Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: Father of Accused Apalachee Shooter Bonded; Fed Judge Retires; Savannah Public Art
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

1. Father Granted Bond in Apalachee High School Shooting Case

In a rare and high-profile case, Colin Gray, the father of the 14-year-old accused of the deadly Apalachee High School shooting, was granted bond by Barrow County Superior Court Judge Nicholas Prim. Gray has pleaded not guilty to 29 counts related to the incident.

Key Points:

• Legal Considerations: Judge Prim emphasized the necessity to evaluate Gray's flight risk and other relevant factors before making a bond decision.
• Bond Details: Given the exceptional nature of the case and absence of flight risk, the judge set Gray's bond at a substantial $500,000.

Notable Quote:

"Weighing all of these considerations, I believe that it is one required to give a bond, but two, given the extraordinary nature of the case and the other factors, that it needs to be a high bond." — Judge Nicholas Prim [00:55]

2. State Senate Passes Bill to Ban Gender-Affirming Care Coverage for State Employees

The Georgia State Senate approved a controversial bill that prohibits state employee health plans from covering gender-affirming treatments, including sex reassignment surgery and hormone therapy. The bill advanced with a 30-19 vote and now awaits consideration in the House.

Key Points:

• Republican Support: Proponents like Senator Blake Tillery argue that taxpayers should not fund gender-affirming care.

  Notable Quote:

  "I think the ultimate answer was no." — Speaker discussing Senate Bill 39 [02:00]

• Democratic Opposition: Opponents, including Senator Kim Jackson, contend that the ban targets a marginalized group and may face legal challenges.

  Notable Quote:

  "My colleagues have chosen a group of people that are easy to pick on and easy to score political points." — Senator Kim Jackson [02:13]

3. Federal Judge Retirement Opens Nomination Opportunity for President Trump

Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy Batten of the Northern District of Georgia announced his retirement, presenting President Donald Trump with his first chance in the second term to nominate a successor to the federal bench.

Key Points:

• Judge Batten’s Career: Nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed 19 years ago, Judge Batten expressed gratitude for his service and plans to engage in arbitrations and mediations post-retirement.

  Notable Quote:

  "I remain profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve and intend to use my skills in the realm of arbitrations and mediations." — Judge Timothy Batten [02:29]

4. Environmental Working Group Study Highlights Health Risks in Beauty Products for Black Women

A new study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals that nearly 80% of beauty products marketed to Black women are associated with increased risks of diseases such as breast and uterine cancer. This includes products like makeup, shampoos, hair relaxers, and dyes.

Key Points:

• Hazard Levels: Out of 4,000 products analyzed, 74 were classified as presenting moderate to high health hazard risks.

• Improvement Noted: The average hazard rating for hair relaxers improved from a high hazard (8) in 2016 to a moderate hazard (5) in the 2025 report.

  Notable Quotes:

  "Hair relaxers remain one of the more hazardous product categories." — Alexa Friedman, EWG [03:33]

  "But one good thing that we did see between our 2016 and our 2025 report is that the average rating for hair relaxers went from an eight, which would be a high hazard in our database, to A5, which is moderate hazard." — Alexa Friedman [03:33]

• Safety Recommendations: Products rated 1 or 2 in the EWG's database are considered the safest for use.

  Notable Quote:

  "They and her colleagues consider products rated as 1 or 2 in the study's online database as the safest to use." — Ellen Eldredge [03:48]

5. Savannah Launches Public Art Master Plan Initiative

Savannah city officials are embarking on a comprehensive campaign to develop a master plan dedicated to public art. This initiative aims to enhance community storytelling through murals, sculptures, and other forms of public installations.

Key Points:

• Community Engagement: Until early March, city staff and design consultants are conducting community meetings and online focus groups to solicit input from residents.

• Director's Vision: Stuart Miller, Savannah's Director of Cultural Resources, emphasized the importance of reflecting each community's unique story through public art.

  Notable Quote:

  "Each community has a story and public art is all about storytelling." — Peter Biello discussing Stuart Miller's vision [04:35]

• Public Participation: Residents are encouraged to participate via an online survey at savannapublicart.com.

• Expected Outcome: The master plan is slated for completion later in the year.

6. Atlanta Dream and Gray Media Renew Partnership for WNBA Season

The Atlanta Dream have extended their partnership with Atlanta-based Gray Media for the 2025 WNBA season. The renewed deal ensures that non-national exclusive games will be broadcast on Gray Media's Peachtree TV and Peachtree Sports Network, including over-the-air channels in Georgia's major media markets.

7. University System of Georgia Unveils New Degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence

Responding to the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, the University System of Georgia's Board of Regents approved the creation of its inaugural Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence. The program will be offered at Middle Georgia State University's Warner Robins campus.

Key Points:

• Academic Growth: Georgia's academic institutions are expanding their AI offerings, with Kennesaw State launching a master’s program last year.
• Employment Prospects: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that careers in computer and information research, including AI, will grow four times faster than the average occupation by 2031.

8. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Considers Georgia Acts for 2025 Inductees

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is evaluating two iconic musical groups with strong Georgia ties for its 2025 induction class:

• Outkast: The legendary hip-hop duo formed in Atlanta in 1992.
• The Black Crowes: The Southern rock band established in Atlanta in 1984.

Inductees are expected to be announced in late April.

9. Concord Music Publishing Signs Savannah’s Cole Goodwin

Concord Music Publishing has signed country singer-songwriter Cole Goodwin to a worldwide publishing deal, covering his entire catalog and future works.

Key Points:

• Accolades: Originally from Pooler, Georgia, Goodwin was honored as Savannah's Best Country Artist for both 2023 and 2024, among other local accolades.
• Media Features: He was featured in season three of GPB's Peach Jam and the Peach Jam Podcast.

Highlight:

"I've been punching the clock week after week Working the souls off of the boots on my feet And missing you. Wish I was kissing you." — Cole Goodwin [07:55]

Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today provided comprehensive coverage of significant local news stories, ranging from legal developments and legislative actions to cultural initiatives and advancements in education and the arts. Host Peter Biello, along with contributors Sarah Kallas, Ellen Eldredge, and Benjamin Payne, delivered insightful reporting that underscores the dynamic and diverse landscape of Georgia.

For more stories and updates, subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast and visit georgiatodaypb.org. Feedback and story tips can be emailed to the Georgia Today team.