Atl. City Council redefines OIG; Ga. college works with Army; Play preview at MARTA

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Atl. City Council redefines OIG; Ga. college works with Army; Play preview at MARTA
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: Peter Biello

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1. Atlanta City Council Redefines Office of Inspector General

The Atlanta City Council passed a significant ordinance last night, redefining the authority of the city's Office of Inspector General (OIG). The vote was overwhelmingly in favor, with a final tally of 14 to 1, following recommendations from a 2024 task force review.

Key Points:

• Legislative Changes: The new ordinance removes the OIG’s power to investigate corruption, transferring oversight responsibilities to the mayor’s office.
• Resignation of OIG Inspector General: In the wake of the legislation, Inspector General Shannon Manigault resigned, citing her inability to ensure the office serves the public effectively under the new structure.

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon Manigault (OIG Inspector General):
  "[00:39]... All I can do is try to make sure that the serious allegations that you all have entrusted the OIG did not die with me or with the imminent death by legislation of our office."

• Council Member Eshe Collins:
  "[01:17]... This will bring balance and oversight moving forward."

Reporter: Amanda Andrews

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2. Delta Plane Accident at Toronto Pearson Airport

A Delta Air Lines aircraft experienced a serious incident upon arrival at Toronto's Pearson Airport, flipping onto its roof and resulting in injuries to 18 passengers. Fortunately, all 80 people on board survived, with injuries reported as relatively minor.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: The plane flipped shortly after landing, causing minor injuries to passengers.
• Response and Investigation: Delta CEO Ed Bastian confirmed that the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Notable Quotes:

• Ed Bastian (Delta CEO):
  "[02:00]... The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected."

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3. Senate Bill 94: Establishing the Office of Consumers Utility Council

A bipartisan group of Georgia state lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 94, aiming to re-establish an independent advocate for consumers in utility rate cases.

Key Points:

• Purpose: The bill seeks to create the Office of Consumers Utility Council under the Attorney General’s office, restoring a body disbanded in 2008.
• Context: This move responds to rising electricity costs in Georgia, with the new council intended to support Georgia Power customers facing multiple rate increases.

Reporter: Amanda Andrews

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4. Georgia University Partners with U.S. Army on Battlefield Technology

Columbus State University has entered a collaboration with the U.S. Army's Fort Moore to establish the Maneuver Innovation Lab, focusing on developing cutting-edge technologies for battlefield applications.

Key Points:

• Maneuver Innovation Lab: A platform where soldiers can propose solutions to battlefield challenges, working alongside engineering students to develop and test new technologies.
• Current Projects: Examples include enhancing communication systems for drones, such as 3D-printed mounts for radios to improve connectivity.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Willis (Leader, Maneuver Battle Lab):
  "[04:41]... We have an experimentation force... they were having trouble talking to another unit on the ground. So they... taped a radio to this drone. Obviously not ideal, so we 3D printed a mount for the radio to enhance functionality."

• Zora Yumidi (Actress, True Colors Theater Company):
  "[13:43]... There's a lot of storm happening around them, but for somehow they're finding comfort and hope in their own individual walks with Christ."

Interviewer: Orlando Montoya
Interviewees: Chris Willis and Orlando Montoya

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5. Honoring the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (Triple Nickels)

The Atlanta City Hall honored the historic 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, known as the Triple Nickels, with a proclamation recognizing their contributions to military history and civil rights.

Key Points:

• Historical Significance: Formed during World War II as the first all-Black airborne unit, they later became the first smokejumpers parachuting into wildfires during Operation Firefly.
• Proclamation: February 25th has been declared as Triple Nickels Day in Atlanta.

Notable Quotes:

• Johnny Miller (Veteran, Triple Nickels):
  "[08:29]... And John Master said, stand in the door. Oh, Lord, everything starts shaking... you got to stand in the door. And then he said, go jump out there. You think you could fly?"

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6. Ongoing Search for Gary Jones and Investigation

The city of Atlanta continues its search for Gary Jones, a coach who vanished after a boating incident on Lake Oconee earlier this month. Jones's fiancée, Jocelyn Wilson, was found deceased the day following the discovery of their boat.

Key Points:

• Investigation Status: Investigators report limited clues, including Jones’s shoes found on the shore and personal items left untouched in the boat.
• Search Efforts: Utilizing sonar and K9 teams to locate Jones.

Reporter: Amanda Andrews

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7. Lawsuit Against Sheriff Stephen Tinsley

A federal judge has dismissed Georgia Sheriff Stephen Tinsley's claim of qualified immunity in a case alleging excessive force during the arrest of Darius Rice in 2022, allowing an $11 million lawsuit to proceed.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: Rice, a 37-year-old Black veteran, was allegedly body-slammed by Sheriff Tinsley at a Quick Trip gas station, resulting in unconsciousness.
• Legal Outcome: Charges against Rice for sexual battery were dismissed, and the judge ruled that Rice sufficiently alleged Sheriff Tinsley acted with actual malice.

Notable Quotes:

• Judge’s Ruling:
  "[09:20]... Rice sufficiently alleged that Sheriff Tinsley acted with actual malice."

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8. Savannah Music Festival Seeks New Leadership

The Savannah Music Festival announced it is searching for a new executive director following Gene Dobbs Bradford’s decision to step down after three years of leadership.

Key Points:

• Achievements Under Bradford: Expanded the festival's year-round presence and community engagement programs, including the Jazz Academy for Kids.
• Future Plans: Bradford will remain until June before relocating to St. Louis.

Notable Quotes:

• Gene Dobbs Bradford:
  "[10:44]... What I love about the audiences here is that they're willing to give things like the international acts a chance... finding their new favorite band."

Reporter: Benjamin Payne

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9. Three Taverns Brewery Expands to Ponce City Market

Three Taverns Brewery is set to open its third location at Ponce City Market, featuring not only their signature brews but also plans for a distillery and barbecue restaurant, slated to debut this fall.

Key Points:

• Expansion Plans: The new tavern will offer an expanded menu and beverage options, enhancing the brewery’s presence in Atlanta’s vibrant market scene.

Reporter: Amanda Andrews

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10. Play Preview at Atlanta MARTA Station: "Jaja's African Hair Braiding"

True Colors Theater Company is showcasing a preview of their Broadway play, "Jaja's African Hair Braiding," at the College Park MARTA station. The play explores themes of immigration, identity, and community through the lens of West African immigrant women working in a Harlem hair salon.

Key Points:

• Artistic Focus: The production emphasizes the value of immigrant stories in fostering understanding and unity amidst societal divisions.
• Community Engagement: By staging the preview in a busy MARTA station, the theater company aims to reach a diverse audience and spark conversations about cultural differences and appreciation.

Notable Quotes:

• Abba Arthur (Cast Member):
  "[12:08]... It's about learning from each other and not pushing us further apart."

• Zora Yumidi (Cast Member):
  "[13:43]... We're finding comfort and hope in our own individual walks with Christ."

Reporter: Amanda Andrews

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Conclusion

In this episode of Georgia Today, host Peter Biello delivers a comprehensive overview of significant local developments, from legislative changes and groundbreaking partnerships to cultural celebrations and community-driven art. The episode underscores Georgia’s dynamic landscape, highlighting efforts to innovate, honor history, and foster community cohesion.

For more detailed reports and updates, visit gpb.org/news.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Foreign welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast from GPB News. Today is Tuesday, February 18th. I'm Peter Biello. This podcast has the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. Send feedback or story tips to Georgia todaypb.org on today's episode. The Atlanta City Council redefines the authority of the city's Office of the Inspector General. Georgia University collaborates with the US army on new battlefield technology, and a play previewed at an Atlanta MARTA station uses comedy to reflect on immigration, identity and belonging.

[Abba Arthur]

So as we talk about immigration, as we talk about foreigners, as we talk about the differences in our hair, it's about learning from each other and not pushing us further apart.

[Peter Biello]

These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. The Atlanta City Council passed legislation last night redefining the authority of the city's Office of Inspector General. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports. This vote comes after months of controversy over the powers of the office.

[Amanda Andrews]

The ordinance passed 14 to 1, following recommendations from a 2024 task force review of the office. The OIG previously shared detailed concerns about the measure, including that it removes investigating corruption from their charter and gives the mayor power over the board. Prior to the vote, Inspector General Shannon Manigault announced her resignation from the office and said she can't make the city do right by the public. All I can do is try to make sure that the serious allegations that you all have entrusted the OIG did not die with me or with the imminent death by legislation of our office. Council member Eshe Collins, who led the committee writing the legislation, says it will bring balance and oversight moving forward. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Peter Biello]

A Delta Air Lines plane flipped upon arrival yesterday at Toronto's Pearson Airport and ended up on its roof, injuring 18 people. The airport's chief executive says all 80 people on board survived and those hurt had relatively minor injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, atlanta based Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement. The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected. A bipartisan group of state lawmakers is looking to re establish an independent advocate for people and businesses in utility rate cases. Senate Bill 94 would form an Office of Consumers Utility Council. It would operate under the Attorney general's office and re establish a former council that was abolished during the Great Recession in 2008. The push comes as concern grows over the cost of electricity in the state. Advocates say the new council would provide stronger backing of Georgia Power customers struggling to pay bills after facing six rate increases over the past couple of years. A new Georgia based partnership aims to develop cutting edge life saving technologies for use on the battlefield. The collaboration between the U.S. army's Fort Moore and Columbus State University is called the Maneuver Innovation Lab. And it offers soldiers, regardless of rank, the ability to submit solutions for problems they encounter and be an active part of creating technology to solve them. The lab is already testing several systems through the partnership. Robotics and engineering students at Columbus State engage in developing the new technologies too. Chris Willis leads the Maneuver Battle Lab. He spoke with GPB's Orlando Montoya ahead of a lab demonstration.

[Chris Willis]

It is one of a few innovation labs that Devcom has established throughout the Army. There's one at Fort Stewart near Savannah. There's one in Fort Liberty, North Carolina. There's one in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. And these innovation labs are really designed to solve soldier problems. So a soldier comes to it with a problem. There's three contractors there with engineering backgrounds. They intake the problem, then they partner. The innovation lab partners with local universities to help design solutions. And once that has been designed and built at a small scale, the soldiers get to test it out in their unit, et cetera, and then the army can decide do we want to take that technology and scale it up for the rest of the Army. That's really what that innovation lab does.

[Orlando Montoya]

What are some examples of problems that you have tackled or expect to tackle?

[Chris Willis]

Here's one. We have an experimentation force and when we were out at an experiment using drones, unmanned aerial systems, commonly known as drones, the soldiers were having trouble talking to another unit on the ground. So they put a radio, essentially velcroed a radio or taped a radio to this drone. Well, that's obviously not going to, you know, that's not going to meet muster, especially in a combat situation. So they have already partnered with this innovation lab and 3D printed a mount for this radio that can then go on that drone. We've only built it. We haven't, you know, haven't really attached it and done the testing yet. Once we go through that process, that will potentially allow that unit and other units to mount these radios on these drones and extend the distance that they can talk on their own network. That's a good example of problems that these soldiers could solve. It's really creating that innovation that soldiers bring to the battlefield. This is giving them the ability to solve those problems in a pretty quick manner.

[Orlando Montoya]

And just two more questions for you. I read in the news release just a word I don't understand and it said that they would like to bring together cutting edge experiments In Uncrewed systems experimentation facility. What is that?

[Chris Willis]

Right inside of the Maneuver Battle Lab, we do a lot of uncrewed or uncrewed systems or drones, like I talked about earlier. And then also ground robotics. We have a facility that it's almost like an obstacle course that you could run drones through and then ground robotics to test the capabilities of these potential solutions. So the Columbus State Robotics Department, if they're building a drone, they could potentially fly it through this. Through this obstacle course. And then also these soldiers, if they. The solution to their problem is a robot or a drone, they could also use that for lack of a better turn obstacle course.

[Orlando Montoya]

There's going to be demonstrations of some of these things. What kind of things do you expect to demonstrate?

[Chris Willis]

The Columbus State Robotics Department will be demonstrating some of the drones that they have built. And then really the highlight is the Maneuver Innovation Lab itself, which has additive manufacturing capabilities, so 3D printers, some etchers, some welding capability, some electronics manufacturing capability where you can do circuit boards, et cetera. So that's. That'll be like four different stations that folks can rotate through to see the different capabilities of the Maneuver Innovation Lab.

[Orlando Montoya]

I appreciate your time today. Thanks again for talking to me.

[Chris Willis]

Okay, thank you.

[Peter Biello]

Chris Willis leads the Maneuver Battle Lab at the Maneuver center of Excellence at Fort Moore. He spoke with GPB's Orlando Montoya about a new partnership with Columbus State University, the Maneuver innovation lab. The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, known as the Triple Nichols, was honored at Atlanta City hall with a proclamation yesterday recognizing their contributions to military history and civil rights. Formed during World War II as the first All Black Airborne unit, they trained at Fort Benning and later became the country's first smokejumpers parachuting into wildfires on the west coast during Operation Firefly. During the ceremony, United States army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Johnny Miller, a veteran of the Triple Nickels, shared his memories of becoming a paratrooper.

[Johnny Miller]

And John Master said, stand in the door. Oh, Lord, everything starts shaking. Everybody, everybody. Eyes get small and you got to stand in the door. And then he said, go jump out there. You think you could fly?

[Peter Biello]

The City has declared February 25th as Triple Nichols Day. In Atlanta, the search continues for Gary Jones, who disappeared after a boating incident on Lake Oconee earlier this month. Jones was a coach at Atlanta's Westminster Schools, a private K 12 school in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood. His fiance, Spelman math instructor Jocelyn Wilson, was found dead the day after their boat was discovered. Investigators say they have few clues and no clear answers. Jo Jones shoes were found on the lake's shore. His wallet, a hotel keycard and untouched food were still in the boat. Search crews are using sonar and K9 teams to comb the area. A federal judge has rejected a Georgia sheriff's claim that he was protected by qualified immunity when he arrested 37 year old Black veteran Darius Rice in 2022. The decision allows an $11 million excessive force lawsuit to move forward. Sheriff Stephen Tinsley of southeast Georgia's Clinch county is accused of body slamming r Concrete after an incident at a Quick Trip gas station in Stockbridge, 20 miles south of Atlanta. Rice was handcuffed when he was allegedly body slammed, knocking him unconscious. Tinsley, who is white, had claimed that Rice had groped his wife in the gas station, a claim for which Rice was charged with sexual battery. Those charges were later dismissed. A judge found last week that Rice sufficiently alleged that Sheriff Tinsley acted with actual malice. Sheriff Tinsley has not responded to a request for comment. The Savannah Music Festival has announced it will soon conduct a search for a new leader as its current executive director has decided to step down this summer. GPB's Benjamin Payne reports.

[Benjamin Payne]

Gene Dobbs Bradford has led the festival's nonprofit for the past three years. In that time, the organization expanded its year round presence, including through community engagement programs like its Jazz Academy for Kids. Bradford says he'll miss not only the annual springtime music festival itself, but but also the people who come out to enjoy it.

[Gene Dobbs Bradford]

What I love about the audiences here is that they're willing to give things like the international acts a chance. They're willing to come out and participate and take in a music that they may have no familiarity with, but they come out of it, oftentimes finding their new favorite band.

[Benjamin Payne]

The Savannah Music Festival says revenue from contributions grew by 25% under Bradford's leadership. He'll stay on through June before moving back to his old City, a St. Louis. For GPP news, I'm Benjamin Payne. In Savannah.

[Peter Biello]

Three Taverns Brewery is making plans for its third tavern. The Atlanticraft beer maker has announced its plans to open a location at Ponce City Market. In addition to its signature brews, three Taverns is also planning a distillery and barbecue restaurant. It's expected to open this fall. The True Colors Theater company prides themselves on uplifting black storytelling. This month, they're putting on a production of Ja Ja's African Hair Braiding, a Broadway play following a group of West African immigrant women working at a hair salon in Harlem in collaboration with marta. Cast members previewed scenes from the show at the College Park Station. GPB's Amanda Andrews spoke with the cast and crew about the importance of immigrant stories in times of division.

[Jamil Jude]

I identified Jaja as a story that I thought was going to be Evergreen.

[Peter Biello]

Hey, what's up?

[Jamil Jude]

I'm Jamil Jude, artistic director at True Colors Theater Company. Immigration is as integral to the story of the founding of the United States as anything else. So we knew that whenever we put a play about immigration on stage, it would be important and it would have some relevance. But we could not have. And even if we could have, we would not have wished upon ourselves what's going on right now on the street in broad daylight.

[Zora Yumidi]

I'm telling you, Jaja is fooling herself.

[Abba Arthur]

I'm Abba Arthur and I'm playing Jaja. My mom had a braid salon out of our home when I was young. And so I'm very familiar with braids and the importance of braids for us. And I call this piece Jaja's Prayer. A cord of three strikes strands is not easily broken, and neither are we. So what I feel personally like the play does is it starts the conversation about what makes us different and how can we appreciate that rather than how does that tear us apart. So as we talk about immigration, as we talk about foreigners, as we talk about the differences in our hair, it's about learning from each other and not pushing us forward, further apart.

[Zora Yumidi]

My name is Zora Yumidi and I am playing the character Be. We have a lot of differences, but we also share a lot of similarities. So I'm originally from Enugu, Nigeria. Bea's character is Ghanang, which is right next door to Nigeria. And if you don't steal any more of my customers, you will not have any problems.

[Peter Biello]

Are you serious?

[Zora Yumidi]

Being a native from Nigeria, something that really sticks out to me that I wanted to highlight was our cultural sound, specifically through the avenue of worship music. After reading the play a couple times, I'm like, this also is the feeling that I'm getting. There's a lot of storm happening around them, but for somehow they're finding comfort and hope in their own individual walks with Christ. So I devised a song and I said, I want to this song to have a sound of hope.

[Jamil Jude]

We are putting it right here in a MARTA station where people are moving by.

[Johnny Miller]

Hey.

[Jamil Jude]

And even if no one here gives any money or any donations, they got a chance to find the art. And it's reminded that art has value to people, art has value to communities. Thank you, College Park MARTA station. Thank you so very much to everybody with Marta Artbound. Thank you very much for Multiband.

[Peter Biello]

You just heard from the cast of Jaja's African Hair Braiding. The show will run at the Southwest Arts center in south Fulton through March 9th. And that's the curtain on this edition of Georgia Today. We do appreciate you tuning in. We hope you'll come back tomorrow. Remember to subscribe to this podcast and check gpb.org news for updates. Also, want to let you know that we have released a special bonus episode of Narrative Edge featuring my conversation with New York Times best selling author Anna Quindlen, recorded on stage earlier this month at the Savannah Book Festival. You can find [e-mail] narrative edge or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.