COMMERCIAL:
From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard.
Today is Saturday, June 1st and happy 49th birthday to singer Alanis Morissette.
***06.01.24 – BIRTHDAY – ALANIS MORISSETTE***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
Commercial: DRAKE
STORY 1: Sentences Handed Down For Prison-To-Streets Drug And Gun Ring
Three men involved in a drug and gun trafficking ring, orchestrated from a Georgia prison, were sentenced to federal prison. James Lewallen Meeks, an inmate, coordinated with Jamey Michael Latty and Mark Anthony Powell to distribute drugs and firearms in Northwest Georgia. Meeks, already serving a 20-year sentence, facilitated multiple illegal transactions. Latty and Powell were found with drugs and firearms upon arrest. The investigation led to a Carrollton residence where firearms were seized. Latty fled but was later apprehended. Each pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and firearm-related charges. Meeks received 20 years, Latty 15 years and one month, and Powell 10 years and seven months. Authorities emphasized their commitment to combating drug trafficking to protect communities.
STORY 2: Public Health Director: Fentanyl Overdoses Continue To Plague NWGA
Fentanyl and opiate abuse remain significant issues in Northwest Georgia, with the region experiencing the second-highest number of overdoses in the state. Alarmingly, there has been a dramatic increase in young children exposed to fentanyl, with a portion resulting in fatalities due to its lethal potency. Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs), modeled after Recovery Bartow, have been instrumental in providing support and information to communities affected by opiate addiction. The availability of Narcan has contributed to a slight decrease in fentanyl overdoses nationally, highlighting the importance of its widespread availability in schools and public spaces. Additionally, there is a growing concern about vaping among students, with health authorities advocating for immediate bans in schools due to potential lung damage and the lack of regulation in the vaping market.
STORY 3: Dine for Disaster Relief Set for June 6
Three eateries in Gordon County are teaming up to support the local American Red Cross on June 6 by donating a portion of their sales. Customers dining at Calhoun Chick-fil-A, Trackside Pizza, or Duke's will contribute to disaster relief efforts. This initiative aims to aid the Red Cross in providing assistance to community members affected by disasters like home fires or severe weather. Participating businesses in Gordon County and across Northwest Georgia will donate proceeds during specific hours, and customers can also contribute via Chick-fil-A's mobile app or by mentioning "Red Cross Dine for Disaster" at DosBros locations. The event, organized by the American Red Cross's Northwest Georgia Chapter, serves residents across multiple counties and seeks to mobilize support for local disaster response efforts.
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.
Back in a moment
Commercial: DRAKE
STORY 4: Trump becomes first former US president guilty of crimes
In a historic verdict, former President Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to concealing hush-money payments. The case involved a payment to a porn star before the 2016 election. This marks the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president. Trump faces potential imprisonment and a tarnished political image as he seeks to unseat President Joe Biden. Despite the conviction, Trump's supporters remain steadfast. The trial, featuring vivid testimony over five weeks, captured national attention. Trump, who didn't testify, plans to appeal. The verdict's impact on the upcoming election remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Trump faces additional criminal trials.
STORY 5: Calhoun City Schools Partners with GraceEd Tech to Honor Exceptional Teacher Melea Robbins
Calhoun City Schools collaborated with GraceEd Tech to recognize exceptional teacher Melea Robbins. As part of their teacher recognition initiative, GraceEd Tech, a sales partner of CENTEGIX, honored Robbins for her outstanding contributions. She was nominated by Calhoun City Schools for her leadership in the Odyssey of the Mind program and representation of the district at various state conferences. Ms. Robbins is celebrated for her dedication to her students and the district's success. This recognition highlights the commitment of educators like Robbins to meet the diverse needs of student learners.
Back in just a moment
Commercial: INGLES 5
STORY 6: Kemp Marks Completion of Plant Vogtle Expansion
Gov. Brian Kemp celebrated the completion of the Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion, recognizing it as a significant economic asset and a national milestone. He commended the perseverance of those involved, paying tribute to the late Sen. Johnny Isakson for his pivotal role. Despite seven years of delays and cost overruns, Kemp remains optimistic about Vogtle's future, hinting at a potential expansion. However, critics argue that Georgia Power's pursuit of nuclear energy has prioritized economic interests over renewable alternatives, prompting concerns about cost and environmental impact. Nevertheless, Kemp remains committed to advancing nuclear energy, emphasizing its importance for Georgia's energy landscape.
STORY 7: Talking Taxes: Floyd County's Legislative Delegation Gives 2024 Update
A proposed constitutional amendment aims to cap annual property tax increases at 3%, streamlining valuation and appeals processes. This would encompass school taxes, unlike current homestead freezes. Additionally, a local option sales tax could offset property taxes significantly. This bill, if passed, could eliminate property taxes for 63% of Georgia cities. Meanwhile, income tax rates are decreasing gradually. Legislative reforms include changes to Certificate of Need laws to improve rural healthcare access and discussions about recruitment incentives for law enforcement due to evolving challenges in the profession.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
COMMERCIAL:
Sign off--
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Northwest 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. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at northwestgeorgianews.com
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
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
