RNC convention; Public Service Commission election; COVID vaccine recommendation ended

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya

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1. Georgia Republican State Convention in Dalton

The Georgia Republican Party concluded its state convention in Dalton over the weekend, emphasizing ideological purity and unwavering loyalty to former President Donald Trump. The convention saw the reelection of party chairman Josh McCune and featured speeches from several candidates vying for upcoming federal and state offices in 2026.

Notable Quote:

"We need to stop the left from turning Georgia into the next California. We need to defend the America first agenda that President Trump ignited," stated Dahlonega State Senator Steve Gooch at [01:15].

The two-day event largely adhered to expected outcomes, with no surprise announcements regarding new campaigns. The focus remained on consolidating the party's base and preparing for high-stakes elections ahead.

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2. Public Service Commission Election Faces Low Voter Turnout

The election for Georgia's Public Service Commission experienced markedly low voter engagement, with fewer than 36,000 ballots cast—representing approximately half of 1% of the state's active voters. This election marks the first time in five years that commissioners in two districts are up for election, following a lawsuit that previously delayed the process.

The Public Service Commission, currently composed entirely of Republicans, plays a pivotal role in regulating utilities, influencing electricity rates, energy policies, and supporting booming sectors like data centers.

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3. Rising Measles Cases in Georgia

Georgia is witnessing a slight increase in measles cases, now totaling five this year. The latest case involves an unvaccinated resident from metro Atlanta who was exposed to a confirmed measles case in May. In comparison, there were six cases in 2024, indicating a concerning trend for public health officials.

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4. Changes to COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. This decision has raised concerns among individuals suffering from long-term complications of COVID-19, commonly referred to as Long Covid.

Notable Discussion: Ellen Eldredge reported on the personal impact of these changes:

"A chronic condition experienced after coronavirus infection has left many people unable to work and ineligible for disability," at [03:36].

Alan Weintraub, a former physician from Newnan, shared his struggles:

"My ongoing symptoms forced me to quit practicing medicine, and I question changes to the vaccine guidance for people," at [03:57].

Additionally, a top COVID vaccine advisor from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta resigned following the shift in vaccine recommendations, heightening concerns about public health implications.

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5. New Medical Facility for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Macon

A pioneering medical facility is set to open in Macon, Georgia, dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operated by River Edge Behavioral Health in collaboration with Mercer University's School of Medicine, the center will provide both inpatient crisis care and outpatient services under one roof—the only facility of its kind in the United States.

The inpatient services commence this week, with outpatient services scheduled to launch later in the summer. This comprehensive approach aims to offer immediate and continuous care, addressing a critical need within the community.

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6. Medicaid Coverage Threatened by Federal Reconciliation Bill

Senator Raphael Warnock warned that Georgia residents, particularly children, could lose Medicaid coverage if the Trump administration's backed reconciliation bill passes both the House and Senate. The proposed bill seeks to implement stricter eligibility criteria, including work requirements, increased co-pays, and more rigorous eligibility checks.

Senator Warnock emphasized:

"So they're literally taking health care from children and then burdening those same children with the huge national debt," at [05:35].

The White House, however, argues that these changes are necessary to prevent waste and abuse, thereby protecting taxpayer dollars.

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7. Efforts to Double Volunteerism through Points of Light Foundation

The Points of Light Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit founded by former President George H.W. Bush, announced an ambitious campaign to increase volunteerism in the United States. The organization aims to double the number of annual volunteers from 75 million to 150 million within the next decade. This initiative seeks to transform how Americans engage with charitable organizations, especially in the face of federal funding cuts that threaten the financial stability of many nonprofits.

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8. Q Cells Expands into Solar Panel Recycling in Northwest Georgia

South Korean solar panel manufacturer Q Cells announced plans to enter the solar panel recycling business, expanding its existing campus in Bartow County, northwest Georgia. Although specific details regarding job creation and investment amounts are yet to be disclosed, this move signifies a strategic diversification. Comparatively, the new Q Cells facility appears smaller than Solar Cycle's planned plant in neighboring Polk County.

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9. Warner Bros. Discovery to Split into Two Separate Companies

Warner Bros. Discovery revealed plans to divide into two distinct entities later this year. The spinoff will separate the company's cable networks, including Atlanta-based CNN, from its streaming and studio operations, such as HBO. This restructuring occurs amidst ongoing instability in the entertainment industry and follows the merger and subsequent split involving AT&T three years prior.

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10. "Maybe Happy Ending" Wins Six Tony Awards

The musical Maybe Happy Ending achieved significant acclaim by winning six awards at the Tony Awards, including Best New Musical. Originating in Seoul in 2016, the show made its English-language debut at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta in 2020. The musical portrays a whimsical romance between robots in a futuristic Korea, and its success highlights Georgia's growing influence in the national theater scene.

Theater's Social Media Highlights:

"We knew this show was special and we are so thrilled that the world agrees," read a post following the awards at [07:45].

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11. U.S. Soccer Constructs National Training Center in Fayette County

U.S. Soccer has reached a construction milestone with the completion of its National Training Center in Metro Atlanta's Fayette County. The 200-acre facility, which includes 13 grass fields, two turf fields, and two sand fields, is now topped out and is on schedule for completion by spring 2026, just in time for Atlanta hosting eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Key Insights: Chief Financial Officer Shel Adams highlighted the strategic selection of Atlanta due to favorable weather, proximity to an international airport, and strong community and governmental partnerships.

"Weather was a big, important piece of it... and the partnerships that we could have with the community, with the government," at [09:45].

The training center will serve as the new hub for U.S. Soccer operations, encompassing everything from community programs to professional matches.

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For more in-depth coverage of these stories, visit GPB News. Feedback and comments can be directed to [e-mail]. Stay updated by subscribing to the Georgia Today podcast.

Transcript

[Sarah Kallas]

DBHDD is warning all Georgians that half of all opioid deaths happen at home when people take an oxy or a perk with a glass of alcohol for stress or to sleep. Learn more about protecting families from opioid [e-mail].

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom on today's episode. Georgia Republicans wrap up their state convention in Dalton the election for Georgia's Public Service Commission suffers from low voter turnout and U.S. health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Did away with COVID vaccination recommendations. But some worry the change could affect those with long term complications. People who have not contracted Covid. If they stay up with their Covid immunizations, there's a much smaller likelihood that they will develop long Covid Today is Monday, June 9th. I'm Orlando Montoya and this is Georgia Today. Georgia Republicans wrapped up their state convention in northwest Georgia's Dalton. Over the weekend, they overwhelmingly re elected their party chairman Josh McCune and heard from several candidates seeking office. Those candidates included Dahlonega State Senator Steve Gooch running for lieutenant governor. We need to stop the left from turning Georgia into the next California. We need to defend the America first agenda that President Trump ignited. There were few surprises at the convention with ideological purity and loyalty to President Trump becoming through lines of the two day meeting, no one unexpectedly launched a campaign for the raft of federal and state offices up for grabs in 2026. Now there is a high stakes election taking place in Georgia right now, but so far only a slow trickle of voters are taking part in it. A Georgia Secretary of State webpage shows fewer than 36,000 voters. That's about one half of 1% of the state's active voters and have cast ballots in primary elections for the Public Service Commission. That's the statewide body that regulates utilities with influence over electricity rates, energy policy and booming industries, including data centers. It's the first time in five years that voters are electing commissioners in two districts because of a lawsuit that delayed the elections. The five member commission is currently all Republican. The nationwide outbreak of measles is getting just a little bit worse here in Georgia. The state Department of Public Health is reporting one more case. The agency says the case is in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident who was a family member of a person confirmed with measles back in May. This is the fifth measles case in the state this year. In 2024, there were six cases of measles. Fewer people are likely to be vaccinated for Covid after U.S. health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Last month said Covid vaccines no longer will be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. The change worries some people with long term complications. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more Long Covid.

[Ellen Eldredge]

A chronic condition experienced after coronavirus infection, has left many people unable to work and inelig for disability. Alan Weintraub is a former physician from Newnan who caught Covid before vaccines were available. He said his ongoing symptoms forced him to quit practicing medicine, and he questions changes to the vaccine guidance for people.

[Orlando Montoya]

Who have not contracted Covid and long Covid. If they stay up with their Covid immunizations, there's a much smaller likelihood that they will develop long Covid.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Last week, a top COVID vaccine advisor with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta resigned following the changes. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Orlando Montoya]

A one of a kind medical facility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is opening in Macon. The center, run by River Edge Behavioral Health and Mercer University's School of Medicine, will offer both inpatient crisis care and outpatient services under one roof. It's the only medical facility in the US to offer overnight and immediate comprehensive care for people with disabilities in or not in a crisis. The inpatient side opens this week and the outpatient side will follow later this summer. Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock says Georgians are at risk of losing Medicaid coverage if the Trump administration backed reconciliation bill passes in both the House and Senate. And GPB's Sarah Kalis reports the proposed.

[Sarah Kallas]

Federal reconciliation bill would implement additional eligibility requirements for Medicaid, including work requirements, increased some co pays and double eligibility checks. It would also eliminate higher staffing requirements for nursing homes where a majority of Georgia seniors are on Medicaid. But Warnock says over 70% of Georgians on Medicaid are children. They will be most impacted.

[Orlando Montoya]

So they're literally taking health care from children and then burdening those same children with the huge national debt.

[Sarah Kallas]

The White House says changes to Medicaid will prevent waste and abuse and protect taxpayer dollars. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallas.

[Orlando Montoya]

How to get more people to volunteer to help their fellow citizens? Well, that is the question that the nonprofit founded by former President George H.W. bush is looking into. The Atlanta based foundation, the Points of Light foundation, is leading an effort to double the number of people who volunteer with U.S. charitable organizations. They'd like to increase the number from 75 million annually to 150 million annually in 10 years. The organization's CEO announced the campaign last week. Their ambitious goal would represent a major change in the way Americans spend their time and interact with nonprofits. It also coincides with federal funding cuts that threaten the financial stability of many nonprofits. South Korean solar panel manufacturer Q Cells plans to expand into the solar panel recycling business. The company's announcement today promises to grow its already large campus in northwest Georgia's Bartow County. It's unclear how many jobs or how much investment the new QCELLS facility will create or when it will open. But it appears to be smaller than the one that an Arizona based company, Solar Cycle, promised to build in neighboring Polk County. Warner Bros. Discovery says it will split into two separate companies later this year. The spinoff, announced today, will put the company's cable networks, including Atlanta based cnn, into different ownership from its streaming and studio operations, including hbo. The move comes amid continued upheaval in the entertainment industry and three years after Warner Bros. Discovery was created in a merger and split involving AT&T. We are so honored to receive this award. A musical that made its English language debut in Georgia and opened on Broadway in November won six awards at yesterday's Tony Awards. Maybe Happy Ending, a charming and quirky romance between robots in a futuristic Korea, won six awards, including best new musical. The production debuted in Seoul in 2016 and premiered in English at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta in 2020. A post on the theater's social media page last night read in part we knew this show was special and we are so thrilled that the world agrees.

[Amanda Andrews]

Planet Money helps you understand the economy. We find the people at the center of the story.

[Orlando Montoya]

Garbage in New York that was like a controlled substance.

[Amanda Andrews]

We show you how money influences everything. Tell me what you like by telling me how you spend your money and we dig until we get answers.

[Orlando Montoya]

I had a bad feeling you're gonna bring that up.

[Amanda Andrews]

Planet Money finds out. All you have to do is listen the Planet Money podcast from NPR.

[Orlando Montoya]

In sports and the business of sports, U.S. soccer reached a construction milestone as it builds its National Training center in metro Atlanta's Fayette County. The facility was topped out on Friday, and project leaders say they're on track to complete it before Atlanta hosts eight matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. GPB's Amanda Andrews has more.

[Amanda Andrews]

The 200 acre training center includes 13 grass soccer fields, two turf fields, two sand fields and several other options for indoor play. The facility will be the new headquarters for U.S. soccer operations from community programs to professional matches. Chief Financial Officer Shel Adams says they looked at several locations in the US before choosing Atlanta.

[Orlando Montoya]

Weather was a big, important piece of it. International airport, our teams are traveling all over the United States. They're traveling in and also out and then also internationally as well. And then really the partnerships that we could have with the community, with the government.

[Amanda Andrews]

The facility is expected to be complete by spring 2026. For GPB news, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Orlando Montoya]

And that's it for today's edition of GEORGIA today. Many of the stories that you hear on Georgia Today are delved into in a little bit greater detail on our website, gpb.org news. Check that website out 247 for the latest Georgia news. We welcome feedback at georgia [e-mail] and as always, subscribe to this podcast. Hit that subscribe button so that you always stay current with us in your feed. I'd like to thank you for joining me today on GEORGIA today. Peter Biela will be back tomorrow. I'm Orlando Montoya.

[Amanda Andrews]

Planet Money helps you understand the economy. We find the people at the center of the story.

[Orlando Montoya]

Garbage in New York that was like a controlled substance.

[Amanda Andrews]

We show you how money influences everything. Tell me what you like by telling me how you spend your money. And we dig until we get answers.

[Orlando Montoya]

I had a bad feeling you're gonna bring that up.

[Amanda Andrews]

Planet Money finds out. All you have to do is listen. The Planet Money podcast from NPR.