Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: Protests against Social Security office closings; Atlanta gets new temporary IG Release Date: March 3, 2025
1. Mental Health Support Announcement [00:00] The episode begins with a crucial public service announcement from a DBHDD Representative, emphasizing the availability of the 988 lifeline for Georgians concerned about opioid and stimulant misuse. The representative highlights that the service is free, confidential, and accessible 24/7. For more information, listeners are directed to opioidresponse.info.
2. Episode Introduction [00:22] Host Orlando Montoya welcomes listeners to the Georgia Today podcast, outlining the day’s key stories:
- Protests in Decatur against the closure of five Social Security offices.
- Appointment of a new interim Inspector General for Atlanta.
- USDA's reevaluation of food date labeling and expert suggestions to reduce food waste.
3. Protests Against Social Security Office Closures [01:00] Five out of Georgia's 34 Social Security offices are slated for closure following budget cuts announced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Demonstrators, led by U.S. Representative Hank Johnson, rallied in Decatur to oppose these closures. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports:
"Georgia has lost the most locations of any state so far. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis." [01:39]
4. Manna Nutrition Contract Reinstated [02:22] The Trump administration's decision to cut USAID contracts threatened Manna Nutrition in Ben Hill County, a vital supplier of nutritional supplements for children globally. However, after persistent efforts from the company, including appeals to congressional members, USAID reinstated the contract almost a week later. Grant Blankenship narrates:
"Mark Moore says that being able to save kids from starving again is more than a moral victory." [05:29]
This segment highlights the community’s resilience and the critical role of Manna Nutrition in combating child hunger worldwide.
5. USDA Food Date Labeling and Food Waste [06:07] The USDA is approaching its March 5 deadline for public comments on food date labeling, a practice aimed at reducing the staggering $161 billion worth of food wasted annually. Dr. Carla Schwan from the National Center for Home Food Preservation offers practical advice:
"Maybe you can keep a diary and see how much you eat of each category of food, organizing the food in your fridge or even in your pantry. So first in, first out." [06:23]
Additionally, the DBHDD Representative recommends utilizing the USDA’s Foodkeeper app to help consumers manage grocery storage and minimize spoilage. GPB's Chase McGee delves deeper into these strategies to curb food waste.
6. Resignation of Apalachee High School Coach [07:09] Mike Hancock, the head football coach at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, announced his resignation due to mental health struggles following the tragic September shooting that claimed four lives, including his first staff hire, Richard Aspinwall. Hancock shared his battle with PTSD, anxiety, grief, and depression, highlighting the profound personal impact of the incident on his well-being.
7. Appointment of Interim Inspector General in Atlanta [07:09] In response to Shannon Manigault’s resignation, Atlanta has appointed LeDawn Blackett, an intellectual property and criminal defense lawyer, as the interim Inspector General. Blackett will serve until a permanent replacement is selected, ensuring continuity in oversight and governance within the city administration.
8. Georgia State Senate Inquiry into Fani Willis and Stacey Abrams [07:09] A Georgia State Senate committee is intensifying its investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, with proposals to include Stacey Abrams as a target. Republicans, including Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, aim to scrutinize alleged unethical coordination between the voter participation group New Georgia Project and Abrams' 2018 gubernatorial campaign. Democrats argue that this investigation is unfounded and a misuse of legislative resources.
9. Dismissal of Charges in Tara Grinstead Case [07:09] The Georgia Court of Appeals has dismissed pending criminal charges against two men convicted of concealing the death of teacher Tara Grinstead, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations. Grinstead's 2005 disappearance had long baffled investigators, and while prior convictions remain unaffected, the dismissal marks a significant development in the case.
10. Death of Angie Stone in Car Crash [07:09] Atlanta-based Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone tragically died in an early morning car crash on Saturday. The accident occurred when the van she was traveling in flipped and was struck by a large truck at around 4 AM while returning to Atlanta from Alabama. Music producer Walter Millsap III reported that others in the van survived. Stone, aged 63, was renowned for her membership in the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence and her hit song "Wish I Didn't Miss You."
11. Featured Book: Gerald Brom's "Evil in Me" [10:43] An excerpt from GPB's Narrative Edge podcast features Savannah-based writer and illustrator Gerald Brom discussing his book "Evil in Me." The conversation, hosted by GPB's Peter Biello, delves into the book's themes of magic, spirits, and horror, intertwined with music. Brom explains his inspiration from horror movies like The Exorcist and explores the nature of evil through his characters. Notably, Brom collaborated with a local punk rock band, The Maxines, to bring a song from the book to life, enhancing the narrative's depth and connection to music.
"Ruby is in danger. She's possessed by the demon Beal." [11:22]
Brom emphasizes the power of collective music as a form of magic, reflecting on how unified voices can create tangible impacts, a central theme in his storytelling.
12. Georgia Sports Update: Braves Catcher Injury [16:56] In sports news, Braves starting catcher Sean Murphy will miss the start of the season due to a rib injury, as reported by ESPN. Murphy, a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner, is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks with a cracked rib on his left side. Top prospect Drake Baldwin may take over the catching duties for the impending opening day game against San Diego on March 27th.
Conclusion Orlando Montoya wraps up the episode by directing listeners to GPB’s website for more detailed stories and encourages feedback via email. He also promotes subscribing to the podcast to stay updated with the latest news from Georgia.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the March 3, 2025, episode of Georgia Today, providing a thorough overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.