Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Episode: Protests against CDC rules; State AG warns future protesters; Barrow Co. SRO funding
Host: Peter Biello | Georgia Public Broadcasting

1. Protests Against CDC Vaccine Guidelines

The episode opens with significant tensions surrounding recent changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine guidelines instituted by the Trump administration. Current and former CDC employees have expressed strong discontent over the administration's decision to disrupt the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), leading to widespread confusion and anger within the agency.

Key Points:

• Internal Chaos: Anna, a current CDC doctor, highlights the turmoil caused by the abrupt removal of certain COVID-19 vaccine guidelines without internal review. At [01:17], she states, "These days, when new directives come out from the federal government without internal review inside the CDC, the first thing that happens is chaos."

• Advisor Committee Disbanded: Kathy Cavallaro, a retired CDC worker, criticizes the dismantling of the ACIP as "a travesty," emphasizing the committee's essential role in guiding pediatricians and other healthcare professionals.

• Budget Concerns: Ongoing budget cuts have exacerbated the situation, with CDC employees awaiting clarity from agency leadership, which has delayed crucial all-staff meetings. Anna adds, "With ongoing concerns over budget cuts, current employees say they were hoping to hear from agency leadership at an all staff meeting this week, but that meeting was postponed."

Conclusion: The disruption of the ACIP has not only destabilized the CDC's internal processes but also jeopardized public trust in vaccine recommendations, prompting employees to voice their frustration through protests outside the CDC campus in Atlanta.

2. State Attorney General Warns Future Protesters

Georgia officials are preparing for an anticipated influx of protesters against the Trump administration's policies, particularly those related to CDC guidelines. Attorney General Chris Carr has issued stern warnings to potential demonstrators planning to join nationwide protests.

Key Points:

• Domestic Terrorism Charges: At [03:00], AG Chris Carr declared, "We will not tolerate anything other than peaceful rallies." He further warned, "I'd bring domestic terrorism charges against those who earn it," signaling a zero-tolerance policy for violent demonstrations.

• Governor's Stance: Governor Brian Kemp echoed these sentiments, asserting that "violence against officers will be met with quick and heavy accountability."

• Recent Arrests: This stance follows recent arrests at an immigration protest in Atlanta and precedes a "day of defiance" coinciding with President Trump's military parade in Washington.

Conclusion: The state's firm position aims to deter violent protests and maintain public safety during a period of heightened political activism.

3. Barrow County School Resource Officer (SRO) Funding Debate

A significant portion of the episode delves into the contentious debate over funding for School Resource Officers (SROs) in Barrow County. The County Board of Commissioners proposed a new budget that shifts financial responsibility for SROs from the county to the Barrow County School District.

Key Points:

• Budget Proposal: The proposed FY26 budget includes funding for two dozen SRO positions but reallocates financial responsibility for five existing roles entirely to the school district. Additionally, the school board is being asked to fund eight more SROs, a response to the tragic September shooting at Apalachee High School.

• Public Opposition: Charity Lee, an Apalachee High School teacher, passionately opposed the proposal, questioning the county's judgment: "This year, some of you are questioning whether the county should continue funding SROs after officers saved lives in our school. You're asking whether it's worth it. Could you be more callous?" ([06:17])

• County's Defense: Commission Chairman Pat Graham defended the proposal by assuring that the Board of Education has sufficient reserves to cover the costs of all two dozen SROs.

• Upcoming Vote: A final budget vote is scheduled for June 24th, leaving the community divided over the future of school security funding.

Conclusion: The shift in funding responsibility has reignited debates over school safety and the appropriate allocation of resources, reflecting broader national conversations about the role of law enforcement in educational settings.

4. Infrastructure Project Funding Under Threat

Amanda Andrews reports on the precarious future of Atlanta's Stitch project, an ambitious initiative aimed at reconnecting downtown neighborhoods via a 14-acre span over the I-7585 connector.

Key Points:

• Federal Grant at Risk: Originally awarded a $157 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the project now faces potential defunding as the White House seeks to reclaim the funds. ([02:15])

• Community Response: Project leader Jack Seabee emphasizes the need for widespread support: "We know this project is important to a lot of people and will benefit a lot of people no matter what your political affiliations are. And so that's what this letter is about." ([02:39])

• Timeline Uncertainty: While phase one was slated to begin in 2026, potential funding cuts could delay the project by several years. ([02:51])

Conclusion: The Stitch project's future hinges on securing local backing to counter federal budget cuts, highlighting the challenges of sustaining large-scale infrastructure endeavors amid shifting political priorities.

5. Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta

Atlanta is ramping up its preparations for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with officials actively addressing various logistical and operational aspects in anticipation of the event.

Key Points:

• Final Planning Phase: Dan Corso of the Atlanta Sports Council notes the transition into the decisive phase of planning: "A lot of the work up to this point has been a lot of thinking and discussion and planning with local partners in FIFA, but now we're at the point of making decisions about what goes where and why and how you're going to move people around." ([03:27])

• Event Highlights: Plans include a free fan fest in downtown Atlanta, the naming of four Georgia-based corporate sponsors, and a statewide partnership with the Boys and Girls Club.

• Visitor Expectations: As one of 16 host cities, Atlanta anticipates a significant influx of visitors over the 39-day tournament, necessitating robust public safety and transportation infrastructure.

Conclusion: The comprehensive preparations underscore Atlanta's commitment to delivering a successful World Cup experience, positioning the city as a key player in the global event.

6. Sapelo Island Dock Collapse Lawsuit

A tragic incident on Sapelo Island has led to legal action against companies implicated in the fatal dock collapse that occurred last October.

Key Points:

• Fatal Accident: Seven individuals lost their lives when the Ferry Docks gangway failed, sending them into the water below while returning from the Gullah Geechee cultural festival. ([04:45])

• Legal Action: Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump filed a lawsuit against four firms responsible for the gangway's design and construction, alleging professional negligence. He described the disaster as "a great, great black loss of humanity and life" and asserted that "This tragedy was totally preventable." ([05:07])

• Impact: The lawsuit represents over 30 victims, seeking accountability for the catastrophic failure, though monetary damages have not been specified.

Conclusion: The legal proceedings aim to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek justice for the victims of the preventable tragedy on Sapelo Island.

7. Other Notable Updates

• Savannah Music Festival: Sunesha Siric has been appointed as the new executive director, taking the helm of one of Savannah's key economic and cultural events, which contributed approximately $7 million in direct spending last year.

• Fort Eisenhower Renamed Fort Gordon: In alignment with an effort to remove Confederate associations from military base names, Fort Eisenhower has been renamed Fort Gordon. The Army has navigated around a 2021 law by honoring Master Sergeant Gary Gordon, a Medal of Honor recipient recognized for his valor in the 1993 Somalia battle.

Conclusion:
This episode of Georgia Today offers a comprehensive look into pressing issues affecting Georgia, from public health policy protests and infrastructure funding challenges to significant legal actions and preparations for international sporting events. Through in-depth reporting and firsthand accounts, the podcast underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of current affairs in the state.