Trump orders affect Ga. industries; Kemp tort reform; R.E.M. one night reunion

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary GPB News | February 28, 2025 | Host: Orlando Montoya

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Impact of Trump Administration Budget Cuts on Georgia’s Social Security Offices

The episode opens with a critical report on the Trump administration's budget cuts affecting Georgia's Social Security Administration (SSA) offices. GPB’s Sarah Kalis details the closures of five out of thirty-four SSA offices across Brunswick, Gainesville, Columbus, Vidalia, and Thomasville. These closures are part of the Department of Government Efficiency's (DGE) efforts to save the federal government "hundreds of thousands of dollars" (01:24).

Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock strongly opposes these cuts, stating, "These closures will make it harder for seniors to access services they need" (01:45). Warnock emphasizes that physical SSA offices are crucial for seniors and others reliant on these services, highlighting that Georgia has experienced the highest number of closures compared to other states.

Trump Administration’s Pause on Federal Electric School Bus Programs

Orlando Montoya introduces the second major story: the Trump administration’s decision to pause federal programs aimed at transitioning school buses from fossil fuels to electricity. Grant Blankenship provides an in-depth analysis, explaining that approximately $5 billion was allocated during the Biden administration through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program, funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law (02:34).

Blanckenship discusses the ripple effects of the pause, noting that "there's officially a 90-day pause for review that began on Inauguration Day" (03:19). This halt has left around 320 electric school buses across Georgia districts in limbo, with significant delays in funding disbursement.

The environmental benefits are substantial, with the new electric buses projected to remove up to 79,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over their lifespans compared to traditional diesel buses (03:38). Additionally, the business implications involve local manufacturers like Bluebird Bus, based in Fort Valley, which stands to gain from increased demand. However, Grant highlights uncertainty as EPA responses remain vague, leaving districts uncertain about accessing grant funds (05:29).

Termination of Contracts Impacting Georgia Nonprofit Manna Nutrition

The podcast highlights how the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have led to the cancellation of $12 million in supply contracts for Manna Nutrition, a Georgian nonprofit specializing in peanut butter-based food for severely malnourished children (06:14).

Manna’s co-founder, Mark Moore, expresses deep concern: "We're a nonprofit so we're not looking to make money, but we do really love our jobs and we have 130 of us working at Manna, who it’s our livelihood, but more than that, it’s our passion to do it" (06:37). The loss of these contracts, which constitutes 90% of their business, threatens the organization’s sustainability and its mission to combat child malnutrition.

Governor Brian Kemp Advances Tort Reform with Senate Bill 69

Governor Brian Kemp continues his push for tort reform, successfully passing Senate Bill 69 through the state Senate unanimously (06:51). This legislation mandates that third-party entities investing in litigation must register with the Department of Banking and Finance. It also prohibits foreign adversaries and governments from funding litigation, aiming to limit undue influence in civil legal proceedings.

Tybee Island Invests in Security for Orange Crush Event

Responding to past safety concerns, the Tybee Island City Council has approved spending over $200,000 on security measures for the annual Orange Crush event scheduled for Easter weekend (06:51). City Manager Brett Bell emphasizes the necessity of these expenses, stating, "We believe strongly that these measures are needed" (07:55). Approximately two-thirds of the budget will cover barricades and fencing to prevent gridlock and unauthorized parking, ensuring a smooth and secure event.

Georgia Supreme Court Appoints New Chief Justice

In a significant judicial development, Georgia Supreme Court justices have unanimously elected Presiding Justice Nels Petersen as the new Chief Justice, effective April 1st (07:59). Petersen will succeed Chief Justice Michael Boggs, who has announced his intention to step down. Governor Brian Kemp is set to appoint Boggs’ replacement by the end of March. The new Chief Justice will play a pivotal role as "the voice of the court and the state's entire judiciary" (07:59).

US Army Corps of Engineers Advances Debris Removal Post-Hurricane Helene

The US Army Corps of Engineers reports substantial progress in debris removal efforts following Hurricane Helene, having cleared over 2.8 million cubic yards of downed trees and vegetative debris in six Georgia counties: Brooks, Montgomery, Lowndes, Candler, Lawrence, and McIntosh (08:37). The Corps aims to remove a total of 3.1 million cubic yards across ten counties, employing 108 civilian personnel and one military member to achieve this goal.

Atlanta’s E-Bike Rebate Program Reduces Commute by 40%

Sarah Kalis and Grant Blankenship delve into Atlanta’s inaugural E-bike rebate program, which has successfully decreased participants' driving to work or school by 40% (09:44). The program attracted over 11,000 applicants, though funding allowed only about 600 rebates, with over 80% of recipients being low-income households. Bennett Foster of the Atlanta Regional Commission notes, "rebate recipients are saving money on gas" (10:06). Additionally, the initiative partnered with 12 local bike shops, stimulating $1.2 million in bike sales and promoting sustainable transportation alternatives.

Academy Awards Preview and Predictions

In a segment dedicated to the upcoming Academy Awards, GPB's Christy York Wooten and Atlanta movie expert Stephen Brown analyze the nominees and potential winners (10:36). They discuss various contenders for Best Picture, including "Wicked," "Brutalist," and the Timothee Chalamet-led biopic "Complete Unknown." Brown suggests that "Brutalist" could see unexpected upsets, while highlighting Demi Moore as a favored actress due to her diverse roles and impactful performances (12:09).

For supporting roles, Zoe Saldana and Emilia Perez emerge as strong candidates, with Kieran Culkin and Edward Norton also in contention for their nuanced performances (13:19). The discussion underscores the unpredictability of the awards, emphasizing the potential for both established stars and dark horse nominees to secure wins.

R.E.M. Reunion Sparks Hope Among Fans

Concluding the episode, Orlando Montoya shares exciting news about a brief reunion of Georgia music legends R.E.M. at the iconic 40 Watt Club in Athens (14:41). The original four members—Peter Buck, Bill Berry, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe—surprised attendees by performing "Pretty Persuasion," a classic from their 1984 repertoire. This rare performance, their first public appearance together since their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008, has reignited fan enthusiasm for a possible full-scale reunion.

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Conclusion

The February 28th episode of Georgia Today offers a comprehensive overview of significant local and national issues impacting Georgia. From the implications of federal budget cuts on Social Security services to innovative local initiatives like the E-bike rebate program, the podcast provides listeners with in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives. Additionally, cultural highlights such as the R.E.M. reunion and the Academy Awards preview add a rich, engaging dimension to the news coverage.

For more detailed reports and updates on these stories, visit gpb.org/news.

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Notable Quotes

• Senator Raphael Warnock: "These closures will make it harder for seniors to access services they need." (01:45)
• Grant Blankenship: "There's officially a 90-day pause for review that began on Inauguration Day." (03:19)
• Mark Moore (Manna Nutrition): "We're a nonprofit so we're not looking to make money, but we do really love our jobs and we have 130 of us working at Manna, who it’s our livelihood, but more than that, it’s our passion to do it." (06:37)
• Brett Bell (Tybee Island City Manager): "We believe strongly that these measures are needed." (07:55)
• Bennett Foster (Atlanta Regional Commission): "Rebate recipients are saving money on gas." (10:06)

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Prepared by: Orlando Montoya, Host of Georgia Today

Transcript

[Orlando Montoya]

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] hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast from GPB News. On this podcast, we feature the latest reports from the GPB news team. You can send us feedback or story tips to Georgia [e-mail] Today is Friday, February 28th. I'm Orlando Montoya. On today's episode, a pause on federal programs by the Trump administration could have big effects. Brian Kemp continues to follow through on his promise for tort reform. And Georgia music legends R.E.M reunite briefly at the 40 Watt Club in Athens. These stories and more are coming up on this edition of GEORGIA today. Several Social Security Administration regional offices in Georgia are slated for closure after Trump administration budget cuts. GP's Sarah Kalis explains.

[Sarah Kalis]

The Department of Government Efficiency has terminated leases for five of Georgia's 34 Social Security offices. Offices in Brunswick, Gainesville, Columbus, Vidalia and Thomasville will close, according to the Department of Government Efficiency, or doge, website. The department claims the closure will save the federal government hundreds of thousands of dollars. Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock condemned the closures, saying they will make it harder for seniors to access services they need. Physical Social Security offices serve as a point of contact for seniors and others using the service. Georgia has lost the most locations of any state so far. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallis.

[Orlando Montoya]

Among the federal programs on pause in the new Trump administration is the effort to transition the nation's school buses from fossil fuels to electricity. GP's Grant Blankenship is here to talk about what that means for Georgia schools and business. Hey, good afternoon, Grant.

[Grant Blankenship]

Hey, good afternoon, Orlando.

[Orlando Montoya]

Well, first of all, tell me more about these federal programs for electric school buses. When did they come about and what kind of funding are we talking about?

[Grant Blankenship]

So most of what we're talking about is $5 billion set aside during the Biden administration to be spent through 2026. That's mostly through the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean school bus program, funded through the bipartisan infrastructure law.

[Orlando Montoya]

So bipartisan infrastructure law. How did the schools get this money exactly?

[Grant Blankenship]

Well, local school districts had to apply for it, and the winners in this case are all over the state. In Clayton county, they've been waiting for over $20 million for some 50 buses. Here in Bibb county, where I live in middle Georgia, they're waiting for just over $6 million to be freed up.

[Orlando Montoya]

And so I'm guessing that when Trump took office, that's when the money was stalled along with other spending.

[Grant Blankenship]

Yeah, that's exactly right.

[Mark Moore]

Yeah.

[Grant Blankenship]

There's officially a 90 day pause for review that began on Inauguration Day. And according to data kept by the Environmental Protection Agency, it looks like there's something like 320 electric school buses total across Georgia districts that are just, you know, on standby that districts are waiting to buy.

[Orlando Montoya]

And so, big picture, what are some of the reasons why these buses are important for addressing climate change?

[Grant Blankenship]

Well, you know, it's about those carbon dioxide emissions. Right. Which are warming the planet. And so these buses that the schools are waiting for in Georgia would keep as much as 79,000 tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere over their lifespan compared to the diesel buses that you're used to.

[Orlando Montoya]

So that's what's in it for the climate and for Georgia schools. But there's a business angle on this story as well, right?

[Grant Blankenship]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, you probably know Bluebird buses. You probably have ridden on one at some point. They're based in Fort Valley in middle Georgia, and they're one of three manufacturers of electric school buses in the country. The way these grant programs work, Bluebird helped a ton of school districts across the country with their grant proposals. Bluebird is technically the grantee in places like Oklahoma and Texas. During their recent earnings call, the now former CEO Phil Horlock reminded investors that the federal Department of Energy had also agreed to shoulder half the cost of Bluebird's new electric bus production facility so they can meet this new demand.

[Orlando Montoya]

Per the President's executive order, this grant.

[Mark Moore]

Funding is presently paused, although we are confident it will proceed following review. As a reminder, this project adds 400 well paying American jobs with clean buses built by a century old American company located in middle Georgia, providing our children with health and safety benefits of clean air.

[Orlando Montoya]

So does that mean that this new production line is idle?

[Grant Blankenship]

No, actually. I mean, if there is good news for Bluebird, it's that they're still working through a backlog of orders dating back to about a year ago for these electric buses. So work still going on there. But Horlock told investors by about six months from now, Bluebird's going to be looking for new orders.

[Orlando Montoya]

Okay, so what is the EPA saying about all of this?

[Grant Blankenship]

So I asked them about the status of the bus grants this week and what I got was a one sentence response via email. And it said EPA worked expeditiously to enable payment accounts for grant recipients, so funding is now accessible to all recipients.

[Orlando Montoya]

So that means things are moving.

[Grant Blankenship]

It's not clear at all actually. So far no one I've spoken to from the ground level can confirm that from their end that they have access to their grant money. And when I asked EPA some follow up questions about this statement, I got no response.

[Orlando Montoya]

So it sounds like we'll just have to wait and stay tuned for the federal government to give us a definitive answer. Thanks very much Grant for the update.

[Grant Blankenship]

Yeah, thank you for the time.

[Orlando Montoya]

Moves by the Trump administration to dismantle the U.S. agency for International Development have led to the cancellation of $12 million in supply contracts for a Georgia company. The contracts have been terminated for Manna Nutrition, a nonprofit that makes peanut butter based food for severely malnourished children. Mana's co founder Mark Moore says that's 90% of their business.

[Grant Blankenship]

We're a nonprofit so we're not looking to make money, but we do really love our jobs and we have 130 of us working at Manna, who it.

[Orlando Montoya]

Is our livelihood, but more than that.

[Grant Blankenship]

It'S our passion to do it.

[Orlando Montoya]

Manna's manufacturing plant is located in Fitzgerald, Georgia, in the southern part of the state. The second part of governor Brian Kemp's priority legislation this session to limit lawsuits passed the state Senate yesterday with unanimous support. Senate Bill 69 requires third party entities that invest in litigation to register with the Department of Banking and Finance and bans foreign adversaries and governments from investing in litigation. It also limits how much litigation financiers can use to influence civil litigation proceedings and the people involved. Tybee Island City Council voted last night to spend more than $200,000 on security measures for Orange Crush this year. This after residents expressed safety concerns about the spring break event in previous years. City Manager Brett Bell this is a significant cost to Ty Island. That's not included in the 2025 budget. We do believe strongly that these measures are needed.

[Mark Moore]

It worked last year. We feel like it's needed again.

[Orlando Montoya]

About two thirds of the money would be spent on barricades and fencing, ensuring drivers keep moving to avoid gridlock and not parking on private property. The event is scheduled to take place on Tybee island on Easter weekend. Georgia Supreme Court justices have unanimously elected a new top judge. Presiding Justice Nels Petersen is set to become the state's Supreme Court Chief justice on April 1st. That's according to a news release from the court yesterday. He'll succeed Chief Justice Michael Boggs, who announced earlier this week that he plans to step down. At the end of March, Governor Brian Kemp will appoint a new justice to replace Boggs on the court. Chief justices serve as the voice of the court and the state's entire judiciary and preside over the high court's deliberations. The US Army Corps of Engineers says they've completed various types of debris removal removal in six Georgia counties following damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September. The Corps of Engineers says they have removed more than 2,800,000 cubic yards of downed trees, branches and other vegetative debris in Brooks, Montgomery, Lowndes, candler, Lawrence and McIntosh counties. The Corps of Engineers says they have an overall goal of clearing 3.1 million cubic yards of debris within 10 Georgia counties, and 108 civilian personnel and one military member are actively working towards the mission. The new report finds Atlanta's first ever E bike rebate program has decreased the amount participants drive to work or School by 40%. Jeep Visa Manda Andrews has more.

[Sarah Kalis]

The program was popular with over 11,000 applicants, but the Atlanta Regional Commission only had funding for about 600e bike rebates. Reports show over 80% of recipients chosen through a random lottery were low income households. Bennett Foster works on mobility services for the Atlanta Regional Commission. He says rebate recipients tell him they're saving money on gas.

[Grant Blankenship]

You know, half of all trips that we take in the region are less than three miles. And the purpose of these E bikes was to gobble up those short trips and essentially replace those car trips with the E bike. And that's exactly what it's doing.

[Sarah Kalis]

The program partnered with 12 local bike shops to sell and repair the e bikes, generating $1.2 million in bike sales. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Orlando Montoya]

The Academy Awards are Sunday evening and this year no one film or actor seems to have a lock on the wing. GPB's Christy York Wooten breaks down the Oscar nominees and favorites with Atlanta movie expert Stephen Brown.

[Christy York Wooten]

Welcome, Stephen.

[Mark Moore]

Thank you so much, Christy. It's an honor.

[Christy York Wooten]

Let's start with best Picture.

[Mark Moore]

Most people have seen Wicked because that's so popular, but a lot of these movies are sort of topical or interesting or maybe straight out of the headlines type issues. Emilia Perez went from leading to Anora being the one that was leading. And then as of the Screen Actors Awards, Tynclave was the winner there. So there's definitely now a feeling that Anora or Conclave could be.

[Christy York Wooten]

Yeah, it feels like there could be some upsets or a wild card that jumps in there. I know that there was a lot of talk about the Brutalist. And I had a sort of mixed reaction. Some beautiful elements to that film, but also felt a little bloated to me personally. I thought it was going to be about architecture altogether, but nope. Especially someone who is from Atlanta and knows John Portman, who kind of was a brutalist and a modernist in his own right with all his concrete buildings in downtown Atlanta, but also a complete unknown. And do you think there's any chance there that that that biopic about Bob Dylan starring Timothee Chalamet can make it all the way to Best Picture?

[Mark Moore]

I do feel it could. There is definitely a notion in Oscar races that it's all about timing. The best actor. Throughout the entire season, Adrien Brody has been the leading contender and award winner for the Brutalist. However, this week we've had a little shocker because the Screen Actors Guild just anointed Timothee Chalamet for playing Bob Dylan in the Complete Unknown. So that shook up the race a little bit. I think come Oscar night, Sunday night, you could see it go either way.

[Christy York Wooten]

Demi Moore won at the Golden Globes and has been kind of a favored actress to win this year. What do you think?

[Mark Moore]

Absolutely. So Demi Moore has the body of work, but she was also in a body horror movie. The substance, which is a little grisly and gross for some people's tastes. However, I believe that many Academy voters aren't even watching the movie. They realize that she's someone who's gone unrecognized. She's given great speeches. However, if they have seen the movie, it's really good. There is another actress, Fernanda Torres, who's in I'm Still Here. Mikey Madison in an Aura could also be a dark horse contender. She one at bafta.

[Christy York Wooten]

We've got also Cynthia Erivo in that category.

[Mark Moore]

You know, she's spectacular. In a different year, she would have a really huge shot. I think the fact that the Wicked movies have been divided in two has sort of the Lord of the Rings effect.

[Christy York Wooten]

All right. Actress in a supporting role.

[Mark Moore]

This race has gone for Zoe Saldana and Emilia Perez nearly every single time. And so I think Zoe Saldana has been seen as somebody who did a great job in Avatar movies and Guardians of the Galaxy movies. And they hadn't seen her sing and dance and speak Spanish and do all the things that she does in Emilia Perez. So I think a lot of people will reward her for that.

[Christy York Wooten]

You know, I really want to talk about Isabella Rossellini for a minute. Her facial expressions and everything were just incredible. And Conclave. She's kind of my secret favorite. Let's talk about the actor and supporting role.

[Mark Moore]

Almost every awards precursor that's happened so far has gone for Kieran Culkin, who plays one of the two mismatched cousins on the trip in a real pain. I think if there were any strange upset, it could be Edward Norton, who plays Pete Seeger in Complete Unknown.

[Christy York Wooten]

This was just a very sweet turn.

[Mark Moore]

For a sweeter, gentler side of Edward Norton that we think of as Fight Club and American history acts.

[Christy York Wooten]

Stephen Brown, thank you for being here.

[Mark Moore]

Thank you so much, Christy.

[Orlando Montoya]

And you can see their complete [e-mail] Georgia music legends R.E.M. reunited briefly last night at the famed Athens nightclub the 40 watt. All four members of the band, Peter Buck, Bill Berry, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe shocked an audience there to see an REM tribute band helmed by actor musicians Michael Shannon and Jason Nardes. They performed their 1984 classic Pretty Persuasion. Before last night, the group had performed in public only once since 2008. They played together at their introduction into the Songwriters hall of Fame last year. In June, they were all together but did not perform at a Shannon and Nardisy tribute at the 40 watt last year in February. Their appearances give fans hope that the disbanded group one Day might not be disbanded. And that's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. And that'll also do it for the week here on Georgia Today. Yes, we have all reached the weekend. Before I get there, I'd like you to hit subscribe on this podcast. We always remind you to do that so you stay current with us in your feed. If you have feedback, send that to us at georgia [e-mail] and as always, go to gpb.org news to learn more about Georgia News. I'm Orlando Montoya. I'll be back again on Monday to talk with you next week.

[Sarah Kalis]

Each morning it's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh up first from NPR makes each morning an opportunity to.

[Mark Moore]

Learn and to understand.

[Grant Blankenship]

Choose to join the world every morning.

[Mark Moore]

With Up First, a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe.

[Sarah Kalis]

And down the street, all in 15 minutes or less.

[Mark Moore]

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[Grant Blankenship]

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