Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Weather Forecasters Could Lose Critical Data; DeKalb County 'Peaceful Protests' Guide
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Peter Biello

1. Impending Loss of Critical Meteorological Data

As hurricane season intensifies, weather forecasters in Georgia face a significant challenge. Ellen Eldredge of GPB News reports that the Department of Defense (DoD) will cease sharing data from its meteorological satellite program with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at the end of the month. This data is crucial for tracking and predicting storm behaviors, including rainfall rates and structural changes.

Thomas Mote, a researcher and geography professor at the University of Georgia, highlights the potential impact:

“It might be more likely that we would have what's called the sunrise surprise or a storm that has moved or rapidly increased in intensity overnight when we don't have other kinds of observations available.”
[01:19]

Mote explains that without the DoD’s data, meteorologists will primarily rely on satellite images that are only usable during daylight hours, potentially hindering the accuracy of storm predictions.

Eldredge adds:

“Mote says the Defense Department's rationale for cutting off this data has to do with cybersecurity.”
[01:33]

The cessation of data sharing is expected to hamper the ability of forecasters to provide timely and accurate storm warnings, thereby increasing risks during severe weather events.

2. Concerns Over Federal Budget Cuts to Public Health

The episode delves into the ramifications of President Trump's proposed budget, which is making its way through Congress amidst ongoing negotiations for next year's federal budget. This budget could have profound implications for public health services.

Sophie Gradas from GPB News reports that the reconciliation package and Trump's budget proposal aim to replace the Department of Health and Human Services with the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). This restructuring includes eliminating several departments and slashing budgets, potentially resulting in Georgia losing $382 million in grants. These funds are vital for combating HIV, addressing drug use, and funding disease research.

Despite federal judges reversing layoffs at health agencies, uncertainty persists regarding the continuity of essential public health work. John Brooks, an epidemiologist and retired medical officer at the CDC in Atlanta, raises concerns:

“What's not clear is it until...”
[02:31]

Gradas continues:

“Are they going to somehow be moved into AHA and will their work continue if money for it is lost?”
[02:37]

The future of these critical health programs remains uncertain as U.S. House Committee members are scheduled to review the budget in several meetings this month, leaving stakeholders anxious about the potential loss of vital public health services.

3. DeKalb County's Toolkit for Peaceful Protests and Columbia County's Library System Split

In response to recent unrest, Metro Atlanta's DeKalb County has introduced a comprehensive toolkit for peaceful protests. This initiative follows incidents where authorities arrested dozens during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which escalated to the use of tear gas after demonstrators blocked a busy road and threw objects at officers.

The toolkit provides guidelines for protesters, including:

• Seeking approval for the use of public spaces.
• Obtaining permits for street marches.
• Establishing a point of contact with law enforcement.
• Advising against blocking roads or entrances without a permit, bringing weapons, wearing face covers, or engaging with agitators.

County officials emphasize that the protocol aims to foster “civic engagement with clarity, confidence, and respect.”

Meanwhile, Columbia County has decided to establish its own library system, departing from the previously shared four-county regional library system following disputes over book challenges. Although Columbia’s three libraries will remain part of the state's Pines system, this move has sparked controversy. Karen Parham of the Freedom to Read Coalition criticizes the decision:

“I'd say about 60% of the books challenged have been challenged by just one person and she goes into the library and searches out LGBTQ books and then she checks them out and she challenges them.”
[03:55]

Priscilla Benz, the individual challenging the books, elaborates:

“Like I've only reviewed about 30, but about 80% of the books that I've read are really pushing indoctrination of the trans or gay.”
[04:13]

Benz argues that these books do not belong in the children's or young adult sections, highlighting ongoing debates about library content and censorship.

Columbia County officials defend their decision as a step to “streamline government,” with the changes set to take effect next year.

4. Shriners Children's to Open Major Medical Research Facility in Atlanta

In an encouraging development for Georgia's healthcare sector, Shriners Children’s is set to open a new medical research facility in Atlanta. The Florida-based nonprofit organization plans to establish this multidisciplinary innovation hub near Georgia Tech, aiming to advance pediatric healthcare research.

Leslie Stewart, President and CEO of Shriners Children’s, states:

“Having a research facility will help the organization recruit talent.”
[04:54]

Thomas Mote adds:

“We want to reestablish our prominence in pediatric healthcare research. We want the community to know that we're bringing our reputation Shriners Children’s to Atlanta. We want you to know that there will be a substantial financial impact.”
[04:54]

The $153 million investment is projected to create over 400 new jobs and will become part of the Science Square development—an 18-acre, multi-use project on the west end of Georgia Tech’s campus in Midtown Atlanta. This facility is poised to join several other life science ventures, bolstering the region's reputation as a hub for innovation and medical research.

5. Additional Business and Political Updates

• Waffle House has eliminated its 50-cent surcharge on eggs as supply chains stabilize following the avian flu outbreak. The surcharge was initially introduced in February to offset soaring egg prices.

• An Atlanta-based industrial real estate developer announced plans to construct an Amazon facility in Troup County, West Georgia. Seyfried Industrial Properties revealed that the 1.6 million square foot facility is expected to open in 2027, marking Amazon's third sortation center in the state.

• Governor Brian Kemp has nominated the state's Commissioner of Revenue, Frank O'Connell, to serve as the chief judge of the newly created Georgia Tax Court. This court was established following a constitutional amendment approved by voters last November aimed at enhancing the efficiency of tax case handling at the state level. O'Connell has led the Revenue Department for over two years and previously served as the agency's deputy commissioner and general counsel.

This episode of Georgia Today provides a comprehensive overview of critical issues affecting Georgia, from environmental data challenges and public health funding threats to civic engagement strategies and significant developments in healthcare and business sectors. For more detailed reports and updates, listeners are encouraged to visit gpb.org/news.