Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: Peter Biello
Producer: Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB News)

1. Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Overturn and Georgia's Abortion Law

Timestamp: 00:51

On the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Georgia continues to navigate the complexities of its six-week abortion ban. GPB's Sarah Kalis delves into the ongoing debates and legislative actions surrounding this contentious issue.

Key Points:

• State Senator Ed Setzler, the sponsor of Georgia's abortion law, emphasizes the importance of balancing "these very difficult, complex circumstances with the right to life of a living, distinct human being living inside of mom" (01:12).
• State Representative Shea Roberts advocates for repealing the law, citing its vagueness which leaves medical professionals and institutions "scrambling with their lawyers instead of giving patients the care they need" (01:12).
• The law's ambiguity was spotlighted in the case of Adriana Smith, a brain-dead pregnant woman whose life support was maintained by Emory University Hospital until delivery, despite the state law not mandating it (01:12).

Notable Quote:

"Georgia's abortion laws are vague, often leaving doctors and hospitals scrambling with their lawyers instead of giving patients the care they need." — State Representative Shea Roberts (00:51)

2. Georgia Supreme Court and Housing Authority Case in Augusta

Timestamp: 02:01

The Georgia Supreme Court has vacated a lower court's decision regarding Augusta's local housing authority, specifically the Guy vs. Housing Authority of the City of Augusta case. This decision returns the matter to the Court of Appeals, raising broader concerns about housing conditions and legal protections.

Key Points:

• The plaintiff, a former tenant, sued after being shot during a robbery at a city-owned apartment complex known for its history of violent crime.
• The case's outcome could influence whether housing authorities statewide receive protection from lawsuits through sovereign immunity.
• With the Augusta complex slated for demolition, similar lawsuits across Georgia related to poor housing conditions and security have been delayed pending this decision.

3. Georgia Public Service Commission Runoff Election and Polling Locations

Timestamp: 02:01

As Georgia prepares for the runoff election for the Public Service Commission scheduled for July 15, concerns arise over the efficiency and accessibility of polling locations.

Key Points:

• Up to 20 counties, including Cherokee and Troutland, may open only one polling site each, following Georgia law that permits such arrangements during low-turnout primaries.
• Critics argue that this could lead to minimal participation, with projected turnout potentially below 1%, and counties spending millions on elections that fail to engage voters effectively.

4. Trump’s Nomination of Major General Bobby Christine

Timestamp: 02:01

President Trump has nominated Major General Bobby Christine, the current district attorney of East Georgia's Columbia County, to lead the U.S. Army's legal team as the Judge Advocate General.

Key Points:

• Christine, a Major General in the Army National Guard, was appointed in February as The Guard's Washington, D.C.-based general counsel.
• He informed Columbia County commissioners that his leadership team would handle daily duties during his service and remain available as needed.
• Christine has served as DA since 2021 and has declined to comment on his nomination.

5. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Reorganization and Controversy

Timestamp: 04:03

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has undergone significant changes with all 17 members being replaced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. amid concerns over potential misinformation.

Key Points:

• The reorganization aims to "restore public trust in unbiased science," according to Secretary Kennedy (04:03).
• The new council includes physicians and researchers who have publicly denounced vaccines, raising alarms among public health advocates.
• Abby Tighe, founder of a coalition of former CDC workers, expressed concerns that the new committee "could discourage research and spread misinformation about vaccines" (04:29).
• Sarah Kalis highlighted the critical role of herd immunity: "if you don't have enough folks that are vaccinated, we lose herd immunity," (04:29) emphasizing the risk of diseases resurfacing.

Notable Quote:

"Trying to balance these very difficult, complex circumstances with the right to life of a living, distinct human being living inside of mom is something that Georgians take very seriously." — State Senator Ed Setzler (01:12)

6. Detainee Suicide at Bibb County Jail

Timestamp: 04:53

A tragic incident occurred at the Bibb County Jail where Wesley Kyle Goatney, a 41-year-old detainee, was found unresponsive in his cell and later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Key Points:

• The Bibb County Sheriff's Office confirmed the suicide, with investigations ongoing by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Sheriff's Office.
• The incident underscores concerns regarding mental health and safety within detention facilities.

7. Atlanta Beltline Completion Milestone

Timestamp: 04:53

Atlanta celebrates a significant achievement with the completion of a new section of the Westside Trail, marking the longest uninterrupted stretch of the Atlanta Beltline.

Key Points:

• The new 6.7-mile segment connects southwest Atlanta to the northwest, facilitating seamless travel for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
• The trail now passes through Washington Park, Atlanta's first recreational space for African Americans, and historic neighborhoods shaped by Black architects and builders.
• City officials project the full 22-mile loop to be completed by 2030, enhancing Atlanta's connectivity and recreational infrastructure.

8. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's Gravesite Opening

Timestamp: 05:54

Plans are underway to open the gravesite of former President Jimmy Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, allowing the public to visit their memorial garden.

Key Points:

• Carter and Rosalynn were buried in January at their home in Plains, Georgia.
• The National Park Service intends to convert their home into a museum, but until then, access to the gravesite has been restricted.
• Kim Fuller of the non-profit Friends of Jimmy Carter anticipates the gravesite will open to the public in July, though no exact date has been confirmed (05:54).

9. Jekyll Island Authority and Sea Turtle Protection

Timestamp: 06:33

The Jekyll Island Authority has issued a plea to boaters to reduce speed and remain vigilant to protect local sea turtle populations following the death of an adult green sea turtle due to boat strike injuries.

Key Points:

• The turtle was found with multiple fractures on Saint Simons Island and, despite emergency treatment by Shelvet staff, succumbed overnight.
• Boaters are reminded that sea turtles frequently surface to breathe and can be hard to spot, especially in rough waters.
• Recommendations include staying alert, avoiding distractions, and wearing polarized sunglasses to enhance visibility and prevent similar incidents.

10. Food Rescue US Expansion to Houston County

Timestamp: 07:41

Food Rescue US, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing food waste and increasing food access, is set to launch its 40th location in Houston County, marking its first expansion into Georgia.

Key Points:

• The organization connects food donors with social service agencies to redistribute edible but surplus food to those in need.
• Utilizing volunteers and a dedicated app, Food Rescue US aims to mitigate hunger and waste through community-driven efforts.

11. Georgia Heat Advisory and Weather Updates

Timestamp: 07:41

Georgia is experiencing its first significant heat wave of the year, with the National Weather Service issuing a heat advisory across most of the state.

Key Points:

• Temperatures are soaring into the upper 90s Fahrenheit, with heat indices making it feel like 105 to 107 degrees.
• Residents are advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

12. Port of Savannah's Increased Storage Capacity

Timestamp: 07:41

Despite the challenges posed by tariffs instituted by President Trump, the Port of Savannah has seen enhanced storage capabilities that have contributed to its second busiest May on record.

Key Points:

• The Georgia Ports Authority's president and CEO highlighted that increased storage allows for greater flexibility in supply chain operations, benefiting customers by timing their shipments more effectively.
• This strategic enhancement helps mitigate some of the economic impacts of the tariffs, maintaining the port's robust activity levels.

13. Waymo's Driverless Taxi Service in Atlanta

Timestamp: 07:41

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company based in California, has officially launched its driverless taxi service in Atlanta, expanding its partnership with Uber Ride Hail.

Key Points:

• The service operates within a 65 square mile area around Atlanta, offering passengers the option to request either a driverless vehicle or one operated by a human driver.
• This initiative represents a significant step forward in urban mobility and autonomous transportation technology within the city.

14. Sports: Atlanta Braves’ Performance

Timestamp: 07:41

The Atlanta Braves are experiencing a mixed season, with overall standings in the middle of the pack but consistently outperforming their division rivals, the New York Mets.

Key Points:

• Despite not leading the National League East as fans might hope, the Braves have maintained a strong record against the Mets, including a recent series where they swept New York.
• In the latest game, Ronald Acuna Jr. hit a homer, and Spencer Schwellenbach delivered seven strong innings, culminating in a decisive victory over the Mets with a final score of 3-2.
• Juan Soto of the Mets hit a two-run homer to narrow the gap but ultimately struck out against Braves' left-hander Dylan Lee, ending the inning (07:41).

Notable Quote:

"The Braves are pretty good at beating the New York Mets this year." — Peter Biello (07:41)

For more detailed coverage and updates on these stories, visit GPB News.