Georgia Today – October 15, 2025

Episode Theme:
This episode spotlights urgent financial and operational crises affecting Georgia’s public institutions, from a near-shutdown of a middle Georgia school district and missed paychecks for Atlanta TSA agents, to political moments like Charlie Kirk posthumously receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Additional topics include deer disease management, a major timber merger, a recent measles outbreak, Atlanta's tax allocation debate, hurricane recovery, and higher education investment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Financial Crisis in Dublin City Schools

Timestamps: 00:52–01:40

• Dublin City Schools, a district in Middle Georgia, faces a potential $13 million budget shortfall.
• Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods calls on lawmakers to clarify the legal framework for state assistance, warning the schools “were on the brink of shutting down.”
• Woods emphasizes that students, teachers, staff, and families should not “bear the costs of mismanagement.”
• The state government is now intervening to help stabilize the district.

Notable Quote

• “Students, teachers, staff and families shouldn’t bear the costs of mismanagement.”
  — Peter Biello summarizing Richard Woods, 01:16

2. TSA Agents at Hartsfield Jackson: Unpaid & Blocked Relief

Timestamps: 01:41–02:07

• Ongoing government shutdown leaves TSA agents in Atlanta without expected paychecks.
• Congresswoman Nekima Williams criticizes airport TSA management for blocking free meal vouchers:
  • “In a, quote, callous and unacceptable action.”
• TSA has not responded; the airport claims compliance with federal guidelines.

Notable Quote

• “Free meal vouchers delivered to TSA management are being blocked in a, quote, callous and unacceptable action.”
  — Peter Biello, quoting Rep. Nekima Williams, 01:56

3. College Students Honor Charlie Kirk

Timestamps: 02:11–02:48

• Georgia college students, including Kennesaw State University's Turning Point USA chapter, gathered to watch President Donald Trump award the late Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
• Kirk was killed while speaking on a college campus in November (prior year).
• Sophomore Cameron Owens speaks on personal impact:
  • “He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind about similar beliefs that we have, and I wanted to... I want to be able to speak my mind fearlessly.” (02:31–02:39)
• Multiple memorials also took place statewide.

Notable Quote

• “He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind about similar beliefs that we have, and I want to be able to speak my mind fearlessly.”
  — Cameron Owens, 02:31

4. Deer Chronic Wasting Disease Monitoring

Timestamps: 02:48–03:44

• First chronic wasting disease (CWD) case in Georgia identified at end of last year, with two more cases since.
• Disease management areas established in Lanier, Berrien, and Lowndes counties.
• State deer biologist Charlie Killmaster urges hunters in affected regions to test harvested deer:
  • Infection to symptoms can take 18–30 months; “most deer that will test positive... will not have symptoms yet.”
• CDC recommends not consuming any testing positive meat.

Notable Quote

• “From the time a deer contracts the disease until they show symptoms... could be anywhere from 18 to 30 months. So in fact, most deer that will test positive for it may not... will not have symptoms yet.”
  — Chase McGee, paraphrasing Charlie Killmaster, 03:19

5. PotlatchDeltic & Rayonier Merger

Timestamps: 03:44–04:11

• Two timber giants announce their merger forming one of North America’s largest wood products firms.
• Combined firm headquarters will be in Atlanta, name TBA.
• Rayonier currently manages over 600,000 acres in Georgia.

6. Measles Outbreak Contained in Fulton County

Timestamps: 04:12–05:17

• Health workers spent 200 extra hours tracking at-risk contacts after a Georgia State student was diagnosed.
• 268 close contacts were identified; 3 additional cases resulted but outbreak declared nearly over.
• Fulton Board of Health calls containment a “huge public health win.”
• 10 total measles cases statewide in 2025.
• “For the outbreak to be considered over two incubation periods must pass without additional cases. That would be October 22, Smith said.” (04:57)

7. Atlanta’s Tax Allocation District Debate

Timestamps: 05:17–05:52

• City Council delays decision on whether to extend tax allocation districts (TADs) for another 30 years.
• TADs, key to neighborhood reinvestment (including Beltline), allow borrowing against future property tax revenue.
• Chief of Staff Courtney English details proposed allocations:
  • $1.4B for affordable housing, $170M for health/recreation/food, $88M for small business.
• Questions remain if Fulton County and Atlanta School Board will support the extension.

Notable Quote

• “$1.3 Almost $1.4 billion for affordable housing projects, both single and multifamily. $170 million that can support health centers, recreation and continue grocery stores. $88 million reserved for small business.”
  — Courtney English, 05:39

8. Other Noteworthy Updates

• Disaster Recovery: Red Cross gives $700,000+ to repair 30 hurricane-damaged roofs in Lowndes County. (06:02)
• Savannah State University: Receives $5M from Hyundai for education, school’s largest corporate gift. (06:17)
• Atlanta United: Goalkeeper Brad Guzan to retire after 2025 MLS season, ending a 21-year career. (06:35)

Episode Flow & Tone

The episode maintains a brisk, factual tone, focusing on significant policy, governance, and community news affecting Georgians. Speakers share a sense of urgency—especially regarding school funding and public worker welfare—while also spotlighting stories of resilience and recognition in both local and statewide contexts.

Memorable Moments (Selected with Timestamps)

• The urgency of a district “on the brink of shutting down” (01:14–01:26)
• TSA relief efforts blocked, “callous and unacceptable” (01:56)
• Cameron Owens’ personal testimony on Charlie Kirk’s influence (02:31)
• Biologist explains why most CWD-positive deer appear healthy (03:19)
• The “huge public health win” in stopping the measles outbreak (05:01)
• Atlanta’s affordable housing plan scope—nearly $1.4B (05:39)

For more, visit gpb.org/news.