GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 6/30– Published Friday 6/27
From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast. This podcast features stories compiled from the publications of Times Journal.
Today is Sunday, June 30th and Happy heavenly Birthday to comedian Richard Lewis.
***06.30.24 – BIRTHDAY – RICHARD LEWIS***
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: Ossoff Asks for Investigation of Undelivered Fulton County Court Mail
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia called for an investigation after more than 1,000 pieces of court correspondence dating back to 2021 were found undelivered. Fulton County Clerk of Courts Ché Alexander discovered the batch marked “return to sender” in early June and alerted Ossoff, who has been pushing the U.S. Postal Service on mail delivery delays statewide. Ossoff emphasized the serious implications of delayed court mail, affecting individuals' rights, property, and courtroom operations. He had previously raised concerns about postal service disruptions in a Senate hearing, prompted by restructuring challenges affecting mail processing centers like Palmetto. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy responded by halting the restructuring plan and implementing corrective measures to improve mail delivery performance. Ossoff seeks an inquiry by the Postal Service’s Inspector General to address these issues and enhance oversight of postal operations.
Story 2: State Senators Launch Bid to Regulate AI
A Georgia Senate study committee convened to outline a regulatory framework for emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology, balancing innovation with public protection. Sen. John Albers emphasized AI’s potential benefits, like curing cancer, alongside its risks. Discussions covered potential AI impacts in healthcare, public safety, education, and transportation, stressing ethical and transparent usage. Recent legislative efforts include a bill targeting AI-generated “deepfakes” in political ads, though it stalled in the Senate. Comparatively, Colorado is the sole U.S. state with AI regulations; the EU has comprehensive legislation set for 2026. Committee members debated fostering AI innovation while ensuring public safety, with plans for multiple summer meetings to shape legislative recommendations.
Story 3: US Reporter Evan Gershkovich on trial in Russia
Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, faced a closed-door espionage trial in Russia, 15 months after being arrested on charges rejected by his newspaper and the White House as baseless. Held in Yekaterinburg, he smiled briefly in court before proceedings started privately, typical for such cases in Russia. The trial was condemned by WSJ as a sham, and his family urged the White House for action. Russia accused Gershkovich of spying for the CIA without presenting evidence publicly. US officials labeled his detention as hostage-taking for potential swaps, denying espionage claims. Efforts for his release continue amid diplomatic negotiations.
We’ll be right back
Break: WHEELER
Story 4: Red Roof Inn resolves sex trafficking allegations by 11 women
In a groundbreaking legal battle, Red Roof Inn has settled a major sex trafficking case mid-trial. Eleven women alleged years of exploitation at the chain's hotels in Smyrna and Buckhead. While Red Roof denies involvement, the settlement terms remain undisclosed. This case is notable as it marks the first time sex trafficking survivors have presented their evidence against a national hotel brand in court. Plaintiffs' attorney Pat McDonough emphasized the courage of his clients, who were trafficked between 2009 and 2018, including minors. Testimonies revealed shocking details, including claims that up to 50% of the Buckhead hotel's clientele were traffickers, and staff ignored obvious signs of trafficking. This case sends a powerful message to the hospitality industry about their role in combating trafficking.
Story 5: Calhoun Homeowners May Be Eligible for Free Home Repairs
Local residents in need of home repairs, particularly those with low-to-moderate incomes, can potentially receive up to $55,000 in grants through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Community Home Investment Program. An upcoming public meeting on July 13 at 11 a.m. at the Calhoun-Gordon County Public Library aims to inform homeowners about this opportunity. Income limits apply, such as $45,750 for a two-person household and $57,200 for a four-person household. For eligibility details, homeowners can visit ffiec.gov and search for "CHIP." For more information or assistance, contact NFD Program Manager Carol Hatch at 706-629-9183, ext. 14, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit dca.ga.gov and use "CHIP" as the search term.
We’ll be right back.
Break: INGLES 7
Story 6: U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Statewide PSC Elections
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear an appeal concerning Georgia’s method of electing members to the Public Service Commission (PSC). This means the PSC members will continue to be elected statewide, as recently adjusted by the General Assembly. The lawsuit, filed by Black Fulton County residents, argued that statewide elections diluted Black voting power, violating the Voting Rights Act. Although a lower court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned this decision. With the Supreme Court's refusal to intervene, elections for PSC members will resume under a new schedule, starting with District 2 in May 2023, followed by Districts 3 and 5 in 2026, and Districts 1 and 4 in 2028.
Story 7: Poll shows strong opposition to mining near Okefenokee Swamp
A recent poll conducted by Hart Research Associates reveals strong bipartisan opposition among Georgia voters to Twin Pines Minerals' plans to mine titanium near the Okefenokee Swamp. Over 90% of respondents emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and its wildlife from environmental harm, prioritizing protection over potential economic benefits. Critics, including the Southern Environmental Law Center, argue that Twin Pines has not sufficiently proven that the mine wouldn't harm the swamp, citing risks to water levels, wildlife, and contamination. Despite legislative efforts and local government resolutions opposing the project, permits for the mine's initial phase have been drafted by Georgia's Environmental Protection Division.
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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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