Georgia Today Podcast Summary: April 15, 2025
Hosted by Peter Biello, Georgia Today provides comprehensive coverage of the latest news and stories impacting Georgians. In this episode, Biello delves into economic forecasts, legal battles faced by foreign students, technological advancements in transportation, cultural revivals on college campuses, and significant developments in sports and local governance.
1. Federal Reserve Official Warns of Rising Prices Due to Tariffs
The episode begins with insights from Rafael Bostic, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Speaking at Emory University, Bostic expressed concerns about economic uncertainty stemming from the Trump administration's policies.
“I think what we have right now is a period where the range of possible outcomes has kind of multiplied and the boundaries and the guardrails that used to have in my head about what could possibly happen have all kind of been blown up,” Bostic stated at [05:48].
Bostic emphasized that consumers should brace for higher prices as tariffs are likely to affect the cost of goods and services, urging caution amidst the unpredictable economic landscape.
2. Lawsuit by Foreign College Students Over Deportation Risks
A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to a lawsuit filed by 17 foreign college students against the federal government. Represented by attorney Charles Cook, the students allege that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) improperly deleted their SEVIS records, jeopardizing their legal status to study in the U.S.
“No other administration, of course, would say you're out of status because the police arrested you and later dropped charges because they made a mistake,” Cook explained at [03:17].
Cook detailed that the deletion of SEVIS records without due process renders the students vulnerable to arrest and deportation, despite no actual convictions against them.
“Our immigration laws actually account for this. They require the government to bring them before an immigration judge, make an accusation of which immigration laws they violated, and then prove that before an immigration judge,” Cook elaborated at [03:45].
The legal team is seeking a temporary restraining order to reinstate the students' SEVIS status, ensuring they receive fair treatment under the law. The first federal court hearing is scheduled for the upcoming Thursday in Atlanta, with plans to add approximately 150 more plaintiffs, around 30 of whom are from Georgia ([05:37]).
3. Governor Brian Kemp Signs Tax Relief Measures
Governor Brian Kemp announced the signing of two tax relief bills aimed at easing the financial burden on Georgia residents. The first law introduces a one-time rebate for taxpayers, while the second accelerates previously approved income tax reductions.
“We know that this is your money, not the government's, and we know that you know best how to spend it,” Kemp remarked while signing the bills in Cobb County at [06:22].
These measures received broad support in the General Assembly, highlighting the bipartisan effort to provide economic relief to Georgians amidst rising prices.
4. Local Ordinances and Developments
Pet Ordinance in Rome City
The Rome City Council unanimously passed an ordinance requiring pet owners to spay, neuter, and microchip their dogs and cats to align with Floyd County's existing regulations.
“So it's just to make it consistent with the ordinance that the county already has in place,” Commissioner Harry Brock explained at [09:17].
Demolition of Habersham County Courthouse
In Northeast Georgia, the old Habersham County Courthouse is set for demolition after failed redevelopment efforts. Local Commissioner Ty Akins referred to the building as an eyesore that had long been vacant since its construction in 1963.
“It was a bit of an eyesore. A lot of people in Clarksville had nicknamed it the ugliest courthouse in Georgia,” Akins stated at [11:20].
The demolition marks a turning point, with officials optimistic about future investments in the area.
5. Introduction of Self-Driving Waymo Ubers in Atlanta
Technological advancements in transportation are highlighted with Waymo’s expansion of autonomous vehicles within the Atlanta Uber service. Starting this summer, riders will have the option to be matched with self-driving Waymo vehicles across a 65-square-mile service area from Buckhead to Capitol View.
“Atlanta will be Waymo's largest launch yet,” Biello noted at [10:45].
This initiative follows a year of internal testing and represents a significant step towards integrating self-driving technology into the city's transportation network.
6. Mercer University Students Revive Stepping Tradition
Mercer University in Macon has seen a revival of the stepping tradition among its students after a 15-year hiatus. Inspired by other institutions, students from various Greek organizations have come together to perform stepping routines, a cultural expression rooted in African American fraternity and sorority life.
“It's black culture. My name is Teresita Cabral and I am a part of the Megmeet chapter of Zeta Beta Sorority Incorporated,” Cabral shared at [12:10].
The performances aim to educate peers about their heritage and foster a sense of community and brotherhood/sisterhood through synchronized dance and percussion.
7. FIFA President Visits Atlanta Ahead of Major Soccer Events
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, visited Atlanta to underscore the city's role as a host for upcoming international soccer events. Atlanta will host six Club Cup games in 2025 and eight World Cup matches in 2026. During his visit, Infantino announced a $1 million donation to support youth soccer initiatives.
“We’re gonna have a team that’s planning ... engagement opportunities and activities that they can participate in during this summer,” Mayor Andre Dickens discussed the allocation of the funds at [13:32].
The donation aims to promote youth engagement and education in soccer, fostering local talent and enthusiasm ahead of the major events.
8. ESPN Partners with Savannah Bananas Baseball Team
In a unique sports collaboration, ESPN has partnered with the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team renowned for its unconventional and entertaining gameplay. Ten "banana ball" games will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2, featuring marquee matchups in iconic venues such as Fenway Park and NFL stadiums.
“We are going big, the biggest we've ever gone with ESPN,” Jesse Cole, founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas, announced at [13:55].
The partnership aims to bring the Bananas' spirited and engaging brand of baseball to a wider audience, enhancing the team's visibility and popularity.
9. Additional Sports Updates
Major League Baseball (MLB): Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves secured a victory against the Toronto Blue Jays with standout performances from Austin Riley, who hit two home runs and drove in five runs.
“Third baseman Austin Riley had two home runs and five RBIs as the Braves beat the Blue Jays 8-4 last night for their second road win of the season,” Biello reported at [15:07].
Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA): Atlanta Dream Draft Picks
The Atlanta Dream made significant additions to their roster by drafting South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tahina Powpow and Ohio State forward Taylor Theory, alongside veteran Brittney Griner.
“I think they all really, really want to play for Atlanta, which is really important,” noted Charles Cook at [14:57].
The new players are expected to bring fresh energy and talent to the team as the WNBA season commences in May.
Closing Remarks
Peter Biello concluded the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast for ongoing updates and to stay informed on the pressing issues and stories covered.
“Follow up your listening by subscribing to this podcast now. That way we'll be there for you tomorrow,” Biello advised at [15:07].
For more information and to engage with the podcast, listeners are invited to visit GeorgiaToday@gpb.org.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and developments featured in the April 15, 2025 episode of Georgia Today, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's most important stories.