Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: June 10, 2025 | Host: Peter Biello | Produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting
Introduction and Overview
In the June 10, 2025 episode of Georgia Today, host Peter Biello delves into a range of pressing issues affecting Georgia residents. The episode covers significant judicial decisions impacting election rules, infrastructural changes like a new area code, the establishment of a major ICE processing center, public health concerns regarding bird flu, environmental challenges, political developments, and the ongoing struggle for affordable housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
ICE Processing Center Expansion in Charlton County
Peter Biello opens the episode by highlighting a major development in Southeast Georgia: the approval of the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility in the nation. This project, situated near the Okefenokee Swamp in Charlton County, involves a partnership between ICE, the local government, and the for-profit prison company Geo Group.
Grant Blankenship reports:
“The Folkestone ICE Processing Center is not far from the Okefenokee Swamp. Besides the city of Folkestone, population of about 5,000, the closest city is Jacksonville, Florida, about 60 miles away” (01:16).
The facility is set to more than double its capacity to accommodate nearly 3,000 detainees by incorporating Geo Group's D. Ray James Correctional Facility. Geo Group anticipates an annual revenue increase of $66 million from this expansion, while Charlton County expects to create 400 new jobs.
Georgia Supreme Court Strikes Down State Election Board Rules
The episode moves on to a pivotal legal battle concerning Georgia's electoral process. The Georgia Supreme Court has invalidated several newly enacted rules by the State Election Board, which were largely supported by a Trump-aligned majority.
Sarah Kalis explains:
“Seven new rules just before last November's elections. They said the changes were needed to restore confidence in elections after Georgia's contentious vote in 2020” (02:19).
Among the struck-down measures were mandates for hand-counting ballots and additional oversight protocols. Only the requirement for video surveillance of absentee ballot dropboxes was upheld. The court ruled that the majority of these rules overstepped the Board's legal authority, sending two changes back to lower courts for further review.
Georgia Republican Party Resolution Against Secretary Raffensperger
In a contentious political move, Georgia's Republican Party has passed a resolution advocating that Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger should no longer run under the party’s banner. This decision, made during the state GOP convention, reflects deep-seated frustrations following Raffensperger’s resistance to efforts aimed at overturning the 2020 election results in Georgia.
Peter Biello notes:
“The resolution shows how hostile many are to Raffensperger following his refusal to help Donald Trump overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia” (03:00).
However, Josh McCune, the party’s chairman, counters:
“State law doesn't let the party deny someone the opportunity to qualify” (03:00).
Secretary Raffensperger’s office declined to comment on the matter.
Bird Flu (H5N1) Outbreak and Implications
Public health concerns take center stage as discussions about the spread of H5N1 bird flu emerge. The federal government has canceled its contract with Moderna to develop an mRNA vaccine for the virus, raising alarms among experts.
Ellen Eldredge reports:
“Flu is currently being seen in migratory birds, dairy cows, chickens, and even cats across the U.S” (03:47).
Seema Lakdawala, a virologist at Emory University, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach:
“We should be thinking about all sorts of vaccine modalities for domestic wildlife to protect our cows, to protect our dairy farm workers, to protect our poultry workers, protect our veterinarians, to protect our chickens, and then that'll inevitably protect human health” (04:10).
In response, Ellen Eldridge advises:
“One way Georgians can protect themselves is to not consume raw milk or raw meat” (04:24).
The decision to halt the Moderna vaccine development could have significant repercussions for public health strategies against the virus.
Mining Project Near Okefenokee Swamp Paused Amid Financial and Legal Issues
Environmental and economic tensions are evident in the stalled mining project adjacent to Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp. Twin Pines Minerals, an Alabama-based company, has failed to submit the required $2 million in financial assurances necessary for obtaining a mining permit.
Peter Biello explains:
“The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has been considering the permit for more than a year... A lawsuit filed earlier this year accuses the company of being financially insolvent” (05:15).
Environmental groups oppose the project, citing potential damage to the nation's largest intact freshwater wetlands. Meanwhile, supporters argue that the mine would generate jobs. Twin Pines Minerals has not commented on the lawsuit or permit status.
Former Sheriff Convicted of Civil Rights Violations Announces Congressional Run
In a surprising political development, Victor Hill, a former Clayton County Sheriff convicted of violating civil rights by unnecessarily restraining inmates, has declared his candidacy for Congress. Hill, who served time in federal prison and is currently on probation, did not specify which congressional district he aims to represent.
Peter Biello reports:
“He's currently serving six years of probation” (05:55).
Hill's announcement adds intrigue to a congressional race already featuring incumbent Democrat David Scott and three challengers within the party.
Housing Challenges for Georgians with Intellectual Disabilities
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the housing struggles faced by Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Despite the Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court ruling in 1999, which mandated increased independence for individuals with IDD, many still encounter substantial barriers in securing affordable, supportive housing.
Sophie Gradas presents the personal story of Bethany Beach and her roommate Emma Farrell, both with Down syndrome, as they navigate their first independent living situation.
Shelley Simmons of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia states:
“I honestly believe that that is one of the biggest barriers that people who want to live independently face” (08:05).
Bethany and Emma reside in Soaring Heights, a hybrid housing model funded through a mix of private and public investments. While this development offers capped rents and integrates both individuals with IDD and public service workers, the scarcity of affordable housing remains a critical issue.
Director Kevin Tanner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities clarifies:
“If someone's capable of living independently, then we're not directly involved in finding housing for that individual” (08:47).
This policy leaves many without adequate support, exacerbated by a lengthy waiting list for Medicaid waivers essential for accessing integrated housing options.
New Area Code for Southeast Georgia
Residents in southeast Georgia’s 912 area code will soon receive a new three-digit prefix—565—due to the anticipated exhaustion of available phone numbers by 2028. The State Public Service Commission announced this change, highlighting the region’s growth and increasing telecommunications demands.
Peter Biello states:
“Residents in southeast Georgia's 912 area code soon will be seeing a second set of three-digit numbers to identify the telephone service region” (07:00).
This update adds to Georgia's existing ten area codes, with the most recent addition being metro Atlanta’s 943 in 2022.
Governor Brian Kemp's Business Promotion in Canada
Governor Brian Kemp is actively promoting Georgia as a prime destination for business expansion during his visit to Canada. Alongside First Lady Marty Kemp, the governor is engaging with international companies and attracting new investments despite the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions with President Donald Trump.
Peter Biello reports:
“Governor Brian Kemp is in Canada this week to promote Georgia as a top destination for business” (07:30).
Highlighting successful partnerships, Kemp has discussed collaborations with a tile supplier expanding in Savannah and Irving Tissue planning to add 100 jobs in Macon. Canada remains Georgia’s largest fifth trading partner, with $13.9 billion in total trade last year.
Shrimping Season Begins with Positive Signs
The shrimping season in Georgia kicked off successfully, signaling a healthy year for the state's fisheries. Starting at 8 a.m. on the day of the episode’s release, both commercial and recreational shrimpers began harvesting in state waters.
Peter Biello shares:
“Shrimp this year are slightly larger than average, a good sign for the health of the fishery” (08:10).
Last year’s harvest totaled nearly 2.5 million pounds of shrimp, valued at approximately $9 million, indicating robust industry performance.
Sports Update: Braves’ Losing Streak, Injury to AJ Smith Shawver, and Craig Kimbrell's Free Agency
In sports news, the Atlanta Braves snapped a seven-game losing streak by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers. However, the team faces setbacks as rookie pitcher AJ Smith Shawver undergoes Tommy John surgery following a torn UCL, ending his season prematurely.
Additionally, Craig Kimbrell, a nine-time All-Star reliever and franchise leader with 186 saves, elected free agency after the Braves designated him for assignment. Kimbrell, who spent his initial five major league seasons with Atlanta, hopes to continue his career elsewhere after a challenging period marked by injuries and performance fluctuations.
Peter Biello summarizes:
“Rookie pitcher AJ Smith Shawver has had reconstructive surgery on a ligament in his right elbow... Reliever Craig Kimbrell elected free agency yesterday” (10:25).
Closing Remarks
Peter Biello concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to stay informed through GPB News and to subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast for daily updates. He invites feedback via email, emphasizing the station’s commitment to covering stories that matter to Georgians.
Notable Quotes:
- Shelley Simmons: “I honestly believe that that is one of the biggest barriers that people who want to live independently face.” (08:05)
- Bethany Beach: “I'm a bakery person. I also love cooking breakfast every day.” (06:50)
This comprehensive episode of Georgia Today offers listeners a thorough examination of critical issues shaping Georgia, blending in-depth reporting with personal stories to underscore the state’s evolving landscape.