GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 9/22– Published Friday 9/19

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, September 22nd and Happy Birthday to the late Tommy Lasorda

***09.22.24 – BIRTHDAY – TOMMY LASORDA***

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

1. Ossoff Introduces Postmaster General Reform Act
2. Georgia Lawmakers Get An Earful on Private Water Systems' High Rates
3. US Fed makes aggressive rate cut, weeks before election

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:   Ossoff Introduces Postmaster General Reform Act

Sen. Jon Ossoff has introduced the Postmaster General Reform Act, which seeks to impose term limits and require Senate confirmation for the U.S. postmaster general. This move follows Ossoff's criticism of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy due to significant mail delivery delays in Georgia, particularly at a new distribution center in Fulton County, where only 36% of inbound mail was timely. The legislation proposes limiting the postmaster general to two consecutive five-year terms and reinstating Senate confirmation, arguing the role's significant impact warrants elected officials' oversight. This reform emerges amid persistent mail delivery issues in Georgia, despite DeJoy's restructuring efforts and subsequent corrective actions.

Story 2:  Georgia Lawmakers Get An Earful on Private Water Systems' High Rates

Lake Oconee-area property owners have voiced concerns over high water rates charged by private systems like Piedmont Water Co., which ranks as Georgia's second-highest. Mike Hartman highlighted the exorbitant connection fees, advocating for regulation akin to municipal systems. Legislative efforts, led by Rep. Trey Rhodes, seek to impose oversight by the Georgia Public Service Commission, but have faced obstacles. Piedmont Water's COO, Brent Hurst, defended the rates, citing significant investments to meet seasonal irrigation demands. However, many attendees, including Rep. Debbie Buckner and business owner Jacob Fried, emphasized the need for regulatory oversight to ensure fair pricing, despite concerns about potential cost increases associated with PSC regulation.

Story 3:   US Fed makes aggressive rate cut, weeks before election

The US Federal Reserve has cut its key lending rate by half a percentage point, marking its first reduction since the Covid pandemic. This decision, made just ahead of the November presidential election, aims to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, impacting rates on mortgages and credit cards. The cut reflects the Fed’s confidence in achieving its inflation target while managing employment levels sustainably. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris may view the rate cut favorably as it bolsters President Joe Biden's economic record in her campaign against Republican Donald Trump. The Fed's move comes amid easing inflation and a cooling labor market, although the decision carries risks of reigniting inflation. Policymakers have also indicated further rate cuts this year and in 2025, highlighting a shift to a less restrictive monetary policy, with potential political ramifications given the focus on inflation and cost of living in the upcoming election.

We’ll be right back 

Break:  Wheelers funeral and render apartments

Story 4:  ‘What Happens Three Months From Now?’ Mental Health After Georgia High School Shooting

The tragic shooting at Apalachee High School has left the Winder community grappling with severe mental health challenges, with many residents experiencing panic attacks and anxiety. In response, local and regional mental health providers have mobilized to offer counseling and support, including a temporary recovery center and therapy sessions for post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite these efforts, there are significant concerns about the long-term availability of mental health resources, as Barrow County faces a shortage of providers and limited access to affordable care. This situation highlights broader systemic issues in Georgia, where many areas lack sufficient mental health services, exacerbated by the state's low ranking in mental health care access and the fact that it has not expanded Medicaid eligibility. The community's need for mental health support is expected to intensify as the immediate response subsides and students return to school, underscoring the urgent need for sustained mental health resources.

Story 5:  Fly Betty to Play at West Milford Farm

Fly Betty, a popular six-member band known for playing dance and party music from the 70s to current hits, is set to perform at West Milford Farm on September 27. The concert, part of the farm's 2024 open-air concert series, will begin at 7:29 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Lawn tickets are available for $30, while front porch tables for four are priced at $200, and party barn tables for eight start at $250. Tickets can be purchased on the West Milford Farm website under the "Concerts" tab. Catering by Oakley’s Provisions will offer entrees ranging from $6 to $15, though attendees can bring their own food and drinks. Alcoholic beverages will not be sold on-site. All guests must be 21 or older. West Milford Farm is located at 7938 Ball Ground Road near Cumming, in east Cherokee County.

We’ll be right back. 

Break: INGLES 1 and morgan medical

Story 6:  Walz rallies young Ga voters after Vance appeals to evangelicals

Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz visited Georgia to rally young voters for Kamala Harris ahead of the November 5 election. Speaking at venues like Georgia Tech and the Atlanta University Center Consortium, he emphasized issues appealing to young voters, including abortion access, LGBTQ rights, and student loan debt relief, framing these as matters of personal freedom. Walz highlighted Harris' platform on simplifying taxes for small businesses and addressed concerns over recent gun violence, stating it's a responsibility to protect citizens. His visit underscores Georgia's pivotal role in the election, as indicated by the close polls and recent visits from other VP candidates.

Story 7:  Cherokee County Health Department Offering Breast Cancer Screening

The North Georgia Health District is organizing free breast cancer awareness and screening events in October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These events, held in Cherokee County, offer free breast exams, mammogram referrals for women aged 40 to 64, and Pap smears for those in need. The screenings are scheduled at the Woodstock Health Center on October 22-23 and at the Canton Health Center on October 22. Appointments are required, but walk-ins are welcome at the Canton location. The initiative emphasizes the importance of early detection, with educational resources and enrollment in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) available, covering mammogram costs.

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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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Produced by the BG Podcast Network

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