GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 6/23– Published Friday 6/20 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 23rd and Happy 66th Birthday to actress Frances McDormand. ***06.23.24 – BIRTHDAY – FRANCES MCDORMAND*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty Peachtree Ridge High School student wins scriptwriting contestBiden fast tracks citizenship for immigrant spouses and children of AmericansGeorgia Not Spending Enough on Veterans' Services 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: Peachtree Ridge High School student wins scriptwriting contest The Georgia Film Academy recently announced the winners of its 2024 high school scriptwriting competition. High school students across Georgia submitted 10-minute play or short film scripts, evaluated blindly by Kennesaw State University graduate students and industry professionals. Abbas Kazmi from Peachtree Ridge High School won first place for best short film script, and Benjamin DeWitt from Central Gwinnett High earned the teacher selection award. Winners received $1,000 University Systems of Georgia scholarships, with second-place finishers earning $500. GFA plans to host private script readings of the winning entries over the summer, highlighting the state's creative talent in film and television. Story 2: Biden fast tracks citizenship for immigrant spouses, children of Americans President Biden unveiled a plan to expedite permanent residency for immigrant spouses and children of American citizens through executive action, potentially impacting over 500,000 people. Eligible immigrants must have been in the U.S. for at least 10 years and married to a U.S. citizen as of Monday. Biden emphasized family unity and commemorated the 12th anniversary of DACA. The move is seen as a bid to court Latino voters and counter former President Trump's immigration policies. Biden's administration asserts the policy builds on past practices to grant "parole in place" for family members of U.S. military personnel, facilitating a path to residency without leaving the country. Story 3: Georgia Not Spending Enough on Veterans’ Services Georgia lawmakers were informed by mental health and housing professionals that the state is severely underfunding services for veterans. Despite having two veterans homes that serve only 400 veterans, far below the estimated need of 1,975, Georgia lags behind neighboring states like Alabama and South Carolina, which have multiple veterans homes. Veterans in Georgia face high rates of mental illnesses like chronic stress and PTSD, exacerbated by difficulties in accessing mental health services due to high uninsured rates. The state ranks poorly in access to behavioral services, and veterans also experience high levels of food and housing insecurity. Recommendations include building additional veterans homes and establishing a state-level coordination center to improve service delivery. The study committee aims to propose improvements by December 1. We’ll be right back Break: WHEELER Story 4: Warnock Introduces Workforce Development Bill Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia introduced the Pathways to Prosperity Act of 2024, alongside Senator Mike Braun of Indiana, aiming to establish a federal grant program benefiting technical and community colleges. The bipartisan bill seeks to align workforce development programs with local community needs, focusing on sectors like clean energy, manufacturing, and healthcare. It proposes competitive grants to foster partnerships between colleges and employers, enhancing and expanding training opportunities. Warnock emphasized the importance of these colleges in preparing skilled workers and aims to incorporate the bill into broader Senate workforce development legislation. The initiative has garnered support from various organizations advocating for career and technical education. Story 5: Summer in the City Block Party Series Kicks Off June 28 Downtown Calhoun is reviving its summer concert series as the Summer in the City Block Party series this year. Taking place on one Friday each month from June to August, the event features live music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with performances starting around 7 p.m. Park Avenue will be closed to traffic to accommodate the festivities. The Downtown Development Authority aims to boost community engagement and support local businesses through this series. Sponsorship opportunities are available, with initial support from Baxter Dean and others. Special promotions by downtown merchants and food trucks like Jamwich from Rome will complement the musical entertainment. Future events are being planned, ...
