Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Sanctuary Cities List Disappeared; Lt. Gov. Race Adds Another; More Solar for Fulton
Release Date: June 2, 2025

1. Disappearance of Federal Sanctuary Cities List

Host Introduction

Peter Biello opens the episode by addressing the sudden removal of a federal list categorizing certain Georgian jurisdictions as sanctuary cities.

Key Points:

• List Removal: The Trump administration's list, which included Atlanta, Fulton, DeKalb, Douglas, Clark, and Athens, has been taken down from the Department of Homeland Security's website.
• Implications: An earlier executive order threatened to withhold federal funds from these jurisdictions for not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Biello [03:00]: “A list of so-called sanctuary jurisdictions published by the Trump administration last week has disappeared from the Department of Homeland Security's website.”
• Sarah Kalis [01:09]: “The White House didn't explain the removal.”

Local Response:

• Kelly Gertz, Athens Clarke County Mayor: Emphasizes compliance with state immigration laws and criticizes the accuracy of the DHS list.

  “One of the things that is true about every city and every county in the state of Georgia is that we have to submit notice every year to the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts that we comply with state immigration law... my sense is that this Department of Homeland Security list was assembled by somebody who really didn't do their homework.”
  (Kelly Gertz [01:22])

Additional Context:

• The removed list contained numerous misspellings and inaccuracies, leading to skepticism about its legitimacy.
• Local sheriffs and officials have asserted their cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

2. Lieutenant Governor Race Developments

Emerging Candidates:

• John Kennedy, a Macon State Senator, announces his candidacy for Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor position for the 2026 elections.
• Republican Burt Jones, the current Lieutenant Governor, is anticipated to run for Governor.

Key Points:

• Kennedy leverages his legislative experience and recent legislative successes, such as limiting lawsuits and civil verdicts, to garner support from Georgia’s business community.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Biello [01:52]: “Macon State Senator John Kennedy today joined a growing list of GOP candidates running for lieutenant governor in 2026.”

Democratic Landscape:

• The Democratic party has also initiated their campaigns, introducing challengers aiming to contest the incumbent U.S. Representative David Scott’s seat in metro Atlanta.

Challenges Highlighted by Democratic Strategist Fred Hicks:

“If Democrats are in a minority, what are you going to do different?... why should I fire David Scott and why should I hire you?”
(Fred Hicks [03:03])

Candidate Profiles:

• Jasmine Clark: State Representative seeking to unseat David Scott.
• Emanuel Jones: State Senator announcing his candidacy earlier in the year.

3. Fulton County Solar Panel Expansion

Project Overview: Fulton County is set to embark on a significant solar panel installation project across 46 additional buildings.

Key Points:

• Energy Production: The new panels will generate approximately 6.8 million kilowatt-hours annually, powering about 560 homes.
• Environmental Impact: This expansion will result in about 3.3 million pounds of avoided emissions yearly.
• Long-Term Goals: Fulton County aims to have solar panels on 25% of its buildings by 2030.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Andrews [00:23]: “The additional 46 buildings will produce about 6.8 million kilowatt hours annually, or which could power about 560 homes. That is also equivalent to about 3.3 million pounds of avoided emissions.”
• Jessica Lavender [04:18]: “Fulton county will have solar panels on one quarter of its buildings once the expansion is complete.”

Financial Benefits:

• The initial installation of seven solar panels in 2021 saved the county $130,000 on electric bills.

Quote on Savings and Sustainability:

“Originally, Fulton county installed seven solar panels in 2021. Sustainability Manager Jessica Lavender says that decision saved the county $130,000 on electric bills.”
(Jessica Lavender [04:03])

4. Tragic Incident on Stone Mountain

A somber segment covers the discovery of a man’s burned body on Stone Mountain, confirmed as a suicide.

Key Points:

• Discovery: A hiker found the body near the summit and alerted authorities.
• Investigation: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is overseeing the case.
• Victim Details: Identified as a white male in his late 20s, his parents provided a note explaining his intentions.

Notable Quotes:

“Authorities say a man whose burned body was found on Stone Mountain over the weekend died by suicide.”
(Peter Biello [04:31])

5. Transportation Developments: I-95 Widening in South Carolina

Project Announcement: The South Carolina Department of Transportation has awarded an $825 million contract to expand Interstate 95 from the Georgia state line to U.S. 278.

Key Points:

• Objective: Alleviate one of the worst traffic choke points on the highway from Maine to Florida.
• Benefits: Expected to provide relief to both Savannah and Hilton Head residents and visitors.
• Completion Timeline: The project is slated for completion by 2030.

Notable Quotes:

“The South Carolina Department of Transportation has awarded an $825 million contract to widen Interstate 95 from the Georgia state line to U.S. 278, the exit for Hilton Head Island.”
(Sarah Kalis [05:04])

6. Delta Air Lines Plans to Fly to India

New Flight Routes: Delta Air Lines is planning to resume flights to Delhi, India, marking the first direct connection since 2020.

Key Points:

• Partnership: Collaboration with Indian airline Indigo to facilitate this route.
• Significance: Establishes a crucial link to one of Asia’s busiest airports.
• Details Pending: Specifics such as the start date are yet to be announced.

Notable Quotes:

“Delta Air Lines is planning to fly to India for the first time since 2020.”
(Peter Biello [05:36])

Global Agreement Context: This initiative is part of a broader agreement involving Delta, Indigo, Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic.

7. Grady Health System's New Air Ambulance

Healthcare Advancement: Grady Health System has introduced a new medical helicopter to enhance emergency medical services.

Key Points:

• Purpose: To transport critically injured patients region-wide to the city’s only Level One trauma center.
• Partnership: Collaborates with national helicopter operator Air Methods.
• Significance: Represents Grady’s inaugural aircraft aimed at improving response times and medical outcomes.

Notable Quotes:

“Atlanta's Grady Health System has launched a new air ambulance... to transport critically injured patients from across the region to the city's only Level one trauma center.”
(Sarah Kalis [05:59])

8. Georgia's 2026 Teacher of the Year

Award Announcement: Rachel Kinsalt, an agricultural science teacher from Morgan County, has been named Georgia's Teacher of the Year for 2026.

Key Points:

• Achievements: Recognized for innovative, hands-on programs inspired by her upbringing on a beef cattle farm.
• Role: Will advocate for public education in Georgia and serve as an ex officio member of the State Board of Education.

Notable Quotes:

“The Georgia Farm Bureau praised Kinsalt for her innovative hands-on programs that draw on her own experience growing up on a beef cattle farm.”
(Sarah Kalis [06:41])

9. Georgia Chamber of Commerce Announces "Coolest Thing Made in Georgia" Contest

Contest Details: The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is inviting nominations for the "Coolest Thing Made in Georgia," a statewide competition celebrating local innovators.

Key Points:

• Participants: Open to business owners, manufacturers, makers, and creators across the state.
• Format: Entries will compete in a social media bracket-style contest.
• Submission: Nominations can be submitted via gachamber.com.

Notable Quotes:

“The contest... is a statewide knockout style competition aimed at celebrating Georgia innovators.”
(Sarah Kalis [07:05])

10. Sports Highlights: Braves and Red Bulls

Baseball Update:

• Atlanta Braves: Suffered a loss to the Boston Red Sox, concluding a three-game series at two games to one.
• Key Moment: Matt Olson's fourth-inning leadoff double and Ozzy Albee’s single were thwarted in the bottom of the fourth, ending the Braves' threat.

Notable Quotes:

“The Braves threatened in the bottom of the fourth... but the Red Sox retired the next three batters in order, ending the threat.”
(Peter Biello [07:15])

Soccer Update:

• New York Red Bulls vs. Atlanta United: Red Bulls emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, extending their best-season winning streak to three games.

Notable Quotes:

“In soccer, the New York Red Bulls beat Atlanta United 2-0 and extended their season-best win streak to three games.”
(Sarah Kalis [07:36])

Closing Remarks

Peter Biello and Sarah Kalis wrap up the episode, encouraging listeners to subscribe and visit GPB News for ongoing updates and stories.

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