Georgia Today – August 25, 2025

Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Main Themes:

• Executive order affecting unions at Georgia’s DHHS agencies
• Launch of the Georgia Aerospace and Defense Alliance
• Two Georgians named to a national Alzheimer’s advisory group
• Additional local news highlights including law enforcement honors, trade, transit, and sports

Episode Overview

The August 25, 2025 episode of Georgia Today delivers a concise roundup of headline news affecting Georgia residents, highlighting significant state and local developments. Major topics include an executive order that impacts union rights for Department of Health and Human Services staff, the establishment of the Georgia Aerospace and Defense Alliance, and the recognition of two Georgians appointed to the Alzheimer’s Association National Early Stage Advisory Group. The episode also covers tributes to a fallen police officer, trade missions, public transit updates, local sports, and more.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Executive Order Targets Unions at Health and Human Services (02:10)

• Policy Change:
  A recent executive order revokes collective bargaining rights for thousands of federal employees in agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
• Judicial Context:
  The order, previously stalled by appellate judges in California, was allowed to proceed following a reversal on Friday.
• Impact on CDC Staff:
  The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2883, representing Atlanta’s CDC workers, voiced concern that the timing is particularly problematic given “layoffs and violence” have already “left them demoralized.”
  • Quote (Paraphrased): CDC staff are being “stripped of support system at a time when layoffs and violence have already left them demoralized.” (02:36)
• Union Response:
  AFGE Local 2883 asserts it will continue advocacy and representation for workplace disputes and other support services despite the loss of collective bargaining rights.

2. Georgia Aerospace and Defense Alliance Launches (03:24)

• Industry Collaboration:
  Leading aerospace and defense organizations, including Gulfstream Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and Pratt & Whitney, have formed the Georgia Aerospace and Defense Alliance.
• Institutional Support:
  The alliance will be based at Mercer University in Macon.
• Leadership:
  Ember Bentley named executive director; Jay Neely, also the state Department of Economic Development’s board chair, appointed as chair of the alliance.
• Purpose:
  The alliance aims to “advance the state’s aerospace and defense industries” by leveraging collective expertise and regional assets.

3. Alzheimer’s Advisory Group Features Two Georgians (04:17)

• Advisory Appointments:
  Atlanta residents George King and Andrea Lucas are selected for the National Early Stage Advisory Group of the Alzheimer’s Association, serving two-year terms.
• Personal Advocacy:
  Both share personal experiences to raise awareness about living positively with dementia.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “Being an African American woman who had early onset Alzheimer's, I just felt like I needed to come out of the shadows. I needed to come out of the shadows because again, my first instinct was to be you have to hide.”
    — Andrea Lucas, 04:17

• Broader Context:
  Over 7.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including approximately 188,000 Georgians.

Additional News Highlights

Georgia National Guard Aids Federal Immigration Efforts (01:12)

• About 75 Georgia National Guard troops will provide logistical and clerical support to ICE.
  • “That’s why we have the Guard. ...they’re the most highly trained and patriotic men and women and they’re the right people for the job.”
    — John Albers, Senate Public Safety Committee Chair (01:44)

Political Developments (02:49)

• State Rep. Tanya Miller (D) announced her run for state Attorney General; the seat is open with incumbent Chris Carr seeking the governorship.

Honoring a Fallen Officer (04:58)

• The interchange in Roswell is named in honor of Officer Jeremy Labonte, who was killed in service.
  • “It makes me really proud to know that his name and his sacrifice won’t be forgotten and he would hate the spotlight. But everyone deserves to know what kind of man he was in and out of the uniform.”
    — Alyssa Labonte, widow, 05:11

Trade Mission (05:26)

• Governor Brian Kemp to lead a trade mission to Brazil and Argentina to boost economic ties; Georgia exports to these countries exceeded $868 million last year.

Transit and Community Events (06:09)

• MARTA’s Decatur station western entrance to close for renovations (September 2nd–5th); bus service unchanged.
• Dunwoody hosts Kids Bike Safety Rodeo September 13 for children ages 5–12.

Sports (06:47)

• Golf: Tommy Fleetwood captures PGA Tour Championship at East Lake, Atlanta, earning $10 million.
  • “Fleetwood got plenty of help at the start when Patrick Cantlay began bogey, double bogey and could never catch up. Scottie Scheffler ...ended his hopes on the 15th. Fleetwood shot 68 and won by three.” (06:47)
• Baseball: Braves begin a three-game series in Miami.
• Flag Football: Falcons host large-scale girls’ flag football showcase; more than 100 Georgia high school athletes have earned collegiate offers since 2021.

Notable Quotes

• Andrea Lucas on stigma after early onset diagnosis (Alzheimer’s):

  “Being an African American woman who had early onset Alzheimer's, I just felt like I needed to come out of the shadows.” (04:17)

• John Albers on the Georgia National Guard’s deployment:

  “That’s why we have the Guard. ...they’re the most highly trained and patriotic men and women and they’re the right people for the job.” (01:44)

• Alyssa Labonte on honoring her late husband:

  “It makes me really proud to know that his name and his sacrifice won’t be forgotten and he would hate the spotlight. But everyone deserves to know what kind of man he was in and out of the uniform.” (05:11)

Episode Timestamps

| Segment | Start | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|----------| | Executive Order Targets Unions | 02:10 | | Aerospace and Defense Alliance Announcement | 03:24 | | Alzheimer’s Advisory Group/Personal Stories | 04:17 | | Officer Jeremy Labonte Memorial Interchange | 04:58 | | Governor Kemp Trade Mission to Brazil and Argentina | 05:26 | | MARTA Decatur Station Closure, Kids’ Bike Rodeo Details | 06:09 | | Sports (Golf, Braves, Falcons Flag Football) | 06:47 |

Tone and Closing Thoughts

The podcast balances policy analysis, personal stories, and community news in a factual yet empathetic style. It connects statewide developments to individual experiences, especially in the coverage of Alzheimer’s advocacy and remembrance of law enforcement sacrifice. Georgia Today continues to offer listeners a comprehensive, accessible snapshot of the news that shapes life in Georgia.