Ossoff holds Atlanta rally; Youth Village expansion; Tariffs and Ga. brewing industry

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: March 24, 2025

Host: Orlando Montoya
Produced by: Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB News)
Host Attribution: Orlando Montoya

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1. Senator Jon Ossoff Holds Atlanta Rally Amid 2026 Re-Election Speculation

Overview:
Senator Jon Ossoff galvanized Democratic supporters at the "Rally for Our Republic" in Atlanta, hinting at a potential run for re-election in the 2026 U.S. Senate race. The rally, which drew approximately 2,000 attendees, focused on critiquing the Trump administration and highlighting concerns over government efficiency and corruption.

Key Points:

• Ossoff’s Message: Emphasized frustrations with the Trump administration, including inefficiency within government departments and Elon Musk's involvement in governmental affairs. Ossoff labeled current administration actions as "corruption" (Sarah Kalis, [01:30]).

• Crowd and Support: The event was well-attended, with participants like Stephanie Rogers from Canton expressing strong support: “Georgia will bow to no king” ([01:41]). Adam Beacham, CEO and co-founder of Athens craft brewery Creature Comforts, highlighted the importance of the rally: “To fight back for what's happening in our country and stand up for our democracy” ([01:56]).

• Re-Election Landscape: As of the event, no Republican challengers have officially announced their intention to run against Ossoff in the upcoming 2026 election ([02:01]).

Notable Quotes:

• Stephanie Rogers: “Georgia will bow to no king.” ([01:41])
• Adam Beacham: “To fight back for what's happening in our country and stand up for our democracy.” ([01:56])

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2. Massive Voter Registration Purge Announced by Georgia Elections Officials

Overview:
Georgia is set to undertake one of the largest voter purges in its history, with up to 455,000 inactive voter registrations scheduled for cancellation this summer. This move aims to streamline voter rolls by removing individuals who have not participated in recent elections or have moved.

Key Points:

• Reason for Purge: State elections director Blake Evans explained that many voters being purged likely have moved or abstained from voting in the last two presidential elections ([02:13]). A partnership with the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) has facilitated this extensive cleanup by notifying officials of changes such as new driver’s licenses ([03:00]).

• Process and Notifications: Voters facing cancellation will receive mail notifications in July informing them of the pending removal from the voter rolls ([02:39]).

• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Critics may view this as a stringent measure, but Evans assured it is a legal process aimed at maintaining accurate voter records ([02:39]).

• Political Repercussions: The timing of the purge aligns with ongoing political tensions, including investigations into the New Georgia Project and scrutiny of voting rights groups led by Stacey Abrams.

Notable Quotes:

• Blake Evans: “The main thing is when people move, just common folks, you know, a lot of times don't think about updating the elections office that they have moved and canceling their record.” ([02:39])

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3. Challenges Facing Georgia's Brewing Industry Due to Tariff Uncertainties

Overview:
Georgia's brewing industry is navigating a tumultuous period marked by tariff uncertainties, particularly affecting imports of barley and aluminum. Athens-based Creature Comforts, the state's largest independently owned brewery, is emblematic of these challenges.

Key Points:

• Impact on Supply Chain: Adam Beacham of Creature Comforts highlighted concerns over tariff fluctuations on Canadian barley imports, which have jeopardized long-standing supplier relationships of over 11 years ([04:16]). The brewery is currently in a "wait and see" phase regarding barley futures for 2025 and beyond ([04:31]).

• Financial Implications: Although current contract pricing stands firm for 2025, uncertainties loom for 2026 contracts, potentially disrupting production costs and operations ([04:48]).

• Aluminum Imports: Increased demand for aluminum cans domestically is driving prices upwards, posing additional financial strain on brewers who import aluminum despite recent shifts to domestic sourcing ([04:59]).

• Industry Sentiment: The brewing community remains uneasy, with recent closings in 2024 signaling broader economic pressures within the industry ([03:00]).

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Beacham: “Usually the time of year now where we start to look at barley futures and it is a time of great uncertainty, so we're in a wait and see phase for that.” ([04:31])
• Adam Beacham: “We have been told that our contract pricing is good for 2025 and so supplier is indicating that they'll honor it for us. I do not have a contract yet for 2026.” ([04:48])

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4. Georgia Passes Relief Bill to Aid Farmers and Timber Owners Affected by Hurricane Helene

Overview:
Georgia lawmakers have approved a comprehensive relief bill estimated at nearly $300 million to assist farmers and timber owners impacted by Hurricane Helene. A central feature of the bill is a severance tax waiver for timber harvested through 2025, ensuring counties receive reimbursements based on pre-storm values.

Key Points:

• Severance Tax Waiver: Allows counties to waive taxes on timber harvested until the end of 2025, with reimbursements calculated using pre-storm market values rather than diminished post-storm prices ([05:15]).

• Economic Protection: House Majority Whip James Burchett emphasized the measure's role in safeguarding both counties and landowners from financial losses due to the hurricane's impact ([05:16]).

• Further Assistance: The relief package encompasses various forms of aid, recognizing the extensive damage inflicted by the hurricane on Georgia's agricultural and timber sectors ([05:58]).

Notable Quotes:

• James Burchett: “The measure protects both counties and landowners.” ([05:15])
• Stephanie Rogers: “What this will do is the last three years average price is what the counties will be reimbursed at.” ([05:39])

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5. Investigation Launched into Columbus Council's Appointment Procedures

Overview:
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson announced that the city is reviewing potential violations of Georgia's Open Meetings Act by council members. This inquiry stems from suspicions that a quorum may have engaged in private discussions to appoint John Anchor as replacement counselor for Judy Thomas without proper transparency.

Key Points:

• Circumstances of Resignation: Judy Thomas resigned on March 11 for medical reasons, leading to an immediate council vote to appoint John Anchor, a former mayoral candidate ([06:00]).

• Transparency Concerns: The Columbus NAACP has called for an investigation into whether council members conducted any private, off-record discussions (via text, email, or in-person) that contravene transparency laws ([05:58]).

• Potential Legal Actions: Should any violations be confirmed, the matter will be referred to the state's attorney general for further action ([07:21]).

• Council’s Defense: Mayor Henderson urged patience and thoroughness, indicating that any findings would be handled appropriately to maintain governance integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Mayoral Statement: “If any issues are found, they'll be forwarded to the state's attorney general.” ([06:00])

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6. Expansion of Youth Villages Residential Facility in Douglasville

Overview:
Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with behavioral health challenges, is expanding its residential facilities in Douglasville. The new cottage will provide accommodations for 16 young individuals, enhancing the organization's capacity to deliver comprehensive care.

Key Points:

• Facility Details: The expansion includes a cottage designed to support the social, emotional, mental, and physical needs of traumatized youth, marking the largest investment in the organization's nearly 50-year history ([07:21]).

• Executive Insights: Tanya Anderson, Executive Director of Youth Villages, emphasized the critical need for both community-based (front-end) and inpatient care facilities to address varying levels of trauma and behavioral health challenges ([07:37]).

• Community Impact: Ellen Eldredge of GPB News reported that the expansion will significantly bolster Youth Villages' ability to meet increased demand for specialized behavioral health services in Georgia ([07:49]).

Notable Quotes:

• Tanya Anderson: “Community based or front end treatment is ideal, but access to inpatient care is also critical.” ([07:37])

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7. Bayer Ordered to Pay Over $2 Billion in Roundup Lawsuit

Overview:
A Cobb County jury has convicted Monsanto's parent company, Bayer, to pay more than $2 billion in damages to plaintiff John Barnes, who alleges that Roundup weed killer caused his cancer. This verdict represents one of the largest settlements in the ongoing legal battles Monsanto faces regarding Roundup.

Key Points:

• Verdict Details: The jury awarded Barnes $65 million in compensatory damages and an additional $2 billion in punitive damages ([08:03]).

• Company Response: Bayer maintains that it has won 17 of the last 25 related trials and remains committed to appealing this verdict ([08:03]).

• Legal Implications: This case adds to Monsanto's extensive legal challenges, highlighting the contentious debate over the safety and regulation of glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup.

Notable Quotes:

• Attorney Statement: "The verdict includes $65 million in compensatory damages and $2 billion in P." ([08:03])

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8. New Mural Honors Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at Atlanta’s Busiest Airport

Overview:
Atlanta's busiest airport now features a significant mural celebrating Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, the longest-married presidential couple in U.S. history. Created by renowned Atlanta artist Fabian Williams, the artwork pays tribute to their enduring legacy and personal journeys.

Key Points:

• Artistic Details: The mural captures the Carters with their characteristic broad smiles, surrounded by clouds and stars. It includes quotes that reflect their life experiences and dedication to service ([08:03]).

• Artist’s Perspective: Fabian Williams described the mural as symbolizing the Carters as “good and faithful servants,” emphasizing their contributions and lasting impact on the community ([11:32]).

• Timing: The mural was unveiled three months after Jimmy Carter's passing at age 115 and months after Rosalynn Carter's death at age 96 ([08:03]).

• Additional Works: Williams also designed the poster for the Jimmy Carter Centennial Concert held at Atlanta's Fox Theater last year, further cementing his role in commemorating the Carters' legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Fabian Williams: “Each morning it's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh.” ([11:32])

Visual Access: The mural can be viewed online at gpb.org/news and was prominently displayed during the Jimmy Carter Centennial Concert, also viewable at gpb.org under the event “jimmycarter100.”

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9. DeKalb County Student Advances to National Spelling Bee

Overview:
Sarva Darvane, a student from Austin Elementary School in DeKalb County, has qualified for the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the second consecutive year. Darvane secured victory at the 64th Georgia Association of Educators State Spelling Bee by accurately spelling challenging words.

Key Points:

• Winning Words: Darvane clinched the state title by correctly spelling "Bergant" ([08:03]) and "compa[s]” ([08:03]).

• Recognition and Support: Last year, Darvane tied for 22nd place in the national competition, demonstrating consistent excellence and earning support from the local community and educators.

• Upcoming Competition: The national finals are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in May 2025, where Darvane aims to further advance his academic achievements ([08:03]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sarva Darvane: “I'm probably going to mispronounce this, but Bergen Bergant B E, R, G H A, N, meaning a bird of prey. And he also correctly spelled compa compass C O, M, P A, S. It’s described as a Haitian music genre, so maybe Kompah? Your guess is as good as mine.” ([08:03])

Encouragement: GPB News extends good luck wishes to Darvane as he prepares for the national stage, highlighting the importance of educational achievements and community support in student success.

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Additional Content:

Public Service Announcement: Counterfeit Pills Containing Fentanyl

Speaker: Chase McGee ([00:00] - [00:23])

Message:
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) issued a critical warning to Georgians about the dangers of counterfeit pills. One in ten counterfeit pills contains fentanyl, a potent and lethal drug capable of causing overdoses from just a single pill. Residents are urged to avoid pills obtained from friends or dealers and to seek more information at opioidresponse.info.

Notable Quote:

• Chase McGee: “...one pill can cause an overdose.” ([00:23])

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Closing Remarks:

Orlando Montoya concluded the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe to the "Georgia Today" podcast for ongoing coverage of important state and local news. He also invited feedback via email at us@georgia_todaypb.org, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to keeping the community informed and engaged.

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Conclusion:

This episode of "Georgia Today" provided comprehensive coverage of significant political events, legislative actions, economic challenges, community initiatives, legal battles, cultural tributes, and individual achievements within Georgia. Through in-depth reporting and firsthand accounts, the podcast delivered a nuanced understanding of the issues impacting Georgians, making it an essential listen for those seeking detailed and reliable local news.

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For More Information:
Visit gpb.org/news to explore these stories further and access additional resources related to each topic covered in this episode.

Transcript

[Chase McGee]

DBHDD has an urgent warning for all Georgians. One of every ten counterfeit pills contains fentanyl, a powerful and very deadly drug. Pills from friends or dealers are unsafe and one pill can cause an overdose. More [e-mail].

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to Georgia Today I On this podcast, we feature the latest reports from the GPB news team. On today's episode, Senator Jon Ossoff holds a rally in Atlanta fueling speculation over a possible 2026 re election bid. Douglasville expands a residential facility for treating children with behavioral health challenges. And how has continuing uncertainty over tariffs affected Georgia's brewing industry?

[Adam Beacham]

Usually the time of year now where we start to look at barley futures. It is a time of great uncertainty, so we're in a wait and see phase for that.

[Orlando Montoya]

Today is Monday, March 24th. I'm Orlando Montoya. Georgia US Senator Jon Ossoff rallied Democrats with an anti Trump message on Saturday as speculation heats up about the 2026 US Senate race. GPB Sarah Kalis was at the event dubbed the Rally for Our Republic.

[Sarah Kalis]

Ossoff's speech focused on growing frustrations with the Trump administration, including Department of Government efficiency cuts, Elon Musk's role in government and what Ossoff called corruption.

[Stephanie Rogers]

Georgia will bow to no king.

[Sarah Kalis]

The unofficial reelection campaign kickoff drew a crowd of 2000 to a venue in Atlanta. Stephanie Rogers drove from Canton for the event.

[Adam Beacham]

I felt like it was really important.

[Sarah Kalis]

To get engaged in something positive and.

[Adam Beacham]

To fight back for what's happening in our country and stand up for our democracy.

[Sarah Kalis]

So far, no Republican challengers have officially announced a run against Ossoff in 2026. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis in Atlanta.

[Orlando Montoya]

Georgia elections officials are set to cancel up to 455,000 inactive voter registrations this summer. It's one of the largest voter purges in state history. State elections director Blake Evans says voters facing cancellation likely have moved or not voted in the past two presidential elections. The secretary of State's office will mail a notice in July to those facing cancellation.

[Blake Evans]

The main thing is when people move, just common folks, you know, a lot of times don't, don't think about updating the elections office that they have moved and canceling their to cancel their record. And so this is just the legal process to make sure that outdated records aren't sitting unnecessarily on our voter rolls.

[Orlando Montoya]

Evans says the number of cancellations is high because of a partnership with the Electronic Registration Information Center, a national nonprofit that notifies state elections officials if a voter gets a driver's license. In another partner state, problems are mounting for the voting rights group founded by Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams. The New Georgia Project in January admitted to illegally working for Abrams and others without disclosing campaign contributions and spending. This morning, the executive director of the state's ethics commission, David Ahmadi, told his board that a U.S. house Committee on Elections has asked for the commission's files on the case and he has provided them. Ahmadi also said he referred the case to the U.S. department of justice as required by law. The Georgia Senate also is preparing to launch its own investigation into the group, whose founder became a lightning rod for Republicans when she challenged Brian Kemp in two unsuccessful gubernatorial bids. Georgia breweries had a rough 2024 with several closings across the state. Now brewers are feeling uneasy with the continuing uncertainty over tariff. GPB's Chase McGee has more.

[Chase McGee]

Athens craft brewery Creature Comforts holds the title of Georgia's largest independently owned brewery, but recently their focus has been on the on again, off again tariffs on Canadian imports like barley and aluminum, says CEO and co founder Adam Beacham.

[Adam Beacham]

Usually the time of year now where we start to look at barley futures and it is a time of great uncertainty, so we're in a wait and see phase for that.

[Chase McGee]

Beecham has worked with the same Canadian barley supplier for 11 years. That long standing relationship is now in question.

[Adam Beacham]

We have been told that our contract pricing is good for 2025 and so supplier is indicating that they'll honor it for us. I do not have a contract yet for 2026.

[Chase McGee]

That's not the only bad news. While Creature Comforts buys their aluminum cans in the U.S. beecham says the sudden demand from other manufacturers here could drive up their prices going forward. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee in Athens.

[Orlando Montoya]

Georgia lawmakers have passed a relief bill aimed at helping farmers and timber owners harmed by Hurricane Helene. One key provision allows counties to waive severance taxes on timber harvested through 2025 and reimburse them based on pre storm values. House Majority Whip James Burchett says the measure protects both counties and landowners.

[Stephanie Rogers]

If we were to at this point utilize the severance tax, the counties would receive actually less money because the value of the product is much less now because of the damage and the flood on the market. What this will do is the last three years average price is what the counties will be reimbursed at.

[Orlando Montoya]

The timber tax break is part of a nearly $300 million aid package now awaiting the governor's signature. Columbus Mayor Skip. Henderson says the city is reviewing whether any material evidence exists that council members violated Georgia's Open Meetings Act. The inquiry follows a call by the Columbus NAACP for an investigation into whether a quorum of counselors privately discussed appointing a replacement for former counselor Judy Thomas. Thomas resigned on March 11 for medical reasons. That same day, the council voted 6 to 3 to appoint John Anchor, a formal mayoral candidate without publicly considering other names. Henderson had urged them to wait. The NAACP's concerns center on whether any backroom discussions occurred by text, email or in person that would violate transparency laws. Anderson says if any issues are found, they'll be forwarded to the state's attorney general. A new residential facility that treats children with behavioral health challenges is expanding. Youth Villages in Douglasville, west of Atlanta, now includes a cottage that, when complete, will accommodate 16 young people. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more.

[Sarah Kalis]

The residential youth program is designed to support the social, emotional, mental and physical needs of of people living through trauma. Tanya Anderson is the executive director of Youth Villages. She says community based or front end treatment is ideal, but access to inpatient care is also critical.

[Blake Evans]

But when there's a need to do what we call the back end work when they have to be out of the home and in facilities, having the appropriate facilities to be able to do that is so vitally important, she says.

[Sarah Kalis]

The project in Georgia is the largest investment Youth Villages has made Its nearly 50 year history. For GPP News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Orlando Montoya]

A jury in metro Atlanta's Cobb county has ordered Monsanto parent Bayer to pay more than $2 billion in damages to a man who says the company's Roundup weed killer caused his cancer. Attorneys for the plaintiff, John Barnes, said in a statement late Friday that The verdict includes $65 million in compensatory damages and $2 billion in P. The verdict marks one of the largest legal settlements in a long running series of court battles Monsanto has faced over Roundup. The agrochemical giant says it has prevailed in 17 of the last 25 related trials and remains committed to fighting them. Monsanto says it will appeal the verdict. Visitors to the world's busiest airport are now greeted with a large mural honoring Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. The mural was painted by the prominent Atlanta artist Fabian Williams and is based on a widely circulated photo of the couple, the longest married presidential couple in US history at 77 years. It highlights aspects of their lives with quotes about their journeys together. Framed by clouds and stars. Both Jimmy and Rosalynn are depicted with their trademark broad smiles Williams calls it well done, good and faithful servants. It comes about three months after Jimmy's death at age 115, months after Rosalind's death at age 96. Williams also created the poster for last year's Jimmy Carter Centennial Concert at Atlanta's Fox Theater. You can see the mural at gpb.org news you can watch the concert at gpb.org jimmycarter100 a DeKalb county student is heading back to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for a second year in a row. Austin elementary School Sarva Darvane won the 64th Georgia association of Educators State Spelling Bee last week, clinching the title by correctly spelling and I'm probably going to mispronounce this, but Bergen Bergant B E, R, G, H A, N, meaning a bird of prey. And he also correctly spelled compa compa compass C O, M, P A, S. Just one S. It's described as a Haitian music genre, so maybe Kompah? Your guess is as good as mine. The national competition will take place in Washington, D.C. this May. Last year, Darvane tied for 22nd place in the national competition. Good luck. Sarv Darvayn that's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news if you haven't yet hit subscribe on this podcast. Take a moment right now. Keep us current in your podcast feed. Hit subscribe. If you have feedback, we'd love to hear it. Email us@georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. We'll be back again tomorrow with another edition of Georgia Today.

[Fabian Williams]

Each morning it's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh. Up first from NPR makes each morning an opportunity to learn and to understand. Choose to join the world every morning with upfirst, a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe and down the street, all in 15 minutes or less. Start your day informed and anew with up first by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.