Three people drown at Macon river park; Tariff on tomatoes from Mexico; Heat safety

Summary

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[NPR Host]

These days there's so much news it can be hard to keep up with what it all means for you, your family and your community. The Consider this podcast from NPR features our award winning journalism. Six days a week we bring you a deep dive on a news story and provide the context and analysis that helps you make sense of the news. We get behind the headlines. We get to the truth. Listen to the Consider this podcast from npr.

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB News team on this episode. How tomato tariffs could impact tomato growers in Georgia A petition calls for shutting off river access at a Macon park after three drowning deaths there last week. And with a heat advisory issued for much of Georgia today, we'll talk about how to prepare for a scorcher.

[Kristen Patton]

We remind people, hey, take this seriously, even on days whenever there's not an extreme heat advisory.

[Orlando Montoya]

Today is Monday, July 21st. I'm Orlando Montoya and this is Georgia Today. Calls for safety changes are growing after three people drowned in the Ulkmulgee river at Emerson river park in Macon last week. Authorities say 28 year old Johnny Young Collins drowned while trying to rescue his girlfriend's daughters, 7 year old Summer Lewis and 10 year old Skylar Worthen. It's the latest in a series of tragedies at the park. At least two others drown there in June. A new petition is urging Macon Bibb county to permanently close river access. The sheriff's office says conditions on the river are often unpredictable. Sergeant Chris Williams with the Bibb County Sheriff's Office says 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 current. You know it doesn't care your height, your weight. Current will sneak up on you and it will drift you further out into the river. So far this year, 46 people have drowned in Georgia's natural waterways. Last week, the Trump Administration announced a 17% tariff on tomatoes imported from Mexic Georgia. Growers are hoping the increase could boost demand for their product. Tomatoes are a $90 million crop in the state, about half of it in southwest Georgia's Decatur county, according to 2023 Farmgate data. GPB's Chase McGee has more.

[Chase McGee]

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. But that doesn't stop local farmers from trying. Daniel Parson is a farmer educator at Emory University's Oxford College Farm. He's been growing tomatoes in the south for 25 years, and they often sell well at local farmers markets. But he says sudden demand doesn't always benefit local growers since tomatoes take time.

[Orlando Montoya]

If we want to have more tomatoes.

[Chase McGee]

We go back to our planning stages.

[Orlando Montoya]

And next year, next July, we can have more tomatoes.

[Chase McGee]

And those long term planning efforts might be upended again if tariffs don't material. Right now, 70% of tomatoes consumed in the US are grown in Mexico. For GPB News, I'm Chase McGee.

[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. A video posted by the Jackson Republican today mentions the race and includes the messages tires kicked, fueling up and stay tuned. If he enters the race, he'll face, as of now, his US House colleague Buddy Carter and Insurance Commissioner John King in a GOP primary. Several other Republicans also are considering campaigns after governor Brian Kemp said he would not seek the seat. Excessive heat index values are prompting the National Weather Service to issue heat advisories for much of Georgia Today. GPB's Sophie Gratis has more on preparing for the dangerously hot conditions.

[Kristen Patton]

There are lots of ways to stay cool and enjoy Georgia summers, like spending an afternoon at your local public pool. But on hot days when there's not a body of water to dunk into heat, still safety is essential. Kristen Patton with the South Health District in Valdosta says they've been getting the message out early. We remind people, hey, take this seriously. Even on days whenever there's not an extreme heat advisory in Georgia, a heat advisory is issued by the National Weather Service if the heat index, known as the feels like temperature is at least 103 degrees. Advisories have gone out already this summer and more are coming this week. Temperatures could reach 110 in parts of Georgia, according to forecasts. So, Patton says, for people working or spending time outside, make sure that you're drinking plenty of water. At least 2 to 4 cups of water every hour. People without a C should take cold showers or baths. Megan Herondine with the Southwest Health District in Albany says if heat exhaustion presents, you'll have symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness. Anything worse should be considered an emergency. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gratis.

[Orlando Montoya]

A panel convened by the former chief justice of Georgia's Supreme Court is proposing limits on the use of artificial intelligence in Georgia courtrooms. The committee issued a report outlining the potential benefits and risks of courtroom AI as other states begin to tackle the issue. Among the recommendations, the panel suggests Georgia courts clearly identify acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI. It says generally unacceptable uses include using AI to help in jury selection and using AI translation in certain cases. The report came at the request of now retired Chief Justice Michael Boggs and is aimed at informing policy and practice in Georgia's legal system. In business news, Georgia film industry giant Tyler Perry is back with new plans to expand his Atlanta studio, and his company on Friday filed plans with state officials for a 38 acre expansion to include office and theater space. Last year, Perry paused expansion plans over concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the film industry and Trader Joe's plans to open a new Georgia location. The California based grocer last week announced 30 new stores, including one in Peachtree City, south of Atlanta. Trader Joe's has 10 locations in Georgia, all of them in metro Atlanta.

[NPR Host]

These days there's so much news it can be hard to keep up with what it all means for you, your family and your community. The Consider this podcast from NPR features our award winning journalism. Six days a week we bring you a deep dive on a news story and provide the context and analysis that helps you make sense of the news. We get behind the headlines. We get to the truth. Listen to the Consider this podcast from npr.

[Orlando Montoya]

In Georgia sports, the San Francisco Giants will try to stop their three game road losing streak in a matchup against the Atlanta Braves at Truest park tonight. The braves Ronald Acuna Jr. Hit a solo home run against the New York Yankees in Atlanta yesterday, but it wasn't enough to save the braves from a 42 defeat. Atlanta United likewise felt a traveling competition at home over the weekend. Tristan Mayumba and Emmanuel Latte la scored for the Five Stripes, who had spells of dominance but couldn't stop a late game push by Charlotte FC. Atlanta lost 32 at Mercedes Benz Stadium. And in golf, the US girls junior competition ended on Saturday with its first ever Canadian winner. 15 year old Aphrodite Deng of Calgary, Alberta won her third Junior Major title. The 36 hole final was held this year at Atlanta Athletic Club. And that's it for today's edition of Georgia today. Visit gpb.org news for more on many of these stories and more from our newsroom of reporters from across the state. If you'd like to give us feedback, send that to us@georgia todaypb.org and we always invite you to hit that subscribe button. It helps you and it helps us by making sure you're always current with us in your podcast feed. I'm Orlando Montoya. We'll talk to you again tomorrow on Georgia Today.

[Pamela Kirkland]

When a massive chemical fire erupted at the Biolab facility in Conyers, thick smoke filled the air, forcing evacuations. But for many, it wasn't the first time, and it wouldn't be the last. I'm Pamela Kirkland. In GPB's new podcast, Manufacturing the Biolab Story, I investigate what caused the fire, the response and what it means for Conyers residents today. [e-mail] podcast or wherever you get your podcast.