GA News Podcast – East Metro (Sundays) for Sunday 8-27 – Published Friday 8-25
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 25th and happy 74th birthday to rock star Gene Simmons
***Simmons***
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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A special prosecutor is being sought to examine the potential involvement of Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the 2020 presidential election interference case, which led to indictments against former President Donald Trump and others. Jones, a state senator at the time, was among those who signed false certificates declaring Trump the winner in Georgia despite confirmed results favoring Biden. The Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia is searching for a prosecutor due to conflicts of interest. Jones' ties to Trump could impact his political standing, and he has criticized the investigation as politically biased. Additionally, Republican Senators Colton Moore and Clint Dixon are considering actions against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for her handling of the case.
As the digital economy becomes more prevalent, traditional in-person banking is diminishing in importance. Many financial tasks like check deposits, account openings, and loans can now be managed digitally. However, some people still prefer or need to visit physical bank branches. As online banking gains popularity, physical branches and ATMs are decreasing in number. The peak of brick-and-mortar bank branches was in 2011, totaling over 105,000, but this has steadily declined to under 94,000 in 2021. The reduction in branches can lead to longer wait times for those who rely on remaining branches, potentially disrupting their daily responsibilities.
Walter Rabon has been appointed as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by Gov. Brian Kemp. Rabon had been serving as the interim commissioner since July 1, following the departure of the former commissioner. He has a long history of service with DNR, starting as a conservation ranger in 1993 and advancing through various roles, including major and deputy commissioner. Rabon's commitment to protecting Georgia's natural resources and promoting outdoor activities has led to his appointment. He holds degrees from Brenau University and Columbus State University and resides in Mansfield with his family.........……we’ll be right back…
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Todd Eric Sisk, a 48-year-old man from Baxley, Georgia, has been indicted on multiple child exploitation charges. The charges include attempted production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and transfer of obscene material to a minor. The investigation began when the Walton County, Florida, Sheriff's Office identified Sisk as a suspect in suspicious online activity. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) found suspected child sexual abuse material on Sisk's cellphone and online applications. He is currently in custody awaiting further court proceedings. HSI investigators are seeking information from individuals who might have had contact with Sisk, and they can provide information through the HSI Tip Line at (866) 347-2423.
The Atlanta City Council has approved a $4 million expenditure to develop "quick-delivery housing" for the homeless population. Mayor Andre Dickens initiated the "Rapid Housing" initiative, repurposing decommissioned shipping containers previously used by Georgia Emergency Management Agency as temporary hospitals during the pandemic. Partners for Home will acquire these prefabricated structures with the city's donation. The effort is part of Dickens' goal to create or preserve 20,000 units of affordable housing. The homeless population in Atlanta is over 2,600, and the city aims to address this issue while also exploring an agreement with the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation to acquire surplus properties for housing initiatives……back in a moment
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As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the Republican field for the party's nominee has expanded. President Joe Biden, seeking reelection as the presumptive Democratic candidate, faces challenges with his job approval rating currently at 40%, according to a nationwide Gallup poll. This rating is slightly above his lowest point of 37% in April 2023 but significantly below his peak of 57% in early 2021. Regional variations in public sentiment exist, with some states viewing Biden more favorably than others. In Georgia, a Morning Consult poll from the first quarter of 2023 shows 43% approval and 54% disapproval of Biden's handling of his presidential role. In the 2020 election, Biden received 49.5% of the popular vote in Georgia, while Donald Trump received 49.3%.
Georgia's approval of $15 billion in bonds for Rivian, an EV startup, marks a pivotal step in the historic economic development deal, ending a legal battle. The state secured the bonds for Rivian's $5 billion EV manufacturing plant after a court's nod. The decision follows a series of legal actions and appeals, with Judge Brenda Trammell initially denying the bonds and Rivian's tax exemption. However, the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed parts of the ruling, leading Trammell to eventually approve the bonds. While a local opposition group expressed disappointment, the ruling means Rivian will pay higher property taxes on equipment, estimated to exceed $300 million over 25 years.
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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