School budgets; Georgia election audits; Drought update

Summary

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Georgia Today Podcast – June 26, 2026

Episode Summary: School Budgets, Georgia Election Audits, Drought Update, and World Cup Excitement

Overview

In this episode, host Peter Biello guides listeners through urgent updates impacting Georgia: changes to election audit laws, school budget struggles, the latest drought outlook, and a deep dive into the fervor around the Democratic Republic of Congo’s return to the World Cup, including local community reactions. The episode features on-the-ground reporting, expert commentary, and memorable moments from those experiencing these events firsthand.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Expanded Election Audits in Georgia

• Summary: Governor Brian Kemp signed new legislation expanding the number of political races subject to risk-limiting audits.
• Details:
  • The bill, a product of a special legislative session, means audits are now required for races for President, Senate, Governor, Congress, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General ([00:50]-[01:07]).
  • Elections Director Blake Evans assured counties' preparedness for this change:
    Blake Evans: "Our counties have been doing this since 2020 and so they really have become accustomed and involved in and know the process of conducting risk limiting audits really well." ([01:07])
  • The current process involves auditing randomly selected batches of ballots by comparing readable text to machine counts.
• Reporter: Sarah Kallis

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2. Barriers to Reproductive Health Care for Georgia Women

• Summary: A new Urban Institute survey finds significant gaps in reproductive care access, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
• Details:
  • One-third of women needing reproductive care between 2024 and 2025 did not receive it ([01:31]).
  • Principal researcher Emily Johnston highlighted deeper disparities:
    • 50% of respondents with disabilities had unmet needs
    • 47% among LGBTQIA community
    • 42% among those with public or no insurance ([02:01])
  • Emily Johnston: "50% of respondents with a disability reported an unmet need for reproductive health care, 47% among those who identify as LGBTQIA and 42% among those with public health insurance like Medicaid or no health insurance coverage." ([02:01])
• Reporter: Ellen Eldredge

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3. Public School Budget Challenges for FY 2027

• Summary: Major Georgia school districts grapple with budget cuts, larger class sizes, and financial uncertainty as the next fiscal year approaches.
• Details:
  • Macon Bibb County School Board's new budget includes "bigger class sizes, no staff raises and other deep cuts". ([02:39])
  • Savannah Chatham County faces slowing tax revenue, falling enrollment, and rising costs.
  • Superintendent Denise Watts stressed the need for adaptation:
    Denise Watts: "The financial landscape around us is changing and will likely continue to change. We cannot continue to do business as usual." ([03:04])
  • Neither district has finalized the millage rate, a potential lever to offset deficits.
• Reporter: Peter Biello

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4. Update on Georgia’s Drought Situation

• Summary: Drought conditions have eased compared to previous months, but risks remain with summer’s peak ahead.
• Details:
  • No areas of Georgia remain in “extreme or exceptional” drought; about a third of the state is still in “moderate” drought ([03:15]).
  • Recent rain has helped, but agriculture and wildfire impacts linger.
  • Forecasters caution that the relief may be temporary as summer heats up, especially with a high-pressure dome reducing rain chances.
• Reporter: Peter Biello

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5. World Cup Fever: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Return

• Summary: After 52 years, DR Congo returns to the World Cup, sparking celebrations and pride for Georgia’s Congolese community.
• Community Reaction:
  • Atlanta’s Congolese community gathered at Centennial Olympic Park to celebrate the team’s historic goal against Portugal ([04:35]).
    Defi Mansha (Fan): "Man, this is amazing. So many generations didn't see it. I wasn't born. My mom was like one year old last time we made it. And the fact that we can make it and let alone score in the first game against one of the favorites, this is insane." ([04:59])
  • Over 3,000 Atlanta residents trace roots to DR Congo.
• Reporter: Amanda Andrews

World Cup Analysis with John Nelson, GPB Sports

• The Stakes for DR Congo:

  • Upcoming match against Uzbekistan is do-or-die: winner advances to the knockout stage ([05:35]).
  • John Nelson: "If Dr. Congo wins their first time that they've been in the tournament in over 50 years, if they win tomorrow, they get to go into the knockout phase." ([05:35])

• Superstars & The Golden Boot Race:

  • Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Cristiano Ronaldo are vying for top scorer honors.
  • John Nelson: "It seems like Lionel Messi is kind of waiting for what Erling Haaland and what Kylian Mbappe do on a daily basis. Literally. ... Messi has five goals through two matches. ... It is a sprint." ([06:36])

• U.S. Team Performance:

  • The U.S. topped their group and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina next ([07:25]).
  • Coach Pochettino rested key players to prepare for the knockout rounds.
  • John Nelson: "They won their group. ... Nine substitutions in the starting lineup for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. He kind of wanted to see some things and wanted to see some players that weren't getting reps." ([07:25])

• FanFest & Atlanta’s World Cup Atmosphere:

  • Over 275,000 attended FanFest; Decatur Watchfest drew another 75,000 ([08:04]).
  • MARTA experienced record ridership, running efficiently to accommodate the crowds.
  • John Nelson: "You can make a lot of new friends by going to Centennial Olympic Park, Decatur or any of the other watch fests that are going on." ([08:04])

• Personal Note from John Nelson:

  • On staying energized amid the whirlwind tournament:
    John Nelson: "It is definitely something that is run by caffeine and carbs and the other four food groups. The other two food groups, when it comes to those four, are delivery and dessert. ... I think December will be when we rest." ([09:09])

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6. Uplifting Local Story: America’s Awesome Kids

• Summary: Seven-year-old Sahana from Acworth, Georgia, is featured for her community service and pride in Georgia’s heritage.
• Details:
  • Sahana organizes park cleanups through her group, Helping Heart Girls:
    Sahana: "We are trying to give away stuff to people that need it rather than just keep it for ourselves." ([10:12])
  • The group’s motto: “We are givers, not keepers.”
  • Her story is part of a PBS Kids national spotlight on inspiring youth.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Democratic Republic of Congo’s World Cup return:
  “The fact that we can make it and let alone score in the first game against one of the favorites, this is insane.” — Defi Mansha ([04:59])

• On school budget stresses:
  “The financial landscape around us is changing and will likely continue to change. We cannot continue to do business as usual.” — Superintendent Denise Watts ([03:04])

• On the Golden Boot race:
  “Messi has five goals through two matches. He's got one more match to go. It is a sprint.” — John Nelson ([06:36])

• On his World Cup work schedule:
  "For me to get only half [of eight hours of sleep], it is definitely something that is run by caffeine and carbs and the other four food groups ... delivery and dessert." — John Nelson ([09:09])

• On helping the community:
  "We are trying to give away stuff to people that need it rather than just keep it for ourselves." — Sahana ([10:12])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Election Law Changes & Audits: [00:28]–[01:31]
• Reproductive Health Access Study: [01:31]–[02:16]
• School Budget Challenges: [02:39]–[03:15]
• Georgia Drought Update: [03:15]–[03:51]
• DR Congo World Cup Coverage & Fan Reactions: [04:22]–[05:11]
• Interview with John Nelson / World Cup Insights:
  • DR Congo Match Stakes: [05:26]–[06:25]
  • Star Players & Golden Boot: [06:25]–[07:23]
  • U.S. Team Summary: [07:23]–[08:00]
  • FanFest & MARTA: [08:00]–[09:04]
  • John Nelson on Sleep/Coverage: [09:04]–[09:42]
• America's Awesome Kids - Sahana: [09:48]–[10:18]

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This episode provides vital updates on Georgia’s political, educational, and environmental realities, while celebrating community spirit during landmark global moments. The tone moves from factual and urgent (budget, audits) to warm and communal (World Cup, local heroes).

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, new election audits are coming Under a newly passed law, several school districts face down looming budget challenges. And after more than a half century, the Democratic Republic of Congo is back in the World Cup.

[Defi Mansha]

Man, this is amazing. So many generations didn't see it. I wasn't born. My mom was like one year old last time we made it.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Friday, June 26th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Governor Brian Kemp signed into law yesterday a bill that will change the number of races audited after each election. GPB Sarah Kallis reports. The law came out of the General Assembly's five day special legislative session.

[Sarah Kallis]

The bill expands races subject to risk limiting audits. Now that the bill has been signed, races for president, Senate, governor, Congress, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general general will be audited. Georgia Elections Director Blake Evans says counties are well prepared for the increase in audits.

[Blake Evans]

Our counties have been doing this since 2020 and so they really have become accustomed and involved in and know the process of conducting risk limiting audits really well.

[Sarah Kallis]

Currently, the secretary of State's office randomly selects batches of ballots to be audited, and counties then compare the readable text of ballots in those batches to the machine counts to verify their accuracy. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallis.

[Peter Biello]

A new survey by the nonprofit Urban Institute finds about one third of Georgia women who needed access to reproductive care between 2024 and 2025 did not receive it. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more Respondents to

[Ellen Eldredge]

the Reproductive Health Experiences and Access Survey reported delays in care and trouble receiving their desired birth control methods. Emily Johnston is the principal research associate with the Urban Institute. She says they also found barriers to reproductive health care were not spread across the population.

[Emily Johnston]

50% of respondents with a disability reported an unmet need for reproductive health care, 47% among those who identify as LGBTQIA and 42% among those with public health insurance like Medicaid or no health insurance coverage.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Johnston says during future surveys the institute will more closely examine those barriers to care for people with disabilities. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

Many public school systems in Georgia are going into the 2027 fiscal year beginning in July, facing multiple headwinds in their budgets. The Macon Bibb County School Board adopted a spending plan yesterday with bigger class sizes, no staff raises and other deep cuts. The the Savannah Chatham County School Board finalized its budget on Wednesday acknowledging slowing tax revenue growth, decreased enrollment and higher costs. Superintendent Denise Watts the reality and the

[Denise Watts]

financial landscape around us is changing and will likely continue to change. We cannot continue to do business as usual.

[Peter Biello]

Both districts have yet to set their millage rates, which could offset revenue losses. For the first time since September, no areas of Georgia are in extreme or exceptional drought. The latest drought monitor released yesterday shows about a third of the state in moderate drought, with only slivers in severe drought. The dry conditions set many farmers back and contributed to one of the worst wildfire seasons in Georgia history earlier this spring. While the recent rain was welcome, forecasters caution the state isn't entirely out of the woods yet as the hottest months approach and a high pressure dome sets up possibly weeks of slim chances of rain.

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[Peter Biello]

After 52 years, the Democratic Republic of Congo is back in the World cup tournament. GPB's Amanda Andrews spoke to fans from Georgia's Congolese community ahead of their game tomorrow in Atlanta.

[Amanda Andrews]

Fans sang, danced and waved flags at Centennial Olympic park last week as Congo scored its first ever World cup goal against Portugal. Over 3,000 Atlanta residents were born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was the first African nation to compete in the World cup in 1974, when the country was still called Zaire. Defi Mansha is Congolese and says he's excited to watch his home country in person for his first World cup match.

[Defi Mansha]

Man, this is amazing. So many generations didn't see it. I wasn't born. My mom was like one year old last time we made it. And the fact that we can make it and let alone score in the first game against one of the favorites, this is insane.

[Amanda Andrews]

The Democratic Republic of Congo will play Uzbekistan in Atlanta on Saturday. Kickoff is at 7:30. For GPB news, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

And for more on all things FIFA

[Peter Biello]

World cup, let's turn to John Nelson of GPB Sports. John, thank you very much for speaking with me.

[John Nelson]

Glad to catch up with you. Man, it's like trying to catch a comet by the tail these days.

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

There is a lot going on. Let's start with the match scheduled for tomorrow in Atlanta. What's exciting about this one?

[John Nelson]

It is, in wrestling parlance, it's lose or leave town. If you have these two teams, Dr. Congo and Uzbekistan are at the bottom of their group. Four teams in the group and it is one and two playing each other tomorrow. Three versus four playing each other tomor. If Dr. Congo wins their first time that they've been in the tournament in over 50 years, if they win tomorrow, they get to go into the knockout phase. If Uzbekistan wins, then they get their first ever win in tournament history and they keep both of them out of the knockouts because of the point system that's attached. So the emphasis is for Dr. Congo to win. Last time that they were in the tournament, they were known as Zaire back in the 1970s. And so it's an important day for both of these teams and I will be interested to see what the crowd going to be like at Atlanta Stadium.

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

A few big names are reaching individual milestones in the FIFA World cup this year. Even those who don't follow soccer may know the names Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. What's going on with them?

[John Nelson]

You add in there Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe and it is a, it is a race to the top for the Golden Boot in the tournament. It seems like, and you know, maybe FIFA scheduled this wink, wink to where that you would have three of the top stars playing back to back to back matches during match days here in the opening st. But it seems like Lionel Messi is kind of waiting for what Erling Haaland and what Kylian Mbappe do on a daily basis. Literally. You would have Mbappe score twice, then you would have Holland score twice. Lionel Messi was like, here, hold my sports drink. He would get a hat trick. And so they. Messi has five goals through two matches. He's got one more match to go. It is a sprint. Cristiano Ronaldo now has two on the board. The race of the Golden Boot has a lot of big names attached to

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

the US Team played last night. That's exciting. How's the US Team doing?

[John Nelson]

They won their group and they. It looks like they are going to be playing Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, which will be a very, very busy day for a lot of folks. Round of 32. They won the group. They lost their last match in the group stage. It didn't mean anything when it came to positioning or anything like that. Nine substitutions in the starting lineup for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. He kind of wanted to see some things and wanted to see some players that weren't getting reps. You protect players from getting more yellow cards because those go away after the group st. Obviously expectations still very high. I know a lot of folks are saying quarterfinals are bust.

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

FanFest in Atlanta has been extremely popular.

[Peter Biello]

How's Turnout been?

[John Nelson]

Over 275,000 people have shown up at FanFest downtown. Another 75,000 have shown up for Decatur Watchfest during the tournament. So I guess if you're anywhere close to a mardeline and you want to sample what's going on with not just your favorite team but everyone else's favorites as the games have gone on, you can make a lot of new friends by going to Centennial Olympic Park Park, Decatur or any of the other watch fests that are going on. Any place to watch a match, you can always find someone that loves the game as much as you do. But a lot of folks have shown

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

out early and MARTA still functioning as

[John Nelson]

expected and it is functioning faster. They are having their some of their larger traffic days. Close to 200,000 folks were making their way for match day four last time out earlier this week heading to Atlanta Stadium. But it is like every five to ten minutes like clockwork and it is, it is humming right along and it's been interesting to see. But you're seeing a lot of different jerseys taking advantage of the mardeline going to Atlanta Stadium or the all the fan fest we've been talking about.

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

And finally this is keeping you very busy. How are you holding up?

[John Nelson]

Let's see. So the last time I think I got consecutive three and four hours of sleep days was back in college and so that was back at the time of the Industrial Revolution. So I'm still trying to get adjusted to the idea of I'm an 8er, I'm an 8 hour guy. For me to get only half of that, it is definitely something that is run by caffeine and carbs and the other four food groups. The other two food groups, when it comes to those four, are delivery and dessert. So we're on a path and I think December will be when we rest.

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

All hail caffeine and carbs. GPB Sports. John Nelson, thank you so much for speaking with me.

[John Nelson]

Anytime, my friend.

[Peter Biello]

Airing now on PBS Kids is America's Awesome Kids, a series of 25 live action shorts produced by GBH with help from nearly two dozen PBS stations across the country. Now featured on the program is seven year old Sahana from Acworth, Georgia, who shares her love of Georgia peaches and Bollywood dancing and helps organize a park cleanup through her group called Helping Heart Girls. The group's motto is we are givers, not keepers.

[Sahana]

We are trying to give away stuff to people that need it rather than just keep it for ourselves.

[Peter Biello]

Find the video featuring Sahana and other America's awesome kids [e-mail] and that is it for this edition of GEORGIA Today. Thank you for tuning in. If you want to learn more about any of these stories, visit gpb.org news subscribing to this podcast is a great

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

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[Peter Biello]

news, so subscribe now and you won't miss a thing. And if you've got feedback, we would love to hear from you.

[Peter Biello (Host/Interviewer)]

Send it to us by email.

[Peter Biello]

The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We will see you next week.