Norfolk Southern lawsuit; Immigration raid protests; Carter wins posthumous Grammy

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

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Norfolk Southern Faces New Lawsuit on East Palestine Derailment

Two years after the catastrophic East Palestine train derailment in 2023, Norfolk Southern, an Atlanta-based railroad company, is embroiled in fresh legal challenges. The latest lawsuit marks the two-year anniversary of the toxic crash near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, alleging that the derailment led to multiple wrongful deaths and ongoing health issues for residents.

Key Points:

• Wrongful Death Claims: The lawsuit includes seven wrongful death claims, notably the tragic death of a one-week-old baby, and accuses Norfolk Southern and its contractors of mishandling the cleanup efforts (00:44).
• Government Accountability: The plaintiffs also hold the EPA and CDC responsible for not adequately warning the community about the associated health risks.
• Health Concerns: Beyond the deaths, the lawsuit highlights persistent, unexplained health problems among residents, fearing more severe health consequences could emerge.
• Norfolk Southern’s Response: The company declined to comment on the new litigation but previously settled a $600 million class action for those within a 20-mile radius and committed to separate funds for cleanup and medical monitoring without admitting wrongdoing.

Additional Context: In the past week alone, nine more lawsuits have been filed, all pointing to Norfolk Southern's alleged negligence and greed as the root causes of the derailment.

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Protests Erupt Against Immigration Raids

On Saturday, approximately 1,000 protesters congregated near Plaza Fiesta Mall along Buford Highway in DeKalb County to voice opposition to recent immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These targeted operations have led to over 7,400 arrests nationwide.

Key Points:

• Location and Scale: The large gathering reflects significant community concern over increased immigration enforcement activities.
• Impact on Residents: The raids have heightened fears among immigrant communities and sparked widespread demonstrations advocating for more humane immigration policies (01:12).

Community Response: The protests underscore the tension between federal immigration policies and local sentiments, emphasizing the need for dialogue and reform.

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FEMA Opens Federal Aid for Hurricane Helene Victims

Residents affected by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debbie in Georgia have until February 7 to apply for federal assistance to repair property damage not covered by insurance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has disbursed $300 million in aid thus far.

Key Points:

• Application Process: Sophie Gradus reports that eligible individuals can apply for financial aid through FEMA by visiting the designated website (02:40).
• Common Issues: Mario Boone, a FEMA spokesperson, notes that some applications were initially rejected due to minor errors but can be appealed for reconsideration.
• Community Advocacy: Jason Carter emphasizes the importance of seeking help even after initial application rejections, encouraging applicants to provide additional information to secure approval (02:59).

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Savannah Launches Innovative Online Survey for Community Input

Savannah officials have introduced "Savannah GPS," an online survey designed to engage residents in shaping local government policies. The voice-activated platform allows participants to record audio responses to various community-focused questions.

Key Points:

• User-Friendly Design: The survey mimics car GPS systems, enabling easy access via smartphones or computers (03:37).
• Engagement Goals: Mayor Van Johnson and city leaders aim for genuine community involvement to prioritize issues like affordable housing, public safety, and recreational services.
• Future Vision: GPB’s Benjamin Payne highlights that this initiative seeks to place residents' voices directly into the decision-making process, ensuring their needs are at the forefront (04:03).

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Over-the-Counter Opioid Overdose Medication Now Available

Georgia’s Department of Public Health has updated its guidelines to include a second medication option for reversing opioid overdoses, making it available over the counter. This nasal spray offers a more potent alternative to Narcan.

Key Points:

• Enhanced Efficacy: The new nasal spray, described by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, lasts longer and is 50 times more potent than traditional naloxone (04:38).
• Controversy and Concerns: While first responders and individuals with opioid use disorder welcome the advancement, some harm reduction advocates caution that the stronger medication may induce painful withdrawal symptoms (05:11).

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Tragic Death of Former Georgia Basketball Coach Sammy Jackson

Atlanta Police are investigating the death of Sammy Jackson, a former head basketball coach at Fort Valley State University and Savannah State University, as a homicide. Jackson's body was discovered with apparent gunshot wounds shortly after he was reported missing.

Key Points:

• Circumstances: Jackson, also a rideshare driver, was found in a wooded area in Peach County, central Georgia (05:24).
• Investigation: A man who had ordered a ride from Jackson before his disappearance is now a person of interest in the case.
• Community Impact: The tragic event has shocked the Atlanta community, leading to calls for justice and increased safety measures for local residents.

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Community Mourns Cornelius Taylor’s Death After Cleanup Operation

The Atlanta community gathered at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church to mourn Cornelius Taylor, an unhoused resident who died when a bulldozer destroyed his tent camp. His family alleges that heavy machinery crushed his organs, leading to his untimely death.

Key Points:

• Family’s Grief: At the funeral, Darlene Chaney, Cornelius’s sister, delivered a heartfelt eulogy expressing anger and sorrow over the loss (06:23).
• Public Outcry: The incident has ignited outrage and sparked discussions on how Atlanta manages and dismantles homeless camps, prompting leaders to reconsider current practices.

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Premier of "Georgia Legends" Documentary Series

GPB News announces the premiere of "Georgia Legends," a new documentary series celebrating influential Georgians. Hosted by Jeff Hollinger, the series features in-depth profiles of notable figures, starting with former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young.

Key Points:

• Series Highlights: The first episode delves into Andrew Young's impactful career and personal insights, emphasizing his strength and dignity (09:00).
• Future Episodes: Upcoming profiles include former Senator Sam Nunn, the late President Jimmy Carter, Nathan Deal, and other significant political personalities (10:31).
• Cultural Significance: The series also explores legendary establishments like New Way Wieners of Macon, highlighting their historical and cultural contributions to Georgia's heritage (12:00).

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Jimmy Carter Receives Posthumous Grammy Award

In a heartfelt tribute, former President Jimmy Carter was posthumously awarded a Grammy for his audiobook narration of "Last Sundays in Plains," a centennial celebration featuring his final Sunday school lessons.

Key Points:

• Acceptance Statement: Jason Carter, Jimmy Carter’s grandson, accepted the award on his behalf, emphasizing the significance of preserving Carter’s words for future generations (14:09).
• Additional Honors: The Grammy ceremony also celebrated other Atlanta-associated artists, including Avery Sunshine and performances by Janelle Monáe and Teddy Swims.

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Light-Hearted Weather Predictions from Georgia’s Groundhog

As Groundhog Day approaches, General Beauregard Lee, Georgia's official weather-predicting groundhog, has forecasted six more weeks of winter—the first such prediction since 2020. However, this prediction is part of a larger national trend with various animals forecasting early springs.

Key Points:

• Diverse Predictions: While General Beauregard Lee and Punxsutawney Phil predict extended winter, other animals like Woodstock Willie and Jill the opossum anticipate an early spring (14:29).
• Public Reception: The variety of forecasts from different mascots adds a humorous and light-hearted conclusion to the podcast episode, encouraging listeners to prepare accordingly.

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

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Notable Quotes

• Jason Carter on Jimmy Carter’s Grammy:
  “Having his words captured in this way for my family and for the world is truly remarkable and I think really means so much at this moment” (00:34).

• Jason Carter on FEMA Applications:
  “It's literally a matter of the applicant needs to bring in some additional information to go from not approved to approved. And what we have found in examining of these cases is people are getting the letter, they're seeing not approved and they stop right there” (02:59).

• Charlene Chaney at Cornelius Taylor’s Funeral:
  “Kanias, you already know I'm mad. I'm so mad. It's been at least 19 days since you called and you said, sis, I need you...” (06:23).

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the February 3, 2025, episode of the "Georgia Today" podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for those who may have missed the episode.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Foreign welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast from GPB News. Today is Monday, February 3rd. I'm Peter Biello. On this podcast, you'll hear the latest reports from GPB's news team. You can send feedback, suggestions and story tips to Georgia todaypb.org on today's episode. Two years after the East Palestine derailment, Atlanta based Norfolk Southern faces a new lawsuit, protesters gather to oppose immigration raids and Jimmy Carter receives a posthumous Grammy Award.

[Jason Carter]

Having his words captured in this way for my family and for the world is truly remarkable and I think really means so much at this moment.

[Peter Biello]

These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. A new lawsuit alleges people died because of the disastrous 2023 East Palestine train derailment. The suit comes at the two year anniversary of the toxic crash of Atlanta Norfolk Southern railroad cars near the Ohio Pennsylvania border. The lawsuit contains the first seven wrongful death claims filed against Norfolk Southern, including the death of a one week old baby, and alleges the railroad and its contractors botched the cleanup. It also accuses the EPA and CDC of failing to adequately warn residents about health risks. Many other parties in the lawsuit cite lingering, unexplained health problems, along with concerns something more serious could develop. The lawsuit provides some examples of the lingering effects on families, but it doesn't include details about the deaths. At least nine other lawsuits were filed over the past week by individuals and businesses who argue the railroad's greed is to blame for the derailment. A Norfolk Southern spokesperson declined to comment on the litigation. The railroad has agreed to a $600 million class action settlement for people within 20 miles of the derailment and a separate settlement promising to pay for cleanup, medical exams and drinking water monitoring. The railroad did not admit any wrongdoing, either settlement. About 1,000 protesters on Saturday gathered near the Plaza Fiesta Mall along buford highway in DeKalb County. The protest comes after recent arrests by U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement announcing targeted operations in Georgia and other parts of the country. The agency says they've arrested more than 7,400 nationwide. People who experienced damage from Hurricane Helene have until Friday to apply for federal aid to help repair their property. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says so far $300 million in assistance has reached Georgia GPB. Sophie Gradus has more People can apply.

[Sophie Gradus]

For financial aid From FEMA through February 7th if they live in the swath of counties hit by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debbie and are also facing costs not covered by insurance. Officials say some applications could have been rejected due to small errors, but they can be appealed. FEMA spokesperson Mario Boone in Atlanta.

[Jason Carter]

It's literally a matter of the applicant needs to bring in some additional information to go from not approved to approved. And what we have found in examining of these cases is people are getting the letter, they're seeing not approved and they stop right there.

[Sophie Gradus]

Instead, they should ask for help. FEMA agents will still process applications as long as they're in before the deadline. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradus.

[Peter Biello]

Officials in Savannah have launched an unusual kind of online survey they hope will shape the future of local government. GPB's Benjamin Payne explains.

[Sophie Gradus]

Host of City leaders want civilians to have their voices heard, literally. The survey is called Savannah gps, and just like the GPS you might have in your car, it's voice activated. In this case, residents can speak into their smartphone or computer microphone, recording audio answers to a series of questions. Topics range everywhere from affordable housing to public safety to parks and recreation and beyond. The idea behind Savannah gps, says Mayor Van Johnson, is to give people a quick and easy way to speak their thoughts freely.

[Jason Carter]

This new initiative is more than just checking box for us. We want genuine engagement. We want to put the resident's voice in the driver's seat.

[Sophie Gradus]

Savannians can access the survey by visiting savannaga.gov GPS for GPB news, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah.

[Peter Biello]

A second medication used to reverse an opioid overdose quickly is now available over the counter in Georgia. The state Department of Public Health recently updated its guidance. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more scientists developed.

[Jason Carter]

A nasal spray that uses a more powerful medication than Narcan to reverse an opioid overdose. Former US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams is a spokesperson for OPVI. He says first responders and people with opioid use disorder benefit because nalmophene lasts longer.

[Jeff Hollinger]

You now have a product out there that is 50 times more potent than what naloxone was originally designed to reverse and what people have traditionally used naloxone for. And therefore you need a fentanyl fighter.

[Jason Carter]

But not everyone is on board. Some harm reduction advocates say OPV is unnecessarily strong and can cause painful withdrawal symptoms. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

Atlanta Police are treating the death of a former head basketball coach at two Georgia universities as a homicide after his body was found shortly after his family reported him missing. News outlets report Sammy Jackson was the former men's basketball coach at Fort Valley State University and Savannah State University. Police say his body was located Wednesday, in a wooded area with apparent gunshot wounds. Jackson's family reported him missing to the Peach County Sheriff's Office in central Georgia. Atlanta police say Jackson was a rideshare driver and that a man who ordered a ride before Jackson's disappearance is a person of interest in the case. Community members in Atlanta gathered today to remember the life of an unhoused resident who died in a tent after a bulldozer driven by a city cleanup crew member destroyed his camp. A lawyer for the family of Cornelius Taylor says the heavy equipment crushed his organs. His death has outraged many in the community, including his sister Darlene. Charlene Chaney. She addressed her deceased brother at his funeral this morning.

[Charlene Chaney]

Kanias, you already know I'm mad. I'm so mad. It's been at least 19 days since you called and you said, sis, I need you. We agreed that you would never let me worry. We agreed I would always know where you were. We agreed that you would find a way. We agreed that you would find a way to always tell me you're okay. But you're not okay. And I had to find out the hard way. Oddly enough, I see you smiling back at me and saying, sis, chill out. I'm good. I'm actually better than ever. I'm with God just watching y'all work. But that still doesn't ease my pain. Kines. We had plans. You. You had plans. You hope to decorate your home one day. Your own home. You were supposed to paint a mural for me. You wanted to go to the movies. You told me we were going to the movies. You wanted to see your niece play ball. You told her you would see her play. As I look at your body here, I am painfully aware that you are further now than I've ever known you to be. No matter where life took you, you found a way to let me tag along, even in your situation. You found a way to be my therapist, be my voice of reason. You saw me for so long. You were invisible to, oh, so many people. You longed for people to just acknowledge your presence with more than disgust. Well, guess what, homie? You're not invisible anymore. In life, you might have felt like you didn't matter, but in death, you're making a change. For what I aim to be the entire homeless community. You have always been everything to me, but now you mean something to others. I couldn't save you, but I pray all those that failed, you can save the next. I'll never be the same again. But you're better than ever now. You were Cornelius Taylor. Now I am Cornelius Taylor.

[Peter Biello]

The funeral took place at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, a few blocks away from where Taylor died. Atlanta leaders are now reconsidering how they dismantle homeless camps. A new program premieres tonight on Georgia Legends, a documentary series profiling some of the most influential people who've lived in our state. The first episode features the life of former U.S. ambassador Andrew Young. GPB's Jeff Hollinger hosts the new show and he's with me now. Welcome to the program.

[Jeff Hollinger]

Great to be with you, Peter. Appreciate the invitation, of course, of course.

[Peter Biello]

So what makes this new series special?

[Jeff Hollinger]

You know, we take a look at impactful Georgians, their accomplishments as well as what shaped, informed them during the course of their lives. And we have the luxury of time, which oftentimes in so many formats in local television and newspapers, certainly in 2025. The luxury of time or space is something not given and that is something that we are pleased and proud to be able to be a part of.

[Peter Biello]

Certainly this half hour program features 20 minutes at least in the first episode on Ambassador Andrew Young. Andrew Young has been the subject of GPB stories before. What makes this story about him stand out?

[Jeff Hollinger]

I, I just think it is in his own words. And Andrew Young is one of those who doesn't need a lot of help from journalists to frame what it is he has accomplished in his remarkable life in Atlanta, in the region, in the nation. He, he is a smart, resourceful gentleman. But to be taken very seriously that that gentleness should not be seen as we're talking about weakness. This is a man of great strength, of great dignity who was, you know, not a self promoter. That's pretty rare in America.

[Peter Biello]

So what is the criteria for legend? What would make someone eligible to be on this program?

[Jeff Hollinger]

I think it's someone who has shaped our lives in the state, someone who has had great impact, someone who has sort of flown their own navigational course in the winds of some very tough times.

[Peter Biello]

So given that criteria, who else might be featured on this program?

[Jeff Hollinger]

You know, we are focusing on people like former senator Sam Nunn, certainly the late President Carter, Nathan Dealers, the two term governor who has been such a significant player here in so many ways. 18 years as a congressman.

[Peter Biello]

So mostly political people.

[Jeff Hollinger]

You know, we're not steadfast in what we say. Look, this is our criteria of what we're doing. We just sort of sit around and say, you know what, I think we ought to focus on this guy or this woman because of this. So that's the criteria that we, we Use here. This is, I can assure you, this is not a think tank that I'm involved with. It's more of. Look, you know, we've lived here a long time and this is somebody we ought to take a look at.

[Peter Biello]

Well, you also, in this first episode, we mentioned that there was 20 minutes and a half hour episode about Andrew young. The other 10 minutes is about New Way Wieners, which I hadn't heard about. The legendary Hot dogs of Macon, one of the oldest such restaurants in the U.S. so when you're considering legendary, it's not necessarily a person could be a brand.

[Jeff Hollinger]

Hot dogs are a very big part of Southern culture and you can go from one state, one county to the next. And what plays as a hot dog, one place may not be so somewhere else. New Way Hot Dogs is an interesting story, a uniquely American story in Macon, in. In Middle Georgia, first formulated, conceptualized by a Greek immigrant who was looking for a way to make a living and make his way in to the new world and was able to do so through his own brilliance in business acumen. And New Way Wieners now has been a part of the landscape in Middle Georgia for over 100 years. In fact, it is Newway that influenced the Varsity without New Way. Frank Gordy, who was the founder of the Varsity, you know, just up the road from where we are sitting right now, perhaps would not have come to pass without Newway. And they've always had a. What's also I find very interesting in all of this is they have what is called hot Dog detente. So the thinking is this, if New Way is this sort of successful brand in Middle Georgia, why not move north? Why not come to Atlanta where the biggest population is and where you can make a lot more money? Well, there was sort of a handshake and a gentleman's agreement that we won't come to Middle Georgia being the Varsity if you won't come to North Georgia being New Way. So as a result of that handshake that has now been in place certainly longer than the Camp David Accords, we are all a clearer people of hot dogs. And we understand what we like and what we don't.

[Peter Biello]

Well, that's a basis of intrastate tourism there. Come north for some Varsity, go south for some new way. GPB's Jeff Hollinger hosts the new series Georgia Legends, which premieres tonight on GPB TV at 9:00. Jeff, thank you very much for speaking with me. The late former president Jimmy Carter has won a Grammy Award. Carter died in December at the age of 100. He had been nominated in the audiobook, narration and storytelling category for Last Sundays in Plains, a centennial celebration. The recording included his last Sunday school lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. Carter's grandson, Jason Carter, received the award on his behalf.

[Jason Carter]

Lately, over these last few weeks, we felt this enormous outpouring of love from all around the world from many of the people in this room. And I just want to say that having his words captured in this way for my family and for the world is truly remarkable and I think really means so much at this moment, moment in our history as a country, as a world.

[Peter Biello]

Carter wasn't the only Georgia presence at the Grammys last night. Avery Sunshine won in the best Progressive RB Album category, and Janelle Monae and Teddy Swims both performed. All three have connections to the Atlanta area this final note before we go this is the time of year when we remind you of the existence of General Beauregard Lee, Georgia's official weather predicting groundhog and counterpart to the perhaps more nationally known Punxsutawney Phil. The general emerged over the weekend, saw his shadow and declared six more weeks of winter, the first time he's made such a prediction since 2020. However, neither General Beauregard Lee nor Punxsutawney Phil have the final say. Phil also predicted a longer winter. But consider the Wisdom of Alan McButterpants, the groundhog mascot and ambassador of the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue center in Hampton Bays, New York, who says early spring, or Woodstock Willie in Illinois, who also says early spring. The weather predicting animal need not be a groundhog tally. One more vote for an early spring from Birmingham Jill, an opossum at the Birmingham, Alabama Zoo, and yet another early spring prediction from Scramble the Duck in eastward Connecticut. Overall, according to the weather predicting animal tallying website, groundhog-day.com, out of 69 predictions nationwide, 38 predicted in early spring. So dress accordingly and that is a wrap on this edition of Georgia Today, but we will have more news for you tomorrow. We hope you'll subscribe to this podcast and check out gpb.org news for any updates. And as always, we welcome your feedback by email. Georgiatodaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.