Maybe we're just over-jailing & under-serving

PLUS: is Esther Panitch a DINO? How can we trust what we see from Georgia's leaders & will data centers leave us in a wintry darkness?

Today, Rons threads together several major developments shaping Georgia and the nation. The hour opens with Fulton County’s proposed tax increase to meet federal consent-decree obligations for the county jail—an issue Ron argues reflects a broader philosophical debate over public safety, policing, and the kinds of services communities truly need. He contrasts Fulton’s choices with an unexpected policing alliance in New York City, highlighting how unusual partnerships can still drive progress.

The show then shifts to a national controversy: the CDC quietly changed language on its vaccine-autism webpage, a move condemned by scientists, pediatricians, and autism advocates. Ron breaks down the political pressure behind the update, the reaction from experts, and the implications of RFK Jr.’s leadership at HHS.

Later, the focus turns to Georgia politics—specifically Sandy Springs—where Democrat Esther Panitch’s endorsement of Republican Rusty Paul ignites a fierce response from challenger Dontaye Carter. Ron explores the community, political, and identity dynamics at play.

Then there's the push to ⁠accelerate construction permitting⁠ and what impacts that may have on the homes people buy - and find themselves stuck with when that acceleration leads to preventable concerns.Georgia Recorder columnist Jay Bookman dips into the rise of political deepfakes, including a controversial video targeting Senator Jon Ossoff, and what this new frontier means for voters navigating misinformation.

Ron has a conversation with CBS News correspondent David Schechter to determine whether data centers could push winter power grids to the brink—an issue with major implications for Georgia’s energy future.

Lastly, on this Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), it's hard to ignore a few certainties:

1. with MAGA, the cruelty is the point - which explains DHHS announcing a Trump administration attack on the rights of trans youth and parents on TDOR.

2. the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Endocrine Society declined to participate in the review and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which has long set the standard of care for transgender individuals, was not invited to review the report.

Still, it's TDOR, and with more than 350 preventable transgender deaths so far just this year including Kennesaw State University trans activist Marisol "Mari" Payero, memorialized by Noel Heatherland from Georgia Equality.

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.
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