Protests over student facing deportation; DOJ cancels grants; Flag football

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: Protests over Student Facing Deportation; DOJ Cancels Grants; Flag Football
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host: Peter Biello

---

1. Protests Demand Release of Deportation-Facing College Student

Overview:
Hundreds of protesters convened in Dalton, northwest Georgia, advocating for the release of Ximena Arias Cristobal, a Georgia college student mistakenly arrested during a traffic stop and currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in South Georgia. Despite the withdrawal of charges by Dalton Police, the threat of deportation persists due to heightened immigration enforcement nationwide.

Key Points:

• Incident Background:
  Ximena Arias Cristobal, 19, was initially charged by Dalton Police for driving without a valid license. Although these charges were dropped on Monday, the escalation of immigration enforcement has jeopardized her status, leaving her family and supporters anxious.

• Community Impact:
  The Dalton community, with its significant immigrant population, remains on high alert as immigration policies tighten. Hannah Jones, a local resident, shared, “In the years that Arias Cristobal drove her kids around during babysitting gigs, she never worried and she thought she was perfectly safe in that regard” (1:21).

• Political Response:
  Whitfield County's conservative-leaning Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed support for federal immigration enforcement, stating she is “grateful for the federal government's enforcement of immigration law”. This stance has fueled local tensions, as seen when Jimena's mother, Daita Cristobal, protested outside Greene's office, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their daughter’s fate.

• Public Sentiment:
  Daita Cristobal emphasized the partial relief with the release of her husband from ICE detention but stressed the continued concern for her daughter's situation: “One more family member returns home, but we are still waiting for Jimena” (1:40).

Conclusion:
The protest in Dalton underscores the broader national debate on immigration enforcement and its personal toll on families. As local leaders navigate these challenges, the community remains vigilant and divided on the appropriate path forward.

---

2. DOJ Cancels $3 Million in Grants to Georgia Organizations

Overview:
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the cancellation of $3 million in grants allocated to four Georgia-based organizations focused on crime prevention and victim services. This move is part of a larger budget-saving effort totaling over $800 million nationwide.

Key Points:

• Affected Organizations:
  The grants impacted groups addressing hate crimes, inequality, and youth gang prevention within the Metro Atlanta area. Notably, three of the four grants were directly linked to hate crime initiatives.

• Local Reaction:
  Democratic State Representative Marvin Limiters of Norcross expressed confusion and concern: “It's a little bit puzzling to me... Because these are great groups that are intending to help not just certain groups but entire neighborhoods or entire regions with crime prevention. It feels like it's consistent with what the administration is doing” (4:49).

• Policy Implications:
  The cancellation predominantly targets organizations combating hate crimes and supporting vulnerable youth, raising questions about the administration's priorities and the future of community-based crime prevention efforts in Georgia.

• Political Landscape:
  Amid these cancellations, Georgia Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor, positioning himself as “unapologetically pro-life, pro Second Amendment and pro school choice” (5:00). His entry adds to a crowded field aiming to succeed potential candidate Burt Jones.

Conclusion:
The DOJ’s grant cancellations have significant implications for crime prevention and support services in Georgia. Local lawmakers and community leaders face the challenge of addressing these funding gaps while navigating the evolving political landscape.

---

3. University System of Georgia Students Advocate for Divestment from War-Connected Entities

Overview:
Student activists within the University System of Georgia (USG) are urging the institution to divest from companies and businesses implicated in the war in Gaza. This movement reflects broader calls for transparency and ethical investments in higher education.

Key Points:

• Student Submission:
  Multiple student groups presented a written request to USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue, emphasizing the ethical implications of USG’s financial ties to defense companies involved in the Gaza conflict.

• Historical Context:
  Renee Alnabani from Georgia Tech highlighted the importance of divestment by referencing the USG Board of Regents' 1986 decision to divest from companies operating in South Africa during apartheid: “The USG has shown us that it can stand up for truth and justice” (4:00).

• Ongoing Protests:
  Calls for greater transparency in USG’s investments have been a focal point of campus protests since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, with student leaders advocating for financial accountability and ethical investment practices.

Conclusion:
The push for divestment within the University System of Georgia signifies a critical examination of institutional investments and their alignment with broader social justice principles. As student activism continues, the USG faces mounting pressure to reassess its financial engagements.

---

4. State Leaders Promote Girls Flag Football in High Schools

Overview:
Georgia state leaders, including lawmakers and representatives from the Georgia High School Association, are actively encouraging the addition of girls' flag football programs in high schools. This initiative aims to provide more athletic opportunities for female students and promote gender equality in sports.

Key Points:

• Legislative Support:
  Lawmakers introduced a historic House resolution advocating for the establishment of girls' flag football, marking the first such resolution in the nation (7:16).

• Community Involvement:
  Layla Essex, a flag football player at Lithia Springs High School, expressed enthusiasm: “It's amazing that girls are getting the chance to really showcase their talents as much as, you know, the boys are, because I feel like girls teams are overlooked” (7:42).

• Program Expansion:
  Currently, 267 high schools across Georgia have implemented women's flag football programs. The Arthur Blank Foundation has contributed $2 million in grants this year to support the establishment of these programs in various schools.

• Impact and Sentiment:
  Players like Layla Essex and other participants emphasize the importance of these opportunities for personal development and athletic growth, fostering a more inclusive environment in high school sports.

Conclusion:
The promotion of girls' flag football reflects Georgia’s commitment to expanding athletic opportunities and fostering gender inclusivity in high schools. Supported by legislative measures and community funding, this initiative is poised to significantly impact young female athletes across the state.

---

5. Antiques Roadshow Filming in Savannah

Overview:
The popular PBS program Antiques Roadshow recently filmed a day’s episode in Savannah, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the show’s meticulous appraisal process. Although the episodes will air during the show's 30th anniversary season next year, a special report provided by GPB’s Benjamin Payne captures the essence of the event.

Key Points:

• Filming Venue:
  The taping took place at the Georgia State Road Railroad Museum in downtown Savannah, transforming the historic venue into the Antiques Roadshow set.

• Guest Experiences:
  Visitors like Stephanie and twin sisters June and Becky shared their appraisal stories. While Stephanie faced disappointment with a vase appraisal, the twins received favorable valuations for their vintage flight attendant uniforms, valued at $1,000 and $1,500 respectively.

• Selection Process:
  Out of over 2,000 attendees, approximately 100 guests were selected to appear on camera, highlighting the exclusivity and competitive nature of the show’s taping.

• Human Connection:
  Marcia Bemko, Executive Producer of Antiques Roadshow, emphasized the show's focus on shared human experiences: “It's all about the people who are coming here today... Having that shared experience of shared humanity is really special and should be treasured forever and ever” (12:17).

Conclusion:
The Antiques Roadshow event in Savannah not only showcased valuable and sentimental items but also reinforced the program's dedication to celebrating personal histories and the stories behind cherished possessions.

---

6. Sports Highlights and Updates

Overview:
The episode concluded with a roundup of recent sports events and announcements relevant to Georgia’s major teams.

Key Points:

• Atlanta Braves:
  The Braves triumphed over the Washington Nationals with a score of 5-2. Pitcher AJ Smith Shawver delivered an impressive performance, throwing six innings with two hits and no runs, striking out six. The Braves are set to face the Boston Red Sox next in a three-game series, with their next home game scheduled for May 23 against San Diego.

• Atlanta Dream:
  The WNBA team announced their 2025 roster, featuring notable offseason acquisitions such as 10-time star Brittney Griner, three-time All-Star Breonna Jones, and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, the runner-up for Sixth Player of the Year. Returning All-Stars Ryan Howard and Alicia Gray will bolster the team’s lineup. The Dream's home opener is slated for May 22 against the Indiana Fever.

• Atlanta United & Falcons:
  A recent match between Atlanta United and Austin concluded in an 11-1 draw. Additionally, the Atlanta Falcons released their 2025 schedule, announcing a season kickoff on September 7th at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Conclusion:
Georgia’s sports teams continue to engage fans with competitive play and strategic roster moves. Upcoming games and season schedules promise exciting developments for local and statewide supporters.

---

Final Notes

The May 15, 2025, episode of Georgia Today provided comprehensive coverage of pressing social issues, legislative actions, community initiatives, and sports updates relevant to Georgia residents. Through in-depth reporting and firsthand accounts, the podcast offered listeners a nuanced understanding of the events shaping the state.

---

For more detailed information and updates, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast and visit [e-mail].

Transcript

[Dr. Brian H. Jones]

DBHDD is urging people to ask a pharmacist about getting naloxone for their first aid kits at home or work. No prescription is needed. Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing opioidresponse.info.

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, hundreds of protesters demand the release of a college student facing deportation. The US Justice Department cancels grants to Georgia organizations related to crime prevention and victim services. And state leaders push more Georgia high schools to add girls flag football.

[Layla Essex]

It's amazing that girls are getting the chance to really showcase their talents as much as, you know, the boys are, because I feel like girls teams are overlooked.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Thursday, May 15th. Hi, I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Hundreds of protesters gathered in northwest Georgia's Dalton last night to demand the release of a Georgia college student who faces deportation despite being mistakenly arrested during a traffic stop. Ximena Arias Cristobal is being held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in South Georgia. GPB's Sophie Gradis has more.

[Sophie Gradis]

Although the charges from dalton Police against 19 year old Ximena Arias Cristobal were dropped on Monday, police maintain that she should not have been driving without a valid license. Hannah Jones says in the years that Arias Cristobal drove her kids around during babysitting gigs, she never worried and she.

[Layla Essex]

Thought she was perfectly safe in that regard.

[Sophie Gradis]

But now a ramping up of immigration enforcement across the country has put anyone without legal US Status, even if they have no easy way to obtain it, at risk and and on high alert. That includes Dalton's large immigrant population, Jones says, and it'll be interesting to see how leaders either step up or remain silent in elections. Whitfield county skews Conservative Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose district covers this corner of northwest Georgia, said in a statement that she's, quote, grateful for the federal government's enforcement of immigration law. Among the couple hundred people who protested outside Greene's office Wednesday was Jimena's mom, Daita Cristobal. She says a judge recently ruled her husband can be released from ICE detention. One more family member returns home, but we are still waiting for Jimena, she says. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gratas in Dalton.

[Peter Biello]

Governor Brian Kemp has met yesterday's deadline to sign or veto legislation. While one of the bills he signed could pave the way for President Trump to recoup his legal costs in the Fulton county election case. He also signed legislation to require police agencies to accept a digital version of Georgia driver's licenses. Among his vetoes, he nixed a bill that would have changed how metro Atlanta's Rockdale county elects a county chair. The veto protects the current chair, Janice Van Ness, a Republican who turned Democrat to win in a heavily Democratic county. Among the business related bills that he signed on the last day possible, one Strictly regulates companies that boot cars in private parking lots. On Tuesday, he signed a bill expanding the state's child care tax credit. Student activists want the University System of Georgia to divest from groups or businesses connected to the war in Gaza. Today, in an unusual appearance, they spoke to the system's board of regents. GPB's Chase McGee has more.

[Dr. Brian H. Jones]

Several student groups submitted a written request to appear before USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue to address the topic of divestment. Renee Alnabani is a student at Georgia Tech. She pointed to the destruction of educational infrastructure, the blockade of aid and the loss of human life as a justification to end financial investments in defense companies tied to the war.

[Layla Essex]

In 1986, the USG Board of Regents voted to divest completely from all companies operating in South Africa.

[Peter Biello]

The USG has shown us that it can stand up for truth and justice.

[Layla Essex]

Even when it's difficult.

[Dr. Brian H. Jones]

Calls for increased transparency in USG investments have been featured in campus protests around the state since the war in Gaza began in October of 2023. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee.

[Peter Biello]

The U.S. justice Department is canceling $3 million in grants to Georgia organizations working on crime prevention and victim services. Cancellations sent to four Georgia groups were among hundreds nationally, all totaling more than $800 million in budget savings. Norcross Democratic State Representative Marvin Limiters one of the grants through the nonprofit he runs, the the Lucky Shoals Community Association.

[Benjamin Payne]

It's a little bit puzzling to me.

[Layla Essex]

Because these are great groups that are.

[Benjamin Payne]

Intending to help not just certain groups but entire neighborhoods or entire regions with crime prevention. It feels like it's consistent with what.

[Peter Biello]

The administration is doing. Three of the four affected organizations had grants referencing hate crimes or inequality. The fourth targeted youth at risk for joining gangs. All were in metro Atlanta. Georgia Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch is running for lieutenant governor next year. The Dahlonega Republican announced his candidacy today, describing himself as unapologetically pro life, pro Second Amendment and pro school choice. Gooch is joining what's expected to be a crowded field of candidates looking to succeed lieutenant governor Burt Jones, who's seen as likely to vacate the post to run for governor. SANDY SPRINGS Democratic State Senator Josh McLaurin announced his bid last week. At least two others have filed paperwork to raise funds for a campaign. Former Georgia U.S. senator and business executive David Perdue has arrived in Beijing to serve as the new U.S. ambassador to China. His arrival today comes just days after China and the US Agreed to a temporary break in their damaging tariff war. A Georgia hospital is using a breathing tube and other measures to keep a brain dead woman's body functioning because she's pregnant. Her family members say they should have had the option to stop the life support devices. But they say doctors at Emory University Hospital have told them state law removes that choice. Georgia bans abortion in most cases after cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks into a pregnancy. Georgia saw a 22% decrease in overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data yesterday reporting just under two thirds of overdose deaths in the state last year. Georgia's rate of decline is similar to and part of the nation's largest one year drop ever recorded 27%. Experts say the declines are likely driven by the increased availability of overdose, reversing drugs, expanded addiction treatment and shifts in how people use drugs. State leaders want more Georgia high schools to add a sport that's growing in popularity, girls flag football. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports on a renewed push today by state lawmakers, the Georgia High School association and a non profit affiliated with the Atlanta Falcons.

[Layla Essex]

Lawmakers presented a House resolution adopted this year that encourages schools to start flag football programs for girls. The resolution is the first of its kind in the country. Layla Essex plays flag football at Lithia Springs High School. It's amazing that girls are getting the chance to really showcase their talents as much as, you know, the boys are, because I feel like girls teams are overlooked. So I'm just really glad that we have this opportunity to showcase our talents. It means a lot to me. 267 high schools around the state have established women's flag football programs, and the Arthur Blank foundation has given $2 million this year in grants to many Georgia schools to establish programs. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Foreign.

[Peter Biello]

The beloved PBS program Antiques Roadshow traveled to Savannah last month, setting up shop for a full day of filming in the Hostess City. The episodes won't air until next year during Roadshow's 30th anniversary season, but you don't need to wait for a behind the scenes look at how the show is made for that. GPB's Benjamin Payne visited the picture pop up set in downtown Savannah, and he has this story.

[Benjamin Payne]

If you've ever watched an episode of Antiques Roadshow, you probably recognize this sound. It plays after the big reveal of a hefty appraisal when an expert on, say, creepy old dolls tells a guest that theirs is worth way more than the few bucks they got it for at a garage sale. But behind the scenes, there's a lot leading up to that moment.

[Layla Essex]

I'm Stephanie. I just need to see your things so I can make sure you get to the right expert.

[Benjamin Payne]

It starts at a tent labeled Triage, the port of entry for every guest lucky enough to score a ticket to the taping. It's here that volunteers sort each and every item into one of more than 20 categories.

[Layla Essex]

Okay, so you have collectibles. Your binoculars will go to collectibles. This will go to glass. And then there's a little map here just to orient you.

[Benjamin Payne]

The map comes in handy here. The Georgia State Road Railroad Museum, a sprawling outdoor venue in downtown Savannah that houses an antebellum train repair shop. Next to the shop's old 12 story smokestack is tent B, the home base for glass. Like this vase brought by Kathleen from South Carolina. Following Antiques Roadshow's privacy policy for guests, we're not mentioning her last name.

[Layla Essex]

It's interesting to talk to other people that are here with their things, but I recognize a lot of the folks.

[Benjamin Payne]

From tv, folks like Amanda Everard, who's standing on the opposite side of the table. She runs an auction house in Savannah and has been giving appraisals on Antiques roadshow for over 10 years.

[Layla Essex]

Can you tell me about your piece? Where'd you get it? I don't know a lot about it. It was. My aunt always sat on my grandmother's coffee table. I had it appraised about 30 years ago at a local event, and they told me at the time it was between 2,500 and $3,000.

[Benjamin Payne]

Everard pulls out her magnifying glass, giving the vase her expert eye.

[Layla Essex]

All right, so this is probably French, and it's lovely green glass, and it's got sterling overlay on it in this wonderful art nouveau patterning to it with the flowers and all the scroll work. I think in today's market, it's probably not quite as expensive. So today you're probably looking around $400 to $600, Sally. That much difference. Wow. Well, that's disappointing. That's okay.

[Benjamin Payne]

Not exactly the news Kathleen was hoping to hear. But over at the textile tent, it's a different story.

[Layla Essex]

My name is June. I live in Roswell, Georgia. My name is Becky and I'm in Albany, Georgia.

[Benjamin Payne]

Most guests carry their items to Antiques Roadshow, but these twin sisters decided to wear theirs.

[Layla Essex]

This is my first Delta flight attendant uniform from 1973 in hers. Mine is from 1975 with Eastern Airlines, but the hat and the jacket are 1991.

[Benjamin Payne]

June and Becky have been retired for years now, but they've kept their outfits in pristine condition and it paid off in their appraisal. I caught up with them afterward.

[Layla Essex]

Mine was around $1,000 because I have different pieces from different eras. Hers was 1500. 1500 because it's a complete set.

[Benjamin Payne]

Yes, more than they were expecting. But even so, the sisters say their uniforms are going back into the closet.

[Layla Essex]

We'll hold on to em. We'll hold on to them because so many things, they're valued at whatever, but they mean more to you than what the money is. So, you know, sentimental and I don't know if our kids could fit in it anyway.

[Benjamin Payne]

June and Becky were among the select few guests whose appraisals were deemed high enough to be filmed by the show's producers. In fact, of the more than 2,000 people who showed up to this taping, only about 100 made it on camera. Marcia Bemko is executive producer of Antiques Roadshow. She says that's pretty typical for tapings, but it gets at the heart of the show.

[Layla Essex]

It's all about the people who are coming here today. For most of them who are coming today, they're not going to be shot, they're not going to be interviewed that way. They're going to find out that they, they own something worth $50, $100.

[Benjamin Payne]

But she says they'll have learned something about their prized possession beyond merely the.

[Layla Essex]

Price and they'll have chatted with people in line inevitably. And having that shared experience of shared humanity is really special and should be treasured forever and ever.

[Benjamin Payne]

For GPP News, I'm Benjamin Payne at the anti roadshow set in Savannah.

[Peter Biello]

In sports, the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 52 this afternoon to wrap up the four game series. AJ Smith Shawver threw six innings, giving up two hits and no runs while striking out six. The Braves now head to Boston for a three game series against the Red Sox. Their next home game is May 23 against San Diego. The Atlanta Dream announced today that they have finalized their 2025 regular season roster featuring 11 players off season acquisitions include 10 time WNBA star Brittney Griner, three time All Star Breonna Jones and sixth player of the Year runner up Shatori Walker Kimbrough. Returning are All Stars Ryan Howard and Alicia Gray. The Dream's home opener is scheduled for May 22 against the Indiana Fever in Major League Soccer. Last night's match between Atlanta United and Austin ended in a 11 draw and the Atlanta Falcons were released their 2025 schedule today. They will kick off the season on September 7th at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That's it. Thanks for tuning in. We do appreciate you choosing us and we hope you'll choose us tomorrow too. Best way to remember to listen in is to subscribe to this podcast and you can check out the latest headlines [e-mail] news. Your feedback powers this podcast and we love hearing from you. Send an email to us. The address is georgia [e-mail] we truly love your love letters and your letters with feedback and it goes to the whole team when you send it to US Again, Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Layla Essex]

Planet Money helps you understand the economy. We find the people at the center of the story.

[Peter Biello]

Garbage in New York that was like a controlled substance.

[Layla Essex]

We show you how money influences everything. Tell me what you you like by telling me how you spend your money. And we dig until we get answers. I had a bad feeling you're gonna bring that up. Planet Money finds out. All you have to do is listen. The Planet Money podcast from NPR.