Food banks prepare for more demand; Low turnout for Public Service Commission election

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Released on July 11, 2025

Host: Peter Biello
Produced by: Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) News

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1. Education Funding Cuts and Teachers’ Response

Overview:
The Georgia Federation of Teachers (GFT) is urging Governor Brian Kemp to convene a special legislative session in response to significant federal cuts to education funding. These cuts have frozen billions in promised grants, leaving teachers and school employees across Georgia in precarious positions.

Key Details:

• GFT’s Appeal: The GFT, representing teachers statewide, has formally requested the reallocation of surplus funds to compensate for the halted federal education grants.
• Potential Consequences: If additional funding isn’t secured, some school districts may be compelled to implement program or staff reductions to cope with the financial shortfall.

Notable Quotes:

• Verdalia Turner, GFT President ([01:48]):
  “Georgia should step up to the plate.”

• Keisha Waitz, School Representative ([01:51]):
  “Where these school districts where they're already inadequately funded could at least do business.”

Governor’s Stance:
A spokesperson for Governor Kemp has stated that there are no current plans to hold a special legislative session, indicating a potential impasse between educators and state leadership.

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2. Food Banks Brace for Increased Demand Amid Federal SNAP Cuts

Overview:
Georgia’s food banks, notably the Atlanta Community Food Bank, are anticipating a surge in demand due to recent federal reductions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cuts are projected to push more individuals and families towards relying on food assistance services.

Key Details:

• Impact on SNAP Users: Over 1 million Georgians depend on SNAP for their nutrition needs. The federal cuts jeopardize the stability of food access for these individuals.
• Food Bank Strategies: To mitigate the impact, the Atlanta Community Food Bank is exploring alternative food sources and mobilizing volunteers to maintain service levels despite reduced food supplies.

Notable Quotes:

• Kyle Wade, CEO of Atlanta Community Food Bank ([02:49]):
  “So instead of getting five cans of vegetables, they can get three cans of vegetables.”

• Sarah Kalis, GPB Reporter ([02:55]):
  “Instead of getting a bag of produce, they're going to get a half a bag of produce.”

Challenges Ahead:
Federal budget cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture have resulted in the cancellation of millions of dollars worth of food purchases intended for Georgia, necessitating a strategic shift in how food banks operate to continue supporting the community.

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3. SEC Sues Georgia Lawmaker Over Alleged Ponzi Scheme

Overview:
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a federal civil lawsuit against Georgia Republican Brandt Frost IV, accusing him of orchestrating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded approximately 300 investors of $140 million.

Key Details:

• Allegations: Frost’s company, First Liberty Building and Loan, was purportedly involved in deceitfully offering high-interest business loans. Instead of utilizing these funds for legitimate loans, it allegedly used new investor dollars to pay returns to earlier investors.
• Personal Gains: Frost is accused of diverting $19 million for personal use.
• Company Status: First Liberty Building and Loan ceased operations last month amidst the unfolding scandal.
• Financial Mismanagement: The SEC claims that up to 90% of the company’s loans were in default, highlighting severe financial mismanagement.

Legal Proceedings:
Frost has reportedly agreed to enforcement actions, with the court slated to determine the extent of monetary penalties at a later date.

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4. Public Service Commission Election Suffers Low Voter Turnout

Overview:
An upcoming Democratic runoff election for a seat on Georgia’s pivotal Public Service Commission (PSC) is experiencing exceptionally low voter engagement. The PSC plays a crucial role in regulating utilities, telecommunications, and energy policies, impacting millions of Georgians.

Key Details:

• Current State of PSC: All five seats on the PSC are held by Republicans, with the incumbent Fitz Johnson, appointed by Governor Kemp in 2022, facing his first electoral challenge.

• Candidates:

  • Peter Hubbard: A clean energy advocate and founder of the Georgia Center for Energy Solutions.
  • Keisha Waitz: A former state representative and Atlanta city councilwoman.

• Voter Turnout Concerns: Early voting data suggests participation may dip below 1% of active voters, potentially affecting the legitimacy and representativeness of the election outcome.

Notable Quotes:

• Verdalia Turner, GFT President ([04:30]):
  “This public Service Commission is the best kept secret in Georgia. It is incredibly important. This is the most important election in Georgia this year and will pave the way for how elections will turn out in November of 2026.”

• Peter Hubbard ([06:23]):
  “There is a significant amount of excess capacity in the grid that we have and there's a surplus in the return on equity that Georgia Power Company receives... there is a way to provide almost instantaneous rate relief.”

• Keisha Waitz ([07:39]):
  “I think if I were in that position, I would have approached it with a greater level of transparency, public accountability and long term consumer protection in mind.”

Policy Discussions:
The candidates debated strategies to address the rising utility bills, with Hubbard proposing adjustments to Georgia Power’s rate structures to provide immediate relief, while Waitz emphasized the need for transparency and phased recovery plans to prevent future rate shocks.

Election Implications:
The winner of this runoff will not immediately impact the PSC but will face the Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in the November general election. The outcome could shift the current Republican dominance on the commission, influencing future energy and utility policies in Georgia.

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5. Additional News Highlights

Columbus Mayoral Race:
Isaiah Hughley, the former City Manager of Columbus who was dismissed in May following various controversies, has declared his intention to run for mayor in the 2026 election. If successful, he would become the city’s first Black mayor.

Decline in Local Journalism:
A new report by Rebuild Local News in collaboration with Muckrack reveals a staggering 75% decline in the number of journalists in the U.S., with Georgia ranking 46th out of 50 states. Many Georgia counties are now without a single local news reporter, highlighting a critical gap in local news coverage.

Labor Relations in Savannah:
The National Labor Relations Board ruled that Foxy Loxy family of businesses in Savannah unlawfully terminated employees for participating in union activities. This decision stems from a one-day strike in 2023 where 11 workers were fired.

HBCU Athletes at Truist Park:
Fifty student-athletes from historically Black colleges and universities are set to compete in the HBCU Swingman Class at Truist Park. The event celebrates All-Star Week with participation from 16 HBCUs, including Morehouse College. Notable figures such as Andre Dawson, Dusty Baker, and Ken Griffey Sr. will be present as honorary VIPs.

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Conclusion:
This episode of Georgia Today delves into pressing state issues, from educational funding crises and food security challenges to significant legal actions and pivotal elections. The discussions underscore the interconnectedness of policy, community welfare, and governance in shaping Georgia’s future.

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For more detailed reports and the latest updates, visit gpb.org/news.

Transcript

[NPR Host]

These days there's so much news it can be hard to keep up with what it all means for you, your family and your community. The Consider this Podcast from NPR features our award winning journalism. Six days a week we bring you a deep dive on a news story and provide the context and analysis that helps you make sense of the news. We get behind the headlines. We get to the truth. Listen to the Consider this podcast from npr.

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, Georgia food banks prepare for increased demand after federal cuts to food assistance programs. The securities and Exchange Commission sues a Georgia lawmaker over an alleged Ponzi scheme. And an important Georgia election is coming up next week. So why has voter turnout been so low?

[Verdalia Turner]

This Public Service Commission is the best kept secret in Georgia. It is incredibly important. This is the most important election in Georgia this year.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Friday, July 11th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. A group that represents teachers and school employees across Georgia is asking Governor Brian Kemp to call a special session to address federal cuts to education funding. GPB's Sarah Kalis explains.

[Sarah Kalis]

The Georgia Federation of Teachers sent a letter to Kemp saying lawmakers need to reappropriate surplus funds to teachers after the federal Department of Education froze billions of dollars in promised grants. GFT President Verdalia Turner says some school districts in Georgia could be forced to cut programs or staff if they do not receive the funding they were promised.

[Verdalia Turner]

Georgia should step up to the plate.

[Keisha Waitz]

Where these school districts where they're already inadequately funded could at least do business.

[Verdalia Turner]

This year with what they have decided in terms of their plans.

[Sarah Kalis]

A spokesperson for Kemp says there are no plans for a special session. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallis.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia food banks are preparing for a major increase in demand over the next few years in the wake of federal cuts to food assistance benefits. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports on how the Atlanta Food bank bank is responding.

[Sarah Kalis]

Over 1 million Georgians rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to eat. New federal cuts to SNAP could force more people to rely on the food bank. The Atlanta Community Food bank is already strategizing to maintain services with less food. Cuts to the U.S. department of Agriculture budget canceled millions of dollars worth of food purchases headed to Georgia. Kyle Wade is the food bank's CEO. He says they might distribute less food to feed more families.

[NPR Host]

So instead of getting five cans of vegetables, they can get three cans of vegetables.

[Peter Biello]

Instead of getting a bag of produce, they're going to get a half a bag of produce.

[Sarah Kalis]

Food banks are working with each other to find new sources of food and mobilize volunteers. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Peter Biello]

Federal officials are accusing Georgia Republican Brandt Frost IV of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 300 investors. $140 million. The securities and Exchange Commission filed a federal civil lawsuit yesterday in Atlanta. It alleges that Frost's company, First Liberty Building and Loan, lied about making high interest business loans. Investigators say the company instead used new investments to pay earlier investors. Frost allegedly took $19 million for personal use. The company stopped operations last month. The SEC claims up to 90% of loans defaulted and says Frost has agreed to enforcement actions, with the court deciding monetary penalties later. Georgia voters have a choice to make next week, but so far very few of them are opting to make it. GPB's Orlando Montoya has more.

[Peter Hubbard]

We are talking about the Democratic runoff election for a seat on the state's Public Service Commission. In early voting this week, the turnout has been exceptionally low. It could end up being less than 1% of active voters. The two candidates in the race, Peter Hubbard and Keisha Waitz, are talking to as many voters as they can, trying to get them to understand just what the statewide elected five member commission does. Hubbard is a clean energy advocate and the founder of the Georgia center for Energy Solutions.

[Verdalia Turner]

This public Service Commission is the best kept secret in Georgia. It is incredibly important. This is the most important election in Georgia this year and will pave the way for how elections will turn out in November of 2026.

[Peter Hubbard]

The PSC effectively controls the bills for 2.3 million customers of Georgia Power, the state's largest utility. And those bills have gone up sharply in recent years. Most published reports say the average Georgia Power customer is now paying more than $175 per month, up $43 from 2022, although Hubbard says the increase is more like $52. But what if you're not a Georgia Power customer? Maybe you get your power from an emc, one of Georgia's electric membership cooperatives. This little known elected body still controls your rates and a whole lot more. Waits is a former state representative and Atlanta city councilwoman.

[Keisha Waitz]

The Public Service Commission. It regulates telecommunications, natural gas and even pipeline safety. The policies that it approves shapes Georgia's economy. It shapes our environment and our long term energy strategies, which actually impacts everybody.

[Peter Hubbard]

Think climate warming emissions data centers, solar power and battery development and nuclear power, all of which impact job creation. The PSC even was involved in a widely reported legal battle over a Georgia railroad's attempt to seize land by imminent domain from black landowners in Hancock County. I spoke with both candidates and asked them the same questions about many of these issues. You can read their full [e-mail] news here we'll present their answers to perhaps the most pressing question on the minds of Georgia Power customers. How would you approach the issue of Georgia Power rate hikes? Hubbard speaks first, then waits.

[Verdalia Turner]

There is a significant amount of excess capacity in the grid that we have and there's a surplus in the return on equity that Georgia Power Company receives. And there's a number of things that we're doing that are inefficient. And when you gather all of that together, there is a way to provide almost instantaneous rate relief. And in fact, the overages are enough in terms of the rate of return on equity of Georgia Power Co. If it were adjusted down to the market rate, we could provide roughly 20% bill relief to everyone immediately. Now that's going to be a difficult thing to accomplish, but the point is that there are ways that we can provide rate relief to those who need it, who have seen these increases. And I believe the rate freezes. It was our chance to make an argument that there is room for improvement and we're not getting that chance. We were promised at least $2.89 in bill relief in the 23 IRP update and now that's been erased. And so there's the cycle of not being able to make that case before the commission. That's really why I'm running for Public Service Commission at a time. And again we're not being heard.

[Keisha Waitz]

I think if I were in that position, I would have approached it with a greater level of transparency, public accountability and long term consumer protection in mind. And here's what I would have done differently. I would have held full rate case hearings instead of passing traditional rate case process. I would have insisted on full public hearings where voters can weigh in consumers. These allow consumer advocates, municipalities and everyday Georgia's to scrutinize Georgia powers financials, which we are not allowed to do. We're allowed to challenge assumptions, especially around projected demand storms and recovery costs, which is what they said these rate increases were about. Secondly, separate storm recovery base rates. So the current deal allows Georgia power to recover $860 million in storm costs from Hurricane Helene. Right. This is outside of the Freez. So I would have pushed for transparent capped recovery mechanism with strict oversight ensuring that ratepayers were not blindsided by future bill increases. So even though we have a rate freeze, it's disingenuous. It's almost like buying an airline ticket. And when you get on the plane, you're going to be billed for your bags, you're going to be billed to use the restroom, you're going to be billed for a Coke or in water. And essentially that's kind of what they are doing right? So the surprise billing is still an option. And then lastly, I would protect ratepayers against deferred cost surges. Deferring costs now could lead to a massive rate hike in 2028. So I advocate for a phased recovery plan that spreads cost out over a period of time and this provides safeguards to prevent rate shock down the road.

[Peter Hubbard]

That was Peter Hubbard and Keisha Waitz vying in a Democratic runoff for a Public Service Commission seat. The winner of the election on Tuesday won't get to vote on issues immediately. Either Hubbard or Waits will first have to face the Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson on a general election ballot in November. Johnson, appointed to the seat by Governor Brian Kemp in 2022, is facing his first election challenge. PSC's five members are currently all Republicans. For GPB News, I'm Orlando Mont.

[NPR Host]

These days there's so much news it can be hard to keep up with what it all means for you, your family and your community. The Consider this podcast from NPR features our award winning journalism. Six days a week we bring you a deep dive on a news story and provide the context and analysis that helps you make sense of the news. We get behind the headlines. We get to the truth. Listen to the Consider this podcast from npr.

[Peter Biello]

The former City manager of Columbus, who was fired by the Columbus Council in May, has filed paperwork indicating that he might want to lead the council as Mayor Isaiah Hughley yesterday formally declared his intentions to accept campaign contributions for a mayoral run in the 2026 election. Hughley was the first black city manager of Columbus and served in that role for 20 years before councilors voted to terminate his employment as after a series of legal and financial controversies, the current mayor, Skip Henderson, is in his second term and is not allowed to run again. If elected, Hughley would become the city's first black mayor. Qualifying for the race isn't until March of next year, with Election Day in the nonpartisan contest on May 19, 2026. A new report shows a 75% decline in the number of journalists in the US and since 2002 and Georgia lags far behind other states when it comes to the number of reporters working here. The report released yesterday by Rebuild Local News in Muckrack shows an average of 5.8 journalists per 100,000 people in the state. That puts Georgia 46th out of 50 states in the ranking. The report shows dozens of Georgia counties without a single news reporter. While the decline of local journalism is not new and the report doesn't identify clear cut solutions, its creators hope their findings can help improve the viability and sustainability of local news. A Savannah coffee shop and cafe is being sanctioned for firing employees because they participated in union activities. A National Labor Relations Board administrative law judge on Wednesday found the Foxy Loxy family of businesses violated federal labor laws. The actions date to a one day strike in 2023 that led to 11 workers being discharged. 50 student athletes from historically Black colleges and universities will compete this evening in the HBCU Swingman Class at Truist Park. The event is part of All Star Week festivities and includes athletes from 16 HBCUs including Atlanta's Morehouse College. Former Atlanta Braves players Brian Jordan and David justice were named managers for the contest, with Jordan leading the National League team and justice managing the American League. Honorary VIPs during the event include hall of Famer and HBCU alumni Andre Dawson, former Major League manager Dusty Baker and three time all star and two time world series champion Ken Griffey Sr. The game is scheduled for 7 o'. Clock. That's a wrap on this edition of Georgia Today. Thanks so much for tuning in. We hope you have a great weekend. Be sure to check gpb.org news over the weekend for the latest news updates from Georgia. And if you haven't subscribed to this podcast yet, make sure you do so now. We will be back in your feed on Monday. I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. Have a great weekend.

[NPR Host]

These days there's so much news it can be hard to keep up with what it all means for you, your family and your community. The Consider this Podcast from NPR features our award winning journalism. Six days a week we bring you a deep dive on a news story and provide the context and analysis that helps you make sense of the news. We get behind the headlines. We get to the truth. Listen to the Consider this Podcast from NPR.