GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 6/2 – Published Friday 5/31 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, June 2nd, and Happy 51st Birthday to actor Wayne Brady. ***06.02.24 – BIRTHDAY – WAYNE BRADY*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty CDC Warns Again of Salmonella Tied to Backyard PoultryFeds putting up $75M for semiconductor chips plant in GeorgiaOver 3,000 Veterans Served by Highland Rivers in Past Decade 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: CDC Warns Again of Salmonella Tied to Backyard Poultry The CDC warns of salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard chickens, affecting over 100 people across 29 states, with 33 hospitalizations but no deaths. Children under 5 are most affected. Salmonella can spread through contact with poultry or their environment. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. While most recover within a week, severe cases may require medical attention. The CDC advises frequent handwashing, avoiding kissing or snuggling chickens, and supervising children around them. Additionally, handle eggs carefully, discarding cracked ones and avoiding washing them to prevent germ contamination. Story 2: Feds putting up $75M for semiconductor chips plant in Georgia The Biden administration is allocating up to $75 million towards a semiconductor manufacturing plant in Covington, built by Absolics, a subsidiary of South Korea's SK Group. The project, commenced in 2022, is expected to generate over 1,200 jobs. The federal grant stems from the CHIPS and Science Act, aiming to boost American manufacturing. U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff underscores the significance of bolstering the domestic semiconductor industry for national security, considering its pervasive role in modern technology and military applications. SK Group already operates a significant presence in Georgia, with an electric vehicle battery plant in Commerce and another under construction in Cartersville. The Covington plant will focus on producing glass substrates, crucial for enhancing chip performance. Story 3: Over 3,000 Veterans Served by Highland Rivers in Past Decade Over the past decade, Highland Rivers Behavioral Health has served more than 3,300 veterans, as revealed in their latest report, "Services to Veterans, 2013-2023." The report details key findings, including the provision of over 91,000 individual services valued at $6.25 million. Highland Rivers has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to veterans' behavioral health needs, offering a wide array of services such as mental health, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and support groups. Nearly half of the veterans received state-contracted services, highlighting accessibility to care. The agency has also received grants to enhance suicide prevention efforts and plans to open a new drop-in veteran support center. The comprehensive report underscores Highland Rivers' dedication to prioritizing veterans' well-being and accessibility to care. We’ll be right back. Break: WHEELER Story 4: U.S. House Passes Prison Oversight Bill The US House of Representatives has passed legislation, sponsored by Rep. Lucy McBath, to establish oversight of the federal prison system, moving it to the Senate. The bill mandates comprehensive inspections of all federal correctional facilities by the Justice Department's Inspector General and requires the bureau to respond with corrective action plans. Additionally, it creates an independent ombudsman to investigate issues concerning incarcerated individuals and staff, providing avenues for complaints. McBath and Sen. Jon Ossoff emphasize the bipartisan effort and the need for reform, with Ossoff leading prior investigations into prison system misconduct. The bill has garnered support from various organizations advocating for criminal justice reform. Story 5: KSU Students, Faculty save Manufacturers $1M in Energy-Related Costs Kennesaw State University's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) offers no-cost facility assessments to manufacturers, led by faculty and students. The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to optimize energy usage, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses. Over 20 engineering students have visited 30+ manufacturers, identifying potential savings of $4.9 million annually. The IAC provides expertise and insight for students, enhancing their employability. It has also facilitated DOE grants for clients, including one for Kason Industries to install solar panels. Students, like Christopher Spencer, have leveraged their IAC experience to secure ...
