Clayton County cyberattack, College admission requirements; Columbia County hospital - Georgia Today

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[00:03]
A
Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, Clayton county is looking into a cyber attack that caused a utility interruption. Both UGA and Georgia Tech are dropping SA requirements for admission and Columbia county opens its first hospital.
[00:20]
B
It's a first for Columbia county, which has seen a steady stream of new residents, but the hospital won't only serve them.
[00:27]
A
Today is Tuesday, August 4th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. State and local officials in Columbia county cut the ribbon this morning on the County's first hospital. WellStar Health System will open the six story, 100 bed hospital in Grovetown later this month. GPB's Sophie Gradas has more.
[00:47]
B
WellStar leadership says the new hospital is a regional investment. The health system also runs the Medical College of Georgia Medical center in neighboring Augusta. It's a first for Columbia county, which has seen a steady stream of new residents, but the hospital won't only serve them, says Russell Keene, president of Augusta University.
[01:05]
C
So we've got a designated digital clinical care network where we serve over 20 rural hospitals from here, and so about 75% or more of the patients can stay and be treated in those areas, but in instances where they need additional treatment, they are absolutely going to be transferred.
[01:21]
B
The hospital is set to accept patients in August, with an open house for the public scheduled this weekend. For GPB news, I'm Sophie Gradis in Grovetown.
[01:33]
A
Two of Georgia's most selective colleges are dropping an essay requirement from their admission process. Georgia Tech announced the policy change last week. While the University of Georgia announced in May, prospective students still must complete a personal essay using an online platform intended for multiple colleges, but they no longer will have to complete one specifically assigned by the schools. Georgia Tech says the move is aimed at simplifying the application process. Atlanta leaders broke ground on a new affordable housing development near the city's affluent buckhead neighborhood yesterday. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports the project will connect to the Beltline.
[02:10]
D
The Overlook at Garson will include 130 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. The project meets federal guidelines using the area's average income to determine what qualifies as affordable housing. Sharon Guest is the founder of Radiant Development Partners, a company working with the city on the project. She says it's been 25 years since a new low income housing tax credit project was built in north Atlanta.
[02:33]
E
One challenge we thought we would have would be the community, because that's the first thing you think about is nimmyism. But this community was very receptive. You know, everybody needs workforce housing. I mean, we often say affordable, but it's really workforce housing. It's people who go to work every day.
[02:45]
D
The new development will ultimately connect to the Northeast beltline and feature 10,000 square feet of retail space. It's expected to open in 2028. For GPB news, I'm Amanda Andrews.
[02:58]
A
A metro Atlanta water system says it is investigating a cyber attack that may have caused or contributed to a disruption last week. The Clayton County Water Authority said yesterday it experienced a temporary disruption on July 27 to a portion of its operational systems and water service in parts of north Clayton County. Water service was restored within hours, and the authority contacted state and federal partners, including the FBI, to investigate the incident. Federal regulators have approved a $5 billion natural gas pipeline across Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday issued a final order for the multi company project, led by developer Kinder Morgan. Pipeline backers say it will increase energy reliability and create jobs. Six groups, led by the Southern Environmental Law center plan to challenge the approval. They say the pipeline will negatively alter watersheds, increase air pollution and expose communities to health risks, among other impacts. The pipeline is expected to help Georgia Power meet increased energy demand, largely from data centers. Conjure in your mind the image of a marsh on the Georgia coast, 100 miles of thick green grass broken up by ocean bound rivers. Marsh cover is growing, but lower down below the mud. Scientists say it's a different story, and they think it's because of climate change. GPB's Gillian Magtoto reports.
[04:21]
F
Kyle Runyon has spent hundreds of hours in Georgia's salt marshes. That means battling the blades of spartina grass that sticks up past rain boots and into pants.
[04:31]
G
Yeah, I typically wear two shirts to avoid those spikes.
[04:35]
F
He kneels in the mud and pulls out a ruler.
[04:38]
G
So I'm just going to read out the heights of the tallest leaf.
[04:41]
F
In centimeters, this Martina is long and lush. Runyon looks like a doctor performing a checkup on a healthy patient. Over the past decade, the state's iconic marsh grass has increased in cover, constituting the nation's second largest salt marsh. By now, Runyon knows that there's more than meets the eye. He takes out a metal tube about the size of a tennis ball canister.
[05:06]
G
We'll center this soil core on a
[05:09]
F
clump of stems and pushes it into the ground. He reaches about 2ft down to pull up a log of mud. The mud contains webs of thready roots, white, purple and black. This is actually most of The Spartina.
[05:29]
G
On average, we've measured about four times as much below ground or root biomass as there is above ground or leaf biomass.
[05:37]
F
Over the past few years, Runyon has punched over a thousand holes like this one from Brunswick to Sapelo, expanding on decade long work by the University of Georgia. Last year, his findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. What he found alarmed him.
[05:55]
G
Across the coast, it was around 75% that has been losing below ground biomass.
[06:01]
F
That's the opposite picture compared to what scientists have seen from above ground in the same time frame. You can feel the change under your feet.
[06:12]
G
If there's nothing in the soil in the mud to hold you up, which would be the roots, you can feel it when you're walking around. All of a sudden it starts to feel really soft and you sink.
[06:24]
F
A neighboring plot. A trudge away helps Runyon describe what he thinks is going on. It's a little higher up than the
[06:31]
G
first spot, so really small changes in elevation can lead to really different flooding patterns.
[06:38]
F
Runyon thinks it's flooding that's killing the roots. And sea level rise driven by climate change will only increase flooding. And sea. Sea level could rise up to 6ft here by the end of the century, according to the University of Georgia. But those roots are also key to the grass's defense against rising seas.
[06:56]
G
Those roots are really important for soil structure, and it's really critical for building up organic matter and literally raising the marsh elevation so it can just keep pace with sea level rise.
[07:09]
F
So if there are less roots, the marsh sinks, and when it sinks, it loses more roots. These are the beginnings of a cycle known as marsh drowning.
[07:18]
G
It only takes a little bit to start this sort of positive feedback loop.
[07:22]
F
Runyon says a quarter of his study area could be lost in the near future.
[07:27]
G
These marshes are really feeling it already. It's not something that's distant off in the future that we don't really need to worry about. Right now.
[07:35]
F
Runyon doesn't know what can be done to save Georgia's marshes. But at least he says we now know where they need the most help. For GPB News, I'm Jillian Magtoto. On Sapolo island,
[07:49]
H
the fatal shooting of a teenager at a protest in Seattle has gone unsolved for six years.
[07:55]
I
This is open. In your face. How are there no answers?
[07:59]
H
Our investigation has uncovered new evidence and witnesses who say they've never talked to police.
[08:04]
C
Did police ever call you?
[08:06]
G
Not once.
[08:07]
H
Listen to We Keep Us Safe, a new True Crime series on the embedded podcast from NPR
[08:14]
A
University of Georgia Press has announced a new endowment to support the publication and promotion of the winners of the Flannery o' Connor Award for Short Fiction. The publisher said today that a $100,000 gift also will support author, travel book talks and other perks for the award winner. The 44 year old award, presented each September, recognizes the best in short fiction. It's named for acclaimed Georgia writer Flannery o', Connor, whose work continues to inspire devotees of Southern literature and short stories. In sports, the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three year contract extension with running back Bijon Robinson through the 2030 season. Robinson confirmed the extension on social media writing Love this team and this city. ESPN reports the deal is worth up to $75 million, making him the highest paid running back in NFL history. The move continues the Falcons trend of locking up foundational players on its offense after reaching deals with left guard Matthew Bergeron, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Major League Baseball trade deadline passed yesterday and Braves fans hoping to get a top gun starting pitcher were disappointed. The Braves did make some moves, however. The Braves acquired outfielder Lane Thomas from the Kansas City Royals as well as a minor league pitcher in exchange for two other minor league pitchers. Braves president Alex Anthopoulos said Thomas is strong against left handed pitching and will join the team today as the Braves open a three game series at home against the Miami Marlins. As part of the shuffle ahead of the deadline, the Braves said goodbye to infielder Nacho Alvarez to gain veteran lefty Brent Suiter from the Angels. The Braves also acquired Tyler Molly from the Giants just as righty Ronaldo Lopez went on the 15 day injured list. The Braves sent right hander Anthony Molina to the Giants. And finally, the Braves sent outfielder Eli White to the Boston Red Sox and gained right handed pitcher Tyler Uberstein. And that is it for this edition of Georgia Today. Thank you so much for tuning in. Hope you'll come back tomorrow. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast and check gpb.org's square news for any updates to the stories you heard today as well as the latest headlines. And if you've got feedback for us, send it our way by email. That is the best way to reach us. We'll hit the whole team when you send your email to georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We will see you tomorrow.

Summary5 min read

Georgia Today Podcast: August 4, 2026

Hosted by Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB News)

Episode Overview

This episode covers three main news stories impacting Georgia:

The aftermath and investigation of a cyberattack on the Clayton County Water Authority
Major policy shifts at the University of Georgia (UGA) and Georgia Tech eliminating specific campus essay requirements for admissions
Columbia County's milestone opening of its first-ever hospital, responding to the region’s rapid growth

Additional stories include affordable housing efforts in Atlanta, environmental changes threatening Georgia’s salt marshes, and headline updates in sports and publishing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Columbia County Opens First Hospital

[00:20 – 01:32]

Columbia County celebrates the ribbon-cutting for its first hospital, operated by WellStar Health System in Grovetown.
The 6-story, 100-bed facility will open later in August, providing care not only to new residents but to a broader regional population.
Augusta University’s President, Russell Keene, discusses a digital clinical care network that supports 20 rural hospitals, allowing most patients to remain in their local areas unless advanced care is required.

“So we've got a designated digital clinical care network where we serve over 20 rural hospitals from here, and so about 75% or more of the patients can stay and be treated in those areas, but in instances where they need additional treatment, they are absolutely going to be transferred.” — Russell Keene (01:04)

Public Open House:

The hospital will welcome the community for an open house this weekend.

2. UGA and Georgia Tech Drop Campus Essay Admission Requirement

[01:32 – 02:09]

Georgia Tech and UGA will no longer require unique campus-specific essays for undergraduate admissions, streamlining the process for applicants.
Applicants must still submit a personal essay via a universal platform (such as the Common App), but dedicated institutional essays are eliminated.

“Georgia Tech says the move is aimed at simplifying the application process.” — Peter Biello (01:48)

3. Affordable Housing Development in Buckhead Area

[02:09 – 02:58]

The Overlook at Garson, near Atlanta's Buckhead, will bring 130 affordable apartments with a mix of bedroom options.
The project, following federal income guidelines, is the first new low-income housing tax credit project in North Atlanta in 25 years.
Despite concerns over "NIMBYism," the local community was highly supportive.

“One challenge we thought we would have would be the community...But this community was very receptive. You know, everybody needs workforce housing...it's people who go to work every day.” — Sharon Guest, Radiant Development Partners Founder (02:32)

Development will connect to the Beltline and include 10,000 sq. ft. of retail. Opening projected for 2028.

4. Clayton County Water Authority Cyberattack

[02:58 – 03:30]

The Authority is investigating a cyberattack that led to temporary disruption of water services in North Clayton County on July 27.
Water service was restored within hours; the FBI and state/federal partners are involved in the ongoing investigation.

5. Natural Gas Pipeline Approval and Environmental Challenge

[03:30 – 04:21]

Federal regulators gave the green light to a $5B pipeline through Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, spearheaded by Kinder Morgan.
Advocates claim benefits for energy reliability and job creation; environmental groups intend to challenge the approval, citing potential risks like watershed alteration, pollution, and community health impacts.
The project is significant for helping Georgia Power meet higher energy demands, especially from data centers.

6. Georgia’s Salt Marshes: Above-Ground Growth, Below-Ground Loss

[04:21 – 07:49]

GPB’s Gillian Magtoto joins marshland researcher Kyle Runyon, who warns of a troubling disconnect: while marsh grass cover increases above ground, root structure beneath is rapidly deteriorating.
Scientific findings show 75% loss in below-ground root biomass across the coast over recent years.

“On average, we've measured about four times as much below ground or root biomass as there is above ground or leaf biomass.” — Kyle Runyon (05:29)

The main driver: sea level rise and increased flooding kill the roots, setting off a vicious cycle ("marsh drowning") that threatens up to a quarter of marsh area.

“These marshes are really feeling it already. It's not something that's distant off in the future that we don't really need to worry about. Right now.” — Kyle Runyon (07:27)

Runyon stresses that understanding root loss helps identify where to focus conservation efforts, but solutions remain uncertain.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Russell Keene on regional healthcare connectivity:
“About 75% or more of the patients can stay and be treated in those areas, but in instances where they need additional treatment, they are absolutely going to be transferred.” (01:04)
Sharon Guest on affordable housing:
“We often say affordable, but it's really workforce housing. It's people who go to work every day.” (02:32)
Kyle Runyon on marsh root loss:
“Across the coast, it was around 75% that has been losing below ground biomass.” (05:54)
“If there's nothing in the soil in the mud to hold you up, which would be the roots, you can feel it when you're walking around. All of a sudden it starts to feel really soft and you sink.” (06:11)
“These marshes are really feeling it already. It's not something that's distant off in the future.” (07:27)

Timestamps for Major Segments

Columbia County hospital opening: 00:20 – 01:32
UGA & Georgia Tech admissions changes: 01:32 – 02:09
Atlanta affordable housing project: 02:09 – 02:58
Clayton County Water Authority cyberattack: 02:58 – 03:30
Natural gas pipeline approval/environmental opposition: 03:30 – 04:21
Georgia coastal marsh decline (feature report): 04:21 – 07:49

Other Headlines Briefly Mentioned

UGA Press Flannery O'Connor Award Endowment: New $100,000 fund for award-winning short fiction authors (08:14)
Sports: Atlanta Falcons extend running back Bijan Robinson (record deal), Braves trade updates before the MLB deadline

Summary

This episode blends urgent infrastructure, education, and environmental news, highlighting both progress—such as Columbia County’s new hospital and improved college admissions access—and emerging challenges, including the vulnerabilities of critical systems to cyberattacks and the subtle peril facing Georgia’s iconic marshlands due to climate change. Notable voices and expert reporting provide both local depth and statewide relevance, presenting a compelling daily snapshot for listeners across Georgia.

Loading summary

Transcript39 lines

[00:03]
A
Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, Clayton county is looking into a cyber attack that caused a utility interruption. Both UGA and Georgia Tech are dropping SA requirements for admission and Columbia county opens its first hospital.
[00:20]
B
It's a first for Columbia county, which has seen a steady stream of new residents, but the hospital won't only serve them.
[00:27]
A
Today is Tuesday, August 4th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. State and local officials in Columbia county cut the ribbon this morning on the County's first hospital. WellStar Health System will open the six story, 100 bed hospital in Grovetown later this month. GPB's Sophie Gradas has more.
[00:47]
B
WellStar leadership says the new hospital is a regional investment. The health system also runs the Medical College of Georgia Medical center in neighboring Augusta. It's a first for Columbia county, which has seen a steady stream of new residents, but the hospital won't only serve them, says Russell Keene, president of Augusta University.
[01:05]
C
So we've got a designated digital clinical care network where we serve over 20 rural hospitals from here, and so about 75% or more of the patients can stay and be treated in those areas, but in instances where they need additional treatment, they are absolutely going to be transferred.
[01:21]
B
The hospital is set to accept patients in August, with an open house for the public scheduled this weekend. For GPB news, I'm Sophie Gradis in Grovetown.
[01:33]
A
Two of Georgia's most selective colleges are dropping an essay requirement from their admission process. Georgia Tech announced the policy change last week. While the University of Georgia announced in May, prospective students still must complete a personal essay using an online platform intended for multiple colleges, but they no longer will have to complete one specifically assigned by the schools. Georgia Tech says the move is aimed at simplifying the application process. Atlanta leaders broke ground on a new affordable housing development near the city's affluent buckhead neighborhood yesterday. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports the project will connect to the Beltline.
[02:10]
D
The Overlook at Garson will include 130 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. The project meets federal guidelines using the area's average income to determine what qualifies as affordable housing. Sharon Guest is the founder of Radiant Development Partners, a company working with the city on the project. She says it's been 25 years since a new low income housing tax credit project was built in north Atlanta.
[02:33]
E
One challenge we thought we would have would be the community, because that's the first thing you think about is nimmyism. But this community was very receptive. You know, everybody needs workforce housing. I mean, we often say affordable, but it's really workforce housing. It's people who go to work every day.
[02:45]
D
The new development will ultimately connect to the Northeast beltline and feature 10,000 square feet of retail space. It's expected to open in 2028. For GPB news, I'm Amanda Andrews.
[02:58]
A
A metro Atlanta water system says it is investigating a cyber attack that may have caused or contributed to a disruption last week. The Clayton County Water Authority said yesterday it experienced a temporary disruption on July 27 to a portion of its operational systems and water service in parts of north Clayton County. Water service was restored within hours, and the authority contacted state and federal partners, including the FBI, to investigate the incident. Federal regulators have approved a $5 billion natural gas pipeline across Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday issued a final order for the multi company project, led by developer Kinder Morgan. Pipeline backers say it will increase energy reliability and create jobs. Six groups, led by the Southern Environmental Law center plan to challenge the approval. They say the pipeline will negatively alter watersheds, increase air pollution and expose communities to health risks, among other impacts. The pipeline is expected to help Georgia Power meet increased energy demand, largely from data centers. Conjure in your mind the image of a marsh on the Georgia coast, 100 miles of thick green grass broken up by ocean bound rivers. Marsh cover is growing, but lower down below the mud. Scientists say it's a different story, and they think it's because of climate change. GPB's Gillian Magtoto reports.
[04:21]
F
Kyle Runyon has spent hundreds of hours in Georgia's salt marshes. That means battling the blades of spartina grass that sticks up past rain boots and into pants.
[04:31]
G
Yeah, I typically wear two shirts to avoid those spikes.
[04:35]
F
He kneels in the mud and pulls out a ruler.
[04:38]
G
So I'm just going to read out the heights of the tallest leaf.
[04:41]
F
In centimeters, this Martina is long and lush. Runyon looks like a doctor performing a checkup on a healthy patient. Over the past decade, the state's iconic marsh grass has increased in cover, constituting the nation's second largest salt marsh. By now, Runyon knows that there's more than meets the eye. He takes out a metal tube about the size of a tennis ball canister.
[05:06]
G
We'll center this soil core on a
[05:09]
F
clump of stems and pushes it into the ground. He reaches about 2ft down to pull up a log of mud. The mud contains webs of thready roots, white, purple and black. This is actually most of The Spartina.
[05:29]
G
On average, we've measured about four times as much below ground or root biomass as there is above ground or leaf biomass.
[05:37]
F
Over the past few years, Runyon has punched over a thousand holes like this one from Brunswick to Sapelo, expanding on decade long work by the University of Georgia. Last year, his findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. What he found alarmed him.
[05:55]
G
Across the coast, it was around 75% that has been losing below ground biomass.
[06:01]
F
That's the opposite picture compared to what scientists have seen from above ground in the same time frame. You can feel the change under your feet.
[06:12]
G
If there's nothing in the soil in the mud to hold you up, which would be the roots, you can feel it when you're walking around. All of a sudden it starts to feel really soft and you sink.
[06:24]
F
A neighboring plot. A trudge away helps Runyon describe what he thinks is going on. It's a little higher up than the
[06:31]
G
first spot, so really small changes in elevation can lead to really different flooding patterns.
[06:38]
F
Runyon thinks it's flooding that's killing the roots. And sea level rise driven by climate change will only increase flooding. And sea. Sea level could rise up to 6ft here by the end of the century, according to the University of Georgia. But those roots are also key to the grass's defense against rising seas.
[06:56]
G
Those roots are really important for soil structure, and it's really critical for building up organic matter and literally raising the marsh elevation so it can just keep pace with sea level rise.
[07:09]
F
So if there are less roots, the marsh sinks, and when it sinks, it loses more roots. These are the beginnings of a cycle known as marsh drowning.
[07:18]
G
It only takes a little bit to start this sort of positive feedback loop.
[07:22]
F
Runyon says a quarter of his study area could be lost in the near future.
[07:27]
G
These marshes are really feeling it already. It's not something that's distant off in the future that we don't really need to worry about. Right now.
[07:35]
F
Runyon doesn't know what can be done to save Georgia's marshes. But at least he says we now know where they need the most help. For GPB News, I'm Jillian Magtoto. On Sapolo island,
[07:49]
H
the fatal shooting of a teenager at a protest in Seattle has gone unsolved for six years.
[07:55]
I
This is open. In your face. How are there no answers?
[07:59]
H
Our investigation has uncovered new evidence and witnesses who say they've never talked to police.
[08:04]
C
Did police ever call you?
[08:06]
G
Not once.
[08:07]
H
Listen to We Keep Us Safe, a new True Crime series on the embedded podcast from NPR
[08:14]
A
University of Georgia Press has announced a new endowment to support the publication and promotion of the winners of the Flannery o' Connor Award for Short Fiction. The publisher said today that a $100,000 gift also will support author, travel book talks and other perks for the award winner. The 44 year old award, presented each September, recognizes the best in short fiction. It's named for acclaimed Georgia writer Flannery o', Connor, whose work continues to inspire devotees of Southern literature and short stories. In sports, the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three year contract extension with running back Bijon Robinson through the 2030 season. Robinson confirmed the extension on social media writing Love this team and this city. ESPN reports the deal is worth up to $75 million, making him the highest paid running back in NFL history. The move continues the Falcons trend of locking up foundational players on its offense after reaching deals with left guard Matthew Bergeron, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Major League Baseball trade deadline passed yesterday and Braves fans hoping to get a top gun starting pitcher were disappointed. The Braves did make some moves, however. The Braves acquired outfielder Lane Thomas from the Kansas City Royals as well as a minor league pitcher in exchange for two other minor league pitchers. Braves president Alex Anthopoulos said Thomas is strong against left handed pitching and will join the team today as the Braves open a three game series at home against the Miami Marlins. As part of the shuffle ahead of the deadline, the Braves said goodbye to infielder Nacho Alvarez to gain veteran lefty Brent Suiter from the Angels. The Braves also acquired Tyler Molly from the Giants just as righty Ronaldo Lopez went on the 15 day injured list. The Braves sent right hander Anthony Molina to the Giants. And finally, the Braves sent outfielder Eli White to the Boston Red Sox and gained right handed pitcher Tyler Uberstein. And that is it for this edition of Georgia Today. Thank you so much for tuning in. Hope you'll come back tomorrow. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast and check gpb.org's square news for any updates to the stories you heard today as well as the latest headlines. And if you've got feedback for us, send it our way by email. That is the best way to reach us. We'll hit the whole team when you send your email to georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We will see you tomorrow.