Educational funds released; Former Ga. Justice gets achievement award; Cafe' Momentum

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Educational Funds Released; Former Ga. Justice Gets Achievement Award; Cafe' Momentum
Release Date: July 22, 2025

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1. Detention of Atlanta Journalist Mario Guevara
Timestamp: 01:03 – 02:14

The episode opens with host Orlando Montoya discussing the concerning detention of Mario Guevara, a Spanish-language news reporter from Atlanta. Guevara was arrested during a protest in June and remains in ICE custody despite the original charges being dropped. His supporters argue that his detention is unjustly linked to his journalistic work.

Sarah Kalis, GPB reporter, provides detailed coverage:
"While the original charges against Mario Guevara have been dropped, he remains in ICE custody, facing deportation to El Salvador. He was arrested at a protest in June and has been in custody ever since." [01:32]

Antony Price, Mario’s brother, shares the family’s anguish:
"Since he's been detained, our family has felt an emptiness that we cannot begin to fill. My mom is exhausted. My brothers and I feel like we're stuck in a nightmare." [01:46]

Despite being granted bond in early July, Guevara’s attorney notes that ICE has appealed the decision. A spokesperson for ICE declined to comment on the matter. The segment underscores the ongoing advocacy by attorneys, family members, and press freedom supporters at the state Capitol urging Guevara's release.

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2. Release of Educational Funds and Call for Additional Support
Timestamp: 02:14 – 03:18

Georgia celebrates the release of $1.3 billion in education funds previously frozen by the Trump administration. These funds are intended to support after-school and summer learning programs. However, the release is partial, prompting calls for further financial support.

Georgia Schools Superintendent Richard Woods emphasized the need for additional funding:
"Yesterday, I urged the U.S. Department of Education to send out another $5 billion for teacher training and other programs still on hold." [02:14]

Additionally, the episode highlights the comprehensive efforts to bolster educational resources, ensuring that Georgia schools can effectively utilize the newly released funds while advocating for more substantial support to address ongoing challenges.

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3. Lifetime Achievement Award for Former Georgia Chief Justice Norman Fletcher
Timestamp: 02:56 – 03:30

The podcast honors Norman Fletcher, a former Chief Justice of Georgia’s Supreme Court, who received a lifetime achievement award for his significant contributions to the state's judicial system.

Emma Auer, GPB reporter, details Fletcher’s legacy:
"Justice Norman Fletcher served as Georgia's Chief Justice from 2001 to 2005. In 2003, he was instrumental in passing the Georgia Indigent Defense Act, which formalized the state's public defender's office." [02:56]

Justice Fletcher, reflecting on his career, expressed his motivation:
"I knew then I've got to try to do something to bring it about so that Georgia system would be one that would pass constitutional muster." [03:18]

The Georgia Public Defender Council presented Fletcher with the award, acknowledging his dedication to ensuring competent legal representation for low-income defendants. At 91 years old, Fletcher remains a respected figure in Georgia’s legal community.

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4. Cafe Momentum: Empowering Teens from Juvenile Detention
Timestamp: 03:30 – 08:44

One of the standout stories features Cafe Momentum, an Atlanta-based nonprofit café that serves Southern cuisine while providing a transformative internship program for teenagers recently released from juvenile detention.

Antony Price, a staff member at Cafe Momentum, illustrates the café’s vibrant environment:
"At Cafe Momentum is big and much brighter than the intimate dining room." [05:21]

Quentin Hurd, the restaurant program manager and a former Marine, emphasizes the dual focus on culinary skills and personal development:
"I also kind of push them along and say, hey, if you're gonna hang out back here, everybody's gotta do something." [05:55]

Randy Jones, a three-time intern, shares his growth journey:
"What's exciting is I'm learning new things, new experiences, you know, better opportunities." [06:43]

The program offers comprehensive support, including conflict management, healthy relationships, resume building, and access to mental health therapy. Benjamin Wills, Cafe Momentum’s executive director, underscores the program’s impact:
"We work with 15 to 19-year-olds who were involved with the justice system within the last year." [07:14]

By fostering a safe and engaging environment, Cafe Momentum not only teaches culinary skills but also instills a sense of responsibility and empowerment in its young participants. The initiative addresses the high recidivism rates in Georgia by equipping teens with the tools needed to reintegrate successfully into society.

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5. Expansion of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Site
Timestamp: 03:45 – 04:32

Grant Blankenship reports on the Georgia Department of Transportation’s decision to transfer 136 acres of protected wetland along the Ocmulgee River to the National Park Service. This addition enhances the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Site, a location of profound cultural and historical significance for the Muscogee Creek Nation.

Chief David Hill of the Muscogee Creek Nation stated:
"The tract holds profound cultural and historical meaning for the Muscogee people." [03:56]

The bill to officially designate Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia's first national park is currently under consideration in Congress, aiming to preserve and honor the rich heritage of the area.

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6. Leadership Change in Georgia Hospital Association
Timestamp: 04:32 – 05:21

The Georgia Hospital Association announces Scott Steiner, president and CEO of Albany's Phoebe Putney Health System, as the new chairman of its board of trustees. This leadership transition occurs amid uncertainties regarding federal healthcare funding.

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7. Rebuilding Efforts in Coffee County After Hurricane Helene
Timestamp: 08:52 – 09:36

Following Hurricane Helene, construction has begun on eight new homes in Coffee County’s Douglas. Spearheaded by local religious and civic leaders alongside the Kentucky-based Hope Initiative, this $2 million faith-based project marks the first step toward broader affordable housing solutions in the community.

Mayor Tony Polk expressed optimism:
"The estimated $2 million project is the beginning of a larger push for affordable housing in the community." [09:20]

Randy Jones added:
"Every journey starts with that first step. I believe that the city of Douglas and Coffee County were bold enough to make that first step and I know that today HOPE has been restored in our community." [09:20]

Volunteers are projected to complete the homes within six to ten months, addressing the extensive damage caused by the storm.

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8. Potential Changes to Georgia Military Base Names
Timestamp: 09:36 – 11:03

The podcast delves into the legislative developments surrounding the names of two Georgia military bases. An amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act seeks to prevent the reversal of the Military Naming Commission’s efforts to rename Forts Benning and Gordon to Fort Moore and Fort Eisenhower, respectively.

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, one of the few Republicans supporting the amendment, stated:
"I also think having a base named Eisenhower, I can't think of a better base name than Hal Moore and his wife, Heroes in Vietnam, beloved by everybody... the secretary of Defense is sticking his finger in the eye of Congress by going back and changing the names to the old names." [10:39]

The House has approved the amendment, but it still awaits reconciliation with the Senate's version. The broader military spending bill includes provisions to increase defense pay and research funding.

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9. Additional Highlights

• Manufacturing the Biolab Story Podcast Plug
  Sarah Kalis introduces a new GPB podcast investigating the chemical fire at the Biolab facility in Conyers:
  "In GPB's new podcast, Manufacturing the Biolab Story, I investigate what caused the fire, the response, and what it means for Conyers residents today." [11:20]

• Coca-Cola Introducing a Cane Sugar Version
  Coca-Cola announced plans to add a cane sugar-sweetened version of its flagship Cola in the U.S., aligning with a recent statement by President Donald Trump. This marks a significant shift from the brand's longstanding use of high fructose corn syrup.

• Transformation of CNN's Atlanta Headquarters
  Coca-Cola also revealed plans to revamp the former Atlanta CNN headquarters into a vibrant retail, restaurant, entertainment, and office hub. Renderings showcase a modern redesign aimed at revitalizing the city’s sports, entertainment, and convention district.

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Conclusion

The July 22, 2025 episode of Georgia Today offers a comprehensive overview of critical local issues, from education funding and judicial honors to innovative youth programs and significant legislative changes. Through in-depth reporting and poignant interviews, host Orlando Montoya and the GPB News team provide invaluable insights into the stories shaping Georgia. Listeners are encouraged to visit gpb.org/news for more detailed reports and to subscribe for future updates.

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Notable Quotes:

• Randy Jones on personal growth through Cafe Momentum:
  "What's exciting is I'm learning new things, new experiences, you know, better opportunities." [06:43]

• Quentin Hurd on managing a high-stress kitchen environment:
  "You are working with youth who probably haven't had these type of experiences before, so sometimes there may be emotions that we have to kind of work with, hurdles that we have to get over." [08:29]

• Don Bacon on military base naming:
  "I also think having a base named Eisenhower, I can't think of a better base name than Hal Moore and his wife, Heroes in Vietnam, beloved by everybody." [10:39]

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and narratives presented in the episode, offering listeners a thorough understanding of Georgia’s current events and initiatives.

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. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, Georgia schools welcomed the release of education funds previously frozen by the Trump administration. A former Georgia Supreme Court justice gets a lifetime achievement award, and an Atlanta cafe run by a nonprofit works to change the lives of teenagers released from juvenile detention.

[Randy Jones]

What's exciting is I'm learning new things, new experiences, you know, better opportunities.

[Orlando Montoya]

Today is Tuesday, July 22nd. I'm Orlando Montoya and this is Georgia Today. Attorneys, family members and free press advocates gathered at the state Capitol today to call for the release of Atlanta area journalist Mario Guevara. The Spanish language news reporter was detained by immigration officials, and his supporters say he's being unfairly targeted for his work. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

[Sarah Kalis]

While the original charges against Mario Guevara have been dropped, he remains in ICE custody. Facing deportation to El Salvador. He was arrested at a protest in June and has been in custody ever since. Catherine Guevara is Mario's daughter.

[Antony Price]

Since he's been detained, our family has felt an emptiness that we cannot begin to fill. My mom is exhausted. My brothers and I feel like we're stuck in a nightmare.

[Sarah Kalis]

While Guevara, who has a work permit, was granted bond by a judge in early July, ICE officers appealed the decision, his attorney said. A spokesperson for ICE declined to comment. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis. At the state Capitol.

[Orlando Montoya]

Georgia officials are welcoming the Trump administration's release of $1.3 billion in support for after school and summer learning programs. The funds had been held up as part of the administration's broader review of spending, but the release, announced Friday, is not complete. Georgia Schools Superintendent Richard woods Yesterday urged the U.S. department of Education to send out another $5 billion for teacher training and other programs still on hold. A former chief justice of Georgia's Supreme Court was honored on Monday for his role in reforming the state's judicial system. WUGA's Emma Auer reports.

[Emma Auer]

Justice Norman Fletcher served as Georgia's Chief justice from 2001 to 2005. In 2003, he was instrumental in passing the Georgia Indigent Defense act, which formalized the state's public defender's office. Now 91 years old, he says that during his career he was disturbed by the lack of competent lawyers representing low income defendants.

[Don Bacon]

I knew then I've got to try to do something to bring it about so that Georgia system would be one that would pass constitutional muster.

[Emma Auer]

Fletcher's lifetime achievement award was presented by the Georgia Public Defender Council, whose lawyers defend many of the state's accused who cannot afford representation. For GPB news, I'm Emma Auer in Athens.

[Orlando Montoya]

The Okmulgee Mounds National Historic Site soon will add 136 acres of protected wetland to its footprint, and GPB's Grant Blankenship has that story.

[Grant Blankenship]

The Georgia Department of Transportation maintained the undeveloped tract along the Otmulgee river corridor as mitigation for damage to other wetlands during the construction of a Twiggs county stretch of the Fall Line Freeway. Now, GDOT has given the land to the National Park Service. In an official statement, Chief David Hill of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma said the tract holds profound cultural and historical meaning for the Muscogee people. Meanwhile, the bill that would officially make the Otmulgee Mounds Georgia's first national park is still working its way through Congress. For GPB News, I'm Grant Blankenship. In Macon.

[Orlando Montoya]

The Georgia Hospital association has a new chairman. The group, representing 150 Georgia hospitals, said on Friday that the president and CEO of Albany's Phoebe Putney Health System, Scott Steiner, is now leading its board of trustees. The leadership change comes as Georgia hospitals face uncertainty about federal funding for health care programs. Among other pressures, Cafe Momentum serves Southern cuisine to its customers in Atlanta. But it also does more than that. The nonprofit also is working to change the lives of teenagers who have been in juvenile detention. That's through a year long internship program that offers education, job training and life skills. As GPB's Ellen Eldredge explains, the kitchen.

[Antony Price]

At Cafe Momentum is big and much brighter than the intimate dining room. Antony Price's dessert station is tucked in the back where she works slicing fruit and whipping cream. The mixer sits on a steel counter next to the sink. Today, Price is making strawberry shortcake, so.

[Quentin Hurd]

I'm adding this balsamic glaze to the strawberry, she says.

[Antony Price]

The teens in this program gravitate toward this sweet spot where she says they feel safe to talk to her, to vent. And while she listens, she also puts them to work.

[Quentin Hurd]

I also kind of push them along and say, hey, if you're gonna hang out back here. Everybody's gotta do something.

[Antony Price]

Price says the students get excited and even interested in baking.

[Quentin Hurd]

Hey, how'd you make that? You really made that? And I say, yeah, so, you know, I had one young student a couple days ago, he came back and I actually showed him how to make biscuits. So, so I said, next time I'm going to stand and watch and I'll guide you, but you'll do it from start to finish. So it gives them a sense of empowerment.

[Antony Price]

As the interns learn to cook by watching, Price is learning how to help by listening.

[Quentin Hurd]

Being a good listener is really key when we're doing this because we can talk all day long, but they're in a space where they need to be heard, she says.

[Antony Price]

Life is like baking in that it requires a lot of patience, attention to detail. Three time intern of the week, Randy Jones says he's learning how to handle responsibility.

[Randy Jones]

Can't have nothing if you don't work for it. Can't just spit it come to you.

[Antony Price]

The 16 year old started in April with the second cohort of cafe Momentum interns.

[Randy Jones]

What's exciting is I'm learning new things, new experiences, you know, better opportunities.

[Antony Price]

He's currently one of 25 teenagers currently learning how to take care of of themselves by serving others.

[Randy Jones]

Cook some good old spaghetti with some chopped up sausages, a lot of cheese. I put a little sugar in mine too. You know, I like a little sweetness with the bread on the side.

[Antony Price]

Benjamin Wills is the executive director of Cafe Momentum Atlanta. He says they work with 15 to 19 year olds who were involved with the justice system within the last year.

[Randy Jones]

They're doing things like learning about conflict management, healthy relationships, resume building, having access to mental health therapy, as well as working in a casual fine dining restaurant.

[Emma Auer]

Three nights a week.

[Antony Price]

In 2022, more than 800 kids were in youth detention statewide, and the Georgia Department of Juvenile justice says one in four teenagers will be charged with another crime within a year of release, which even for kids, could lead to real prison, depending on the crime. Georgia is one of a few states in the nation that prosecutes 17 year olds as adults and sometimes incarcerates children as young as 13 in adult facilities. So the stakes are high for programs like Cafe Momentum, which partnered with the department's Juvenile Justice Reentry Services program for their first group of interns. Quentin Hurd, or Q, is the restaurant program manager. He's a big guy, a former Marine. He says a five star kitchen can be a stressful environment and he's often the one teaching the interns how to cool down.

[Randy Jones]

You are working with youth who probably haven't had these type of experiences before, so sometimes there may be emotions that we have to kind of work with, hurdles that we have to get over. And so I just help out with being able to kind of manage those situations in real time, skills they'll need.

[Antony Price]

In the kitchen and in life. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Orlando Montoya]

Officials in South Georgia's Coffee county broke ground today on eight homes for families whose homes were destroyed during last year's Hurricane Helene. The faith based initiative is being led by local religious and civic leaders and a Kentucky based disaster response ministry, the Hope Initiative. Douglas Mayor Tony Polk says the estimated $2 million project is the beginning of a larger push for affordable housing in the community.

[Randy Jones]

Every journey starts with that first step. I believe that the city of Douglas and Coffee county were bold enough to make that first step and I know that today HOPE has been restored in our community.

[Orlando Montoya]

Palk says the volunteers are expected to build the homes within six to 10 months. The the devastating storm damaged thousands of residences across the state. The names of two Georgia military bases could change again if a provision of the National Defense Authorization act makes it through the legislative process in the coming months. The US House last Friday approved a version of the military spending bill with an amendment that would prohibit reversing the work of the Military Naming Commission. That's the panel that renamed Georgia's Forts Benning and Gordon to Moore and Eisenhower in changes aimed at removing names honoring Confederate leaders. The commission was created by Congress in a bipartisan law that the Trump administration skirted when it restored the old names using different first names. Nebraska U.S. representative Don Bacon was one of two Republicans to cross party lines to approve the amendment.

[Don Bacon]

I also think having a base named Eisenhower, I can't think of a better base name than Hal Moore and his wife, Heroes in Vietnam, beloved by everybody. And I don't know anybody that doesn't like Eisenhower or the Moores. And for what and what the administration is doing, particularly the secretary of Defense, is sticking his finger in the eye of Congress by going back and changing the names to the old names.

[Orlando Montoya]

The House bill still has to be reconciled with the Senate's version, and the naming amendment was one small part of the massive legislation, which also would boost military pay and increase defense research and development spending.

[Sarah Kalis]

When a massive chemical fire erupted at the Biolab facility in Conyers, thick smoke filled the air, forcing evacuations. But for many, it wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last. I'm Pamela Kirkland. In GPB's new podcast, Manufacturing the Biolab Story, I investigate what caused the fire, the response and what it means for Conyers residents today. [e-mail] podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Orlando Montoya]

Coca Cola says it will add a cane sugar version of its trademark Cola to its U.S. lineup this fall, confirming a recent announcement by President Donald Trump. Trump said in a social media post last week that the Atlanta based beverage giant had agreed to use real cane sugar in its flagship product in the U.S. coke has been sweetened with high fructose corn syrup since the 1980s. The company confirmed the new product today in its second quarter financial statement. The company, transforming the former Atlanta headquarters of CNN into a downtown retail, restaurant, entertainment and office hub, has released new details about the project. New renderings from architecture and interior design firm TVS tease a sleek and modern revamp of the iconic property in the heart of the city's sports, entertainment and convention district. And that's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about many of the stories that you hear on this podcast, Visit our webpage gpb.org news it's always updated and you'll find the latest reports from our GPB news team. If you haven't yet hit subscribe on this podcast. Take a moment to do that now. That'll help you to stay current with us in your feed and we always welcome your feedback. Tell us what we're doing right or wrong@georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. I'll talk to 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.