Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Snow; Barrow Schools' New Security Measures; Kemp Recommends More Prison Funding
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Hosted by Orlando Montoya and produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) News, this episode of Georgia Today delves into a range of pressing issues affecting the Peach State. From unprecedented winter weather to significant developments in education and criminal justice, the episode provides comprehensive coverage enriched with expert insights and firsthand accounts.
1. Unprecedented Snowstorm Blankets Georgia
The episode opens with a rare winter storm sweeping across North Georgia, bringing substantial snowfall to the region. The National Weather Service reported:
- Downtown Atlanta: 3.5 inches of snow
- Stone Mountain: 4 inches of snow
Orlando Montoya (00:06) highlights the widespread impact:
"Snow and ice were likely to accumulate across the region today, making roadways treacherous."
Impact Highlights:
- Over one million public school students faced snow days or shifted to online learning.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights.
- A Delta Air Lines flight to Minneapolis had to take off under challenging conditions, resulting in four passenger injuries. Delta confirmed that weather was not a direct factor in the incident.
- Electric utilities reported over 1,000 customers without power, with expectations of further outages due to ongoing icy conditions.
Expert Insight: Will Langston, a meteorologist at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), emphasized safety measures:
"Leaders at GEMA thanked drivers for staying off the road this morning, allowing emergency vehicles to have easy access to roads and streets." (01:29)
Langston urged continued caution:
"Georgians to continue to stay home this evening and tomorrow morning as ice accumulates." (01:37)
Additional concerns include potential power outages from increasing wind gusts, with some icy conditions expected to persist until Sunday (02:02).
2. Governor Brian Kemp Proposes $372 Million for Georgia Prisons
In response to critical assessments of the state's correctional facilities, Governor Brian Kemp unveiled a plan to inject an additional $372 million into strengthening Georgia's prison system.
Grant Blankenship (02:16) reports that the proposal stems from reports by external consultants and the federal Department of Justice, both highlighting a shortage of correctional officers. Key recommendations include:
- Salary Increases:
- Correctional Officers: Average salary raised to approximately $48,000 annually.
- Behavioral Health Counselors: College-educated professionals to receive similar salary adjustments.
During a hearing, Senator John Albers (03:05) questioned the adequacy of the proposed salaries for positions requiring higher education degrees:
"Senator Albers wondered if that's good enough for requiring someone to have a bachelor's and many cases, a master's degree."
Grant Blankenship notes that the proposed salaries may still be considered low by some stakeholders, and emphasizes that the General Assembly must approve the funding before any changes take effect (03:05).
3. Barrow County Schools Implement New Security Measures
In the wake of a recent incident where a student brought a gun to Apalachee High School, Barrow County Schools is accelerating the installation of weapons detection systems across all high schools.
Chase McGee (03:17) details the swift action taken by the school board:
"County School board members approved the system's purchase at a special called meeting last night."
Board Chair Lisa Malouf (03:26) addressed the urgency:
"This was planned for in a few weeks... But in light of the recent events, we have moved this meeting to tonight."
The decision underscores the district's commitment to enhancing school safety, particularly at Apalachee High School, the site of last year's tragic shooting where a 14-year-old shooter killed four individuals.
4. Fani Willis Seeks Review in Georgia Election Interference Case
Orlando Montoya (04:05) covers the latest legal maneuvers by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who has petitioned Georgia's Supreme Court to revisit a lower court's decision that disqualified her from prosecuting the election interference case involving former President Donald Trump and others.
The Georgia Court of Appeals had ruled that Willis's prior romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor leading the case, created an "appearance of impropriety" (04:05). In her petition, Willis aims to overturn this ruling and continue her role in the high-profile investigation.
5. Tributes and Funeral Services for Former President Jimmy Carter
The episode poignantly covers the six-day funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter in his hometown of Plains, Southwest Georgia.
Sophie Gradas (04:54) describes the heartfelt preparations:
"Florist Sherry Gurland began freshening up a memorial for Jimmy Carter... straightens up a packet of Georgia peanuts placed atop the plaque."
Carter's services attracted thousands of visitors, including individuals of all ages, reflecting his enduring legacy and beloved status in the community. Highlights include:
- A private ceremony at Maranatha Baptist Church, marked by a military flyover (05:08).
- Supporters braving freezing weather to honor Carter's memory, culminating in his burial surrounded by family (05:47).
- Sophie Gradas quotes a supporter emphasizing Carter's impact:
"He saw the common good and he saw us as equal. So his work has spawned... it's a well done job." (05:47)
6. Business Developments: Major Acquisitions, Labor Agreements, and Economic Outlook
The business segment of the episode reveals significant economic activities and forecasts affecting Georgia's economy.
Major Acquisitions:
- Flowers Foods Acquisition:
Orlando Montoya (06:17) reports that Thomasville-based Flowers Foods is acquiring Chicago-based Simple Mills in a deal valued at nearly $800 million. Flowers Foods, known for brands like Nature's Own and Dave's Killer Bread, will expand its portfolio with Simple Mills' range of crackers, cookies, and baking mixes.
Labor Agreements:
- Longshoremen Contract:
The resolution of a potential three-day strike by US longshoremen at the ports of Savannah and Brunswick ensures continued operations, avoiding economic disruptions witnessed in October.
Infrastructure Projects:
- Atlanta Drinking Water System Assessment:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded an $800 million contract to engineering firm HDR for a comprehensive evaluation of Atlanta's aging water infrastructure. This initiative follows last summer's major water outage affecting thousands of residents and businesses (06:17).
Economic Outlook: Benjamin Payne (07:36) shares insights from Ben Ayers, Dean of UGA's Terry College of Business:
"Georgia would add fewer jobs than it did last year, but at a higher rate than the US Overall."
Key points include:
- Continued but moderated business growth, particularly in home building and health services.
- Anticipated decline in mortgage rates due to expected Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
- A projected 25% chance of a recession in 2025, slightly above average odds (08:05).
7. Remembering Charles Person, the Youngest Original Freedom Rider
The episode concludes with a tribute to Charles Person, the youngest of the original 13 Freedom Riders and an Atlanta native who recently passed away at 82.
Orlando Montoya (08:22) recounts Person's legacy:
"They might even spit on you... But I think we were prepared."
Person, a Vietnam War veteran and retired U.S. Marine Corps member, courageously participated in the 1961 Freedom Rides into Alabama, facing violent mobs and systemic racism. His contributions to civil rights were highlighted in a memorial speech delivered at Emory University, emphasizing the innate bravery and foresight of the Freedom Riders.
Conclusion
This episode of Georgia Today offers a thorough examination of significant events and developments within Georgia, blending weather reports, political updates, educational reforms, and heartfelt tributes. The inclusion of expert commentary and personal stories provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the issues shaping the state.
For more detailed coverage and updates on Georgia's latest news, subscribe to Georgia Today and stay informed with GPB News.