GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 10/31– Published Friday 11/3 

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, November 3rd and Happy birthday to Larry Holmes  

***11.03.24 - BIRTHDAY – LARRY HOLMES*** 

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

1. Report Criticizes Georgia's Limited Medicaid Expansion 

1. Georgia Expands Digital Driver's License and ID Program. What We Know 

1. Harris fends off 'garbage' fallout, Trump pushes 'cheating' claims 

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 (Drake Realty (Geoff) 

Story 1:   Report Criticizes Georgia's Limited Medicaid Expansion 

Georgia's limited Medicaid expansion, Georgia Pathways, has enrolled only 4,231 people, far below the projected 25,000, due to complex enrollment processes and strict eligibility criteria. The program requires enrollees to complete 80 hours of work or other activities monthly, a unique requirement among states. Many face challenges with paperwork and fluctuating work hours affecting eligibility. A $10.7 million ad campaign was launched to raise awareness, but its impact is unclear. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute suggests simplifying enrollment and expanding Medicaid coverage, though state leaders oppose full expansion due to cost concerns. 

Story 2:  Georgia Expands Digital Driver's License and ID Program. What We Know 

The Georgia Department of Driver Services has expanded its Digital Driver's License and ID Program to include Samsung Wallet, allowing Samsung Galaxy users a secure and convenient way to manage their IDs. This integration enhances security and convenience, though currently, it's only valid at select TSA PreCheck checkpoints, like those at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The digital ID is voluntary, free, and doesn't replace the physical ID, which is still required for law enforcement. Users can add their ID to Samsung Wallet through a simple process involving scanning their ID and a face scan for verification. More details are available on the DDS and Samsung websites. 

Story 3:   Harris fends off 'garbage' fallout, Trump pushes 'cheating' claims 

In the final week of US election campaigning, Kamala Harris distanced herself from President Biden's controversial remarks about Trump supporters, emphasizing unity and respect for all voters. Harris campaigned in key battleground states, focusing on a positive vision for America's future and contrasting her leadership style with Trump's. Meanwhile, Trump, campaigning in North Carolina and Wisconsin, continued to claim election fraud and criticized Biden and Harris, framing them as out of touch with Americans. Both candidates are rallying support in a tense political climate, with Trump hinting at rejecting the election results if he loses. 

We’ll be right back  

Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) 

Story 4:  Peach Bowl and College Football Playoff Foundation Team Up For Makeover At Baggett Elementary 

Baggett Elementary School in Lawrenceville received a $50,000 donation from the College Football Playoff Foundation, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, and School Specialty to revamp its STEM lab. The funds were used to create a vibrant, interactive learning space with new furniture and decorations. The updated lab was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 16. This initiative is part of a broader mission by Peach Bowl, Inc. to support education, focusing on Title 1 schools needing renovation. Alongside Baggett, Lilburn Middle and Magill Elementary also benefited from similar grants, enhancing their media centers. 

Story 5:  Young Americans Christian Football Program On the Rise 

Young Americans Christian School's football team is experiencing a resurgence as the 2024 season ends, boasting a 7-1 record and leading Region 1-AA in the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools' new nine-man football format. Under Coach Josh Hailey, the team has grown to 26 players, a significant increase from previous years. Despite challenges like weather and a local fire, the team has thrived, led by standout players like seniors Jayden Sigur and Caleb Blunt. With a strong freshman class, Hailey aims to build a lasting program, eyeing a regional win and home-field playoff advantage. 

We’ll be right back.  

 
Break: 10.07.24 SHERIFF SCANDRETT_FINAL-  Ingles Markets (Laura Lynn Products) 3 

Story 6:  'Jesse's Gift' Coming to Amazon Prime Video Thanksgiving Day 

"Jesse's Gift," directed by Ken Merritt, debuts on Amazon Prime Video this Thanksgiving. Filmed in Cherokee County, the movie follows a singer-songwriter's journey from loss to redemption, inspired by Merritt's and his brother's real-life experiences. Michael Merritt stars in the film and composed its music. Originally a short film for a screenwriting class, it showcases various Georgia locations like Canton and Atlanta. The trailer is available on Off the Rail Productions' YouTube channel, and Michael Merritt's single and music video can be viewed online. 

Story 7:  Morgan Approves Safari Park Event Facility 

The Morgan County Planning Commission approved an event facility at the Georgia Safari Conservation Park on Monticello Highway, located on 436 acres in unincorporated Morgan County. The park, which opened earlier this year, will develop the facility in phases, starting with open-air events. Traffic will use Monticello Highway, not Clack Road, addressing previous concerns. Additionally, the commission approved a zoning change for Latrice Franklin to place a manufactured home on her property, adjusting lot lines to meet requirements. Discussion on a proposed off-road vehicle course was postponed to November. All decisions await final approval from the Board of Commissioners. 

Commercial: Morgan Medical (10.15.24 MORGAN MEDICAL CENTER 2_FINAL) 

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. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at [insert website link]. 

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Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

Show Sponsors: 

• www.ingles-markets.com 

• www.drakerealty.com 

• www.wheelerfuneralhome.com 

• morganmedical.org 

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