New laws will go into effect; Food-serving robots in ATL; "No Taxes on Tips" proposal

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Hosted by Peter Biello | Released on June 30, 2025

The latest episode of Georgia Today, hosted by Peter Biello from Georgia Public Broadcasting, delves into a range of pivotal topics affecting the Peach State. From legislative changes and technological advancements to significant social issues and sporting events, this episode offers comprehensive coverage designed to inform and engage listeners.

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1. New Georgia Laws Coming into Effect

As July 1 approaches, Georgia is set to implement a series of new laws that span various sectors:

• Transgender Athletes Ban: A significant and controversial law now prohibits transgender girls from participating in female sports categories. This legislation impacts athletes from middle school through collegiate levels, igniting debates on inclusivity and fairness in sports.

  "The laws passed include a ban on transgender girls playing in female sports," reported Sarah Kalis (00:50).

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Protection: Georgia has legislated protections for IVF, ensuring that assisted reproductive technologies are safeguarded under state law. This move received overwhelming bipartisan support, reflecting a consensus on supporting family planning initiatives.

• Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Fentanyl Trafficking: In response to the opioid crisis, the state has enacted mandatory minimum sentences for individuals convicted of fentanyl trafficking in specified quantities, aiming to curb the distribution of this potent narcotic.

• Rights for the Wrongfully Convicted: Enhancements to the legal framework now allow defendants to claim attorney fees in cases where prosecuting attorneys are disqualified, leading to case dismissals. Additionally, the law simplifies the process for financially compensating those wrongfully convicted.

• Income Tax Reduction: Accelerating a previously planned income tax cut, Georgia's flat income tax rate has been reduced to 5.19%, providing tax relief to residents.

  "The flat income tax rate to 5.19%," detailed Sarah Kalis (00:50).

These legislative changes represent a significant shift in Georgia's legal landscape, addressing issues from social policies to criminal justice and taxation.

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2. President Trump's "No Taxes on Tips" Proposal

The podcast explores the implications of President Trump's proposal to eliminate taxes on tips, a move that has sparked varied reactions within the restaurant industry:

• Impact on Tipped Workers: Tax expert Jonathan Levins from Moore Colson explains that while lower-income tipped workers might remain unaffected due to their current tax status, higher earners could experience a noticeable increase in take-home pay.

  "For some of your what I will call maybe higher earners, it certainly could have a measurable impact on their take-home pay," Levins states (01:58).

• Industry Division: The proposal has received mixed responses, with the National Restaurant Association supporting the move, whereas the Independent Restaurant Coalition criticizes it for excluding a significant portion of workers.

  "The proposal leaves too many people out," remarks the Independent Restaurant Coalition (02:22).

• Future of Tipped Wages: There is a concern that employers might alter wage structures, potentially capping or freezing base wages and relying more heavily on tip income.

  "Does this incentivize employers to change how they pay individuals... push them over to this tip income regime," Levins questions (02:32).

With over 400,000 Georgians employed in food service, this policy shift could have widespread economic and social repercussions within the state's hospitality sector.

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3. Travel Disruptions at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Severe storms over the weekend wreaked havoc on what was anticipated to be the busiest travel day of the 12-day 4th of July holiday period:

• Flight Cancellations and Evacuations: Hundreds of flights were canceled as storms caused significant disruptions. Delta Air Lines reported that hail forced the evacuation of the airport's air traffic control tower and necessitated inspections of over 100 aircraft.

  "The storm caused an evacuation at the airport's air traffic control tower and hail from the storm required the airline to inspect more than 100 aircraft," Peter Biello reports (03:23).

Travelers faced considerable delays and uncertainty, highlighting the airport's challenges in handling extreme weather events.

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4. Adriana Smith's Case and Georgia's Abortion Laws

The tragic passing of 30-year-old Adriana Smith, who was kept on life support to give birth, has reignited debates over Georgia's stringent abortion legislation:

• Adriana's Story: Smith's case drew national attention, raising ethical and legal questions about the intersection of life support decisions and reproductive rights under Georgia law.

  "Adriana's life mattered and we're going to make sure... that Adriana's voice will be heard," stated evangelist Triona Arnold James at her funeral (03:56).

• Legal Perspectives: Georgia Attorney General Kris Carr defended the state's abortion laws, asserting that they do not mandate the maintenance of life support for brain-dead women solely for the purpose of childbirth.

The case remains a poignant example of the ongoing tensions surrounding reproductive rights and medical ethics in Georgia.

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5. World's Largest Swimming Lesson for Drowning Prevention

Highlighting community safety initiatives, Georgia participated in the World's Largest Swimming Lesson aimed at reducing drowning incidents:

• Event Overview: Held across approximately two dozen sites, the initiative focused on teaching life-saving swimming skills, particularly targeting communities with limited access to pools and formal swimming instruction.

  "Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and it's 100% preventable," explains Dr. Rosalynn Marie Hicks, GPB News (05:35).

• Participant Experiences: Lifeguard Kai Burton shared insights into the diverse reactions of children learning to swim, emphasizing the importance of overcoming fear and building confidence in the water.

This event underscores the critical role of education and community programs in preventing tragic accidents.

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6. Deployment of Food-Serving Robots in Atlanta

Embracing technological innovation, Serve Robotics has commenced delivering food via autonomous robots in select Atlanta neighborhoods:

• Operational Areas: Currently active in downtown, Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward, Serve Robotics marks Atlanta as the fourth city in the U.S. to adopt this delivery method, following Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas.

  "Atlanta is the nation's fourth city where Uber Eats and Serve now delivered by robots," Peter Biello notes (05:57).

• Service Expansion: With over 6,000 deliveries in the past week, the initiative aims to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce human contact, especially relevant in a post-pandemic landscape.

This advancement reflects Atlanta's position at the forefront of integrating robotics into everyday services.

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7. National Leadership and Skills Conference

Featuring a spotlight on education and workforce development, the National Leadership and Skills Conference showcased the talents of over 6,000 students at the Georgia World Congress Center:

• Competitions: Students engaged in diverse disciplines, including culinary arts, welding, machining, and animation, striving for excellence in their respective fields.

  "If you can think of it, students compete to be the best at it," explains Chase McGee (06:22).

• Awards and Recognition: Winners received not only medals but also practical tools of the trade, equipping them for future careers.

  "Many of the students... will also have tools of the trade that they will receive as their prizes," Shelly Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA, states (06:49).

• Future Hosting: Atlanta will host the Skills Conference for the next eight years, highlighting the city's commitment to fostering vocational excellence.

This event emphasizes Georgia's dedication to preparing its youth for the evolving workforce.

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8. Georgia Author of the Year Awards

Celebrating literary achievements, the Georgia Writers Association announced the winners of its 61st Annual Author of the Year Awards:

• Notable Winners:

  • Biography Category: George Herthler from Atlanta won for his biography of the modern Olympic Games' founder.
  • Literary Novel Category: Alan Groestefon received acclaim for "The Banana Wars," which narrates the experiences of characters amid a guerrilla war in 1990s Colombia.
  • First Novel Award: Parul Kapoor was honored for "Inside the Mirror."

• Finalists:

  • History Category: Michael Thurmond for "James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia: A Founder's Journey From Slave Trader to Abolitionist."

  • Literary Novel Category: Melissa Pritchard for "Flight of the Wild Swan," a novelization of Florence Nightingale's life.

    "You can find the latest episodes of Narrative Edge by searching for it wherever you get your podcasts," Peter Biello mentions (08:14).

These accolades highlight Georgia's vibrant literary scene and the diverse narratives emerging from its authors.

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9. Sports Highlights: Club World Cup and All Star Futures Game

The sports segment covers significant events and upcoming showcases:

• Club World Cup Success: At Atlanta's Mercedes Benz Stadium, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) dominated Lionel Messi's Inter Miami with a staggering 40-0 victory, advancing PSG to the quarterfinals.

  "Even with aging international luminaries, it wasn't in the same league as PSG," Peter Biello comments (08:27).

• All Star Futures Game: Two players from the Atlanta Braves' farm system, Hayden Harris and Charlie Condon, are set to compete in the All Star Futures Game next month. This event is a premier showcase for emerging baseball talent, signaling bright prospects for Georgia's representation in Major League Baseball.

  "Charlie Condon, who is currently in the Colorado Rockies farm system, was a first-round pick number three overall," Peter Biello notes (08:57).

These events underscore Georgia's prominent role in both national and international sports arenas.

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Stay Informed

To stay updated with the latest stories covered by Georgia Today, visit gpb.org/news or subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform. For story suggestions or to share news tips, listeners are encouraged to contact GPB via email at [e-mail].

Transcript

[Host]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode. Dozens of new laws go into effect tomorrow in Georgia. Food serving robots crawl the streets of parts of Atlanta. And will President Trump's no tax on tips proposal really help restaurant workers?

[Tax Expert]

For some of your what I will call maybe higher earners, it certainly could have a measurable impact on their take home pay and their after tax cash flow.

[Host]

Today is Monday, June 30th.

[Peter Biello]

I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. It's that time of year.

[Host]

July 1 is around the corner and with the new month dozens of laws go into effect.

[Peter Biello]

GPB Sarah Kalis reports on some new.

[Host]

Laws about to take effect in Georgia.

[Sarah Kalis]

The laws passed include a ban on transgender girls playing in female sports. The multi year effort by the legislature impacts athletes from middle school to collegiate sports. And in vitro fertilization, or IVF will now now be protected by Georgia law. Following overwhelming bipartisan support, mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl trafficking for certain amounts of fentanyl will also become law. In other criminal justice news, defendants will be able to claim attorneys fees in cases where the prosecuting attorney is disqualified and the case is dismissed. Another section of that law creates an easier process for wrongfully convicted Georgians to receive financial compensation. And the already planned income tax cut will accelerate this year, bringing the flat income tax rate to 5.19%. For GPB news, I'm Sarah Kallas.

[Host]

If you are a tipped worker, you may have been watching President Trump's budget bill as it moves through Congress.

[Peter Biello]

Many in the restaurant industry, well, you will find some, but not all tipped workers are divided over the bill's no.

[Host]

Tax on tips proposal.

[Peter Biello]

Tax expert Jonathan Levins of the Atlanta.

[Host]

Accounting firm Moore Colson says the provision would not apply to lower income workers.

[Tax Expert]

Those individuals may not necessarily pay federal income taxes currently. So for them the passage of this likely wouldn't have much of any impact on them. For some of your what I will call maybe higher earners then it certainly could have a measurable impact on their take home pay and their after tax cash flow.

[Host]

The Independent Restaurant Coalition says the proposal.

[Peter Biello]

Leaves too many people out. While the National Restaurant association backs it.

[Host]

Levins also says it raises an important question about the future of how tipped workers get paid.

[Tax Expert]

Does this incentivize employers to change how they pay individuals such that if there's this perceived benefit from a tip income perspective, would they freeze or cap or change base wages that individuals may receive and sort of push them over to this tip income regime.

[Host]

More than 400,000 Georgians are employed in food service. That's according to the Georgia Restaurant Association. If you were traveling through Atlanta's Hartsfield.

[Peter Biello]

Jackson International Airport this weekend, we hope.

[Host]

You manage those delays with all the.

[Peter Biello]

Patience and understanding you can muster. And that might have been a tall.

[Host]

Order considering the delays came on what was expected to be the busiest travel day of a 12 day 4th of July travel period. Severe storms disrupted holiday travel over the weekend. Hundreds of flights were canceled.

[Peter Biello]

Atlanta based Delta Air Lines says that storm caused an evacuation at the airport's.

[Host]

Air traffic control tower and hail from.

[Peter Biello]

The storm required the airline to inspect.

[Host]

More than 100 aircraft. The brain dead pregnant woman who was kept on life support at a Georgia hospital for months so she could give birth, has been laid to rest. 30 year old Adriana Smith made headlines in the debate over Georgia's strict abortion law. She died a few weeks ago after giving birth to a baby named Chance.

[Peter Biello]

At her funeral on Saturday, evangelist Triona.

[Host]

Arnold James vowed that her story would continue.

[Triona Arnold James]

Adriana's life mattered and we're going to make sure from this house to the State house to Washington, D.C. that Adriana's voice will be heard.

[Host]

Friends and family remembered Smith for her kindness. Shortly after her story broke, Georgia Attorney General Kris Carr argued that Georgia's abortion law did not require brain dead women to be kept alive in order to give birth. About two dozen sites across Georgia participated last week in the World's Largest Swimming Lesson.

[Peter Biello]

The annual event is part of a.

[Host]

Global campaign to prevent drowning, especially in communities lacking access to pools and swimming instruction.

[Peter Biello]

GPB's Ellen Eldredge reports from an Atlanta.

[Host]

Public pool working to change that.

[Ellen Eldredge]

A group of children are learning life saving tips at the city of Atlanta Thomasville Pool as part of the World's largest sports swim Lesson event. Lifeguard Kai Burton teaches campers how to swim and tread water.

[Kai Burton]

So some kids are excited and some kids want to know how to swim. But some kids are scared to learn to swim lessons because they haven't been in the water before.

[Ellen Eldredge]

The coalition includes Atlanta's Department of Parks and Recreation and other local partners working to raise awareness about drowning prevention. Dr. Rosalynn Marie Hicks is the medical director of the Greater Atlanta Water Safety PB News. She's also a water safety expert who treats patients at Children's Health Care of Atlanta.

[Triona Arnold James]

Drowning is silent. It's not like the movies. There's not all that splashing and thrashing and probably not really any screaming or anything. It's just quiet. You kind of go under the water and you just don't have the wherewithal to bring yourself up.

[Ellen Eldredge]

She says drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and it's 100% preventable. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Host]

Autonomous sidewalk delivery company Serve Robotics says it's now serving Uber Eats customers in three Atlanta neighborhoods.

[Peter Biello]

The California based company said last week its robots have begun delivering food from.

[Host]

Restaurants to customers in the city's downtown, Midtown and Old Fourth Ward. Atlanta is the nation's fourth city, where Uber Eats and Serve now delivered by robots after Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas.

[Peter Biello]

Over the last week, more than 6,000.

[Host]

Students competed at the Georgia World Congress Center.

[Peter Biello]

As GPB's Chase McGee reports, they were.

[Host]

Showing off their skills in various trades.

[Chase McGee]

Culinary arts, welding, machining, animation. If you can think of it, students compete to be the best at it at the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. It's hosted by SkillsUSA, a 60 year old organization dedicated to giving students opportunities to develop into tomorrow's workforce. Shelly Travis is the program's executive director. She says that the competition's winners won't just leave with medals.

[Shelly Travis]

Many of the students that we see here today will also have tools of the trade that they will receive as their prizes when they're up there on the stage with their medals.

[Chase McGee]

The organization also announced that Atlanta would be the home for the skills conference for the next eight years, thanks to collaboration with the City of Atlanta and other city partners. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee.

[Host]

The Georgia writers association is recognizing outstanding.

[Peter Biello]

Literary talent in the 61st annual Georgia.

[Host]

Author of the Year Awards.

[Peter Biello]

The organization Today announced its 2025 winners. In the biography category, Atlanta writer and.

[Host]

Olympic campaign strategist George Herthler won for his biography of the founder of the modern Olympic Games. In the literary novel category, Alan Groestefon won for the Banana wars, which follows a cast of characters enduring a brutal.

[Peter Biello]

Guerrilla war in 1990s Columbia.

[Host]

Among those on the final list are some names you've heard on gpb.

[Peter Biello]

On another podcast, Narrative Edge, which is all about books with Georgia connections, Parul.

[Host]

Kapoor won in the first novel category for her book Inside the Mirror. Michael Thurmond was named a finalist in the history category for James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia, A Founder's Journey From Slave Trader to Abolitionist. And the finalist in the literary novel category was Melissa Pritchard for her novelization of the life of Florence Nightingale, Flight.

[Peter Biello]

Of the Wild Swan. You can find the latest episodes of.

[Host]

Narrative Edge by searching for it wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Biello]

In sports, one of the world's best.

[Host]

Soccer teams overwhelmed one of the game's.

[Peter Biello]

Greatest players at Atlanta's Mercedes Benz Stadium yesterday. European champions Paris St Germain embarrassed Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in.

[Host]

A 40 rout in the club World Cup. Miami appeared helpless in most of the.

[Peter Biello]

Match, showing that even with aging international.

[Host]

Luminaries, it wasn't in the same league as psg. Miami exits the competition and PSG advances.

[Peter Biello]

To a quarterfinal match in Atlanta next Saturday, and two players in the Atlanta.

[Host]

Braves farm system will compete in the.

[Peter Biello]

All Star Futures Game next month.

[Host]

Augusta native Hayden Harris currently pitches for.

[Peter Biello]

The Braves AAA affiliate gwinnett stripers, and.

[Host]

J.R. ritchie pitches for the AA Columbus CL. Atlanta native Charlie Condon, who is currently in the Colorado Rockies farm system, was.

[Peter Biello]

A first round pick number three overall.

[Host]

And is slated as an infielder for the National League Futures team. The game is scheduled for Saturday, July.

[Peter Biello]

12 and is considered to be a.

[Host]

Showcase of future major league talent.

[Peter Biello]

That's a wrap on Georgia Today. Thank you so much for tuning in. We're going to be back tomorrow afternoon.

[Host]

We hope you will join us for.

[Peter Biello]

The latest in all that's happening in the Peach State. Subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing. And Remember to check gpb.org news for updates on any of the stories you.

[Host]

Heard today, as well as news stories.

[Peter Biello]

Our reporters are constantly writing and posting news stories. There again, that's gpb.org news and if we're not reporting on something and you think we should be, let us know about it. It's a big state and you can.

[Host]

Be our eyes and ears. Send us an email.

[Peter Biello]

The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello.

[Host]

Thanks again for listening and we'll see you tomorrow.

[Pamela Kirkland]

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 what caused the fire, the response and what it means for Conyers residents. Today. [e-mail] podcast or wherever you get your podcast.