Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya

1. Tragic Drownings at Ulkmulgee River Park

In a somber start to the episode, Orlando Montoya reports on the recent drownings at Emerson River Park in Macon. Three individuals lost their lives last week, marking the latest in a series of tragedies at this location.

Key Details:

• Incident Overview:
  Authorities confirmed that 28-year-old Johnny Young Collins drowned while attempting to rescue his girlfriend's daughters, 7-year-old Summer Lewis and 10-year-old Skylar Worthen. This follows at least two other drownings at the park in June.

• Safety Concerns:
  A growing petition is calling for the permanent closure of river access in Macon-Bibb County due to the unpredictable and dangerous conditions of the Ulkmulgee River.

Notable Quotes:

• Sergeant Chris Williams, Bibb County Sheriff's Office:
  “The current is always a threat, even when the water looks calm. Normally when you come out to the river, you're going to deal with a current. It doesn't care your height, your weight. Current will sneak up on you and it will drift you further out into the river.”
  (Timestamp: 01:30)

• Orlando Montoya:
  “So far this year, 46 people have drowned in Georgia's natural waterways.”
  (Timestamp: 02:05)

Additional Context: The Macon-Bibb County Sheriff's Office emphasizes the inherent dangers of the river, noting that even experienced swimmers can fall victim to sudden and strong currents. The community is grappling with whether the benefits of river access outweigh the recurring risks.

2. Impact of the Trump Administration's Tomato Tariff

The episode delves into the economic implications of the newly announced 17% tariff on tomatoes imported from Mexico, a move by the Trump Administration aimed at protecting domestic growers.

Key Details:

• Economic Stakes:
  Tomatoes represent a $90 million crop in Georgia, with approximately half cultivated in Decatur County, southwest Georgia.

• Local Farming Challenges:
  Despite Georgia’s less-than-ideal conditions for tomato cultivation—primarily high humidity leading to disease—the local farmers are striving to increase production to meet potential surges in demand due to the tariff.

Notable Quotes:

• Chase McGee, GPB News:
  “Georgia isn't the best state for growing tomatoes. High humidity raises the chance of disease in the crop, and that's why most US tomatoes come from Florida and California.”
  (Timestamp: 02:50)

• Daniel Parson, Farmer Educator at Emory University's Oxford College Farm:
  “If we want to have more tomatoes, we go back to our planning stages, and next year, next July, we can have more tomatoes.”
  (Timestamp: 03:09)

Economic Outlook: With 70% of U.S. tomatoes currently imported from Mexico, the tariff aims to bolster local production. However, experts like Parson caution that sudden increases in demand may not immediately benefit growers, as tomato cultivation requires time and careful planning. The long-term success of this policy largely depends on the sustained impact of the tariffs and the ability of local farmers to adapt.

3. Political Shifts: Congressman Mike Collins Eyeing Senate Run

Orlando Montoya provides an update on the political landscape in Georgia, highlighting Congressman Mike Collins's potential bid for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Jon Ossoff.

Key Details:

• Potential Candidacy:
  A recent video posted by the Jackson Republican hints at Collins's intentions to challenge Ossoff in the 2026 election.

• Primary Competition:
  If Collins enters the race, he may face competitors like fellow U.S. House member Buddy Carter and Insurance Commissioner John King in the GOP primary.

• Governor's Influence:
  The field of candidates is shaping up after Governor Brian Kemp announced he would not seek the Senate seat, opening the door for other Republicans.

Notable Quotes:

• Orlando Montoya:
  “Georgia Congressman Mike Collins is giving off strong hints that he intends to join a growing field of GOP candidates hoping to unseat Democratic U.S. senator Jon Ossoff in the 2026 election.”
  (Timestamp: 03:32)

Political Implications: Collins’s potential Senate run signifies a strategic move within the GOP to capture a crucial Senate seat. The primary battle is expected to be competitive, with key figures positioning themselves early to gain an advantage in the upcoming election cycle.

4. Heat Advisory and Safety Measures

With extreme heat conditions gripping much of Georgia, the National Weather Service has issued heat advisories, prompting public health officials to emphasize the importance of heat safety.

Key Details:

• Heat Conditions:
  Temperatures are forecasted to reach up to 110°F in certain areas, triggering heat advisories when the heat index surpasses 103°F.

• Safety Recommendations:
  Officials advise proper hydration, limiting outdoor activities, and recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

Notable Quotes:

• Kristen Patton, South Health District, Valdosta:
  “We remind people, hey, take this seriously, even on days whenever there's not an extreme heat advisory.”
  (Timestamp: 04:28)

• Megan Herondine, Southwest Health District, Albany:
  “If heat exhaustion presents, you'll have symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness. Anything worse should be considered an emergency.”
  (Timestamp: 05:05)

Preventative Measures: Public health officials are urging residents to stay hydrated by drinking 2 to 4 cups of water every hour, take cold showers or baths, and seek shade or air-conditioned environments during peak heat hours. Employers are also reminded to implement safety protocols for workers exposed to high temperatures.

5. Artificial Intelligence in Georgia Courtrooms

A significant discussion unfolds around the proposed limits on artificial intelligence (AI) usage within Georgia’s legal system, spearheaded by a panel led by the former chief justice of Georgia's Supreme Court.

Key Details:

• Committee Recommendations:
  The panel suggests clear guidelines distinguishing acceptable and unacceptable AI applications in courtrooms. Notably, using AI for jury selection and certain translation services has been deemed generally unacceptable.

• Policy Implications:
  These recommendations aim to balance the benefits of AI, such as increased efficiency, with the risks related to fairness and accuracy in legal proceedings.

Notable Quotes:

• Orlando Montoya:
  “The committee suggests Georgia courts clearly identify acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI.”
  (Timestamp: 05:40)

Broader Context: As AI technology advances, other states are also exploring regulatory frameworks for its integration into legal processes. Georgia’s proactive approach seeks to establish a precedent that safeguards the integrity of the judicial system while leveraging technological advancements.

6. Business Developments: Tyler Perry and Trader Joe’s Expansion

The business segment highlights two major developments impacting Georgia’s economy and local communities.

Tyler Perry’s Atlanta Studio Expansion:

• Expansion Plans:
  Film industry mogul Tyler Perry announced a 38-acre expansion of his Atlanta studio, incorporating additional office and theater spaces. This move comes after a pause last year due to concerns over AI’s impact on the film industry.

• Economic Impact:
  The expansion is expected to create jobs and bolster Atlanta’s reputation as a burgeoning hub for film and television production.

Trader Joe’s New Locations:

• Store Openings:
  Trader Joe’s has unveiled plans to open 30 new stores nationwide, including a new location in Peachtree City, expanding its presence beyond the current 10 metro Atlanta stores.

Notable Quotes:

• Orlando Montoya:
  “Georgia film industry giant Tyler Perry is back with new plans to expand his Atlanta studio…”
  (Timestamp: 06:15)

Community Reception: Both expansions are met with optimism from local business communities, anticipating increased economic activity and greater accessibility to popular retail and entertainment options for Georgia residents.

7. Georgia Sports Highlights

The episode also touches on recent sports events involving Georgia’s teams and athletes.

Baseball:

• Atlanta Braves:
  Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a solo home run against the New York Yankees in Atlanta, though the Braves suffered a 4-2 defeat. The team is currently on a three-game road losing streak facing the San Francisco Giants.

Soccer:

• Atlanta United:
  The team experienced a challenging weekend, losing 3-2 at Mercedes Benz Stadium to Charlotte FC despite strong performances from Tristan Mayumba and Emmanuel Latte La.

Golf:

• Junior Competition:
  The U.S. Girls Junior Championship concluded with 15-year-old Aphrodite Deng from Calgary, Alberta, becoming the first Canadian to win the event. The 36-hole final took place at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

Notable Quotes:

• Orlando Montoya:
  “In golf, the US girls junior competition ended on Saturday with its first ever Canadian winner, 15-year-old Aphrodite Deng of Calgary, Alberta, winning her third Junior Major title.”
  (Timestamp: 07:50)

Athlete Performances: Despite some setbacks, Georgia’s sports figures showcased resilience and talent across various disciplines, highlighting the state’s vibrant athletic culture.

Conclusion

Orlando Montoya wraps up the episode by directing listeners to GPB’s news platform for more detailed coverage and inviting feedback to further engage with the community. The episode provides a comprehensive look at pressing issues in Georgia, from public safety and economic policies to technological advancements and cultural achievements.

For more information, visit gpb.org/news or subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast to stay updated on the latest stories affecting Georgia and its residents.