GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 7/21– Published Friday 7/18
BREAK: GON :30
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, July 21st and Happy 76th Birthday to musician Cat Stevens.
***07.21.24 – BIRTHDAY – CAT STEVENS***
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 GEOFF
Story 1: Lawsuit Challenges Delays in PSC elections
Two advocacy groups, Georgia WAND and Georgia Conservation Voters, have filed a federal lawsuit against Georgia, accusing the state of violating its constitution by delaying elections for the Public Service Commission (PSC) without proper authority. This legal action follows a recent Supreme Court decision not to hear a case challenging statewide PSC elections, which were claimed to dilute Black voting strength. The lawsuit argues that postponing the PSC elections allowed sitting commissioners to approve significant utility rate increases, which, they contend, could have been avoided with timely elections. The plaintiffs assert that extending terms without a constitutional amendment violates Georgia's legal framework for election timing and citizen voting rights.
Story 2: Plant Vogtle Nuclear Reactor Back in Service
Georgia Power has successfully restarted Unit 3 at Plant Vogtle after a brief shutdown due to a valve issue on one of its main pumps, restoring its contribution to the electric grid. Unit 3, operational since last summer, has maintained over 98% capacity utilization, exceeding the national average for nuclear reactors. Alongside Unit 4, which commenced operation in April, these reactors mark the first new nuclear facilities built in the U.S. since the late 1980s. Despite initial delays and cost overruns that escalated the project's total expense to approximately $35 billion, more than double the original estimate, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) allowed Georgia Power to proceed, capping customer costs and stipulating shareholder responsibility for additional expenses.
Story 3: Schumer, Jeffries reportedly warned Biden against his candidacy
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have reportedly advised President Joe Biden to reconsider his candidacy, expressing concerns that his continued run could jeopardize Democratic prospects in the upcoming November elections. According to ABC News and The Washington Post, Schumer and Jeffries separately conveyed their apprehensions to Biden in recent meetings, highlighting fears that his candidacy might undermine the party's ability to control Congress. While White House spokesperson Andrew Bates affirmed Biden's commitment to his candidacy and legislative agenda, both Schumer and Jeffries' offices downplayed the reported discussions, emphasizing the privacy and direct nature of their communications with the President. Democratic concerns about Biden's electability have escalated following a challenging debate performance, leading to internal deliberations and public calls for his withdrawal from the race.
We’ll be right back
Break: WHEELER
Story 4: Atlanta Traffic Is No Game- Except In One Gwinnett Man’s Mind
Ethan Simmons, a Lawrenceville resident, has developed a tabletop game called "Atlanta Traffic: The Card Game," inspired by the daily chaos of driving in Atlanta. Created during his frustrating commutes, the game is designed for 3 to 8 players who compete to finish their commute first using routes that include backroads, interstates, and highways. Players encounter Advantage, Delay, and Disaster cards reflecting real Atlanta traffic scenarios, from accidents to unexpected events like a bridge fire. The game aims to entertain with humor and satire about Atlanta's notorious traffic issues. Simmons launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund production, with plans to distribute the game by November 2024 if successful.
Story 5: Braves Unveil New Truist Park Seating Options
The Atlanta Braves are enhancing Truist Park for the 2025 season with expanded seating options. They announced plans to expand the Coors Light Chop House seating and introduce a new area called The Bullpen. The Bullpen, located in sections 152-155, will feature a private lounge, complimentary food and beverages, and other amenities. Chop House seating will expand into Sections 107-108, offering in-seat service, high barstool seats, and a $15 credit for purchases. These upgrades aim to elevate the ballpark experience and will be included in existing full-season memberships. Braves CEO Derek Schiller emphasized the goal of making Truist Park the premier destination for baseball fans.
We’ll be right back.
Break: GON :60 – INGLES 3
Story 6: Global Leadership Academy Jr. Beta Club Wins at National Convention
The Junior Beta members from the Global Leadership Academy for Homeschoolers recently showcased their achievements at the National Beta Convention. After months of preparation, they celebrated their successes with notable placements: 2nd place in Marketing & Communication, 3rd place in Create & Animate, 4th place in Technology, 5th place in Digital Portfolio, 7th place in Project Proposal, and 9th place in Engineering. These achievements follow their victories at the state level last November, which qualified them for the national competition in Savannah. Led by Chrisma Epps and Jason Scott, the club secured 2nd place nationally in Marketing & Communication, while Zion Darius of Marietta played a pivotal role in their wins in Create & Animate and Digital Portfolio categories.
Story 7: Reinhardt Hires Matthew Wright as Softball Coach
Matthew Wright was named the new head coach of Reinhardt University’s softball program, bringing experience from coaching in Texas and Georgia, and serving as CEO of Quartz USA. Reinhardt’s athletic director, Jeffrey Pourchier, praised Wright’s leadership and vision for the program, emphasizing his track record in skill development and maximizing player potential. Wright inherits a successful team that posted a 42-10 record last season, winning the Appalachian Athletic Conference championship and advancing to the NAIA playoffs. The team boasted two NAIA All-Americans: senior Emily Loveless and junior Alexis Teems, known for their impressive batting and base-running skills, respectively. Wright aims to build on the program’s winning tradition, focusing on fostering a culture of success, personal growth, and academic achievement among his players.
BREAK: 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.
Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. 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.
