GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 11/21– Published Friday 11/24 

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 24th and Happy birthday to Elvis Ramone 

***11.24.24 - BIRTHDAY – ELVIS RAMONE*** 

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

1. Rockmart Cemetery Joining Wreaths Across America 
2. Laken Riley's killer to spend the rest of his life in prison 
3. Georgia DOT Announces Travel Forecast for Thanksgiving Holiday 

Plus, Dr. Ike Reighardt from Must Ministries on the Gobble Job. 

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:   Rockmart Cemetery Joining Wreaths Across America 

Volunteers and sponsors are needed for Rose Hill Cemetery's participation in National Wreaths Across America Day on December 14. This marks its first year in the program, joining over 4,500 locations nationwide. The event aims to honor veterans by placing remembrance wreaths on their graves and saying their names aloud. Rose Hill's goal is to fund 410 wreaths for local veterans. Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring veterans. Interested individuals can volunteer or sponsor a wreath by visiting the Wreaths Across America website. 

Story 2:  Laken Riley's killer to spend the rest of his life in prison 

Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan man, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of Laken Riley in Georgia. Convicted on all 10 counts, including abduction and attempted rape, Ibarra's trial was conducted by a judge rather than a jury. Ibarra, linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, was in the U.S. illegally. The case sparked political debate over border policies, with figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Gov. Brian Kemp criticizing open border policies. Riley's family urged for the maximum sentence, emphasizing the lasting impact of her death. 

Story 3:   Georgia DOT Announces Travel Forecast for Thanksgiving Holiday 

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) announced its Thanksgiving travel forecast, suspending lane closures on major routes from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1 to ease traffic. Despite this, some long-term closures and emergency incidents may still occur. GDOT advises travelers to stay alert, especially near work zones, and use the 511 service for real-time updates. Traffic is expected to peak on Nov. 27 and Dec. 1, with heavy congestion in metro Atlanta and near shopping areas. GDOT emphasizes safety, urging drivers to buckle up, minimize distractions, and follow the Move-Over law for emergency vehicles. 

We’ll be right back  

Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) 

Story 4:  Gwinnett Police Hosting Child Passenger Seat Checkup 

The Gwinnett County Police Department and Georgia Department of Health are hosting a child passenger seat checkup on Friday at Santa Fe Mall in Duluth, from 10 a.m. to noon. Certified technicians will teach parents and caregivers how to properly install car seats, emphasizing the importance of child safety. This hands-on education helps ensure families use the correct seat for their child's age, weight, and height, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury. No appointment is needed; participants should bring their car seat, vehicle, and manuals. 

Story 5:  Kemp seeking $12.2B in federal relief for Helene damage 

Governor Brian Kemp is seeking $12.2 billion in federal aid to help Georgia recover from Hurricane Helene, which caused 34 deaths and significant damage across the state. The storm led to heavy rainfall, flooding, and power outages, with 96 counties still under a major disaster declaration. Kemp highlighted the severe impact on Georgia's agricultural sector, with many farms lacking sufficient insurance. The state has redirected $100 million to support affected farmers, but Kemp emphasized the need for federal assistance, including funds for debris removal, emergency measures, hospital funding, housing vouchers, and repairs to university campuses. 

We’ll be right back.  

 
Break: Ingles Markets 9 

***Ike Interview*** 11.19.24 IKE REIGHARD_FINAL*** 

Commercial: 11.12.24 MORGAN MEDICAL NOV_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. 

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: 

1. www.ingles-markets.com 
2. www.drakerealty.com 
3. www.wheelerfuneralhome.com 
4. morganmedical.org 

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