Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode: 'Georgia's version of DOGE' passes Senate; BioLab fire health effects; ATL traffic
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Host: Sophie Gradas (in place of Peter Biello)
Produced by: Georgia Public Broadcasting

1. Federal Scholarship Funding Restored for HBCUs

The episode opens with an update on the Trump administration restoring funding for a federal scholarship program aimed at supporting students from underserved and rural areas attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia, including Fort Valley State University. US Senator Jon Ossoff announced the restoration following a federal judge's order to suspend an executive order that attempted to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

2. Savannah Port Authority's Remarkable Growth

Benjamin Payne reports on Griff Lynch, CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority, delivering his annual State of the Port address. Despite a significant labor dispute on the East Coast that diverted cargo to the West Coast, Savannah emerged as the fastest-growing seaport on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts last year, with cargo traffic increasing by 12.5%.

"Savannah saw a 12.5% growth on a year where cargo was being diverted," — Sophie Gradas (02:06)

Lynch notably avoided discussing the Trump administration's new tariffs on Chinese, Canadian, and Mexican imports during his 45-minute address.

3. Passage of Georgia’s DOGE-like Bill in the Senate

A significant legislative development saw the passage of SB28, dubbed Georgia’s version of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), through the Georgia Senate with a vote of 33 to 21 along party lines.

"It reduces red tape for small businesses," — Republican Senator Greg Dolezal (03:03)

The bill mandates state agencies to conduct an economic impact study of all their rules every four years and allows the Legislature to influence any proposed changes. While supporters view it as a means to streamline regulations, critics argue it may infringe on due process.

"One person's red tape might be another person's due process," — Sarah Kallis (03:07)

The bill now advances to the House for further consideration.

4. Rudy Giuliani Satisfies Defamation Judgment

In legal news, documents reveal that Rudy Giuliani has fully satisfied a $148 million defamation judgment owed to former Fulton County election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shea Moss. This settlement resolves Giuliani's false accusations of election fraud against the pair following the 2020 presidential election.

5. Ongoing Health Study on Conyers Biolab Fire

A new study, the Post Fire Public Health Recovery Project, has been launched to investigate the long-term health effects of the September fire at the Biolab chemical plant in Conyers. Spearheaded by the Morehouse School of Medicine, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Georgia, and Community Action Now, the three-year study aims to track potential neurological and cancer risks among affected residents.

"We knew that there wasn't enough data... It's not inclusive like this," — Ifat Walker, Founder of Community Action Now (05:15)

The fire had previously caused the evacuation of over 17,000 people and initiated widespread shelter-in-place orders. A federal investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

6. Camden County Deputy Not Charged in Fatal Shooting

In a controversial decision, Camden County District Attorney Keith Higgins announced he would not pursue charges against a sheriff's deputy who fatally shot Leonard Cure, a black man, during a traffic stop in 2023. Cure had been previously exonerated from a wrongful imprisonment in Florida.

"The deputy's use of deadly force was objectively reasonable," — Keith Higgins (05:43)

Cure’s family attorneys have decried the decision as a "devastating failure of justice."

7. Retirement of Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice

Justice Michael Boggs, the Chief Justice of Georgia's Supreme Court, announced his retirement after a 21-year tenure, including three years as Chief Justice. His departure creates an opportunity for Governor Brian Kemp to appoint his successor.

8. Business Updates

• Home Depot reported a surge in same-store sales for the fourth quarter, breaking a two-year slump. Revenues climbed to nearly $40 billion from $35 billion, driven by improved customer demand amidst a challenging housing market.

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is set to welcome a new General Manager, Ricky Smith from the Maryland Aviation Authority, replacing Balram B. Biodari, who departed last June to join Michael Baker International.

9. Atlanta Traffic Surge Due to Federal Employees Returning to Offices

Crash Clark, a former traffic reporter, highlights increased congestion on Atlanta’s major roadways as more federal employees return to in-office work following the Trump administration's return-to-work order.

"The rush hours are beginning early again," — Crash Clark (08:00)

Areas around the CDC are notably affected, with up to 78% of the agency’s employees previously working remotely.

10. Sports Highlights

• Georgia Bulldogs are set to face the third-ranked Florida team in Athens, aiming to boost their NCAA aspirations.

• In the NBA, Trae Young led the Atlanta Hawks with 11 points and 14 assists, helping the team snap a three-game losing streak by defeating the Miami Heat 98-86.

11. Rare Gray Seal Sighting in Georgia Waters

A gray seal was spotted off the Georgia coast—a rare occurrence far south of their typical range. The sighting occurred in the creek between Saplo Island and Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge.

"It's hard to say, but the seal could be looking for food or simply exploring," — Mark Dodd, DNR Wildlife Biologist (08:51)

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is monitoring the unusual presence of the seal, which is more commonly found from the Mid-Atlantic to the Baltic Sea.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sophie Gradas (02:06): "Savannah saw a 12.5% growth on a year where cargo was being diverted."
• Senator Greg Dolezal (03:03): "It reduces red tape for small businesses."
• Sarah Kallis (03:07): "One person's red tape might be another person's due process."
• Ifat Walker (05:15): "We knew that there wasn't enough data... It's not inclusive like this."
• Keith Higgins (05:43): "The deputy's use of deadly force was objectively reasonable."
• Crash Clark (08:00): "The rush hours are beginning early again."
• Mark Dodd (08:51): "It's hard to say, but the seal could be looking for food or simply exploring."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the February 25, 2025, episode of Georgia Today. For more detailed information on these stories, visit gpb.org/news.