Georgia Today Podcast Summary Hosted by Peter Biello for Georgia Public Broadcasting Episode: Special Elections; Ga. Will Work with ICE; Otis Redding Center for the Arts Release Date: March 18, 2025

1. Special Elections and School Funding Referendums

Savannah, Chatham County: Georgia voters in 41 counties, including Savannah, are participating in special elections that hold significant implications for public education funding. Benjamin Payne of GPB News reports on a crucial referendum in Savannah, where voters are deciding on a 1% sales tax increase aimed at generating approximately $700 million over five years for the Chatham County public school system.

Key Highlights:

• Suzanne O'Day, Savannah Resident: “Today is like the public school system needs more resources to provide better schools for more kids in this county.” (01:41)

• The referendum seeks to address resource shortages, ensuring better educational facilities and opportunities for students. O'Day emphasized the dire need for additional funding, citing the challenges faced by her child in securing admission to quality middle schools.

• Expansion Beyond Chatham: Similar sales tax referendums are underway in Bryan and Liberty counties, reflecting a statewide effort to bolster public school infrastructures through increased local taxation.

2. Georgia Department of Public Safety Partners with ICE

In a move aligning with the Trump administration's immigration policies, Governor Brian Kemp announced that the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) will collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify and apprehend undocumented immigrants in the state.

Key Details:

• Governor Brian Kemp: The partnership aims to enhance public safety by delegating immigration enforcement duties to Georgia troopers, encompassing all 1,100 sworn officers within the DPS.

• The initiative has sparked discussions on its potential impact on communities and the broader implications for immigration enforcement within Georgia.

3. Otis Redding Center for the Arts Opens in Macon

Macon celebrates the inauguration of the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, a 15,000-square-foot facility dedicated to fostering music education and performance. Named after the legendary soul musician, the center is envisioned as a hub for young musicians and songwriters.

Key Highlights:

• Zelma Redding, Otis Redding’s Widow: “The Zelma Redding Amphitheater... a strong woman on the stage surrounded by well-wishers. I fulfill my dream for my late husband.” (05:56)

• The center features a small amphitheater named in honor of Zelma Redding, providing students with a dedicated space to create and perform. The establishment underscores the Redding family's commitment to nurturing musical talent and preserving Otis Redding's legacy.

4. Atlanta’s Comprehensive Water Infrastructure Overhaul

Atlanta officials have unveiled a $2 billion plan to rejuvenate the city's aging water infrastructure over the next two decades, addressing frequent water main breaks and ensuring sustainable water supply.

Key Highlights:

• Mayor Andre Dickens: “The city is committing to... renew or replace the city's drinking water infrastructure.” (03:21)

• Innovations include the installation of advanced leak detection devices and the deployment of new technology at the RM Clayton Water Treatment Facility, expected to save over 168 million gallons annually.

• Watershed Commissioner Al Wiggins Jr.: Emphasized the strategic placement of leak detection across 1,600 critical facilities, including hospitals and correctional institutions, to enhance maintenance efficiency.

5. Georgia Public Service Commission Addresses Energy Demands

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is set to evaluate Georgia Power’s strategies to meet the escalating energy needs driven by new data centers in the state. This comes amid legislative setbacks aimed at safeguarding residential consumers from potential utility cost hikes.

Key Points:

• The PSC hearings will scrutinize Georgia Power’s plans to expand energy capacity without transferring additional costs to consumers, ensuring that the growth of data centers does not adversely affect household electricity bills.

6. Augusta’s Recovery from Hurricane Helene

Augusta is nearing the completion of its debris removal efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September. The city has certified four out of eight districts as debris-free, with the remaining districts expected to be cleared by week's end.

Key Highlights:

• US Army Corps of Engineers: Declared 10 Georgia counties clear of debris by March 11th, marking significant progress in the state’s recovery efforts.

• State Transportation Officials: Confirmed the clearance of state highways as of February 28th, facilitating the return to normalcy for residents and businesses.

7. Cumberland Inlet Waterfront Property Foreclosure

The Cumberland Inlet waterfront property in St. Mary’s is set for foreclosure after the developer, Jim Jacoby Development Co., failed to make an $182,000 loan payment. The Camden County Joint Development Authority Board unanimously approved initiating foreclosure proceedings against the developer.

Key Details:

• The project, initially backed by an approximately $11 million loan four years ago to develop the former Gilman Paper site, has stalled due to missed payments, leading to the board’s decisive action.

8. Trinet Expands with New Corporate Office in Dunwoody

Trinet, a California-based human resources consulting firm, is making a substantial investment in Georgia by opening a new corporate office in Dunwoody. This expansion aims to create over 700 new jobs, positioning Dunwoody as a national hub for the company.

Key Highlights:

• Trinet Statement: The new office represents a $15 million investment, with plans to capitalize on Dunwoody’s underutilized office parks post-COVID-19 pandemic.

• The move is expected to bolster the local economy and provide a significant employment boost to the metro Atlanta area.

9. Georgia Tech’s Innovative Medical Pacifier

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a groundbreaking medical pacifier designed to monitor newborns' vital signs more comfortably and efficiently. This innovation allows parents and doctors to track vital parameters without frequent blood draws.

Key Highlights:

• Hyeong Yo, Associate Professor: “It's going to be a lot more convenient for clinicians and physicians and also smarter than the existing system... providing continuous data sets instead of discrete measurements using blood.” (07:26)

• The integrated biosensor system measures electrolyte levels from saliva, with ongoing research aimed at tracking additional metrics such as lactate, glucose, and pH levels.

10. Hummingbird Migration Returns to Georgia

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) anticipates the return of hummingbirds from Central America and southern Mexico this week. Wildlife biologist Todd Schneider offers tips to support these vital pollinators during their migration.

Key Highlights:

• Todd Schneider, DNR Wildlife Biologist: “They are part of the ecological web out there and are very important to the ecology.” (08:41)

• Recommendations include setting out sugar water feeders (avoiding nectar with red dye) and maintaining clean feeders to ensure the health and return of hummingbird populations in subsequent years.

This episode of Georgia Today delves into a diverse array of issues affecting Georgia residents, from pivotal local elections and educational funding to infrastructure developments and innovative healthcare solutions. The discussions provide listeners with comprehensive insights into the state's ongoing developments and initiatives.

For more detailed information on these stories, visit GPB News.