Welcome to the first Fall 2024 edition of the GPR Digest! Stay tuned each Monday for reports on state, national, and international news from our team.
GEORGIA
Collision at Hartsfield-Jackson raises concerns about air traffic controllers
This past week saw a collision at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta between two Delta Planes during taxi. The collision occurred when a Delta Airbus A350 struck a Delta CRJ 900 jet operated by Endeavor Airlines. Thankfully, none were injured, and passengers were able to deplane safely.
After the incident, questions and concerns have been raised as to how overworked Air Traffic Controllers are, with the average controller staying on the job for only 1-2 years. The collision is one of many in a period of increases in the number of close calls over the past decade.
Georgia Prosecutors decide not to charge three “Cop City” activists accused of money laundering
After uneasy “Cop City” opponents testified in front of the City Hall in Atlanta, Georgia prosecutors decided to drop all 15 money laundering charges against three of the protest organizers. These protests stem from campouts taking place near where the proposed project is supposed to be built. Ping Pong balls were scattered around the grounds and chants of “you have dropped the ball” rang out by activists in protest of the charges before the decision was made.
The three leaders, along with 58 other protesters who took part in the campouts, still face racketeering charges after an investigation into the “Stop Cop City” movement. The conclusion of this case is just one small feat in the battle against the construction of the $90 million tactical training center.
Underground Atlanta to add a 30-story tower to develop affordable housing
Shaneel Lanai, the owner of Underground Atlanta, Lalani Ventures, and Exact Capital Group, plans on completing a $160 million project by 2027 to improve access to affordable housing. The 30-story building on Underground Atlanta will provide “roughly 400 units of affordable housing.” 163 of the units will be financed by a $40 million tax-exempt bond issued by the Invest Atlanta board on September 19.
These new housing units will aid students near Georgia State University, local neighborhoods, and mixed-income housing. By developing the historic Underground Atlanta, Lalani hopes to enhance the arts, entertainment, local shops, and tourism in downtown Atlanta.
Similarly, by 2030, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens strives to achieve 20,000 units of affording housing. $300 million has been invested to expand progress of developing these units through private and philanthropic organizations and the Affordable Housing Strike Force. Lalani’s 30-story tower contributes to this goal by attracting other housing initiatives downtown.
NATIONAL
Federal Reserve votes to lower interest rates by half a percentage point
For the first time since 2020, the Federal Reserve voted to lower interest rates by a half-percentage point in an 11-12 vote. Many view this decision as a new phase in the Central Bank’s battle with inflation, as well as a glimpse of hope that there will soon be a break in the consistent wave of rising costs in the United States.
Credit card users and small business owners expect immediate relief as a result of the vote, while long-term borrowing costs may continue their decline in anticipation of more rate cuts.
Secret Service requests resources after second assassination attempt on Donald Trump
Barely two months after surviving a shooting in Pennsylvania, Donald Trump faced a second assassination attempt as he golfed in West Palm Beach on Sunday, September 15th. The suspect had been staked out for nearly 12 hours when Secret Service agents discovered him hiding in shrubbery about 400 yards from the former president. The would-be shooter fled, leaving behind a rifle, two backpacks, a GoPro camera, and a scope. The suspect was later stopped by law enforcement and agents have identified him as Ryan Routh, who faced multiple felony charges for stolen goods and was convicted of possessing a weapon of mass destruction in 2002.
After the first assassination attempt in July, the Secret Service faced criticism over their handling of the situation. Ronald Rowe, the acting director of the agency at the time, acknowledged their failures regarding the shooting in July. Given the multiple attempted attacks, the Secret Service, along with the urging of President Biden, has asked Congress for more resources. On Friday, September 20, the House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill aimed to strengthen protection for potential presidential candidates. However, Congress is still considering additional funding for the agency, based on requests.
INTERNATIONAL
Waves of pager explosions in Lebanon leave thousands injured
On September 17, 15:30 local time, several handheld pagers simultaneously exploded across Lebanon. The pagers belonged to members of the Islamist armed group Hezbollah, known for their support of Iran-backed Palestinian groups.
In total, the explosion was responsible for the deaths of seventeen individuals, including a child, 8 adult civilians, and 8 Hezbollah fighters, and for injuring over 2700 others. Hezbollah shifted blame for the explosions to Israel in a statement the same evening. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati also blamed Israel, citing a breach of Lebanese sovereignty and security. Although Israel has previously cited Hezbollah as a “terrorist group” and have been threatening rising action against Hezbollah, the Israeli military declined any comments on the situation.
A second wave of handheld pagers exploded across Lebanon on Wednesday, September 18, only one day after the first deadly wave of explosions. The second wave killed at least nine people and wounded 300 others. Lebanon’s civil defense has been working to extinguish fires inside homes, cars, and stores within areas considered to be supportive of Hezbollah.
The second wave has increased fears among citizens for indiscriminate attacks. The pagers explode despite their location or holder, often affecting families or bystanders nearby, and sometimes even missing the original target of Hezbollah fighters. The attacks are leading to serious concerns about the emergence of an all-out war.
Israel conducts targeted strikes towards Hezbollah leaders
On Friday, September 20, Israeli forces struck in Beirut, Lebanon. Israeli warplanes carried out dozens of strikes during the night, claiming to have been targeting active Hezbollah rocket launchers. The attack was carried out despite U.S. government warnings against escalation.
Hezbollah has continued to fire back in response to the airstrikes. With uncertainties of whether or not Israel will aim to invade, the possibility of Israel occupying southern Lebanon is a priority for many.
Deadly floods hit Eastern and Central Europe
On Monday, September 16, torrential rainfall caused by Storm Boris began tearing through Central and Eastern Europe. Flooding has cut off European citizens’ access to mobile communication and transportation, leaving thousands in the region isolated without assistance. Countries are attempting mass evacuations and aid initiatives to assist those who have been affected or endangered.
Countries have seen varying death tolls and disappearances. One person has been reported dead in Austria and Poland, five have been reported dead in Romania, and the Czech Republic has reported several deaths and disappearances. As a result, many countries, including Poland and Austria, have declared a rare state of natural disaster for the unprecedented situation.
CULTURE
Linkin Park’s Return Mired in Controversy
Linkin Park announced their return seven years after the death of frontman Chester Bennington. However, controversy has risen regarding new singer Emily Armstrong, who has been heavily criticized due to her membership in the Church of Scientology and her past support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson. Similarly, the Church of Scientology categorically denies the existence of mental illness, creating even more concerns. With their new album From Zero set to release in November of this year, fans are questioning whether Emily Armstrong was truly the right choice.
UNESCO hosts 6th Asia-Pacific Meeting on Education
In collaboration with UNICEF and the Government of Japan, UNESCO hosted the 6th Asia-Pacific meeting to reassess Education 2030, the United Nations’ current plan for achieving “inclusive and equitable quality education”, as well as for promoting “lifelong learning opportunities for all”.
The Asia-Pacific meeting, APMED 6, was hosted in Bangkok, Thailand. Its goal was to address a newly-reported learning crisis in the region relating to Education 2030. According to an earlier UNESCO report, less than 50% of primary and lower secondary students achieved minimum learning competencies in reading and mathematics, while less than 40% completed their education. In response, APMED 6 saw the official launch of SDG4 Navigators, a program supporting regional cooperation on lifelong learning and improving investment in UN education initiatives.
Smoky Mountains’ highest peak returns to Native American name
On Wednesday, September 18, the US Board of Geographic Names voted to change the name of the Smoky Mountains National Park’s highest peak. The formerly-named Clingmans Dome will now be called “Kuwohi”, which translates to “mulberry place” in Cherokee.
Kuwohi was called “Clingmans Dome” in an 1859 survey by Arnold Guyot, who chose to honor Confederate Brigadier General and U.S. Representative Thomas Clingman. The name change request was submitted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee. As Kuwohi is the highest point within the traditional Cherokee homeland, Superintendent Cassius Cash reported he was happy to “officially restore the mountain and to recognize its importance to the Cherokee People”.
Contributors: Sophia Nguyen, Addison Denney, Alizah Mudaliar, Jacob Weiszer, Vikram Bharadwaj, Marin Arvin