Lawmakers push for Georgia's first Natl. park; New EV plant; Braves opening day

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Georgia Public Broadcasting | Release Date: March 27, 2025

Host: Sophie Gradis
Guest: Grant McCauley, Braves Podcast Host
Duration: Approximately 14 minutes

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1. Introduction

Sophie Gradis opens the episode by outlining the key topics:

• Georgia lawmakers' efforts to establish the state's first national park.
• The inauguration of Hyundai's new electric vehicle (EV) plant in Bryan County.
• Opening day for the Atlanta Braves, featuring insights from Braves podcast host Grant McCauley.

Timestamp: [00:04 - 00:28]

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2. Public Health Funding Cuts

Public health experts express concern over proposed federal cuts exceeding $11 billion in grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Georgia. These grants, known as ERA grants, have been pivotal in expanding infectious disease testing, surveillance, and upgrading emergency equipment.

Key Points:

• The Georgia Department of Public Health relies on approximately 50% of its budget from federal sources.
• Lia Chan of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute warns, “Any cuts could have a seismic impact on all Georgians, but especially those who rely on local services” (00:57).
• Officials are proactively limiting expenditures by pausing non-essential travel to mitigate the impact.

Timestamp: [00:28 - 01:34]

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3. Legislative Push for Georgia's First National Park

Georgia's U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and John Ossoff, alongside Representatives Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott, have reintroduced a bipartisan bill to designate the Ucmulgee Mounds near Macon as Georgia’s first national park. This site holds significant historical value as the ancestral home of the Muscogee Creek Nation.

Key Points:

• The initiative aims to protect the land while boosting tourism and economic development in central Georgia.
• Ossoff emphasizes the cultural importance: “It also will be a powerful statement about the relationship between our state and the Muscogee Creek Nation and its history” (01:54).
• The bill enjoys broad support within Georgia's House delegation, with all but one member co-sponsoring.

Timestamp: [01:34 - 04:08]

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4. Repealing CFPB Overdraft Fee Limits

The U.S. Senate has voted to repeal a new rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that capped overdraft fees by large banks and credit unions. This resolution, primarily supported by Republicans, advances Senator Raphael Warnock's long-standing priority.

Key Points:

• The repeal moves to the U.S. House following a mostly party-line Senate vote.
• President Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports in conjunction with Hyundai’s plant opening, aiming to promote domestic manufacturing. Critics argue it may strain automakers reliant on global supply chains.

Timestamp: [04:08 - 05:04]

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5. Hyundai EV Plant Opening

Hyundai celebrated the grand opening of its $7.5 billion electric vehicle factory in Bryan County, dubbed Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America. The facility currently produces the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq models and employs 1,200 workers, with plans to expand to 8,500 employees.

Key Points:

• Governor Brian Kemp highlights the rapid development: “Just like us that today's milestone did not happen by chance” (04:37).
• The plant represents Georgia's largest economic development project, bolstered by $2 billion in state and local incentives.

Timestamp: [04:08 - 05:04]

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6. President Trump's Tariffs Announcement

Coinciding with Hyundai's plant opening, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports to encourage domestic manufacturing. While the White House argues it supports local industries, critics caution it may negatively impact automakers dependent on international supply chains.

Timestamp: [05:04 - 05:33]

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7. Atlanta Mayor’s Plans

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens discussed his vision for the city, focusing on securing federal funding and preparing for major events such as the 2026 World Cup.

Key Points:

• Introduction of the "Showcase Atlanta Plan" to ensure local businesses benefit from large-scale events.
• Emphasis on improving the city’s water infrastructure to support both residents and incoming sports fans.
• Dickens states, “Our strategies might change. We're going to be working with state leaders that have great relationships with federal leaders” (05:55 - 06:02).
• The city plans a $2 billion investment over 20 years for water system upgrades.

Timestamp: [05:33 - 06:14]

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8. Missing U.S. Soldiers in Lithuania

The podcast briefly mentions the ongoing search for four U.S. soldiers missing during a training exercise in Lithuania. The soldiers, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, were in a submerged Hercules armored vehicle. Recovery efforts are being conducted by U.S. and Lithuanian authorities.

Timestamp: [06:14 - 07:34]

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9. Atlanta Braves Opening Day & Interview with Grant McCauley

The Braves are celebrated as the eighth most valuable Major League Baseball (MLB) team, valued at $3 billion—a 7% increase from 2024. The episode features an interview with Grant McCauley, who provides in-depth analysis of the team's prospects for the 2025 season.

Key Discussion Points:

• Team Health and Performance:
  McCauley notes improved health compared to the previous season, where key players like Sean Murphy, Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley faced extended injuries. “This is a club that by and large is healthy” (07:46).

• Roster and Acquisitions:
  While acknowledging a strong roster, McCauley points out limited offseason acquisitions, citing the loss of starting pitchers Max Fried and Charlie Morton. The Braves secured multi-year deals with Yunior Severino and Rowdy Tellez but may seek additional talent during the trade deadline. “Could the Braves have done more over the winter? Again, Acuna and Strider, not a lot of clubs have those kind of players coming back” (08:47).

• Chris Sale’s Potential Cy Young Repeat:
  Highlighting Chris Sale’s exceptional performance, McCauley believes Sale can contend for another Cy Young Award if he remains healthy. “If he is, I would not put it past him to win another Cy Young” (09:59).

• World Series Aspirations:
  The Braves aim to build on their 2021 World Series win, with McCauley optimistic yet cautious. “They have to get there first. And the Braves always set their sights on winning the National League East” (10:46).

• National League Competition:
  Addressing the competitive landscape, McCauley compares the Braves to the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers and mentions the Phillies and Mets as significant competitors. Despite the Dodgers' strong performance, he maintains the Braves are worthy contenders. “The Braves pretty much across the board are that number two team right behind the Los Angeles Dodgers” (12:06).

Notable Quotes:

• Grant McCauley: “This is a club that by and large is healthy. We’re going to hope that they stay that way” (07:46).
• Grant McCauley: “If he is, I would not put it past him to win another Cy Young” (09:59).
• Grant McCauley: “The Braves pretty much across the board are that number two team right behind the Los Angeles Dodgers” (12:06).

Timestamp: [06:14 - 13:34]

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10. Atlanta Jazz Festival Announcement

The Atlanta Jazz Festival returns Memorial Day weekend with performances from renowned artists such as Derek Hodge, Ravi Coltrane, Diane Reeves, Russell Gunn, and Joe Granston. The free, three-day event at Piedmont Park celebrates its 48th year, featuring a diverse range of jazz styles from swing and big band to contemporary.

Timestamp: [13:38 - 14:00]

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Conclusion

Sophie Gradis wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe to the podcast and engage with GPB News for more detailed stories. She provides contact information for feedback and further inquiries.

Final Timestamp: [14:00]

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Key Takeaways:

• Georgia faces significant public health funding cuts that may impact critical services.
• Legislative efforts are underway to establish Georgia’s first national park, enhancing cultural preservation and economic growth.
• Hyundai's massive investment in an EV plant signifies Georgia's growing role in the automotive industry.
• The Atlanta Braves show promising prospects for the 2025 season, contingent on player health and strategic acquisitions.
• Upcoming cultural events like the Atlanta Jazz Festival continue to enrich Georgia’s vibrant community life.

For more detailed information on these stories, visit gpb.org.

Transcript

[Sophie Gradis]

Welcome to Georgia. Today. On this podcast, we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, Georgia lawmakers make another push to create the state's first national park. Hyundai opens a new electric vehicle plant in Bryan county. And it's opening day for the Atlanta Braves. GPB will talk with Braves podcast host Grant McAuley about what we can expect.

[Grant McCauley]

The Braves, pretty much across the board are that number two team right behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. So we'll see.

[Sophie Gradis]

Today is Thursday, March 27th. I'm Sophie Gradis. Public health experts are raising the alarm over proposed cuts to programs that directly fund the nation's public health departments. Federal health agency leaders announced Wednesday that they intend to cut just north of $11 billion in grants issued during the COVID 19 pandemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Georgia. Money from these ERA grants has been used to expand testing and surveillance of infectious diseases and to upgrade equipment used in public health emergencies. Georgia Department of Public Health leaders say they are still assessing what the recent cuts will mean for existing programs. The agency gets about 50% of its budget from the federal government. Lia Chan with the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute says any cuts could have a, quote, seismic impact on all Georgians, but especially those who rely on local services. There are some counties that do not.

[Orlando Montoya]

Have a primary care provider and they.

[Sophie Gradis]

Don'T have a hospital.

[Andre Dickens]

You have your county health department that.

[Sophie Gradis]

You can go that could provide you with some level of preventive care. In anticipation of possible cuts, Georgia public health officials have taken measures to limit spending, including pausing non essential travel. Georgia's federal lawmakers are making another push to designate the Uccmulgee Mounds as the state's first first National Park. Georgia U.S. senators Raphael Warnock and John Ossoff, along with South Georgia Representatives Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott, reintroduced a bipartisan bill in Congress this week. The site near Macon is the ancestral home of the Muscogee Creek Nation. Last May, Ossoff delivered remarks during a subcommittee hearing on the act. Not only will this be transformative for middle Georgia and its economic development and its tourist economy to establish Georgia's first ever national park, but it also will be a powerful statement about the relationship between our state and the Muscogee Creek Nation and its history. Backers say the move would protect the land while boosting tourism and economic development in middle Georgia. The bill has broad support across Georgia's House delegation. All but one member has signed on as a co sponsor. The U.S. senate voted today to repeal a new rule adopted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that that limits steep overdraft fees charged by large banks and credit unions. The issue has been a years long priority for Georgia US Senator Raphael Warnock, who applauded the Biden administration for announcing the cap shortly before Biden left office. It was scheduled to go into effect in October. The resolution passed in the Senate on a mostly party line vote, with all but one Republican voting to rescind the limits it now moves to the US house. Hyundai celebrated the opening of its new $7.5 billion electric vehicle factory in Bryan county yesterday. Welcome to Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America. At the opening, Hyundai announced plans to increase the plant's capacity from 300,000 to 500,000 vehicles per year. The sprawling plant currently produces two electric SUV models, the Ioniq 5 and the Ioniq, and employs 1,200 workers. Hyundai has said it plans to employ 8,500 total workers. When the plant broke ground in 2022, it was the largest economic development project the state had seen coming, with $2 billion in tax breaks and other incentives from state and local governments.

[Grant McCauley]

Governor Brian Kemp to outside observers, it.

[Brian Kemp]

May seem like today's opening happened overnight, and in some ways it seems like that. It was so quick, especially given the record speed at which the plant was built. And we're certainly impressed at how quickly this company moves. But they will tell you just like us that today's milestone did not happen by happen chance. When we heard that an employer of Hyundai's caliber was looking to make a generational commitment somewhere in our region, we jumped to the opportunity. We did the legwork of acquiring a megasite that was capable of meeting the needs of a project of this scale. We met with the leadership and discussed the unique advantages of locating a manufacturing facility like this in Southeast Georgia. And we never wavered in our efforts to bring tens of thousands of jobs to our hardworking citizens.

[Sophie Gradis]

The opening of the plant yesterday came as President Trump announced 25% tariffs on auto imports, a move the White House says will foster domestic manufacturing. Critics say it could financially squeeze automakers that depend on global supply chains. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens spoke to the Atlanta Press Club Thursday about his goals for the city, including pursuing federal funding and planning for major events. GPB's Amanda Andrews explains The city has.

[Andre Dickens]

Launched the Showcase Atlanta Plan to ensure local businesses benefit financially from large events like the World cup in 2026. It's also working to improve the water system following multiple outages so it can improve quality of life and handle the incoming soccer fans, dickens says. He plans to work across party lines to secure funding for water infrastructure upgrades.

[Orlando Montoya]

Our goal is still the same, but.

[Sophie Gradis]

Our strategies might change. We're going to be working with state.

[Orlando Montoya]

Leaders that have great relationships with federal leaders.

[Andre Dickens]

The city estimates it will spend $2 billion over the next 20 years to replace pipes and other water assets. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Sophie Gradis]

The search continues for four US Soldiers who went missing while training in Lithuania. The soldiers, all from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia, were conducting tactical training when they went missing. The US army said the Hercules armored vehicle the four soldiers were in during a training exercise had been found submerged in a body of water. It said U.S. army and Lithuanian armed forces and civilian agencies were attempting recovery efforts. The Atlanta Braves are the eighth most valuable club in Major League Baseball. That's according to a Forbes annual ranking published yesterday. The publication valued The Braves at $3 billion, a 7% increase over their 2024 valuation. The increase is on par with MLB clubs as a whole. The report came ahead of opening day for the Braves. The Braves are in San Diego to face the Padres as this podcast is being recorded and produced. Last season, the Padres knocked the Braves out of postseason before the game began. Today, GPB's Orlando Montoya spoke with Braves watcher Grant McCauley about offseason storylines and what to expect from 2025. McCauley hosts the podcast from the diamond, which covers the Braves.

[Grant McCauley]

Hey, thanks for having me, Grant.

[Orlando Montoya]

Last year was a brutal one for the Braves, losing some key players early in the season to injuries. How are injuries among star players looking at the beginning of the season?

[Grant McCauley]

Fortunately, much less plentiful this year. They weren't able to dodge that bullet entirely. They did lose Sean Murphy, their starting catcher. He got hit by a pitch, has a broken rib. He's getting over that. Should be back in April. So all things considered, and as you touched on, last year was a pretty rough one. They lost Ronald Lacuna Jr. They lost Spencer Strider for the majority of the year. They lost Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris and Austin Riley and others for months at a time. So this is a club that by and large is healthy. We're going to hope that they stay that way. I know they're certainly hoping that and if they are healthy, is going to be one of the better ones in the National League when you consider the talent they have on hand and the returns of Acuna and Strider, which will be huge storylines for the Braves this year. So all in all, health is Good. But you know, they've got to go out there and keep it that way over the course of a season because as we saw a year ago, that can certainly change the story and the trajectory of a year for a team.

[Orlando Montoya]

And there was some concern among fans offseason because player acquisitions and trades seemed low. In your opinion, how does the player roster look going into the season?

[Grant McCauley]

I think it's a strong club, but can you do more is always going to be the question. And I think it's a necessary one for fans, especially because the Braves, while having a top 10 payroll, certainly is, you know, leaps and bounds above where they were for a very long time. This is a club that's in the middle of a championship window. So you always want to see those acquisitions over the course of the winter be the ones that can make your club better. The Braves were not a club that came in with a lot of holes, but they did lose Max Freed and Charlie Morton in their starting rotation and another veteran, proven starter didn't come back in the door. So I think that's one of the big questions. They did make a big signing a multi year deal with Juricks and Profar, an all star left fielder, that should help them out. But then they didn't really do a lot beyond that. And I think that's really where the Braves have been trying to walk that line of what can they do in the winter and then maybe what's available at the trade deadline. So there could be talent, you know, onboarded at some point this year. But I do think it's fair to kind of wonder, could the Braves have done more over the winter Again, Acuna and Strider, not a lot of clubs have those kind of players coming back. But I don't think you want to just lean on returns to be the big acquisitions that you're making over the course of an off season.

[Orlando Montoya]

You mentioned a number of key players. What about Chris Sale? He won the Cy Young Award last year. Could he repeat it?

[Grant McCauley]

Well, that certainly would make the Braves rotation, you know, as strong and as formidable as it was a year ago when it was one of the best in all of baseball. I think that he can, and he's a motivated and as competitive a guy as you're ever going to find as well. And that I think sets Chris Sale apart. And then of course, he's one of the best strikeout pitchers in this generation or any other. So really, when it comes down to Chris Sale is what we talked about with so many other Braves players thus far is he's got to be healthy. If he is, I would not put it past him to win another Cy Young. Even though, surprisingly, last year was the first Cy Young of what I think could be a Hall of Fame career.

[Orlando Montoya]

The Braves have been chasing another World Series appearance since they won in 2021. Definitely a playoffs appearance seems likely, but what do you think of the Braves chances of going all the way to the World Series this season?

[Grant McCauley]

Yeah, I think it's always on the table, and what you have to do is punch your ticket and get there. And the Braves have done that every year since winning the World Series in 2021. But they have also been sent home in the first round, which was something that happened a lot to the club prior to their postseason success. First in 2020 and obviously in 2021 and winning everything. This is a team that if you've got the starting pitching lined up the way that you want it with Sale and with Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo Lopez, that's a quality quartet that you could have starting games for you. That's been a big problem for the Braves in October is can they get to that point of the season with a healthy starting rotation? The answer lately has been no. But the problem for me has been even with a historic offense in 2023, they haven't been able to hit in October. So they're going to have to figure out how to crack that code. I mean, you know, all bets are off. It's a team that gets, I think, hottest over the course of three weeks, but you've got to get there first. And the Braves always set their sights on winning the National League East. I think that's a perfectly reasonable goal and well within reach for them, even with the Phillies and the Mets looming out there as well. I think contending for that, this is a club that has, I think, all the pieces to be there. Can they make it happen? Can they get hot at the right time? I think as much as anything is is what the baseball postseason is all about, and I think this is a club that could do it.

[Orlando Montoya]

And of course, we're talking about the Braves, but there are other teams as well. How has the competition changed in the National League?

[Grant McCauley]

Well, the National League East, I think, is one of the most competitive divisions. When you think about what the Phillies have turned into over the past few years. And of course, the Mets are going to spend more money than anybody. Not named the Los Angeles Dodgers. They proved it again over the winter when they signed Juan Soto to one of the biggest contracts in baseball history and sports history for that matter. So I think the Mets are going to be tough. I certainly think that the Phillies can give the Braves anything and everything they could want and more. But then if we're talking about the National League on the whole, the Los Angeles Dodgers have basically been putting together assembling a superstar squad that might be baseball's version of the dream team in the NBA or the Olympics about 30 years ago. It's, it's, you know, not too many teams and no other team is able to do what they're doing. But again, the game is not played on paper. They won the World Series last year. They won it in 2020 in the shortened season. But last year was the Dodgers first World Series win in 162 game season since 1988. So even when you spend all the money, it doesn't necessarily guarantee you're going to win the title every single year. But that's the toughest team. That's the club with the target on its back, certainly. And I think the Braves are worthy contenders. And if you look across all the projections and the prognostication this time of year, the Braves pretty much across the board are that number two team right behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. So we'll see how it all matches up over the course of 162 games. And then of course in October where everybody wants to play their best baseball.

[Orlando Montoya]

Well, Grant McCauley, host of the podcast from the diamond, appreciate your expertise. Thank you very much.

[Grant McCauley]

Thanks for having me.

[Sophie Gradis]

And finally, the Atlanta Jazz Festival is back this Memorial Day weekend with a star studded lineup. Artists including Derek Hodge, Ravi Coltrane, Diane Reeves, Russell Gunn and Joe Granston are set to perform during the free three day event in Piedmont park from Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26. The festival runs from 11am to 11pm every day and will feature international, national and local talent performing everything from swing and big band to contemporary jazz. Now in its 48th year, the event is organized by the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. To learn more, visit atljazzfest.com that's a T L J A Z Z f e s t.com that's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. Thanks so much for listening. If you would like to learn more about these stories we mentioned, visit gpb.org and if you haven't yet hit subscribe on this podcast, just take a moment right now. It'll keep us current in your podcast feed. If you have feedback, we would love to hear it, please email us@georgia todaypb.org I'm Sophie Graudas, and we'll see you tomorrow.