Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: May 30, 2025

Host: Peter Biello
Producer: Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) News
Episode Title: Four counties named 'sanctuary jurisdictions'; Mayor of Camilla arrested

1. Immigration Policies and Sanctuary Jurisdictions

In the opening segment, Peter Biello discusses the Trump administration's designation of four Georgia counties as "sanctuary jurisdictions." The counties identified are Fulton and DeKalb in Atlanta, Athens-Clarke County, and Douglas County. This designation stems from an executive order that threatens to withhold federal funds from jurisdictions accused of obstructing federal immigration laws.

Key Points:

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) targets jurisdictions not enforcing federal immigration laws.
• The affected counties are part of major urban centers in Georgia.
• Legal challenges are underway against the executive order.

Representative Casey Carpenter’s Perspective: Republican State Representative Casey Carpenter from Dalton expressed his concerns regarding the immigration crackdown impacting his community. Speaking with GPB's Donna Lowry, Carpenter acknowledged the complexities of the law enforcement involved.

"You know, it's not the law enforcement guy's fault. He's following the law. I just think the law is messed up..." (01:57)

Carpenter admitted feeling conflicted about his support for former President Trump in light of these immigration issues, emphasizing the emotional toll on his community.

2. Election Interference Arrests in Camilla

The podcast delves into the arrest of Camilla's Mayor, Kelvin Owens, and two former election workers on charges of election interference. The indictment relates to the November elections when Owens attempted to utilize emergency powers to cancel voting. A judge intervened, ensuring that the election proceeded as planned.

Key Points:

• Camilla, a southwest Georgia town of 5,000 residents, has experienced long-standing political struggles within its racially divided council.
• The Georgia NAACP has expressed alarm over the arrests, highlighting concerns about political motivations and racial implications.

3. ADHD Diagnostic Tool Enhances Children's Mental Health Care

Ellen Eldredge reports on advancements in diagnosing ADHD among children. Dr. Melinda Willingham, an Atlanta-based pediatrician, discusses the use of QB Tech, an FDA-approved diagnostic tool that assists in accurately identifying ADHD, thereby reducing the chances of misdiagnosis.

Key Insights:

• Early and accurate diagnosis of ADHD can significantly lower the risk of developing further mental health issues.
• The integration of technology in diagnostic processes improves reliability and outcomes for children.

"One of the additional steps that I did was actually start using QB Tech, which is a FDA approved diagnostic tool that can assist with the diagnosis of ADHD, and I've been using that for more than 10 years," explains Dr. Willingham (03:58).

4. Atlanta Seniors Can Apply for Property Tax Relief

Senior citizens in Atlanta have a limited time to apply for the Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund program, which aims to mitigate the impact of rising property taxes. The program offers grants to eligible homeowners meeting specific criteria, including age, income, and residency duration.

Program Highlights:

• Applications close the following day from the podcast's release date.
• Funded by the Centennial Yards Housing Trust Fund, in collaboration with Invest Atlanta.

5. Atlanta Dancers Promote Hip Hop and Community Unity

A heartwarming segment features Joy Kuma Gasaway and Anthony Firefly Gasaway Jr., who have founded the community dance crew "Fire Nation." Their mission is to challenge stereotypes about hip hop and create inclusive, family-friendly events across the Atlanta metro area.

Community Impact:

• Fire Nation hosts free events known as "We On Fire Cyphers," fostering a safe and creative space for dancers of all ages.
• The crew’s inclusive approach aims to change perceptions of hip hop as solely "grimy" or "street."

"People still think that hip hop is very grimy, very street hood... when they see this, they see people that look like us. And it's a positive area, not just for adults, but for kids, too," shares Anthony Firefly Gasaway (05:48).

The crew is also set to be featured in a short film as part of the 2025 All Arts Artist in Residence program through WNET in New York, which will subsequently stream on GPB’s All Arts channel.

6. John Batiste's Inspirational Commencement Address

Grammy Award-winning musician John Batiste delivered a motivational speech to graduates at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) commencement ceremony. Emphasizing resilience and adaptability, Batiste shared personal anecdotes, including an impromptu piano solo during a power outage at Carnegie Hall.

Notable Quote:

"This is something that happens all the time in our lives as we walk around. We don't know who we're going to meet. We don't know what's around the corner. We don't know what we're even always capable of," Batiste stated (09:43).

During the ceremony, Batiste was also honored with an honorary doctorate, reflecting his contributions to music and education.

7. Georgia's Young Spelling Bee Competitors Achieve National Success

A fifth grader from DeKalb County, Sarv Daravane from Dunwoody Elementary School, earned third place in the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee, becoming the youngest finalist at eleven years old. The competition saw Faizan Zaki from Dallas claim the championship by correctly spelling "eclaircissement."

Achievements Highlighted:

• Sarv Daravane had previously placed 22nd as a fourth grader, showcasing remarkable progress.
• The event underscores Georgia's strong presence in national academic competitions.

8. Atlanta Braves' Chris Sale Reaches Record Strikeout Milestone

In sports news, Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale made history by becoming the fastest pitcher to achieve 2,500 strikeouts, reaching the milestone in 2,526 innings. This accomplishment surpasses Randy Johnson's previous record of 2,107 and 23 innings.

Game Recap:

• The Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 9-3 in a doubleheader, with Sale contributing six scoreless innings.
• Grant Holmes is set to start for the Braves in the upcoming game against the Boston Red Sox.

Conclusion

The episode of Georgia Today provided a comprehensive overview of significant local and state developments, from political and legal challenges to inspiring stories of community resilience and individual achievements. Host Peter Biello effectively navigated through diverse topics, offering listeners insightful perspectives and detailed reporting on matters that shape Georgia's socio-political landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "You know, it's not the law enforcement guy's fault. He's following the law. I just think the law is messed up..." – Representative Casey Carpenter (01:57)

• "One of the additional steps that I did was actually start using QB Tech, which is a FDA approved diagnostic tool that can assist with the diagnosis of ADHD, and I've been using that for more than 10 years," – Dr. Melinda Willingham (03:58)

• "People still think that hip hop is very grimy, very street hood... when they see this, they see people that look like us. And it's a positive area, not just for adults, but for kids, too," – Anthony Firefly Gasaway (05:48)

• "This is something that happens all the time in our lives as we walk around. We don't know who we're going to meet. We don't know what's around the corner. We don't know what we're even always capable of," – John Batiste (09:43)

For more detailed reporting and to stay updated on the latest stories, subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast and visit gpb.org/news. Your feedback powers this podcast—share your news tips, suggestions, and what you enjoy by emailing GeorgiaToday@gpb.org.