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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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.

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.