GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 2/25 – Published Friday 2/23
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, February 25th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to Beatles George Harrison.
***02.25.24 – BIRTHDAY – GEORGE HARRISON***
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: GOP Legislators to ease Hospital Construction Regulations
Georgia House leaders have proposed a healthcare bill, focusing on easing regulations on health businesses and boosting support for rural hospitals. The bill does not include Medicaid expansion but suggests forming a new commission to advise on healthcare access for uninsured residents.
It also proposes increasing tax credits for rural hospitals and revising certificate-of-need rules for the benefit of rural areas.
Despite the urgent calls for Medicaid expansion, this proposal indicates a delay in discussions. A nine-person commission will evaluate future options, including a private coverage model.
Critics stress the immediate need to address the coverage gap. The bill now faces pressure from various groups, highlighting different priorities in healthcare policy.
Story 2: GA Senate panel OKs bill to erase personal information of judges from public records
The Georgia Senate Committee has greenlighted a bipartisan bill, Senate Bill 508, aimed at safeguarding judges' personal details from public records.
This move, supported by top judiciary and law enforcement agencies, intends to protect judges and their families from threats. The proposed law would establish a secure database managed by the Administrative Office of the Courts to store protected information and coordinate security training.
Senator Clint Dixon, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the importance of this legislation citing personal experiences. Georgia is joining a national trend in responding to security risks faced by judges.
The bill balances safety with public transparency but faces scrutiny from free speech advocates. The gravity of these safety concerns is underscored as stricter penalties for swatting public officials are also being considered.
Story 3: Bishop urges Delta officials to respect rights of employees to decide on unionization
U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop has written a letter to Delta Air Lines CEO, Ed Bastian, urging him to respect the rights of his employees to decide on unionization without interference. Over 55,000 Delta employees are currently involved in a unionization campaign with various unions.
Bishop's letter emphasizes that Delta workers should be able to decide on unionization without fear of retaliation or intimidation. He also urged Delta to adhere to the organization process outlined in the Railway Labor Act and take any allegations of interference seriously. This comes as Delta Air Lines management has reportedly threatened employees with termination for union activities.
Bishop's involvement is significant, as it follows letters from five more Republican members of Congress and a Congressional Labor Caucus letter signed by 146 members of Congress, including Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
Delta Air Lines is the only U.S.-based mainline carrier without union representation for flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics, with only 20% of its workers being unionized.
We’ll be right back.
Break: HENRY CO SHERIFFS OFFICE
Story 4: Boating groups seek 'right to float' Georgia’s small rivers, streams
A coalition led by the Georgia River Network and Georgia Canoeing Association is pushing for the "right to float" on all of Georgia's rivers and streams. They're advocating for changes to HB 1172, a bill under review in the General Assembly that currently only covers rights on larger, "navigable" waterways.
The groups argue that outdated definitions of "navigable" have allowed property owners to limit access to smaller streams. They're urging lawmakers to amend the bill to ensure public access to all suitable streams. Despite the economic benefits of recreational boating and some support within the Judiciary Committee, no amendments were added.
The bill now moves to the House Rules Committee, where advocates hope for changes. Given the economic importance of recreational boating and public access to waterways, they're calling for stronger protections to uphold Georgians' freedom to enjoy the state's rivers and streams.
Story 5: GA Supreme Court Overturns Murder Conviction
The Georgia Supreme Court has overturned Darnell Floyd's felony murder conviction and life sentence due to ineffective counsel during his trial. Floyd's gun possession convictions, connected to the fatal shooting of Telmo Ortiz, were also reversed. The court determined that Floyd's attorney failed to adequately communicate the self-defense aspect of the case to the jury. However, Floyd may face a retrial.
Floyd's lawyer, W. Scott Smith, considers the ruling a triumph, underscoring Floyd's lengthy detention since his 2017 indictment. The shooting transpired during a dispute over a stolen cellphone, with Floyd asserting self-defense.
The court criticized the trial judge's handling of jury questions, which led to confusion. While Floyd's conviction was reversed, other charges were upheld. The ruling underscores the need for clear self-defense laws in Georgia. A response from the District Attorney to the decision is still awaited.
Story 6: EPA Raises Alarm over Georgia's Handling of Toxic Coal Ash
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expressed concerns over Georgia's handling of toxic coal ash. In a letter to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the EPA suggests that Georgia Power's storage methods could be "less protective" than federal standards mandate.
This development is seen as the most significant indication yet that federal officials are closely monitoring Georgia Power's plans for the permanent disposal of millions of tons of coal ash scattered around the state, a by-product of burning coal for power over decades.
Coal ash contains toxic metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which are linked to serious illnesses and cancers, and can contaminate soil and water if mishandled. However, coal ash is often safely used in concrete mixes. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on maintaining environmental safety standards.
Story 7: Parents raise millions for cancer research, even if too late for their son
Marietta parents have made a significant contribution to cancer research through their organization, Curing Kids Cancer, in memory of their son, Killian Owen. Diagnosed with leukemia at age 5, Killian's spirit remained undaunted until his passing.
Curing Kids Cancer, born out of the Owens' desire to make a positive impact, has raised $28 million to fund new childhood cancer treatments. The latest major gift endows an Emory professorship to continue the search for treatments. Despite their personal loss, the Owens' efforts are generating hope and progress in the battle against pediatric cancer.
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