Immunization committee; Atlanta Beltline update; Anniversary of Roe V. Wade overturn

Summary

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

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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)

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

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

DBHDD is urging people to ask a pharmacist about getting naloxone for their first aid kits at home or work. No prescription is needed. Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing opioidresponse.info welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, a new committee on vaccines gets ready to meet at the Atlanta based cdc. The Atlanta Beltline reaches a milestone and three years after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Georgia's six week abortion ban continues to frustrate advocates Georgia's abortion laws.

[Sarah Kalis]

Are vague, often leaving doctors and hospitals scrambling with their lawyers instead of giving patients the care they need.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Tuesday, June 24th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia today. Today marks three years since the U.S. supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade, a decision that paved the way for Georgia's six week abortion ban. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

[Sarah Kalis]

State Senator Ed Setzler, the sponsor of Georgia's abortion law, says he is proud of the, quote, balance the law provides. 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. Meanwhile, State Representative Shea Roberts has sponsored a bill aiming to repeal the law because Georgia's abortion laws are vague, often leaving doctors and hospitals scrambling with their lawyers instead of giving patients the care they need. Georgia's abortion law made national headlines recently when Adriana Smith, a brain dead pregnant woman, was kept on life support by Emory University Hospital until she was able to deliver, even though the state law did not technically require it. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallis.

[Peter Biello]

The Georgia Supreme Court is vacating a lower court's decision in a case that would have given Augusta's local housing authority protection from lawsuits through a rule called sovereign immunity. The case now heads back to the Court of Appeals in Guy vs the Housing Authority of the City of Augusta, a former tenant of a city owned apartment complex sued after she was shot during a robbery. The complex has a history of violent crime and is set to be demolished. Housing authorities across the state have been sued over poor conditions and lack of security, but decisions have been stalled until the Augusta case is dealt with. Some counties are planning to open just one polling location for the Georgia Public Service Commission runoff election. People who want to change the way the state holds runoff elections point to the upcoming July 15 vote as an example of the current system's flaws. Counties could spend millions of dollars on an election that could struggle to reach 1% turnout. Cherokee and Troutland counties are among as many as 20 that could opt to open just one polling site as Georgia law allows for low turnout primaries. President Trump has nominated the district attorney in East Georgia's Columbia county to lead the U.S. army's legal team. The U.S. senate last week received the nomination of Major General Bobby Christine to be the Army's Judge Advocate General. Christine is a major general in the Army National Guard and was called to serve as The Guard's Washington, D.C. based general counsel in February, just after Trump began his second term. That's when he told Columbia county commissioners that his leadership team will carry out his daily duties while he remains available. 247 Christine has served as DA since 2021. He declined to comment on his nomination. The newly appointed members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are holding their first meeting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent headquarters in Atlanta tomorrow and Thursday. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Reorganized the group following a, quote, clean sweep of its former members earlier this month. GPB's Sophie Gradas has more.

[Sophie Gradas]

The advisory committee issues guidance on vaccine schedules for physicians and insurers. All 17 members were suddenly removed by Secretary Kennedy, who said he wants to restore public trust in, quote, unbiased science. On the new council are physicians and researchers who have publicly denounced vaccines. That concerns people like Abby Tighe, a founding of a coalition of fired CDC workers who says the council could discourage research and spread misinformation about vaccines.

[Sarah Kalis]

And if you don't have enough folks that are vaccinated, we lose herd immunity, which means all of these diseases that we worked so hard to eradicate from the United States or like significantly reduce deaths related to are going to come back.

[Sophie Gradas]

The committee is slated to discuss recommendations at their meeting. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Graudis.

[Peter Biello]

A detainee died by suicide last night at the Bibb County Jail. The Bibb County Sheriff's Office says deputies found 41 year old Wesley Kyle Goatney unresponsive in his cell just before 8 o' clock. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The GBI and the Sheriff's Office are investigating. Atlanta's Beltline just reached a new milestone. City leaders gathered yesterday to celebrate the completion of the new section of the Westside Trail, creating the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trail. So the new segment connects southwest Atlanta to the northwest, allowing walkers, runners and cyclists to travel 6.7 continuous miles. The newly finished section also passes through Washington Park, Atlanta's first recreational space for African Americans, and surrounding historic neighborhoods shaped by black architects and builders. Officials say the full 22 mile loop will be completed in 2030. A friend of the late Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter says the president and first lady's gravesite will open sometime in July. GPB's Orlando Montoya has more.

[Orlando Montoya]

Jimmy Carter was buried in January alongside Rosalynn Carter, who died about a year before him at their home in Plains. The National Park Service plans to turn the home into a museum. In the meantime, visitors have been unable to visit the couple's modest graves surrounded by a memorial garden overlooking their pond. The Park Service published photos of the site in February. Kim Fuller of the Plains based non profit group Friends of Jimmy Carter says the agency hasn't confirmed an exact date but expects sometime in July. For GPB News, I'm Orlando Montoya.

[Peter Biello]

Officials with the Jekyll Island Authority are asking boaters to slow down after a large adult sea turtle died from apparent boat strike injuries. The adult green sea turtle was brought in on Saturday after washing up on Saint Simons island with multiple fractures on her top. Shel vet staff began emergency treatment, but the turtle died overnight. The Jekyll Island Authority is reminding boaters that sea turtles often surface to breathe and can be difficult to see, especially in choppy waters. So boaters should stay alert, avoid distractions and wear polarized sunglasses to help prevent boat strikes.

[Sarah Kalis]

Planet Money helps you understand the economy. We find the people at the center of the story.

[Peter Biello]

Garbage in New York that was like a controlled substance.

[Sarah Kalis]

We show how money influences everything. Tell me what you like by telling me how you spend your money and we dig until we get answers. I had a bad feeling you're going to bring that up. Planet Money finds out. All you have to do is listen. The Planet Money podcast from npr.

[Peter Biello]

A national nonprofit working to reduce food waste and increase food access is coming to Middle Georgia. Connecticut based Food Rescue US says the group plans to open its 40th location, its first in Georgia and Houston County. The organization connects food donors and social service agencies. Food Rescue Us gets edible food that otherwise would not be used to people in need using volunteers through its app, the group plans to launch in Houston county later this summer. Georgia is feeling the first significant heat wave of the year. This week, the National Weather Service has placed a heat advisory over most of the state. The highs today were expected to be in the upper 90s, but it would feel like 105 to 107 degrees. Increased storage capacity is helping the Port of Savannah offset some of the impacts of the tariffs imposed by President Trump. The Georgia Ports Authority's president and CEO today said the port had its second busiest May on record, fueled in part by added storage, giving customers more flexibility in timing supply chain movements. Waymo officially launched its driverless taxi service in Atlanta. The California based autonomous vehicle company today began carrying passengers in a 65 square mile area in and around the city in an expansion of its partnership with Uber Ride Hail. Customers can request a car operated by a human if they don't want to take a driverless ride. In sports the Braves may be struggling this year, and fans accustomed to sitting in first place in the NL east may be a bit disappointed in the team's standing in the the middle of the pack right now. But one thing is certainly satisfying. The Braves are pretty good at beating the New York Mets this year. Ronald Acuna Jr. Homer and Spencer Schwellenbach pitched seven strong innings last night as the Braves beat their division rival 32 in the opener of a four game series. Juan Soto hit a two run homer that pulled the Mets within one, but he struck out against left hander Dylan Lee with runners at the corners to end the eighth inning. New York has now dropped nine of ten, including a three game sweep by the Braves last week. The two teams face off again tonight in New York. That's a wrap on the podcast today. We hope you'll come back tomorrow. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast. We drop in your podcast feed every weekday afternoon with all the latest headlines from Georgia. And if you want more Georgia news or updates on any of the stories you heard today, check our website, gpb.org news our diligent team of reporters is always posting new stories there, and if you've got feedback, maybe something you'd like us to cover, send us a note by email. Our address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. Stay cool and we'll see you tomorrow.

[Sarah Kalis]

When a massive chemical fire erupted at the Biolab facility in Conyers, thick smoke filled the air, forcing evacuations. 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.