Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya

ICE Processing Center Expansion in Southeast Georgia

In today's episode, Orlando Montoya introduces a significant development regarding immigration enforcement in Georgia. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center located in Charlton County is poised to more than double its current capacity as part of a nationwide expansion of ICE detention facilities.

Grant Blankenship, a GPB reporter based in Macon, provides an in-depth analysis of the situation:

“The Folkestone ICE processing center is owned by a for-profit company called the Geo Group. Should the Charlton County Commission approve their role as a pass-through for money from ICE to Geo Group, the two properties will merge and add what ICE says are close to 2,000 more beds for people in the earliest phase of immigration detention” (01:37).

This expansion would make Folkestone the largest ICE processing center in the nation. The financial implications for Charlton County are substantial, with projected revenues seven times higher than previous agreements between ICE and Geo Group. The episode highlights the economic incentives behind such expansions and the broader impact on the community.

Federal Cuts to Job Corps Program Impacting Atlanta’s At-Risk Youth

The podcast sheds light on the federal government's reduction in funding for the Job Corps program, which has profound effects on vulnerable youth in Atlanta. Amanda Andrews reports on the local repercussions:

“Over 400 students and 140 staff were recently notified the Job Corps program in south Fulton would shut down at the end of the month. Many students in the program rely on it to provide housing, financial stability, and vocational training” (04:10).

Janita Beckles, the program manager, expressed her concerns:

“We have hundreds that have nowhere to go, so we are trying to bring awareness and advocacy before these young people are displaced and unsheltered” (04:10).

South Fulton City Council is actively seeking public support to urge the federal government to restore funding, emphasizing the program's critical role since its inception in 1964.

Decline of the Cotton Industry in Georgia

Cotton has historically been a cornerstone of Georgia's agricultural economy, but recent trends indicate a downturn. Chase McGee reports on the shrinking demand for cotton:

“First planted in Georgia in 1734, but nearly 300 years later, the crop has fallen out of favor with manufacturers in favor of cheaper oil-based products like polyester” (05:08).

Camp Hand, University of Georgia's extension cotton agronomist, elaborates on the issue:

“There's a lot of farmers who've gotten out. There's a lot of farmers who are only farming this year because of the federal assistance in response to Hurricane Helene” (05:27).

Hand also highlights environmental concerns, noting that polyester contributes to microplastic pollution. He advocates for a resurgence in cotton production as a sustainable alternative, which could bolster Georgia's economy amidst declining farmer participation.

Georgia Department of Transportation's I-16 Widening Project

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking public input on a substantial $450 million project aimed at widening Interstate 16 west of Savannah. Orlando Montoya outlines the project details:

“The project would expand the highway from two lanes to three in both directions, covering 32 miles from the Interstate 95 interchange to Georgia 67 in Bulloch County” (05:52).

Key motivations for the expansion include alleviating congestion caused by increased truck traffic related to the Port of Savannah and the new Hyundai Electric vehicle plant in Bryan County. GDOT has scheduled two public open houses on June 11th and 12th in Statesboro and Bloomingdale to gather community feedback.

Revitalizing Columbus: The Historic Liberty District Foundation

A new nonprofit organization, the Historic Liberty District Foundation, has been established to rejuvenate an area in Columbus, dubbed the Black Wall Street of the city. Modeled after successful initiatives like Midtown Inc. and Uptown Columbus, this foundation aims to collaborate with the Columbus City Council to guide neighborhood development. Community leaders and activists are at the forefront of this effort, seeking to preserve the area's rich cultural heritage while promoting economic growth.

MACON Bibb County's New Arena Project

Macon Bibb County has appointed MFA Program Management, based in Memphis, as the manager for its proposed new arena project. Orlando Montoya reports:

“The project, at the current site of the Macon Coliseum, is funded by a voter-approved sales tax that won't start being collected until later this year” (05:52).

This development signifies a major investment in local infrastructure, aiming to enhance the region's appeal for events and entertainment, thereby stimulating the local economy.

Space Photo Exhibit Opens in Columbus

A standout segment of today's episode is dedicated to a fascinating new exhibit at the Coca Cola Space Science Center in Columbus. The exhibit features rare photographs taken from space and the lunar surface, part of a collaboration between Columbus State University's Bo Bartlett Center and the Space Science Center.

Tom Scott, whose brother David Scott was an Apollo astronaut, shares the story behind the memorabilia:

“Tom actually worked for the Chamber of Commerce here in Columbus, Georgia. … After about six to eight weeks, Tom came back in and said … we've decided we're going to let you keep those pieces permanently” (08:09).

Dr. Sean Cruzen, director of the Science Center, discusses the significance of the photos:

“Scott is one of only 12 humans ever to have walked on the moon ... A lot of the pictures that we see from the moon are either taken from the lander ... or from the lunar rover” (09:18).

The exhibit showcases images from the Gemini 8, Apollo 9, and Apollo 15 missions, including iconic scenes like the planting of the American flag on the lunar surface. The collection aims to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers, preserving these historic artifacts for public engagement.

Tom Scott further emphasizes the educational mission of the Space Science Center:

“We teach astronomy and physics here at the actual Space Science Center. … We have a planetarium facility, an observatory, and the largest collection of space shuttle artifacts in the state of Georgia” (14:08).

David Scott, now 92, remains supportive of the exhibit's mission to inspire future generations, ensuring that his legacy and contributions to space exploration are accessible to all.

Conclusion

Today's episode of Georgia Today delves into a diverse array of topics affecting the state, from immigration enforcement and educational program cuts to agricultural challenges and infrastructure developments. Additionally, the unique space photo exhibit in Columbus highlights Georgia's contribution to preserving and celebrating pivotal moments in space exploration. Through comprehensive reporting and insightful interviews, GPB News continues to deliver compelling stories that resonate with listeners across the state.

For more detailed reports and additional stories, visit GPB's website at gpb.org/news.