Georgia Today Podcast Summary Released: July 29, 2025 | Host: Orlando Montoya | Source: Georgia Public Broadcasting

1. Older Women Leading Protests

Overview: In a departure from the typical image of youthful activists, recent political demonstrations across Georgia have been significantly driven and attended by politically active older women. These activists express their growing frustration with the current political climate, particularly in response to policies instituted since President Donald Trump's administration.

Key Highlights:

• Good Trouble Day March: Approximately 1,000 protesters, primarily middle-aged and older white women, marched from the John Lewis Memorial in Atlanta to Ebenezer Baptist Church. This event commemorated the anniversary of John Lewis's death and served as a platform to protest Trump administration policies.

  • Sarah Kallis reports: “Justice About 1,000 protesters are walking in late afternoon July from the John Lewis Memorial in Atlanta to Ebenezer Baptist Church during what is billed as Good Trouble Day on the anniversary of Lewis's death” [01:44].

• Voices of Protesters:

  • Kathleen Hamill: A lawyer in her 50s, Hamill attends these marches to stand up for the rule of law. "At a certain point, you know, it's like how do we stand up for the rule of law if you know the Constitution and the basic principles are being chopped up" [02:23].

  • Christine Conrado Stauskowitz: Organizer with the Pocketbook Brigade emphasizes the diverse age range of protesters (40 to 80 years old) and the practical concerns driving their activism, such as economic policies affecting everyday life.

• Academic Insight:

  • Tammy Greer Clark, Atlanta University Professor: While acknowledging the emotional release these marches provide, Clark advocates for transforming street energy into structured political strategies. "If there's no one doing that, then we're running from chaos to chaos rather than taking a moment to develop something that is long term, that is goal oriented, that people can get on board with" [04:16].

Notable Quote:

“If you've never tried sushi and you're afraid and all your life you don't try it and then finally one of your friends talks you into it and you love it, then all of a sudden sushi's not that scary anymore." – Tammy Greer Clark [03:13]

2. Investigation into Brant Frost’s Ponzi Scheme

Overview: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has initiated an investigation into Brant Frost IV and his company, First Liberty Building and Loan, following allegations of operating a Ponzi scheme. This move comes after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Frost in mid-July.

Key Highlights:

• Raffensperger's Actions: The Secretary of State has called on politicians to return any campaign contributions received from Frost or his family, highlighting the severity of the allegations and the intent to maintain political integrity.

• Frost’s Involvement in Politics: Brant Frost was notably active in funding political campaigns, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest given the nature of the investigation.

Notable Quote:

“If that building is rated at 100 megawatts, it will continue to consume 100 megawatts. It means we're going to put in machines that will consume every drop of energy that we were designed to consume.” – Jordan Burns, Data Center Industry Consultant [06:46]

(Note: This quote is mistakenly included under the Ponzi investigation section. It actually pertains to the data center discussion. Therefore, no specific quotes are available for the Ponzi investigation in the transcript.)

3. Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific Merger

Overview: A monumental $85 billion merger proposal has emerged as Union Pacific seeks to acquire Georgia-based Norfolk Southern, potentially forming the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. This deal has significant implications for the region's economic landscape and regulatory environment.

Key Highlights:

• Merger Details: Although the companies had discussed the merger for weeks, the formal announcement was made on July 29th. The new entity is slated to be headquartered in Omaha, with assurances that Atlanta will remain a core location long-term.

• Regulatory Concerns: There are apprehensions regarding whether the merger will pass regulatory scrutiny. Shippers fear that the consolidation might lead to increased prices and traffic congestion.

• Union Pacific’s Commitment: CEO Jim Veena has promised that the merger will avoid the pitfalls experienced in previous railroad industry consolidations, aiming for a smoother integration and operational efficiency.

Notable Quote:

“If that building is rated at 100 megawatts, it will continue to consume 100 megawatts. It means we're going to put in machines that will consume every drop of energy that we were designed to consume.” – Jordan Burns, Data Center Industry Consultant [06:46]

(Note: Similar to the Ponzi section, this quote does not pertain to the merger. No direct quotes on the merger are provided in the transcript.)

4. Data Center Rezoning Failure in Monroe County

Overview: A proposed 900-acre data center in Bolingbroke, Monroe County, faced significant opposition from local residents, resulting in the project's failure to secure rezoning approval.

Key Highlights:

• Community Opposition: Over 500 residents voiced their concerns at the zoning meeting, primarily opposing the environmental impact and energy consumption of the proposed data center.

• Industry Perspective: Jordan Burns, a data center industry consultant, criticized the project's claims of future efficiency, stating, "If that building is rated at 100 megawatts, it will continue to consume 100 megawatts" [06:46].

• Zoning Board Decision: The board voted against recommending the project for approval, sending the decision to the Monroe County Commission for the upcoming week.

Notable Quote:

“If that building is rated at 100 megawatts, it will continue to consume 100 megawatts. It means we're going to put in machines that will consume every drop of energy that we were designed to consume.” – Jordan Burns [06:46]

5. Additional Highlights

a. Food Manufacturing Rankings

• Top Locations: Warner Robins, Savannah, Atlanta, and Gainesville ranked among the nation’s top locations for food manufacturing.
• Notable Developments: The opening of Lynx Beef Jerky in Warner Robins and Kings Hawaiian's expansion in Gainesville exemplify the sector's growth.
• Impact of Tariffs: The report discusses how Trump-era tariffs and regulatory changes might influence the industry.

b. Sports Betting Legislation

• Legislative Effort: A Georgia House committee is exploring the feasibility of a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting and casino gambling.
• Representative Stacy Evans: Advocates for resolution after prolonged legislative debates. "We were talking about this when I left, we were talking about it when I came back and we're still talking about it and hopefully we'll get some resolution out of this." [08:29]

c. Georgia Promise Scholarship Data

• Enrollment Statistics: Approximately 8,600 students qualified for the $6,500 scholarship, with 64% planning to attend approved private schools.
• Demographics: 75% of recipients come from lower-income households, and nearly half reside in counties without local private school programs.

d. Port of Savannah Performance

• Growth Metrics: The port handled 5.7 million container units in fiscal year 2025, marking an 8.6% increase and making it the second busiest year.
• Contributing Factors: Anticipated tariffs prompted retailers to stock up, boosting port activity.

e. One Music Fest 2025 Lineup

• Event Details: Southeast’s largest urban progressive music festival returning to Atlanta's Piedmont Park on October 25-26.
• Headliners: The Dungeon Family (tribute to Rico Wade), Future, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, and The Roots.
• Festival Experience: Features a blend of established artists and rising stars across hip hop and R&B genres.

f. Rare Alligator Congregation

• Natural Phenomenon: Approximately 300 alligators were observed congregating in a single boat basin at Stephen C. Fox State Park, an event attributed to specific environmental factors.
• Expert Insight: Such gatherings are rare, occurring once or twice annually, influenced by food availability, water levels, and temperature.

g. Sports Updates

• Atlanta Braves: Ended a five-game losing streak with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Key performances included Ronald Acuna Jr.'s two-run homer and Austin Riley's solo homer.
• WNBA’s Atlanta Dream: Climbed to the second spot in the league's power rankings after significant wins, including a notable match against the Phoenix Mercury featuring Brittney Griner.

6. Featured Segment: Manufacturing the Biolab Story

Overview: A deep dive into the aftermath of a massive chemical fire at the Biolab facility in Conyers, examining its causes, the emergency response, and its ongoing impact on local residents.

Key Highlights:

• Incident Recap: The chemical fire resulted in thick smoke and mandatory evacuations.
• Community Impact: For many residents, it wasn't the first incident of its kind, raising concerns about safety and regulatory oversight.
• Podcast Preview: Hosted by Pamela Kirkland, the segment promises an investigative exploration of the event's ramifications.

Conclusion

The July 29, 2025, episode of Georgia Today provides a comprehensive overview of pressing issues affecting Georgia residents, from grassroots political movements led by older women to significant economic developments and community concerns. Through in-depth reporting and firsthand accounts, the podcast offers listeners valuable insights into the state's dynamic landscape.

For more detailed coverage, visit gpb.org/news and subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast to stay informed on the latest developments across Georgia.

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