GA News Podcast – East Metro (Sundays) for Sunday July 23rd – Published Friday 7-21
From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast. This podcast features stories compiled from the publications of Times Journal Inc.
Today is Sunday July23rd and happy 61st birthday to actor Woody Harrelson
***Harrelson***
I’m Brian Giffin and here are your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty
We’ll have these stories and more, coming up on your Georgia News Podcast
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Three defendants involved in armed drug trafficking in the Athens community have been sentenced to federal prison. Stacey Collins received 240 months for methamphetamine distribution, Juan Carlos Pimentel got 168 months for heroin distribution, and Steven Ricole Scott got 120 months for distributing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The investigation revealed connections with a deceased dealer and the use of contraband cellphones in drug deals. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett, and law enforcement agencies including the DEA, FBI, and local sheriffs' offices were involved in the investigations………this from the Athens Banner Herald
A federal judge rejected Georgia's motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit challenging state House and Senate district lines. The ACLU, ACLU of Georgia, and WilmerHale law firm filed the lawsuit, claiming the state violated the Voting Rights Act by not creating enough Black-majority districts despite the Black population's growth. The trial is scheduled for September 5. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones stated that there are significant factual disputes and credibility determinations that warrant a thorough review at trial. The lawsuit contends that Georgia's state legislative maps unfairly diminish the voting power of Black voters. The ACLU sees the judge's decision as a victory and aims to prove their case during the trial…..this from the Center Square
The Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit of Attorney General Chris Carr's office has secured four new convictions in Fulton and DeKalb counties. Raphel Olivia Sewer, Courdale Thayer, and Jahaundria Seabron were convicted and sentenced to prison for trafficking a 14-year-old female in Fulton County. Thayer was also convicted in a separate case involving the trafficking of a 16-year-old female in DeKalb County. The investigations and successful recovery of the victims resulted in multiple convictions, and this year alone, the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit obtained 22 new convictions with prison sentences. Other law enforcement agencies, including the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit and Homeland Security Investigations, assisted in the investigation...……we’ll be right back….this from the NewsBreak App
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Japanese probiotic beverage company, Yakult U.S.A., is investing $305 million in building a beverage production facility in Bartow County, Georgia. The facility, located in Highland 75 Corporate / Industrial Park, will be the company's second U.S. facility and is expected to create 90 jobs in Northwest Georgia. The state did not provide any discretionary incentives for the project, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Yakult U.S.A. chose Georgia due to its favorable business climate, logistics for product distribution, and the positive support from the state and county. The new facility will serve as the main supplier for the eastern and central U.S. markets. This also is from the Center Square
Despite positive job and unemployment news, inflation remains a significant concern for many Georgia businesses. A WalletHub analysis found that the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell Metropolitan Statistical Area has experienced the second-highest increase in inflation nationwide, registering a 4.60% rise compared to last year. While the national inflation is being reduced slowly by Federal Reserve rate hikes, the Atlanta area is still affected by rising prices, particularly in housing and energy costs. Small business optimism increased slightly, but inflation and labor quality remain major challenges. State and local leaders have limited control over inflation, as it is mainly influenced by national economic factors and Federal Reserve policies. This from 11alive.com
6 UGA fundraising
In Fiscal Year 2023, private donations to the University of Georgia (UGA) reached $242.8 million, the second-highest fundraising total in the university's history. Over 71,000 donors contributed, making it the third consecutive year donations surpassed $200 million. The three-year rolling average rose to a record $235.1 million. Donations endowed 16 faculty positions, established 158 scholarship funds, and created 301 endowed funds for various university areas. Notably, Georgia Power Company made a $5 million investment in the UGA College of Engineering for electric mobility, and a new women-directed fundraising group, Georgia Women Give, raised over $1.8 million for scholarships and other priorities. Dawg Day of Giving set a single-day giving record, and Senior Signature campaign and Parents Leadership Council also achieved impressive results……this from UGA.edu
Final thoughts after this
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