Georgia Today: Columbus data centers; I-285 closure; World Cup hot weather

Summary

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Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode Date: June 4, 2026
Host: Peter Biello, GPB News
Main Focus:
This episode delivers comprehensive updates on Georgia’s civic developments, infrastructure challenges, environmental issues, preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta, and community celebrations as the Atlanta History Center turns 100. Key stories also include public transit safety, the science of mosquito behavior, and notable local achievements.

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Main Topics and Key Insights

1. Regulating Data Centers in Columbus

Overview:
Columbus city officials are advancing an "overlay ordinance" to regulate hyperscale data centers, in response to concerns about their impact on noise, water use, and local infrastructure.

• Key Points:
  • The first reading is scheduled for June 9, with a vote expected on June 16 barring delays.
  • The ordinance aims to set clear definitions and enforce campus design requirements.
  • Residents expressed concerns during initial meetings.
  • Other cities, including Augusta, are considering moratoriums to set similar regulations, reflecting a statewide struggle with data center growth and governance.

Quote:
“The Columbus Council is rolling out an ordinance that would clearly define and regulate data centers. … Residents at Tuesday’s meeting expressed concerns about data centers.”
— Peter Biello [00:30]

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2. World Cup 2026: Hot Weather and Health Preparations in Atlanta

Overview:
The World Cup’s Atlanta matches are likely to be impacted by high temperatures, even with climate-controlled venues.

• Key Points:
  • Data from Climate Central shows all eight Atlanta World Cup matches will likely occur with temps over 82°F.
  • Mercedes Benz Stadium’s closed roof provides some relief, but outdoor travel and festivities will expose thousands to extreme heat.
  • FIFA will enforce hydration and cooling breaks for all players.

Notable Quotes:

• “The stadium itself might be climate controlled. We know that there’s still going to be thousands and thousands of people heading to environments where they might be experiencing extreme heat.”
  — Meteorologist Tom DiLiberto [02:03]

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3. MARTA Under Federal Safety Scrutiny

Overview:
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called for a federal investigation into MARTA’s safety practices following two recent stabbings.

• Key Points:
  • Incidents include a fatal and a non-fatal stabbing on trains and at stations.
  • The Federal Transportation Administration will investigate systemic risks.
  • MARTA pledged to improve safety protocols and procedures.
  • Launch of new railcars, timed for the World Cup, has been delayed due to ongoing safety and testing issues.

Quote:
“MARTA remains committed to continuously evaluating and strengthening our safety programs procedures and resources to provide a safe, secure and reliable transit experience.”
— MARTA Spokesperson statement [02:25]

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4. Environmental Concerns: Jet Fuel Spills Near the Flint River

Overview:
Another petroleum spill was detected at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, contributing to ongoing environmental worries near the Flint River's headwaters.

• Key Points:
  • Recent incident follows two other major spills in January and April 2026.
  • RJ Gopia, Flint Riverkeeper’s Director of Field Operations, confirmed evidence and described telltale signs.

Quotes:
“Major tip off was sheen on the water and then, of course, odor.”
— RJ Gopia [03:32]

“It's unmistakable kerosene smell.”
— RJ Gopia [03:41]

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5. Traffic Alert: I-285 Closure

Overview:
Another full weekend closure is planned for a section of Atlanta’s I-285 perimeter highway.

• Details:
  • Closure between exits 7 and 9, west of Atlanta.
  • Begins Fri, June 5 at 7pm, ends Mon, June 8 at 5am.
  • GDOT urges use of 511 GA for updates and alternative routes.

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6. State Board of Public Health Resumes Meetings

Overview:
After an eight-month hiatus, the Georgia Board of Public Health will meet in June to discuss budgeting and facilities upgrades.

• Key Points:
  • Topics will include the 2027 budget and proposals for bonds to renovate health offices and labs.
  • The board’s prolonged inactivity follows federal leadership changes impacting priorities.

Quote:
“We will have to step up and play a larger leadership role both in what course of action we take, how we prioritize and in working with the public to ensure that accurate information is out.”
— Commissioner Kathleen Toomey [04:51]

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7. The Science of Mosquito Biting Behavior

Overview:
A Georgia Tech study reveals new insights into why mosquitoes select their targets.

• Key Points:
  • Mosquitoes respond to breath and visual cues over group behavior.
  • High-speed camera studies show “swarming” is actually individual mosquitoes responding to common stimuli.
  • Recent weather is contributing to higher mosquito populations.

Quotes:
“If there’s just like a bar with live music and it’s like a cool place to be. You’ll see a lot of people go there, but it’s not necessarily because one person’s following the next person. It’s just because there’s a ton of cool things there and they all want to be there.”
— Chris Zuhl, Researcher [05:43]

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8. Atlanta History Center Centennial Celebration

Overview:
Marking its 100th birthday, the Atlanta History Center is launching new exhibits and programs highlighting city history, Civil War artifacts, and sports-themed learning for children.

• Key Points:
  • Six new exhibits in 2026, including “The More Perfect: The American Civil War” and “Exile from Georgia.”
  • A revamped children’s zone now themed around Atlanta sports, promoting sportsmanship.
  • The “Atlanta in Objects” exhibition showcases 100 artifacts, including an 1860s lamppost linked to Atlanta’s first civilian casualty in the Civil War.

Quotes:
“Our citizens in Atlanta have been the bedrock of what's made this place possible. They've helped grow our collection, and they fill our halls.”
— Sarah Fonder Christie, Chief Development Officer [06:56]

“We are talking about how it impacted the peoples and places outside of only that battlefield and really importantly, not only what the lead up was to that, the war itself, but also where did it leave us as a country?”
— Polishagnon, Chief Content Officer [07:38]

“So the new theme is Atlanta Sports. So we're really excited about... encouragement around what it means to be a good sport, not just a good athlete.”
— Polishagnon [08:19]

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9. Quick Local Hits

Hyundai-Kia Production:

• Hyundai’s Ellabelle plant begins Kia Sportage Hybrid production, planning to reach 500,000 vehicles annually.

Sports:

• Braves seek sweep against the Blue Jays; recent notable home runs by Mauricio Dubon and Ozzie Albies.

Education:

• Charm Mapp, an eighth-grade math teacher, named 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year, will serve as statewide ambassador.

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Memorable Moments / Quotes

• FIFA World Cup Heat:
  “Thousands and thousands of people heading to environments where they might be experiencing extreme heat.”
  — Tom DiLiberto [02:03]

• Environmental Impact:
  “It's unmistakable kerosene smell.”
  — RJ Gopia [03:41]

• Centennial Reflection:
  “We do try to be good stewards of the materials that we have, and part of that is access, a mission the center intends to keep for at least another 100 years.”
  — Erica Haig, Collections Manager [09:52]

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Key Timestamps

• 00:30–01:40: Columbus data center regulation and Augusta moratorium.
• 01:40–02:14: FIFA World Cup Atlanta and heat concerns.
• 02:25–03:32: MARTA safety investigation, MARTA train delays.
• 03:32–03:48: Flint River fuel spill update.
• 03:48–04:35: I-285 closure announcement.
• 04:35–05:22: State Board of Public Health developments.
• 05:22–06:11: Mosquito research findings.
• 06:11–09:52: Atlanta History Center celebrations and new exhibits.
• 10:27–10:45: Hyundai-Kia news, Braves update, Teacher of the Year announcement.

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This episode offers a snapshot of Georgia's civic issues, major upcoming events, and cultural milestones—with firsthand voices and expert commentary throughout.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, Columbus weighs an ordinance that would regulate large data centers Travelers brace for the coming closure of a section of Atlanta's perimeter highway and FIFA World cup fans coming to Atlanta are likely to encounter high temperatures.

[B]

We know that there's still going to be thousands and thousands of people heading to environments where they might be exposed but experiencing extreme heat.

[A]

Today is Thursday, June 4th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. The Columbus Council is rolling out an ordinance that would clearly define and regulate data centers. A first reading of what's called an overlay ordinance for hyperscale data centers is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9. The ordinance would cover some data centers anywhere in the consolidated jurisdiction of Columbus and Muscogee County. The ordinance recommendations, prepared by a special committee, include clear definitions of what constitutes a hyperscale data center and requirements for noise, water use and other campus design specs. Residents at Tuesday's meeting expressed concerns about data centers. Barring any delays. The vote on the ordinance would take place on Tuesday, June 16. The move by Columbus comes as cities and towns across the state grapple with how to handle data centers. Augusta, for example, proposed a moratorium on new data center projects earlier this week to give the city time to lay the ground rules for future data centers. Climate scientists are raising the alarm about extreme heat in World cup host cities, including Atlanta. As GPB's Amanda Andrews reports, data from

[C]

Climate Central shows all eight Atlanta World cup matches will likely have temperatures over 82 degrees that could impact players performance. But Mercedes Benz Stadium is one of four World cup host venues with a closed roof, and climate control meteorologist Tom deliberto says heat can still affect soccer fans and workers as they travel to and from the stadium.

[B]

The stadium itself might be climate controlled. We know that there's still going to be thousands and thousands of people heading to environments where they might be experiencing extreme heat.

[C]

FIFA will mandate hydration and cooling breaks for players during all 104 World cup games. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[A]

U.S. transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is asking for an investigation of MARTA Atlanta's public transportation system. The request comes after two recent stabbings. A man was stabbed at a MARTA station on Memorial Day weekend and a woman was fatally stabbed on a train nearly a week later. The Federal Transportation Administration has been asked to look for systemic conditions that endanger the public. In a statement, a MARTA spokesperson says Martin marta remains committed to continuously evaluating and strengthening our safety programs procedures and resources to provide a safe, secure and reliable transit experience. The move comes at a tough moment for marta. MARTA postponed today's planned launch of new trains because of testing and safety delays. MARTA and Atlanta had hoped to have the new railcars in service before FIFA World cup matches, which kick off June 15. Another petroleum contamination incident has been reported near the headwaters of the Flint river at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The latest incident was reported Memorial Day weekend. RJ Gopia, director of field operations for the Flint Riverkeeper, said he confirmed there was fuel in the water.

[D]

Major tip off was sheen on the water and then of course, odor.

[E]

You know you'll get on these bridge

[D]

crossings during these events and it's unmistakable kerosene smell.

[A]

The amount of fuel that made it into the river is unknown. The latest spill follows a major jet fuel release in January and a separate petroleum contamination event in April. All three investigations remain ongoing. The Georgia Department of Transportation is planning another full closure of a section of I285 this weekend. The closure of the Perimeter highway between exits 7 and 9 west of Atlanta begins tomorrow at 7pm and will last until Monday, June 8 at 5am The DOT is urging drivers to use 511 GA. As the primary source for traffic conditions and plan for additional travel time or alternate routes. Following an eight month hiatus, the state Board of Public Health will finally be meeting in the coming weeks. GPB's Sophie Gradas has more.

[F]

At the last State Board of Health meeting in September, members went over vaccine recommendations and recapped a busy flu season, among other items. Commissioner Kathleen Toomey and other members also noted how changes in federal priorities and leadership are straining public health departments.

[D]

We will have to step up and play a larger leadership role both in what course of action we take, how we prioritize and in working with the public to ensure that accurate information is out.

[F]

But then the board held off meeting for months. At the upcoming meeting on June 16, board members will go over the 2027 budget and consider a proposal to use bonds to fund improvements at public health offices and labs. For GPB news, I'm Sophie Gratas.

[A]

A study from Georgia Tech confirms some of the reasons mosquitoes bite. GPB's Ellen Eldridge has more on the findings.

[G]

Research finds mosquitoes respond to breath and visual cues, but Chris Zuhl wanted to measure their flight patterns to understand their biting behavior. Using high speed cameras, he found that mosquitoes don't swarm, they go after the same stimuli.

[E]

If there's just like a bar with live music and it's like a cool place to be. You'll see a lot of people go there, but it's not necessarily because one person's following the next person. It's just because there's a ton of cool things there and they all want to be there.

[G]

The Georgia Department of Public Health says recent heavy rain and high humidity are causing mosquito populations to surge. For GPB news, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[A]

The Atlanta History center is celebrating a big birthday. The history museum, research center and archive is turning 100. The mission of what began as the Atlanta Historical Society has always been to encourage Atlantans to preserve their own history and share it with others. To mark a century of that work, the Atlanta History center is unveiling six new exhibits throughout 2026. GPB's Morgan Colbert has more.

[H]

In the Atlanta Historical Society's first published bulletin, locals submitted papers about the history of spelman College, the 19th century burning of a fancy hotel in Five Points and the history of the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital. The Atlanta History Center's chief development officer, Sarah Fonder Christie, says the institution still relies on the support of residents.

[I]

Throughout our whole 100 years of history, our citizens in Atlanta have been the bedrock of what's made this place possible. They've helped grown our collection, and they fill our halls.

[H]

And to celebrate 100 years, the center will present an exhibit called the More Perfect the American Civil War. Much of the exhibit comes from what the center calls the dug collections, which are artifacts dug up over decades by amateur archaeologists. Polishagnon, the Atlanta History Center's chief content officer, says the exhibit explores how the Civil War impacted the country.

[I]

We are talking about how it impacted the peoples and places outside of only that battlefield and really importantly, not only what the lead up was to that, the war itself, but also where did it leave us as a country?

[H]

Part one of the exhibit opens in July, and Part two, hard Hand of Soldiers, Weapons and Mass Production, opens in October. That part of the exhibit will explore the depth of the technology used during the war. And because little kids need access to history, too, they can come to the center and experience the new version of the Goizueta Children's Experience. Shagnon says the new theme will teach kids how to be a good sport.

[I]

So the new theme is Atlanta Sports. So we're really excited about being able similarly to introduce these teams to these little folks who already probably have some sense of fandom from their parents. But this is something they can own and can emulate a little more closely. And you know, there'll be kind of encouragement around what it means to be a good sport, not just a good athlete.

[H]

Later in the fall, the center will open Exile from Georgia, the Cherokee Muscogee Triloteers exhibit. There, in an immersive theater space, visitors will see what it was like for young Native Americans to walk the Trail of Tears. Currently on display is something called the Atlanta and Objects Museum wide exhibition. Across the museum, guests can engage with 100 objects of Atlanta's history, like an Atlanta street lamp post from the 1860s. Leaning on that lamppost was Solomon Lucky, a wealthy, free black entrepreneur. But nearby, a union shell burst and the shrapnel struck Lucky, making him the first civilian killed in the Battle of Atlanta. Collections manager Erica Haig says this exhibit is part of the center's mission of making its collections accessible to everyday Atlanta citizens.

[J]

We do try to be good stewards of the materials that we have, and part of that is access, a mission

[H]

the center intends to keep for at least another 100 years. For GPB News, I'm Morgan Colbert and Buckhead

[K]

each story you hear on Planet Money starts with a question. What happens if we refund tariffs? Why are groceries so expensive? At npr, we stand for your right to be curious because the forces shaping our world can be hard to see. Follow NPR's Planet Money wherever you get your podcasts and start seeing how the economy really works.

[A]

Hyundai began manufacturing its first Kia model this week at its facility In Ellabelle, about 30 miles west of downtown Savannah. The Kia Sportage hybrid is the first hybrid electric vehicle and the third vehicle to be produced at the site. The company plans to ramp up production to reach its goal of half a million vehicles annually. In sports, the Braves aim for a sweep tonight as they wrap up the three game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Both Mauricio Dubon and Ozzie Albeez went deep with three run homers yesterday to help the Braves beat the Jays 7 to 3. Chris Sale is scheduled to get the start for the Braves tonight, and a Middle Georgia educator was named the 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year charm. Mapp teaches eighth grade math at Clifton Ridge Middle School in Jones County. She described the honor as both astonishing and bittersweet. As Teacher of the Year, Mapp will take a one year sabbatical to act as a full time ambassador for Georgia public education. And that is it for this edition of Georgia Today. If you want to learn more about any of the stories you heard today, visit gpb.org news and if you're in the mood for another podcast right now, I highly recommend the latest episode of mart, a new podcast from gpb. In this episode, we explore the life and legend of Nancy Hart, one of the most famous figures of the American Revolution in Georgia. Find Mart in your podcast app or at gpb.org marked now. If you haven't subscribed to Georgia Today yet, we highly recommend it. It's a great way to stay on top of all the Georgia headlines. Subscribe now and will pop up in your feed automatically tomorrow afternoon. And your feedback is always welcome, of course. Send it to us by email. The address is Georgia Today. GPB. Org, I'm Peter Biello. Thank you again for listening. We will see you tomorrow.