Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: Peter Biello

1. Librarian Fired Over Controversial Book Display

In the opening segment of today’s episode, Peter Biello reports on a contentious incident in Pierce County, southeast Georgia. LaVonna Moore, a dedicated librarian with 15 years of service at the Pierce County Public Library, was terminated last week after curating a summer reading display that included a book featuring a transgender character.

Key Points:

• Display Theme: Themed "Color Our World," Moore collaborated with community volunteers to select books that promote diversity and acceptance, including When Aiden Became a Brother, which narrates a family's journey in embracing their transgender child.
• Controversy: A local religious group initiated a campaign against the display, citing objections to the portrayal of transgender characters.
• Termination: Moore asserts that her dismissal was politically motivated rather than a reflection of her job performance. "I was fired based on politics, not performance," Moore told GPB.
• Response: Library and county officials have yet to comment on the firing. Moore is currently seeking legal assistance to address her termination.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in public institutions and the challenges faced by educators and librarians in promoting inclusive materials.

2. Atlanta's Affordable Housing Conference Concludes

Georgia Today shifts focus to Atlanta’s pressing issue of affordable housing. With metro Atlanta households spending 38% of their median income on housing—a figure below the national average yet exceeding the recommended 30% threshold—efforts are underway to address this imbalance.

Key Points:

• Conference Overview: The third annual affordable housing conference in Atlanta concluded with various stakeholders, including developers, realtors, and government officials, discussing strategies to enhance housing affordability.
• Stakeholder Insights:
  • Anthony Smith, an Atlanta resident living in affordable housing, voiced concerns about the sustainability of current housing options. “In some people's situations, their income goes down but the rent still goes up. So I would like for someone to look into that for us,” Smith stated (02:34).
• City Commitments:
  • Mayor Andre Dickens committed to building or preserving 20,000 units of affordable housing by 2030.

Amanda Andrews, GPB’s reporter, highlighted the collaborative efforts aimed at securing long-term affordable housing solutions amidst rising costs and economic pressures.

3. MARTA’s Readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

As Atlanta prepares to host eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the efficiency and reliability of its rapid transit system, MARTA, are under scrutiny. Amanda Andrews and investigative reporter Alex Ip delve into the current state of MARTA and its preparedness for the influx of international visitors.

Key Points:

• Current Challenges:

  • Service Reliability: Alex Ip observed significant delays and operational inefficiencies. “We've been sitting here standing here half an hour,” Ip remarked while waiting for a delayed bus (05:41).
  • Fare Collection Issues: Drivers are circumventing fare boxes to expedite boarding, leading to a substantial loss in revenue. “Drivers choosing saving time over collecting fares,” Ip noted (06:25).

• Financial Struggles: MARTA is experiencing budget shortfalls, with fare revenues dropping from the required 35% to 10%. This revenue loss is attributed to fare evasion and operational inefficiencies.

• Upgrades and Improvements:

  • Fare Collection Technology: MARTA officials announced initiatives to enhance fare collection, including updated mobile payment options and new fare gates, aiming for full implementation by the World Cup (07:32).
  • Service Enhancements: Plans include running extra trains before and after matches and testing systems like transit ambassadors and pre-game shuttle trains.

• Governance and Staffing Concerns:

  • Budget Cuts: Despite service promises, MARTA faces budget cuts affecting staff and program management. Council President Doug Shipman questioned MARTA CEO Kali Greenwood on expanding services without additional staffing (08:11).
  • Staffing Solutions: Greenwood responded by highlighting that many cut positions were long vacant and suggested addressing workforce gaps through contractual services if necessary.

Notable Quote: “There are some serious questions to be asked about how the governance of MARTA is affecting all of this, especially as the World Cup is going to come around,” Andrews reported (07:06).

The segment paints a picture of MARTA striving to meet the high demands of an international event while grappling with internal challenges and financial constraints.

4. Greystar Settles Claims Over Military Tenant Fees

In a brief but significant report, Biello outlines a $1.4 million settlement reached between the U.S. Department of Justice and Greystar Management Services, the largest property management firm in the nation.

Key Points:

• Allegations: Greystar was accused of unlawfully imposing early termination fees on military service members who ended leases due to relocations, in violation of the Service Members Civil Relief Act.
• Settlement Details:
  • Compensation: Approximately $1.3 million will be allocated to affected service members and their co-tenants, including triple damages for those who paid early termination charges.
  • Penalties: An additional $77,000 civil penalty will be imposed.
• Impact on Georgia: Greystar operates numerous properties in Georgia’s major metro areas such as Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus, which have significant military populations.

This settlement emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of military personnel in housing agreements and the accountability of large property management firms.

5. Expansion of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

The Trust for Public Land announced the acquisition of 21 new acres for Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, safeguarding the land from potential future development.

Key Points:

• Land Acquisition: The newly protected acreage is situated in a rapidly growing area north of Atlanta, ensuring the preservation of green space amidst urban expansion.
• Public Access and Benefits: George Duesenberry, the organization’s state director, highlighted that the expanded parkland will enhance quality of life for residents and support resilient communities. “These green spaces, these public spaces are vital for healthy, strong, resilient communities,” Duesenberry stated.
• Financials: The National Park Service invested about $2.5 million to secure the land, which was previously owned by long-time local residents.

This acquisition underscores ongoing efforts to balance development with environmental preservation, ensuring that natural and historical sites remain accessible to the public.

6. Alliance Theatre Appoints New Managing Director

In the arts segment, Peter Biello shares that the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta has appointed Brandon Kahn as its new managing director, succeeding Mike Schleifer.

Key Points:

• Background of Brandon Kahn: Previously the general manager of Houston's Alley Theater, Kahn has extensive experience, including collaborations on productions like Born With Teeth destined for London’s West End. His prior engagements include various theater companies in Massachusetts and Broadway projects.
• Endorsements: The Alliance Theatre’s artistic co-directors lauded Kahn’s extensive experience and capability to lead the Tony Award-winning regional theater, the largest in the Southeast.
• Previous Managing Director: Mike Schleifer departed to assume the role of managing director at Lincoln Center Theatre in New York City after an 11-year tenure.

This leadership transition is poised to bring fresh perspectives to Atlanta’s prominent cultural institution, continuing its legacy of excellence in the performing arts.

Closing Remarks

Peter Biello concluded the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe for daily updates and to share stories deserving of coverage via email at georgiatoday@gpb.org. He emphasized GPB News’ commitment to delivering the latest headlines and in-depth reporting on topics pertinent to Georgians.

Notable Quotes:

• LaVonna Moore: “I was fired based on politics, not performance.” ([00:50])
• Anthony Smith: “In some people's situations, their income goes down but the rent still goes up. So I would like for someone to look into that for us.” ([02:34])
• Amanda Andrews on MARTA Governance: “There are some serious questions to be asked about how the governance of MARTA is affecting all of this, especially as the World Cup is going to come around.” ([07:06])

Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today provided comprehensive coverage of significant local issues ranging from education and housing to public transportation and cultural leadership. Through in-depth reporting and firsthand accounts, GPB News continues to shed light on the challenges and developments shaping Georgia.