GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 7/7– Published Friday 7/3 From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast. This podcast features stories compiled from the publications of Times Journal. Today is Sunday, July 7th and Happy 84th Birthday to Beatles drummer Ringo Star. ***07.07.24 – BIRTHDAY – RINGO STAR*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty These are the most prevalent disabilities in GeorgiaBraves Foundation Sets New 50/50 Raffle RecordOssoff launches inquiry aimed at protecting election workers 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: These are the most prevalent disabilities in Georgia Despite 13% of Americans living with disabilities, stigma and discrimination persist. AccessiBe charted Georgia's disability statistics using Census Bureau data, revealing that nearly one-quarter of Americans aged 65-74 and almost half of those 75+ have disabilities. The aging population underscores the need for improved accessibility. Accessibility refers to proactive measures, while accommodations retroactively address barriers. The ADA has improved accessibility since 1990, but disparities remain. Workers with disabilities earn significantly less than their counterparts, and poverty rates are double among disabled individuals. Many face unaddressed health needs due to cost, highlighting the need for reduced medical expenses. Story 2: Braves Foundation Sets New 50/50 Raffle Record Last weekend, the Atlanta Braves Foundation set a new fundraising record with its 50/50 jackpot, raising $281,759. This surpassed the previous record of $170,544 set during the 2021 World Series. Unlike before, fans can now participate in the 50/50 raffle from anywhere in Georgia online at www.braves.com/5050 or through the MLB Ballpark App. Half of the total jackpot goes to one lucky winner, while the rest supports the foundation's initiatives benefiting children in local communities. The current raffle is ongoing until Sunday and offers daily prizes along with the chance to win substantial rewards like game tickets, Chick-fil-A gift cards, and Delta flight vouchers throughout the week. Story 3: Ossoff launches inquiry aimed at protecting election workers U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia has called upon the Justice Department (DOJ) and FBI to safeguard election workers from intimidation and ensure efficient election administration. In a letter dated Tuesday, Ossoff urged the agencies to outline their procedures for handling threats, ensure staffing needs are met, and enforce laws protecting election workers. He emphasized that protecting election integrity hinges on safeguarding those who manage elections, citing increased reports of intimidation and harassment towards election workers nationwide. Earlier this year, a survey revealed 38% of election officials faced harassment or abuse. Ossoff, along with Senator Amy Klobuchar, has advocated for increased federal funding to enhance election infrastructure and cybersecurity. We’ll be right back Break: WHEELER Story 4: Skeptical Seniors Grill Cobb Official at Transit Tax Q&A In Marietta, a contentious public meeting saw Deputy Transportation Director Morgan Simmons facing tough questions about Cobb’s proposed 30-year transit tax. The tax, slated for a November ballot, aims to raise $11 billion by increasing the sales tax from 6% to 7%, funding a 108-mile rapid bus system, new transit centers, and microtransit services. Attendees expressed concerns over microtransit routes affecting neighborhoods and potential impacts on local businesses. They questioned projected costs (estimated at $14.5 billion) and demanded clarity on ridership projections amidst a decline in current bus system usage. Critics, including political figures, argued against the tax, citing low demand for transit and financial burdens on taxpayers. Despite tensions, Simmons emphasized transparency and directed attendees to county resources for further details. Story 5: Conyers Names New Chief of Operations In Conyers, City Manager Kameron Kelley has appointed Brian Frix as the new chief of operations. Frix, who joined Conyers in 2016 and served as director of Public Works and Transportation since 2021, brings extensive experience in engineering and stormwater management. A native of Rockdale County and a licensed professional engineer in Georgia, Frix holds degrees from Southern Polytechnic State University and the University of Tennessee. In his new role, Frix will oversee operations for departments including Planning and Inspections, Public Relations and Tourism, Public Works and Transportation, the Georgia International Horse Park, and Cherokee Run Golf Club. Kelley praised Frix's collaborative leadership style and comprehensive knowledge of ...
