GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 11/27– Published Friday 12/1 

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, December 1st and Happy birthday to Bette Midler 

***12.01.24 -BIRTHDAY – BETTE MIDLER*** 

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

1. With Trump as president, can TikTok in the US survive? 
2. State-Run Hurricane Damage Relief Program Taking Applications 
3. Holiday Concert Planned at KSU 

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:   With Trump as president, can TikTok in the US survive? 

The future of TikTok in the U.S. has been uncertain since 2020 due to national security concerns. Initially, President Trump sought to ban the app, but later reversed his stance, joining TikTok and expressing support. Despite this, legal challenges persist, with a law requiring TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest by January 19, or face a ban. TikTok and ByteDance have sued, claiming a ban violates free speech rights. The court's decision is expected soon, with potential appeals to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, creators are diversifying to other platforms amid the uncertainty. 

Story 2: State-Run Hurricane Damage Relief Program Taking Applications 

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has introduced a low-interest emergency loan program to aid farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. The SAFETY 24 Hurricane Helene Relief Loan Program offers up to $500,000 at a 2% fixed interest rate to eligible farmers in disaster-designated areas. The funds can be used for income replacement, operating capital, and repairing or replacing farm structures and equipment. The program aims to support farmers while awaiting further federal relief. Recent assessments estimate agricultural and timber losses from the hurricane at $5.5 billion. Applications are available online. 

Story 3:   Holiday Concert Planned at KSU 

Kennesaw State University's Bailey School of Music will host its 2024 Holiday Concert on December 7 at 2 and 8 p.m. at Morgan Concert Hall. The event will showcase nearly 280 students from the Choirs, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and, for the first time, Jazz I. The concert will feature a diverse selection of holiday music. Tickets are available online or by phone. 

We’ll be right back  

Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) 

Story 4:  Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Expanding Troops to Underserved Girls 

The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta is expanding its Leadership Experience program with a $50,000 grant from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation. This initiative aims to overcome barriers like financial constraints and lack of volunteers by bringing Girl Scout activities directly to girls through community groups. The program will provide training, books, badges, and supplies to new Girl Scouts in Gwinnett County and four other counties. This effort addresses the urgent need for support among girls, who face high levels of anxiety and economic challenges. The program fosters friendships and offers learning in STEM, civic engagement, and more. 

Story 5:  Newton County Sheriff's Office hosts annual Toy Ride to support families in need 

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Toy Ride on November 16 at The Church Covington in Oxford to gather funds and toy donations for local families in need. The event, supported by over 70 motorcycle riders and numerous sponsors, featured a law enforcement-led ride through Newton County, followed by a gathering with food, a raffle, and fellowship. Sheriff Brown expressed gratitude to all contributors, emphasizing their crucial role in the event's success and its impact on families during the holiday season. 

We’ll be right back.  

 
Break: Ingles Markets (Cereal Options) 1 

Story 6:   Shop Sip and Stroll Draws Hundreds To Madison 

Downtown Madison came alive with festive cheer last Saturday as Christmas shoppers gathered for the final “Shop, Sip, and Stroll” of the season. Streets adorned with classic holiday décor welcomed both lifelong locals and visitors from across Georgia and even Florida. Shoppers explored nearly two dozen stores offering discounts, giveaways, and raffles, while Madison’s Main Street leaders provided maps and a warm welcome from a decorated tent near the downtown square. Adding to the seasonal magic, live performances, including the Morgan County High School Chorus dressed in Dickens-inspired costumes, filled the streets with Christmas songs. The event was a great success, giving shoppers an early start on holiday deals and special finds.  

Story 7:  Atlanta Strings Foundation Provides Scholarships To 2 Gwinnett Students 

Jamie Parker, a lifelong musician from Snellville, has turned his passion into a mission to support young talent. From learning piano as a child to performing professionally with Bobby Vinton and Ben Vereen, music has always been central to his life. After nearly 20 years teaching orchestra in Title I schools, Parker recognized the challenges financially strapped students face in pursuing their musical dreams. Now, as the owner of Atlanta Strings, he not only provides instruments but also funds scholarships through the Atlanta Strings Foundation. This year, Rodrigo Ramirez and Edwin Cruz-Ventura received a year of music lessons thanks to Parker’s initiative. Dreaming of growing the program to 12 scholarships annually, Parker seeks community and business support to transform more young lives through music. 

We will have closing comments after this 

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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