B (2:31)

The organizations are running similar ad campaigns near VA clinics in New Mexico and Virginia. The billboard in Atlanta will stay up through this weekend. A large indoor market featuring black owned shops that opened to lots of attention east of Atlanta in 2022 is closing. GPB's Orlando Montoya reports.

F (2:52)

The new Black Wall Street Market on Thursday announced its closing sale, providing no reasons for the closure. Market managers did not respond to requests for comment, but former Market tenant, former bookstore owner Cynthia Chambry says the market promised traffic generating anchor stores but instead turned into mostly an artist's gallery.

G (3:12)

There was supposed to be a organic grocery store, a holistic pharmacy, a beauty salon, a barber shop. So when those anchors did not manifest, you know, people would come to see what businesses were there and you know, some of the artwork. People would come and then leave.

F (3:32)

Chambry left the market two years ago and transitioned from retail to institutional book selling. The market was founded by business icon and philanthropist Bill Allen, who who died in 2024. It was inspired by a historic area in Tulsa, Oklahoma known as Black Wall street that was home to a prosperous community before it was destroyed in a 1921 massacre. The final weekend of the new Black Wall Street Market is expected to include music, food and discounts. For GPB News, I'm Orlando Montoya.

B (4:06)

Three professors at Emory University have filed a lawsuit claiming the school violated its free speech policies during a 2024 campus protest over the Israel Hamas war. The civil lawsuit filed yesterday demands the private school repay the three for money spent defending themselves against misdemeanor charges that were later dismissed. They're also seeking punitive damages. Police arrested 28 people in aggressively breaking up the protest. An Emory spokesperson says the university believes the lawsuit is without merit. A Republican congressman from Georgia has introduced legislation that would expand the Borders of Washington, D.C. and cost Virginia Democratic voters. The move comes after Virginia voters approved a redistricting referendum this week that could NET Democrats a 10 to 1 seat advantage in the Virginia House delegation. SUWANNEE Congressman Rich McCormick yesterday introduced the Make D.C. square Again act that would undo the 19th century return of the southwestern part of the District to the state of Virginia. The measure is unlikely to pass, but it's the latest partisan salvo and tit for tat gerrymandering efforts in a closely divided House ahead of the midterm elections. Federal prosecutors have charged the founder of a Georgia investment firm with wire fraud in connection with an alleged $140 million Ponzi scheme. The collapse of the company, First Liberty Building and Loan, rocked many in the upper echelons of the Georgia Republican Party. The company's politically connected founder, Edwin Brant Frost iv, allegedly scammed clients, family and friends with illusory promises of sizable returns on investments. He was formally charged in an Atlanta courtroom yesterday and released on bail after entering a plea of not guilty. Residents in north Fulton county now have access to health and human services closer to home. GPB's Ellen Eldredge reports on a new facility that officially opened earlier this month.

H (6:00)

Residents in north Fulton who previously had to travel to Sandy Springs or downtown Atlanta now have their own board of health, vital records and support for seniors. Pamela Rochelle is the chief operating officer for Fulton county government. She says among the services there are two programs for those 55 and older.

G (6:19)

One is a senior center, which will have a host of activities from arts classes, fitness classes, everything you need to remain engaged in the community and keep your body and mind and your spirit healthy.

H (6:35)

A state funded behavioral health crisis center is also planned to be open in about two years or on the 24 acre campus. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

B (6:47)

Atlanta could host the Democratic National Convention for the first time since 1988, GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

I (6:55)

Atlanta is one of five finalist cities bidding to host the convention, where the Democratic nominee for president will be selected. Representatives from the Democratic National Committee, including Chairman Ken Martin, visited Atlanta this week to scout locations for the event, including State Farm arena and the World Congress Center. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens says that Georgia's swing state status makes the state's capital city the right choice.

J (7:18)

We talk a lot in this party about meeting voters where they are. Atlanta is literally where they are, culturally, generationally, aspirationally.

I (7:27)

Philadelphia, Boston, Denver and Chicago are also in the running. Atlanta was also a finalist for the 2024 convention, but the DNC ultimately chose Chicago for the event. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis in Atlanta.

B (7:44)

Giant pandas will be returning to Georgia. Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation association say the two pandas, a male and a female, will be part of a decade long partnership between the two organizations. The announcement comes amid plans for diplomacy between between the US And China. President Donald Trump plans to visit the country in May. Beijing had long used pandas as part of its international soft power. Zoo Atlanta had four pandas until 2024 when they left for China, ending a 25 year program. The organizations didn't say when the pandas would arrive. One of the most iconic nightclubs in Savannah on Monday will close at the location that defined the business for nearly four decades. Club One Jefferson at 1 Jefferson St. Plans to move to a new building a block away after years of development pressure and ownership changes. Longtime club manager Travis Cole says the bar, dance club and theater gained notoriety after being featured in a popular 1990s book and movie.

K (8:45)

It has been so bittersweet. You know, this whole month has been a month of lasts because we host various performance troupes, burlesque troupes, theater troupes. So it's been an emotional roller coaster.

B (8:57)

The Lady Chablis was a drag queen and one of the most recognizable celebrities to come from Savannah in the late 20th century. She died in 2016. Club One has been a staple and safe haven for Savannah's LGBTQ community since it opened in 1988. It has hosted not only drag shows and dance parties, but also community and fundraising events. Coles says it'll be about a month before the club opens in its new location. In sports, the Braves return home tonight to begin a three game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. And yesterday, pitcher J.R. r. Richie made a memorable major league debut for the Atlanta Braves. Washington's James Wood homered on Richie's first pitch, but the 22 year old right hander rebounded to lead the Braves to a 72 victory over the Nationals. Richie, selected 35th in the 2022amateur draft, allowed just one more run over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two. Braves manager Walt Weiss praised Richie's control and resilience. The Braves will decide soon if you'll make another big league start tomorrow. The Braves will induct longtime coach and manager Brian Snicker into the Braves hall of Fame in a special pregame ceremony at Truist Park. Braves hall of Famers representing several eras of Braves baseball are expected to be on hand, including Tom Glavin, Andrew Jones, Chipper Jones and Dale Murphy. The ceremony will thank Snitka for his impact on the team with tribute videos, speeches, a jacket and a plaque presentation. That's a wrap on a busy week

K (10:24)

of news you know Every day on Up First, NPR's Golden Globe Night morning news podcast. We bring you three essential stories. the heart of each story are questions what really happened? What really mattered? What happens next? At npr, we stand for your right to be curious and to follow the facts. Follow up first wherever you get your podcasts and start your day knowing what matters and why.

B (10:48)

Thank you so much for tuning in to Georgia today. We'll hope you'll come back on Monday. Remember to subscribe to this podcast. That way we will pop up automatically in your feed and you won't miss a thing. And remember too you can check gpb.org news for any updates to the stories you heard on the podcast today. You can also check out new headlines as they are written by our fabulous team of reporters. And if you've got feedback or maybe a story you think one of our reporters should look into, let us know by email. Our address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thank you again for listening. We will see you next week.