State Election Board rules struck down; Housing challenges for intellectually disabled

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: June 10, 2025 | Host: Peter Biello | Produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Public Health Official]

DBHDD has an urgent warning for all Georgians. One of every ten counterfeit pills contains fentanyl, a powerful and very deadly drug. Pills from friends or dealers are unsafe and one pill can cause an overdose. More [e-mail].

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, the state Supreme Court strikes down changes to state election board rules. Georgia is getting a new area code and we'll take a look at the challenges Georgians with intellectual disabilities face when it comes to housing.

[Shelley Simmons]

And I honestly believe that that is one of the biggest barriers that people who want to live independently face.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Tuesday, June 10th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. The largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility in the nation will be located in Southeast Georgia. That's under a deal now approved by ice, Charlton county and the for profit prison company Geo Group. GPB's Grant Blankenship has more.

[Grant Blankenship]

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. Now, with the Charlton county government acting as a pass through for federal money from ICE to Geo Group, the center will more than double its capacity for detainees to just under 3,000 by folding in GEO Group's D. Ray James Correctional Facility into service for ice. GEO Group is treating the deal as a continuation of a recent spate of good news. Their stock valuation doubled immediately after President Trump's reelection. With the expansion of their folkson facility, they expect to increase annual revenue by $66 million a year. Charlton county expects 400 new jobs for DPB News, I'm Grant Blankenship in Macon.

[Peter Biello]

The Georgia Supreme Court has struck down several changes to the state's election rules. The decisions announced today largely reject measures enacted by a Trump aligned majority of the State Election Board. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports board members approved.

[Sarah Kalis]

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. Among the changes is a requirement to use video surveillance of absentee ballot dropboxes after polls close each day and after a lawsuit brought by a conservative leaning nonprofit. That's the only change that the Georgia justices upheld. Four others, including a requirement to hand count ballots, were invalidated and two more were sent back to lower courts for review. The court found the rules exceeded the board's legal authority. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallas.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia's Republican Party is saying Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger shouldn't be able to run under the party's banner anymore. Delegates voted overwhelmingly for the resolution at the state GOP convention on Saturday, but the party's chairman, Josh McCune, says state law doesn't let the party deny someone the opportunity to qualify. The the resolution shows how hostile many are to Raffensperger following his refusal to help Donald Trump overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia. A spokesperson for Raffensperger's office declined to comment. As bird flu spreads across the U.S. the federal government has canceled its contract with Moderna to develop an MRNA vaccine. Researchers at Emory University say the decision could have unintended consequences. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more H5N1 bird.

[Ellen Eldridge]

Flu is currently being seen in migratory birds, dairy cows, chickens and even cats across the U.S. the last confirmed cases in Georgia were in January in commercial and backyard poultry flocks. Seema Lakdawala is a virologist with the Emory School of Medicine who focuses on influenza transmission and pandemic preparedness. She says that means a multi pronged approach that includes vaccines.

[Seema Lakdawala]

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, she says.

[Ellen Eldridge]

One way Georgians can protect themselves is to not consume raw milk or raw meat. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldridge.

[Peter Biello]

A mining project next to Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp is on hold as the company planning it struggles financially. Alabama based Twin Pines Minerals has not submitted $2 million in financial assurances needed to get a permit for the mine. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has been considering the permit for more than a year, the agency said yesterday. The company hasn't even made a partial payment on the required assurances. A lawsuit filed earlier this year accuses the company of being financially insolvent. Environmental groups have criticized the project, saying it would damage the nation's largest intact freshwater wetlands, while while its supporters tout its potential jobs, Twin Pines yesterday declined to comment on both the lawsuit and its pending permit. A former Georgia sheriff convicted of violating the civil rights of people in his custody by unnecessarily strapping them into restraint chairs says he plans to run for Congress. Former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill announced his candidacy on social media late yesterday. Hill was convicted in 2022, served time in federal prison and was released last spring. He's currently serving six years of probation. His announcement didn't say what congressional seat he planned to seek, but Clayton county is represented in the U.S. house by 79 year old Democrat David Scott, who already has attracted three challengers from within his own party. A 1999 Supreme Court ruling was supposed to pave the way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or idd, to to live more independently. It was called the Olmstead case, and while people with IDD can by and large take care of themselves, they still face major challenges in finding a place to live. More than a quarter century after the ruling, GPB Sophie Gradas has more 35.

[Bethany Beach]

Year old Bethany beach leads the way to her new apartment. Inside, a back porch looks into some tall pine trees. Everything feels brand new. Bethany points to a signed photo from her friends, a housewarming gift.

[Shelley Simmons]

This one is my favorite. You enjoy your new home and we love you.

[Bethany Beach]

Bethany and her roommate Emma Farrell, plan to get a lot of use out.

[Shelley Simmons]

Of the kitchen because we want to do a lot of baking and cooking.

[Bethany Beach]

For me, I'm a bakery person. I also love cooking breakfast on every day. On the couch. They make a grocery list alongside Bethany's mom, Greta Beach.

[Peter Biello]

What do you put on your burger?

[Bethany Beach]

Bethany and Emma both have down syndrome and this is their first time living alone. Mom Greta says it's been a long time coming as her other kids have grown up and moved out. But finding a place where Bethany could live independently isn't as easy as just logging on to a rental site. Greta says the supportive living facilities they toured were either too far away or didn't feel like the right fit. Everything was strictly one population, so the family invested in the development of this building called Soaring Heights, built with a mix of private and public money. Here, rents are capped. Half the apartments are for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and the other half are for local public service workers. Already, a couple teachers, firefighters and law enforcement officers have moved in. Affordable housing in and around Atlanta is in short stock. People with disabilities and on fixed incomes like the $900 maximum can get a month from Social Security have even fewer options, says Shelley Simmons with the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia.

[Shelley Simmons]

And I honestly believe that that is one of the biggest barriers that people who want to live independently face.

[Bethany Beach]

As rents go higher and social benefits don't rise to meet them, Simmons says they're trying to work with developers to encourage more accessible affordable housing, but there aren't many financial incentives. Bethany and Emma's complex came together in part because Bethany's parents are on the corporate board at the state level. Director of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Kevin Tanner says the agency will only help with housing for people whose disability or mental health concern mean they need round the clock care. That's at the core of the state's agreement with the federal government under the 1999 Olmstead case.

[Peter Biello]

If someone's capable of living independently, then we're not directly involved in finding housing for that individual. We are exploring, currently exploring ideas.

[Bethany Beach]

Meanwhile, Simmons says many are left to figure out, what do you do when.

[Shelley Simmons]

All of your money is going towards housing?

[Bethany Beach]

Tanner would direct people to federally funded Medicaid waivers. Susan Walker Goiko, attorney at the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, says those waivers are lifelines. But unfortunately there is a 7,000 person waiting list, meaning thousands promised a chance at integration by the federal court. Often can't take those first steps. Back in Conyers a few months after move in, Bethany beach says she misses her parents home but has enjoyed meeting neighbors.

[Shelley Simmons]

I'm just happy where I am and enjoying my time living on my own.

[Bethany Beach]

She hopes more of her friends apply to live here. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradas in Conyers.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia is getting a new area code the utility regulating State Public Service Commission said today that 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. Get ready for five, six five. The commission says a national industry group determined the new area code is needed because the region is on track to run out of available phone numbers by 2028. Georgia currently has 10 area codes. The last new one, metro Atlanta's 943, was added in 2022. Governor Brian Kemp is in Canada this week to promote Georgia as a top destination for business. Kemp is attending the annual Southeast United States Canadian Provinces Conference, where he and first Lady Marty Kemp are meeting with international companies that already operate in Georg, as well as courting new ones. So far, the governor has highlighted visits with a tile supplier with a growing footprint in Savannah and Irving Tissue, which plans to add 100 jobs at its facility in Macon. The trip comes Amid President Donald Trump's ongoing trade war. Canada was Georgia's largest fifth trading partner last year with $13.9 billion in total trade, including $7.4 billion in exports from the Peach State. Georgia shrimping season officially opened this morning, starting at 8am Commercial and recreational shrimpers began harvesting in state waters from the shoreline out to three nautical miles offshore. The Department of Natural Resources says shrimp this year are slightly larger than average, a good sign for the health of the fishery. Last year, shrimpers harvested nearly 2.5 million pounds of shrimp worth nearly $9 million. In sports the Braves faced the brewers in Milwaukee tonight. Yesterday, the Braves beat the brewers to sn a seven game losing streak. Rookie pitcher AJ Smith Shawver has had reconstructive surgery on a ligament in his right elbow, the procedure, known as Tommy John surgery, which will take him out of the game for the rest of the year. Braves officials already had announced May 30 that Smith Shawver had a torn UCL. He left a 54 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies a day earlier and said he felt a pop. Also, Reliever Craig Kimbrell elected free agency yesterday. Kimbrell opted for free agency two days after the Braves designated the nine time All Star reliever for assignment. The club had attempted to send Kimbrell outright to its AAA Gwinnett affiliate. Kimbrell had been attempting to make a comeback with Atlanta, where he spent his first five major league seasons and earned four straight All Star selections from 2011 to 2014. His 186 saves with the Braves are the most in franchise history. There's always another news story right around the corner, and you can find the latest that GPB reporters are [e-mail] news and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, too. Georgia Today will be back in your feed tomorrow automatically if you subscribe, so do that now. And if you've got feedback, we'd love to hear from you. The best way to reach us you can reach the whole team is by email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org that's Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biellor. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Seema Lakdawala]

Planet Money helps you understand the economy. We find the people at the center of the story.

[Peter Biello]

Garbage in New York that was like a controlled substance.

[Seema Lakdawala]

We show you how money influences everything.

[Ellen Eldridge]

Tell me what you like by telling me how you spend your money.

[Seema Lakdawala]

And we dig until we get answers.

[Grant Blankenship]

I had a bad feeling you're gonna bring that up.

[Seema Lakdawala]

Planet Money finds out. All you have to do is listen. The Planet Money podcast from NPR.