the second time, President Donald Trump has moved swiftly to reshape every facet of government, often testing the boundaries of presidential power, with far-reaching implications for Georgia, the country and the world. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Trump's first 100 days in office have left a mark on the Peach State.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since taking office for the second time, President Donald Trump has moved swiftly to reshape every facet of government, often testing the boundaries of presidential power, with far-reaching implications for Georgia, the country and the world. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Trump's first 100 days in office have left a mark on the Peach State.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last few years, state lawmakers in Georgia and across the country have filed hundreds of bills focused on the transgender community. Even as Georgia and other Republican-led states have already passed laws dealing with bathrooms, sports, medical treatment and IDs, the bills keep coming. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a look at what's happening in Georgia and how Democrats are responding. Plus, Georgia Republicans' civil litigation overhaul has been signed into law and we look ahead to the 2026 midterms as the field for Senate and Governor races starts to take shape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last few years, state lawmakers in Georgia and across the country have filed hundreds of bills focused on the transgender community. Even as Georgia and other Republican-led states have already passed laws dealing with bathrooms, sports, medical treatment and IDs, the bills keep coming. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a look at what's happening in Georgia and how Democrats are responding. Plus, Georgia Republicans' civil litigation overhaul has been signed into law and we look ahead to the 2026 midterms as the field for Senate and Governor races starts to take shape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Rifle Association is holding its annual meeting in Atlanta this week as Georgia gun-owners consider recent events having to do with firearm safety; Over half of Georgia's LGBTQ youth say they've experienced anxiety or depression... that's as a dedicated suicide hotline faces possible closure later this year; and on thie week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the controversial changes to civil litigation and look ahead to some major races on the 2026 ballot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than a decade with the station, Housing Reporter Stephannie Stokes is leaving WABE. Before embarking on new adventures at the end of the month, hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali sit down with the award-winning journalist in this week's episode of "Plugged In" to discuss what she's learned during her time in Atlanta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than a decade with the station, Housing Reporter Stephannie Stokes is leaving WABE. Before embarking on new adventures at the end of the month, hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali sit down with the award-winning journalist in this week's episode of "Plugged In" to discuss what she's learned during her time in Atlanta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Georgia General Assembly is over. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss some of the major themes from the 40-day session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Georgia General Assembly has adjourned. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss some of the major themes from the 40-day session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Georgia legislative session has come to an end. Hundreds of debated bills await Governor Brian Kemp’s signature, while many more missed out on a vote. That includes a stack of controversial Senate priorities that went unpassed by the House. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to ‘Closer Look,’ to discuss the state budget, the themes they noticed this legislative session and some of the most talked about bills this session. Some of the measures they discussed involved school safety, restrictions on puberty blockers for minors, and efforts to reduce civil litigation, also known as tort reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday, April 4, is Sine Die, the deadline for bills to be passed before the end of this year's legislative session in Georgia. Lawmakers have been scrambling this week to get bills through the House and Senate, and as hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss on this week’s episode of "Plugged In," that has led to some tense moments at the Capitol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday, April 4, is Sine Die, the deadline for bills to be passed before the end of this year's legislative session in Georgia. Lawmakers have been scrambling this week to get bills through the House and Senate, and as hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss on this week’s episode of "Plugged In," that has led to some tense moments at the Capitol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sine Dine is fast approaching as the 2025 Georgia legislative session nears an end. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to ‘Closer Look,’ to discuss the status of some of the most talked about bills. Plus, with more corporations turning away from diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the NAACP is empowering Black consumers to shop with companies that value their dollars and their rights. Gerald Griggs, the president of the NAACP Georgia State Conference, discusses the newly launched Black Consumer Advisory. Lastly, we continue our two-part series looking at the benefits and the harm of using AI in the job hiring process. Data suggests by the end of the year, nearly 70% of businesses are expected to use AI for reviewing resumes, rejecting candidates or even conducting entire interviews. Hilke Schellmann, an investigative journalist and professor at New York University, is the author of the book, "The Algorithm." Schellemann says AI has invaded the workplace, calling the evolving phenomenon "the next civil rights issue of our time.” Previously, Rose talked with Dan Beck, the president and chief product officer at SAP SuccessFactors, about what he says are some of the pros of AI being used in the workplace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff soft launched his reelection campaign at a boisterous rally in Atlanta this week. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Ossoff and other Democrats are trying to channel frustration and fear about President Donald Trump's moves to slash government and punish political enemies. Plus, lawmakers grapple with the fallout from a contentious vote on Governor Brian Kemp's legislative priority, state lawmakers look to force cities and counties to follow immigration laws and Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene questions the chief executives of NPR and PBS as federal funding is on the line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff soft launched his reelection campaign at a boisterous rally in Atlanta this week. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Ossoff and other Democrats are trying to channel frustration and fear about President Donald Trump's moves to slash government and punish political enemies. Plus, lawmakers grapple with the fallout from a contentious vote on Governor Brian Kemp's legislative priority, state lawmakers look to force cities and counties to follow immigration laws and Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene questions the chief executives of NPR and PBS as federal funding is on the line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's top legislative priority has cleared a major hurdle. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how the effort to curb civil lawsuits narrowly passed in the House. Plus, as this year's legislative session nears its end, lawmakers have been debating possible responses to the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School and the Georgia Supreme Court is weighing whether or not to uphold controversial rules passed by Republicans on the State Election Board last fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's top legislative priority has cleared a major hurdle. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how the effort to curb civil lawsuits narrowly passed in the House. Plus, as this year's legislative session nears its end, lawmakers have been debating possible responses to the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School and the Georgia Supreme Court is weighing whether or not to uphold controversial rules passed by Republicans on the State Election Board last fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock went live on social media this week where the Georgia Democrat spent roughly 35 minutes answering questions from voters. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss how Warnock and other Democrats are grappling with the flurry of changes coming from Washington. Plus, President Donald Trump's new Secretary of Agriculture visits Georgia and we check in on Governor Brian Kemp's top legislative priority, which is hitting some speed bumps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock went live on social media this week where the Georgia Democrat spent roughly 35 minutes answering questions from voters. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss how Warnock and other Democrats are grappling with the flurry of changes coming from Washington. Plus, President Donald Trump's new Secretary of Agriculture visits Georgia and we check in on Governor Brian Kemp's top legislative priority, which is hitting some speed bumps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several bills crossed between the Georgia House and Senate following Crossover Day last week, while others were stalled. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look,” to provide an update on the bills that are one step closer to becoming law and to discuss the latest news happening at the Georgia State Capitol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia is among 12 jurisdictions that have reported new measles cases in 2025. Since the start of the year, there have been at least 222 measles cases reported and two measles-related deaths. Dr. Nicholas Church of Somerset Medical provides an overview on measles, discusses the recent outbreaks and shares tips on what you can do to protect yourself and your family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia lawmakers were working late on Thursday night as they raced to pass dozens of bills before the end of Crossover Day – a deadline for bills to advance out of at least one chamber of the legislature. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at some of the proposals that did and didn’t make it past this key deadline. Also on this week’s episode, a massive school safety bill advances out of the House, the debate shifts on bills affecting transgender Georgians and a conversation with Health Reporter Jess Mador on the turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia lawmakers were working late on Thursday night as they raced to pass dozens of bills before the end of Crossover Day – a deadline for bills to advance out of at least one chamber of the legislature. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at some of the proposals that did and didn’t make it past this key deadline. Also on this week’s episode, a massive school safety bill advances out of the House, the debate shifts on bills affecting transgender Georgians and a conversation with Health Reporter Jess Mador on the turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Crossover Day at the Georgia State Capitol. First, WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look,” to provide an update on the state’s budget and hurricane relief. He also discusses legislation that has caught the most attention and concern, including measures that would change how the state school superintendent is selected, online sports betting and a measure that aims to remove anything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion from schools and colleges. Then, Rebecca Serna, the executive director of Propel ATL, and crash victim Satya Bhan, discuss the findings of the new PROPEL ATL report, “The Human Cost of Mobility." According to the report, 344 people died across three metro Atlanta counties due to traffic crashes in 2023. Also, among the report's findings — pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities mirror homicide levels, but they don't receive as much media attention. Plus, Rose reads a remembrance tribute for jazz legend Roy Ayers. He died on Tuesday. He was 84. Lastly, March 7 marks a turning point in the fight for civil rights in the United States. Sixty years ago, the then 25-year-old John Lewis and fellow civil rights activist Hosea Williams, planned to lead hundreds in a peaceful march for voting rights from Selma, Ala. to the state capitol in Montgomery, Ala. As the protestors approached the Edmund Pettus Bridge, they were met with violence at the hands of state troopers. We'll look back to the days before, the day of, and what came after, on what is now known as Bloody Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two groups of Georgia church denominations sue the federal government over immigration enforcement; the state looks to further restrict DEI in schools; and politics reporter Rahul Bali looks at a few legislative nuggets as the General Assembly nears the half-way mark. //See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year ago, President Donald Trump was fighting 13 felony counts in Georgia for trying to overturn the 2020 election. At the time, the prosecutor who charged him, Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis, was seen as a rising star. Now Trump is back in the White House, immune from prosecution for the next four years, and Willis has been rebuked by the courts and is fighting to keep the case alive. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali look into the reversal of fortunes for Trump and Willis, who began their second terms in office just a few weeks apart. Plus, Thursday is a big day at the Georgia State Capitol. It's known as Crossover Day, a key deadline for bills to advance out of at least one chamber of the legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year ago, President Donald Trump was fighting 13 felony counts in Georgia for trying to overturn the 2020 election. At the time, the prosecutor who charged him, Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis, was seen as a rising star. Now Trump is back in the White House, immune from prosecution for the next four years, and Willis has been rebuked by the courts and is fighting to keep the case alive. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali look into the reversal of fortunes for Trump and Willis, who began their second terms in office just a few weeks apart. Plus, Thursday is a big day at the Georgia State Capitol. It's known as Crossover Day, a key deadline for bills to advance out of at least one chamber of the legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia state lawmakers are now halfway through the 40-day legislative session. Between former President Jimmy Carter's funeral, the presidential inauguration and a snow storm, the session got of to a slow start. But now some big ticket items are on the move. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at some of those bills, including one that would compel local governments to help with immigration enforcement and a school safety package responding to the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School. Plus, we take a look at some lower-profile bills and check in on how President Donald Trump's moves to reshape the federal government are continuing to play out here in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia state lawmakers are now halfway through the 40-day legislative session. Between former President Jimmy Carter's funeral, the presidential inauguration and a snow storm, the session got of to a slow start. But now some big ticket items are on the move. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at some of those bills, including one that would compel local governments to help with immigration enforcement and a school safety package responding to the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School. Plus, we take a look at some lower-profile bills and check in on how President Donald Trump's moves to reshape the federal government are continuing to play out here in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia state lawmakers this week started digging into Governor Brian Kemp’s signature policy push this session – overhauling the state’s civil litigation rules, often referred to as tort or lawsuit reform. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali bring listeners into the first committee hearing on the issue, where lawmakers and a packed room of observers got to hear from people on different sides of the debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia state lawmakers this week started digging into Governor Brian Kemp’s signature policy push this session – overhauling the state’s civil litigation rules, often referred to as tort or lawsuit reform. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali bring listeners into the first committee hearing on the issue, where lawmakers and a packed room of observers got to hear from people on different sides of the debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawmakers are wrapping up a busy week at the State Capitol as they take their first votes on the budget and banning transgender girls from playing on girls school sports teams. On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss these and other new legislative proposals including on school safety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawmakers are wrapping up a busy week at the State Capitol as they take their first votes on the budget and banning transgender girls from playing on girls school sports teams. On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss these and other new legislative proposals including on school safety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Santiago Marquez, the CEO of the Latin American Association, shares how the LAA prepared Atlanta's immigrant community for the possibility of deportation before the start of President Trump’s second term in office. He also discusses the association’s ongoing work to protect people living in the U.S. without legal status amid the launch of ICE’s “targeted operations.” Plus, it’s the third annual Latino Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Manuel Portillo, a DACA recipient and a member of the LGBTQ-plus community, discusses why he decided to join GALEO at the capitol and advocate for immigration, education and DEI. Lastly, Rose checks in with WABE’s evening news editor Melissa Feito. She discusses what groups are advocating for during this year’s Latino Day at the state capitol. We also hear from WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali. He provides an update about the legislative session and some of the proposed bills that are advancing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has outlined his top legislative priority – reigning in civil litigation, often referred to as tort reform. Also on this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at Democrats' effort to expand Medicaid in Georgia, and their proposal's difficult path ahead. Plus, President Donald Trump's moves to reshape the government are already starting to play out in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has outlined his top legislative priority – reigning in civil litigation, often referred to as tort reform. Also on this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at Democrats' effort to expand Medicaid in Georgia, and their proposal's difficult path ahead. Plus, President Donald Trump's moves to reshape the government are already starting to play out in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, we're joined by DorMiya Vance. DorMiya is a multimedia reporter for WABE, the NPR and PBS affiliate serving Atlanta, Georgia. She's been with them for almost 3 years.DorMiya is a graduate of an HBCU, Fayetteville State University with a masters from Georgia State. She's part of Report for America, a non-profit that provides and helps pay the salaries of journalists at newsrooms across the country.DorMiya talked about taking on a radio job without having experience in radio and how she learned what to do on the job. She gave examples of the reporting she did and explained how she gets her story ideas. And she talked about the value of both an HBCU education and of working with Report for America.DorMiya's salutes: Journalists of Color at WABE (including Marlon Hyde, Julien Virgin, Rahul Bali, Jasmine Robinson) and also Ethel Payne, The First Lady of the Black PressStory examplesBlighted properties in South Dekalbhttps://www.wabe.org/whos-responsible-for-south-dekalbs-blighted-properties/Atlanta's LGBTQ rappers and hip hop artistshttps://www.wabe.org/queering-the-mic-lack-of-representation-in-hip-hop-creates-challenges-for-lgbtq-atlanta-rappers/Atlanta's transgender basketball leaguehttps://www.wabe.org/how-a-transgender-basketball-league-is-creating-space-for-trans-people-in-atlanta/Black Women Mayor's Roundtablehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS95Xnhdio4Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to journalismsalute@gmail.com Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)Tweet us at @journalismpod and Bluesky at @marksimon.bsky.socialSubscribe to our newsletter– journalismsalute.substack.com

Charles Kuck, a Georgia-based immigration attorney, discusses President Trump’s massive deportation efforts, including ICE’s “targeted operations” in Georgia. Plus, the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS) and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce have partnered to launch The Best Place for Working Parents. The new initiative aims to promote family-friendly practices in workplaces across the Peach State. Daniela Perry, the executive director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation, and Mindy Binderman, the executive director of GEEARS, talk more about the initiative and how Georgia employers can take part in it. Lastly, Georgia lawmakers are returning to the state capitol for the third week of the 2025 Georgia legislative session. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to ‘Closer Look’ to discuss the latest, including what lawmakers are saying about ICE’s “targeted operations” and the state’s response to last week’s winter storm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As temperatures plunged, Georgia and Washington, D.C. prepared for the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. On this week’s “Plugged In,” WABE Politics Reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the first week of the new administration, the ongoing court fight over Georgia’s redistricting maps and the state’s response to bird flu in two commercial flocks. We also hear from one of the January 6th defendants from Georgia who received a pardon – and a prosecutor who worked on many of the cases. The legislature returns to session on Monday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As temperatures plunged, Georgia and Washington, D.C. prepared for the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. On this week’s “Plugged In,” WABE Politics Reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the first week of the new administration, the ongoing court fight over Georgia’s redistricting maps and the state’s response to bird flu in two commercial flocks. We also hear from one of the January 6th defendants from Georgia who received a pardon – and a prosecutor who worked on many of the cases. The legislature returns to session on Monday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp delivered his seventh State of the State address at the State Capitol on Thursday. In it he applauded the state’s resilience through natural disasters, the pandemic, economic upheaval and a deadly school shooting and cast Georgia’s approach to health, budgeting and public safety as a model for other states to emulate, declaring “the Georgia Way is indeed the better way.” On this week’s episode of “Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss some of their big takeaways from the speech as Kemp kicks off his second to last year in office. Plus, the legislative session gets underway as lawmakers bring up transgender student athletes and push to further investigate Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp delivered his seventh State of the State address at the State Capitol on Thursday. In it he applauded the state’s resilience through natural disasters, the pandemic, economic upheaval and a deadly school shooting and cast Georgia’s approach to health, budgeting and public safety as a model for other states to emulate, declaring “the Georgia Way is indeed the better way.” On this week’s episode of “Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss some of their big takeaways from the speech as Kemp kicks off his second to last year in office. Plus, the legislative session gets underway as lawmakers bring up transgender student athletes and push to further investigate Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to data from the Mayo Clinic, roughly 6,000 women enter menopause daily, which translates into more than 2 million women a year. However, there's still a lot to understand about this transitional period in a woman's life—including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and combating stigma—and how all of this affects women of color. In an effort to spread awareness, Dr. Dawn Mandeville is hosting a screening of the documentary, "The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause," on Jan. 21, at the Tara Theatre. She talks with Rose about her efforts to help menopausal women. Plus, Monday marked the start of the 2025 Georgia legislative session. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to ‘Closer Look,’ to preview the session and to discuss Georgia’s upcoming State of the State, which will likely include Governor Brian Kemp’s proposal for an additional $50 Million in school safety funds after the Apalachee High School shooting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia’s only president, Jimmy Carter, was laid to rest this week in the rural corner of Southwest Georgia where he was born a century ago. On this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali share what they saw and heard as Carter’s life and accomplishments were celebrated throughout Georgia. Plus, a preview of the 2025 legislative session, which kicks off next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia’s only president, Jimmy Carter, was laid to rest this week in the rural corner of Southwest Georgia where he was born a century ago. On this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali share what they saw and heard as Carter’s life and accomplishments were celebrated throughout Georgia. Plus, a preview of the 2025 legislative session, which kicks off next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty-two new state lawmakers will take their seats at the State Capitol when the Georgia General Assembly reconvenes on January 13th. Among them is Bryce Berry, who at just 23 is one of the youngest state lawmakers in Georgia history. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali speak with reporter Jasmine Robinson, who recentlytalked with the freshman lawmaker. Plus, a look inside the Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators, which provides information and training to help prepare both freshmen and veteran lawmakers for the General Assembly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.