GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 2/18 – Published Friday 2/16
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, March 3rd, and Happy 61st Birthday to UGA legend Herchel Walker.
***03.03.24 – BIRTHDAY – HERCHEL WALKER***
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: Murder of nursing student prompts crackdown on illegal immigrants
Georgia lawmakers are poised to pass legislation targeting illegal immigration following the arrest of a Venezuelan man for the murder of an Augusta University nursing student. House Bill 1105, aiming at enforcing existing laws against sanctuary cities, recently cleared the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. The bill mandates local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, with penalties for non-compliance, including withholding of state funds. Urgency arose after the murder of Laken Riley, prompting strengthened language in the bill. It's expected to reach the House floor by Thursday's Crossover Day deadline, reflecting ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration.
Story 2: Georgia Democrats push for state laws protecting reproductive rights following Alabama court ruling
Georgia Democrats are advocating for legislation to safeguard in vitro fertilization (IVF) access following a controversial ruling in Alabama declaring fertilized eggs as children. They aim to prevent a similar scenario in Georgia, where IVF and contraception rights are at stake. The Alabama Supreme Court's decision has prompted Republicans in both states to propose bills protecting IVF access. Georgia Democrats are pushing for legislation clarifying that embryos outside the uterus aren't considered children. However, Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch dismisses the need for such a bill, stating it's unnecessary due to differences between the states' laws. Democrats aim to address the issue before Crossover Day, but Gooch opposes hasty action. They highlight the importance of protecting reproductive rights amid ongoing legal challenges.
Story 3: Georgia Man Convicted of Strangling Woman Gets 10 Years in Prison
Morris Michael McCoy, convicted of family violence aggravated assault and cruelty to children, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following a one-day trial. The incident occurred in a Walmart parking lot in Canton, where McCoy strangled a woman during an argument witnessed by their children. The altercation escalated after grocery shopping, leading McCoy to pin the woman against their SUV and choke her. Despite his denial, McCoy was found guilty by a jury and sentenced by Superior Court Judge Shannon Wallace. Prosecutors emphasized the gravity of domestic violence and commended law enforcement and the jury for recognizing the severity of McCoy's actions. As a repeat offender, McCoy must serve the full sentence and is prohibited from contacting the victims. District Attorney Susan Treadaway emphasized the importance of intervention and provided resources for those affected by domestic violence.
We’ll be right back
Break: WHEELER – HENRY CO SHERIFFS OFFICE
Story 4: Another huge food brand files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Flying Fish Brewery recently faced auctioning off its assets, leading to a bittersweet final weekend at its taproom. However, for prominent retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond or Christmas Tree Shops, the goodbye process can be prolonged and somber, resembling a funeral for the brand. Conversely, companies like Prima Wawona and Trinitas Farming, which play significant roles in agriculture, may go unnoticed by the public despite their size. Trinitas Farming, a major almond grower, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to heavy debt and low almond prices. Despite the bankruptcy, Trinitas plans to continue operations while seeking to resolve its financial issues, emphasizing the crucial role of funding during the almond growing season.
Story 5: WABE Partners with Metro Atlanta Indie Bookstores and Libraries for "Read Across Atlanta" Event
In celebration of National Reading Month, WABE is organizing Read Across Atlanta, a storytelling event on March 16 at 11 a.m. This event, which coincides with the launch of WABE's new storytime series for young listeners, will feature participating independent bookstores and public libraries across metro Atlanta. Attendees can register in advance for a chance to win free WABE swag. Readers at each location will share stories from children’s books by local authors and classics like "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland." The event will also feature special Mystery Readers at select locations. Additionally, WABE's new story time podcast, "The Podcast Where They Read Stories," premiered on Feb. 20, offering children's book readings and mini-explainers for vocabulary and historical concepts.
We’ll right back.
Break: INGLES 3 – CHERRY BLOSSOM
Story 6: Georgia House passes bill suspending tax exemption for data centers
The Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 1192 with a 96-71 vote, temporarily halting a sales tax exemption used since 2018 to attract large high-tech data centers. The bill suspends the exemptions for two years to allow for a commission to study the impact of data centers on Georgia’s power grid. Supporters argue that the exemption disproportionately benefits data centers, which consume vast resources, while opponents, including lawmakers with data centers in their districts, worry about sending the wrong message to businesses. The bill now moves to the Georgia Senate amid opposition from both business and labor groups.
Story 7: What’s Next After Massive Cedartown Fire?
A fire tore through the former Jockey manufacturing plant in Cedartown, leaving the more than 100-year-old building mostly destroyed. Firefighters battled the intense blaze for nearly 22 hours, using over a million gallons of water and assistance from multiple agencies. The cause of the fire remains unknown as state investigators couldn't access the scene until Friday due to extreme heat. The building, once a manufacturing facility, had recently housed an indoor antique flea market. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, and surrounding roads were closed indefinitely for assessment and repair due to heat damage. The building's historical significance dates back to the late 19th century, serving as part of the Cedartown Yarn Mills complex.
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