The GPR Digest- October 21, 2024
New GPR Articles, Sapelo Island, North Korea, and more!
GPR FEATURES
Breaking news for all Digest readers: Georgia Political Review has released its first round of web articles!
This round, writers Jacob Weiszer, Kate Johnson, Ellie Romweber, Talia Loventhal, and Claire Scafidi tackled a variety of subjects, from sportswashing and artificial intelligence to legal gaps in Georgia— and even astrology in politics!
Furthermore, Scafidi’s article on Thai gastrodiplomacy marks the return of the popular “Diplomatic Dish” web column. If you’ve been enjoying the Digest this semester, why not give these articles a read?
A full list of articles can be found on our website: georgiapoliticalreview.com.
GEORGIA
Alleged Apalachee High School shooter and father indicted by grand jury
Colt Gray, 14-year-old alleged Apalachee High School shooter, has been charged with 22 counts of aggravated assault, 18 counts of cruelty to children in the first degree, and 4 counts of “malice murder.” His father, 54-year-old Colin Gray, faces 29 counts including involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct, second-degree cruelty to children, and second-degree manslaughter.
It was revealed during Wednesday’s hearing that Gray’s father was aware of his son’s struggles with mental health but proceeded to purchase a tactical vest, laser sight, and ammunition for his son prior to the school shooting. The father and son are expected in court on Nov. 21 for their arraignment. Colt Gray is being charged as an adult and could face life in prison.
Several killed in Sapelo Island Ferry dock collapse
Saturday afternoon, October 19, a ferry dock collapsed on Sapelo Island as visitors gathered to celebrate the Gullah-Geechee Community, a group of black slave descendants. Seven people died at the scene and six remain in critical condition after plunging into the water.
Both Governor Brian Kemp and President Joe Biden released statements expressing their condolences for the families of those affected. It is not yet clear what caused the dock to collapse and the investigation is still ongoing.
Young Georgia Democrat looking to unseat incumbent Senator
Ashwin Ramaswami, a graduate of Georgetown Law School from Johns Creek, is running against the 52-year-old Republican incumbent, Shawn Still, in the race for a Georgia State Senate seat. Along with Donald Trump, Still was indicted on charges of illegally tampering with the 2020 presidential election results. The challenge is for Senate District 48, a district which tilts Republican and represents parts of the Forsyth, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. The 25-year-old Democrat raised over $700,000 for his campaign, hoping to unseat the Republican in a district which narrowly elected Senator Raphael Warnock in 2022.
Ramaswami, who quit his job working for the federal government to run for election, would be the youngest Indian American legislature if elected. Ramaswami represents a powerful electorate base: the well-educated, Asian-American, suburbs of Atlanta. District 48 saw a dramatic increase in its Asian population between 2010 and 2022, from 16% in 2010, to 28% in 2022. If elected, Ramaswami could push Georgia closer to the left.
NATIONAL
New Mexico faces flash floods
Late Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, at least 300 were rescued from dangerous flash floods in Roswell, eastern New Mexico. 38 of these individuals were taken to local hospitals by county and state agencies, while 1 person was killed in the flooding. No information was provided on the identity of this victim.
Although water levels have receded, they are still high in Roswell’s downtown, where the river had overflowed and left many people stranded in their homes. Warnings for severe thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall, hail, and possible tornadoes remain in the area.
INTERNATIONAL
North Korea blows up inter-Korean road and rail
On Tuesday, October 15, North Korea blew up northern sections of unused road and rail routes that linked it to its neighbor, South Korea. The choreographed demolitions come after claims of South Korean escalation, as the South flew drones over Pyongyang last week.
In response to the explosions, South Korea’s military fired warning shots into the southern border. They note that the detonations are highly abnormal and “regressive”, violating previous inter-Korean agreements.
Yahya Sinwar killed in Southern Gaza
On Wednesday, October 16, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by a patrol unit of the Israel Defense Forces in Tal al-Sultan, an area of Rafah. Sinwar is best known for his role in planning the October 7 initiative.
That Wednesday, Sinwar was traveling with two other Hamas fighters. Upon confrontation with the IDF, he reportedly fled into a nearby building, where he was located by a drone. He died when a tank launched a shell at the building.
In response to Sinwar’s death, Basen Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, noted that Hamas would continue to fight for the Palestinian people and could not be eliminated. Meanwhile, Netanyahu claims to have “settled the score”, insisting on the continuation of the war in order to save the 101 hostages still held by Hamas.
CULTURE
Rabat named the 2026 World Book Capital
This Tuesday, October 15, UNESCO director Audrey Zoulay announced the designation of Rabat, Morocco as World Book Capital for 2026. Azoulay cites its “clear commitment to literary development”, evidenced by its 54 publishing houses, funding for literary education, and empowerment of women and youth through reading as reasons.
Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capitals are required to organize an extensive activity programme related to reading and education throughout their designated year. It is the 26th city to bear the title since 2001, following directly after Rio de Janeiro (2025).
One Direction singer Liam Payne found dead
On Wednesday, October 16th, Liam Payne (31) was found dead after suffering a fall from a 3rd story balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires. Moments before his death, a 911 call was made by a concerned hotel manager requesting assistance for a guest.
Details surrounding Payne’s death are still being investigated, but investigators from the local prosecutor's office reported finding broken objects and furniture as well as narcotics and alcohol. Officials have stated that he may have been in a state of unconsciousness during the fall. As authorities piece together the events leading to this tragedy, fans, friends, and fellow musicians mourn the singer and his work as tributes pour in over social media. Payne’s family and friends have requested proper time and respect as they grieve.
Contributors: Sophia Nguyen, Marin Arvin, Jacob Weiszer, Blake Daniel, Aviella Schwartz