GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 3/31 – Published Friday 3/29

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 31st, and Happy 68th Birthday to AC/DC Angus Young.

***03.31.24 – BIRTHDAY – ANGUY YOUNG***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty 

1. Non-Custodial Father Charged with Kidnapping Son from Rossville Residence
2. Calhoun Men Accused of Threatening Nurse at Hospital
3. VA Regional Office renamed for Johnny Isakson

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! 

Commercial:  DRAKE 

Story 1: Non-Custodial Father Charged with Kidnapping Son from Rossville Residence

John Kavin Samples, a non-custodial father from Utah, was arrested in Murfreesboro, Tenn., just 2½ hours after allegedly kidnapping his 3-year-old son from Rossville. Samples forcibly took his son at gunpoint from the child's mother's residence, threatening her with a firearm. Walker County deputies quickly responded and coordinated with Tennessee law enforcement. Rutherford County Sheriff's deputies located Samples at a gas station and apprehended him on fugitive charges. Samples and his girlfriend, Anjela Baker, face charges including aggravated assault, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm. The child was safely recovered, and the case exemplifies effective law enforcement collaboration.

Story 2: Calhoun Men Accused of Threatening Nurse at Hospital

Two Calhoun men, Jonathan Riffle, 29, and Authur Riffle, 71, were arrested for threatening staff at AdventHealth Gordon. Jonathan Riffle allegedly screamed and threatened a nurse while his mother was being treated. He reportedly threatened to harm the nurse and security personnel, saying it was a promise, not a threat. Authur Riffle, his father, also threatened the nurse and security, indicating they didn't know what he was capable of. Both men were charged with disorderly conduct, felony terroristic threats, simple assault, and obstructing emergency professionals. They were arrested and taken to Gordon County Jail pending bond.

Story 3: VA Regional Office renamed for Johnny Isakson

The Atlanta Veterans Affairs Regional Office was renamed in honor of the late U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson during a ceremony in Decatur. Isakson, who chaired the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, was known for his bipartisan approach and commitment to veterans. Senator Jon Ossoff praised Isakson's values and dedication to the national interest over partisan politics. Isakson's legacy of bridging divides and fostering cooperation in the Senate was highlighted during the event. Ossoff sponsored the bipartisan bill to rename the VA office after Isakson, which was passed by the Senate in 2022.

We’ll be right back 

Break:  WHEELER – HENRY CO SHERIFFS OFFICE

Story 4: Georgia Senate Passes ‘Culture Wars’ Education Measure

The Georgia Senate approved House Bill 1104, initially focused on student athletes' mental health, with additional provisions addressing various "culture wars" issues in schools. Passed along party lines, the bill now prohibits sex education before sixth grade, mandates parental notification of library book checkouts, and requires students to use bathrooms aligning with their birth certificate gender. It also bars transgender males from girls' sports. Republicans argued it safeguards children and empowers parents, while Democrats criticized both the content and the process, labeling it a "Frankenstein bill" combining regressive measures. The bill must return to the House for final passage due to Senate amendments.

Story 5: Atlanta Braves Unveil New Seating Offering for the 2024 Season

The Atlanta Braves have introduced the Lexus Premium Boxes, a new seating option for the 2024 season, as part of the Truist Park renovations. These first-class hospitality spaces cater to groups of 8 to 14 guests and represent a significant investment by the Braves. The Lexus Premium Boxes are located in specific sections and offer amenities such as premium parking, private entrances, flexible seating options, and access to the Xfinity Club. The partnership with Lexus also includes naming rights for the Lexus Level. Season leases for the Lexus Premium Boxes are sold out, but limited daily rentals are available by contacting the Braves directly.

We’ll right back. 

Break: INGLES 1

Story 6: BlackRock CEO believes boomers should retire later than 65

Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock and a baby boomer himself, criticized his generation in a letter to investors for not doing enough to support economically anxious younger generations. He suggests that boomers should retire later than 65 due to longer life expectancy and strains on the Social Security system. Fink emphasizes the need for investments to regain trust from younger generations. He points out that boomers holding onto their homes exacerbates housing affordability issues for younger generations. Recent surveys show that a significant portion of boomers own homes for decades, contributing to a shortage of housing for younger families.

Story 7: How Sex Traffickers Lure and Control Victims

A.L., a survivor of sex trafficking, shares her harrowing story of being lured into exploitation by a man who initially offered love and acceptance but turned out to be a trafficker. Growing up in foster care and experiencing homelessness, A.L. was vulnerable when she encountered Earnest Reed, who manipulated her into sex work and subjected her to physical abuse. Experts emphasize the complexity of trafficking cases, highlighting the difficulty in detecting and prosecuting such crimes due to the strong bonds formed between victims and traffickers. They also shed light on the prevalence of trafficking in various settings, including hotels and motels, and the complicity of some individuals and establishments in facilitating these crimes. Despite the challenges, survivors like A.L. have found the courage to escape and share their stories, shedding light on the realities of sex trafficking.

Commercial: ATL HEALTH FAIR

Thanks again for listening to 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 Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. 

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Produced by the BG Podcast Network

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