GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 5/12 – Published Friday 5/10
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 12th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to MLB HOF Yogi Berra.
***05.12.24 – BIRTHDAY – YOGI BERRA***
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: Kemp inks bills targeting illegal immigrants, no-cash bail
Gov. Brian Kemp signed several public safety bills, including House Bill 1105 aimed at illegal immigration, requiring notification to ICE when suspected illegal immigrants are in custody. This follows the murder of Laken Riley, allegedly by an undocumented immigrant. Democrats opposed the bill, citing concerns of racial profiling. Senate Bill 63, banning no-cash bail for certain offenses, drew criticism for potentially penalizing minor crimes disproportionately. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones supported the bill, emphasizing public safety. Additionally, Senate Bill 421 increases penalties for "swatting" and drive-by shootings, addressing false reports and threats to safety. Kemp also signed bills targeting prison smuggling and drag racing offenses.
Story 2: Greene’s Attempt to Oust House Speaker Johnson Fails
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's attempt to oust Speaker Mike Johnson was overwhelmingly voted down by the House, with both Republicans and Democrats siding with Johnson. Greene's resolution to declare the speaker's office vacant received little support, with only a handful of Republicans and Democrats opposing the motion to table it. Greene criticized Johnson for bringing compromise legislation to the floor and accused him of being a "Democrat speaker." Despite efforts by Greene and her allies, including former President Donald Trump's intervention, Johnson maintained his position. The majority of the House aimed to avoid the chaos of last October when then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted. Greene's move sparked discussions about potential consequences for those seeking leadership changes within the party.Top of Form
Story 3: Kemp Signs Controversial Election Law Changes
Gov. Brian Kemp signed a package of election law changes in Georgia, supported by Republicans but criticized by Democrats and voting-rights advocates. The bills include measures such as making it easier to file mass voter challenges, eliminating QR codes from paper ballots, and requiring poll workers to be U.S. citizens. Supporters argue the laws promote election integrity, but opponents claim they create barriers to voting rights and impose unnecessary challenges on election workers. The legislation has sparked controversy and legal threats, with the ACLU vowing to challenge it in court. Most of the changes will take effect before the November elections.
We’ll be right back.
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Story 4: Gov. Brian Kemp signs $36.1 billion state budget
Gov. Brian Kemp signed a $36.1 billion state budget, marking a $3.7 billion increase from the previous year. The budget prioritizes education, mental health, and public safety, providing significant raises for state employees and teachers. It includes a 4% cost-of-living increase for most state workers and a $2,500 pay raise for teachers, totaling $9,500 since Kemp took office. Additionally, $108 million is allocated for school security upgrades, $10.7 million for prison technology upgrades, and $4.8 million for a gang task force. The budget also funds ongoing initiatives like a state reinsurance plan and rural workforce housing. Despite record spending, tax cuts continue, with over $5 billion returned to taxpayers.
Story 5: Boy Scouts of America Announces Upcoming Name Change
The Boy Scouts of America, in honor of its upcoming 115th anniversary in 2025, will change its name to Scouting America. This rebranding reflects the organization's commitment to inclusivity and welcoming all youth and families. The change comes on the fifth anniversary of allowing girls into Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA programs, which currently serve over 176,000 girls, with over 6,000 achieving Eagle Scout. President and CEO Roger Krone emphasized that the mission remains the same: to teach young people to be prepared for life. Scouting America aims to provide a safe environment for youth to learn life skills and leadership. Since its founding in 1910, over 130 million individuals have participated in Scouting programs, with over 1 million youth served by 477,000 adult volunteers nationwide.
Story 6: Cobb Superior Court Judge to Lead State-wide Judges' Council
Judge Ann Harris has been appointed as the president of the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. In her new role, she leads over 228 Superior Court judges and more than 100 senior Superior Court judges in addressing issues within the Superior Court system. Harris, who has served on the Cobb Superior Court since 2014, brings extensive experience as a former assistant district attorney and involvement in drafting Georgia's first human trafficking laws. She also oversees Cobb County’s Mental Health and Parental Accountability Courts. Harris, an alumna of Vanderbilt and Auburn Universities, resides in Smyrna with her husband and two rescue dogs. Her term as president expires on April 30, 2025.
Story 7: Man Arrested After Elderly Cherokee County Woman Targeted in International Scam
A Canadian man, Parth Patel, has been arrested in Cherokee County for his involvement in an international scam targeting an 80-year-old woman. The scam began with a fake Amazon call about an iPhone purchase, leading the victim to wire $50,000 and buy $100,000 worth of gold. Patel was arrested after a meeting to arrange a $200,000 gold purchase. He's charged with felony criminal attempt and conspiracy. Authorities believe the main suspects are in India and the U.K., with Patel as a lower-level associate. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office advises against answering unknown calls, warns against providing personal or financial information, and urges discussing scams with loved ones. The victim's losses were not recovered.
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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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