Trump orders release of classfied documents; Puppy mill busted; Kemp seeks relief aid

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Trump Orders Release of Classified Documents; Puppy Mill Busted; Kemp Seeks Relief Aid
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Host: Peter Biello

---

1. President Trump Orders Release of Classified Assassination Documents

In a significant move, President Donald Trump has ordered the release of thousands of classified documents pertaining to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. This directive aims to increase transparency around these historic events.

Key Details:

• Timeline for Declassification: The order requests the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to develop a plan within 15 days to declassify JFK records and within 45 days for RFK and MLK files. However, the exact release dates remain uncertain.
• Family's Response: Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., expressed her family's ongoing grief and emphasized the need for them to review the documents before public release.
  • "[The family's] loss remains deeply personal, and we hope they will be allowed to review the files before they're released." [00:35]
• Historical Context: Trump had previously initiated the release of JFK assassination records during his first term, though some were withheld or redacted due to intelligence community concerns.
• Symbolic Gesture: In an act symbolizing continuity, Trump handed the pen used to sign the order to his aide, directing it to be given to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary and a long-time advocate for the release of these documents.

2. South Georgia Puppy Mill Shut Down, Over 100 Dogs Rescued

Authorities in Pierce County, South Georgia, have dismantled a puppy mill operation, rescuing 136 dogs from deplorable conditions. The state Department of Agriculture took swift action to shut down the facility and ensure the animals' safety.

Highlights:

• Condition of Rescued Dogs: Patricia Durham from K9 Battle Buddies in Liberty County described the rescued dogs as "cold, matted, scared and covered in their own waste."
  • "It's really cold-hearted people to be able to watch them just sit there and freeze..." [03:59]
• Rescue Efforts: The dogs have been distributed to various rescue groups across Georgia, emphasizing the community's commitment to animal welfare.
• Ongoing Investigation: The name of the shut-down kennel remains undisclosed as authorities continue their investigation and consider potential charges.

3. Governor Brian Kemp Requests $614 Million in Hurricane Helene Relief Aid

Governor Brian Kemp is urging Georgia state lawmakers to approve $614 million to address the extensive damages caused by Hurricane Helene. This substantial budget request aims to mitigate losses and support recovery efforts across the state.

Budget Breakdown:

• State Property Damage: Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Rebecca Sullivan reported significant damage, highlighting that 282 buildings across 33 colleges, universities, and agencies were affected, with total claims exceeding $50 million.
  • "A total of 282 buildings owned by 33 different colleges, universities and agencies were damaged. This total state property damage claim from the storm is estimated to exceed $50 million." [02:33]
• Legislative Process: Sarah Kallas detailed the budget presentation process, noting that hearings were postponed due to ongoing winter storm conditions but emphasized the importance of approving both the current and next fiscal year's budgets.
  • "Lawmakers will pass two budget bills this session, one that amends the current year's budget and a new budget for the next fiscal year." [02:49]
• Governor's Recommendations: Kemp's budget includes allocations for hurricane relief, prison improvements, and a significant $1 billion investment in infrastructure.
  • "The Legislature has already seen Governor Kemp's budget recommendations. They include money for hurricane relief, improvements to the state's prisons and $1 billion in infrastructure spending." [02:49]

4. Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Georgia Deer

A deer harvested in Lanier County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological condition affecting deer species. This marks the first detection of CWD in Georgia after its prolonged spread in other states.

Important Points:

• Disease Impact: CWD leads to gradual brain damage and is always fatal to infected deer.
• State Response: Tina Johansen from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) emphasized the need for continued vigilance among hunters and processors to prevent the disease's spread.
  • "It's vital that hunters in those counties test what they hunt and properly dispose of carcasses to prevent spread." [08:37]
• Regulatory Measures: Despite the detection, the DNR does not plan to alter current hunting regulations but stresses the importance of cooperation to maintain deer populations and support hunters.
  • "That's our concern, is making sure that we maintain the support and the cooperation of our hunters and our landowners so that it doesn't have a big negative impact on our deer herd, on our deer hunters." [05:07]

5. New Book Spotlight: "The Art of Her Life" by Cynthia Newberry Martin

Cynthia Newberry Martin introduces her latest work, "The Art of Her Life," a novel that intertwines personal struggles with the evocative paintings of Henri Matisse. Through the protagonist Emily's journey, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the healing power of art.

Interview Insights:

• Inspiration Behind the Book: Martin chose Matisse not out of personal fandom but due to the dual interpretative potential of his paintings, allowing her to delve into intricate emotional landscapes.
  • "It was more about choosing a painting that I could interpret in two ways." [06:19]
• Narrative Techniques: The novel employs a poetic and dreamlike narration during Emily's battle with ovarian cancer, mirroring her blurred perception between reality and dreams caused by anesthesia.
  • "It was a novel written in the first person. So she is under anesthesia. She's in the hospital. She's confusing reality with dream. And I wanted the narration to reflect that." [09:17]
• Thematic Depth: Martin sought to portray the profound moments leading up to Emily's death, emphasizing the importance of being surrounded by loved ones during life's final chapters.
  • "I wanted to kind of live through this moment and this time period with Emily to see how it would play out." [09:48]
• Artistic Influence: The book frequently references "Matisse on Art," a compilation of Matisse's writings, which Martin credits for deepening her understanding of the artist and enriching the novel's narrative.
  • "He was striving in his art to show that it was all one plane. Just so much I learned from reading that book." [13:07]

6. Atlanta Braves Sign Outfielder Jurkson Profar

The Atlanta Braves have strengthened their roster by signing outfielder Jurkson Profar to a $42 million, three-year contract. This strategic acquisition aims to bolster the team's offensive capabilities as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Contract Details:

• Profar’s Performance: Last season with the San Diego Padres, Profar showcased his potential by hitting .280 with 24 home runs, making him the second most sought-after hitter behind Juan Soto.
  • "We believe that what he did last year is who he is going forward." [14:15] – Alex Anthopoulos, Braves General Manager
• Team Composition: Profar, a versatile switch-hitter, will complement existing outfielders Michael Harris II, Jared Kelnick, Brian De La Cruz, and Eli White.
  • "Profar will play left field with Harris in center. Kelnick and De La Cruz could share time in the right field platoon while Atlanta awaits Ronald Acuna Jr's return." [14:26]
• Future Moves: With Ronald Acuna Jr. expected to rejoin the team in May or June post-injury, the Braves’ outfield depth appears robust. Regarding pitching, GM Anthopoulos indicated flexibility in adding starters or bullpen arms as needed, keeping options open for potential deals.
  • "We're not locked into one area. If there's a good starter deal, we'll do it." [14:56]

7. Post-Winter Storm Car Care Tips

Following a recent winter storm, road treatments have left vehicles heavily salted to mitigate icy conditions. Ron C., a car care expert from Auto Club AAA in Cumming, advises motorists on preventing long-term damage caused by excessive road salt.

Expert Advice:

• Undercarriage Cleaning: Ron C. recommends investing in an undercarriage wash to remove salt buildup, which can rust metal parts over time.
  • "I think most of them offer like an undercarriage wash, and I would spend the extra few bucks for that. Better to be on the safe side..." [15:15]
• Additional Precautions: Motorists should also be wary of potential vehicle misalignments caused by ice-related impacts with road curbs and other hazards.
  • "In addition to the salt, he's seen cars needing alignment after sliding into curbs." [15:49]

---

Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today delivered a comprehensive overview of pressing local and national issues, ranging from political maneuvers and animal welfare to public health concerns and community resilience. Host Peter Biello effectively navigated diverse topics, providing listeners with insightful reports and expert opinions to stay informed on matters that impact Georgia and beyond.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast from GPB News. Today is Friday, January 24th. I'm Peter Biello. On this podcast, you'll hear the Latest reports from GPB's newsroom. Your feedback and news tips are welcome. Email Georgia todaypb.org on today's episode, President Trump orders the release of classified documents related to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Also, more than 100 dogs are on the road to recovery after being seized from a South Georgia puppy mill.

[Patricia Durham]

It's really cold hearted people to be able to watch them just sit there and freeze and think about the weather.

[Peter Biello]

That we have had and governor Brian Kemp asks state lawmakers to approve millions of dollars in Hurricane Helene relief aid. These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. President Trump has ordered the release of thousands of classified documents about the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Through the Atlanta based King Center. King's daughter, Bernice King, responded late yesterday, saying her family's loss remains deeply personal and she hopes the family will be allowed to review the files before they're released. The order asks the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to develop a plan within 15 days to declassify the remaining JFK records and within 45 days for the other two cases. It was not clear when the records would actually see the light of day. Trump had ordered the substantial release of the John F. Kennedy assassination records in his first term, but some were redacted or withheld due to concerns raised by the intelligence community. Trump handed the pen used to sign the order to an aide and directed it be given to RFK's son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His nominee to be Health and Human Services secretary, who has long called for their release. In other news from the new administration, President Trump has tapped Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Stallings as the assistant administrator of the U.S. small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. Trump says in the position, Stallings would work closely with former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler, Trump's pick to lead the Small Business Administration. Gov. Brian Kemp is asking state lawmakers to approve $614 million in spending to account for losses from Hurricane Helene. Kemp outlined his budget request yesterday. The same day Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Rebecca Sullivan told lawmakers how much the storm damaged state properties.

[Sarah Kallas]

A total of 282 buildings owned by 33 different colleges, universities and agencies were damaged. This total state property damage claim from the storm is estimated to exceed $50.

[Peter Biello]

Million GPB's Sarah Kalis has more on the budget.

[Sarah Kallas]

State agencies will present their budget requests to lawmakers and appropriations subcommittees. Budget hearings were canceled after a storm left some roads across the state impassable and covered with snow and ice. Lawmakers will pass two budget bills this session, one that amends the current year's budget and a new budget for the next fiscal year. Both bills will start in the House of Representatives and move to the Senate. Once approved. The Legislature has already seen Governor Kemp's budget recommendations. They include money for hurricane relief, improvements to the state's prisons and $1 billion in infrastructure spending. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallas.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia animal groups are rallying to help 136 dogs seized from a South Georgia puppy mill. The state Department of Agriculture shut down the facility in Pierce county on Sunday. The dogs have been dispersed to a half dozen rescue groups across the state, including K9 battle buddies in Southeast Georgia's Liberty County. The group's Patricia Durham says she received 16 dogs in bad shape, cold, matted, scared and covered in their own waste.

[Patricia Durham]

It's really cold hearted people to be able to watch them just sit there and breathe and think about the weather that we have had. If we wouldn't have gotten them out when we did, they probably wouldn't be alive today.

[Peter Biello]

Agency officials did not release the name of the kennel that was shut down, citing an ongoing investigation and possible charges. A deer harvested in November in Lanier county near the Florida border has tested positive for chronic wasting disease, which is fatal and causes gradual brain damage in deer species. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is relying on hunters and processors in the state to stay engaged even with the end of deer hunting season coming up. GPB's Sophie Gradus reports.

[Tina Johansen]

This is the first detection of CWD in Georgia over a decades long spread in other states. But wildlife biology Tina Johansen with the DNR says at this point the agency is not worried about spread. Outside Berrien and Lanier counties in South Georgia, deer can take a while to show symptoms of cwd. So Johansen says it's vital that hunters in those counties test what they hunt and properly dispose of carcasses to prevent spread.

[Unnamed DNR Official]

That's our concern, is making sure that we maintain the support and the cooperation of our hunters and our landowners so that it doesn't have a big negative impact on our deer herd, on our deer hunters. Moving forward.

[Tina Johansen]

Johansen says DNR will not be changing any state hunting regulations. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradas.

[Peter Biello]

Do you think you could sum up entire chapters of your life in a series of paintings? That's the premise of a new book by Columbus writer Cynthia Newberry Martin. In the Art of Her Life, a fictional worker at an art museum unravels her personal, professional, and health challenges through the paintings and words of Henri Matisse. GPB's Orlando Montoya spoke with Martin about the book. And before we begin, this interview does contain spoilers. So if you would rather know why Orlando recommends it without as much of the story revealed, check out GPB's podcast about books that he and I co host called Narrative Edge. But right now, here's Orlando Montoya and Cynthia Newbery Martin.

[Orlando Montoya]

Let's hear from Cynthia Newberry. Martin. I asked her if she was a fan of Henri Matisse before she wrote the book.

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

I was not. I was a fan of all things French. But I don't think that that had anything to do with my choice of Matisse as the painter I was going to write about. It was more about choosing a painting that I could interpret in two ways.

[Orlando Montoya]

And you chose Breakfast by Henri Matisse. How can you interpret that painting two ways?

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

Well, that kind of gives the story away if I do that, if I tell you that. But I can tell you that it creates a sense of intimacy and it focuses on the psychological feeling of the model.

[Orlando Montoya]

Yeah. The painting features a woman who is near a table, but she looks kind of bored, doesn't she?

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

Well, that's one interpretation.

[Orlando Montoya]

Well, what is the other interpretation? I guess that she is expectant.

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

Well, when I first saw it, I thought, what is she thinking about? She was sitting there in this richly decorated hotel room and she had a book in her lap. And I wondered, you know, is she thinking about the book? Is she looking up at someone? Is she looking up out the window? And what is she thinking about?

[Orlando Montoya]

The story follows Emily's professional domestic and health challenges with various chapters of her life named after specific Matisse paintings. How did you pair the paintings with the chapters?

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

I had paintings that I loved, and I had paintings that I thought went very well with the story. And Breakfast is the title of the first part, and then the second part is called the Yellow Window, the Yellow Curtain. Excuse me. And I chose that for part two because it is one of Matisse's paintings that he has described or someone has described as one of the fullest and emptiest paintings. So fullest and emptiest at the same time.

[Orlando Montoya]

It's an abstract painting.

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

Yes. Yes. Painted like, I think in maybe around 1914. It's like these blocks of color. And then the third part is called Invalid. And this was the most perfect match of all the paintings to the parts.

[Orlando Montoya]

Emily is sick. In the story, she battles ovarian cancer through a few rough stages. And in those stages, your narration becomes poetic, abstract, dreamlike, slightly disconnected, with reality around the rest of the pages. Was that intentional?

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

It was. It's a novel written in the first person. So she is under anesthesia. She's in the hospital. She's confusing reality with dream. And I wanted the narration to reflect that.

[Orlando Montoya]

In the later chapters, you bring in the details of Emily's last days, who will take care of the children, the position of the hospital bed and the home, her decline. Why was it important to follow her journey up to the very moment of.

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

That was a part of this story that I was very interested in. And a long, long time ago, long before I thought about being a writer, I was picking up a kid from an overnight trip, and I saw a woman sitting on the bench also waiting to pick up her child. And I knew that she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. And at the time, I was so young. And I thought, why is she here waiting for her child and not in Paris or Rome or out doing something? And so I wanted to kind of live through this moment and this time period with Emily to see how it would play out. And when I did, I understood that where you want to be is with the people you love. And the hospice nurse suggests that they move the bed into the den so that death can be a part of life as it is. And it was coexistent with Matisse's feelings that it's all one thing, the interior and the exterior. He didn't see the window as changing anything or dividing the space. It was all one space from here to the outside. And I was trying to show that as well.

[Orlando Montoya]

In your book, the Art of Her Life, you frequently quote from a compilation of Matisse texts called Matisse on Art. What's so special about that book for you?

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

I fell in love with the book, and so I kind of gave that to. To Emily. She is the one who taught me to love art. I did not have an art background. I loved going to museums. I loved looking at paintings. But Emily is the one who worked at a museum, and Emily is the one who fell in love with a painting when she was nine years old. And so as I started learning about Matisse, I discovered this book, Matisse on Art, by art historian Jack Flam. Jack Flam collected all of Matisse's writings, his essays, his statements, his interviews, anything he could get his hands on. There are about 50 some odd texts in this book and he translated them from the French into English. And it's wide open. It's not just about painting, it's about everything that made Matisse Matisse. And so if I was falling in love with it without an art background, Emily was sure to fall in love with it.

[Orlando Montoya]

It contains so many gems about life. Yes, and how art resembles life and the colors in our life and the brushstrokes in our life. I just love the metaphors in it.

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

Yes, that's where I learned so much about Matisse, about what he thought about windows, about how they created, how he he was striving in his art to show that it was all one plane. Just so much I learned from reading that book.

[Orlando Montoya]

I thank you so very much. The book is wonderful. It's called the Art of Her Life by Cynthia Newberry. Martin, I appreciate you coming here and talking with me today.

[Cynthia Newberry Martin]

Thank you for having me.

[Peter Biello]

Braves fans have been waiting all offseason for the team to give a boost to their opening day lineup. So far, the Braves have made relatively inexpensive additions, and that is despite losing ace Max Freed to the Yankees. But the moment for a big move has come. The Braves yesterday announced they've given outfielder JURKSON Profar A $42 million, three year contract. Profar revived his career with the San Diego Padres last year when he hit.280 with 24 home runs. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos says Profar was the number two hitter on the market this year behind Juan Soto, who wins the Mets.

[Alex Anthopoulos]

We made a, you know what we feel is a very strong commitment to him and you know, we, we believe that what he did last year is who he is going forward.

[Peter Biello]

Profar, a switch hitter, will join Michael Harris ii, Jared Kelnick, Brian De La Cruz and Eli White as Atlanta's top outfielders. Anthopoulos said Profar will play left field with Harris in center. Kelnick and De La Cruz could share time in the right field platoon while Atlanta awaits Ronald Acuna Jr's return. Acuna missed most of last season with a leg injury, and he could be ready to join the team in May or June. With the outfield pretty much covered. What then will the Braves do about their pitching staff? Anthopoulos says the team has room to add both starters and release levers.

[Alex Anthopoulos]

We're not locked into one area. If there's a good starter deal, we'll do it. Trade free agent signing or a bullpen deal the same way. But we're not close to anything. But we're still having conversations about both.

[Peter Biello]

And there is still time to make a deal. The first spring training game for the Braves is scheduled for February 22nd. Snow and ice from this week's winter storm is melting, but the road treatments for it have left many vehicles slathered in salt. While the Saleen brine helped make the roads less dangerous, too much of it on your car for too long is likely to rust metal parts, even ones you don't normally see. Based in Cumming, north of Atlanta, Ron C. Is a car care expert with Auto Club aaa. He expects car washes to be busy this weekend.

[Ron C.]

I think most of them offer like an undercarriage wash, and I would spring the extra few bucks for that. Better to be on the safe side, especially if you plan on keeping your car for a long time, he says.

[Peter Biello]

In addition to the salt, he's seen cars needing alignment after sliding into curbs. And that's a wrap on this Friday edition of Georgia Today. We hope you have a great weekend planned. If you've got maybe things to do around the house because you're avoiding going outside because it is still far too cold, perhaps you'd like to check out a podcast from GPB's library of podcasts. We've got podcasts about music, about food, about books. You can find them [e-mail] podcasts and of course, if you want to stay on top of the news all weekend, you can check gpb.org news and we'll be back on Monday. I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening.

[Unnamed NPR Host]

We could all use a little help navigating the news these days. The Consider this podcast wants to give you a hand. Six days a week will help you make sense of the day's biggest news story and what it means for you in less than 15 minutes. Listen now to the Consider this podcast from NPR.