Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Biz owners react to possible tariffs; Arbery prosecutor gets one charge dismissed
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Economic Concerns: Potential Tariffs and Their Impact on Georgian Businesses
In this episode, host Peter Biello delves into the apprehensions of Georgia's business community regarding the proposed tariffs on major trading partners. The discussion centers on how these tariffs could adversely affect local businesses, particularly those reliant on Canadian imports.
Kirk Halpern, owner of Farmers and Fishermen Purveyors, expressed significant concern about the potential tariffs on Canadian products, emphasizing the timing's critical nature.
“At a time when restaurateurs are battling cost increases, the American consumer has less money in their pocket, so any price increase has a negative impact,” Halpern stated at [00:45].
Joseph Cortez of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the threats tariffs pose to the craft brewing industry by targeting essential ingredients like Canadian barley, wheat, and oats.
“Breweries are, especially Georgia, going through a tough time recently, so anything that impacts their ability to succeed and do well across the state is something we're concerned about,” Cortez remarked at [01:32].
The conversation further revealed that the Trump administration had initially planned to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. However, these tariffs were abruptly paused following Canada’s commitment to enhancing border security measures.
Political Update: Doug Collins Confirmed as Secretary of Veterans Affairs
A notable political development covered in the podcast is the confirmation of Former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The U.S. Senate unanimously supported his nomination with a vote of 77 to 23, with both Georgia Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, casting affirmative votes.
Collins, an outspoken conservative and ally of former President Donald Trump, previously served Georgia's northeast district in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2021. Despite an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate in 2020, Collins remains a significant figure in Georgia politics. He is known for his close ties to Trump, having supported major GOP donors like Kelly Loeffler, whom Trump appointed to lead the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Judicial Proceedings: Arbery Case Prosecutor Faces Charges
The podcast addresses the ongoing legal challenges faced by Former Glynn County District Attorney Jackie Johnson in relation to the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial. Johnson, accused of interfering in the case to favor her former employee, Greg McMichael, saw one of her charges dismissed.
During the trial, Johnson testified that she recused herself from the case due to McMichael's involvement in the fatal pursuit of Arbery. Despite her claims, allegations arose that she attempted to manipulate the investigation in McMichael's favor. "When I first came out, they would cover my medication. But then everything else, like when I would go to the endocrinologist visit, that would be denied," Johnson explained at [07:14].
The trial saw a significant development when the judge dismissed the charge of obstructing police, though Johnson remains on trial for violating her oath of office. This case continues to be a focal point of controversy and legal scrutiny.
Education and Safety: House Speaker John Burns Introduces New School Safety Legislation
In response to the tragic school shooting in Barrow County last year, Georgia House Speaker John Burns unveiled a comprehensive school safety bill aimed at preventing future tragedies and ensuring the well-being of students.
Sarah Kalis reported on the specifics of Burns' proposal, which includes:
- An anonymous threat reporting system for students.
- Mandatory threat management programs in schools.
- A statewide student information database.
- Voluntary tax incentives for safegun storage devices.
Burns emphasized the importance of these measures, stating at [03:54], “The People's House is committed to leaving no stone unturned when it comes to securing their safety, enacting measures that will save lives and supporting our students' well-being at every stage of their academic careers and beyond.”
However, some gun safety advocates, including Leila Contreras, criticized the legislation for not being stringent enough. Contreras advocated for mandatory gun storage, likening it to laws that require seat belts and car seats.
“We don't just encourage parents to put their babies in a car seat. It's the law. We don't just recommend seat belts. We expect to wear them because they save lives. Firearm safety should be no different,” she asserted at [04:40].
Additionally, the podcast touched upon a Democratic-sponsored bill proposing to classify unauthorized gun placement within children's reach as a misdemeanor, further highlighting the ongoing debate over gun safety legislation.
Health Awareness: Lung Cancer Early Detection Campaign Launched
The American Lung Association, in collaboration with the AD Council, introduced a new campaign aimed at promoting early detection of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths. Dr. Bobby Mahajan emphasized the importance of lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals aged 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history.
“Are a current or former smoker and a 1-minute lung scan can save your life by catching cancer early,” Dr. Mahajan explained at [05:16].
The campaign encourages eligible individuals to check their eligibility for lung screening online and consult with their healthcare providers, underlining the critical role of early detection in improving survival rates.
Business Development: PBS Aerospace's North American Expansion
In a significant boost to Georgia's economy, PBS Aerospace, a jet engine manufacturer based in the Czech Republic, announced plans to establish its North American headquarters in Roswell, just north of Atlanta. The $20 million investment is expected to create at least 95 new jobs and will encompass both manufacturing and research and development operations. The new facility is slated to commence operations by April, marking a notable expansion in the region's aerospace industry.
Social Justice: Anna Lang's Legal Battle for Transgender Healthcare Coverage
The podcast features an in-depth look at Anna Lang, a sergeant with the Houston County Sheriff's Office, who is fighting a legal battle against her employer for denying coverage of gender-affirming surgery. Sophie Grata from GPB News interviews Lang, who shares her harrowing experience and the emotional toll of the denial.
Lang recounted, “I was in such a depressive state, to be honest. It's like, you get to a point where you just don't even really want to live anymore,” at [08:51]. Her lawsuit argues that Houston County discriminated against her by refusing coverage for medically necessary procedures. The courts have so far ruled in her favor, awarding her damages and mandating the inclusion of coverage for gender-affirming care.
The case is poised for further scrutiny as it moves to a full panel of US 11th Circuit judges, potentially setting a precedent for transgender rights and healthcare access nationwide. Notably, the U.S. Department of Justice initially supported Lang's case but withdrew support days before the hearing, adding another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.
Sports News: Atlanta Dream Acquires Brittney Griner
A highlight in the sports segment includes the Atlanta Dream's introduction of Brittney Griner as the team's newest star player. Griner, a seasoned athlete previously with the Phoenix Mercury since her 2013 draft, made a splash with her signing—the largest free-agent deal in the franchise's history.
At the press conference, Griner expressed her enthusiasm for joining the team and contributing on the court.
“I’m looking forward to getting out and running with them. Setting that screen and seeing that ball go up over my head into that goal is going to make me very happy,” Griner shared at [10:36]. She also highlighted her excitement about the team's perimeter play and her role in defense.
Griner's addition is expected to significantly bolster the Atlanta Dream's performance in the league, bringing much-anticipated energy and skill to the team.
Consumer Alert: Waffle House Introduces Egg Price Surcharge
In economic news affecting everyday consumers, Waffle House announced a temporary surcharge of 50 cents per egg due to the soaring prices of eggs. This decision impacts the chain's signature 24-hour breakfast menu, making omelets and scrambled eggs more expensive until egg prices stabilize.
The company stated that both customers and restaurants are facing challenging choices as a result of the rising costs. This surcharge is a strategic response to manage expenses without discontinuing popular menu items.
Conclusion
The February 4th episode of Georgia Today offered a comprehensive overview of pressing issues affecting Georgia residents, from economic concerns over international trade policies to significant legal battles and developments in education and healthcare. Host Peter Biello effectively navigated through diverse topics, providing listeners with in-depth reporting and insightful commentary on matters that resonate deeply within the community.
For more detailed coverage and updates, listeners are encouraged to visit gpb.org/news and subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast for daily news delivered directly to their devices.