14th district race; Bibb County jail; AI mental health usage

This episode of Georgia Today covers three major stories: the outcome of Georgia's 14th congressional district runoff election, where Republican Clay Fuller narrowly defeated Democrat Sean Harris, though Harris significantly narrowed the margin from previous elections—a sign of shifting political dynamics in a traditionally Republican stronghold. Political scientist Andra Gillespie analyzes the results, attributing the improved Democratic performance to national dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, strong voter turnout, and the lack of a significant incumbency advantage for Fuller. The episode also examines the growing use of AI in mental health, with Atlanta psychiatrist Dr. T.J. Tripp warning that while AI tools can help teens recognize emotional patterns, they lack human empathy, ethical oversight, and clinical validity, and many users don’t follow up with professional care. Finally, the show reports on Macon-Bibb County’s approval of a $1.2 million phase one for jail expansion amid ongoing concerns about overcrowding and detainee deaths, including a tasing-related death of a mentally ill man. The episode concludes with brief updates on Georgia’s oyster harvest, airport transit upgrades, and a dramatic baseball brawl between the Braves and Angels.