GA News Podcast – East Metro (Sundays) for Sunday 8-13 – Published Friday 8-11
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 August 13th and happy 32nd birthday to NBA Star Demarcus Cousins
***Cousins***
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 and If you want community, local, and statewide news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
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The Atlanta city council has approved a measure mandating gas stations and connected convenience stores to install surveillance cameras, aiming to address increased car thefts and violence at these locations. Similar to a DeKalb County initiative, this ordinance aims to enhance safety in the community. The rule will take effect once an implementation plan is presented within 120 days. Additionally, the council called for federal and state lawmakers to pass legislation limiting the duration of blocked road crossings by freight trains, proposing penalties for violations. The council also authorized the acceptance of a $30 million grant for a street and bike lane project.
The Georgia Department of Labor has returned over $105.1 million in unremitted funds to the state treasury following an internal audit. These funds had accumulated since fiscal 2014 under the previous labor commissioner and were discovered during an investigation into fraud and unemployment insurance system vulnerabilities. Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson authorized the transfer of these funds. This move comes after the labor department suspended its Employer-Filed (Partial) Claims System in June, citing proactive measures against fraud. Recently, eight former state employees were indicted on unemployment insurance fraud charges, adding to the department's ongoing challenges.
State agencies in Georgia will be allowed to request spending "enhancements" of up to 3% in their fiscal 2024 mid-year and fiscal 2025 budget proposals, marking the first time since fiscal 2020 that agencies can ask for more money. The Governor's Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) made this announcement, citing the strength of Georgia's economy which has exceeded expectations despite earlier predictions of a recession. Agency heads were praised for their ability to navigate economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19 while still delivering essential services. Agencies are also encouraged to find opportunities for greater efficiencies to reduce their fiscal 2025 budgets by 1%......……we’ll be right back…
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Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Senator Jason Anavitarte announced a legislative priority for 2024 aimed at addressing teenage social media use and cyberbullying. The proposed legislation would require social media companies to verify users' ages, update existing rules for schools to monitor bullying, and educate students and teachers about modern technology. Furthermore, the legislation would mandate the removal of features known or found to be addictive to children. The goal is to prioritize the safety and well-being of children by addressing the negative impacts of social media and cyberbullying while maintaining their ability to learn, grow, and connect.
California-based Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian is moving forward with plans to build a large plant on a 2,000-acre site between Rutledge and Social Circle in Georgia. Despite ongoing legal challenges from local opposition, Rivian's CEO RJ Scaringe stated that the $5 billion plant will incorporate "green" upgrades and operate as a "fossil-free plant." The facility aims to integrate sustainable practices in manufacturing, including moving from natural gas to electric processes for ovens, paint, and curing. Rivian plans to create 7,500 jobs and solidify Georgia as an EV industry hub, with the plant expected to begin production in 2026.
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her intention to use the Holman Rule to eliminate the special counsel's office following the indictment of former President Donald Trump on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and other crimes. The Holman Rule allows bypassing committee hearings to insert changes directly into the appropriations bill. Greene argues that the investigation is baseless and politically motivated, vowing not to fund what she perceives as a "weaponized government." She has also introduced a resolution to impeach Attorney General Merrick Garland and has been critical of the Department of Justice and FBI.
Final thoughts after this
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Thanks again for listening to today’s Georgia News podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast.
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