GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 5/19 – Published Friday 5/17
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, May 19th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to swimmer Florence Chadwick.
***05.19.24 – BIRTHDAY – FLORENCE CHADWICK***
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!
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Story 1: Human Remains Found in March Identified as Missing Woman
Stacey Faye Nease, missing for nearly six years, was identified through human remains found in a wooded area off Hollingsworth Road on March 20. Nease disappeared from her boyfriend's house in 2018, prompting an appeal from the Newton County Sheriff's Office due to suspicious circumstances. Her lack of contact with family and friends raised concerns. The discovery of her remains renews the investigation into her disappearance and death, with efforts underway to determine the circumstances surrounding it. The Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information to contact Investigator Joshua Hicks. They express gratitude for community cooperation and remain dedicated to seeking justice for Nease and her family.
Story 2: Jimmy Carter’s Grandson Says Ailing Former President Nearing The End
At the Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy, Jimmy Carter's grandson, Jason Carter, shared an update on the former president's condition. He mentioned visiting his grandfather recently and discussed his uncertainty about his well-being. Jimmy Carter, at 99 years old, has been in hospice care since early 2023. Jason Carter believes his grandfather is nearing the end, noting the importance of faith in his journey. He highlighted Rosalynn Carter's legacy in caregiving and mental health advocacy, emphasizing its significance in their family's experience. The event marked the first symposium since Rosalynn Carter's passing, underscoring the enduring impact of her work.
Story 3: Civil Rights Complaint Filed Against Cobb Schools
The Cobb County School District faces a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, alleging "discriminatory censorship" in its book-banning practices. The complaint, filed by the National Women’s Law Center, asserts that Cobb, along with a Florida district, targeted books by and about racial and LGBTQ+ minorities. Cobb Schools removed 25 books from libraries since August, several focusing on LGBTQ+ or racial minorities. The complaint alleges violations of Title IX and Title VI, creating a hostile environment for marginalized students. Cobb Schools rebutted, suggesting the complaint stemmed from a political narrative. Superintendent Chris Ragsdale emphasized that book removals were solely due to sexually explicit content. This marks the second civil rights complaint against Cobb in a year, potentially impacting federal education funding.
We’ll be right back.
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Story 4: State tax revenues fall again
Georgia's tax collections fell by 5.4% in April compared to the previous year, marking a continued decline. Over the first 10 months of fiscal 2024, net tax revenue dropped by 1.2%, though excluding fuel taxes, the decline was 4.6%. Individual income taxes fell by 8%, with refunds rising by 31.4% and payments decreasing by 11.5%. Net sales tax receipts also saw a 3% decline. Corporate income tax collections remained nearly flat. With revenues down $341.3 million for fiscal 2024, Georgia is likely to end the year with decreased revenues. Governor Brian Kemp cautioned about potential leaner times ahead while signing a $36.1 billion fiscal 2025 budget.
Story 5: It's OK To Not Be OK: Georgia First Lady Promotes 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline
Georgia's rollout of the national suicide prevention hotline, 988, receives support from First Lady Marty Kemp, who emphasizes the importance of promoting the hotline and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health care. A recent poll found that only 16% of respondents knew about 988. The first lady's involvement reflects her increasing focus on mental health, highlighted in her participation at the Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum. Kevin Tanner, the commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, notes the importance of the 988 system and highlights the disproportionate call volume from rural areas, attributed to both resource scarcity and stigma. Efforts include reducing call center wait times, dispatching mobile crisis teams, and increasing funding for treatment centers. Tanner's upcoming first pitch at an Atlanta Braves game aims to raise awareness, especially in rural communities.
We’ll be right back.
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Story 6: Postal Service Agrees to Pause Restructuring Mail Processing System
U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has pledged to halt a postal service restructuring plan until at least January 1, 2025, following significant delays in mail processing at the Palmetto distribution center. DeJoy's commitment comes in response to concerns raised by Senator Gary Peters and others regarding delays in mail delivery in Georgia and other states. These delays occurred after the USPS consolidated local mail distribution offices into a single regional center. DeJoy emphasized the necessity of the restructuring plan for financial sustainability but acknowledged the need to address the issues causing delays. Senator Peters announced the pause on social media, promising continued oversight to ensure uninterrupted mail service.
Story 7: Georgia Safari Conservation Park slated to open June 1
The long-awaited Georgia Safari Conservation Park (GSCP) is set to open phase I on June 1, offering luxury accommodations and wildlife tours. Located in Madison, Georgia, the park combines safari adventure with a commitment to conservation and sustainability. Guests can book luxury accommodations such as the Giraffe Suite or Luxury Safari Tents, with amenities like private balconies and outdoor showers. Accommodation bookings include guided safari tours, animal encounters, and souvenirs. For day visitors, the park offers safari drive-through experiences featuring encounters with exotic species. Reservations are available on the park's website, and the opening marks an immersive wildlife experience in Georgia.
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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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