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

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.

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.

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)

Prepared by: Orlando Montoya, Host of Georgia Today