Bibb County Jail under fire for conditions; Apalachee responder is Sheriff of Year

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Released on June 3, 2025 | Host: Peter Biello | Georgia Public Broadcasting

---

1. Inhumane Conditions at Bibb County Jail Sparks Debate

Overview: The episode opens with a critical examination of the Bibb County Jail in Macon, which has recently faced allegations of inhumane conditions. The controversy centers around whether the county should invest in constructing a new facility.

Key Points:

• Protests and Public Outcry: Sheriff David Davis confronted a crowd of protesters outside the jail. Davis attempted to empathize with the community's concerns but faced backlash.

  [01:37] Reporter: "When Bibb County Sheriff David Davis walked out the front door of the jail he oversees and into a small crowd of protesters waiting for him, he opened himself up to their anger."

  [03:16] Sheriff Davis: "I agree with them. I do agree with them. Yeah. And so we do everything we can to make sure that their needs are met. No peace, no justice."

• Incident of Stephen Fossett: The death of Fossett in 2024, who was killed while experiencing a schizoaffective episode, has been a significant catalyst for the protest movement. Fossett was not charged, leading to further dissatisfaction.

  [02:09] Reporter: "Platt's son, Stephen Fossett, was killed in the Bibb County jail in 2024 when jail guards tried to subdue him while he was in the midst of a schizoaffective episode."

• Poor Jail Conditions: Leaked photos revealed deplorable conditions, including malfunctioning plumbing and rodent infestations, exacerbated by a prolonged court backlog since the COVID-19 pandemic.

  [02:42] Anonymous Source: "Brother, the plumbing's messed up. He's pooping in commissary bags, rats, rodents right now."

• Debate Over Funding: Despite voter approval of a $450 million special local option sales tax (SPLOST) for capital projects, there is contention over allocating funds to a new jail versus other infrastructure projects like a new coliseum.

  [03:42] Reporter: "That's despite voters approving last year a $450 million special local option sales tax expressly for big capital projects."

• Mayor Lester Miller's Stance: Acknowledges the need for humane treatment but remains skeptical about the effectiveness of building a new facility, attributing some responsibility to the incarcerated individuals for the current state.

  [04:08] Mayor Miller: "Just because someone's in jail and doesn't mean they don't need to be treated humanely. So we're going to make sure that we do that."

Conclusion: A grand jury report on the jail's conditions is anticipated, which may influence future decisions regarding facility upgrades or replacements.

---

2. Georgia Attorney General Appeals COVID-Era Execution Shielding Ruling

Overview: The Georgia Attorney General's office plans to appeal a court ruling that invalidates a COVID-19 agreement delaying certain executions until a vaccine is available.

Key Points:

• Initial Agreement: An arrangement between the Attorney General's office and defense lawyers aimed to pause executions pending vaccine availability.

• Court Ruling: A judge deemed the agreement unmodifiable, stating that courts cannot alter contractual language post hoc based on party regrets.

  [05:04] Peter Biello: "It's part of a multi million dollar branding deal with auto retailer Echo Park. Kemp said that the speedway continues to have a significant economic impact on the."

• AG Chris Carr's Response: The AG's spokesperson affirmed the intent to challenge the ruling, emphasizing the public's insufficient access to vaccines for specific populations.

  [05:04] Spokesperson for AG Carr: "A vaccine is not yet available for newborn babies."

Conclusion: The pending appeal highlights ongoing tensions between public health measures and judicial decisions regarding capital punishment.

---

3. Elevated Cancer Risk Among Women Under 50

Overview: Research indicates that women under 50 in Fulton County face significantly higher cancer risks compared to their male counterparts, prompting calls for revised healthcare protocols.

Key Points:

• Statistical Insights: Women under 50 have an 80% higher risk of developing cancer than men in the same age group.

  [05:46] Ellen Eldredge: "Atlanta based research and treatment organization City of Hope and the American Cancer Society are calling for urgent action in light of the statistics."

• Calls to Action:

  • Early Risk Assessments: Initiate cancer risk screenings at age 25.
  • Increased Research Funding: Allocate more resources to age-specific cancer research.
  • National Care Standards: Establish uniform care protocols to ensure consistency and quality.

• Personal Story: Brittany Powell's diagnosis at 35 underscores the urgency for better screening and support systems.

  [06:11] Powell: "We need better screening. We need more supportive care and a system that sees us because we're not too young and we're not invisible and we matter."

• Local Impact: Fulton County ranks second statewide for lung cancer and thirty-second for breast cancer among young women.

  [06:22] Eldredge: "Women under 50 in Fulton county ranked second statewide for lung cancer and 32nd for breast cancer compared to others in their age group."

Conclusion: The segment emphasizes the need for systemic changes in healthcare practices to address the burgeoning cancer risks among younger women.

---

4. Shutdown of Nationwide Job Corps Program

Overview: Officials in Albany are opposing the Trump administration's decision to terminate the Job Corps program, citing its essential role in supporting low-income students.

Key Points:

• Program Closure: The U.S. Department of Labor cited financial challenges and subpar outcomes as reasons for shutting down Job Corps.

  [07:00] Mayor Bo Durra: "I see these notices of about the problems at the Job Corps facilities throughout the country and you know it's just a hatchet job because it ignores the thousands, the tens of thousands of success stories."

• Impact on Community: Approximately 800 jobs for students and staff at Albany's Job Corps centers are at risk, with facilities like Brunswick facing immediate closures.

  [07:00] Durra: "He says Students have been told to leave their dormitories by the end of the week, a move he called inhumane."

Conclusion: The termination of Job Corps programs is met with strong opposition from local leaders who highlight the program's positive impact on thousands of lives, calling the move short-sighted and detrimental to vulnerable populations.

---

5. Sheriff Judd Smith Honored as Georgia Sheriff of the Year

Overview: Barrow County Sheriff Judd Smith has been named Georgia Sheriff of the Year for his exemplary response to the Apalachee High School shooting last year.

Key Points:

• Response to Tragedy: Sheriff Smith's leadership during and after the shooting, which resulted in the deaths of two teachers and two students, showcased his dedication and effectiveness.

  [07:46] Host: "Not only was Sheriff Smith dealing with the tragedy of that moment, then there was the aftermath of investigating the case. To see as quickly as possible what happened, it just showed what kind of person Judd is."

• Recognition: The Georgia Sheriff's Association will formally honor Smith at their summer conference in August.

  [08:02] Peter Biello: "Smith will be recognized formally at the association's summer conference in August."

Conclusion: Sheriff Smith's commendable actions during a critical incident have earned him statewide recognition, highlighting his commitment to public safety and effective crisis management.

---

6. Actor Trey Chani Survives Tornado

Overview: Trey Chani, known for his role as Poot on HBO's The Wire, survived an EF2 tornado that devastated his home in Locust Grove, leaving his son hospitalized.

Key Points:

• Tornado Impact: The destructive storm left Chani's home a total loss, with extensive property damage.

  [08:02] Peter Biello: "Actor Trey Chani, best known for his role as Poot on HBO's the Wire, is sharing his gratitude after surviving a tornado that destroyed his home in Locust Grove last week."

• Family Aftermath: Chani's 19-year-old son is recovering in the hospital after spending his birthday in critical condition.

  [08:52] Chani: "He's making some progress and is surrounded by his support."

• Community Support: A GoFundMe campaign has raised close to $100,000 to assist the family during this challenging time.

Conclusion: The segment underscores the resilience of those affected by natural disasters and the supportive role of the community in times of crisis.

---

7. Atlanta Motor Speedway Renamed to Echo Park Speedway

Overview: In a significant branding move, the Atlanta Motor Speedway has been rechristened as Echo Park Speedway through a multi-million dollar deal with auto retailer Echo Park.

Key Points:

• Renaming Ceremony: Governor Brian Kemp officiated the event, highlighting the speedway's substantial economic contributions.

  [08:52] Ellen Eldredge: "Green smoke erupted as governor Brian Kemp pushed a button to reveal the racing venue's new name."

• Economic Impact: The speedway is projected to generate $250 million annually, supporting thousands of jobs and boosting state and tourism revenues.

  [09:05] Host: "State and tourism, a 250 million dollar estimated economic impact a year supporting obviously thousands of jobs."

• Future Events: NASCAR driver Ross Chastain participated in the inaugural ride, and the first championship event under the new name is scheduled for later that month.

  [09:26] Eldredge: "Nascar driver Ross Chastain drove Kemp around the track for the inaugural ride on Echo Park Speedway."

Conclusion: The rebranding of the Atlanta Motor Speedway to Echo Park Speedway marks a pivotal development in Georgia's motorsports landscape, promising continued economic growth and enhanced sporting events.

---

8. Los Angeles Football Club's Engagement in Macon

Overview: Mercer University in Macon will host practice matches for the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) as it prepares to compete in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in Atlanta.

Key Points:

• Facility Upgrades: Mercer's soccer fields have been enhanced to meet World Cup standards, facilitating high-level training sessions.

  [10:10] Host: "The Club World cup, featuring 32 major club teams instead of national teams, is seen as a dry run for the larger tournament in."

• Economic Benefits: Mayor Lester Miller highlighted the tournament's positive economic impact on Macon, anticipating increased tourism and local business engagement.

  [10:03] Mayor Miller: "I'm going to be cheering for the home team of the LA Football Club and we're going to be cheering with thousands and thousands of people across the community."

• Future Prospects: Macon is also slated to host another team during the next year's FIFA World Cup, further cementing its role in international sports events.

Conclusion: LAFC's involvement with Mercer University not only elevates local sports infrastructure but also positions Macon as a key player in hosting major international sporting events, promising significant economic and cultural benefits.

---

9. Other Notable News

A. Golf Achievement:

• Mason Howell's Qualification: Seventeen-year-old Mason Howell from Thomasville qualified for the US Open after securing a top position in the Atlanta qualifier.

  [09:48] Peter Biello: "17 year old Mason Howell of Thomasville, Georgia is bound for Oakmont after qualifying for the US Open yesterday."

B. Baseball Update:

• Atlanta Braves' Coaching Changes: The Braves have announced Freddie Gonzalez as the new acting third base coach amid a challenging season performance.

  [09:48] Peter Biello: "The Braves have lost eight of their last 11, and at 27 and 31 they are in fourth place in the NL East."

C. Unusual Incident:

• Alligator Capture in Macon: The Bibb County Sheriff's Office responded to a call involving a 12-foot alligator in a local business, successfully capturing and releasing the reptile back into the wild.

  [10:10] Peter Biello: "Bibb County Sheriff's Office got an unusual call for an unwelcome guest at a business in Macon over the weekend."

---

Final Notes: Peter Biello wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe to Georgia Today for daily updates and to visit gpb.org/news for continuous coverage of these stories.

[09:48] Peter Biello: "That's it for the podcast today, but we hope you'll come back tomorrow. Make sure you subscribe to Georgia Today and will pop up automatically in your feed."

---

This episode of Georgia Today offers a comprehensive look into pressing local issues, significant achievements, and unique stories within the state, providing listeners with valuable insights and updates on matters that impact their communities.

Transcript

[Host of Planet Money]

Planet Money helps you understand the economy. We find the people at the center of the story. Garbage in New York that was like a controlled substance. We show you how money influences everything. Tell me what you like by telling me how you spend your money. And we dig until we get answers. I had a bad feeling you were.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

Gonna bring that up.

[Host of Planet Money]

Planet Money finds out. All you have to do is listen. The Planet Money podcast from npr.

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today PODC from GPB News. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom on today's episode. Allegations of inhumane conditions at Macon's Bibb County Jail spark a debate about whether to build a new one. The Atlanta Motor Speedway in Henry county is getting a new name, and the sheriff who responded to last year's shooting at Apalachee High School is selected as Georgia Sheriff of the Year.

[Host of Planet Money]

Sheriff Smith dealing with the tragedy of that moment. Then there was the aftermath of investigating the case. He showed what kind of person Judd is.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Tuesday, June 3rd. I'm Peter Biello, and this is Georgia Today. The Bibb County Jail in Macon has come under fire recently for conditions critics are calling inhumane. Maybe surprisingly, local leaders aren't pushing back against those claims. What is being debated is how or even if to build a new jail. GPB's Grant Blankenship has more.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

When Bibb County Sheriff David Davis walked out the front door of the jail he oversees and into a small crowd of protesters waiting for him, he opened himself up to their anger.

[Peter Biello]

Got a couple questions for you, Sheriff.

[Host of Planet Money]

Come on up. Just want em. Can y' all hear me, Sir?

[Reporter or Interviewee]

Davis tried to offer some sympathy.

[Host of Planet Money]

All right. I just want to tell y' all I understand where you're coming from. I truly understand the plight that these that your son has.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

For Paula Platt, sympathy wasn't enough.

[Host of Planet Money]

And I'm so sorry that that has happened, that you've lost your child.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

Platt's son, Stephen Fossett, was killed in the Bibb county jail in 2024 when jail guards tried to subdue him while he was in the midst of a schizoaffective episode. The local prosecutors have not charged the guards Platt is suing. Fawcett's death was just one catalyst for this protest. There have been other deaths at the jail in recent years, mostly suicides. Then there are the photos of deplorable conditions within the jail, recently leaked to a Facebook page. Those conditions are not news to people like this woman who asked not to share her name. She's heard about it all from her.

[Host of Planet Money]

Brother, the plumbing's messed up. He's pooping in commissary bags, rats, rodents right now.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

People spend years in these conditions waiting to go to trial. Because of a court backlog dating back to the COVID pandemic that still persists. A number of those detained now were first jailed here as children, charged with felonies as adults. They essentially finished growing up in the jail waiting for trial. Few in power, including Sheriff David Davis, doubt the conditions violate human rights.

[Host of Planet Money]

I agree with them. I do agree with them. Yeah. And so we do everything we can to make sure that their needs are met. No peace, no justice.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

No peace, no justice. But Davis lays some of the blame on the inmates themselves, who he says create a lot of the damage. County Commissioner Stanley Stewart toured the jail recently with his colleague Grant.

[Host of Planet Money]

It's a. It's a real bad situation. It really is. I don't know if, to be honest, if it's feasible to build a new jail now or not.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

That's despite voters approving last year a $450 million special local option sales tax expressly for big capital projects.

[Host of Planet Money]

Yeah, we just passed $450 million in SPLOST. I don't think it's. I don't think the mayor has that on his front Bunner right now. I think he's more interested in building a new coliseum right now.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

In a recent interview, Macon Mayor Lester Miller said, as a former defense attorney, he's no stranger to the jail and he knows it needs to change, you.

[Host of Planet Money]

Know, take care of the needs. Just because someone's in jail and doesn't mean they don't need to be treated humanely. So we're going to make sure that we do that.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

But like the sheriff, he blames the incarcerated for essentially trashing the place. He questions whether a brand new jail would fare any better.

[Host of Planet Money]

Even at a new, brand new jail, if you're going to throw trash down or if you're going to tear things up or stop toilets up, it's going to happen there. So that's not necessary a new jail reason.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

But a new jail could easily burn through every dollar of that new special sales tax, some of which he does want to spend on a new arena on the east side of the Altamugee River. County Commissioner Stanley Stewart represents the east side. He wants that arena, too.

[Host of Planet Money]

You can have both, though for now.

[Reporter or Interviewee]

No one has a plan for that. Meanwhile, a grand jury report on Bibb county jail conditions is expected soon. For GPB News, I'm Grant Blankenship in Macon.

[Peter Biello]

The Georgia Attorney general's office is planning to appeal a ruling that allows a Covid era agreement to shield some incarcerated people from execution. The agreement between the Georgia attorney general's office and lawyers stated some executions would not happen until a COVID vaccine is available. To quote all members of the public, a a vaccine is not yet available for newborn babies. A judge ruled Friday that courts cannot rewrite contracts when one of the parties regrets the language it drafted. A spokesperson for Attorney General Chris Carr today said his office plans to appeal the ruling. Research shows women under the age of 50 have an 80% higher risk of developing cancer compared to men of the same age, GPB's Ellen Eldredge explains.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Atlanta based research and treatment organization City of Hope and the American Cancer Society are calling for urgent action in light of the statistics. They want risk assessments for women to begin at age 25, greater investment in age specific research and national standards for care. Brittany Powell of Newnan was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer at age 35, despite being told repeatedly she was too young.

[Host of Planet Money]

We need better screening. We need more supportive care and a system that sees us because we're not too young and we're not invisible and we matter.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Women under 50 in Fulton county ranked second statewide for lung cancer and 32nd for breast cancer compared to others in their age group. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

Officials in Albany are pushing back against the Trump administration's decision to shut down the nationwide Job Corps program. The program, created in the 1960s, provides low income students with housing, education and career training. A statement last week from the U.S. department of labor said it was financially challenged and no longer achieving its intended outcomes. Albany Mayor Bo Durra said today the decision will mean the end of jobs for about 800 students and staff members.

[Host of Planet Money]

I see these notices of about the problems at the Job Corps facilities throughout the country and you know it's just a hatchet job because it ignores the thousands, the tens of thousands of success stories.

[Peter Biello]

He says Students have been told to leave their dormitories by the end of the week, a move he called inhumane. A Job Corps center in Brunswick is also slated for closure. The Georgia sheriff who responded to last year's Apalachee High School shooting has been selected as this year's Georgia Sheriff of the Year. The Georgia Sheriff's association has chosen Barrow County's Judd Smith for the honor. The association's executive director, Terry Norris, says Smith's leadership shone through in the events that came right after the September shooting, which killed two teachers and two students.

[Host of Planet Money]

Not only was Sheriff Smith dealing with the tragedy of that moment, then there was the aftermath of investigating the case. To see as quickly as possible what happened, it just showed what kind of person Judd is.

[Peter Biello]

Smith will be recognized formally at the association's summer conference in August. Actor Trey Chani, best known for his role as Poot on HBO's the Wire, is sharing his gratitude after surviving a tornado that destroyed his home in Locust Grove last week. The EF2 tornado struck last Wednesday, leaving his 19 year old son hospitalized. Chani says he was knocked unconscious under the debris of his home. A GoFundMe supporting the family has raised close to $100,000. So far, the home is a total loss. In a Facebook post, Chani shared that his son spent his 19th birthday in the hospital but is making some progress and is surrounded by his support. The Atlanta Motor Speedway in Henry county is now echo Park Speedway. GPB's Sarah Kalis was at the renaming ceremony today.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Green smoke erupted as governor Brian Kemp pushed a button to reveal the racing venue's new name. It's part of a multi million dollar branding deal with auto retailer Echo Park. Kemp said that the speedway continues to have a significant economic impact on the.

[Host of Planet Money]

State and tourism, a 250 million dollar estimated economic impact a year supporting obviously thousands of jobs. So the investment From a Fortune 300 company is going to solidify really what goes on here and at the track for years to come. And that's why for me it's such an exciting day in our state.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Nascar driver Ross Chastain drove Kemp around the track for the inaugural ride on Echo Park Speedway. The first championship with the new name will be held at the end of this month. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallis in Henry County.

[Peter Biello]

Mercer University in Macon will host practice matches for and house the Los Angeles Football Club as the MLS team competes in the FIFA Club World cup in Atlanta later this month. Macon Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller today touted the soccer tournament's economic impact on the city.

[Host of Planet Money]

Well, I can tell you now I'm going to be cheering for the home team of the LA Football Club and we're going to be cheering with thousands and thousands of people across the community.

[Peter Biello]

Officials say the university's soccer fields have been upgraded to World cup level to prepare for the team. Macon also will host a yet to be named team during next year's FIFA World Cup. The Club World cup, featuring 32 major club teams instead of national teams, is seen as a dry run for the larger tournament in Other Sports in golf, 17 year old Mason Howell of Thomasville, Georgia is bound for Oakmont after qualifying for the US Open yesterday. The three of the five spots from the Atlanta qualifier went to amateurs, including Howell. The high school junior played bogey free for an 18 under 126. Howell announced last year his intent to take his golfing talents to the University of Georgia. Also in baseball, the Braves opened a three game series at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks tonight on their day off. Yesterday, the Braves announced the team is bringing back former manager Freddie Gonzalez as acting third base coach. Matt Tuya Sasosopo, the previous third base coach, has accepted a role as a minor league infield coordinator. The Braves have lost eight of their last 11, and at 27 and 31 they are in fourth place in the NL East. Gonzalez has managed the Marlins and Braves previously. He was Baltimore's bench coach before being replaced by the Orioles last offseason and finally, the Bibb County Sheriff's Office got an unusual call for an unwelcome guest at a business in Macon over the weekend. Animal enforcement was called out to wrangle up an alligator on Saturday, the Sheriff's office said in a Facebook post. BSEO says the alligator quote was captured and released unharmed back into the wild. Sheriff's office says the gator was 12ft long. That's it for the podcast today, but we hope you'll come back tomorrow. Make sure you subscribe to Georgia Today and will pop up automatically in your feed. Plus you could Always check out gpb.org news for updates on any of the stories you heard today and and news stories. Our reporters are constantly posting news stories there. If you've got feedback, send it our way by email. The address is Georgia Todaypb.org and when you send an email to us there, all team sees it again. Georgia Todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.