Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Student Still in ICE Custody After Charges Dropped; Voter Challenge Ruling Appealed
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

1. College Student Remains in ICE Custody Despite Dropped Charges

In a troubling case from Dalton, northwest Georgia, a 19-year-old Mexican-born student, Ximena Arias Cristobal, continues to be held in an ICE detention center despite the dismissal of her initial traffic charges. Authorities clarified that a Dalton Police Department officer mistakenly pulled over the wrong vehicle, leading to Arias Cristobal's arrest for making an improper turn and driving without a license. Her father was also detained for similar traffic violations.

Supporters of Arias Cristobal highlight her long-term residency in the U.S., stating she has lived in the country since the age of four. However, she did not qualify for DACA protections due to her arrival falling after the program's cutoff date. The Department of Homeland Security announced on social media that the family is slated to return to Mexico together, as per a post from last Thursday.

Key Quote:
"Arias Cristobal has been in the US since age 4 but did not qualify for DACA protections because the arrival came after a cutoff date to qualify for the program."
— Peter Biello [00:47]

2. Appeal of Voter Challenge Ruling Sparks Debate

A federal appeals court in Atlanta is currently reviewing a significant case involving a mass voter registration challenge initiated by the conservative group True the Vote. In 2021, a lower court had ruled that these voter challenges did not violate the Voting Rights Act, despite similar cases where plaintiffs, including Stacey Abrams' Fair Fight organization, argued that such challenges were designed to intimidate and disproportionately impact voters of color.

Sara Kalis of GPB News emphasized the detrimental effects of these voter challenges:
"Even when those individuals were qualified, those challenges had devastating effect."
— Sara Kalis [02:05]

On the opposing side, Jake Evans, representing True the Vote, defended the group's actions, stating there was no intent to intimidate voters and argued for the lower court's ruling to be upheld.

Key Quotes:
"Even when those individuals were qualified, those challenges had devastating effect."
— Sara Kalis [02:05]

"There was an intent to ensure election integrity was maintained and that's what the intent was."
— Sara Kalis [02:36]

3. Governor Kemp Signs Workforce Development Bills

As the deadline looms for Governor Brian Kemp to either sign or veto new legislation from this year's General Assembly, he proceeded to sign several workforce development bills. These laws reinforce Georgia's position as a leading state for business and aim to create real job opportunities for Georgians through historic investments across the state.

One significant bill includes the codification of the Georgia Match college admission program, the extension of the sunset date on the college completion grant, and the establishment of a scholarship fund for former foster children.

Key Quote:
"To us, that is not just a title. It represents real jobs for hard working Georgians and historic investments coming to literally every part of our state."
— Sara Kalis [03:05]

4. Supreme Court Hearings on Public Housing Liability

In Augusta, Christina Guy filed a lawsuit against the city housing authority after being injured during a robbery at her apartment complex three years ago. She alleged that the housing authority failed to implement adequate safety measures. The case raises pivotal questions about whether public housing landlords are subject to sovereign immunity—a legal doctrine protecting state and city agencies from lawsuits.

During the Supreme Court arguments, Attorney Christopher Kosper for the Augusta Housing Authority asserted,
"He's a sovereign, as are agents that do the king's or state's work."
— Christopher Kosper [04:05]

Chief Justice Nels Peterson indicated the case could influence numerous similar lawsuits, putting a pause on related housing disputes until a decision is reached, which may take several months.

Key Quote:
"You can't sue the king."
— Justice Britton [04:09]

5. Morehouse College Appoints New President

Morehouse College has appointed Du Bois Bowman, a public health leader and 1992 Morehouse alumnus, as its next president. Bowman, who currently serves as the dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health, will take over the leadership of the historically black college starting in July, succeeding David Thomas, who announced his retirement last year. This transition occurs during a challenging period for historically black colleges, amidst national debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

6. UGA Ethnobotanical Garden Introduces the Three Sisters Planting

At the University of Georgia, Justice Britton, a PhD candidate in anthropology, is spearheading the planting of the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—in the Ethnobotanical Garden of the Americas. This traditional agricultural method, rooted in Native American cultures, exemplifies sustainable farming practices where each plant supports the others: corn provides a structure for beans to climb, beans replenish the soil with nitrogen, and squash leaves trap moisture, fostering a microenvironment conducive to growth.

Dr. James Owen, Assistant Director of the Institute for Native American Studies, highlighted the historical significance:
"It's been something that's been happening here for over 800 years. So there's a lot of evidence to suggest that the Southeast was really one of the most densely populated parts of the world in 1492."
— Dr. James Owen [07:45]

The initiative, supported by the Institute for Native American Studies, aims to honor and preserve the agricultural heritage of indigenous communities, providing a learning space for both scholars and indigenous students.

Key Quote:
"The idea that Native students are finally kind of getting a place to nurture and to create spaces to provide that knowledge and to work together and to experience the culture is just a special opportunity."
— Justice Britton [08:45]

Additional News Briefs

• Historic Places Added: Georgia is expanding its Register of Historic Places with six new locations, including the Downtown Albany Commercial Historic District and the Banning Mills Industrial Archaeological District, aiming to enhance historic preservation and public awareness.

• Sports Update: The Atlanta Braves secured a victory against the Washington Nationals with a final score of 4-3, improving their season record. Notably, Matt Olson continued his impressive streak by playing his 661st consecutive game, the longest active streak in the majors. Additionally, the Braves introduced a limited-edition Usher-themed bobblehead as a tribute, available to the first 15,000 fans at Truist Park.

Conclusion

Today's episode of Georgia Today covered a spectrum of pressing issues, from immigration and voting rights to education and sustainable agriculture, reflecting the diverse challenges and developments within the state. Host Peter Biello, alongside contributors like Sara Kalis and Sophie Gradus, provided in-depth reporting and insightful commentary, ensuring listeners are well-informed on matters that significantly impact Georgia residents.

For more updates and detailed reports, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast and visit GPB News.