Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Five soldiers shot at Fort Stewart; Michael Thurmond announces governor run
Host: Peter Biello
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Shooting Incident at Fort Stewart Army Base
The episode opens with a distressing report from Fort Stewart, Georgia’s largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River, home to the Army's 3rd Infantry Division. Early morning on August 6th, an Army Sergeant, Cornelius Radford, opened fire at the base, injuring five soldiers. The incident led to a brief lockdown, but all injured servicemen are reported to be in stable condition and expected to recover. Fort Stewart authorities responded swiftly, apprehending the shooter within an hour of the incident.
Republican Congressman Buddy Carter, representing Georgia's First District where Fort Stewart is located, addressed the community's concerns:
“Fort Stewart is a very tight knit community. We were just out there last week for the change of command and anytime anything like this happens, it impacts the whole community and it impacts our constituents and outside of the base as well.”
— Buddy Carter [01:06]
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear as the investigation continues. The Army has withheld the names of the victims pending notification of their next of kin.
Michael Thurmond Announces Candidacy for Governor
Former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has officially announced his bid for the Governor of Georgia in the 2026 elections. In his statement, Thurmond emphasized his campaign focus on critical state issues:
“I want to focus on the cost of living, preserving access to health care and ending divisiveness.”
— Michael Thurmond [01:20]
Thurmond joins a diverse Democratic field, including Atlanta State Senator Jason Estevez and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. On the Republican side, contenders currently include State Attorney General Chris Carr and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. The open race follows the ineligibility of incumbent Governor Brian Kemp, a two-term Republican, to run again.
Delayed Federal Education Grants Approved
After a delay caused by a review from the Trump administration in June, the Georgia State Board of Education has approved the distribution of previously withheld federal education grants. These funds are crucial for various educational programs, including English language acquisition, support for student mobility, academic enrichment, and teacher quality improvement. Deputy Superintendent Sean Owens highlighted the urgency of releasing these funds:
“Ready and available and very anxious to get these funds to the districts as quickly as possible.”
— Brianna Schermerhorn [03:31]
Sean Owens elaborated on the grant process:
“The grants are typically distributed in early July, ahead of the start of the school year, but were placed under review by the Trump administration in June. Now all have been released to the states.”
— Sean Owens [03:36]
Pierce County Library Board Controversy
The podcast delves into the contentious situation at the Pierce County Library in Blackshear, southeast Georgia. Following the June dismissal of longtime library manager LaVonna Moore for including a book with a transgender character in a display, the library board has been embroiled in controversy. Recent developments include the appointment of two new library board members by the Pierce County Board of Commissioners. However, this move has sparked debate over the consideration of the new members' views on the LGBTQ community.
Brianna Schermerhorn, the mother of Mason Schermerhorn who was tragically killed in last year's school shooting at Appalachia High School, voiced her frustration:
“As a grieving parent, the Board of Commissioners decision feels utterly disrespectful and tone deaf. Let me ask you, do we treat fire trucks this way? Do we tell this Board of Education to foot the bill when a fire breaks out in a school? No, because fire safety is community responsibility and so is school safety.”
— Brianna Schermerhorn [02:42]
County commissioners have yet to respond to Schermerhorn's comments. Meanwhile, Pierce County Manager Rafael Maddox stated that the appointments were made without regard to the new members' positions on LGBTQ issues.
Economic Support for Laid-Off Workers at Georgia Pacific Mill
The U.S. Department of Labor has allocated nearly $2 million to support employment and training services for over 500 workers affected by the recent closure of the Georgia Pacific paper mill in Early County, southwest Georgia. The funds will be administered by the Technical College System of Georgia, aiming to facilitate retraining and job placement for the laid-off employees.
Columbus Airport Runway Renovation
Travelers at Columbus Airport may experience delays as the facility temporarily suspends commercial flights to undergo a $24 million runway renovation slated to take approximately 100 days. During this period, passengers will need to utilize nearby airports, including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Columbus Airport, which typically handles only three daily Delta Air Lines flights, is undergoing these improvements to enhance its infrastructure and service capacity.
Monroe County Blocks Data Center Development
In a significant local decision, Monroe County residents successfully opposed the repurposing of 900 acres of forested land for a new data center. Community members, valuing the rural character and environmental integrity of the area, rallied against the development. Republican Congressman Buddy Carter highlighted the community's stance:
“Last night, hundreds of people wearing red 'say no to rezoning' T-shirts filled the county fine arts building to tell the Monroe County Commission where they stood on the data center plan for unincorporated Bowling.”
— Buddy Carter [05:36]
Brianna Schermerhorn added her personal perspective:
“We bought our homes for peace and quiet. During heavy rains, our creek swells, sometimes overflow.”
— Brianna Schermerhorn [05:48]
Monroe County Chairman Alan Gibbs affirmed his commitment to maintaining the county's rural nature:
“I don't want to fundamentally change how we do things in this county over money. Monroe county already has another data center under construction.”
— Buddy Carter [06:13]
The county commission's unanimous decision reflects the community’s dedication to preserving their environment over economic incentives from data center investments.
Historic Milestone in Major League Baseball
In a groundbreaking moment for gender equality in sports, Major League Baseball (MLB) will feature its first female on-field umpire. Jen Powell, a 48-year-old from New Jersey, made history by officiating during a doubleheader between the Braves and Marlins at Truist Park. Powell served as home plate umpire on Sunday after working the bases on Saturday. This milestone comes 28 years after the NBA broke the gender barrier for officials and a decade after similar advancements in the NFL.
This episode of Georgia Today provides comprehensive coverage of significant local and state events, ranging from military incidents and political campaigns to educational funding and community-driven decisions. By presenting diverse perspectives and firsthand accounts, the podcast offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the issues shaping Georgia today.