Georgia Today: Jones announces governor candidacy; UGA sleep study; Smithsonian voting exhibit

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: Jones Announces Governor Candidacy; UGA Sleep Study; Smithsonian Voting Exhibit
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Peter Biello

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1. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones Enters the 2026 Governor's Race

In a significant political development, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 Georgia gubernatorial race. This move has stirred the political landscape, positioning Jones as a key contender within the Republican field.

Campaign Announcement and Promises
Jones unveiled his campaign through a video on his X account, emphasizing his commitment to conservative values and his alignment with former President Donald Trump. "Every day I'm going to work hard and never quit fighting for your family and mine," Jones stated at [01:41]. His platform includes ambitious proposals such as eliminating the state income tax, increasing penalties for fentanyl dealers, and restricting transgender women from participating in women's sports ([01:27]).

Fundraising and Competition
As part of his campaign strategy, Jones reported having amassed $14 million in campaign funds ([01:48]). He is expected to face Attorney General Chris Carr in the Republican primary. Carr, who has raised nearly $3.5 million since November, disclosed raising an additional $1.25 million between February and June ([02:05]). Other potential Republican candidates include Secretary of State Brad Ravensburger and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and State Senator Jason Estevez are actively campaigning, each having raised over a million dollars to challenge the Republicans' longstanding hold on the governorship.

Legal Developments in Election Certification
Amidst the gubernatorial race, a Georgia appeals court upheld a ruling mandating that county election officials certify results by legal deadlines. This decision addresses a lawsuit involving a Fulton County election board member who previously abstained from certifying primary results. The court's affirmation ensures that certification remains a routine administrative task, countering efforts by some Republicans to delay or resist certification processes established post-2020 elections ([02:05]).

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2. University of Georgia Study Highlights Crucial Role of Sleep in Adolescent Brain Development

A groundbreaking study from the University of Georgia underscores the vital importance of sleep for healthy brain development in children. Conducted by tracking 2,800 adolescents using Fitbit watches over two weeks, the study correlated sleep patterns with MRI brain scans to assess impacts on mental health.

Study Findings and Implications
Lead author Lin Hao Zhang explained that insufficient sleep is linked to issues in emotional regulation and cognitive control ([05:01]). Ellen Eldredge of GPB News reports that adolescents who slept less exhibited more significant brain development problems, which can adversely affect their mental health and overall well-being ([04:43]).

Data Source and Scope
The research utilized data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study, the nation's largest long-term study on brain development and child health, providing robust insights into the critical periods of adolescent growth ([05:17]).

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3. Smithsonian Voting Exhibit to Tour Georgia Amid Federal Budget Cuts

Georgia is set to host a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution that explores the history and future of voting in America. This initiative aims to bring educational resources to communities that might not otherwise have access to such high-caliber exhibits.

Exhibit Outreach and Challenges
Grant Blankenship highlights the exhibit's reach: "We're bringing this exhibit to places where the children in the communities might never have the opportunity to see a Smithsonian exhibit, and it's hard to measure the value of that. The measurement's in your heart," ([04:11], [04:23]). Despite substantial federal budget cuts affecting the National Endowment for the Humanities, Georgia Humanities is securing philanthropic funding to ensure the exhibit can tour cities like Cartersville, Brunswick, and Dawson ([04:23]).

Organizational Support and Future Funding
Mary McCarten Wern, President of Georgia Humanities, expressed determination to continue the exhibit's distribution despite financial uncertainties: "Voices and votes will still happen through philanthropic giving," she affirmed ([04:11]). However, there remains concern about sustaining long-term funding for such cultural initiatives ([04:23]).

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4. UPS Restructuring Sparks Conflict with Teamsters Union

A major corporate restructuring at UPS has ignited tensions with the Teamsters Union. The company plans to eliminate 20,000 jobs and is extending its first-ever buyout offers to full-time delivery drivers in the U.S.

Union Response and Company Stance
Teamsters President Sean O'Brien sharply criticized the move, asserting that it violates UPS's 2023 contract with the union: "UPS has welcomed a dangerous fight to its doorstep and we need to be prepared," ([05:56]). He further emphasized the need for readiness and courage in confronting what he views as "another greedy, profit-driven corporation" ([06:03]).

In contrast, UPS maintains that the severance offers are voluntary and generous, framing the restructuring as a necessary measure to enhance profitability by shedding less profitable operations ([06:10]). The company remains committed to honoring its agreements despite the workforce reductions.

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5. Leadership Changes in Prominent Georgia Organizations

Several key leadership transitions are occurring within Georgia's major organizations, signaling shifts in direction and strategy.

Wellstar Healthcare Appoints New CEO
Wellstar, a leading healthcare provider based in Marietta, has named Katul Patel as its new president and CEO. Patel, who previously held top positions in two large healthcare systems in the Pacific Northwest, will succeed retiring CEO Candace Saunders. Under Patel's leadership, Wellstar oversees 11 hospitals and employs over 30,000 individuals in Georgia ([06:10]).

Augusta Symphony Selects New Executive Director
The Augusta Symphony has appointed Paige Tom as its next executive director, taking over from Becky Dearden. Tom, who served as the finance director for both the Symphony and Augusta's Miller Theatre, will lead the organization in its mission to reach and engage 20,000 people annually through concerts and community programs ([06:10]).

Georgia Tech Welcomes New VP of Athletics
Ryan Alpert has been named Georgia Tech’s next Vice President and Director of Athletics. Coming from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where he significantly increased annual revenues and spearheaded major projects like the Nayland Entertainment District, Alpert is expected to foster a winning culture at Georgia Tech ([06:10]).

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6. Georgia Native Byron Buxton Joins Home Run Derby

In sports news, Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, a Georgia native from Baxley, has been selected as the fourth participant in the upcoming Home Run Derby. The event will take place next Monday at Truist Park in Atlanta, preceding the All-Star Game.

Competition Line-Up and Buxton's Achievements
Buxton joins fellow competitors James Wood (Nationals), Ronald Acuna Jr. (Braves), and Cal Raleigh (Mariners) ([08:10]). With 20 homers this season, Buxton's performance showcases his skill and promises an exciting derby ([08:10]). As the second overall pick by the Twins in the 2012 draft, Buxton represents Georgia with pride in this high-profile event.

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7. Additional Highlights

Manufacturing the Biolab Story Podcast Teaser
Besides the main topics, the podcast briefly mentions a new series titled "Manufacturing the Biolab Story," which investigates a significant chemical fire at the Biolab facility in Conyers. Hosted by Pamela Kirkland, the series promises an in-depth exploration of the incident's causes, response efforts, and its implications for local residents ([09:13]).

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Closing Remarks
Peter Biello wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe for daily updates and to stay connected via GPB’s news platform. Feedback and news tips are welcomed through the provided email address, ensuring community engagement and continuous improvement of the podcast.

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the July 8, 2025, episode of "Georgia Today," offering listeners a clear and engaging overview of the day's most pertinent stories.

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, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones announces his campaign for governor. A new study highlights the importance of sleep on brain development and Georgia will soon be host to a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian on the history and future of voting in America.

[Grant Blankenship]

We're bringing this exhibit to places where the children in the communities might never have the opportunity to see a Smithsonian exhibit. It's hard to measure the value of that.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Tuesday, July 8th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has made his long anticipated entry into the 2026 governor's race. Official the Jackson Republican today highlighted his ties to Donald Trump and conservative policies. GPB Sarah Kalis has more.

[Sarah Kallis]

Jones announced his candidacy with a video posted to his X account. His campaign promises include eliminating the state income tax, increasing penalties for fentanyl dealers and keeping transgender women out of women's sports.

[Peter Biello]

Every day I'm going to work hard and never quit fighting for your family and mine.

[Sarah Kallis]

Jones campaign says he already has $14 million on hand. He will face off against Attorney General Chris Carr in the Republican primary next year. Governor Brian Kemp is term limited so he cannot run for reelection next year. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallis.

[Peter Biello]

Carr says he raised one and a quarter million dollars for his 2026 gubernatorial campaign between February 1 and June 30. Carr announced his totals to the Associated Press yesterday, but hasn't yet filed his official report, which is due today. This brings Carr's total fundraising to nearly $3.5 million since November. Other Republicans who could jump into the race include Secretary of State Brad Ravensburger and Rome Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Several Democrats also have begun campaigning for the seat, aiming to end the Republicans 28 year hold on it. Democratic candidates, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and State Senator Jason Estevez said last week they each raised a little more than a million dollars. Since February, a Georgia appeals court has upheld a ruling requiring county election officials to certify results by legal deadlines. The decision stems from a lawsuit involving a Fulton county election board member who abstained from certifying primary results last year. The court affirmed that officials cannot use their concerns to justify not certifying results. Certification, a routine administrative task, has become contentious since the 2020 election with when some Republicans resisted certifying results. Georgia law mandates certification by 5pm The Monday after an election. The court also clarified limits on officials document reviews, sending part of the case back for further consideration. Next year, half a dozen Georgia cities will host a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian about the history and future of voting in the United States. As GPB's Grant Blankenship explains, it will happen despite sweeping federal budget cuts.

[Mary McCarten Wern]

Democracy in America is about the rights and responsibilities of Americans to keep our democracy through voting. Georgia Humanities was already working on plans to bring the exhibit to places like Cartersville, Brunswick and Dawson when their grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities was cut by Doge. Now Georgia Humanities President Mary McCarten Wern says voices and votes will still happen through philanthropic giving.

[Grant Blankenship]

We're bringing this exhibit to places where the children in the communities might never have the opportunity to see a Smithsonian exhibit, and it's hard to measure the value of that. The measurement's in your heart.

[Mary McCarten Wern]

Meanwhile, McCarten Wern says, There's still uncertainty about how Georgia Humanities will maintain its funding over the long term. For GPB News, I'm Grant Blankenship and Macon.

[Peter Biello]

A new study from the University of Georgia shows that sleep for children is crucial for healthy brain development. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Researchers used Fitbit watches to track the hours and quality of sleep of 2,800 adolescents over two weeks. They compared that data with MRI brain scans and found that those who sleep less were more likely to have problems. Lin Hao Zhang is the study's lead author.

[Grant Blankenship]

They are able to develop a more healthy brain and then that will improve their mental health because they have better emotional regulation and cognitive control.

[Ellen Eldredge]

The study used data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study, the largest long term study of brain development and child health in the country. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

The Teamsters are pushing back against a proposed cost saving measure at ups. The metro Atlanta based shipping giant earlier this year announced a massive restructuring with plans to eliminate 20,000 jobs. Last week, UPS said it would offer its first ever buyouts to full time delivery Drivers in the US Teamsters president Sean O' Brien says the move violates the company's 2023 contract with the union.

[NPR Host]

UPS has welcomed a dangerous fight to its doorstep and we need to be prepared.

[Peter Biello]

We need to be ready and courageous.

[NPR Host]

Enough to call out ups and downs for what they are. Another greedy, profit driven corporation, UPS calls.

[Peter Biello]

The severance offers generous and voluntary and says it remains committed to its agreements. The company's restructuring is aimed at shedding money, losing operations and shoring up profitability. Georgia healthcare giant wellstar has named a new president and CEO. The Marietta based company today announced its next chief executive, Katul Patel, who currently serves in top positions at two large healthcare systems in the Pacific Northwest. He'll succeed retiring CEO Candace Saunders to oversee a health system with 11 hospitals and more than 30,000 employees in Georgia. The Augusta Symphony has a new executive director. The organization today announced the appointment of Paige Tom as its next leader, overseeing the Symphony's operations, programming and outreach. Tom previously served as the finance director for the Symphony and Augusta's Miller Theatre. She'll succeed Becky Dearden, who was named to the post during the symphony's 70th anniversary last year. The organization says it reaches 20,000 people a year through its annual concerts. Georgia Tech has named Ryan Alpert as its next vice president and director of athletics. Alpert is currently senior deputy athletics director and chief revenue officer at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. At Tennessee, Alpert helped boost annual revenue by more than $100 million since 2022 as he oversaw development, marketing and ticketing, among other things. Alpert also served as the lead on the Nayland Entertainment District, a public private partnership designed to redevelop Knoxville's riverfront and enhance the game day experience around Nayland Stadium. In a statement, Georgia Tech president Angel Cabrera says Alpert has what it takes to build a winning culture. He'll start at Georgia Tech later this month. And Minnesota Twins outfielder and Georgia native Byron Buxton has been announced as the fourth participant in the Home Run Derby. The event is next Monday, right before the All Star Game at Truest park in Atlanta. Buxton joins Nationals outfielder James Wood, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. And Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh in the competition. Buxton has 20 homers this season. He's from Baxley, Georgia, and was the second overall pick by the Twins in the 2012 draft. And that is it for this edition of Georgia Today. Thank you so much for tuning in. We hope you'll come back tomorrow. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast so it will pop up in your feed automatically. And if you want the latest news, you can always check gpb.org news now. We are always open to your feedback so Let us know what you like and don't like about about this podcast. You could also send us news tips. The email address is georgia todaypb.org Any note you send to that email address will go to the whole team. Again, Georgia Todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Grant Blankenship]

When a massive chemical fire erupted at the Biolab facility in Conyers, thick smoke filled the air, forcing a vacuum. But for many, it wasn't the first time, and it wouldn't be the last. I'm Pamela Kirkland. In GPB's new podcast, Manufacturing the Biolab Story, I investigate what caused the fire, the response and what it means for Conyers residents. Today. [e-mail] podcast or wherever you get your podcast.