Immigration arrests in Georgia; Log Off movement; James Beard Awards

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Peter Biello | Georgia Public Broadcasting

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1. Immigration Arrests and Federal Sweeps in Georgia

Overview:
The episode opens with an in-depth look at the heightened immigration enforcement activities in Georgia. Following the reinstatement of President Trump's expedited removal policy, immigrant rights and advocacy groups are mobilizing to support communities facing potential deportations.

Key Points:

• Federal Actions: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out over 900 arrests and detained more than 500 individuals nationwide over the weekend, including an unspecified number in Georgia. (00:37)

• Community Response: Jean Luc Rivera from Atlanta's Latino Community Fund emphasizes the importance of knowing constitutional rights and being prepared for law enforcement interactions. (01:09)

• Impact on Services: Peter Biello highlights concerns that immigrants may cease accessing essential services like healthcare out of fear of deportation. (01:35)

• Historical Context: Immigration sweeps are not unprecedented under previous administrations, including President Biden's. However, Atlanta immigration attorney Charles Cook notes an unprecedented surge in fear and community response post-election. (01:59)

• Military Involvement: Two Georgia-based Army units from Fort Stewart are deployed to the U.S. Southern border to aid in border security efforts. This marks the first active-duty troop deployment to the border in decades, supplementing the existing 2,500 National Guard and Reserve forces. The move raises questions about potential changes to the Posse Comitatus Act, which currently prohibits military involvement in domestic law enforcement. (02:15 - 03:35)

Notable Quotes:

• Clara Wasserman on community focus over awards: “We’re a neighborhood bar. We’re not out looking for awards or anything. We do what we do, but our main focus is definitely on our community.” (00:37)

• Peter Biello on resource access: “People are gonna stop accessing resources that are vital to having a successful life here in Georgia, such as being able to go to the hospital.” (01:35)

• Clara Wasserman expressing concern for community members: “One of my biggest worries is that people are gonna stop accessing resources...” (01:34)

2. Atlanta City Council's Resolution on Homeless Encampment Sweeps

Overview:
The Atlanta City Council has introduced a resolution demanding a moratorium on homeless encampment sweeps following the tragic death of Cornelius Taylor, an unhoused resident killed during a recent sweep.

Key Points:

• Resolution Requirements: The resolution mandates the Atlanta Continuum of Care (CoC) to transparently report encampment clearing practices before any future actions. (04:52)

• Community Reaction: The death of Cornelius Taylor has sparked significant outrage and calls for more humane approaches to handling homelessness. Clara Wasserman stresses that underlying issues like addiction should not justify such measures. (05:16 - 05:20)

• Resource Allocation: Council member Liliana Bakhtiari advocates for increased caseworkers to adequately address the needs of the city's unhoused population, arguing that sufficient support could prevent tragedies like Taylor's death. (05:16)

Notable Quotes:

• Clara Wasserman on the impact of insufficient support: “If we had had them, then Cornelius would have been housed.” (05:16)

• Clara Wasserman emphasizing inclusive support: “I don't care if Cornelius... was struggling with addiction. Everybody in this room is struggling with something.” (05:20)

3. Savannah Businesses Support California Wildfire Victims

Overview:
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, around 50 businesses in the Savannah area have donated items to an auction aimed at assisting victims of the recent California wildfires. Spearheaded by artist Molly Campbell, the initiative underscores the interconnectedness of communities facing natural disasters.

Key Points:

• Community Initiative: Molly Campbell, a Savannah-based hand embroidery and block printing artist, organizes the "Savannah Loves LA" auction to raise funds for four Los Angeles organizations supporting restaurant workers, artists, fire victims, and firefighters. (05:40)

• Emotional Impact: Campbell shares personal connections to the disaster, highlighting the emotional and mental toll on affected families. (05:55)

• Auction Details: The auction, run through Wednesday, features artwork, gift cards from local restaurants and retail stores, and other valuable items. Proceeds will benefit targeted support groups addressing immediate and long-term needs from the wildfires. (06:43)

Notable Quotes:

• Molly Campbell on the broader impact of disasters: “The devastation goes beyond the physical, there's emotional and mental lingering effects.” (05:55)

• Molly Campbell on community involvement: “It made me kind of work through the overwhelm... they say, I want to help.” (06:15)

4. Georgia Restaurants Nominated for James Beard Awards

Overview:
A dozen Georgia-based restaurants, bars, chefs, and cocktail professionals have received nominations for the prestigious James Beard Awards, with two nominations coming from Savannah, marking the city's inaugural representation at these awards.

Key Points:

• Savannah's Recognition: Andrew J. Ripley, co-owner of Lone Wolf Lounge, expresses surprise at the nomination, emphasizing the establishment's community-centric focus over seeking accolades. (07:18 - 07:31)

• Historic Milestone: Lone Wolf Lounge's semifinalist status is a first for a Savannah bar at the James Beard Awards, often dubbed the "Oscars of the food world." (07:43)

• Upcoming Awards: The awards will honor the best chefs in the Southeast, with winners announced in Chicago this summer. (07:43)

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew J. Ripley on the unexpected nomination: “We do what we do, but our main focus is definitely on our community.” (07:31)

• Clara Wasserman on the nomination's surprise: “One of my friends contacted me to let me know completely out of the blue...” (07:31)

5. The Log Off Movement: Redefining Relationships with Technology

Overview:
Emory University student Clara Wasserman, co-founder and deputy director of the Log Off movement, discusses the initiative aimed at combating excessive screen time and fostering healthier relationships with social media among youth.

Key Points:

• Mission and Goals: Log Off advocates for a balanced relationship with technology, encouraging intentional and mindful use of digital platforms rather than complete abstinence. (09:25 - 09:35)

• Campaign Strategies: The movement employs online content, podcasts, and university chapters to promote activities that reduce screen time and enhance human connections. Notable campaigns include "Forks Up, Phones Down," which encourages putting away devices during meals to prioritize interpersonal interactions. (10:21 - 10:52)

• Personal Motivation: Clara shares her personal journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the mental health challenges of excessive social media use and the inspiration drawn from co-founder Emma's discussions on the negative impacts of technology. (11:48 - 12:18)

• Global Reach and Impact: The movement has expanded internationally, with chapters like the one in Singapore initiating activities such as ping pong games to foster offline interactions. (12:39 - 13:40)

Notable Quotes:

• Clara Wasserman on redefining technology use: “We recognize that the way that we're currently using technology... is not more. It’s more. Technology is using us.” (09:35)

• Clara Wasserman on the "Forks Up, Phones Down" campaign: “It’s about gently correcting that behavior in a way that makes people want to communicate, set their phones aside.” (10:26)

• Clara Wasserman on combating mindless scrolling: “Are you intentionally using the technology... or is it just mindlessly scrolling, consuming content that honestly leaves you more anxious than how you began?” (11:48)

• Clara Wasserman on the evolution of the movement: “It has evolved into ways where now there’s ping pong tables and random and international school in Singapore... focusing more on human connection.” (12:43)

6. Additional Highlights

a. Biolab Facility Investigation: Members of Georgia's congressional delegation, including Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, are urging Kik Consumer Products, the parent company of the Biolab facility in Conyers, to provide updates on their investigation into a destructive fire last September. The fire had significant repercussions, including 17,000 evacuations and interstate closures. The company has pledged to continue community engagement and collaborate with authorities. (03:35 - 04:52)

b. Public Schools and Property Tax Law: Public schools in Floyd County, northwest Georgia, have decided to comply with a new state law limiting taxation on home value increases. This decision contrasts with other districts opting out, citing budgetary impacts. State lawmakers are considering legislation to enforce compliance, risking future conflicts over educational funding. (08:07)

c. Coca-Cola's New Flavor: Coca-Cola announces the launch of a new flavor, Coca-Cola Orange Cream, available in the U.S. and Canada starting February 10th. This addition joins the lineup offered to consumers who enjoy flavored Coke variants. The segment nostalgically references discontinued flavors like Coca-Cola Spiced and Coca-Cola OK, resonating with long-time fans. (07:45 - 08:07)

d. Teenage Social Media Usage: A recent Pew Research Center report reveals that nearly half of American teenagers are online "constantly," raising concerns about the mental health effects of pervasive social media and smartphone use. The Log Off movement emerges as a proactive response to these findings, aiming to foster healthier digital habits among youth. (08:07 - 09:25)

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Conclusion:
This episode of Georgia Today offers a comprehensive exploration of pressing issues affecting Georgia communities, from immigration enforcement and homelessness to cultural recognitions and digital well-being. Through engaging reports and insightful interviews, host Peter Biello underscores the resilience and proactive spirit of Georgia's residents in addressing complex societal challenges.

Stay Tuned:
Tomorrow's episode features a conversation with journalist Matt Sher about his new podcast on the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, known as Cop City. The discussion delves into information that may influence the ongoing excessive force lawsuit related to the death of a protester two years ago.

Subscribe:
To stay updated, subscribe to Georgia Today on your preferred podcast platform and visit gpb.org/news.

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This summary is based on the January 27, 2025 episode of Georgia Today. For the full podcast, please visit GPB News' official channels.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Foreign welcome to the Georgia Today podcast from GPB. News. Today is Monday, January 27th. I'm Peter Biello. On this podcast, you'll hear the latest reports from our GPB news team. Your feedback and story tips are appreciated. Email Georgia todaypb.org on today's episode, immigrant advocacy groups in Georgia help their communities prepare for federal immigration sweeps. A student led group offers help with ending mindless doom scrolling and 12 Georgia restaurants are nominated for the prestigious James Beard Awards.

[Clara Wasserman]

We're a neighborhood bar. We're not out looking for awards or anything. We do what we do, but our main focus is definitely on our community.

[Peter Biello]

These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. Immigrant rights and advocacy groups in Georgia are working together to prepare the communities they serve for possible deportations. This after a weekend of reported sweeps by federal agencies around Georgia. GPB's Sophie Gradas has more.

[Sophie Gradas]

President Trump's expedited removal policy has U.S. residents without legal status on high alert. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency arrested over 900 people nationwide and detained over 500 this weekend, including an undisclosed number from around Georgia Georgia. Jean Luc Rivera with Atlanta's Latino Community Fund says people should know their constitutional rights and prepare for interactions with law enforcement.

[Clara Wasserman]

One of my biggest worries is that.

[Peter Biello]

People are gonna stop accessing resources that are vital to having a successful life here in Georgia, such as being able to go to the hospital. All you can do right now is essentially try to move forward and just have a plan in place.

[Sophie Gradas]

It's unclear whether local law enforcement have been involved in sweeps so far. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradis.

[Peter Biello]

Sweeps like those described in Sophie's story aren't new. They happened under previous presidents, including former President Biden. But Atlanta immigration attorney Charles Cook says what is different is the reaction among immigrants. We've been inundated since the day after the election with calls and meetings with.

[Sophie Gradas]

People that are truly scared about their.

[Peter Biello]

Current situation, how to resolve it. Many are long term residents of the United States. Details about the arrests weren't immediately known, although one pastor told CNN one of them took place at his church in Tucker, east of Atlanta. During the church service, two Georgia based Army units are heading to the US Southern border to assist the federal government's efforts at border security. The U.S. northern Command says one military police company and one armored combat engineer company from Fort Stewart were headed to the region. The the Georgia based units are part of a larger deployment to the border that began just a few days after President Trump was sworn in for a second term last week. Before this, there were no active duty troops working along the roughly 2,000 mile border. The active duty forces will join the roughly 2,500 U.S. national Guard and Reserve forces already there. The government says these new troops will support enhanced detection and physical barrier repair and construction. Officials said last week there was no plan for the troops to do law enforcement, which would put them in a dramatically different role. For the first time in decades, troops are prohibited by law from doing law enforcement duties under the Posse Comitatus Act. But that may change. Trump has directed through executive order that the incoming secretary of defense and incoming Homeland Security chief report back within 90 days if they think an 1807 law called the Insurrection act should be invoked. This would allow those troops to be used in civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil. The last time this act was invoked was in 1992 during rioting in Los Angeles in protest of the acquittal of four police officers charged with beating Rodney King. Members of Georgia's congressional delegation are pushing the parent company of the Biolab facility in Conyers for updates on its investigation into last September's fire. In a letter sent earlier this month, Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock and Congressman Hank Johnson asked Kik Consumer Products to release the results of any debris testing, share reimbursement data and extend the deadline for Georgians to file damage claims, which expired at the end of last year. The fire at Biolab last year led to 17,000 evacuations, interstate closures and weeks of overnight shelter in place orders. A company spokesperson says they're reviewing the letter, adding Biolab will continue its community engagement and and looks forward to working constructively with authorities, regulators and elected officials. Atlanta City Council has introduced a resolution calling for a moratorium on homeless encampment sweeps. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports the move comes after the death of an unhoused resident.

[Clara Wasserman]

The resolution would require the Atlanta Continuum of Care to report on their encampment clearing practices and share the findings publicly before resuming. Cornelius Taylor was killed during a sweep earlier this month, sparking outrage from his family and the community. But council member Liliana Bakhtiari says the COC needs more caseworkers to meet the needs of the city's unhoused residents. If we had had them, then Cornelius.

[Peter Biello]

Would have been housed.

[Clara Wasserman]

It shouldn't have taken a year, a.

[Peter Biello]

Year of outreach and him not to be housed.

[Clara Wasserman]

And if anyone tells you he didn't want to leave, that has nothing to do with it. I don't care if Cornelius I don't care if he was an addict. I don't care if he was struggling with addiction. Everybody in this room is struggling with something. The Atlanta CoC is also in charge of the annual point in time count of the city's unhoused residents and ongoing outreach. For GPB news, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Peter Biello]

About 50 Savannah area businesses have donated items to an auction to help victims of the California wildfires. The effort is spearheaded by Savannah hand embroidery and block printing artist Molly Campbell. She says the storm hurt her sister's family in North Carolina.

[Molly Campbell]

And as I reflect back on the perspective that talking to my sister and talking to her family afforded me to just really understand that the devastation goes beyond the physical, there's emotional and mental lingering effects. Basically, when you are dealing with a natural disaster and having that perspective from my family going through it and then like I said, just seeing what artists and businesses that I'm following on social media were dealing with immediately, it really kind of challenged me to kind of step outside myself and say, you know, this is bigger than me. You know, essentially it made me kind of work through the overwhelm that I think can happen and that I've heard from several business owners through this. You know, they say, I want to help.

[Peter Biello]

The funds will support four Los Angeles organizations that help restaurant workers, artists, fire victims and firefighters. The auction runs through Wednesday and includes artwork, restaurant and retail store gift cards and other items. It's called Savannah Loves LA on Instagram and betterworld.org a dozen Georgia restaurants, bars, chefs or cocktail professionals have been nominated for the prestigious James Beard Awards. The awards announced their semi finalists last week. Only two nominees are from outside metro Atlanta and both are in Savannah. GPB's Benjamin Payne reports.

[Sophie Gradas]

Andrew J. Ripley was surprised as anyone when he found out his Lone Wolf Lounge was named a semifinalist for outstanding bar. The co owner said he had no idea his tucked away tavern was even on the James Beard Foundation's radar.

[Clara Wasserman]

One of my friends contacted me to let me know completely out of the blue, we don't have any kind of like PR department. We're a neighborhood bar. I mean, we're not out looking for awards or anything. We do what we do, but our main focus is definitely on our community.

[Sophie Gradas]

This marks the first time a bar in Savannah has been nominated for a James Beard Award. Sometimes known as the Oscars of the food world, Lone Wolf Lounge won't be the only establishment representing the Hostess city at this year's awards. The restaurant common thread is up for best chefs in the Southeast. Winners will be announced this summer at a ceremony in Chicago. For GPB News, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah.

[Peter Biello]

We could all use a little help navigating the news these days. The Consider this Podcast wants to give you a hand six days a week. We'll help you make sense of the day's biggest news story and what it means for you in less than 15 minutes. Listen now to the Consider this podcast from NPR. Public schools in northwest Georgia's Floyd county will not be opting out of a new Georgia law aimed at limiting how much of a home's increasing value can be taxed. The school board this afternoon decided to keep the tax relief Provided in House B581 even as many school districts across the state are opting out. Citing its impact on school budgets, some state lawmakers are threatening to introduce legislation to force their local governments to comply if they use the escape hatch the law provided. Nearly half of American teenagers say they are online, quote, unquote, constantly. That's despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health. That's according to a new report published earlier this month by the Pew Research Center. A new youth led group is trying to change that. The Log off movement aims to help kids, teens and young people build healthy relationships with social media and online platforms. Emory University student Clara Wasserman is a co founder and deputy director of Logoff and she was recently named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Clara, welcome to the program.

[Clara Wasserman]

Hi. Thank you so much for having me.

[Peter Biello]

So the log off movement is about more than just logging off your devices. How do you get people to engage differently with social media?

[Clara Wasserman]

Yeah, so Log off is more about redefining our relationship with technology. We're not anti social media, we're not anti technology. We just recognize that the way that we're currently using technology, it's not more. It's not like we have the power. It's more. Technology is using us. And our health is not the primary concern of these companies that are making these products for us. How we get people to engage in changing their behaviors is through our campaigns, engaging with our content online, consuming our podcast, consuming our think pieces on our website, as well as engaging with our chapters, university chapters, high school chapters, all about in being part of activities that take you off your phone and maybe have you focused more on human connection.

[Peter Biello]

One of the campaigns you're running now is called Forks Up, Phones Down. Can you tell us about that one?

[Clara Wasserman]

Yeah. So that's our first big campaign. It's all about reprioritizing human connection while you're at the dinner table. So you see it all the time at restaurants where people are looking at their phones or answering a text instead of just being in the moment with the person they are sharing a meal with. And it's all about gently correcting that behavior in a way that makes people want to communicate, set their phones aside.

[Peter Biello]

Do you encourage a hard and fast limit on how many hours or even minutes people should be using social media, say, in a given week?

[Clara Wasserman]

There's so many more educated and more specialized researchers that are prioritizing that discussion. For us, it's more about really listening to your body and really listening to your mental health and what you feel when you are engaging on these platforms. A reason why we're not anti social media, not anti technology, is because we recognize, recognize that you being online does not have the same impact on you as in you doing research for a project versus you scrolling on TikTok for hours and hours on end. So it's all about really distinguishing. Are you intentionally using the technology and the tools that you have to really do something new, do something, challenge yourself, learn and grow, or is it just mindlessly scrolling, consuming content that honestly leaves you more anxious than how you began?

[Peter Biello]

What drew you to log off?

[Clara Wasserman]

So I actually was living in the Netherlands. I went to high school in the Netherlands. And during that time it was the COVID pandemic and we were all locked in our homes and I started feeling the mental impacts of just being hours and hours on end with no direction on social media. TikTok, YouTube, Instagram. And I just felt like it was having a negative impact on my mental health. And ironically, I found Emma.

[Peter Biello]

Emma is the co founder and director of yes.

[Clara Wasserman]

MLMK yes via a YouTube channel called Jubilee. And she was having a discussion with other teens about how social media was impacting her and other people. And she talked about log off and that really inspired me and I thought, this girl is so smart, I want to help her in her mission. And that's where I joined Log off and we kind of re remade it and made it something new.

[Peter Biello]

So how do you know the log off movement is working right now when.

[Clara Wasserman]

We'Re in the process of growing in the next couple of months, we're really gearing up and really pushing out our campaign as well as starting chapters in multiple universities. And that's really going to be our main way of kind of gauging. Are we making an impact already? We have a chapter in Singapore, I believe, and it has evolved in a way that we never imagined it would evolve. We kind of always thought it would be more not a TED Talk chapter where students kind of not preach at their student at other students like hey, get off your phones. But more of a more of a student to student support system. But it has evolved into ways where now there's ping pong tables and random and international school in Singapore and instead of kids being online while they're on their breaks, they're playing ping pong together. And that was all started by a girl with an initiative to really bring the log off mission to her school.

[Peter Biello]

Clara, thank you so much for speaking with me. I really do appreciate it.

[Clara Wasserman]

Thank you so much for having me.

[Peter Biello]

That's Clara Wasserman, Emory student and co founder of the Log off movement. This final story before we go today, Coca Cola is adding a new flavor. The Atlanta based beverage giant says Coca Cola Orange cream will go on sale in the US and Canada on February 10th. That'll add another choice to the menu for folks who like their Coca Cola flavored with a little extra something. However, pour one out for Coca Cola Spiced, a not terribly spicy Coke for flavor that was meant to taste like raspberry but never quite caught on. Introduced around this time last year, Spiced was only on the market for seven months. Now, for what it's worth, I am still mourning Coca Cola's OK soda, which some Gen Xers and millennials may remember from the 90s. If you've never heard of it, look it up. It's got a Wikipedia page and everything. Some flavors, I suppose, just have to live on in our hearts. And that's it for this edition of GEORGIA today. Tomorrow on the program, a conversation with journalist Matt Sher, host of a new podcast about the Atlanta Public Safety Training center that opponents call Cop City. The podcast reveals information that could change the outcome of the excessive force lawsuit filed by the parents of a protester killed two years ago. You don't want to miss this. So subscribe to GEORGIA TODAY now and it'll be there for you tomorrow afternoon. For the latest news, check gpb.org news. Better yet, bookmark that page. We appreciate having you as a listener. Thanks again. I'm Peter Biello. We'll see you tomorrow.