GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 10/22 – Published Friday 10/20
Henssler: 15
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, October 22nd and Happy 84th Birthday to Actor Christopher Lloyd
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: Prisoner who directed meth operation behind bars gets 27-year sentence
A Georgia Department of Corrections prisoner and member of the Sureños 13 gang, David Zavala, has been sentenced to 330 months in federal prison for his involvement in a large armed drug trafficking conspiracy that operated from jail facilities in Mexico and Georgia, distributing more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine. Zavala, who is not eligible for parole, directed the network while incarcerated, posing a threat to communities and other inmates. The drug trafficking organization was also connected to several co-defendants who have received prison sentences ranging from 9 months to 260 months. The investigation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, FBI, and local sheriff's offices.
Story 2: Gaming interests ready new legalized gambling push in Georgia in ’24, sports bets still a favorite
The Entain Foundation U.S., a powerful sports betting and gambling company, is ramping up its efforts to legalize sports betting, casinos, and horse racing in Georgia. They met with state legislators to plan a gambling bill for 2024. Previous legislative sessions have ended without successful attempts to legalize these forms of gambling due to divisions among lawmakers, public concerns, and disagreements over issues like tax revenue distribution. Entain, which co-owns BetMGM, believes that Georgia could benefit from the revenue and consumer protection that regulated gambling would bring. However, opposition from groups like the Georgia Baptist Mission Board remains a significant challenge.
Story 3: Reward Grows For Capture of Bibb County Jail Escapees
The FBI Atlanta is offering rewards of up to $25,000 for information leading to the capture of four inmates who escaped from the Bibb County Jail. Combined with rewards from other agencies, the total reward amount is now $73,000. Johnifer Barnwell, convicted on federal drug trafficking charges, has a $10,000 FBI reward. The other escapees, including Joey Fournier, charged with murder, Chavis Stokes, facing drug charges, and Marc K. Anderson, jailed for aggravated assault, each have $5,000 FBI rewards. The U.S. Marshals Service, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and Crime Stoppers are also offering rewards. Tips can be submitted through various channels.
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Break: ESOG—Cardinal Cleaning
Story 4: U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock visits Madison Farmer Lee Nunn for input on upcoming Farm Bill
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock visited a cotton field in Madison, Georgia, with farmer Lee Nunn to discuss the 2023 Farm Bill and its support for American farmers and the agricultural industry. Nunn, a prominent farmer, expressed concerns about rising costs affecting farmers' profit margins and emphasized the need for a level playing field in terms of production costs compared to other countries. The Farm Bill, renewed approximately every five years, significantly impacts farming practices, food production, and various programs. Senator Warnock aims to secure more funding for "precision agriculture" in the upcoming Farm Bill, which leverages data-driven technology to enhance farming efficiency and sustainability. He also advocates for improved crop insurance and disaster protection for farmers in the face of increasing weather-related challenges due to climate change. Agriculture is Georgia's leading industry, and Warnock emphasizes the importance of supporting farmers to boost the state's economic success.
Story 5: Updated: GBI Investigating Decatur Shootout That Killed Suspect and Injured Bartow Police K9
Geoffry Frank Walker, a man wanted on warrants in Rome and for shooting a Bartow County K9, was killed in a shootout with officers near Decatur. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was called in to conduct an independent investigation. The incident began when officers from the Bartow County Drug Task Force, along with the U.S. Marshals Service, were searching for Walker, who had multiple active felony warrants. After officers located him at a hotel in DeKalb County, Walker fled through neighborhoods and into the woods. When officers found him, they commanded him to drop his weapon, but he refused and opened fire. Officers returned fire, resulting in Walker's death. The GBI will complete the investigation, and the case file will be reviewed by the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office. This incident marks the 79th officer-involved shooting the GBI has been requested to investigate in 2023.
We’ll right back.
Breakl: Corn Hog Law– State Farm – Ingles 9
Story 6: 39.1% Of New Georgia Homes Are Multi-Family, Below U.S. Average
The U.S. housing market has faced rising costs and affordability challenges for both buyers and renters, with prices approximately 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Housing supply shortages have been exacerbated by the pandemic, further driving up prices. The shortage is estimated at 3.8 million housing units by Freddie Mac. One promising sign is the increase in planned multi-family home construction, which is more cost-effective and efficient. In 2022, multi-family units accounted for 41.4% of new housing, the highest since 1985. This trend also extended to unexpected regions, with Midwest and Western states, such as South Dakota, Washington, and Colorado, exceeding the 50% mark in new multi-family housing.
Story 7: Georgia Unemployment Rate Sees Slight Uptick
Georgia's unemployment rate increased slightly from 3.3% to 3.4% in September, though it remained lower than the national average. The state added 17,100 jobs over the month and 96,100 jobs over the year, reaching an all-time high of more than 4.9 million jobs. Record job numbers were observed in sectors such as private education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and financial activities. The construction sector also achieved a milestone by surpassing its previous peak in March 2007 with 225,000 jobs. Georgia's labor force increased to an all-time high of more than 5.3 million, with a labor force participation rate of 61.5%. Initial unemployment claims decreased by 17% in September. There were 96,000 job listings on the labor department's website last month.
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