Federal funding freeze for education; Women's sports bar; New Alzheimer's medication

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Hosted by Peter Biello | Released on July 7, 2025

The Georgia Today podcast, presented by Georgia Public Broadcasting and hosted by Peter Biello, delves into the pressing issues and noteworthy developments impacting the Peach State. In this episode, listeners are informed about a federal education funding freeze, the inauguration of Georgia’s first women’s sports bar, and groundbreaking advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment, among other significant topics.

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1. Federal Freeze of Education Funding Impacts Georgia Schools

The episode opens with a critical look at the federal government’s halt on education funding, which has profound implications for Georgia’s schools and afterschool programs.

• Key Points:

  • The Georgia Department of Education is urging the federal government to release the promised funds essential for the success of students.
  • A total of $41 million designated for afterschool providers under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CLCC) grant remains unallocated due to the freeze initiated by the Department of Education.
  • Typically, states receive these funds on July 1, but the Trump administration has proposed terminating the grant by 2026, aligning with broader efforts to scale back the Department of Education.

• Notable Quote:

  "Already approved federal funds need to be released to the states so that we can ensure the success of our students."
  — State School Superintendent Richard Woods [00:55]

• Additional Insights:

  • This funding freeze threatens the continuation and expansion of vital educational programs that support both students and educators across Georgia.

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2. Democratic Fundraising Surge in the 2026 Governor’s Race

The podcast highlights a significant early fundraising milestone achieved by two leading Democratic candidates vying for the 2026 Georgia governor's seat.

• Candidates:

  • Keisha Lance Bottoms (Former Atlanta Mayor)
  • State Senator Jason Estevez

• Key Points:

  • Both candidates have raised $1.1 million each in early fundraising efforts, exceeding previous benchmarks in recent gubernatorial races.
  • Bottoms has personally loaned her campaign $200,000 and has amassed $900,000 through Department of Labor (DOL) sources.
  • Estevez emphasizes support from grassroots donors, highlighting his fundraising strategy as primarily donor-driven.
  • Neither candidate has previously secured a gubernatorial win for Democrats in Georgia since Roy Barnes in 1998.

• Notable Quotes:

  "A Democrat hasn't won a governor's race in Georgia since Roy Barnes in 1998."
  — Peter Biello [01:38]

  "Almost all my money came from donors."
  — State Senator Jason Estevez [01:38]

• Additional Insights:

  • The race also includes a Democratic runoff for a seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission, with candidates Keisha Sean Waitz and Peter Hubbard competing for the nomination. Early voting for this runoff commenced with expectations of low turnout, reflecting the 2.5% participation rate in the June primary.

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3. Atlanta Homelessness Crisis and Old Wheat Street Evacuation

A pressing social issue is addressed concerning the eviction of residents from an Atlanta homeless camp on Old Wheat Street.

• Key Points:

  • Residents face eviction by Thursday, necessitating immediate relocation after a city-announced sweep.
  • The tragic death of Cornelius Taylor, who was killed by heavy equipment during the sweep, has left the community in mourning.
  • Advocates, including Timothy Franzen of the Cornelius Taylor Coalition, criticize the city's approach for its lack of permanent solutions, describing it as a "whack-a-mole" strategy that fails to address the root causes of homelessness.

• Notable Quotes:

  "What we have is this whack-a-mole approach of destroying an encampment, putting people into temporary housing, only to see them back in the street days or weeks later with less property and more desperate."
  — Timothy Franzen [03:18]

  "Old Wheat street residents lost trust in the city."
  — Timothy Franzen [03:18]

• Additional Insights:

  • Naomi Stanton of Gap Ministries attributes the surge in homelessness to factors such as the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, more accurate counting methods, and broader economic challenges. The number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Augusta has more than doubled in the past year, reaching nearly 1,100 according to a January count.

• Notable Quote:

  "All five of those rooms have consistently been full for several months."
  — Charlie Kilmaster [04:00]

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4. South Korean Battery Recycler Cancels Georgia Investment Amid Federal Clean Energy Support Decline

Economic developments are discussed, focusing on the cancellation of a significant investment project by a South Korean battery recycler.

• Key Points:
  • Sung Il Recycling Park had planned to build a $37 million facility in Stevens County, Northeast Georgia, promising employment for approximately one thousand workers.
  • The project was stalled in April, prior to the signing of President Trump’s policy-setting budget bill, which signaled reduced federal support for clean energy initiatives.
  • The local development authority is proactively seeking a new investor, with plans to repurchase the land in Toccoa’s industrial park.

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5. Appointment of New Commissioner for Georgia Department of Community Health

A significant administrative change within Georgia’s public health sector is announced.

• Key Points:
  • Governor Brian Kemp has appointed Dr. Dean Burke, the former Bainbridge State Senator with 27 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, as the new Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH).
  • Dr. Burke will succeed Russell Carlson, who is transitioning to a private sector role.
  • The DCH oversees critical programs, including Georgia Medicaid and Peach Care for Kids.

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6. Atlanta Pioneer Treated with New Alzheimer’s Medication

A groundbreaking medical advancement is highlighted through the experience of an Atlanta resident receiving a novel treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

• Patient Highlight:

  • George King, a 78-year-old diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 18 months ago, is one of the first individuals to receive Leqembi, a new medication aimed at slowing the progression of the disease.

• Key Points:

  • Since starting Leqembi nearly a year ago, King reports improved cognitive function and increased focus.
  • King credits not only the medication but also his active lifestyle, including travel and new experiences, for aiding his cognitive health.

• Notable Quote:

  "I didn't expect to feel better. I expect not to feel worse. I do feel more focused than when I was diagnosed."
  — George King [00:24]

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7. Georgia Department of Natural Resources Launches Feral Hog Trap Pilot Program

Environmental conservation efforts are discussed, focusing on the state’s initiative to control the invasive feral hog population.

• Key Points:

  • The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is piloting a program that distributes whole sounder feral hog traps to active hunters.
  • Charlie Kilmaster, State Deer Biologist, explains that these traps can capture entire family groups of hogs, enhancing control measures.
  • Five traps will be given away each quarter for the next year to incentivize and support those committed to reducing the feral hog population.

• Notable Quote:

  "We're putting quality equipment in the hands of the people that are willing to do the work."
  — Charlie Kilmaster [06:47]

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8. Record-Breaking Goliath Grouper Catch in Glynn County

An exciting fishing achievement is reported from southeast Georgia’s Glynn County.

• Key Points:

  • Robert Turbury and Seth Silverstein successfully caught a 400-pound Goliath Grouper off the coast of St. Simon's Island.
  • The fish, a federally protected species, was released back into the water after a photo was taken to commemorate the catch.

• Notable Quote:

  "I haven't ever experienced anything that has the strength like that does."
  — Charlie Kilmaster [07:49]

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9. Inauguration of Georgia’s First Women’s Sports Bar

Celebrating progress in sports culture, the podcast introduces Jolene Jolene, Georgia’s first-ever women’s sports bar.

• Key Points:

  • Located in Pullman Yards, a historic rail depot turned arts and entertainment hub, Jolene Jolene showcases women’s sports across five screens.
  • The bar offers typical sports bar amenities, such as burgers, wings, and a variety of alcoholic beverages, while focusing on teams like the WNBA's Atlanta Dream and pro volleyball's Atlanta Vibe.
  • Owner Chelsea Fishman, a former soccer player, was inspired by Portland’s Sports Bra bar and aims to create a communal space for fans of women’s sports.

• Notable Quote:

  "I wanted to have that same kind of experience for the women's sports that I like to watch. But it was hard to find that."
  — Chelsea Fishman [08:47]

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10. Atlanta’s Representation in the Upcoming All-Star Baseball Game

Sports enthusiasts are treated to updates on Atlanta’s presence in the forthcoming All-Star Game at Truist Park.

• Key Points:
  • Ronald Acuna Jr., an outfielder for the Braves, has been named a starter, marking his fifth All-Star start.
  • Matt Olson, first baseman for the Braves, has been selected as a reserve infielder.
  • Chris Sale, a pitcher, has been elected as a player pick for his ninth All-Star appearance.
  • This event signifies the first All-Star Game hosted in Georgia since July 2000.

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Closing Remarks

Peter Biello wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore more stories on GPB’s website and to subscribe for future updates. He also teases an upcoming podcast episode titled "Manufacturing the Biolab Story", which investigates the recurrent chemical fires at the Biolab facility in Conyers.

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Stay Informed: For more detailed reports and ongoing coverage of these stories, visit gpb.org/news. Subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast on your preferred platform to receive daily updates on the issues that matter most to you.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, A federal freeze of education funding impacts schools across Georgia. Georgia's first ever women's sports bar opens its doors and an Atlanta man is one of the first to be treated with a new medication for Alzheimer's disease.

[George King]

I didn't expect to feel better. I expect not to feel worse. I do feel more focused than when I was diagnosed.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Monday, July 7th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. The Georgia Department of Education is calling on the federal government to send promised federal funds for schools and after school programs. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

[Sarah Kalis]

State School Superintendent Richard woods said in a written statement that already approved federal funds need to be released to the states so that we can ensure the success of our students. Afterschool providers in Georgia have not received the $41 million promised to them in federal grants after the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, or CLCC, grant, was frozen by the federal Department of Education. States typically receive funding on July 1. The Trump administration has proposed ending the grant altogether for 2026 as it continues to scale back the U.S. department of Education. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallas.

[Peter Biello]

Two leading Democrats in Georgia's 2026 governor's race report collecting $1.1 million each in early fundraising. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says she loaned her campaign $200,000 and collected 900,000 DOL. State Senator Jason Estevez says almost all his money came from donors. The Reporting period covers February 1st through June 30th. Both totals surpass early Democratic fundraising in recent governor's races. A Democrat hasn't won a governor's race in Georgia since roy Barnes in 1998. Estevez is emphasizing support from fellow Democrats, while Bottoms highlights her name recognition and popularity as key advantages. Early voting and a Democratic runoff for a seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission began today. Keisha Sean Waitz and Peter Hubbard are vying for the party's nomination for the District three seat on the five member regulatory commission. There will be one week of early voting starting today. The election is July 15. Low turnout is expected as only 2.5% of voters turned out in the June Primarily, residents of an Atlanta homeless camp have until Thursday to find a new place to live after the city announced a coming sweep. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports advocates are trying to negotiate.

[Amanda Andrews]

Old Wheat street residents are still grieving the death of Cornelius Taylor, who was killed by heavy equipment during a sweep. In January, advocates and remaining residents submitted an alternative housing proposal to the city. They say the city did not respond. Timothy Franzen is part of the Cornelius Taylor Coalition advocating for the unhoused. He says Old Wheat street residents lost trust in the city.

[Timothy Franzen]

What we have is this whack, a mole approach of destroying an encampment, putting people into temporary housing, only to see them back in the street days or weeks later with less property and more desperate.

[Amanda Andrews]

The city says it's reached out to all the residents of the encampment to offer housing options. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Peter Biello]

The number of people living without homes in Augusta has more than doubled in the past year to nearly 1100. That's according to a January count made public last month. Naomi Stanton of Gap Ministries works closely with a shelter that has five family rooms. She attributes the shocking numbers partly to Hurricane Helene.

[Charlie Kilmaster]

All five of those rooms have consistently.

[Jolene Fishman]

Been full for several months.

[Charlie Kilmaster]

And again, a lot of that has.

[Naomi Stanton]

To do with what we experienced September 27th.

[Peter Biello]

She also says it has to do with more accurate counting and larger economic concerns. A South Korean battery recycler is the latest company to cancel plans to invest in Georgia as the federal government pulls back on support for clean energy. Sung Il Recycling park told state officials in 2022 that it planned to build a $37 million facility to employ about one workers in Northeast Georgia's Stevens County. Local officials say the company told them the project was stalled in April, months before President Trump's policy setting budget bill was signed into law last week. The head of the local development authority says the agency is now in the process of buying back the land in an industrial park in Toccoa and is confident the site will attract a future investor. Governor Brian Kemp has tapped the state's chief medical officer to lead the Georgia Department of Community Health. Former Bainbridge State Senator Dr. Dean Burke practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 27 years. Kemp said today he'll succeed Russell Carlson as DCH commissioner, overseeing the agency that runs Georgia Medicaid and Peach Care for Kids, among other programs. Carlson is leaving state government for a position in the private sector. An Atlanta man is among the first being treated with a new medication designed to slow the Progression of Alzheimer's GPB's. Ellen Eldredge reports.

[Ellen Eldredge]

78 year old George King was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 18 months ago, but he says his symptoms have improved since he started taking transfusions of Leqembi nearly a year ago. Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease of dementia. King says other than short term memory problems, he feels cognitively sharper.

[George King]

I didn't expect to feel better. I expect not to feel worse. So and what I have feel, I must say I do feel more focused than when I than when I was diagnosed.

[Ellen Eldredge]

King says he believes his continued travel and new experiences are also helping his brain fight decline. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has launched a pilot program to put whole sounder feral hog traps in the hands of those who are already already killing them in large numbers. A sounder is a family group of hogs. Charlie Kilmaster is the state deer biologist with Georgia dnr. He says these traps can catch whole sounders at once. He says they'll give away five whole sounder traps each quarter for the next year.

[Charlie Kilmaster]

And it's the people that are doing the most work are the most eligible to win them, the more likely to win these traps. And so what we're doing is we're putting, you know, quality equipment in the hands of the people that are that are willing to do the work.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia DNR says feral hogs are an invasive species that can cause extensive damage to native flora and fauna, agricultural crops, livestock, forest regeneration and the environment. The first window for killing these hogs closes on September 30th. Reporting rules are at georgiawildlife.com Two fishermen in southeast Georgia's Glynn county managed to catch a 400 pound fish last month off the coast of st. Simon's Island. GPB's Benjamin Payne reports.

[Benjamin Payne]

When Robert Turbury and his friend Seth Silverstein went out on a fishing trip, their plan was to haul in a shark. They dispatched a drone to drop their bait some 300 yards from the shore, and as Silverstein recalls, after about an.

[Charlie Kilmaster]

Hour that reel took off and fun began.

[Benjamin Payne]

Turbury reeled in the line all by himself with no motorized assistance.

[Charlie Kilmaster]

It's just basically straight work. I haven't ever experienced anything that has the strength like that does.

[Benjamin Payne]

The Goliath grouper is a federally protected species, so Turbury and Silverstein made sure to take a photo with the 400 pound fish while it was still in the water and then release it. For GPB News, I'm Benjamin Payne.

[Peter Biello]

An Atlanta bar owner has opened Georgia's first ever women's sports bar. Jolene Jolene, named after the Dolly Parton song, shows women's sports on five screens. Customers can expect the usual sports bar fare burgers, wings and alcohol while watching some of the city's women's sports teams, including the WNBA's Atlanta Dream and pro volleyball's Atlanta Vibe. Owner Chelsea Fishman is a lifelong soccer player whose college athletic career led to a job in marketing at a women's sports apparel company.

[Naomi Stanton]

I love to watch sports with other people and, you know, it's fun to go to bars and it's, you know, for like college football games and like that kind of thing. And I wanted to have that same kind of experience, experience for the women's sports that I like to watch. But it was hard to find that.

[Peter Biello]

Jolene Jolene is partly inspired by a similar bar in Portland, Oregon, the Sports Bra. The new bar takes over a space formerly occupied by an Asian restaurant in Pullman Yards, a historic rail depot transformed into an arts and entertainment complex. And Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. Has been named a starter for next week's All Star Game at Truist Park. It'll be his fifth All Star start. Braves first baseman Matt Olson has been named as a reserve infielder and pitcher Chris Sale was named an All Star as a player elected pick. It'll be his ninth All Star Game. Atlanta will play host to the best players in baseball on Tuesday of next week for the first All Star game in Georgia since July of 2000. That is a wrap on this edition of Georgia Today. We hope you had a great Fourth of July weekend. If you want to learn more about any of these stories, check out gpb.org news we're always posting new stories there. And remember to subscribe to this podcast because we're going to be back in your podcast feed tomorrow afternoon with all the top stories from Georgia. And if there's something we're missing, something we should know about, please let us know. We love news tips. Send them to Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Jolene Fishman]

When a massive chemical fire erupted at the Biolab facility in Conyers, thick smoke filled the air, forcing evacuations. But for many, it wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last. I'm Pamela Kirkland. In GPB's new podcast, Manufacturing the Biolab Story, I investigate what caused the fire, the response and what it means for Conyers residence today. Listen at gpb. Org Podcast or wherever you get your podcast.