GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 2/11 – Published Friday 2/9
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, February 11th, and Happy 62nd Birthday to singer Sheryl Crow.
***02.11.24 – BIRTHDAY – SHERLYL CROW***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here is 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!
Commercial: DRAKE
Story 1: Attorneys Accuse DA of Improper Handling of Police Shooting Case
Attorneys representing the family of Devonte Brown, shot by a Cobb police officer in 2021, claim the Cobb District Attorney’s office failed to present a complete case to the grand jury that could have indicted the officer. Brown was fatally shot after a car chase. The DA's office, however, denies the claim, stating that officer-involved shootings are presented only after full investigations. Body camera footage shows Brown reversing his vehicle before being shot. Despite the grand jury's decision not to charge the officer, attorneys call for a special prosecutor, alleging bias. The process for appointing a special prosecutor falls under the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of the state, no longer under the Attorney General's office.
Story 2: Man Accused of Cruelty to Children Facing Additional Charges
Cesar Alejandro Lopez Sr., a South Rome man, faces additional charges after allegedly beating his three-month-old son, resulting in broken ribs and a brain bleed. In addition to previous charges, he now faces felony aggravated battery, cruelty to children in the first degree, and false imprisonment. Lopez is accused of locking the infant's mother in their room and confiscating her car keys and cellphone to prevent her from seeking medical help for their child. The infant remains stable at Children’s Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta, while Lopez is held without bond.
Story 3: Couple Charged With Embezzling $200K From Calhoun Church
Melanie Ann Temple and her husband, Chad Lamar Temple, from Calhoun, have been accused of embezzling over $200,000 from Belmont Baptist Church. Melanie, formerly known as Melanie Ann Land, allegedly made unauthorized purchases with church credit cards for personal items and vacations. A forensic audit revealed unauthorized charges totaling $212,008.09. Melanie faces numerous felony charges including fraud and theft, while Chad faces similar charges along with a probation violation for a prior methamphetamine charge. Melanie has been released on bond, but Chad remains in Gordon County Jail. The investigation continues, and updates can be found on CalhounTimes.com.
We’ll be right back.
Break:
Story 4: Georgia state Supreme Court chief tells lawmakers justice system needs better pay to move cases
Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs addressed state legislators, highlighting the progress in reducing case backlogs but also emphasizing substantial staffing shortages in the judiciary system. Boggs stressed the need for competitive pay to attract and retain skilled professionals, including judges, lawyers, court reporters, and deputies. Despite significant federal funding, additional state resources are required to address the shortage adequately. Turnover rates and unfilled vacancies persist across all levels of the judicial system, impacting court efficiency. Innovative use of grant funds has helped alleviate backlogs, but systemic challenges remain. Public defender and prosecutor officials presented budget needs, aiming to address growing caseloads and improve attorney compensation. The shortage of legal professionals threatens the effective functioning of the justice system and underscores the urgency for comprehensive solutions.
Story 5: Five arrested in store break-ins in Covington
Five men allegedly smashed windows in six businesses in Covington, stealing liquor and cash before being captured in DeKalb County following a police chase. The incident began with a burglar alarm at Edible Arrangements, followed by similar incidents at other businesses. Security footage and witness accounts identified the suspects' vehicle as a stolen white Hyundai Sonata. After a pursuit involving Covington and Conyers police, the suspects were apprehended, and stolen items were recovered from the vehicle. The arrested individuals face charges including obstruction of law enforcement, theft, possession of stolen property, and burglary.
Break:
Story 6: No2Rivian group wins appeal over paying $364K bond in zoning lawsuit
The No2Rivian plaintiffs, involved in lawsuits against Georgia over the Rivian Electric Vehicle megafactory, won an appeal overturning a ruling that ordered them to pay a $364,619 bond. The bond was requested by the state, deeming the lawsuit frivolous. Fulton County Superior Court's decision to mandate the bond was reversed by the Georgia Court of Appeals. The ruling allows the zoning lawsuit against the Rivian plant to proceed without the bond requirement. The case alleges non-compliance with local zoning ordinances and environmental impacts. Plaintiffs include Morgan County property owners. Another similar case awaits appeal review in Morgan County.
Story 7: General Assembly Passes Bill Limiting No-Cash Bail
The Georgia House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 63, which prohibits no-cash bail for various offenses, including both violent and non-violent crimes. The bill received a 97-69 vote along party lines, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed. Supporters argue that no-cash bail prevents suspects from appearing in court, while opponents claim it unfairly punishes the poor and undermines criminal justice reforms. The legislation now awaits Governor Brian Kemp's signature after passing the Senate and House. Critics also raised concerns about limiting charitable organizations from posting more than three cash bonds per year, potentially affecting chu rch-based bail initiatives.
Commercial: INGLES 9
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.
Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Produced by the BG Podcast Network
Show Sponsors:
#NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
