Sunday Solutions — March 2, 2025
Good morning! Today we bring you a 7-month investigation from The Current’s Jake Shore that shows how unanswered questions can cost a mother custody of her child. And we’ll talk about the weather…or what happens when we don’t have help with forecasts for it. We’ve also got a look at the things Coastal Georgia legislators commend, honor, recognize and memorialize. And you’ll definitely need a second cup of coffee — or a stiff drink — after you see final entry that shows how the info you feed the internet determines the information you are fed. Choose wisely.
INVESTIGATIVE: GOVERNING
Controversial testing, family costs
Every year, Georgia’s Division of Children and Family Services (DFCS) authorizes drug tests for thousands of parents who are under investigation for child mistreatment or are seeking to reunify with their children in the foster care system.
The system is set up to protect children and allow institutions to evaluate whether Georgia parents are on the right track or unfit to care for a child. But what parents, judges and county caseworkers may not know is that the nationwide testing company that DFCS paid to administer the tests, Averhealth, was embroiled in allegations of widespread laboratory testing inaccuracies.
As part of a 7-month investigation, The Current examined how Georgia DFCS handled allegations against the company. The findings raise deep concerns about how DFCS belatedly responded to a federal investigation into Averhealth and how the Georgia agency left thousands of parents in the dark about potentially inaccurate tests that could have impacted custody decisions.
Read The Current’s full investigation into DFCS, Averhealth, and the ordeal of one Camden County mother after positive drug tests led a judge to remove custody of her infant daughter.
EXPLAINER: GOVERNING
Legislature 101: More than laws
The General Assembly meets 40 days each year to make law, but they honor, congratulate, resolve, commend and proclaim, too. On Friday, the House passed a bill to honor the Original 33 with a monument on Capitol grounds; it now moves to the Senate. The 33 were legislators elected in 1868 and expelled because they were Black. It was sponsored by Rep. Carl Gilliard (D-162). He wasn’t the only Coastal Georgia lawmaker to introduce a measure to commend or honor someone or something. Data reporter Maggie Lee has gathered all the entries from area lawmakers, so far, this year. From clowns to coaches and trucking companies, you can see them and read the background on this type of measure here.
Want to see what else the legislature’s been up to this week? Click here for a roundup of stories on TheCurrentGA.org.
🎉 Congratulations to Trevor for knowing that last week’s Spyglass was the Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah. Several entries won extra points for knowing that the old Central of Georgia property has been used in films including “Glory,” “Origin,” and “Lady and the Tramp.” It’s also been used in various series, including “The Underground Railroad.”
Test how well you spy details in Coastal Georgia. Give us the location of the item in the photo above. Some spots may be easier to identify than others; some will be tougher. We’ll collect correct answers each week and draw for a weekly winner.
CLICK HERE TO IDENTIFY THIS SITE
EXPLAINER: GOVERNING
Atmospheric change
On Thursday, hundreds of weather forecasters and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees were fired from their federally funded jobs. This comes after climate data was removed from federal research sites. More job cuts are expected, but these affected the National Weather Service forecasters, just months away from the beginning of hurricane season. Coastal Georgia residents went through 3 hurricanes last year — and a freak snowstorm this year — and we know how valuable those forecasts can be for emergency management agencies and others who work to keep us safe. NOAA’s work directly affects about a third of the national economy. On the coast, the work affects every person, every day, through forecasts and research to support our fishers, farmers, communities and neighbors. Read more about what we’ll miss from a researcher who’s an expert on coastal economics of weather, fisheries, and community.
INVESTIGATIVE: TECHNOLOGY
☕ Your second cup: When they know you
They know when you go out to dinner or order in. They know when you seek advice. They know how you feel about politics and your fears. And, they know your underwear size. Here’s another cautionary tale involving information you share online. ProPublica has a deep dive into how one political consulting group used intimate data from online shopping, gunmakers and others to exploit gun owners’ private lives and manipulate their messaging online. Read how that works — no one’s immune.
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Georgia DFCS relied on controversial laboratory for drug tests crucial to custody decisions
By Jake Shore
Investigation reveals how Georgia child welfare agency DFCS handled allegations against its drug testing provider, Averhealth, after whistleblower complaint and false claims probe by Department of Justice. The allegations of testing issues occurred during the time a Camden County mother tested positive for illegal drugs, which led to her daughter being taken into state custody […]
McIntosh moves toward ‘reaffirming’ Sapelo zoning, then rethinks it
By Mary Landers
McIntosh County is poised to postpone a planned readoption of its controversial 2023 zoning code that allowed for larger houses to be built in Hogg Hummock, amid ongoing legal action against the county.
Conservationists challenge project at St. Simons’ Coast Guard Beach
By Mary Landers
Environmental advocates are opposing a project that plans to use state funds to add amenities to St. Simons’ Coast Guard Beach, citing concerns about the destruction of maritime forests and the leveling of sand dunes.
Georgia Fire Standards and Training Council suspends Midway’s fire certification
By Robin Kemp
The Georgia Fire Standards and Training Council has suspended the City of Midway’s fire certification and is calling for Liberty County to immediately sign an intergovernmental agreement to relieve the county of any liability for answering calls within the city limits.
Glynn County seeks to take community greenspace for roundabout on St. Simons
By Jabari Gibbs
The Glynn County government plans to use part of the historic Old Stables Corner land for a traffic roundabout, despite local residents’ fear that the move sets a precedent that a municipality can take private property from any landowners without data backing up their reasoning.
Legislature 101: Why Georgia commends clowns…and others
By Maggie Lee
Barnum & Bailey among hundreds proclaimed, recognized, honored at the Georgia Capitol.
Coastal economies rely on NOAA, from weather and fisheries to tourism – even if they don’t realize it
By Christine Keiner/Rochester Institute of Technology
NOAA, the federal agency best known for collecting and analyzing the data that make weather forecasts and warnings possible, leads most of the government’s work on ocean and coastal health, as well as research into the growing risks posed by climate change.
Bill to help guide Georgia’s AI growth stalled after GOP U.S. Rep. McCormick raises concerns
By Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder
The bill creates a definition for AI in state code and requires local governments to publish data on how they are using AI and the safety and ethical precautions they are taking. It also creates a state board on artificial intelligence.
Edibles on DoorDash? It’s now possible in Georgia
By Michael Scaturro/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gummies and edibles that can cause a euphoric high are now on sale in Georgia. Experts say state authorities should create a robust public outreach program to inform teens and others of the risks. This story also appeared in Atlanta Journal-Constitution The discussion is complicated by the fact that the differences between hemp and marijuana […]
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