Tifton Talks

In this episode of Tifton Talks, we sit down with Deannia Clements, President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, to explore how one of South Georgia’s premier educational institutions is embracing the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence and automation. President Clements shares fascinating insights into how Wiregrass is moving beyond traditional teaching methods to ensure their graduates aren't just workers, but "skilled" professionals ready for a modern economy.

The conversation highlights several ground-breaking initiatives, such as the Georgia AIM advanced manufacturing lab which introduces local K-12 students to robotics and high-tech tools. We also dive into the creative ways the college is saving students money through technology, including a collaboration between the machine tool and dental programs to 3D-print specialized equipment for just three dollars. Beyond the classroom, President Clements explains how AI is being leveraged to support students 24/7 and how the college is bridging the digital divide by providing essential hardware to those in need.

We also discuss the critical role of dual enrollment and the "Amped" apprenticeship program, which allow high school students to jumpstart their careers in high-demand fields like welding and electrical work at no cost. Whether you are a student, a parent, or a local business owner, this episode provides a compelling look at how Wiregrass is staying ahead of the curve to keep South Georgia competitive and vibrant. For more information on the programs discussed today, visit https://wiregrass.edu or stay tuned for the college's own podcast launching this February.  Also don't forget to check out what Southern Regional Technical College has to offer at https://southernregional.edu


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Housing shortages are hitting Tift, Cook, and Berrien counties hard, part of a massive statewide gap of 365,000 homes. Worth County’s downtown revival in Sylvester is gaining steam, but worker shortages and empty storefronts linger. The Georgia Board of Education has unfrozen $48 million for after-school programs just in time for the new school year. Governor Kemp declared August “Shooting Sports Month,” while Georgia Tech helped confirm a record 515-mile lightning strike. New school safety laws are rolling out statewide in response to last year’s tragic shooting in Barrow County. Paula Deen shuttered her iconic Savannah restaurant, surprising fans. Valdosta kicked off school with a huge backpack giveaway, while Gulf Coast health officials warn of a deadly rise in flesh-eating bacteria. Georgia’s tax-free school shopping holiday isn’t coming back this year, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is shutting down after Congress pulled funding. Finally, Ford is recalling over 300,000 vehicles due to a brake assist glitch.

That’s the news from Tifton to D.C.—one eyebrow raise at a time.

Sources:

• Short Supply: How Many More Homes Does Georgia Need? - Georgia Public Policy Foundation
• ‘We have a lot of new businesses and no one to work’: Sylvester sees increase in businesses to county
• Federal funds for after-school programs are flowing again in Georgia  • Georgia Recorder
• Governor Kemp Proclaims August as Shooting Sports Month | Department Of Natural Resources Division
• Georgia Tech scientist helps discover longest-ever lightning strike
• Georgia students will return to the classroom with a heap of new safety measures
• Paula Deen closes flagship Savannah restaurant that helped launch her to fame | LiveNOW from FOX
• Something Good: City of Valdosta gives more than 1,400 backpacks to local students at back to school event
• Deadly 'flesh-eating' bacteria cases rise along Gulf Coast, doctors warn - ABC News
• VERIFY: Georgia does not offer a sales tax holiday for back-to-school | 11alive.com
• Corporation for Public Broadcasting, funder of NPR and PBS, says it will end operations within months after federal budget cuts - CBS News
• Over 312,000 Ford vehicles recalled for potential brake safety problem | Fox Business

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A Georgia Public Policy Foundation report finds Tift, Cook, and Berrien counties among 94 in the state facing housing shortages, part of a statewide deficit of more than 365,000 homes. Georgia has added over a million residents each decade since 1980, but housing construction never recovered after the Great Recession, with growth in the 2010s at just 7.9%. The largest shortages are in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Chatham. The study cites regulatory hurdles, post-recession banking and labor setbacks, rising costs, and strong in-migration, while noting voters often prefer subsidies over deregulation. It urges local policy reforms to diversify housing and boost production to meet demand.

Short Supply: How Many More Homes Does Georgia Need? - Georgia Public Policy Foundation

Sylvester is seeing a surge in new businesses as part of Worth County’s downtown revival, but leaders say community support and workforce shortages remain major challenges. While shops like Backwoods Trading report growth, empty storefronts persist, and many new businesses struggle to find employees. The county has added nearly 400 new chamber members, with openings ranging from salons to antique stores and a new gas station in Warwick. Residents welcome the convenience of more local options, but city officials stress the need for locals to shop and work downtown. Affordable housing projects, with rents from $900–$1,500, aim to boost foot traffic and local spending.

‘We have a lot of new businesses and no one to work’: Sylvester sees increase in businesses to county

The Georgia Board of Education has approved $48.2 million in newly unfrozen federal funds for summer and after-school programs through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, following a freeze by the Trump administration that delayed $6.8 billion nationwide. Advocates say the funding provides crucial stability for schools and community programs just as the school year begins. Additional funds for programs like English as a second language and migrant education are expected to be approved soon, once exact amounts are confirmed. The freeze had drawn bipartisan criticism before the administration began releasing the money in mid-July.

Federal funds for after-school programs are flowing again in Georgia • Georgia Recorder

Governor Brian Kemp has declared August as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia, highlighting the cultural, historical, and economic importance of hunting and shooting sports. The industry contributed $2.7 billion to Georgia’s economy in 2024, supporting nearly 11,000 jobs and generating over $19.2 million in conservation funding through the Pittman-Robertson Act. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to visit one of the state’s 45+ public shooting and archery ranges to learn new skills and safely enjoy the sport.

Governor Kemp Proclaims August as Shooting Sports Month | Department Of Natural Resources Division

A Georgia Tech researcher helped confirm a new world record for the longest lightning strike—a 515-mile “megaflash” from Dallas, Texas, to Kansas City, Missouri, in 2017. Scientist Michael Peterson and his team discovered it last year using new satellite technology and improved methods that could process such massive, complex lightning events, which had previously gone undetected.

Georgia Tech scientist helps discover longest-ever lightning strike

Georgia students will return to school this year under new safety laws passed after last year’s deadly Apalachee High School shooting. The centerpiece, House Bill 268, requires all schools to have mobile panic button systems for emergencies and allows districts to share incoming students’ disciplinary and criminal records, a move supporters say could have flagged the alleged shooter’s past FBI interview. Barrow County, where the shooting happened, has added weapons detection systems and more school resource officers.

Advocates like Change for Chee’s Layla Renee Contreras say the measures are a good start but more is needed, while some oppose a new bill banning student cell phone use, arguing it could hinder safety communication during crises. Democratic proposals for gun storage mandates and tax rebates for safes failed but will be reintroduced. Local officials say the focus now is on getting through key milestones in the school year while keeping campuses secure.

Georgia students will return to the classroom with a heap of new safety measures

Paula Deen has abruptly closed her iconic Savannah restaurant, The Lady & Sons, and its adjacent takeout spot, The Chicken Box, effective July 31. No reason was given for the closure, though Deen thanked customers for 36 years of support. The restaurant, opened in 1996, played a central role in launching her culinary fame, eventually leading to her long-running Food Network show Paula’s Home Cooking.

Locals and tourists were surprised by the sudden shutdown, as the eatery remained popular up to its final day. Deen’s other restaurants in Tennessee, Missouri, and South Carolina remain open, and she continues to maintain a strong media presence through appearances and her YouTube channel.

Paula Deen closes flagship Savannah restaurant that helped launch her to fame | LiveNOW from FOX

The City of Valdosta kicked off the school year with a community block party at Unity Park Amphitheater, where more than 1,400 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to local students. The event also featured free food, haircuts, and other services to help families start the year strong.

Something Good: City of Valdosta gives more than 1,400 backpacks to local students at back to school event

Health officials are warning of a rise in Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but deadly “flesh-eating” bacteria, along the Gulf Coast this summer. Louisiana has reported 17 cases and 4 deaths so far—more than double its typical yearly average—while Florida has seen 13 cases and 4 deaths. The bacteria thrive in warm, salty or brackish waters and can infect people through open wounds or by eating raw seafood, especially oysters. High-risk individuals include those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, or weakened immune systems. Doctors urge immediate treatment if symptoms appear and advise avoiding ocean water with open wounds and being cautious with raw seafood.

Deadly 'flesh-eating' bacteria cases rise along Gulf Coast, doctors warn - ABC News

Georgia will not have a back-to-school tax-free holiday in 2025. The state ended the annual sales tax break in 2017 after studies showed it didn’t significantly benefit consumers or the economy. Attempts to reinstate it, including a recent bill by Sen. Nabilah Islam, have failed to gain traction. Critics say the holiday led to lost state revenue—estimated at $36 to $50 million annually—and limited actual savings, as retailers often raised prices. While some lawmakers still support the idea, citing rising school supply costs, Georgia shoppers must continue to pay standard sales tax on back-to-school items.

VERIFY: Georgia does not offer a sales tax holiday for back-to-school | 11alive.com

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the main funding source for NPR and PBS, announced it will shut down operations following the elimination of its federal funding by the Trump administration and Congress. The private nonprofit, founded in 1967, supports over 1,500 local stations and employs around 100 people. Most staff positions will end by September 30, 2025, with a small team remaining through January 2026 to manage the closure.

The $1.1 billion cut was approved despite public opposition and comes after President Trump fired three CPB board members in April. The move threatens major cuts to public media, especially in rural areas where many stations rely heavily on federal funding. NPR CEO Katherine Maher warned that the cuts could lead to station closures, layoffs, and reduced emergency broadcasting capabilities during disasters.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting, funder of NPR and PBS, says it will end operations within months after federal budget cuts - CBS News

Ford is recalling over 312,000 vehicles—including 2025 models of the F-150, Bronco, Ranger, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator—due to a brake assist software issue that can increase the risk of crashes. The Electronic Brake Booster module may lose power while driving, which can extend stopping distances or cause brakes to fail when safety systems are active. A free software update is available either over-the-air or through dealerships. Notification letters will be mailed starting August 25, but owners can also contact Ford customer service to check if their vehicle is affected.

Over 312,000 Ford vehicles recalled for potential brake safety problem | Fox Business

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Donovan dives into everything from downtown ribbon cuttings to billion-dollar rail mergers. A new waxing salon has landed in Tifton, the state’s trying to fix its nursing shortage with a new college agreement, and 8,600 Georgia students are getting Promise Scholarships for alternative education. Lawmakers are back at it with gambling proposals, and the Port of Savannah just had a monster year—thanks, tariffs. Meanwhile, Valdosta launched a girls-only firefighter camp, and Union Pacific is trying to buy its way across the country with an $85B rail deal. The EPA might roll back climate rules, Georgia cities are killing it in food manufacturing, and a new national health data system is raising privacy flags. Kamala Harris isn’t running for governor, Texas is playing redistricting hardball, and oh—someone found a radioactive wasp nest. The economy? Surprisingly perky with 3% GDP growth. Not bad, considering everything.

Catch it all with a wink and a side of sass—only on Tifton Talks.

Show Sources: 

• Valdosta-based salon opens new location in Tifton | Tifton Gazette
• Kemp announces agreement to streamline nursing education in Georgia - Grice Connect
• Georgia Promise Scholarship applications number more than 8,000 | 11alive.com
• Georgia lawmakers reignite debate over legalizing sports betting, casinos, horse racing
• Retailers stock up ahead of tariffs, driving Port of Savannah's growth | AP News
• Sparking change: Georgia firefighters launch Camp Blaze to inspire young women
• Union Pacific strikes deal to buy rival Norfolk in $85B mega railroad deal
• Trump rolling back 'trillion dollars' of Dem green car regulations
• Report: Georgia cities dominate list of top performing U.S. food manufacturing locations | Georgia Public Broadcasting
• Trump administration announces new private health tracking system with Big Tech’s help | AP News
• Kamala Harris says she won't run for California governor - CBS News
• Texas Republicans unveil congressional map that may help pick up 5 seats
• Report says radioactive wasp nest was found near SC nuclear facility | WCBD News 2
• GDP Q2 2025:

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Donovan brings you the top stories from Tifton, Georgia, and beyond:

• STD Rates Soar in Georgia – The state ranks 4th nationally, with high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Experts call for more education and preventive care.
• Camilla Mayor Suspended – Kelvin Owens faces charges of election interference. Some residents support the suspension, others defend his actions.
• Georgia’s Economy Shines – The state retains its AAA credit rating and surpasses 5 million jobs for the first time, despite looming federal budget cuts.
• Feral Swine Wreak Havoc – Wild pigs are causing over $100,000 in annual crop damage in SW Georgia. Expanded control efforts are needed.
• Flip Phone Summer – Gen Z ditches smartphones for retro tech to embrace digital detox and nostalgia-fueled simplicity.
• Tomato Tariff Boost? – A proposed 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes could help Georgia growers by raising demand for local produce.
• State Senate Shake-Up – A wave of retirements and campaign launches reshapes Georgia’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.
• Nursing Homes at Risk – Medicaid cuts in the Trump budget threaten closure of 37 facilities in Georgia alone.
• Leesburg Eyes Downtown Revival – Inspired by Sewanee, city leaders plan a golf cart-friendly, mixed-use transformation.
• Sea Turtles vs. Highway Lights – Bright lights near I-95 are confusing baby sea turtles. Advocates urge action to protect hatchlings.
• West Nile Detected in Atlanta – Three areas report infected mosquitoes; public health officials urge precautions.
• New Hunting & Fishing Rules – Highlights include early antlerless deer season, Blaze Pink approval, and updated bass limits.
• Albany’s Running Movement – King Randall’s solo runs evolve into a citywide fitness campaign, drawing 200+ participants weekly.

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📣 Don’t forget to share with the neighbor who always “knows everything.”

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A Tift County grand jury has returned a massive indictment against cemetery monument sellers accused of defrauding grieving families. ThunderCon 2025 is set for September 13 at ABAC with voice actors, vendors, cosplay, and more. Irwin County Hospital officials dispute a report claiming they’re at risk of closure. Georgia’s Main Street programs brought in over $824 million in investment last year, with Tifton among the standout cities. Tift County schools start August 1 with a new cell phone ban and extended school day. In DeKalb County, a major meth bust nets federal charges for two mechanics. Georgia’s film industry got a big boost from the new Superman movie, which brought in over $100 million in spending. The U.S. Education Department is releasing $1.3 billion in frozen after-school program funds. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is pushing to eliminate Georgia’s income tax, drawing political battle lines ahead of 2026. And finally, the invasive spotted lanternfly has been found in Fulton County, threatening Georgia crops.


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Tift County updated its ordinances to stop landlords from cutting off utilities or removing tenants’ belongings without a formal eviction. The school board reviewed preparations for the new school year, including staff training, facility updates, and a plan to delay fixing the canning plant’s boiler. Georgia Tech is getting $20 million to build a new AI supercomputer called Nexus. State regulators approved Georgia Power’s long-term energy plan, allowing more renewables but also keeping some coal plants open longer. Over $200 million in federal education funds remain frozen, threatening after-school programs. Secretary of State Raffensperger called on politicians to return donations tied to an alleged Ponzi scheme. Governor Kemp told agencies to prepare for budget cuts tied to President Trump’s tax and spending plan. A Texas judge overturned a rule that kept medical debt off credit reports. Doctors warn of rising tick bites this summer. Cuts to Medicaid could leave 310,000 Georgians uninsured. Georgia schools will now limit cell phone use during the day for K-8 students.

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Covered in this packed episode:

• Georgia lost 260,000 sq. ft. of federal office space this year, part of ongoing Trump-era government downsizing.
• CSX train delays are backing up traffic daily in South Georgia.
• Operation Southern Slowdown cracks down on speeders after a spike in highway deaths.
• Atlanta pizza boxes accidentally became recruiting tools for Border Patrol — and sparked protests.
• Folkston’s D. Ray James facility is becoming the largest ICE detention center in the country.
• SCOTUS clears Trump to lay off nearly 1,400 Dept. of Ed workers, sparking legal fights over frozen education funds.
• Georgia secures $20 million from opioid settlements.
• A deadly fire at a Massachusetts assisted living center leaves 9 dead.
• West Nile virus confirmed in Fulton County mosquito traps.
• Food banks brace for SNAP benefit cuts hitting hard in Georgia.
• Delta Airlines finds a creative way to dodge tariffs on Airbus planes.
• FBI warns of violent online predator networks targeting kids, with a disturbing Georgia case.
• Bitcoin surges past $123,000 as Congress mulls pro-crypto laws.

Catch all that and more with your host, Donovan, on Tifton Talks.

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On this Tifton Talks News Roundup:

• Georgia saw 6 deaths and 70+ injuries over the July 4th weekend, with 400+ DUI citations.
• Feral hog hunters can now win $3,500 traps through a new DNR program.
• Georgia warns beekeepers after Africanized bees found in Alabama.
• Student caregivers through CareYaya are stepping in where the state ranks last in elder care.
• UPS may cut 20,000 jobs amid restructuring—Teamsters aren’t having it.
• TikTok’s Chinese parent may spin off a U.S. version before the September ban deadline.
• Georgia courts reaffirm that certifying elections isn’t optional.
• A pilot program may soon allow trained non-lawyers to offer limited legal help in rural Georgia.
• Home delistings surge nearly 50% as sellers wait out the market instead of lowering prices.

Got thoughts? Leave a voicemail at tiftontalks.com/voicemail or email [email protected].

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In this episode of Tifton Talks, Donovan serves up your pre-Fourth of July rundown of headlines you didn’t know you needed—but just might thank him for. From smoother skies at Atlanta’s airport to one-man elections in Tifton, we’ve got your local, state, and national news in one shot.

Highlights:

• ✈️ Flight delays ease at Hartsfield-Jackson after weekend chaos
• 🗳️ District 5 Commission seat filled without a vote—meet Thomas Tyler Riddle
• 🏥 Shriners opens $153M research institute in Atlanta focused on kids and AI
• ⛽ Gas prices dip just in time for holiday travel—but will it last?
• ☀️ Georgia solar jobs at risk over federal tax credit cuts
• 🛍️ Savannah mall shooting leaves three injured; investigation ongoing
• 📱 ICE Block app goes viral, sparks political backlash
• ⚡ Georgia Power rate freeze approved—but critics eye hidden costs
• 🧒 $6B in federal education grants frozen, threatening summer and after-school programs
• 🏞️ Rep. Mike Collins’ PERMIT Act clears committee, stirs Clean Water Act debate
• 🥫 Del Monte files for bankruptcy after 139 years in the pantry

Call to Action:
Like what you heard? Be sure to follow, share, or tell your nosy neighbor. Got thoughts? Leave a voicemail at tiftontalks.com/voicemail or email Donovan at [email protected].

Produced by Tifton Media Works. More shows at tiftonmediaworks.com.

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