Town sues over new ICE center; GA's education scorecard; Michelle Buteau hits Atlanta

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast — May 14, 2026: Lawsuit Over ICE Facility, Georgia's Education Scorecard, and Michelle Buteau in Atlanta

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Episode Overview

In this episode of Georgia Today, host Peter Biello brings listeners the latest statewide news, focusing on Social Circle’s lawsuit against the Trump administration over a proposed ICE detention center, ongoing disputes regarding Georgia's redistricting plans, and a new initiative to expand HIV prevention through pharmacies. The episode also discusses a new Harvard report on Georgia’s educational outcomes, updates in healthcare and economic news, and closes with a lively interview with comedian Michelle Buteau about her “Surviving and Thriving” tour stop in Atlanta.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Social Circle Sues to Block ICE Detention Center

[00:29–01:34]

• Issue: Social Circle, a town east of Atlanta, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration and ICE, aiming to halt the construction of an immigration detention center expected to house 10,000 detainees—double the town’s population.
• Concerns: Local officials argue their infrastructure cannot support such a facility and claim ICE has ignored mandated environmental reviews required by NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act).
• City Manager Eric Taylor:

  “Environmental protection regulations and administrative regulations require them to do these types of reviews and public input sections, and it has not happened.” ([01:17])

• A similar suit in Maryland led to a preliminary injunction against ICE, suggesting legal precedent for Social Circle’s challenge.

2. Redistricting Controversy and Voting Rights

[01:34–02:37]

• Background: Governor Brian Kemp has called a special legislative session to redraw Georgia’s voting districts after a Supreme Court decision narrowed the Voting Rights Act.
• Reaction: State Democrats and members of the Legislative Black Caucus denounce the move as an attempt to suppress Black political power.
• State Senator Nikki Merritt:

  “This is an attack on Black political power. This is an attack on the growing coalition of voters reshaping Georgia’s future.” ([02:05], speaker Pamela Kirkland attributing to Nikki Merritt)

• The special session is set for June 17, with no proposed maps yet released. The issue echoes national trends in partisan redistricting.

3. Expanding HIV Prevention in Georgia Pharmacies

[02:37–03:43]

• Initiative: RX4Change, a national coalition including Emory University, aims to expand HIV prevention and testing in local pharmacies to increase access and reduce stigma.
• Natalie Crawford (Emory):

  “You can go for a bag of chips or your allergy medication. No one knows what you are going in there to get. This is really going to destigmatize HIV prevention services.” ([03:13])

• The program is expected to dramatically boost the availability of PrEP, a medication that prevents HIV transmission in at-risk populations.

4. Georgia’s Education Scorecard: Harvard Report

[03:43–05:03]

• Findings: Georgia ranks 34th in math and 21st in reading for grades 3–8, based on the Harvard University education scorecard.
  • Math scores remain nearly half a grade level below pre-pandemic levels.
  • Chronic absenteeism is over 7% higher than before COVID-19, though trending downward.
• Bright Spots: Districts like Atlanta, Ben Hill, Marietta, and McDuffie outperform similar peers, with Atlanta Public Schools lauded for data-driven instruction and strong support programs.
• Context: The state’s mixed results mirror nationwide struggles with post-pandemic educational recovery.

5. Healthcare, Economic Development & Community News

[05:12–06:00]

• WellStar’s New Hospital: A $350+ million, six-story hospital will open in Columbia County on Aug. 26, providing 100 beds and a planned Level 2 trauma center.
• World Cup Preparations in Atlanta: Public health officials are preparing for increased visitors (June–July), focusing on infectious disease prevention and food safety.
  • Marcus Plesha (Fulton County):

    “We are trying to be particularly prepared for that, but I think that's going to be challenging because of the kind of mobile nature of the fan base...putting together a specific plan.” ([05:03])

• Jacuzzi Plant Closure: The Valdosta facility will close, resulting in 110 jobs lost.
• CARE’s 80th Anniversary: The humanitarian group launches a new version of its iconic CARE package to reach 2 million people globally by 2030.
• Atlanta BeltLine Impact: The project has supported over 91,000 jobs and $23 billion in economic output since 2008; full completion forecast for 2030.

6. Interview: Michelle Buteau — "Surviving and Thriving"

[07:38–12:15]

• Tour Title Origin:
  • Michelle draws inspiration from a quote:

    “The tools that you need to survive won't be the ones you need to thrive. … I have been surviving this. Now I can rest and thrive.” ([07:57])

  • She emphasizes the importance of finding joy and resisting negativity:

    “Joy is an act of resistance. We have to find our joy no matter what. … I want to feel joy and keep my edges. … That's how I want to be living my life.” ([08:31])

• Atlanta Audience:
  • Michelle admires Atlanta’s vivacity and celebratory spirit:

    “No matter what, you’re going to dress up…take 1,100 pictures for that carousel. I love the joy that just vibrates in Atlanta.” ([09:27])

  • She enjoys performing in southern states, appreciating their distinct pride and character.
• Comedic Perspective on Happiness:
  • On being a happy stand-up comedian:

    “You can only really appreciate happiness and joy if you can recognize how bad that stuff was. … For a lot of years, comedy was like … it was really cool to not be happy. And oopsie daisy, I'm too cute for that.” ([10:37–11:30])

• What Audiences Can Expect:

  “There’s some storytelling, there’s some hard jokes, there’s a dollop of shade. … People are always surprised when they hear my mouth. It is authentic. She’s a Jersey girl.” ([11:43])

• Heartfelt Closing:

  “Thank you so much for talking to me.” — Michelle Buteau ([12:15])

7. Sports Update

[12:21]

• Atlanta Braves: The team became the first in MLB to reach 30 wins this season, defeating the Cubs 4–1.
• Atlanta Falcons: The NFL schedule release is highly anticipated.

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Notable Quotes

• Eric Taylor, City Manager, Social Circle ([01:17])
  “Environmental protection regulations and administrative regulations require them to do these types of reviews and public input sections, and it has not happened.”

• State Senator Nikki Merritt ([02:05])
  “This is an attack on black political power. This is an attack on the growing coalition of voters reshaping Georgia’s future.”

• Natalie Crawford, Emory University ([03:13])
  “You can go for a bag of chips or your allergy medication. No one knows what you are going in there to get. It's really going to destigmatize HIV prevention services.”

• Michelle Buteau, Comedian

  • “[Joy] is an act of resistance. … If you let the bad stuff take over, then you will always feel bad. And I want to feel joy and keep my edges.” ([08:31])
  • “No matter what, you’re going to dress up, you’re going to … celebrate. … I love the joy that just vibrates in Atlanta.” ([09:27])
  • “You can only really appreciate happiness and joy if you can recognize how bad that stuff was. … Oopsie daisy, I’m too cute for that [depressive comedian trope].” ([10:37–11:30])
  • “There’s some storytelling, there’s some hard jokes, there’s a dollop of shade...it is authentic.” ([11:43])

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Timestamps for Critical Segments

• ICE Facility Lawsuit: 00:29–01:34
• Voting District Redraw Dispute: 01:34–02:37
• HIV Prevention Initiative: 02:37–03:43
• Education Scorecard: 03:43–05:03
• World Cup Health Prep: 05:03–05:12
• Michelle Buteau Interview: 07:38–12:15

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Summary & Tone

The episode gives a compelling cross-section of pressing Georgia news: policy disputes, public health innovations, community milestones, and lively local culture. The tone is professional but engaging, with space for serious reporting and lighthearted conversation—especially in Michelle Buteau’s energetic, authentic interview.

For listeners seeking an update on Georgia’s key issues—and a dose of comic relief—this episode delivers both depth and personality.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, a Georgia town is suing the Trump administration to stop the construction of an ICE detention center. Georgia Democrats are furious over the push to redraw voting districts. And a new public health initiative will help Georgia pharmacies expand HIV prevention services.

[Natalie Crawford]

This is really going to destigmatize HIV prevention services.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Thursday, May 14th. I'm Peter Biello, and this is Georgia Today. A Georgia town chosen for the site of a new immigration detention center is suing the Trump administration to stop the effort. GPB's Grant Blankenship has more.

[Grant Blankenship]

Officials in Social Circle, east of Atlanta, have said all along their water and sewer systems are nowhere near the task of serving the estimated 10,000 detainees ICE plans to house at the warehouse purchased in the city of 5,000 people. Now social Circle has sued ICE in Georgia's Middle District federal court, alleging the agency has completely flouted required environmental review of the warehouse detention center project as spelled out in the National Environmental Policy act, or nepa. Eric Taylor is Social Circle city manager.

[Eric Taylor]

Environmental protection regulations and administrative regulations require them to do these types of reviews and public input sections, and it has not happened.

[Grant Blankenship]

A similar suit by the state of Maryland resulted in a preliminary injunction against ICE there. For GPB News, I'm Grant Blankenship in Macon.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia Democrats are blasting governor Brian Kemp's call for a special session to redraw political maps. State Party Chair Charlie Bailey said yesterday the move shows Republicans are scared of Georgia voters. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports. Georgia's Legislative Black Caucus is promising to fight any maps that dilute black voting power.

[Nikki Merritt]

Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Chair and State Senator Nikki Merritt says the decision to redraw the state's political maps following a Supreme Court decision weakening the Voting Rights act is an attempt to silence black voters.

[Pamela Kirkland]

This is an attack on black political power. This is an attack on the growing coalition of voters reshaping the Georgia's future.

[Nikki Merritt]

The Legislature will meet on June 17 to start the process of approving new maps ahead of the 2028 election cycle. So far, no proposed maps have been made public. Governor Brian Kemp said Wednesday that Democrats shouldn't criticize the maps before they see them. Georgia is the latest state planning to redraw voting maps amid a national trend of creating districts to favor one party. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallas at the State Capitol.

[Peter Biello]

A new public health initiative will help pharmacies expand HIV prevention services in Georgia where many communities are disproportionately impacted by HIV. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more.

[Ellen Eldredge]

RX4Change is a national coalition to advance HIV services in community pharmacies, including testing and prevention. The partnership includes Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, AIDS United, the Black Public Health Academy and the National Pharmaceutical Association. Natalie Crawford is an associate professor with Emory. She says bringing HIV prevention services into pharmacies will increase access and reduce stigma.

[Natalie Crawford]

You can go for a bag of chips or your allergy medication. No one knows what you are going in there to get. It's really going to this is really going to destigmatize HIV prevention services, crawford says.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Expanding services could also significantly increase access to PrEP, a medication that can prevent HIV in people most at risk for GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

A Harvard University report shows continuing problems but also bright spots in Georgia's education landscape in grades three through eight. The university's education scorecard released yesterday shows the state 34th in math and 21st in reading. Math scores have flatlined since 2022 and remain nearly half a grade level below 2019 levels. Chronic absenteeism remains more than 7% above pre pandemic levels despite improvement. At the same time, it shows several districts outperforming their peers, including Atlanta, Ben hill, Marietta and McDuffie. It highlights Atlanta Public Schools for its use of instructional and literacy coaches, rigorous use of data, summer meal and transportation programs and teacher ret. Georgia's mixed results from the Harvard University report mirror national results for post pandemic education recovery. WellStar plans to open its more than $350 million hospital just west of Augusta on Aug. 26. On Tuesday, the company announced the opening date for its Columbia county medical center. The six story facility, including 100 beds and a planned Level 2 trauma center, will be the first hospital in rapidly growing Columbia County. Atlanta public health officials are preparing for an influx of visitors this June and July during the FIFA World Cup, Fulton County Board of Health Commissioner Marcus Plesha told reporters yesterday. They're focused on public safety and disease prevention, including for infectious diseases like measles.

[Eric Taylor]

We are trying to be particularly prepared for that, but I think that's going to be challenging because of the kind of mobile nature of the fan base. Nonetheless, we're putting together a specific plan

[Peter Biello]

for that, he says. They're also planning for daily inspections of food vendors and telling first responders to update their vaccinations. Heat related illnesses during the height of summer and other health concerns are expected when tens of thousands of soccer fans

[NPR Host]

arrive, you know Every day on Up First, NPR's Golden Globe nominated morning news podcast, we bring you three essential stories. the heart of each story are questions what really happened? What really mattered? What happens next? At npr, we stand for your right to be curious and to follow the facts. Follow up first wherever you get your podcasts and start your day knowing what matters and why.

[Peter Biello]

Jacuzzi is closing its manufacturing facility in Valdosta, the California based hot tub maker told state officials on Tuesday the closure will end 110 jobs. Local entrepreneurs built the Bathcraft facility in Valdosta in 1986. Jacuzzi acquired it two years later and it was significantly expanded in 2007. The company says it plans to focus on shower products built at other locations as consumer demand shifts away from traditional bathtubs. Atlanta based humanitarian organization CARE celebrated its 80th anniversary this week by launching a new generation of its original CARE packages. The global nonprofit began by delivering food after World War II, and its new effort promises to reach 2 million people by 2030 with emergency kits that include shelter, cooking, water and hygiene needs. Atlanta's bike and pedestrian trail the Beltline sustained more than 91,000 jobs and generated an estimated $23 billion in economic output in 2025. That's according to an impact analysis Beltline officials released yesterday. The trail's first section opened in 2008 and its entire 22 mile corridor is on track to be completed by 2030. Comedian Michelle Buteau has built a career turning real life into comedy, from motherhood to marriage to body image and everything in between. You may know her from her Netflix series Survival of the Thickest or her stand up specials. She's also a best selling authority. Michelle is bringing her Surviving and Thriving tour to Atlanta on May 15th. She spoke with GPB's Pamela Kirkland.

[Pamela Kirkland]

I want to start with the title Surviving and Thriving. It feels like a mindset as much as it is a title. What does that look like in your world right now and how does it show up in this show?

[Michelle Buteau]

Are we talking physically, emotionally? Metaphysically?

[Pamela Kirkland]

All the above.

[Michelle Buteau]

I saw this quote on Instagram. No shade. If you're getting your motivational quotes from Instagram and it was the tools that you need to survive won't be the ones you need to thrive. And I saw that at a time when I brought my twins home from the hospital. It was a crazy journey. Six years of ivf, multiple losses, went through surrogacy and I was like, oh, I am like not enjoying this. And I saw that quote, and I'm like, oh, I have been surviving this. Now I can rest and thrive. And that quote has stayed with me because, as you know, the world has gone through some changes. Things feel darker and harder. I'm like, okay, this is what everyone has meant. When joy is an act of resistance. Like, we have to find our joy no matter what. Because if you let the bad stuff take over, then you will always feel bad. And I want to feel joy and keep my edges. That's those. You know, I got to start small. Like, that's. That's how I want to be living my life. And so I thought, wow, going out in America in this time to cities that I haven't played in 15, 20 years, like, we're going to be thriving. We are going to be thriving. I'm going to recognize that we've been going through it, but now we're gonna have some fun.

[Pamela Kirkland]

You're stopping in Atlanta. How do audiences here compare to other cities?

[Michelle Buteau]

Atlanta is one of those places where, you know, no matter what's going on in the world, you're gonna dress up, you're gonna. You're gonna get clean. You gotta go to a show, you gotta celebrate. Like, no matter what, you're gonna, like, have the worst week ever, but still make a reservation for that overpriced brunch and take 1100 pictures for that carousel. Like, I love the joy that just vibrates in Atlanta. And I feel like in Georgia and most Southern states, which I love because I'm from Jersey, right? And so, like, when a state feels like there's so much personality and pride, it feels like a country, a nationality, like, that's my happy place, you know, because at the end of the day, I always love to prove, especially within comedy, we have more in common than we don't. Like. I think it's really fun to celebrate our differences and point them out, but always, like, punching up, never punching down.

[Pamela Kirkland]

You did an interview not too Long ago with NPR's Rachel Martin. You said you didn't think standup was for you because you're an openly happy person.

[Michelle Buteau]

Yes.

[Pamela Kirkland]

How do you make being happy funny?

[Michelle Buteau]

I mean, I think you're funny or you're not. You know what I mean? It's like, you can only really appreciate happiness and joy if you can recognize how bad that stuff was. So it's not like, I don't go through stuff. It's not like I don't feel sad, but I'm not gonna live in that place. You know, I'm Just not. And so I feel like a little roasting here and there, you know, a little storytelling. No big whoop. What's the lesson we learned here, everybody? I'll tell you what I went through so you don't have to, or maybe you should. Some people have to more than once go through it. I feel like, you know, there's a lot of ways you could be happy and not be. You not feel like you have to play into this idea of a comedian who's depressed and broke and, you know, just for a lot of years comedy was like, it was really cool to not be happy. And oopsie daisy, I'm too cute for that. Sorry. Too cute for that.

[Pamela Kirkland]

When people come to the tabernacle, what can they expect from you in this show?

[Michelle Buteau]

Well, you know, there's some storytelling, there's some hard jokes, there's a dollop of shade. It's a good recipe for comedy, you know, but just don't be surprised. People are always surprised when they hear my mouth. And it's not fake. It is authentic. She's a Jersey girl. This is how the story comes out.

[Pamela Kirkland]

Michelle Buteau, surviving and Thriving Tour comes to the Tabernacle in Atlanta on May 15th. Tickets are available now. Michelle, thank you so much for talking to me.

[Michelle Buteau]

Oh my God, thank you for talking to me.

[Peter Biello]

In Georgia sports, the Braves became the first team in the majors to win 30 games by beating the Cubs last night. Atlanta scored three runs in the eighth inning to beat the Chicago Cubs 4 to 1 quarter. Chris Sale gets the start tonight as the Braves and Cubs wrap up their three game series at Truest Park. And the Atlanta Falcons will find out with the rest of the NFL which teams they'll be playing and win during the 2026 season. Tonight, anticipation is building ahead of the scheduled release at 8:00'. Clock. And that is it for this edition of Georgia Today. If you want to learn more about any of these stories, go to our website, gpb.org news and remember to subscribe to this podcast because we'll be be back in your feed tomorrow afternoon and your feedback is welcome by email. Send it our way. The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thank you again for listening. We will see you tomorrow.