Voter registrations could be cancelled; ADA law anniversary; SNAP eligibility changes

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: July 10, 2025

Host: Orlando Montoya
Produced by: Georgia Public Broadcasting

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1. Voter Registration Notifications

Overview: In a significant move, the Georgia Secretary of State's office is sending out notices to approximately 478,000 registered voters, advising them to verify their voter registrations. This marks the largest mailing of its kind in eight years and is part of the state's routine voter roll maintenance.

Key Points:

• Reasons for Notifications: Most recipients have either moved out of state or have been inactive in their voter participation.
• Action Required: Voters are encouraged to check their registration status via the Secretary of State's My Voter Page.

Notable Quote:

"It's the largest such mailing in eight years and part of the state's regular maintenance of voter rolls."
— Orlando Montoya [01:06]

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2. SNAP Eligibility Changes Under Federal Budget Bill

Overview: The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Georgia is undergoing significant modifications due to President Trump's recent budget legislation. While some changes are immediate, the majority will take effect in the coming years.

Key Points:

• Immediate Changes: Adjustments to eligibility criteria have already been implemented.
• Expanded Eligibility: Beyond the current 1.5 million beneficiaries who must work 80 hours a month, additional groups such as parents with older children, individuals up to age 64, and veterans are now required to provide proof of employment.
• State Response: Deputy Commissioner John Hallman emphasized that Georgia's Department of Human Services is developing a plan to manage the increased paperwork and administrative load.

Notable Quotes:

"It's up to the states to determine how they'll manage that extra paperwork."
— John Hallman [02:14]

"Most of the things don't go into effect for a few years, so we have some time. We're trying to figure out which one of those changes will... what the impact will be."
— Sophie Gradis [02:41]

Challenges Highlighted: Local health policy analysts have raised concerns about the sparse federal guidance and the potential strain on state agencies, which may struggle without additional staffing and investments.

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3. 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Overview: This month marks the 35th anniversary of the ADA, a pivotal civil rights law that ensures equal access to resources for individuals with disabilities, including jobs, education, housing, and transportation.

Key Points:

• Historical Context: Prior to the ADA's enactment in 1990, individuals with disabilities were often excluded from mainstream society and subjected to institutionalization.
• Community Impact: In Roswell, residents formed the nonprofit In Community to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization now operates 45 residences in metro Atlanta, serving approximately 2,500 individuals.

Notable Quotes:

"Before that, people with disabilities were largely excluded and often institutionalized."
— Meg Blackwood, CEO of In Community [04:40]

"We staff them with direct support professionals who are caregivers for them... we also have employability, which is supported employment."
— Trinise Lyons [05:02]

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4. Beyoncé's Return to Atlanta and Community Engagement

Overview: Atlanta is abuzz with excitement as Beyoncé returns for four sold-out shows at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The event has spurred various community-driven promotions, particularly in collaboration with Goodwill.

Key Points:

• Goodwill's Involvement: Eight metro Atlanta Goodwill locations have curated special sections featuring hats, boots, and accessories tailored for Beyoncé’s "Cowboy Carter" tour attendees.
• Community Feedback: Fans like Taylor Iyogo are actively participating, showcasing their unique concert outfits sourced from Goodwill.

Notable Quotes:

"We figured... the unique costumes that we'd seen for people going to the previous Beyoncé concert. We knew that we could kind of fill in a gap for people."
— Trinise Lyons, Goodwill [05:54]

"I'm gonna do jeans and probably like a chambray top or something, so keeping it cute... this little tinsel jacket."
— Taylor Iyogo, Beyoncé Fan [06:14]

Logistics: The influx of concert-goers is expected to impact downtown Atlanta’s traffic. In response, MARTA will operate additional trains to accommodate the increased public transit demand.

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5. Downtown Macon's Fourth Annual Fry Night

Overview: Macon celebrates its culinary scene with the fourth iteration of Fry Night, a three-day competition where 23 local restaurants vie for the title of Fry Fight Champion and the prestigious Super Spud Trophy.

Key Points:

• Competition Details: Restaurants present creative, entree-sized fry dishes, allowing diners to sample and vote for their favorites.
• Voting Period: Runs through Friday, with winners announced on Monday.

Closing Remark:

"May the best Spud win!"
— Orlando Montoya [08:30]

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6. Her Majesty Kitchen's Victory on "Chopped"

Overview: Chelsea Ogletree, owner of Her Majesty Kitchen in downtown Forsyth, triumphed on the Food Network's "Chopped," securing a $10,000 prize. The community rallied to support her victory, showcasing her innovative culinary skills.

Key Points:

• Winning Dishes: Featured New Orleans-inspired flavors like steamed mussels with corn ribs and a skirt steak noodle soup.
• Personal Tribute: Ogletree credits her success to her roots and the invaluable lessons learned in her grandmother's kitchen.

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7. Atlanta Braves Celebrate MLB All-Star Game with Classic Films and All-Star Village

Overview: In anticipation of the MLB All-Star Game hosted in Atlanta next week, the Atlanta Braves are organizing a series of classic baseball film screenings and unveiling the All-Star Village at the Cobb Center Galleria.

Key Points:

• Film Screenings: Including classics like "42", "A League of Their Own", and "The Sandlot."
• All-Star Village Features: Pop-up shows, meet-and-greets with former players such as Fred McGriff and Greg Maddox, batting and pitching cages, and interactive exhibits like the world's largest baseball.
• Attendance Expectations: Over 100,000 visitors are anticipated to attend between Saturday and the All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Notable Quotes:

"There's so much to do... you want to make sure that you enjoy all the festivities taking place here at All Star Village."
— Robert Field, MLB Senior Manager of Global Events [09:13]

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Conclusion: The July 10th episode of Georgia Today delivered a comprehensive look into pressing issues and vibrant community events shaping Georgia. From pivotal changes in voter registration and SNAP eligibility to the celebration of civil rights and major cultural happenings, the podcast provided listeners with valuable insights and updates pertinent to their daily lives.

Stay Informed: For more detailed coverage on these stories and other topics, visit GPB News. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast to receive updates directly to your device every weekday afternoon.

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This summary captures key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the July 10, 2025 episode of Georgia Today. For the full experience, listening to the original podcast is recommended.

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. Welcome to the podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom on today's episode. The Georgia Secretary of State's office is advising hundreds of thousands of voters to check their registrations. Today marks the anniversary of a landmark civil rights law protecting people with disabilities, and some changes to SNAP eligibility are already in effect as a result of President Trump's big budget bill.

[Sophie Gradis]

Most of the things don't go into effect for a few years, so we have some time. We're trying to figure out which one of those changes will, you know, what the impact will be. We're looking at it though.

[Orlando Montoya]

Today is Thursday, July 10th. I'm Orlando Montoya and this is Georgia Today. Georgia's secretary of State's office is sending notices to nearly 478,000 registered voters that the registrations could be canceled. It's the largest such mailing in eight years and part of the state's regular maintenance of voter rolls. The office says the bulk of the notifications are because voters have moved out of state or are otherwise inactive. Voters can check their status by using the Secretary of State's My voter [e-mail] the state agency that manages the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or snap, in Georgia is preparing for big changes stemming from President Trump's big budget bill. Some of those changes were immediate, including changes to eligibility. GPB's Sophie Gratis has more on the state's response.

[John Hallman]

So far, Most of the 1.5 million Georgians who receive SNAP already have to prove they're working 80 hours a month. But now federal law expands, who else will? That includes parent with older children, people up to age 64 and veterans. It's up to the states to determine how they'll manage that extra paperwork. At a recent board meeting of Georgia's Department of Human Services, Deputy Commissioner John Hallman told board members they'll have a plan soon.

[Sophie Gradis]

Most of the things don't go into effect for a few years, so we have some time. We're trying to figure out which one of those changes will, you know what the impact will be. Yeah, we're looking at it, though.

[John Hallman]

Local health policy analysts say federal guidance has been slim and already stretched, Agencies could fall behind without more staff for investments. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradis.

[Orlando Montoya]

The president of Lithuania has awarded that country's highest honor to four Georgia based soldiers who died during a training mission in the Baltic Nation. The Army's Fort Stewart based 3rd Infantry Division shared news of the posthumous award yesterday. The soldiers went missing in March and their armored vehicle later was pulled out of a swampy training area. The president and CEO of Atlanta United is taking an indefinite leave of absence after being diagnosed with cancer. The team today said Garth Lagerway has begun treatment and his prognosis is encouraging, but there's no timetable for his return to office. Several executives will continue to lead day to day operations. Lagerway came to Atlanta United in November 2022 after spending eight years in Seattle, where he worked as general manager for the Seattle Sounders. The U.S. department of Agriculture has opened applications for farmers to seek relief through a $16 billion program aimed at recovery from 2023 and 2024 natural disasters. State agriculture officials today urged eligible Georgia farmers, especially those impacted by Hurricane Helene, to apply for aid through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. A landmark civil rights law protecting people with disabilities is turning 35 this month. GPB's Ellen Eldredge reports. It provides equal access to resources including jobs, schools, housing and transportation.

[Meg Blackwood]

The Americans with Disabilities act became law in 1990. Before that, people with disabilities were largely excluded and often institutionalized. This led parents in Roswell to form what is now the nonprofit in Community to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CEO Meg Blackwood says they now have 45 residences in metro Atlanta.

[Trinise Lyons]

Three to four disabled individuals live in those homes and we staff them with direct support professionals who are caregivers for them. And then we also have employability, which is supported employment.

[Meg Blackwood]

Blackwood says they serve about 2,500 individuals with a broad range of resources. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Orlando Montoya]

One of Georgia's biggest music events of this year kicks off tonight. Beyonce is back in Atlanta with four shows at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Among the many businesses tying in promotions with their concerts, eight metro Atlanta Goodwill locations have been offering special sections aimed at Beyonce fans, the organization's Trinise Lyons says. They include the hats, boots and accessories expected for her Cowboy Carter tour.

[Trinise Lyons]

We know people use Goodwill when they're looking to build unique Halloween costumes and to do other events. So we figured, you know, the unique costumes that we'd seen for people going to the previous Beyonce concert. We knew that we could kind of fill in a gap for people.

[Orlando Montoya]

Taylor Iyogo was shopping at Goodwill for her fourth Beyonce concert.

[Taylor Iyogo]

I'm gonna do jeans and probably like a chambray top or something, so keeping it cute. My head is too big for the hats, but it's got cool stuff like a little vest, like this little tinsel jacket.

[Orlando Montoya]

Like any large event in downtown Atlanta, the concerts Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday are expected to impact traffic. The region's public transit agency, marta, says they'll be running extra trains to serve people using public transit. Downtown Macon is in the middle of its fourth annual Fry Night. What's that you say? Well, it's a three day competition where 23 local restaurants battle it out for the title of Fry Fight Champion and its coveted award, the Super Spud Trophy. Through Friday, diners can try creative, entree sized fry dishes and vote for their favorites. Voting closes at midnight on Friday. The winner will be announced on Monday. May the best Spud win A Georgia chef is celebrating a big win on national tv. Chelsea Ogletree, owner of Her Majesty Kitchen in downtown Forsyth, won the latest episode of the Food Network's Chopped, taking home the $10,000 prize. Friends, family and community members gathered at her restaurant on Tuesday night to cheer her on and sample her signature dishes. Ogletree wowed judges with New Orleans inspired flavors, including steamed mussels with corn ribs and a noodle soup made from skirt steak, cake pops and whipped coffee. She says her win is a tribute to her roots and the lessons she learned in her grandmother's kitchen. The Atlanta Braves are sponsoring a series of classic baseball films this weekend to celebrate the MLB All Star Game. Next week, Atlanta's Plaza Theater is showing the Jackie Robinson biopic 42 A League of Their Own and the Sandlot showings are part of a number of events happening this weekend as the city prepares to host the All Star Game next week. Construction of the Major League Baseball All Star Village is underway at the Cobb Center Galleria ahead of its opening on Saturday. The All Star Village is a perennial companion to the All Star Game, which is scheduled to take place in Atlanta next week. For the 25 years, fans can visit All Star Village for pop up shows, meet and greet opportunities with former pros and batting in pitching cages. Robert Field is Major League Baseball's senior manager of global events.

[Robert Field]

Test out the pitching and batting cages, check out the World Series trophies down in the mall area and then enjoy the entire show floor. There's so much to do. The world's largest baseball is a good photo op for your clothes, Christmas card, your holiday cards, but certainly you want to make sure that you enjoy all the festivities taking place here at All Star Village.

[Orlando Montoya]

Among the former pros scheduled to meet fans are braves legends Fred McGriff and Greg Maddox. Officials expect more than 100,000 people to pass through between Saturday and the All Star Game on Tuesday. That's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news if you haven't yet, hit subscribe on this podcast. Take a moment right now and keep us current in your podcast feed. Hit subscribe Please do it. If you have feedback, we'd love to hear that. Our email address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. We'll be back with you again tomorrow.

[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.