Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: Dangerous storms across Georgia; Protests against proposed VA cuts; Peach Pass scam
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya

1. Dangerous Storms Sweep Through Georgia

Overview:
Over the past weekend, Georgia faced severe weather as dangerous storms, including tornadoes, caused significant damage across the state. The most impacted area was Paulding County in west Georgia, where a tornado classified as EF1 touched down with winds of 105-110 mph. Additionally, a tornado destroyed a community center in Mitchell County, southwest Georgia.

Key Details:

• Paulding County Damage:
  Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson reported that 14 homes sustained damage due to fallen trees. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and Sheriff Henson cautioned residents about potential scams exploiting the aftermath of the storm.

  Sheriff Ashley Henson [01:55]: "We're seeing a lot of roofers, a lot of tree work folks, and they're coming in handing out cards in the neighborhoods. They actually came to my house. We got a lot of damage at my house. So don't get scammed. Do not give anybody any money before they do any work."

• National Weather Service Confirmation:
  The National Weather Service confirmed the EF1 tornado in Paulding County and acknowledged the destruction in Mitchell County's community center.

Safety Advisory:
Residents are urged to remain vigilant for scam artists posing as contractors offering cleanup services. Authorities advise against paying for services before the work is completed to prevent fraud.

2. Protests Against Proposed VA Cuts

Overview:
Dozens of veterans and their advocates gathered outside the Cobb County Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic to protest proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposed reduction includes laying off 15% of VA staff, sparking fears among veterans about the potential impact on their healthcare and benefits.

Key Details:

• Concerns Over Job Cuts:
  Air Force veteran Vidya Barne expressed worries that the 80,000 proposed job cuts would degrade the quality of care veterans receive.

  Vidya Barne [04:10]: "We support our veterans."

  Veteran Advocate [04:27]: "I'm a veteran with PTSD and other health issues. I get my mental health, my therapy from the VA. So just the thought of losing that and I serve my country is scary."

• VA Secretary's Statement:
  Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins addressed the concerns, confirming the intent to lay off 15% of staff but assuring that there would be no cuts to healthcare or benefits for veterans.

  Sarah Kallas [04:38]: "Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins confirmed in a social media video that the department is planning to lay off 15% of their staff but will not make cuts to health care or benefits for veterans."

• Representative Austin Scott's Office Response:
  In related developments, nearly 200 individuals voiced their opposition to President Trump's policies at the office of Republican House Member Austin Scott in Warner Robbins. Although Congressman Scott was unavailable during the protest, constituents like Maggie Boxy, a disabled veteran, demanded clarity on proposed tax cuts and their benefits for veterans.

  Maggie Boxy [05:15]: "I would ask the congressman to explain to us in simple language why billionaires need a $4.5 trillion tax cut and how will that benefit my husband and I, who have 34 years of military service between us?"

  Congressman Scott responded via email, expressing support for federal agencies working with the Department of Government Efficiency and a willingness to meet with constituents, though specific meeting details were not provided.

  Grant Blankenship [05:35]: "In an email to GPB, Scott said he wishes federal agencies had been consulted before cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency, but that he supports agencies now working with Doug. The email also said Scott will meet with constituents, but not when or where."

3. Increase in Peach Pass Scam Complaints

Overview:
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported a surge in complaints related to the Peach Pass scam during the first two weeks of March. Over 1,500 complaints were filed, a significant increase compared to the previous 14 months. The scam involves deceptive text messages claiming recipients owe outstanding highway toll balances.

Key Details:

• Nature of the Scam:
  Scammers send text messages alerting individuals of unpaid tolls, often targeting those who do not possess a Peach Pass or reside outside Georgia. Victims have reported losses exceeding $3,000, though the actual figure is likely higher.

• Expert Insights:
  Cybersecurity expert John Powell from Moore Colson highlighted the deceptive tactics used in these scams, such as fearmongering and creating a sense of urgency.

  John Powell [07:01]: "When I think about these tech scams, it's just a new variation on an old technique. The same goal is to get you to click something a lot of times, fear mongering or to be alerted that, oh, I'm going to be in trouble if I don't do this."

  John Powell [07:39]: "It's volume. What we see with a lot of these is it's volume. And you know, if you get it a couple days, you've got five days to pay. Right. Then you've got two days to pay. And I think that increasingly become a little more threatening... to try to play on your fear."

• Preventive Measures:
  The State Road and Tollway Authority has reiterated that it will never send text messages about toll violations. Victims are advised not to click on any links in suspicious messages and to report such scams to the FBI's IC3.

  John Powell [08:14]: "Assume it's not real and call me. Just assume somebody's out that that's not a real thing and let's talk about it before you click on anything."

Reporting the Scam:
Individuals who receive these fraudulent messages should report them to IC3@ic3.gov, including the originating phone number and any listed websites.

4. Passing of Lisa Young Alston

Overview:
Lisa Young Alston, daughter of renowned civil rights leader and former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, passed away on Friday at the age of 67. She was a Howard University graduate and actively involved with InspiredU Atlanta, a nonprofit dedicated to digital literacy.

Tributes and Legacy:

• Family and Community Response:
  The Young Alston family expressed gratitude for the support received while requesting privacy during this difficult time.

• Andrew Young's Reflection:
  At First Congregational Church of Atlanta, Andrew Young shared heartfelt memories of his daughter, highlighting her compassionate nature and the vital role she played in his life.

  Andrew Young [10:03]: "He'd come by the house almost every Sunday after church and sit there and counsel me, and she was worried about me getting old and how I was going to deal with the problems of old age. And it was a blessed time, but it won't stop now."

• Honors and Memorials:
  Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Morehouse School of Medicine President Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice were among those who honored Lisa Young Alston's legacy, celebrating her contributions to the community and her dedication to empowering others through digital education.

5. St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Savannah

Overview:
Savannah celebrated St. Patrick's Day with one of the oldest and largest Irish festivities in the United States. The 201st St. Patrick's Day parade encompassed traditional events and drew large crowds to the historic city.

Key Highlights:

• Parade Traditions:
  The day's celebrations commenced early at 6 AM with a land rush, allowing eager paradegoers to secure prime viewing spots along the parade route. The festivities included a Mass at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist and gatherings of friends and family.

• Cultural Significance:
  Savannah's strong Irish heritage stems from its history as a major seaport welcoming immigrants from the Emerald Isle during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, similar to other cities like New York and Boston.

  Orlando Montoya [10:36]: "Like New York, Boston and other cities with a large Irish cultural heritage, Savannah owes its link to the Emerald Isle to being a major seaport welcoming many immigrant communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries."

Community Impact:
The holiday is widely observed in Savannah, with public schools closing and numerous offices shutting down to accommodate the massive turnout for the parade and related events.

Additional Highlights

• Naloxone Awareness:
  John Powell from DBHDD emphasized the importance of having naloxone in first aid kits, noting that no prescription is needed and it can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

  John Powell [00:00]: "DBHDD is urging people to ask a pharmacist about getting naloxone for their first aid kits at home or work. No prescription is needed. Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing. opioidresponse.info."

• Community Engagement:
  Host Orlando Montoya encouraged listeners to engage with the podcast by subscribing and providing feedback or story ideas through the website.

  Orlando Montoya [12:32]: "We have many of the stories that you hear on this podcast available at our website, gpb.org/news. We'd like you to hit subscribe on this podcast so you can stay current with us in your feed. Send us feedback. We love the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between. Email georgiatodaypb.org."

Conclusion:
This episode of Georgia Today delivered comprehensive coverage of significant events impacting Georgia residents, from natural disasters and cybersecurity threats to vital community protests and heartfelt tributes. Through engaging reporting and expert insights, the podcast provided listeners with essential information and a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

For more detailed stories, visit gpb.org/news.