Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Peter Biello
Produced by: Georgia Public Broadcasting

Public Service Commission Primary Elections: Low Voter Turnout

Timestamp: 01:11 - 01:52

The primary elections for Georgia's Public Service Commission (PSC) concluded with notably low voter engagement. According to Chase McGee from GPB News, only approximately 200,000 Georgians participated, representing just under 3% of the state's active voters.

• Election Outcomes:
  • Republican Incumbent Tim Echols secured victory in District 2.
  • Democrat Alicia Johnson will challenge Echols in District 3.
  • Democrats Keisha Waitz and Peter Hubbard will proceed to a runoff next month, with the eventual winner set to contest against Republican Fitz Johnson.

Currently, the PSC comprises five Republican members. This election cycle was particularly significant as it was the first since 2022, following a legal delay over allegations of voter discrimination against Black Georgians.

Chase McGee remarked:
"It's the first election for the Commission since 2022 following a delay after a lawsuit alleged the elections discriminated against black voters."
(01:34)

Job Corps Students File Lawsuit Against Department of Labor

Timestamp: 01:52 - 02:43

Seven Job Corps students nationwide have initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of Labor, challenging plans to close all 99 Job Corps centers, including those in Albany, Atlanta, and Brunswick.

• Program Significance:
  Job Corps provides vocational training to vulnerable youth, with thousands enrolled across the country. The proposed closures threaten to leave many students without essential training and housing, potentially forcing them back into homelessness.

• Legal Proceedings:
  The lawsuit, spearheaded by the Southern Poverty Law Center and Public Citizen Litigation Group, marks the second legal challenge against the closure. However, it is the first where students themselves are plaintiffs.

Adam Pulver, Public Citizen Attorney, stated:
"It's not a waste to spend money to make young people's lives better."
(02:28)

A temporary restraining order is currently in place until June 25th, providing temporary relief while the case progresses.

Senator Jon Ossoff Criticizes Defunding of Military Family Housing

Timestamp: 02:52 - 03:25

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, particularly targeting allocations for military construction and family housing in Georgia.

• Key Points from Senator Ossoff:
  • Highlighted a "substantial defunding" of family housing accounts for the Army and Navy.
  • Criticized the state of privatized family housing at Department of Defense (DoD) installations, labeling it as a "mess."

Senator John Ossoff emphasized:
"Privatized family housing at DoD installations is a mess."
(03:09)

Ossoff has a history of scrutinizing military housing conditions, notably at Fort Gordon in Augusta. During the same Senate hearing, a Marine lieutenant general announced plans for a new communications facility at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, aiming for swift construction.

Local Legal and Community Updates

Indictment of Former Fulton County Jail Employee

Timestamp: 03:25 - 04:16

A former jail employee in Atlantis, Fulton County faces federal indictment for allegedly using excessive force against compliant, non-resisting pretrial detainees. Sergeant Khadijah Solomon is accused of repeatedly deploying stun guns, heightening concerns about civil rights violations, especially after Fulton County recently settled claims regarding misconduct at its troubled facility.

Cafe Momentum: Supporting Trauma-Affected Youth

Timestamp: 04:16 - 04:45

Ellen Eldredge of GPB News reported on Cafe Momentum in Atlanta, a 12-person staff initiative dedicated to aiding young individuals impacted by trauma.

• Program Highlights:
  • Provides justice-involved youth (ages 15-19) with paid opportunities to develop life skills and self-confidence.
  • Benjamin Wills, Executive Director, noted the transformative impact of trauma-informed training:
    "The staff took the trauma course from Chris180, calling it a powerful front porch for conversations."
    (04:35)

Adam Pulver added:
"A real highlight of the course was people understanding that they had some trauma that they were responding out of and then them beginning to work through that."
(04:35)

Tyler Perry Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Timestamp: 04:54 - 05:41

Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry has been sued by Derek Dixon, an actor from Perry's political drama, "The Oval." Dixon alleges sexual harassment, assault, battery, and professional retaliation, seeking $260 million in damages. Following the allegations, Dixon reportedly relocated from Atlanta to Los Angeles to distance himself from Perry's production environment.

• Tyler Perry’s Response:
  Perry's attorney dismissed the claims as false and defamatory, asserting that Perry "will not be shaken down."

Focus on Caregivers: Interview with Leslie Poole

Timestamp: 05:41 - 10:41

In a comprehensive segment on caregiving, host Peter Biello interviewed Leslie Poole, Innovation Manager at the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.

Rosalynn Carter’s Advocacy for Caregivers

Timestamp: 05:48 - 06:30

Leslie Poole shared the origins of Rosalynn Carter's (the former First Lady) dedication to caregiver support, rooted in her personal experiences from a young age. Caring for her ailing grandfather and assuming family responsibilities underscored the challenges and rewards of caregiving.

Current Advocacy and Resources

Timestamp: 06:33 - 07:10

The Institute employs evidence-based research to understand and address caregivers' needs. Programs focus on problem-solving, self-care, and specialized care for conditions like advanced-stage Alzheimer's.

Georgia's Resources for Caregivers

Timestamp: 07:16 - 08:20

Leslie Poole highlighted key resources available in Georgia:

• Area Agencies on Aging: Vital for localized support and information.
• Unusual Caregiving Resources: Including emergency preparedness programs tailored for caregivers, ensuring they receive assistance during crises like hurricanes or severe weather events.

Merger with the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program

Timestamp: 08:28 - 10:33

The Rosalynn Carter Institute is merging with the Carter Center's Mental Health Program, aiming to:

• Expand the Institute’s national and global reach.
• Share and integrate international best practices for caregiver support.
• Enhance resource offerings to ensure caregivers feel supported and recognized.

Leslie Poole expressed optimism about the merger:
"It means that we can spread our reach and we can also look at the best practices that have been happening all around the world."
(08:28)

Additional Local Stories

Decatur County DA Dismisses Bonds Over Monkey Breeding Facility Proposal

In Decatur County, the district attorney has dismissed bonds related to a controversial proposal to establish a monkey breeding facility for medical research. Community concerns center on potential environmental, health, and quality of life impacts. Three lawsuits challenge the facility's approval.

Launch of the Nation's First Professional Cheerleading League

Georgia is set to host its team in the newly established professional cheerleading league, Varsity Spirit's Pro Cheerleague. The league, promising payment for athletes aged 18 and older, aims to sustain cheerleaders' careers post-college. The Georgia team, based in Atlanta, will compete alongside teams from Dallas, Miami, and Southern California.

Major League Baseball All-Star Weekend Highlights

• Austin Riley led the Atlanta Braves to a dramatic 5-4 comeback victory over the New York Mets with a game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th inning.
• Following a disappointing 10-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies, the Braves face the Mets again, with Chris Sale slated to start.
• Celebrities Quavo and Druski will participate in the MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game at Truist Park, part of the All-Star festivities leading up to the July 15th game.

Closing Remarks

Peter Biello concluded the episode by wishing listeners a happy Juneteenth and encouraging them to visit gpb.org/news for more stories. Feedback and subscriptions are welcomed to stay updated with future episodes released every weekday afternoon.

This summary captures the essential discussions and insights from the Georgia Today podcast episode released on June 18, 2025. For full details and additional context, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode directly.