GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 9/1– Published Friday 8/29
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, September 1st and Happy 78th Birthday to Barry Gibb.
***09.01.24 – BIRTHDAY – BARRY GIBB***
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: Contraband epidemic plaguing Georgia prison system
Georgia's prison system is grappling with increased contraband and criminal activity due to reduced staffing and deteriorating infrastructure, according to Commissioner of Corrections Tyrone Oliver. In 2023, 14,497 cellphones were seized in prisons, a significant rise from 7,224 in 2019, with many smuggled by large drones. These contraband phones are used to orchestrate illegal drug distribution and violent crimes, including murders outside prison. Staffing losses, exacerbated by COVID, and outdated prison infrastructure are key factors. Despite a reduction in inmate deaths and violent incidents trending down, the rising proportion of violent offenders increases the severity of incidents. The Senate study committee plans to make recommendations by December 1 to address these issues.
Story 2: Lilburn resident part of Surya Ensemble performing in September at Lawrenceville Arts Center
The Atlanta-based Surya Ensemble, featuring a unique blend of Eastern and Western musicians, will debut their performance "Elements" on September 12 at the Lawrenceville Arts Center. The ensemble, which includes Indian oboe player Ankit Patel, guitarist Sean Thrower, violinist Catherine Evergreen, percussionist Nima Ghadiri, and dancer Maria Martynova, combines music, dance, and visuals to explore the four elements—earth, wind, water, and fire. Patel, who aims to showcase world music in an intimate setting, describes the performance as a unique cultural experience ideal for those interested in orchestral and artistic presentations. Tickets are $55, with more details available at the Lawrenceville Arts Center website.
Break: Morgan Medical Center
Story 3: Brown Bag Concert Series Returning to Downtown Woodstock
Woodstock’s Brown Bag Concert Series returns for its 26th year on September 5, offering free live music at the Park at City Center. The concerts will be held at noon every Thursday in September at the park’s gazebo. The lineup includes Greg Shaddix on September 5, Rich Gunderlock on September 12, Tyler Porch on September 19, and Foster Greene on September 26. For more details, visit visitwoodstockga.com.
We’ll be right back
Break: Wheeler funeral
Story 4: Georgia Lands Federal Funds to Get the Lead Out of School Water
Georgia will receive $1.15 million in federal funds from the EPA to reduce lead in drinking water at schools and child-care centers. This funding is part of a $26 million national initiative to combat lead contamination. The EPA is also investing $15 billion to remove lead pipes and support local replacement projects. Critics argue that testing alone is insufficient due to lead's variable concentration, emphasizing the need for direct actions like installing filters and updating water stations.
Story 5: Former Atlanta CFO slapped with three-year prison sentence
Former Atlanta CFO Jim Beard has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for embezzling city funds for personal use. Beard, 60, used city money for luxury travel, personal items, and false tax deductions from 2011 to 2018. He stole tens of thousands of dollars, and in addition to prison, will serve three years of supervised release, pay a $10,000 fine, and restitution of over $177,000. The case was investigated by the FBI, IRS, and ATF. Beard pleaded guilty in March.
We’ll be right back.
Break: INGLES 5
Story 6: Raffensperger calls State Election Board 'a mess'
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger criticized the State Election Board for focusing on the 2020 election while neglecting around 200 pending voting fraud cases. Raffensperger, speaking at the Gwinnett Chamber, accused the board of disrupting election preparations with recent rule changes, which critics say could delay result certifications. He claimed these changes, supported by three Republican board members, undermine voter confidence and burden election workers. Raffensperger also highlighted the backlog of cases that the board has failed to review, leading to local district attorneys handling them instead. He emphasized the need for timely action to ensure election integrity.
Story 7: Conyers Native Clint Mathis on National Soccer Hall of Fame Semifinal Ballot
Conyers native Clint Mathis has been named a semifinalist for the National Soccer Hall of Fame's 2024 Veterans Ballot. The ballot recognizes players retired for over 10 years. Mathis, a standout for the U.S. National Team with 46 appearances and a key goal against South Korea in 2002, also had a notable MLS career with 67 goals in 283 games. He played professionally from 1998 to 2010 and also had stints in Germany and Greece. The next step is for the Screening Committee to select 10 finalists, with the Veteran Voting Committee determining the inductees.
Commercial: Dermatology Con.
Thanks again for hanging out with us on 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 Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties.
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