GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 7/21– Published Friday 7/18 BREAK: GON :30 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, July 21st and Happy 76th Birthday to musician Cat Stevens. ***07.21.24 – BIRTHDAY – CAT STEVENS*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty Lawsuit challenges delays in PSC electionsPlant Vogtle Nuclear Reactor Back in ServiceSchumer, Jeffries reportedly warned Biden against his candidacy 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 GEOFF Story 1: Lawsuit Challenges Delays in PSC elections Two advocacy groups, Georgia WAND and Georgia Conservation Voters, have filed a federal lawsuit against Georgia, accusing the state of violating its constitution by delaying elections for the Public Service Commission (PSC) without proper authority. This legal action follows a recent Supreme Court decision not to hear a case challenging statewide PSC elections, which were claimed to dilute Black voting strength. The lawsuit argues that postponing the PSC elections allowed sitting commissioners to approve significant utility rate increases, which, they contend, could have been avoided with timely elections. The plaintiffs assert that extending terms without a constitutional amendment violates Georgia's legal framework for election timing and citizen voting rights. Story 2: Plant Vogtle Nuclear Reactor Back in Service Georgia Power has successfully restarted Unit 3 at Plant Vogtle after a brief shutdown due to a valve issue on one of its main pumps, restoring its contribution to the electric grid. Unit 3, operational since last summer, has maintained over 98% capacity utilization, exceeding the national average for nuclear reactors. Alongside Unit 4, which commenced operation in April, these reactors mark the first new nuclear facilities built in the U.S. since the late 1980s. Despite initial delays and cost overruns that escalated the project's total expense to approximately $35 billion, more than double the original estimate, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) allowed Georgia Power to proceed, capping customer costs and stipulating shareholder responsibility for additional expenses. Story 3: Schumer, Jeffries reportedly warned Biden against his candidacy Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have reportedly advised President Joe Biden to reconsider his candidacy, expressing concerns that his continued run could jeopardize Democratic prospects in the upcoming November elections. According to ABC News and The Washington Post, Schumer and Jeffries separately conveyed their apprehensions to Biden in recent meetings, highlighting fears that his candidacy might undermine the party's ability to control Congress. While White House spokesperson Andrew Bates affirmed Biden's commitment to his candidacy and legislative agenda, both Schumer and Jeffries' offices downplayed the reported discussions, emphasizing the privacy and direct nature of their communications with the President. Democratic concerns about Biden's electability have escalated following a challenging debate performance, leading to internal deliberations and public calls for his withdrawal from the race. We’ll be right back Break: WHEELER Story 4: Atlanta Traffic Is No Game- Except In One Gwinnett Man’s Mind Ethan Simmons, a Lawrenceville resident, has developed a tabletop game called "Atlanta Traffic: The Card Game," inspired by the daily chaos of driving in Atlanta. Created during his frustrating commutes, the game is designed for 3 to 8 players who compete to finish their commute first using routes that include backroads, interstates, and highways. Players encounter Advantage, Delay, and Disaster cards reflecting real Atlanta traffic scenarios, from accidents to unexpected events like a bridge fire. The game aims to entertain with humor and satire about Atlanta's notorious traffic issues. Simmons launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund production, with plans to distribute the game by November 2024 if successful. Story 5: Braves Unveil New Truist Park Seating Options The Atlanta Braves are enhancing Truist Park for the 2025 season with expanded seating options. They announced plans to expand the Coors Light Chop House seating and introduce a new area called The Bullpen. The Bullpen, located in sections 152-155, will feature a private lounge, complimentary food and beverages, and other amenities. Chop House seating will expand into Sections 107-108, offering in-seat service, high barstool seats, and a $15 credit for purchases. These upgrades aim to elevate the ballpark experience and will be included in existing ...
