Sanctuary cities list disappeared; Lt. Gov. race adds another; More solar for Fulton

Summary

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

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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).

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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.

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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])

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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])

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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])

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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.

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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])

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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])

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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])

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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])

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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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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Georgia Today podcast episode, providing a clear and detailed overview for those who haven't tuned in.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we feature the latest reports from the GPB news team. On today's episode, A federal government list of so called sanctuary cities that included Atlanta and Athens has disappeared. A Macon state senator enters Georgia's Lt. Governor race and Fulton county is poised to generate a lot more solar power.

[Amanda Andrews]

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.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Monday, June 2nd. I'm Peter Viello and this is Georgia Today. A list of so called sanctuary jurisdictions published by the Trump administration last week has disappeared from the Department of Homeland Security's website. The list identified four Georgia Fulton, DeKalb, Douglas and Clark and the city of Atlanta as not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. An earlier executive order threatened to withhold federal funds from such jurisdictions.

[Sarah Kalis]

The White House didn't explain the removal.

[Peter Biello]

But it came after widespread criticism from sheriffs and other local officials who say they are cooperating with ice. That includes Athens Clarke County Mayor Kelly Gertz, who spoke to GPB late on Friday.

[Kelly Gertz]

One of the things that is true about every city and every county in the state of Georgia is, is that we have to submit notice every year to the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts that we comply with state immigration law. And so, for example, jailers have to comply with ICE detainers now. So my sense is that this Department of Homeland Security list was assembled by somebody who really didn't do their homework.

[Peter Biello]

The list was riddled with misspellings and other errors. Macon State Senator John Kennedy today joined a growing list of GOP candidates running for lieutenant governor in 2026. Kennedy is banking on the support of Georgia's business community after helping pass a law this year limiting lawsuits and civil verdicts. Republican Burt Jones, the current lieutenant governor, is expected to launch a gubernatorial run.

[Sarah Kalis]

Kennedy has been in the Senate for 10 years, serving since 2023 as president.

[Peter Biello]

Pro tem, the chamber's number two position behind lieutenant governor. The Democrats have kicked off their campaigns.

[Sarah Kalis]

To challenge incumbent U.S. representative David Scott for his metro Atlanta congressional seat. GPB Sarah Kalis reports.

[Peter Biello]

This brings the total number of challengers to three.

[Jasmine Clark]

State Representative Jasmine Clark says she will seek Scott's seat and Everton Blair held his first campaign rally over the weekend. State Senator Emanuel Jones declared his candidacy earlier this year. Democratic strategist Fred Hicks says challengers should be prepared to explain how they will represent constituents. Bill better than Scott, a Democrat who has held the suburban Atlanta seat for over two decades.

[Fred Hicks]

If Democrats are in a minority, what are you going to do different? You're going to talk about a lot of things, but what can you actually do if we do not take back the House next year? So, in other words, why should I fire David Scott and why should I hire you?

[Jasmine Clark]

At 79, Scott is the oldest Democrat in Georgia's congressional delegation. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalispell.

[Peter Biello]

Atlanta's Fulton county is undergoing a county wide solar panel installation project. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports the goal is to save money and reduce emissions.

[Jessica Lavender]

The Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex is among the first of 46 Fulton county facilities selected for the project. The goal is to use solar energy for 20% of the municipality's energy by 2030. Originally, Fulton county installed seven solar panels in 2021. Sustainability Manager Jessica Lavender says that decision saved the county $130,000 on electric bills.

[Amanda Andrews]

The additional 46 buildings will produce about 6.8 million kilowatt hours annually, which could power about 560 homes. That is also equivalent to about 3.3 million pounds of avoided emissions.

[Jessica Lavender]

Fulton county will have solar panels on one quarter of its buildings once the expansion is complete. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Peter Biello]

Authorities say a man whose burned body was found on Stone Mountain over the weekend died by suicide. His parents gave police a note he left behind detailing how and where he planned to take his life. A hiker discovered the body near the top of the mountain on Saturday and called 911.

[Sarah Kalis]

Investigators later identified the man as a.

[Peter Biello]

White male in his late 20s.

[Sarah Kalis]

His body was taken to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's office.

[Peter Biello]

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now handling the case.

[Sarah Kalis]

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has.

[Peter Biello]

Awarded an $825 million contract to widen.

[Sarah Kalis]

Interstate 95 from the Georgia state line to U.S. 278, the exit for Hilton Head Island. The announcement today is expected to address what studies have identified as one of.

[Peter Biello]

The worst choke points on the Maine.

[Sarah Kalis]

To Florida highway, and it should come as some relief to Savannah Hilton Head.

[Peter Biello]

Area residents and visitors.

[Sarah Kalis]

South Carolina officials say it's the state's largest ever transportation contract and is expected.

[Peter Biello]

To be complete in 2030.

[Delta Air Lines Representative]

Flight attendants prepare for takeoff, please.

[Peter Biello]

Delta Air Lines is planning to fly to India.

[Sarah Kalis]

The Atlanta based airline yesterday announced a partnership with Indian airline Indigo that promises a direct connection from Georgia to India.

[Peter Biello]

For the first time since 2020. Delta will fly to Delhi, home of.

[Sarah Kalis]

One of Asia's busiest airports. Although details such as start date have yet to be finalized.

[Peter Biello]

The move is part of a larger global agreement between Delta, Indigo, Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlanta. Atlanta's Grady Health System has launched a new air ambulance.

[Sarah Kalis]

The medical helicopter unveiled today will transport.

[Peter Biello]

Critically injured patients from across the region.

[Sarah Kalis]

To the city's only Level one trauma center. It's the system's first aircraft of its own.

[Peter Biello]

A partnership with national helicopter operator Air Methods. An agricultural science teacher from Morgan county, about 30 miles south of Athens, has been named Georgia's 2026 Teacher of the Year. State School Superintendent Richard woods announced the selection of Morgan County High School's Rachel.

[Sarah Kalis]

Kinsalt on Friday night. The Georgia Farm Bureau praised Kinsalt for.

[Peter Biello]

Her, quote, innovative hands on programs that.

[Sarah Kalis]

Draw on her own experience growing up.

[Peter Biello]

On a beef cattle farm.

[Sarah Kalis]

As state Teacher of the Year, she'll.

[Peter Biello]

Serve as an advocate for public education in Georgia and serve as an ex.

[Sarah Kalis]

Officio member of the State Board of Education.

[Peter Biello]

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is taking the nominations for the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia.

[Sarah Kalis]

The contest, opening today, is a new.

[Peter Biello]

Statewide knockout style competition aimed at celebrating Georgia innovators. It invites business owners, manufacturers, makers and creators from across the state to enter.

[Sarah Kalis]

Their products into a social media bracket.

[Peter Biello]

To submit your nomination, go to gachamber.com in sports, the Braves had the day off today after dropping the three game series to the Boston Red Sox two games to one over the weekend. Yesterday, the Braves lost 3 1. Boston's Trevor Story went 2 for 3 and just missed a grand slam in the first when he hit one, 413ft.

[Sarah Kalis]

Off the top of the wall in center, driving in Boston's only runs.

[Peter Biello]

The Braves threatened in the bottom of the fourth when Matt Olson hit a leadoff double and moved to third on Ozzy Albee's single with no outs, but the Red Sox retired the next three batters in order, ending the threat. Also over the weekend in soccer, the New York Red Bulls beat Atlanta United 20 and extended their season best win streak to three games.

[Sarah Kalis]

And that is a wrap. Thanks so much Georgia Today.

[Peter Biello]

We appreciate you tuning in.

[Sarah Kalis]

We hope you'll come back tomorrow. Remember to subscribe to this podcast and.

[Peter Biello]

Check gpb.org news for any new stories or updates on the stories you heard today. Our reporters are always publishing new reports there and if you've got feedback or a story idea for us, let us know. Send us an email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Sam]

Sam.