Podcasts about american rescue plan act

Over the course of three fiscal years starting in 2022, the legislature appropriated a total of $160 million to improve Idaho's state parks, with $95 million coming from state surplus funds, and another $65 million coming from the American Rescue Plan Act. On Thursday, the Idaho Reports team headed to Bruneau Dunes State Park to catch up with Director Susan Buxton and find out how that money was put to use, and to tour the facilities at the dunes.

In this episode, Kaylee Thornley (Grant Administrator, Agricultural Marketing & Development Division) and Mike Zastoupil (Food Systems Specialist) from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), chat about the projects funded by one-time federal dollars as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. They also highlight additional grant opportunities available to businesses and entrepreneurs through the RFSI Program and MDA.

The presence of 200,000 lead service lines in Cook County, Illinois poses a serious public health threat, especially to young children who are highly vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure. Addressing this issue requires collaboration across more than 130 municipalities and overcoming the complexities of replacing outdated infrastructure. One key initiative is the Lead Care program, which prioritizes removing lead lines at childcare facilities.Caroline Pakenham of Elevate, alongside Cook County officials Dominic Tocci and Drew Williams-Clark, provides insights into the program's structure, its funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, and its support for home-based childcare providers and smaller municipalities. Dante Sawyer, Village Manager of Hazel Crest, highlights the importance of community engagement and the economic benefits, including job creation. Barbara Nelson, a childcare provider, shares a personal perspective on the transformative impact of having lead removed from her facility.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet.

Indianapolis ends the year with 17 police involved shootings. A coal producer and renewable energy company team up to put solar and battery storage on reclaimed mine land. “Buy now, pay later” products have become more common. The deadline for Indianapolis to obligate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act passes. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Drew Daudelin and Zach Bundy, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

In this week’s edition, Richland Source City Editor Carl Hunnell is joined by former Mansfield police Chief Phil Messer, who served in the MPD for 34 years, the last eight as chief, before retiring in 2010.Messer helped to found and grow the METRICH Enforcement Unit during his years on the force. He oversaw the department’s special investigations unit and also helped lead the law enforcement effort that helped clean up the downtown area when the Richland Carrousel Park was coming into fruition.Today is Part One of that chat. Part Two will air on Christmas Eve next week.Hunnell is also joined by Executive Producer Zac Hiser and videographer Grant Ritchey to talk about the news of the week, including a preview of Tuesday night’s Mansfield City Council, where lawmakers are expected to vote on the appropriation of the city’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds.The trio also discussed a plan to possibly provide central air conditioning for the kennels at the Richland County Dog Warden & Adoption Center, the choice of third-generation MPD police officer Blake Bammann as “Officer of the Year,” and the Richland County Board of Commissioners approving a balanced $46 million general fund budget for 2025.Relevant links: AC for kennels at Dog WardenMPD's Blake Bammann as Officer of the YearCommissioners 2025 budgetIntro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson.Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.Get 50% OFF Annual Enthusiast and Leader tiers with code SAVEBIG50 through Jan. 3.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's edition, Richland Source City Editor Carl Hunnell is joined by several members of the Source media family to talk about Ohio State and the College Football Playoff, as well as a local reporting project on how Ashland County has utilized American Rescue Plan Act funds. Managing Editor Larry Phillips, our best Buckeye historian, and Shelby/north county reporter Hayden Gray are in the studio to talk about OSU's chances against Tennessee on Dec. 21 – and the odds head coach Ryan Day loses his job if he fails to win a national title. Ashland Source reporters Dillon Carr and Mariah Thomas join Hunnell to talk about their months-long project on ARPA usages by cities, villages, townships and schools. They also provide details on a public event coming up Wednesday night in the Ashland Theater to wrap up the entire project. Hunnell is also joined by Executive Producer Zac Hiser and videographer Grant Ritchey to talk about the news of the week, including a police-involved shooting in Shelby, the ongoing legal fight over the demolition of the Mansfield YMCA, a decision by Mansfield City Councilwoman Laura Burns not to seek re-election and the announcement Mansfield native Matthew Failor will be racing in the 2025 Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Relevant links: Ashland ARPA reporting Police-involved shooting in Shelby Legal fight over old Mansfield YMCA demo Mansfield City Councilwoman Laura Burns Matthew Failor in the 2025 Iditarod Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laughers, step back in time and bask in the nostalgic historic charm of small-town Shenandoah with curator Lora Jenkins as she unveils the gems of the Town of Shenandoah Museum! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the museum's fascinating exhibits, including NW Railroad memorabilia, the USS Shenandoah collection, and an intricate train replica that will captivate railroad enthusiasts. Discover the rich history housed in a 100-year-old building, once the Shenandoah Milling Company. Learn how a vision plan in 2016 and funding from the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 brought this cultural treasure to life. Admire the military uniforms from World War I and II, explore extensive genealogy resources, and uncover unique finds like a 1958 Pentagon seating chart featuring a young JFK Jr. From Santa visits drawing crowds of kids to the delightful handbell performances lighting up the town, get the scoop on all upcoming events that keep the community spirit alive. Plus, find out about Shenandoah's other year round scenic attractions, from river adventures to historic gems. Join us and prepare to be enchanted by the stories and events that make Shenandoah a must-visit destination! Cheers! Town of Shenandoah Museum: www.townofshenandoah.com Address: 507 First St., Shenandoah, VA 22849 Facebook: Town of Shenandoah Instagram: @townofshenandoahva 2024 Holiday Events at the Town of Shenandoah Museum: Dec 7 - Santa Visits the Museum! 10:30a-12p & 1p-4p EST Dec 9 - Watch & Listen to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Handbell Team at 6:30p EST Dec 14 at 6p EST in Big Gem Park, 736 Fourth Street, Shenandoah, VA: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with Children's Choir & Ukulele Group, free hot chocolate, marshmallow toasting, photo ops with Santa after his firetruck entrance & more FWAF [f-wahf] = The Funny Womacks & Friends To learn more about FWAF Show & Buy Tickets visit: thefunnywomacks.com Facebook & Instagram: @thefunnywomacks YouTube: The Funny Womacks

On Tuesday's show: Everyone wants our money right now. Black Friday gives way to Small Business Saturday, which gives way to Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. Barbara Stewart from the University of Houston joins us to examine how those major events in the retail calendar went this year and how Americans' shopping habits are changing of late.Also this hour: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provided $1.9 trillion in stimulus for the nation as we tried to dig out from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those funds were billions of dollars that assisted municipal governments, colleges and universities, health systems, and other entities. Now that those funds are coming to an end, how will Greater Houston feel the effects? And how might other sources of funding fill in the gap?Then, sex and intimacy are not always easy subjects to talk about. But Emily Jamea happened to grow up in a home where it wasn't taboo and now works as a sex and relationship therapist here in Houston. She talks about that work and her book, Anatomy of Desire.And, ahead of a performance in Houston next week, we revisit a conversation with musician Ben Folds about bringing piano to the Grunge era in the 90s and working with orchestras today.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of November 26th  Publish Date: November 26th     Pre-Roll:   From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast     Today is Tuesday, November 26th and Happy Birthday to Tina Turner  ***11.26.24 - BIRTHDAY – TINA TURNER***  I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.    Cherokee County a Step Closer to Renovating Former Arts Center  Raffensperger signs off on presidential election results  Woodstock OKs Extension for New Restaurant Buildout    Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on how to store food when you lose power    We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you're looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!     Commercial: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL)  STORY 1:   Cherokee County a Step Closer to Renovating Former Arts Center  Renovations on the former Cherokee Arts Center building in Canton are set to begin in early 2025, following the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners' approval of a $472,524.80 agreement with Hogan Construction Group. The project aims to support the Cherokee County Justice Center's needs, including indigent defense and accountability courts. Renovations will include new lighting, HVAC, and updated interiors, with the former sanctuary space used for meetings and court graduations. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and local sales tax, the project is estimated at $5.7 million, with completion expected by early 2026.  STORY 2:  Raffensperger signs off on presidential election results  Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified the presidential election results, confirming Donald Trump's victory over Kamala Harris in the state. This followed a hand count of over 700,000 ballots, which showed minor discrepancies but no changes to the outcome. Trump gained 11 votes, while Harris lost six compared to the machine count. Raffensperger declared it the most secure election in Georgia's history. With certification complete, Georgia's electors will meet on December 17 to finalize the results for Congress, where Trump secured 312 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed for the presidency.  STORY 3:  Woodstock OKs Extension for New Restaurant Buildout  Woodstock City Council granted Connolly Realty LLC a 12-month extension to complete a new restaurant on Towne Lake Parkway, initially approved in June 2023. The restaurant will be part of the Town Lake Plaza shopping center, which includes tenants like The Blue Ghost Arcade and Gyro Aegean Grill. Adjacent to this site, Connolly Realty plans a shopping center with a grocery store and five commercial buildings. The extension allows the developer to submit a site plan in early 2025, with construction starting in summer or fall. Further extensions may be requested if substantial progress is made.    We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.      Back in a moment     Break: Drake (Drake Realty (Cherokee County)  STORY 4:   Trump Expected to Tap Loeffler as Agriculture Secretary  President-elect Donald Trump plans to nominate former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler from Georgia as the Secretary of Agriculture. Loeffler, appointed to the Senate in 2020 by Governor Brian Kemp, lost her seat to Democrat Raphael Warnock in 2021. A wealthy businesswoman, Loeffler has been a strong Trump supporter, backing his 2020 election challenges. Despite her business background not being in agriculture, she grew up on a farm in Illinois. Her nomination requires Senate confirmation. Loeffler also co-chairs Trump's inauguration committee and founded Greater Georgia to support Republican candidates.    STORY 5: Sequoyah Beats Woodward, Equals Furthest Postseason Run  The Sequoyah football team secured a spot in the Class AAAAA quarterfinals with a 35-20 victory over Woodward Academy, tying their single-season wins record and matching their deepest postseason runs from 2004 and 2018. Coach James Teter celebrated his 96th win, just one shy of the program's all-time record. Ean Marria scored three touchdowns, while Will Rajecki added two more with 195 rushing yards. Sequoyah's defense made crucial stops, including a key interception by Marria. The Chiefs will face Coffee next, aiming to make postseason history.    Commercial:   And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on how to store food when you lose power    *** INGLES 4 'ASK LEAH' LOST POWER***  We'll have closing comments after this.      COMMERCIAL: Ingles Markets 8     SIGN OFF –    Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger 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. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.tribuneledgernews.com    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:  www.ingles-markets.com    www.drakerealty.com  cuofga.org    #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Education shows that millions of dollars of American Rescue Plan Act funding for homeless students still remain unspent in the Midwest, including Missouri. Schools are scrambling to file extensions. Midwest Newsroom investigative reporter Kavahn Mansouri explains why school districts did not know the funds were available or struggled to find ways to use them. Mansouri's reporting continues his look into his investigation of the "hidden population" of homeless students in the Midwest, and what we know about why school districts continue to undercount thousands of students in need.

The City of St. Louis has about $250 million from a settlement with the Rams over its relocation to Los Angeles. Unlike money from the American Rescue Plan Act, there's no deadline to spend it. That hasn't stopped competing proposals and disagreements at City Hall. STLPR reporter Rachel Lippmann breaks down the divisions on the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air.

Funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act needs to be directed by Dec. 31 — or be forfeited and given back to the federal government. But for months, the Jackson County Legislature and County Executive Frank White have been in a standoff over how to use their final $70 million.

In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, host Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by Julie Foster Hagan, Louisiana's State Director of Developmental Disability Services. Recorded live from the NASDDDS conference, Dr. Escudé and Julie discuss the vital work being done to enhance health equity and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Julie shares insights into Louisiana's health equity initiatives, including a strategic focus on data collection and the role of Health Equity Action Teams within the state's Department of Health. She highlights the impact of the American Rescue Plan Act, enabling projects focused on improving service accessibility and vocational programs. Julie also delves into the importance of integrating people with disabilities into the broader community, emphasizing dignity, respect, and person-centered support. She discusses Louisiana's innovative programs, such as Operation House Call, which trains medical residents to better understand the unique experiences of individuals with disabilities. The episode wraps up with Julie's three key insights on advancing support and advocacy in the field, including promoting community awareness, expanding employment opportunities, and honoring individual choice in all aspects of life. Tune in for an inspiring look at transformative initiatives that aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, host Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by Julie Foster Hagan, Louisiana's State Director of Developmental Disability Services. Recorded live from the NASDDDS conference, Dr. Escudé and Julie discuss the vital work being done to enhance health equity and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Julie shares insights into Louisiana's health equity initiatives, including a strategic focus on data collection and the role of Health Equity Action Teams within the state's Department of Health. She highlights the impact of the American Rescue Plan Act, enabling projects focused on improving service accessibility and vocational programs. Julie also delves into the importance of integrating people with disabilities into the broader community, emphasizing dignity, respect, and person-centered support. She discusses Louisiana's innovative programs, such as Operation House Call, which trains medical residents to better understand the unique experiences of individuals with disabilities. The episode wraps up with Julie's three key insights on advancing support and advocacy in the field, including promoting community awareness, expanding employment opportunities, and honoring individual choice in all aspects of life. Tune in for an inspiring look at transformative initiatives that aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

pWotD Episode 2744: Kamala Harris Welcome to Popular Wiki of the Day, spotlighting Wikipedia's most visited pages, giving you a peek into what the world is curious about today.With 628,816 views on Tuesday, 5 November 2024 our article of the day is Kamala Harris.Kamala Devi Harris (English: , born October 20, 1964) is an American politician and attorney who has been the 49th and current vice president of the United States since 2021, serving under President Joe Biden. Harris is the Democratic presidential nominee in the 2024 United States presidential election. She is the first female vice president of the United States, making her the highest-ranking female official in U. S. history. She is also the first African American and first Asian American vice president. From 2017 to 2021, she represented California in the United States Senate. Before that, she was Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017.Born in Oakland, California, Harris graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She began her law career in the office of the district attorney of Alameda County. She was recruited to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office and later to the office of the city attorney of San Francisco. She was elected district attorney of San Francisco in 2003 and attorney general of California in 2010, and reelected as attorney general in 2014. As the San Francisco district attorney and the attorney general of California, Harris was the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold each office.Harris was the junior U. S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021. She won the 2016 Senate election, becoming the second Black woman and first South Asian American U. S. senator. As a senator, Harris advocated for stricter gun control laws, the DREAM Act, federal legalization of cannabis, and reforms to healthcare and taxation. She gained a national profile for her pointed questioning of Trump administration officials during Senate hearings, including Trump's second Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.Harris sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination in 2019, but withdrew from the race before the primaries. Biden selected her as his running mate, and their ticket defeated the incumbent president and vice president, Donald Trump and Mike Pence, in the 2020 election. Presiding over an evenly split Senate upon entering office, Harris played a crucial role as president of the Senate. She cast more tie-breaking votes than any other vice president, which helped pass bills such as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 stimulus package and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. After Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election, Harris launched her campaign with Biden's endorsement and soon became the presumptive nominee. On August 6, 2024, she chose Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, as her running mate.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:17 UTC on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Kamala Harris on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Olivia.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. A historic manufacturing site in Charleston is undergoing a major overhaul to focus on new economic opportunities…the Appalachian Regional Commission invests nearly $2 million to help connect Mon Forest Towns and promote outdoor recreation tourism…and Appalachian comfort food meets wild game at a new restaurant in Barboursville…on today's daily304. #1 – From STATE JOURNAL – A coalition of city, state and private partners is well on its way toward transforming a massive manufacturing facility on Charleston's East End into a center focused on new economic opportunities. The 9-acre, 110,000-square-foot former home of Kanawha Manufacturing is being overhauled and renovated to become the Charleston LIFT (Learning, Innovation, Food & Technology) Center. The initiative is seeded by funds from the $62.8 million federal grant received by the Appalachian Climate Technologies Coalition (ACT Now Coalition) from the American Rescue Plan Act. According to Andrew Dunlap, director of economic development for the Charleston Area Alliance, there are already three committed tenants for the new facility: Marshall University's Green Battery Research Institute, a food hub/commercial kitchen space and a vocational training center for the Coal Development Corporation. “We're going to have just under 20,000 square feet for a future tenant or tenants,” Dunpap said. “We're out there actively marketing that space right now.” Read more: https://www.statejournal.com/news/historic-manufacturing-site-in-charleston-west-virginia-undergoing-multi-million-overhaul/article_56ce12cb-744c-5e2f-984f-76e5c81aaa8f.html   #2 – From WAJR – The Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded nearly $2 million through the POWER Initiative to Woodlands Community Lender on behalf of Mon Forest Towns Partnership for a series of projects to connect towns with the Monongahela National Forest. The investment will help train workers, advance new industries, and build upon the progress toward a brighter future full of economic opportunity in the region. The Mon Forest Towns Partnership is part of a $68.2 million award package and will help develop outdoor recreation economies for 12 coal-impacted communities in eight counties of Monongahela National Forest, according to Executive Director Josh Nease. “We want to promote the region as a cohesive tourism and recreation destination,” Nease said. “It will also advance our work to firmly establish each town as a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest.” The 12 towns and the partnership have been working on projects to make the forest more accessible in the Monongahela National Forest region, including Cowen, Davis, Durbin, Elkins, Franklin, Marlinton, Parsons, Petersburg, Richwood, Seneca Rocks, Thomas, and White Sulphur Springs. Read more: https://wajr.com/2024/10/16/arc-invests-in-mon-forest-towns-through-the-power-initiative/   #3 – From HERALD-DISPATCH – A mixture of Appalachian comfort food and wild game makes Bruno's Spotted Hare “wild and wonderful.” The Barboursville restaurant opened Aug. 28 with a seasonal menu that includes roasted duck breast, fried catfish, leg of rabbit and venison ragu. Owner and chef Bruno Young trained as a sous chef in Chicago before returning to West Virginia, where he helped open the original Huntington Prime. Young said he was inspired to make Bruno's menu Apaplachian-themed but inspired by international flavors. To learn more, check out Bruno's Spotted Hare on Facebook. Read more: https://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/dining_guide/brunos-spotted-hares-appalachian-comfort-food-is-wild-and-wonderful/article_97fb8288-8a9a-11ef-9a48-c7f8c3a8ffbf.html   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Support Good Morning Gwinnett $5.99 A MonthGwinnett County has recently expanded its OneStop Centerville facility, a resource center offering various services to southern Gwinnett residents. The expansion includes a new building and playground, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. This project reflects Gwinnett County's commitment to providing accessible resources and building a resilient community. The OneStop Centerville also houses an independent organization, On To Lilburn, which encourages citizens to participate in a strategic planning survey to share their thoughts on the future of Lilburn.The survey deadline is on Friday, November 8 at 11:59 p.m. so please submit your responses by then!To take the survey, visit https://forms.gle/LSNBg3r8MkkYnrqRA

aMDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 24th Publish Date:  October 24th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  Today is Thursday, October 24th and Happy Birthday to actor Kevin Kline 10.24.24 – BIRTHDAY – KEVIN KLINE*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  1.      Cobb OK's Transit Program for KSU Students 2.      Police: Burglars Move into Man's Home with His Mummified Body 3.      Cobb Sheriff's Office Tests Surveillance Robots at Jail   Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes.   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL) STORY 1:  Cobb OK's Transit Program for KSU Students Kennesaw State University students will soon ride select CobbLinc bus routes for free, starting January 1, 2025, thanks to a pilot program approved by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. The program allows students with a valid ID to use Routes 10, 40, and 45 at no cost, with the university reimbursing the county up to $100,000 annually at $2 per ride. Commissioner Keli Gambrill opposed the program, citing concerns about skewed ridership data due to the reduced fare. The initiative aims to enhance student access to the metro area, with routes serving key locations near KSU's campuses. The program runs through December 30, 2025, and KSU is the state's third-largest university, with nearly 48,000 students enrolled. STORY 2:  Police: Burglars Move into Man's Home with His Mummified Body Cobb Police discovered that seven people were living in the home of a deceased Smyrna man, using his credit cards, checkbook, and vehicle, while his mummified body lay in the bathroom. The man, approximately 70 years old, had been dead for three months. It's unclear how long the suspects resided there or if they were the only occupants. Sgt. Eric Smith noted signs of habitation but couldn't confirm if those arrested were the ones living there. The cause of death is under investigation, and the man is believed to have no surviving relatives. STORY 3:  Cobb Sheriff's Office Tests Surveillance Robots at Jail Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens introduced three six-foot Sentry robots to enhance security at the county jail as part of a 90-day pilot program. Developed by DEKA Research and Development, these robots feature AI, 360-degree cameras, night vision, and heat sensors. They will patrol both inside and outside the jail, conducting perimeter checks and in-depth cell searches. The program aims to improve safety and efficiency by reducing human error and fatigue. Owens emphasized that the robots won't replace jobs but will enhance security. The pilot is free, and its success will determine future use.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back  Break: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County) STORY 4:  Cobb County's Transit Tax: What Early Voters Are Saying In Cobb County, alongside the presidential race, voters face a significant local decision: a 30-year, 1% transit sales tax referendum, known as the Mobility Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (M-SPLOST). This tax aims to raise $11 billion for public transportation improvements, including rapid bus routes and transit centers. Many early voters were unaware of the proposal until voting, highlighting a lack of public awareness. Some voters found the ballot wording confusing, while others, like Derrick Scott II, researched beforehand. Over 150,000 residents have voted, with high early turnout potentially easing Election Day congestion. STORY 5:  Cobb's Housing Stability Court Gets Funding Boost Cobb County's Housing Stability Court will continue through 2026, thanks to nearly $1 million in reallocated federal pandemic relief funds. Established in October 2023, the court aims to break the eviction cycle for about 20,000 households annually by combining financial aid with case management. Successful participants have their eviction records expunged, removing barriers to housing. The Cobb Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 to reallocate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The program, initially funded by $1.3 million in Emergency Rental Assistance, has helped 48 participants, with a 92% success rate. Efforts are underway to secure funding for 2027 and beyond. We'll be back in a moment    Break: INGLES 8   And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes.   ***LEAH INTERVIEW*** INGLES 2 DIABETES (INTERVIEW)***   We'll have closing comments after this. Break: Marietta Theatre (06.10.24 MARIETTA THEATRE MARGARITAVILLE_FINAL)   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal 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. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com 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: ●        www.ingles-markets.com  ●        www.cuofga.org  ●        www.drakerealty.com ●        www.mariettatheatresquare.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We called it once-a-generation legislation when Congress passed it in 2021. The American Rescue Plan Act provided $1.9 trillion across the nation to restrengthen from the global pandemic that hurt so many communities. For their part, the cities and towns of North Carolina got about $1.3 billion -- and there's an important deadline coming up with it, which you can learn more about at arp.nclm.org. We're joined on this episode by NCLM's Stephanie Hughes, who has traveled to various municipalities across the state to see how they've put ARP resources to great use, and advises us on the reporting deadline ahead. Municipal Equation is a production of the N.C. League of Municipalities, https://www.nclm.org. Contact host/producer Ben Brown at .   

In this week's edition of the News Man Weekly podcast, Richland Source City Editor Carl Hunnell is joined by Vic Amesquita, owner of Blood Prison at the former Ohio State Reformatory.The popular Halloween haunt is open and operating every weekend during October. The annual month-long fright fest is a fundraiser for the Ohio State Reformatory Preservation Society.The local king of fright, Amesquita is in his ninth year at Blood Prison and takes us behind the scenes at one of the top haunts in Ohio again this year. You will learn the history of the Warden's Widow, where all those terrifying sounds come from and the biggest question of all – is OSR really haunted?There is also a spirited round of “On the Record” as Amesquita reveals his personal favorite horror movie, what horror character scared him most as a child and what he would be doing if he were not running a year-round haunting effort.Hunnell is also  joined by executive producer Zac Hiser and video producer Grant Ritchey as they discuss the news of the week – including the sad death of a Richland County Highway Department worker, Mansfield's plans to spend $2.3 million on American Rescue Plan Act funds and the newly chosen CEO for the North End Community Improvement Collaborative.Next week's show will feature two guests – Mansfield Fire Department Chief Dan Crow and retired Chief John Harsch.Death of Richland County Highway Department workerMansfield's Plans to spend $2.3 million on American Rescue Plan Act fundsNewly chosen CEO for the North End Community Improvement Collaborative.Take our reader survey!Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson.Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state is scaling back the emergency motel voucher program, despite hundreds of families with children having few other options for shelter.. Plus, Vermont's Catholic Diocese files for bankruptcy protection, pressure ramps up on the U.S. Postal Service to set a date for reopening Montpelier's post office, public flood insurance claims are paying out much more on average than FEMA aid, the state wants public feedback on plans for improving water quality in the Connecticut River, and Vermont libraries will be awarded millions of dollars in grants from the American Rescue Plan Act.

October 2, 2024 — On September 23rd, the Fort Bragg City Council approved a land swap with the Noyo Center on the area commonly known as the mill site, provided direction, and approved with some caveats the conceptual design for the planned Ocean Science Center, received an update on the Municipal Broadband Project and reallocated American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA funding to multiple City needs.In other City news, the Biggest Time originally scheduled for October of this year on the Noyo Headlands has been pushed off until next spring. Police Chief Neal Cervanka was elected to the board of the State Police Officers Association and the council approved the emergency repair of a storm drain on North McPherson. Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith was not in attendance.

In this week's edition of the News Man Weekly podcast, Richland Source City Editor Carl Hunnell is joined by Reneta Music of the Music Academy of Karate and Empowerment in downtown Mansfield.Music, a long-time local karate instructor, is the founder/owner/executive director and chief hanshi at the non-profit academy that she recently opened at 44 W. 4th St. in Mansfield.The two of them talk about the origins of her love for martial arts and why it remains such a driving force in her life today, especially teaching children the benefits of karate and self-defense training for women.There is also a spirited round of “On the Record” in which Music offers her favorite karate movie of all time, the most misunderstood thing about karate and whether or not Wonder Woman actually exists.Hunnell is also  joined by executive producer Zac Hiser and video producer Grant Ritchey as they riff on the news of the week – including the night Facebook got it all wrong in Mansfield; why Maple Lake Park is being used as a staging area during local infrastructure improvements; how Mansfield police and fire departments will soon benefit from advanced drone technology; and the fact Mansfield City Council meets Tuesday night to consider proposals to spend the remainder of the city's American Rescue Plan Act funds.Blood Prison owner Vic Amesquita, whose haunt at the Ohio State Reformatory is scaring people every weekend between now and Halloween, will be the News Man Weekly's guest Oct. 7.Relevant links: Facebook got it wrong: Mansfield police conducted 'saturation patrol' ThursdayOpen Source: Why is Maple Lake Park in Mansfield being used as staging area?Eyes in the sky: Mansfield to use new drone technology to improve emergency responseStep inside Blood Prison: Horror gets a high-tech upgrade at former Ohio State ReformatoryIntro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson.Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's edition of the News Man Weekly podcast, Richland Source City Editor Carl Hunnell is joined by Mark Sebastian Jordan, local author/playwright/actor/director/historian and journalist. The two old friends talk about Jordan's newest book, “Get Busy Living: Doing Time at Shawshank,” a behind-the-scenes look at his work as an extra in the popular movie, “Shawshank Redemption” and how that effort helped to shape his life going forward. Hunnell is also joined by executive producer Zac Hiser and video producer Grant Ritchey as they riff on the news of the week – including the City of Mansfield going to court to seek damages against Lucas contractor for the improper demolition of the former YMCA on Park Avenue West; how weekend speed bumps led to a quieter summer on the Miracle Mile in Mansfield; how a Saturday night OVI checkpoint went Saturday night locally; and how Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry is trying to figure out best to spend the city's remaining $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. Links:  City of Mansfield going to court to seek damages against Lucas contractor Weekend speed bumps led to a quieter summer on the Miracle Mile Saturday night OVI checkpoint American Rescue Plan Act funds Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we dive into a critical issue that is affecting millions of Americans with disabilities: the nearly $1 billion in federal funds for disability services that have gone unspent. These funds, allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act, were meant to enhance home and community-based services during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when the need for such services has been more urgent than ever. Yet, due to bureaucratic delays and workforce shortages, this money remains untouched, leaving countless individuals and families struggling without the support they desperately need. We explore the real-world impact of this unspent funding on individuals with disabilities and their families. From the loss of essential services that allow people to live independently to the overwhelming burden placed on family caregivers, the consequences of this funding failure are profound and far-reaching. The episode sheds light on how the lack of direct support professionals and administrative hurdles are compounding the challenges, putting the quality of life for many at risk. Join us as we discuss the long-term implications of this issue and what needs to be done to ensure that these critical funds are utilized to their fullest potential. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in disability rights, social justice, and the ongoing fight to secure necessary services for all. Don't miss this important conversation about accountability, advocacy, and the urgent need for action in the disability services sector.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for August 23rd Publish Date: August 23rd   From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Friday, August 23rd and Happy 92nd Birthday to actress Barbra Eden. ***08.23.24 – BIRTHDAY – BARBRA EDEN*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Brian Kemp Endorses Donatucci in Gwinnett House Race Providence Christian Grad Bailey Moody Ready for Paralympics Gwinnett planning $35 million human services building with unique mental health component All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: MOG   STORY 1: Gov. Brian Kemp Endorses Donatucci In Gwinnett House Race Sandy Donatucci, the GOP nominee for Georgia House District 105, received a major boost with an endorsement from Governor Brian Kemp. Donatucci is challenging incumbent Rep. Farooq Mughal, D-Dacula, aiming to reclaim the seat for Republicans, who have not held it since 2016. Kemp praised Donatucci's commitment to cutting taxes, enhancing public safety, and fully funding schools. Donatucci, who recently resigned from the Gwinnett County Planning Commission to focus on her campaign, expressed her gratitude for Kemp's support and emphasized her dedication to addressing cost-of-living issues, supporting law enforcement, and improving education. STORY 2:  Providence Christian Grad Bailey Moody Ready for Paralympics Bailey Moody, a 22-year-old wheelchair basketball player from Johns Creek, is set to make her second Paralympic appearance at the 2024 Games in Paris. After helping Alabama win the NWBA women's championship in March, Moody, who earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, is excited for a better experience this time without COVID restrictions. Her family of 14 will be attending the Games, and Moody is confident in Team USA's chance for gold. Despite not being a starter, she is committed to contributing in any way needed. Moody plans to return to Alabama for graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling after the Games and aims for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. STORY 3:  Gwinnett planning $35 million human services building with unique mental health component Gwinnett County will start construction early next year on a $35 million Health and Human Services facility named OneStop Gwinnett. The three-story center, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will be the first in the county to offer inpatient mental health services, including a 30-bed Crisis Stabilization Unit, alongside veterans and family services, job skills training, and community classes. The facility, located on Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville, will also house View Point Health's behavioral health services and a command center for the county's Community Navigator Team. Construction is set to begin in January 2025.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We'll be right back   Break 2: MONSTER JAM   STORY 4:  ESPN Win: Grayson Beats Thompson on Gutsy 2-Point Run In a dramatic finish, Grayson defeated Thompson 15-14 in overtime with a two-point conversion play. With the game tied, Grayson head coach Santavious Bryant opted for a jumbo package and running back Elijah Miller scored the game-winning conversion after a touchdown pass from Travis Burgess to Aiden Taylor. The game, broadcast on ESPN2, featured strong defensive performances from both teams. Grayson, despite being scoreless in the second half, controlled the ball with a powerful rushing attack, gaining 199 yards compared to Thompson's 40. The victory marked Grayson's first win of the season after a close loss in their opener. STORY 5:  Gwinnett Teen Selling Discount Cards To Raise Money To Help Kids Battling Cancer Peachtree Corners teen Lex Stolle, a cancer survivor, is raising funds for research with his Cancer Card project. Stolle, diagnosed with leukemia at 10, created discount cards for businesses to benefit cancer research while offering savings to cardholders. His 2023 campaign raised $8,075 with 323 cards sold and included 50 businesses across five cities. For this year's campaign starting September 1, he aims to raise $11,000 and has shifted focus from Buckhead to Dunwoody. Stolle also shares stories of young patients through his radio show and plans to pursue a career in politics. The funds will support both research and emotional support for cancer patients. We'll be back in a moment   Break 3: TOM WAGES (OBITS) – INGLES 3   STORY 6:     Brookwood High Grad Serves With Navy Electronic Attack Squadron Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant Barry, a 2020 Brookwood High School graduate from Lawrenceville, serves with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. As an aviation structural mechanic (safety equipment), Barry's diverse upbringing in Lawrenceville has helped him build strong relationships in the Navy. He chose the Navy over college, inspired by family military service. VAQ-142 operates the EA-18G Growler for electronic warfare. Barry's recent deployment taught him a lot, and he's proud of his service. He values the personal growth and relationships he's gained, including meeting his wife, Natalie. STORY 7:  Gwinnett Schools Earn National Recognition For Student Data Protections Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) has earned the full Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal from CoSN, recognizing its high standards for student data privacy. GCPS is one of only 20 districts nationwide to receive this seal and the only one in Georgia alongside Fulton County Public Schools. The TLE Seal requires rigorous privacy policies covering leadership, data security, and professional development. GCPS also became the first to transition from the "Mini Seal" to full seal status. This achievement underscores GCPS's commitment to protecting student information and maintaining a secure learning environment. We'll have final thoughts after this. Break 4: Gwinnett County Fair Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post 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. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at gwinnettdailypost.com 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: www.ingles-markets.com  www.wagesfuneralhome.com www.kiamallofga.com www.gwinnettcountyfair.com www.monsterjam.com/en-us   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for August 23rd Publish Date: August 23rd   From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Friday, August 23rd and Happy 92nd Birthday to actress Barbra Eden. ***08.23.24 – BIRTHDAY – BARBRA EDEN*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Brian Kemp Endorses Donatucci in Gwinnett House Race Providence Christian Grad Bailey Moody Ready for Paralympics Gwinnett planning $35 million human services building with unique mental health component All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: MOG   STORY 1: Gov. Brian Kemp Endorses Donatucci In Gwinnett House Race Sandy Donatucci, the GOP nominee for Georgia House District 105, received a major boost with an endorsement from Governor Brian Kemp. Donatucci is challenging incumbent Rep. Farooq Mughal, D-Dacula, aiming to reclaim the seat for Republicans, who have not held it since 2016. Kemp praised Donatucci's commitment to cutting taxes, enhancing public safety, and fully funding schools. Donatucci, who recently resigned from the Gwinnett County Planning Commission to focus on her campaign, expressed her gratitude for Kemp's support and emphasized her dedication to addressing cost-of-living issues, supporting law enforcement, and improving education. STORY 2:  Providence Christian Grad Bailey Moody Ready for Paralympics Bailey Moody, a 22-year-old wheelchair basketball player from Johns Creek, is set to make her second Paralympic appearance at the 2024 Games in Paris. After helping Alabama win the NWBA women's championship in March, Moody, who earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, is excited for a better experience this time without COVID restrictions. Her family of 14 will be attending the Games, and Moody is confident in Team USA's chance for gold. Despite not being a starter, she is committed to contributing in any way needed. Moody plans to return to Alabama for graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling after the Games and aims for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. STORY 3:  Gwinnett planning $35 million human services building with unique mental health component Gwinnett County will start construction early next year on a $35 million Health and Human Services facility named OneStop Gwinnett. The three-story center, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will be the first in the county to offer inpatient mental health services, including a 30-bed Crisis Stabilization Unit, alongside veterans and family services, job skills training, and community classes. The facility, located on Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville, will also house View Point Health's behavioral health services and a command center for the county's Community Navigator Team. Construction is set to begin in January 2025.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We'll be right back   Break 2: MONSTER JAM   STORY 4:  ESPN Win: Grayson Beats Thompson on Gutsy 2-Point Run In a dramatic finish, Grayson defeated Thompson 15-14 in overtime with a two-point conversion play. With the game tied, Grayson head coach Santavious Bryant opted for a jumbo package and running back Elijah Miller scored the game-winning conversion after a touchdown pass from Travis Burgess to Aiden Taylor. The game, broadcast on ESPN2, featured strong defensive performances from both teams. Grayson, despite being scoreless in the second half, controlled the ball with a powerful rushing attack, gaining 199 yards compared to Thompson's 40. The victory marked Grayson's first win of the season after a close loss in their opener. STORY 5:  Gwinnett Teen Selling Discount Cards To Raise Money To Help Kids Battling Cancer Peachtree Corners teen Lex Stolle, a cancer survivor, is raising funds for research with his Cancer Card project. Stolle, diagnosed with leukemia at 10, created discount cards for businesses to benefit cancer research while offering savings to cardholders. His 2023 campaign raised $8,075 with 323 cards sold and included 50 businesses across five cities. For this year's campaign starting September 1, he aims to raise $11,000 and has shifted focus from Buckhead to Dunwoody. Stolle also shares stories of young patients through his radio show and plans to pursue a career in politics. The funds will support both research and emotional support for cancer patients. We'll be back in a moment   Break 3: TOM WAGES (OBITS) – INGLES 3   STORY 6:     Brookwood High Grad Serves With Navy Electronic Attack Squadron Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant Barry, a 2020 Brookwood High School graduate from Lawrenceville, serves with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. As an aviation structural mechanic (safety equipment), Barry's diverse upbringing in Lawrenceville has helped him build strong relationships in the Navy. He chose the Navy over college, inspired by family military service. VAQ-142 operates the EA-18G Growler for electronic warfare. Barry's recent deployment taught him a lot, and he's proud of his service. He values the personal growth and relationships he's gained, including meeting his wife, Natalie. STORY 7:  Gwinnett Schools Earn National Recognition For Student Data Protections Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) has earned the full Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal from CoSN, recognizing its high standards for student data privacy. GCPS is one of only 20 districts nationwide to receive this seal and the only one in Georgia alongside Fulton County Public Schools. The TLE Seal requires rigorous privacy policies covering leadership, data security, and professional development. GCPS also became the first to transition from the "Mini Seal" to full seal status. This achievement underscores GCPS's commitment to protecting student information and maintaining a secure learning environment. We'll have final thoughts after this. Break 4: Gwinnett County Fair Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post 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. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at gwinnettdailypost.com 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: www.ingles-markets.com  www.wagesfuneralhome.com www.kiamallofga.com www.gwinnettcountyfair.com www.monsterjam.com/en-us   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dallas elected officials plan to seek legal advice this week after Attorney General Ken Paxton warned he'd sue the city to block a new State Fair of Texas policy banning most people from bringing guns into the annual event. The Dallas City Council is scheduled to meet today in closed session with City Attorney Tammy Palomino to discuss options; In other news, a jury decided Monday that the parents of a former student accused of killing 10 people at a high school near Houston in 2018 do not bear financial responsibility for the shooting; Dallas County residents with little to no internet access could see some relief in the next few years. Officials on Tuesday announced a new project using American Rescue Plan Act funds to increase internet access in up to 10 Dallas County ZIP codes; And when the Dallas Cowboys get back to their home turf at Arlington's AT&T Stadium Saturday, fans will have 23 new food choices at the concession stands. From a 16-ounce burger with pepperoni pizzas for buns to the Wagyu truffle burger to Flamin' hot ice cream, there seems to be a little something for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Rob Thomas speaks with Robin Shelton, PGA Master Professional and General Manager of Newport Beach Country Club, and Bianca Gillett, the club's Director of Fitness and Recreation. The trio discuss the celebrated club's newest edition—an outdoor fitness center called “The Cove.” Gillett shares the space's unique features and amenities, how it integrates with the existing facilities at Newport Beach Country Club, and what types of fitness programs and classes will be offered. Shelton touches upon construction costs, the expected return on investment, and how “The Cove” will contribute to the club's member retention rates. Rob and Senior Editor Phil Keren opened the podcast by talking about Phil's recent visit to Glenmoor Country Club in Canton, Ohio to cover the Northern Ohio PGA HOPE Cup. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a program that provides free golf lessons to veterans and active duty military service members. In the Glenmoor event, 15 teams, each consisting of four veterans and a PGA Professional, competed in a 9-hole scramble. The winning team was led by PGA Professional Kevin Sullivan and consisted of veterans Tom Brown, Rob Sutton, Jason Wallingford, and Jim Morrison. Special guests at the event were former Ohio State University Head Football Coach Jim Tressel and PGA Professional and TV host Jimmy Hanlin. Phil and Rob also discussed an enhancement project happening at Brown Deer Park Golf Course in Milwaukee, Wis. Money from the American Rescue Plan Act is being used to fund the construction of a new practice facility that will include a 23,500-sq.-ft. putting green, a 1,500-sq.-ft. practice bunker, and 5,300 sq. ft. of asphalt cart paths. The facility will be located just west of the current driving range near the clubhouse. The project will replace a small practice bunker and a concrete pad from previous years with the new putting green and practice bunker. The existing putting green between the clubhouse and the driving range will remain. Rob and Phil also highlighted an interesting discovery made by golf course workers at Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va. The resort features two classic courses, one being the Old Course, established in 1892 and lined with mature oaks and maples. Throughout the year, workers clear dead and fallen trees, which they chop into firewood for the resort. This routine task took an unexpected turn when a thick piece of oak was split open, revealing two golf balls embedded in the wood. While both balls were encrusted with dirt and sap, one exhibited distinctive characteristics of an antique golf ball, including a square dimple pattern that was popular around a century ago. Further examination by an expert will be needed to learn more. Victoria Nenno, Senior Historian at the USGA Golf Museum and Library, suggested the diamond or mesh (square) pattern most likely dates between 1910 and 1930, indicating it is probably a rubber-core ball.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 25th               Publish Date:  July 25th      Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Thursday, July 25th and Happy heavenly Birthday to NFL HOF Walter Peyton. ***07.25.24 – BIRTHDAY – WALTER PEYTON***   I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  County Warns More Rain Could Worsen Smyrna Flooding Mayor and Coaches Kick Off football season with a Cookout Cupid's Comments on Keeping Millage Rate Flat   Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Laura Lynn products.   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA STORY 1: County Warns More Rain Could Worsen Smyrna Flooding    Cobb County is addressing flood aftermath in Smyrna's Coppers Creek neighborhood, where Tuesday night's flooding displaced residents and damaged 13 buildings. The county's transportation department is clearing debris on Coppers Creek Drive to improve stormwater flow. Emergency teams advise residents to relocate vehicles from the cul-de-sac to Cooper Lake Road due to potential road closures from ongoing rain and repairs. Cobb Police are increasing patrols, and emergency management is assisting residents who remain in their homes. With more rain expected, the county warns against walking or driving through flood waters, emphasizing the dangers posed by even shallow water depths. STORY 2: Mayor, Coaches Kick Off Season with Cookout    Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin and Councilman Johnny Walker hosted Marietta High School football staff at their annual steak dinner to kick off the football season. Held at Mayor Tumlin's home on Hickory Drive, the event has become a cherished tradition before the season starts in August. This year marked the largest turnout yet, with around 40 guests, including coaches from various levels. Steaks were prepared by chefs Scott Grieve and Jason Meade, with ingredients from The Butcher on Whitlock. The event also featured beer from Glover Park Brewery and sides by Tricia Wilson and Kim Walker. Walker emphasized the event's importance in showing appreciation for the coaches' hard work and dedication to the students. STORY 3: Cupid's Comments on Keeping Milage Rate Flat In a contentious 3-2 vote along party lines, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved a $1.3 billion budget and maintained a flat general fund millage rate. Chairwoman Lisa Cupid addressed public concerns before the vote, acknowledging challenges and defending the decision not to roll back the millage rate. She highlighted economic factors driving property costs and emphasized the county's support for home ownership through measures like homestead exemptions. Cupid also defended spending decisions, including the use of federal funds for consultants under the American Rescue Plan Act, which she stated was necessary for maximizing benefits and ensuring compliance. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back  Break: DRAKE STORY 4: AAA Urges Drivers to Stay Alert as Students Return to School As 1.7 million Georgia children return to school, AAA emphasizes driver caution in school zones and neighborhoods. With heightened pedestrian risk during school hours, particularly in the afternoon, drivers are urged to slow down and remain alert. AAA's School's Open-Drive Carefully campaign aims to reduce unsafe driving near schools, addressing behaviors like speeding and distracted driving. Data shows significant risks during weekday hours, reinforcing the need for vigilance. AAA advises drivers to obey speed limits, eliminate distractions, check surroundings before reversing, and watch for bicyclists. The campaign also highlights the importance of stopping completely at intersections and involving teens in safe driving discussions. STORY 5: CISGA Back-To-School Wish List Campaign   Communities In Schools of Georgia in Cobb County is preparing for the 2024-25 school year with their Back-To-School Wish List Campaign. The initiative aims to provide essential school supplies to ensure every student is fully equipped for learning. Amazon Wish Lists feature items like notebooks, backpacks, shoes, and hygiene supplies crucial for student success. Donations through www.cisga.org/cisgawishlists enable community members to support local schools directly by selecting specific items to donate. It's a proactive effort to enhance students' educational experiences and well-being as they return to classrooms. We'll be back in a moment    Break: INGLES 1   And now here is Bruce Jenkins' conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Laura Lynn products.   LEAH INTERVIEW   We'll have closing comments after this.   Break: Marietta Theater Bonnie & Clyde   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal 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. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com 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: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com mariettatheatresquare.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lacey Beaty was elected Beaverton's Mayor in 2020, and took office in January 2021. Prior to serving as Mayor, she served for six years on Beaverton City Council. Before joining the City Council, she was a volunteer for the city's Visioning Advisory Committee, serving as vice-chair. She is engaged in the community including serving on the boards of HomePlate Youth Services and Community Action. She commits to making our community even more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming. Mayor Beaty previously worked in public health, managing school-based health centers in five school districts and two counties. She served five years of active duty in the U.S. Army as a radiology specialist and combat medic and served in the 1st Infantry Division during the Iraq War. Mayor Beaty has shared that her military background is the relentless driving force that keeps her moving forward everyday. Her daughter Aella is the one who inspires and motivates her to keep doing the work every day to improve our community. As Mayor, she brought together public and private partners to establish and facilitate the first COVID-19 mass vaccine POD in Washington County. In addition to the City of Beaverton's direct allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funding ($16.85M), she brought an additional $5.1M to support projects in Beaverton. Mayor Beaty was instrumental in establishing a year-round shelter with a health clinic and behavioral health resources to serve those experiencing homelessness. She is the youngest-ever elected official and the first woman Mayor in Beaverton's history. Mayor Beaty is married, and her husband Ian is a Major with the U.S. Army and a full-time officer in the Oregon Army National Guard. Mayor Beaty has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Oregon State University, a graduate degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from Warner Pacific University, and a certificate in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco. www.BeavertonOregon.gov

In this week's edition of The News Man Weekly podcast, Richland Source City Editor Carl Hunnell is joined by Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero, as well as B.J. Price and Adam McElroy from Skate Ohio.Hunnell and Vero talk about a variety of topics, including ongoing efforts to complete the demolition and cleanup of the former Westinghouse sites in Mansfield; the project to build a "broadband network" along the U.S. 30 corridor across north central Ohio; and how the county decided to spend more than $23 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars.Skate Ohio announced last week ArcelorMittal will award the non-profit with $50,000 to help modernize the existing skate park at Veteran's Park in Shelby. They provide an update on their efforts across north central Ohio.Hunnell is also joined by executive producer Zac Hiser and video producer Grant Ritchey to riff on the latest local news developments, including a recap of the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival over the weekend.Links: About Tony Vero: https://www.richlandcountyoh.gov/TonyVero About Skate Ohio: https://www.facebook.com/groups/619064704850518 Westinghouse: https://www.richlandsource.com/2021/08/11/former-westinghouse-site-i-think-its-time-we-start-doing-some-things/ Broadband project: https://www.richlandsource.com/2024/01/09/local-ohio-officials-launch-effort-to-begin-u-s-30-broadband-project/ ArcelorMittal and Skate Ohio: https://www.richlandsource.com/2024/07/17/arcelormittal-partnering-with-skate-ohio-to-modernize-shelby-skate-park/ Become a Richland Source member for complete access to local journalism and other perks: https://www.richlandsource.com/members/Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 11th               Publish Date:  July 11th      Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Thursday, July 11th and Happy heavenly Birthday to 6th President John Qunicy Adams. ***07.10.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOHN Q. ADAMS*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Cobb Delays Stormwater Fee Vote Indefinitely  Canton Road Health Spa's Business License Revoked Braves Break Ground on Habitat Home in Austell   Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA STORY 1: Cobb Delays Stormwater Fee Vote Indefinitely   The Cobb Board of Commissioners has indefinitely postponed proposed changes to stormwater charges due to a lack of consensus. Chairwoman Lisa Cupid emphasized the need for unified board support. Originally tabled in March amidst public opposition, the proposal was intended to shift from water usage-based fees to charges based on property impervious surface area. Commissioner JoAnn Birrell highlighted the necessity of amending county codes before implementing the fee, cautioning against expectations for imminent changes. The proposal, sparked by 2021 flooding, aimed to separate stormwater costs from water and sewage rates, affecting residential and non-residential properties differently. Despite financial concerns and opposition, Cupid encouraged exploring alternative funding approaches for essential infrastructure. STORY 2: Canton Road Health Spa's Business License Revoked The Cobb Board of Commissioners denied the renewal of Asian Wellness Massage's business license due to serious violations, voting 4-0 with Chairwoman Lisa Cupid absent. Commissioner JoAnn Birrell emphasized the severity of the violations, including suspicions of illicit activities such as human trafficking. Owner Lingxia Zhang faced emotional distress following the decision and must close the spa unless appealing in court. Additionally, Zhang is barred from applying for a new license for a year. Another spa, V Massage, had its license renewal appeal postponed amidst similar allegations. The hearing, involving Mandarin-English translation, highlighted concerns from commissioners about illegal activities and conflicting testimonies. This decision follows a temporary halt on health spa licenses amid ongoing investigations into illicit practices. STORY 3: Brave Break Ground on Habitat Home in Austell In Austell, Habitat for Humanity and the Atlanta Braves Foundation have launched a new home-building project for Quintasha Swanson and her daughter, Angel. Swanson, an executive assistant to Austell's Police Chief, will be the first in her family to own a home thanks to this collaboration. She overcame challenges after losing her previous home and living in temporary accommodations. The Braves Foundation surprised Swanson with the sponsorship, highlighting her dedication to the community. The project involves Swanson completing "sweat-equity" hours and financial education courses, aiming for completion by September. Volunteers, including Braves staff, will assist throughout the construction, fostering community spirit in Austell. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back  Break: DRAKE STORY 4: Cobb Health Launches Septic Tank Pumping Reimbursement Project Cobb & Douglas Public Health is launching a Septic Tank Pumping Incentive Program funded by an American Rescue Plan Act grant. Aimed at primary homeowners in Cobb County, the program offers up to $250 in water bill credits for those who pump their septic tanks. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent system failures and protect water quality. Homeowners must use state-approved providers and complete services between July 2023 and September 2026. Participants can apply for the credit by submitting proof of service through an online portal or by mail. For more details and enrollment, visit Cobb & Douglas Public Health's website or contact them directly. STORY 5: Cobb Super's Full Remarks to Cancel $50 Million Event Center At a special meeting, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale announced the Cobb County Board of Education's decision to cancel the $50 million event center project, citing economic concerns. Ragsdale emphasized the district's commitment to its employees, promising not to balance the budget through pay cuts or furloughs, as seen during the 2008 recession. He highlighted rising inflation and slower growth as significant factors impacting the budget. Despite a strong current fund balance, Ragsdale stressed the need for caution to ensure financial stability and protect employee welfare. The decision aims to prioritize staff over new facilities, maintaining focus on sustainable budgeting practices.   We'll be back in a moment    Break: INGLES 5   And now here is Bruce Jenkins' conversation with Leah McGrath on cooking fish.     We'll have closing comments after this.   Break: MARIETTA THEATRE   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal 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. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com 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: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com mariettatheatresquare.com     #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of May 7th          Publish Date: May 7th       From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast    Today is Tuesday, May 7th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to NFL HOF Johnny Unitas. ***05.07.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOHNNY UNITAS*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Aggravated Stalking Man Arrested After Elderly Cherokee County Woman Targeted in International Scam Cherokee Schools Leaders Named Goshen Spirit Award Winners   Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath to discuss the extensive list of ingredients found in foods.   We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you're looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!   Commercial: CU of GA STORY 1: Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Aggravated Stalking Christopher Mackey Kaufman, 39, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for aggravated stalking and violating a family violence order, marking his fifth conviction in eight years for harassing the same victim. Despite previous court orders, Kaufman continued to harass his ex-girlfriend, using contraband cell phones from prison. The sentencing judge imposed a 35-year term with 15 years to serve, emphasizing the severity of aggravated stalking and its impact on victims. Support for domestic violence victims is available through the Cherokee Family Violence Center. STORY 2: Man Arrested After Elderly Cherokee County Woman Targeted in International Scam Parth Patel, a 27-year-old resident of Ontario, Canada, has been apprehended in Cherokee County for his involvement in an international scam that defrauded an 80-year-old woman of nearly $300,000. The scheme, executed by fraudulently posing as Amazon representatives, enticed the victim into purchasing gift cards, wiring money, and buying gold. Accused of felony criminal attempt and felony conspiracy to commit a crime, Patel was identified as a lower-level participant in a larger network believed to operate out of India and the U.K. The arrest was the culmination of a cooperative investigation involving the Cherokee Sheriff's Office, FBI, and Homeland Security. In response to this incident, authorities have issued a public warning to remain vigilant against similar scams, emphasizing the importance of skepticism towards unsolicited calls, the risks of gift card payments, and the necessity of discussing scam awareness with vulnerable family members. STORY 3: Cherokee Schools Leaders Named Goshen Spirit Award Winners Tara Quinn-Schuldt and John Carter from Cherokee County School District were honored with the 2024 Goshen Spirit Award, acknowledging their significant contributions to supporting foster youth in Goshen Valley. Presented during Goshen Valley's spring luncheon, this award celebrates their selfless dedication and the positive impact of their efforts within the community. Both Quinn-Schuldt, a Student Support Specialist, and Carter, an Assistant Principal at Teasley Middle School, have played pivotal roles in providing homes and support services, showcasing their commitment to the welfare of children. Their achievements make a significant contribution to the well-being of Goshen Valley's youth.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.    Back in a moment Break: DRAKE STORY 4: Public Input Set for May 16 for Sixes Area Plan Cherokee County announces an open house on May 16th to seek public input on the Wildcat Sixes Road Project. This initiative targets alleviating traffic congestion and fostering high-quality commercial development around the I-575 and Sixes Road intersection. Following a comprehensive traffic study and planning by various agencies and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., the project is moving forward. The event, set at Woodstock Library, will include a presentation and a platform for public feedback. Additionally, an online survey will be accessible post-event. Public participation is deemed vital for its success, with further updates available at wildcat.cherokeega.com. STORY 5: Canton Approves $500K Loan for Affordable Senior Housing The Canton City Council has officially approved a $500,000 loan to TBG Residential for the creation of a senior affordable housing complex, the Summit at Hickory Creek. This loan is sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act and aims to address the city's urgent housing requirements, especially for low-income seniors. The approved development will be situated at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Bluffs Parkway, featuring 192 units across two four-story buildings. Additionally, plans for future phases and the recreational use of undeveloped land are in place, marking a significant step towards enhancing the city's housing infrastructure for its senior residents. Commercial: INGLES 2 STORY 6: INGLES - LEAH And now Bruce Jenkin's conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets.   We'll have closing comments after this.    COMMERCIAL: JM HELLER   SIGN OFF –   Thanks again for listening to today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. . If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are what we do.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? 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: ingles-markets.com drakerealty.com cuofga.org com/event/2024-bluegrass-festival/ jeffhellerlaw.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of April 13th             Publish Date: April 12th               From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast    Today is Saturday, April 13th and Happy 77th Birthday to singer Al Green. ***04.13.24 – BIRTHDAY – AL GREEN*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Cherokee Schools Students Place at Regional 4-H Competition Cherokee County Seniors Named Georgia Scholars Cherokee Schools Students Earn Honors in Adobe Express Challenge   We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you're looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    Commercial: CU of GA   STORY 1: Cherokee Schools Students Place at Regional 4-H Competition Cherokee County School District students excelled at the regional 4-H Competition, with one student, Kallie Reynolds from Creekview High School, advancing to the statewide contest. The 4-H program, supported by the UGA Cooperative Extension Office, fosters skill development, teamwork, leadership, and community service. Reynolds qualified for the State 4-H Congress in the Sheep and Meat Goats project area. Numerous students from grades four through twelve earned top honors in various categories, showcasing their talents and achievements. These achievements reflect the dedication and excellence of Cherokee County students in the 4-H program. STORY 2: Cherokee County Seniors Named Georgia Scholars Eight Cherokee County School District high school seniors have been named Georgia Scholars, recognized for their excellence in academics and community involvement. The Georgia Department of Education program honors seniors who excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and demonstrate leadership. Among only 177 seniors statewide, four students from Creekview High School, two from Etowah High School, and two from Sequoyah High School received this honor. Each Georgia Scholar will receive a seal for their diploma. State School Superintendent Richard Woods commended these students for their achievements and contributions to their communities. The Cherokee County school board and Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis will acknowledge these students at an upcoming meeting.   STORY 3: Cherokee Schools Students Earn Honors in Adobe Express Challenge Nine Cherokee County School District students were honored in the Adobe Express Challenge, sponsored by the CCSD's Technology and Information Services division. Participants demonstrated creativity and digital skills by creating digital snow globes with animations, music, narration, and background effects. Winners were awarded certificates and ribbons. First place in the K-2 category went to Parker Hott and in the 3rd-5th grade category to Bryce Gilbert. Natalie Pollard secured first place in the 9th-12th grade category. These students showcased impressive innovation and creativity in their entries, earning recognition for their talents.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.    Back in a moment  Break:  DRAKE   STORY 4: Woodstock Employees Receiving Pay Raises This Month Woodstock City Council unanimously approved $212,048.80 for fiscal year 2024 merit pay raises for full-time and part-time employees. These raises, included in the city's $93 million budget, will take effect this month and cover salary, social security taxes, and retirement contributions. The merit increases are based on performance evaluations from the previous year, with eligible employees receiving varying raises depending on their performance compared to peers. City Manager Jeff Moon stated that 184 employees received merit increases, with only those hired before July 1 being eligible. STORY 5: Cherokee County Fire Apparatus Operator Promoted to Sergeant Gerald Wright, a firefighter with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, has been promoted from fire apparatus operator to sergeant. His promotion ceremony was held at the Cherokee County Fire Training Complex, and he assumed his new role on March 31. Fire Chief Eddie Robinson expressed gratitude to Wright's family and friends for their support and recognized the contributions of fire service retirees and veterans. The department expressed confidence in Wright's capabilities and wished him success in his new role. Commercial: INGLES 5   STORY 6: Overnight Work on I-575 Starts April 14. What to Know Starting April 14, the Georgia Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing work on Interstate 575 southbound, from mile post 20 to the start of the interstate in Cobb County. The right southbound lane will close from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting. The project aims to resurface all lanes in this section and is scheduled for completion in late 2024. Work will occur overnight from Sunday to Saturday. Motorists should anticipate delays, drive cautiously, and reduce speed in work zones. For real-time updates on work status and traffic conditions, individuals can call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app. STORY 7: Holly Springs Looking At Using Federal Funding for Road Repairs and Other Projects Holly Springs is considering allocating its remaining $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for various projects, including roads, stormwater infrastructure, and public safety operating expenses. The City Council discussed a resolution on April 8, with plans to vote on it on April 15. The city received a total of $5,766,604 in ARPA funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury, with half awarded in 2021 and the other half in 2022. The funds must be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026, according to city documents. City Manager Rob Logan stated that previous ARPA funds were used for public safety and stormwater projects, emphasizing the need to encumber the remaining funds for expenditure within the specified timeframe.     We'll have closing comments after this.    COMMERCIAL: CURIOSITY LAB BIKE RACE   SIGN OFF –   Thanks again for listening to today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. . If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are what we do.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? 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: ingles-markets.com drakerealty.com cuofga.org peachtreecornersga.gov/385/Curiosity-Lab-Criterium-2024     #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lacey Beaty was elected Beaverton's Mayor in 2020, and took office in January 2021. Prior to serving as Mayor, she served for six years on Beaverton City Council. Before joining the City Council, she was a volunteer for the city's Visioning Advisory Committee, serving as vice-chair. She is engaged in the community including serving on the boards of HomePlate Youth Services and Community Action. She commits to making our community even more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming. Mayor Beaty previously worked in public health, managing school-based health centers in five school districts and two counties. She served five years of active duty in the U.S. Army as a radiology specialist and combat medic and served in the 1st Infantry Division during the Iraq War. Mayor Beaty has shared that her military background is the relentless driving force that keeps her moving forward everyday. Her daughter Aella is the one who inspires and motivates her to keep doing the work every day to improve our community. As Mayor, she brought together public and private partners to establish and facilitate the first COVID-19 mass vaccine POD in Washington County. In addition to the City of Beaverton's direct allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funding ($16.85M), she brought an additional $5.1M to support projects in Beaverton. Mayor Beaty was instrumental in establishing a year-round shelter with a health clinic and behavioral health resources to serve those experiencing homelessness. She is the youngest-ever elected official and the first woman Mayor in Beaverton's history. Mayor Beaty is married, and her husband Ian is a Major with the U.S. Army and a full-time officer in the Oregon Army National Guard. Mayor Beaty has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Oregon State University, a graduate degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from Warner Pacific University, and a certificate in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco. www.BeavertonOregon.gov

The City of St. Louis has awarded $20 million in grants from the American Rescue Plan Act to individuals and nonprofit organizations. The goal is to help with things like home repairs and construction and even developing gardens or parks on vacant land. One such grant awardee seeks to rehab a home on North Kingshighway Blvd. into a four-family home. In this episode, we discuss what Neighborhood Transformation Grants seek to do and talk with people who are working to improve the quality of life in their communities.

In this episode, I'm discussing the recent article in our local online news platform cleveland.com that talks about the budget cuts that will be taking place this September in districts across the country. The money from the American Rescue Plan Act dollars are drying up and of course that means take away Out Of School Time programs and summer learning programs. These are the programs that was created for our underserved population of children which majority comprise of Black children. My question what is our response Black people? Listen to my breakdown and continuous reminders on how we need to collectively educate our own children and seriously consider a mass exodus away from this educational system that was not created to truly educate and benefit our Black children. https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/03/cmsd-is-facing-a-fiscal-cliff-heres-how-other-districts-are-responding-to-it.html https://readingisfreedom.store/ https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://abcread.org/

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer interviews New Castle County Economic Development Director C.J. Bell, retired NCCPD Lt. Gerald Tatum and attorney Jordan Perry as they discuss New Castle County's Building Better Communities initiative and Project SEED, which aims to address crime prevention and violence reduction in a multidisciplinary fashion by improving neighborhoods from the ground up and providing youth mentorship and skills. The initiatives are part of New Castle County's ARPA projects, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Heartland POD for Friday, February 23, 2024A flyover from this weeks top heartland stories including:Primary voting is underway in Texas | Kansas Medicaid expansion update | Illinois Gov J.B. Pritzker lays out priorities as a progressive pragmatist | Missouri Democrats filibuster ballot candy | KS Gov Laura Kelly's veto will stand Primary voting is underway in Texashttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/21/julie-johnson-brian-williams-congressional-district-32-colin-allred/BY SEJAL GOVINDARAOFEB. 21, 2024WASHINGTON — In 2018, Rep. Colin Allred flipped Texas' 32nd Congressional District, turning the Dallas-based district into a blue stronghold. Now, as the Democrat vies to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a crowded field of 10 Democrats is lining up to replace him.Dr. Brian Williams, a trauma surgeon, and State Rep. Julie Johnson, of Farmers Branch, are leading the field in the Democratic primary with their fundraising efforts, each amassing about a million dollars in campaign donations since their campaigns were registered at the beginning of last summer.Ideologically, Williams and Johnson are aligned. They both rank health care a top priority if elected, and have touted their ability to work across the aisle.Johnson, a trial lawyer in her third term in the state House rode the 2019 blue wave to unseat hardline conservative incumbent Matt Rinaldi, by 13 points. Rinaldi now chairs the state GOP. In her three terms, at least 40 of the bills Johnson has co-authored or joint-authored have been signed into law.As a Democrat in the Republican-dominated state Legislature, Johnson has played a lot of defense trying to kill bills she and other progressives deem harmful. Johnson, who is gay, said she and other members of the House's LGBTQ caucus have had success in killing anti-LGBTQ bills by mastering the rules of procedure and “being better at the rules than the other side.” In 2019, she took down a House version of the so-called “Save Chick-fil-A bill” on a rule technicality. The bill was a response to a San Antonio airport kicking out the fast food restaurant over criticism of its religiously affiliated donations to anti-LGBTQ groups. It was revived in another bill and passed into law.If elected, Johnson would be the first openly LGBTQ member of Congress from a Southern state. She's drawn notable endorsements from Beto O'Rourke, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, EMILY's List, Equality PAC, and several labor unions.Matt Angle, director of Lone Star Project, a Texas group that works to boost Democrats, said Johnson is the frontrunner in the race, but Williams is a formidable challenger.“Make no mistake about it though,” Angle said. “Julie Johnson has a voter base within the district not only from her old district, but also just from years of being an active Democratic activist and a donor and really a couple of just outstanding terms in the legislature.”While he may be new to the Texas political arena, Williams is no stranger to the halls of Congress.Williams was a health policy adviser to U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy — who endorsed him — to help pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 – the farthest reaching gun safety legislation in decades. The legislation, crafted in the aftermath of the shootings in Uvalde and Buffalo New York, allocated millions of dollars to expand mental health resources, strengthens background checks and tightens the boyfriend loophole. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn was a lead negotiator on the bill with Murphy, and Williams worked closely with Cornyn's office. In his role as a health policy advisor for Murphy, he worked across the aisle with Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana on mental health legislation.Williams also worked with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California to pass federal health care legislation related to pandemic preparedness and reducing health care costs.Williams said his experience as a trauma surgeon — operating on victims of gun violence and women experiencing reproductive health emergencies — has fueled his priorities to fight for gun restrictions and increase access to abortions and other womens' health. Williams added his perspective as a Black doctor seeing racial disparities in health care will resonate with the district's diverse constituency, given that the district is now a majority-minority district with a 37% Hispanic or Latino population, 22% Black population and 8% Asian population.“They're excited that there's someone that looks like them that can represent them in Congress,” Williams said in an interview.As Allred opted to stay neutral in the race to succeed him – Williams said he had pursued his endorsement while Johnson said she had not – the tension between Johnson and Williams has been heating up.Williams has publicly criticized Johnson for a vote she took that would have made some changes and tweaks to the state's Alternatives to Abortions program, which provides information about resources to women seeking the procedure.“I draw contrast between myself and Representative Johnson about how I am the better candidate,” Williams said.Johnson, who is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, said Williams misrepresented the vote, which she said she cast to bring the already-funded program under the scope of the Health and Human Services Commission so it could be subject to public transparency. Her campaign published a fact-check on her website, likening Williams' misrepresentation of her record to “Trumpian-style, false attacks.”Planned Parenthood was critical of the legislation.Johnson said women's health is also a priority for her, and she stands by her record.“Texas leads the nation of uninsured folks, and in maternal mortality, and in infant mortality. Obviously, we're leading the nation in an attack on women's freedom for women's reproductive health, and I've been a champion of a lot of these issues,” she said.Other candidates vying for the open seat in the March 5 primary include businessman Raja Chaudhry, tech entrepreneur Alex Cornwallis, former Dallas City Councilman and real estate broker Kevin Felder and attorney Callie Butcher, who would be the first openly transgender member of Congress if elected.If no candidate gets a majority of the vote, there will be a runoff in May. The winner of the Democratic primary will face off against the winner of the Republican primary in November but is likely to win given that the district is solidly blue.And, from Dallas we go to Houston whereAfter bruising loss in Houston mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee faces her toughest reelection yetJackson Lee faces off against Amanda Edwards, her most formidable congressional opponent in three decades.https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/19/sheila-jackson-lee-amanda-edwards-democratic-primary-houston/BY SEJAL GOVINDARAOFEB. 19, 2024In 1994, Sheila Jackson Lee, then a 44-year-old Houston city councilwoman, unseated four-term U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in the Democratic primary, securing a seat she'd come to hold for the next 30 years.This March, former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, 42, is hoping to replicate that political upset as she faces off against Jackson Lee in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 18.Jackson Lee, who did not respond to requests for an interview, has only drawn four primary challengers over her 14-term career, all of whom she defeated by landslide margins.She's a household name in her Houston-based district, known for her frequent visibility at constituent graduations, funerals and baby showers.But last year she ran for Houston mayor against then-state Sen. John Whitmire. It was a bruising primary — unfamiliar territory for Jackson Lee — and her campaign was roiled with negative media after audio of her berating her congressional staffers was leaked. She ended up losing the race by 30 points and then immediately announced she was running for reelection to the U.S. House.Amanda Edwards, a former intern in Jackson Lee's office, initially announced she was running for Houston mayor until the congresswoman threw her hat in the ring. At that point, Edwards pivoted — endorsing Jackson Lee as mayor and beginning her own bid for Congress.By the time Jackson Lee announced she was running for her House seat again, Edwards had already gained momentum. In the fourth quarter of last year, Edwards outraised the congresswoman 10 to 1 — $272,000 to Jackson Lee's $23,000.Mark Jones, Baker Institute fellow in political science at Rice University said, “This could be the year that Congresswoman Jackson Lee loses. And given that as a safe, Democratic, seat whoever wins the primary will be headed to Washington in January of 2025”Jackson Lee holds a narrow lead in primary polls, while 16% of voters remain undecided. Edwards, a native Houstonian, said her commitment to public service is propelled by her father's battle with cancer when she was a teenager, where she learned firsthand about the cracks in the health care system and how “policy could be a matter of life and death.” She served as an at-large Houston City Council member from 2016 to 2020, where she represented a constituency of more than 2 million people.In her race to beat Jackson Lee, Edwards has garnered some notable endorsements including the Harris County Young Democrats, and the Harris County chapter of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats – both of which endorsed Jackson Lee in past races.The Harris County Young Democrats rescinded its endorsement of Jackson Lee in the mayoral race — citing a “zero tolerance policy” for staff abuse.Lenard Polk, Harris County chapter president of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, said Jackson Lee's leaked audio tape controversy also factored into the committee's decision to not endorse her. On the recording Jackson Lee berates a staffer for not having a document she was looking for and calls two of her staffers “Goddamn big-ass children, fuckin' idiots who serve no Goddamn purpose.”He said endorsement committee members were still “quite upset” over the tape and it “wasn't a good look” for Jackson Lee. The leaked tape fueled discourse about Jackson Lee's reputation as an unkind boss on Capitol Hill – she regularly makes Washingtonian Magazine's worst of Congress list and her office has high turnover rates.Polk added that voters felt abandoned by Jackson Lee, who jumped into the mayor's race without endorsing someone to take her place, only to file for reelection a day after losing.Jackson Lee's battle to retain her seat is made tougher by 2021 redistricting, because the 18th district now includes more young white professionals who do not have the same level of loyalty to her as longtime district residents.But despite any damage she may have incurred from her mayoral run, Jackson Lee remains a powerful political force in her district.County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who is backing Jackson Lee, said he doesn't know anyone in local politics with her “energy level,” and that Jackson Lee has secured meaningful federal grants for her district – most recently $20.5 million to Harris County Public Health Department's Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot project. He also said she has a reputation for being a reliably progressive voice in Congress.Jackson Lee has a long list of powerful endorsements from House Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Minority Whip Katherine Clarke. She's backed by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other members of Texas' Washington delegation including Democratic Reps. Lizzie Fletcher of Houston, Lloyd Doggett of Austin, Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Joaquin Castro of San Antonio.Ellis said Jackson Lee may not be a strong fundraiser but she will benefit from her incumbency advantage.Linda Bell-Robinson, a Houston Democratic precinct chair, said she is fighting for Jackson Lee to retain her seat because seniority in Congress is important and Edwards would be learning the ropes as a freshman if elected.“We need fighters,” she said. “We don't need people trying to learn how to fight on the battlefield. We need people who are already fighting and know how to fight their fight.SEAN: Super interesting race. For my part, I don't have any problem with members of Congress being extremely tough to work for. I have problems with lying, fraud, criminal activity, and squishy voting records. Congresswoman Jackson Lee has 100% ratings from Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and AFL-CIO. She has a 95% rating from League of Conservation VotersNew estimate predicts Medicaid expansion would serve 152K at no cost to stateA $509M federal incentive would help offset state cost for first eight yearsBY: SHERMAN SMITH - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 4:22 PMhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/22/new-estimate-predicts-medicaid-expansion-would-serve-152k-at-no-cost-to-state/TOPEKA — The Kansas Health Institute on Thursday unveiled its analysis of Gov. Laura Kelly's proposal to expand Medicaid, predicting 152,000 Kansans would enroll in the first year with no additional cost to the state government.The Democratic governor has made passage of Medicaid expansion a top legislative priority this year, following her statewide campaign to promote the policy last fall. But Republican leadership in the Legislature opposes the policy and has blocked hearings on Medicaid expansion for four years.Kansas is one of just 10 states that still haven't expanded Medicaid since President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act in 2010.The state-run version of Medicaid, called KanCare, provides health care services to low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. Currently, those who earn less than 38% of the federal poverty level are eligible. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $11,400.Under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, the federal government offers to cover 90% of the cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. The annual income threshold for a family of four would be $41,400.Kelly's proposal includes a work requirement with exceptions for full-time students, veterans, caregivers, people with partial disabilities, and former foster kids. Her plan also would add a new surcharge for hospitals.KHI predicts the change in income eligibility would result in 151,898 people enrolling in KanCare — 106,450 adults and 45,448 children. Those numbers include 68,236 adults and 16,377 children who are currently uninsured.About 68.9% of the adults are already working at least part-time, according to the KHI analysis. Of the remaining 31.1% KHI determined 19.1% of the unemployed adults have a disability, 16.1% are students and 3.8% are veterans.KHI calculated the cost to the state for expanding Medicaid over the first eight years would be fully offset — mostly because of a $509 million incentive included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Other savings would come from the federal government picking up more of the tab on existing services, as well as the new surcharge on hospitals. The Kansas Sunflower Foundation on Thursday released findings from surveys that found 68% of Kansas voters, including 51% of Republicans and 83% of small business owners support Medicaid expansion.Steve Baccus, an Ottawa County farmer and former president of Kansas Farm Bureau, said in a news release that expanding Medicaid was about “investing in the well-being of our communities.”Baccus said “Our rural communities are often struggling to keep Main Street open and to continue to offer the necessary services to the surrounding agricultural enterprises. A community that can offer a total health care package has an advantage in maintaining a viable town.”The findings are consistent with a Fort Hays State University poll that was released in October.With budget proposal and fiery address, Pritzker paints himself as progressive pragmatistThursday, February 22, 2024Governor's spending plan advances progressive-backed policies in tight fiscal landscapeBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/with-budget-proposal-and-fiery-address-pritzker-paints-himself-as-progressive-pragmatistSPRINGFIELD – In delivering his annual State of the State and budget address on Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker cast his administration as both progressive and pragmatic – a balance he's worked to strike as his national profile has grown.Some elements of the governor's proposed spending plan, like using $10 million in state funds to eliminate $1 billion worth of Illinoisans' medical debt, are hardline progressive ideas. Others, including a goal to achieve “universal preschool” by 2027, fit in with a more traditional liberal platform.But Pritzker has also defined his success in traditional economic terms, putting particular stock into how New York City-based credit ratings agencies view Illinois' finances, while also positioning Illinois as a hub for emerging technologies like electric vehicles and quantum computing. As Illinois faces an influx of migrants from the southern U.S. border Pritzker has leaned into a leadership style that prioritizes progressive ideals while projecting an image of fiscal responsibility.As he outlined a proposal to add $182 Million toward the state's migrant response, Gov. Pritzker said, “We didn't ask for this manufactured crisis, But we must deal with it all the same.”“Children, pregnant women, and the elderly have been sent here in the dead of night, left far from our designated welcome centers, in freezing temperatures, wearing flip flops and T-shirts,” Pritzker said. “Think about that the next time a politician from Texas wants to lecture you about being a good Christian.”The governor was met with big applause from Democrats in laying out his proposed “Healthcare Consumer Access and Protection Act,” which would, in part, ban “prior authorization” requirements for mental health treatment.Pritzker characterized the practice of prior authorization as a way for insurance companies to deny the care that doctors have prescribed.Pritzker is also proposing spending $10 million in state funds to buy Illinoisans' past-due medical debt that's been sent to collections. Partnering with national nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, which buys debt for pennies on the dollar on the same market that collections agencies purchase the rights to the debts, the governor said Illinois could “relieve nearly $1 billion in medical debt for the first cohort of 340,000 Illinoisans.”The governor spent time noting two key places he said Illinois fails its Black citizens:  maternal mortality and disproportionate rates of homelessness. To combat Black maternal mortality rates, Pritzker proposed helping more community-based reproductive health centers to open, citing Illinois' first freestanding nonprofit birthing center in Berwyn as a model.He said, “Black women in our state are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.” Pritzker proposed spending an additional $50 million on the state's “Home Illinois” program launched in 2021, in part to “attack the root causes of housing insecurity for Black Illinoisans.” He cited a statistic that Black people make up 61 percent of Illinois' homeless population despite only being 14 percent of the state's general population.Additionally, the governor proposed a $1 million pilot program for free diapers for low-income families, as well as a $5 million increased investment in an existing home visit program “for our most vulnerable families” with babies in their first year.His budget also includes $12 million to create a child tax credit for families with children under three with incomes below a certain threshold. Among the successes Pritzker pointed to, perhaps the most salient is his claim that Illinois' new “Smart Start” early childhood program – proposed last year in the governor's second inaugural address – had exceeded its first-year goals.The program aimed to create 5,000 new preschool seats last year, but ended up creating 5,823, Pritzker said – a 15 percent overperformance. “As a result, right now we have over 82,000 publicly-funded preschool classroom seats – the highest number in our state's history. Staying on the Smart Start plan, we will achieve universal preschool by 2027.”Echoing his 2022 election-year call for a temporary pause on the state's 1 percent tax on groceries, Pritzker on Wednesday proposed nixing the grocery tax altogether.He said “It's one more regressive tax we just don't need. If it reduces inflation for families from 4 percent to 3 percent, even if it only puts a few hundred bucks back in families' pockets, it's the right thing to do.”Even while proposing a series of progressive expenditures, the governor also sought to cast himself as a pragmatist when it comes to state finances. The state has seen strong revenue performances in the past few years, But in November, the governor's own economic forecasting office predicted a nearly $900 million deficit in the fiscal year that begins July 1.“Our FY25 budget proposal makes some hard choices,” Pritzker said Wednesday. “I wish we had big surpluses to work with this year to take on every one of the very real challenges we face.”Illinois' once-paltry “rainy day” fund now has $2 billion socked away, the governor noted, and the state has paid off high-interest debt during his five years in office.To mitigate Illinois' previously projected deficit, Pritzker is proposing to more than double the tax rate paid by sportsbooks on profits – a change that would bring in an estimated $200 million annually. He also proposed extending an existing cap on operating losses that businesses can claim on taxes, which could help generate more than $500 million, the governor's office claims.Another revenue generator proposed by the governor: raising $101 million by capping a sales tax credit retailers are allowed to claim. But business groups on Wednesday signaled they'd put up a fight. In his first few months in office in 2019, Pritzker used his fresh political capital to muscle a $15 minimum wage ramp through the legislature – a long-fought-for progressive policy goal – followed closely by a trip to New York City to meet with executives at the influential big three credit ratings agencies.When Pritzker took office, Illinois' credit ratings were hovering around “junk” status after a two-year budget impasse under his predecessor, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. And though Illinois suffered a final credit downgrade in the early months of COVID, the state has since received nine upgrades.The governor on Wednesday held those upgrades in high regard, saying“My one line in the sand is that I will only sign a budget that is responsibly balanced and that does not diminish or derail the improving credit standing we have achieved for the last five years,”Andrew Adams contributed.Missouri Senate Dems Hold The Line In Ballot Fighthttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/20/democrat-filibuster-forces-removal-of-ballot-candy-from-senate-initiative-petition-bill/BY: RUDI KELLER - FEBRUARY 20, 2024 5:15 PM     A Democratic filibuster that stretched more than 20 hours ended this week when Senate Republicans stripped provisions critics derided as “ballot candy” from a proposal to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petitions.Ballot candy refers to language designed to trick voters - into thinking the initiative is about ensuring only citizens vote, for instance - when that's totally irrelevant to the question voters are deciding.By an 18-12 vote, with nine Republicans and nine Democrats forming the majority, language that stated non-citizens could not vote on constitutional amendments was removed, as were sections barring foreign governments and political parties from taking sides in Missouri ballot measures.The Senate then, by a voice vote, gave first-round approval to the bill that would require both a statewide majority and a majority vote in five of the state's eight congressional districts to pass future constitutional amendments.The proposal would alter the way Missourians have approved constitutional changes since the first statewide vote on a constitution in 1846.Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence, a Democrat, said, “All we're asking for is a fair fight. And the Republicans know if it's a fair fight, they lose, which is why they have to pump it full of ballot candy and mislead voters.”Meanwhile, the House spent much of Tuesday morning debating legislation that would make changes to the signature gathering process for initiative petition campaigns.Among numerous provisions, the bill would require signatures be recorded using black or dark ink and that signature gatherers be citizens of the United States, residents of Missouri or physically present in Missouri for at least 30 consecutive days prior to the collection of signatures.Its most sweeping provision grants new authority to the secretary of state and attorney general to review initiative and referendum petitions for compliance with the Missouri Constitution.The effort to make it harder to get on the ballot and harder to pass a constitutional amendment has been a GOP priority for several years. In the past two election cycles, voters have expanded Medicaid coverage and legalized recreational marijuana, circumventing the GOP majority that opposed both. The push to raise the threshold on amendments proposed by initiative has taken on a new urgency for Republicans as abortion-rights supporters move ahead with a signature campaign to make this year's ballot.The results on abortion amendments in other states has Missouri abortion foes anxious about whether they can defend the state's almost total ban in a statewide election. Voters in Ohio last year rejected an effort to increase the majority needed to pass constitutional amendments before voting 57% in favor of abortion rights. And in 2022, Kansas voters defeated an attempt to restrict abortion rights by a landslide vote.Gov. Kelly Keep Kansas GOP In Linehttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/Kansas House Republicans fail to override governor's veto on massive tax reform billBY: TIM CARPENTER - FEBRUARY 20, 2024 12:41 PM     TOPEKA — The Republican-led Kansas House failed Tuesday to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly ‘s veto of a tax reform bill anchored by implementation of a single, flat state income tax rate of 5.25% in addition to elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and creation of a tax exemption for all Social Security income.The GOP holds supermajorities in the House and Senate, but there was skepticism that both chambers could muster two-thirds majorities necessary to rebuke Kelly given opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans to parts of the three-year, $1.6 billion tax cut favoring the state's most wealthy. Kelly said the decision of House members to sustain her veto was a win for working-class Kansans who would have seen “little relief under this irresponsible flat tax experiment.” The Legislature should move ahead with her proposal for reducing $1 billion in taxes over three years.The governor said “I urge legislators to work together to cut taxes in a way that continues our economic growth and maintains our solid fiscal foundation while benefitting all Kansans, not just those at the top,”.Rep. Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita, said the cost of the tax reform bill could reach $600 million annually when fully implemented, and the plan didn't do enough for the middle class in Kansas. He said a married couple earning $42,000 to $75,000 per year would only see an income tax reduction of about 75 cents.Rep. Trevor Jacobs of Fort Scott was among Republicans who opposed overriding Kelly's veto. He said the flat tax would force the state's working class to carry a larger burden of the state tax load. And the 2024 Legislature had sufficient time to develop an alternative that provided tax relief to all Kansans rather than just a select few.Good thinking! See it's not just Democrats who think KS Gov Laura Kelly knows what she's doing. Welp, that's it for me! From Denver I'm Sean Diller. Stories in today's show appeared first in the Missouri Independent, Kansas Reflector, Texas Tribune, and Capitol News Illinois. Thanks for listening, see you next time.  @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

The Heartland POD for Friday, February 23, 2024A flyover from this weeks top heartland stories including:Primary voting is underway in Texas | Kansas Medicaid expansion update | Illinois Gov J.B. Pritzker lays out priorities as a progressive pragmatist | Missouri Democrats filibuster ballot candy | KS Gov Laura Kelly's veto will stand Primary voting is underway in Texashttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/21/julie-johnson-brian-williams-congressional-district-32-colin-allred/BY SEJAL GOVINDARAOFEB. 21, 2024WASHINGTON — In 2018, Rep. Colin Allred flipped Texas' 32nd Congressional District, turning the Dallas-based district into a blue stronghold. Now, as the Democrat vies to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a crowded field of 10 Democrats is lining up to replace him.Dr. Brian Williams, a trauma surgeon, and State Rep. Julie Johnson, of Farmers Branch, are leading the field in the Democratic primary with their fundraising efforts, each amassing about a million dollars in campaign donations since their campaigns were registered at the beginning of last summer.Ideologically, Williams and Johnson are aligned. They both rank health care a top priority if elected, and have touted their ability to work across the aisle.Johnson, a trial lawyer in her third term in the state House rode the 2019 blue wave to unseat hardline conservative incumbent Matt Rinaldi, by 13 points. Rinaldi now chairs the state GOP. In her three terms, at least 40 of the bills Johnson has co-authored or joint-authored have been signed into law.As a Democrat in the Republican-dominated state Legislature, Johnson has played a lot of defense trying to kill bills she and other progressives deem harmful. Johnson, who is gay, said she and other members of the House's LGBTQ caucus have had success in killing anti-LGBTQ bills by mastering the rules of procedure and “being better at the rules than the other side.” In 2019, she took down a House version of the so-called “Save Chick-fil-A bill” on a rule technicality. The bill was a response to a San Antonio airport kicking out the fast food restaurant over criticism of its religiously affiliated donations to anti-LGBTQ groups. It was revived in another bill and passed into law.If elected, Johnson would be the first openly LGBTQ member of Congress from a Southern state. She's drawn notable endorsements from Beto O'Rourke, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, EMILY's List, Equality PAC, and several labor unions.Matt Angle, director of Lone Star Project, a Texas group that works to boost Democrats, said Johnson is the frontrunner in the race, but Williams is a formidable challenger.“Make no mistake about it though,” Angle said. “Julie Johnson has a voter base within the district not only from her old district, but also just from years of being an active Democratic activist and a donor and really a couple of just outstanding terms in the legislature.”While he may be new to the Texas political arena, Williams is no stranger to the halls of Congress.Williams was a health policy adviser to U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy — who endorsed him — to help pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 – the farthest reaching gun safety legislation in decades. The legislation, crafted in the aftermath of the shootings in Uvalde and Buffalo New York, allocated millions of dollars to expand mental health resources, strengthens background checks and tightens the boyfriend loophole. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn was a lead negotiator on the bill with Murphy, and Williams worked closely with Cornyn's office. In his role as a health policy advisor for Murphy, he worked across the aisle with Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana on mental health legislation.Williams also worked with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California to pass federal health care legislation related to pandemic preparedness and reducing health care costs.Williams said his experience as a trauma surgeon — operating on victims of gun violence and women experiencing reproductive health emergencies — has fueled his priorities to fight for gun restrictions and increase access to abortions and other womens' health. Williams added his perspective as a Black doctor seeing racial disparities in health care will resonate with the district's diverse constituency, given that the district is now a majority-minority district with a 37% Hispanic or Latino population, 22% Black population and 8% Asian population.“They're excited that there's someone that looks like them that can represent them in Congress,” Williams said in an interview.As Allred opted to stay neutral in the race to succeed him – Williams said he had pursued his endorsement while Johnson said she had not – the tension between Johnson and Williams has been heating up.Williams has publicly criticized Johnson for a vote she took that would have made some changes and tweaks to the state's Alternatives to Abortions program, which provides information about resources to women seeking the procedure.“I draw contrast between myself and Representative Johnson about how I am the better candidate,” Williams said.Johnson, who is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, said Williams misrepresented the vote, which she said she cast to bring the already-funded program under the scope of the Health and Human Services Commission so it could be subject to public transparency. Her campaign published a fact-check on her website, likening Williams' misrepresentation of her record to “Trumpian-style, false attacks.”Planned Parenthood was critical of the legislation.Johnson said women's health is also a priority for her, and she stands by her record.“Texas leads the nation of uninsured folks, and in maternal mortality, and in infant mortality. Obviously, we're leading the nation in an attack on women's freedom for women's reproductive health, and I've been a champion of a lot of these issues,” she said.Other candidates vying for the open seat in the March 5 primary include businessman Raja Chaudhry, tech entrepreneur Alex Cornwallis, former Dallas City Councilman and real estate broker Kevin Felder and attorney Callie Butcher, who would be the first openly transgender member of Congress if elected.If no candidate gets a majority of the vote, there will be a runoff in May. The winner of the Democratic primary will face off against the winner of the Republican primary in November but is likely to win given that the district is solidly blue.And, from Dallas we go to Houston whereAfter bruising loss in Houston mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee faces her toughest reelection yetJackson Lee faces off against Amanda Edwards, her most formidable congressional opponent in three decades.https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/19/sheila-jackson-lee-amanda-edwards-democratic-primary-houston/BY SEJAL GOVINDARAOFEB. 19, 2024In 1994, Sheila Jackson Lee, then a 44-year-old Houston city councilwoman, unseated four-term U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in the Democratic primary, securing a seat she'd come to hold for the next 30 years.This March, former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, 42, is hoping to replicate that political upset as she faces off against Jackson Lee in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 18.Jackson Lee, who did not respond to requests for an interview, has only drawn four primary challengers over her 14-term career, all of whom she defeated by landslide margins.She's a household name in her Houston-based district, known for her frequent visibility at constituent graduations, funerals and baby showers.But last year she ran for Houston mayor against then-state Sen. John Whitmire. It was a bruising primary — unfamiliar territory for Jackson Lee — and her campaign was roiled with negative media after audio of her berating her congressional staffers was leaked. She ended up losing the race by 30 points and then immediately announced she was running for reelection to the U.S. House.Amanda Edwards, a former intern in Jackson Lee's office, initially announced she was running for Houston mayor until the congresswoman threw her hat in the ring. At that point, Edwards pivoted — endorsing Jackson Lee as mayor and beginning her own bid for Congress.By the time Jackson Lee announced she was running for her House seat again, Edwards had already gained momentum. In the fourth quarter of last year, Edwards outraised the congresswoman 10 to 1 — $272,000 to Jackson Lee's $23,000.Mark Jones, Baker Institute fellow in political science at Rice University said, “This could be the year that Congresswoman Jackson Lee loses. And given that as a safe, Democratic, seat whoever wins the primary will be headed to Washington in January of 2025”Jackson Lee holds a narrow lead in primary polls, while 16% of voters remain undecided. Edwards, a native Houstonian, said her commitment to public service is propelled by her father's battle with cancer when she was a teenager, where she learned firsthand about the cracks in the health care system and how “policy could be a matter of life and death.” She served as an at-large Houston City Council member from 2016 to 2020, where she represented a constituency of more than 2 million people.In her race to beat Jackson Lee, Edwards has garnered some notable endorsements including the Harris County Young Democrats, and the Harris County chapter of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats – both of which endorsed Jackson Lee in past races.The Harris County Young Democrats rescinded its endorsement of Jackson Lee in the mayoral race — citing a “zero tolerance policy” for staff abuse.Lenard Polk, Harris County chapter president of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, said Jackson Lee's leaked audio tape controversy also factored into the committee's decision to not endorse her. On the recording Jackson Lee berates a staffer for not having a document she was looking for and calls two of her staffers “Goddamn big-ass children, fuckin' idiots who serve no Goddamn purpose.”He said endorsement committee members were still “quite upset” over the tape and it “wasn't a good look” for Jackson Lee. The leaked tape fueled discourse about Jackson Lee's reputation as an unkind boss on Capitol Hill – she regularly makes Washingtonian Magazine's worst of Congress list and her office has high turnover rates.Polk added that voters felt abandoned by Jackson Lee, who jumped into the mayor's race without endorsing someone to take her place, only to file for reelection a day after losing.Jackson Lee's battle to retain her seat is made tougher by 2021 redistricting, because the 18th district now includes more young white professionals who do not have the same level of loyalty to her as longtime district residents.But despite any damage she may have incurred from her mayoral run, Jackson Lee remains a powerful political force in her district.County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who is backing Jackson Lee, said he doesn't know anyone in local politics with her “energy level,” and that Jackson Lee has secured meaningful federal grants for her district – most recently $20.5 million to Harris County Public Health Department's Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot project. He also said she has a reputation for being a reliably progressive voice in Congress.Jackson Lee has a long list of powerful endorsements from House Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Minority Whip Katherine Clarke. She's backed by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other members of Texas' Washington delegation including Democratic Reps. Lizzie Fletcher of Houston, Lloyd Doggett of Austin, Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Joaquin Castro of San Antonio.Ellis said Jackson Lee may not be a strong fundraiser but she will benefit from her incumbency advantage.Linda Bell-Robinson, a Houston Democratic precinct chair, said she is fighting for Jackson Lee to retain her seat because seniority in Congress is important and Edwards would be learning the ropes as a freshman if elected.“We need fighters,” she said. “We don't need people trying to learn how to fight on the battlefield. We need people who are already fighting and know how to fight their fight.SEAN: Super interesting race. For my part, I don't have any problem with members of Congress being extremely tough to work for. I have problems with lying, fraud, criminal activity, and squishy voting records. Congresswoman Jackson Lee has 100% ratings from Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and AFL-CIO. She has a 95% rating from League of Conservation VotersNew estimate predicts Medicaid expansion would serve 152K at no cost to stateA $509M federal incentive would help offset state cost for first eight yearsBY: SHERMAN SMITH - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 4:22 PMhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/22/new-estimate-predicts-medicaid-expansion-would-serve-152k-at-no-cost-to-state/TOPEKA — The Kansas Health Institute on Thursday unveiled its analysis of Gov. Laura Kelly's proposal to expand Medicaid, predicting 152,000 Kansans would enroll in the first year with no additional cost to the state government.The Democratic governor has made passage of Medicaid expansion a top legislative priority this year, following her statewide campaign to promote the policy last fall. But Republican leadership in the Legislature opposes the policy and has blocked hearings on Medicaid expansion for four years.Kansas is one of just 10 states that still haven't expanded Medicaid since President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act in 2010.The state-run version of Medicaid, called KanCare, provides health care services to low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. Currently, those who earn less than 38% of the federal poverty level are eligible. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $11,400.Under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, the federal government offers to cover 90% of the cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. The annual income threshold for a family of four would be $41,400.Kelly's proposal includes a work requirement with exceptions for full-time students, veterans, caregivers, people with partial disabilities, and former foster kids. Her plan also would add a new surcharge for hospitals.KHI predicts the change in income eligibility would result in 151,898 people enrolling in KanCare — 106,450 adults and 45,448 children. Those numbers include 68,236 adults and 16,377 children who are currently uninsured.About 68.9% of the adults are already working at least part-time, according to the KHI analysis. Of the remaining 31.1% KHI determined 19.1% of the unemployed adults have a disability, 16.1% are students and 3.8% are veterans.KHI calculated the cost to the state for expanding Medicaid over the first eight years would be fully offset — mostly because of a $509 million incentive included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Other savings would come from the federal government picking up more of the tab on existing services, as well as the new surcharge on hospitals. The Kansas Sunflower Foundation on Thursday released findings from surveys that found 68% of Kansas voters, including 51% of Republicans and 83% of small business owners support Medicaid expansion.Steve Baccus, an Ottawa County farmer and former president of Kansas Farm Bureau, said in a news release that expanding Medicaid was about “investing in the well-being of our communities.”Baccus said “Our rural communities are often struggling to keep Main Street open and to continue to offer the necessary services to the surrounding agricultural enterprises. A community that can offer a total health care package has an advantage in maintaining a viable town.”The findings are consistent with a Fort Hays State University poll that was released in October.With budget proposal and fiery address, Pritzker paints himself as progressive pragmatistThursday, February 22, 2024Governor's spending plan advances progressive-backed policies in tight fiscal landscapeBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/with-budget-proposal-and-fiery-address-pritzker-paints-himself-as-progressive-pragmatistSPRINGFIELD – In delivering his annual State of the State and budget address on Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker cast his administration as both progressive and pragmatic – a balance he's worked to strike as his national profile has grown.Some elements of the governor's proposed spending plan, like using $10 million in state funds to eliminate $1 billion worth of Illinoisans' medical debt, are hardline progressive ideas. Others, including a goal to achieve “universal preschool” by 2027, fit in with a more traditional liberal platform.But Pritzker has also defined his success in traditional economic terms, putting particular stock into how New York City-based credit ratings agencies view Illinois' finances, while also positioning Illinois as a hub for emerging technologies like electric vehicles and quantum computing. As Illinois faces an influx of migrants from the southern U.S. border Pritzker has leaned into a leadership style that prioritizes progressive ideals while projecting an image of fiscal responsibility.As he outlined a proposal to add $182 Million toward the state's migrant response, Gov. Pritzker said, “We didn't ask for this manufactured crisis, But we must deal with it all the same.”“Children, pregnant women, and the elderly have been sent here in the dead of night, left far from our designated welcome centers, in freezing temperatures, wearing flip flops and T-shirts,” Pritzker said. “Think about that the next time a politician from Texas wants to lecture you about being a good Christian.”The governor was met with big applause from Democrats in laying out his proposed “Healthcare Consumer Access and Protection Act,” which would, in part, ban “prior authorization” requirements for mental health treatment.Pritzker characterized the practice of prior authorization as a way for insurance companies to deny the care that doctors have prescribed.Pritzker is also proposing spending $10 million in state funds to buy Illinoisans' past-due medical debt that's been sent to collections. Partnering with national nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, which buys debt for pennies on the dollar on the same market that collections agencies purchase the rights to the debts, the governor said Illinois could “relieve nearly $1 billion in medical debt for the first cohort of 340,000 Illinoisans.”The governor spent time noting two key places he said Illinois fails its Black citizens:  maternal mortality and disproportionate rates of homelessness. To combat Black maternal mortality rates, Pritzker proposed helping more community-based reproductive health centers to open, citing Illinois' first freestanding nonprofit birthing center in Berwyn as a model.He said, “Black women in our state are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.” Pritzker proposed spending an additional $50 million on the state's “Home Illinois” program launched in 2021, in part to “attack the root causes of housing insecurity for Black Illinoisans.” He cited a statistic that Black people make up 61 percent of Illinois' homeless population despite only being 14 percent of the state's general population.Additionally, the governor proposed a $1 million pilot program for free diapers for low-income families, as well as a $5 million increased investment in an existing home visit program “for our most vulnerable families” with babies in their first year.His budget also includes $12 million to create a child tax credit for families with children under three with incomes below a certain threshold. Among the successes Pritzker pointed to, perhaps the most salient is his claim that Illinois' new “Smart Start” early childhood program – proposed last year in the governor's second inaugural address – had exceeded its first-year goals.The program aimed to create 5,000 new preschool seats last year, but ended up creating 5,823, Pritzker said – a 15 percent overperformance. “As a result, right now we have over 82,000 publicly-funded preschool classroom seats – the highest number in our state's history. Staying on the Smart Start plan, we will achieve universal preschool by 2027.”Echoing his 2022 election-year call for a temporary pause on the state's 1 percent tax on groceries, Pritzker on Wednesday proposed nixing the grocery tax altogether.He said “It's one more regressive tax we just don't need. If it reduces inflation for families from 4 percent to 3 percent, even if it only puts a few hundred bucks back in families' pockets, it's the right thing to do.”Even while proposing a series of progressive expenditures, the governor also sought to cast himself as a pragmatist when it comes to state finances. The state has seen strong revenue performances in the past few years, But in November, the governor's own economic forecasting office predicted a nearly $900 million deficit in the fiscal year that begins July 1.“Our FY25 budget proposal makes some hard choices,” Pritzker said Wednesday. “I wish we had big surpluses to work with this year to take on every one of the very real challenges we face.”Illinois' once-paltry “rainy day” fund now has $2 billion socked away, the governor noted, and the state has paid off high-interest debt during his five years in office.To mitigate Illinois' previously projected deficit, Pritzker is proposing to more than double the tax rate paid by sportsbooks on profits – a change that would bring in an estimated $200 million annually. He also proposed extending an existing cap on operating losses that businesses can claim on taxes, which could help generate more than $500 million, the governor's office claims.Another revenue generator proposed by the governor: raising $101 million by capping a sales tax credit retailers are allowed to claim. But business groups on Wednesday signaled they'd put up a fight. In his first few months in office in 2019, Pritzker used his fresh political capital to muscle a $15 minimum wage ramp through the legislature – a long-fought-for progressive policy goal – followed closely by a trip to New York City to meet with executives at the influential big three credit ratings agencies.When Pritzker took office, Illinois' credit ratings were hovering around “junk” status after a two-year budget impasse under his predecessor, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. And though Illinois suffered a final credit downgrade in the early months of COVID, the state has since received nine upgrades.The governor on Wednesday held those upgrades in high regard, saying“My one line in the sand is that I will only sign a budget that is responsibly balanced and that does not diminish or derail the improving credit standing we have achieved for the last five years,”Andrew Adams contributed.Missouri Senate Dems Hold The Line In Ballot Fighthttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/20/democrat-filibuster-forces-removal-of-ballot-candy-from-senate-initiative-petition-bill/BY: RUDI KELLER - FEBRUARY 20, 2024 5:15 PM     A Democratic filibuster that stretched more than 20 hours ended this week when Senate Republicans stripped provisions critics derided as “ballot candy” from a proposal to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petitions.Ballot candy refers to language designed to trick voters - into thinking the initiative is about ensuring only citizens vote, for instance - when that's totally irrelevant to the question voters are deciding.By an 18-12 vote, with nine Republicans and nine Democrats forming the majority, language that stated non-citizens could not vote on constitutional amendments was removed, as were sections barring foreign governments and political parties from taking sides in Missouri ballot measures.The Senate then, by a voice vote, gave first-round approval to the bill that would require both a statewide majority and a majority vote in five of the state's eight congressional districts to pass future constitutional amendments.The proposal would alter the way Missourians have approved constitutional changes since the first statewide vote on a constitution in 1846.Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence, a Democrat, said, “All we're asking for is a fair fight. And the Republicans know if it's a fair fight, they lose, which is why they have to pump it full of ballot candy and mislead voters.”Meanwhile, the House spent much of Tuesday morning debating legislation that would make changes to the signature gathering process for initiative petition campaigns.Among numerous provisions, the bill would require signatures be recorded using black or dark ink and that signature gatherers be citizens of the United States, residents of Missouri or physically present in Missouri for at least 30 consecutive days prior to the collection of signatures.Its most sweeping provision grants new authority to the secretary of state and attorney general to review initiative and referendum petitions for compliance with the Missouri Constitution.The effort to make it harder to get on the ballot and harder to pass a constitutional amendment has been a GOP priority for several years. In the past two election cycles, voters have expanded Medicaid coverage and legalized recreational marijuana, circumventing the GOP majority that opposed both. The push to raise the threshold on amendments proposed by initiative has taken on a new urgency for Republicans as abortion-rights supporters move ahead with a signature campaign to make this year's ballot.The results on abortion amendments in other states has Missouri abortion foes anxious about whether they can defend the state's almost total ban in a statewide election. Voters in Ohio last year rejected an effort to increase the majority needed to pass constitutional amendments before voting 57% in favor of abortion rights. And in 2022, Kansas voters defeated an attempt to restrict abortion rights by a landslide vote.Gov. Kelly Keep Kansas GOP In Linehttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/Kansas House Republicans fail to override governor's veto on massive tax reform billBY: TIM CARPENTER - FEBRUARY 20, 2024 12:41 PM     TOPEKA — The Republican-led Kansas House failed Tuesday to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly ‘s veto of a tax reform bill anchored by implementation of a single, flat state income tax rate of 5.25% in addition to elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and creation of a tax exemption for all Social Security income.The GOP holds supermajorities in the House and Senate, but there was skepticism that both chambers could muster two-thirds majorities necessary to rebuke Kelly given opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans to parts of the three-year, $1.6 billion tax cut favoring the state's most wealthy. Kelly said the decision of House members to sustain her veto was a win for working-class Kansans who would have seen “little relief under this irresponsible flat tax experiment.” The Legislature should move ahead with her proposal for reducing $1 billion in taxes over three years.The governor said “I urge legislators to work together to cut taxes in a way that continues our economic growth and maintains our solid fiscal foundation while benefitting all Kansans, not just those at the top,”.Rep. Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita, said the cost of the tax reform bill could reach $600 million annually when fully implemented, and the plan didn't do enough for the middle class in Kansas. He said a married couple earning $42,000 to $75,000 per year would only see an income tax reduction of about 75 cents.Rep. Trevor Jacobs of Fort Scott was among Republicans who opposed overriding Kelly's veto. He said the flat tax would force the state's working class to carry a larger burden of the state tax load. And the 2024 Legislature had sufficient time to develop an alternative that provided tax relief to all Kansans rather than just a select few.Good thinking! See it's not just Democrats who think KS Gov Laura Kelly knows what she's doing. Welp, that's it for me! From Denver I'm Sean Diller. Stories in today's show appeared first in the Missouri Independent, Kansas Reflector, Texas Tribune, and Capitol News Illinois. Thanks for listening, see you next time.  @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, Feb. 12  As WV adopts mobile licenses, digital identity fintech could be the wave of the future. From fire towers to treehouses, escape to a unique spring getaway in Almost Heaven. And WV is poised to become a hub of Advanced Air Mobility…on today's daily304. #1 – From FORBES – Digital identity may be the defining factor driving fintech adoption in 2024. It is also central to efforts aimed at reducing fraud and improving national security. A 2023 University of Maryland study found that almost one out of every 10 Americans lack a government issued photo identification card. The U.S. Department of Labor is using $1.6 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act to address digital identity verification at the state level, including $600 million to modernize vulnerable state IT systems and $380 million for fraud prevention. Separately, the Inflation Reduction Act included $500 million to establish Regional Technology Innovation Hubs. Out of this program, the state of West Virginia in collaboration with a consortium of Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, extraordinary entrepreneurs and venture investors were awarded a planning grant to align existing and new capabilities for identity and authentication efforts.  Read more: https://www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.forbes.com/sites/sarahbiller/2023/12/03/digital-identity-fintech-solutions-could-save-the-us-billions-of-dollars/amp/   #2 – From WV TOURISM – Head for the rolling green hills and plan an escape to Almost Heaven this spring. Breathe in fresh, mountain air while lodging at the most unique and charming accommodations. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and plug in to the beauty of West Virginia in a tiny home, glamping dome, fire tower or treetop villa. Reconnect with yourself and nature with a night away in a tiny home at Wildflower Vacation Rentals. This lovely a-frame is nestled within 20 secluded acres, powered by solar energy and a wood-fired stove.  Originally constructed in 1935, the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower stands 53 feet above the Seneca State Forest and gives way to jaw-dropping panoramic views of Almost Heaven. Make the climb up the 69 rugged steps and find a small living space, available for rent during the warmer months. For more spring getaway ideas, visit www.wvtourism.com. Read  more: https://wvtourism.com/unique-spring-stays/?_thumbnail_id=131324   #3 – From VERTX PARTNERS – Vertx Partners has announced the release of a groundbreaking Deloitte study assessing West Virginia's potential to become a hub for Advanced Air Mobility. The comprehensive study reveals key insights into the booming AAM market in the United States and positions West Virginia as a strategic player in this transformative industry.  Forecasted to contribute $115 billion to the U.S. economy by 2035 and create over 280,000 high-paying jobs, AAM presents a significant opportunity for West Virginia's economic and societal growth. While many national studies on AAM concentrate on urban applications, this report uniquely explores the potential and challenges of implementing AAM in rural settings. “This is a great opportunity for the state. West Virginia has the chance to lead an industry and build out the template that will be used not only for rural West Virginians but also for rural America as well,” Vertx President Sean Frisbee said. You can find the full study here. Read more: https://vertxpartners.org/vertx-partners-unveils-groundbreaking-economic-study/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Jan 26th            Publish Date:  Jan 25th    Commercial: From the Drake Realty Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, February 9th, and Happy 81st Birthday to singer Carole King. ***02.09.24 – BIRTHDAY – CAROLE KING*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Teen Driver Faces Charges in Fatal Accident Involving Pope High Student Local Marietta Resident Miraculously Survives Headshot During Motel 6 Robbery Attempt Pebblebrook High School Teens Arrested for Possession of Firearms on Campus   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU OF GA   STORY 1: 18-Year-Old Driver Charged in Crash That Killed Pope High Student An 18-year-old driver, Oliver Luis Roman, from Powder Springs, was arrested following a fatal car crash on Jan. 9 in Woodstock. The crash resulted in the deaths of two teens, Gabriel Escandon, 17, and Esteban Cortez-Rendon, 18. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office reported that the Mazda 6, carrying five occupants, left the roadway and hit a tree. Roman and two other teens were injured. Speed was identified as a contributing factor. Roman, a student at Hillgrove High School, faces charges including vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, and license violation. He is currently in custody without bond at the Cherokee County jail. STORY 2: Marietta Man Survives Gunshot to Head in Attempted Robbery at Motel 6 A Marietta man, Garrett Osteen, was shot in the head during an attempted robbery while dropping off a friend at a Motel 6 on Delk Road on Jan. 14. Five armed individuals, linked to a recent carjacking at Kennesaw State University, demanded money from Osteen and his friend Willie Ruffin. Osteen attempted to drive away but was fired upon, sustaining a head injury. Remarkably, Osteen recovered quickly and provided witness testimony the following day. Four suspects are in custody, with one juvenile outstanding. The arrests, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, are part of a larger crackdown on a series of carjackings and robberies. Collaboration between agencies and advanced technology have facilitated swift communication and coordination in combating crime. STORY 3: Teens Charged With Bringing Guns to Pebblebrook High School Two Mableton teenagers, Malik Ta'Veon Watkins, 18, and Heaven Marrow, 17, were arrested for bringing handguns, one of which was stolen, to Pebblebrook High School on Jan. 31. Watkins allegedly concealed a loaded Glock 44 handgun in Marrow's backpack to evade detection by staff. Both face charges including felony carrying weapons within a school safety zone and felony theft by receiving firearm. Marrow was arrested on-site by Cobb Schools Police, while Watkins was apprehended by Cobb County Police later. The school district emphasized adherence to policy and law, highlighting investments in safety measures like Cobb Shield, comprising trained police officers and crisis response systems to protect students and staff.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    Break:  GCPS LIVE READ ***GCPS READ*** Hey, Cobb County! Don't forget to add the GCPS Teacher Job Fair to your schedule for tomorrow! Join us on February 10th at 8am at the Gas South Convention Center. This is a golden opportunity to be a part of Gwinnett County Public Schools - Georgia's largest school district and a top employer recognized by Forbes. Whether you're kick-starting your career or seeking a change, your passion for education could find its perfect home with us. Say 'yes' to GCPS, where passion meets opportunity! STORY 4: Attorneys Accuse DA of Improper Handling of Police Shooting Case Attorneys representing the family of Devonte Brown, shot and killed by a Cobb police officer in 2021, allege that the Cobb District Attorney's office failed to present a complete case to the grand jury, which could have indicted the officer, Ian McConnell. Brown was killed after a car chase where he drove recklessly in a stolen vehicle. The DA's office disputes the claims, stating that investigations must be completed before presenting to the grand jury. Body camera footage showed McConnell firing 12 shots as Brown reversed his vehicle into police cars. Despite the grand jury's decision not to charge McConnell, attorneys argue for a special prosecutor and a fair presentation of evidence. The appointment of a special prosecutor would typically be overseen by the Prosecuting Attorney's Council of the state. STORY 5: School Safety Meeting Scheduled in Wake of McEachern High Shooting Cobb school board member Leroy Tre' Hutchins has organized a school safety town hall in response to the recent shooting at McEachern High School. Scheduled for Thursday night, the event aims to provide a platform for the community to express concerns and generate actionable solutions for Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and the school board. Notable attendees include Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield and state Rep. David Wilkerson. Hutchins hopes to address ongoing school safety efforts, particularly regarding the recent incidents involving firearms on campus. The town hall, open to all Cobb County residents, will be held at the Vaughn Cultural Arts Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. We'll be back in a moment.   Break: DRAKE STORY 6: 'A Bridge Builder': David Hankerson Remembered Cobb County Manager Jackie McMorris honored David Hankerson, the late county manager, at his funeral, recalling him as a respected figure known affectionately as "Mr. H." Hankerson, who passed away on Jan. 25 at 77, was remembered as a pioneering African American leader and the longest-serving county manager in Georgia history. Notable attendees included county officials and community leaders, all paying tribute to Hankerson's impactful legacy. Speakers highlighted Hankerson's leadership, compassion, and commitment to bridging divides within Cobb County. Family members shared personal anecdotes, describing Hankerson as a "savior in a suit" and a resilient figure who tackled challenges with unwavering strength. The funeral service, held at Turner Chapel AME Church, included military honors for Hankerson, a veteran of the U.S. Army. STORY 7: Boggs: Georgia court system still suffering staff shortages Georgia Chief Justice Michael Boggs addressed the decline in backlogs of court cases following the pandemic but highlighted ongoing shortages of prosecutors, public defenders, and other court staff. He noted that federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act has helped alleviate some staffing issues and upgrade technology in judicial circuits. However, Boggs emphasized the need for legislative support, including passing House Bill 947 to reform judge payment systems and proposed legislation to keep judges' personal information confidential due to increasing threats. Additionally, he mentioned revisions allowing spouses of active-duty service members to obtain provisional law licenses, aimed at increasing legal availability in rural areas. Break: INGLES 5  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     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: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com gcpsk12.org/jobs   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report is highlighting how federal COVID funds were used in Washington state to give $1,000 checks to illegal immigrants who were ineligible to receive federal economic impact payments during the pandemic due to their immigration status. The report, by the Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC), points to money administered by the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF), which was created by the American Rescue Plan Act and was intended to help state and local governments with their response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Washington state received $4.4 billion in funding overall from that program. The report from the group, which calls for a smaller federal government, highlighted how $340 million in funding went to a program that sent $1,000 checks to illegal immigrants in the state. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/darien-dunstan3/message

CTL Script/ Top Stories of January 27th         Publish Date: January 26th         From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast    Today is Saturday, January 27th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to musician Bobby 'Blue' Bland. ***01.27.24 – BIRTHDAY – BOBBY BLUE BAND*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Amazon Faces Unexpected Retail Challenger: A New Rival Rises Beyond Walmart Regional Honor Band Welcomes Selected Students from CCSD 'Work in Cherokee' Campaign Launched by COED President Misti Martin We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you're looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    Commercial: CU of GA   STORY 1: Forget Walmart, Amazon has a surprising huge new rival Amazon's massive infrastructure, including its network of warehouses and delivery fleet, creates a significant barrier for potential rivals. Walmart has come close to matching this advantage. Other players like Shopify have struggled to compete due to the immense costs involved in building a comparable infrastructure. FedEx, having decided to stop doing business with Amazon in 2019, has built a substantial delivery network nationally. Now, FedEx plans to offer its retailer customers access to an e-commerce platform named "fdx," leveraging its delivery capabilities and technology from the acquisition of ShopRunner in 2020. This move aims to revolutionize supply chain management and enhance FedEx's relationships with merchants. STORY 2: CCSD Students Selected for Regional Honor Band Sixty-five middle school band members from the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) have been selected for the Georgia Music Educators Association District 9 Honor Band. These students, chosen through December auditions, will participate in a clinic and performance in Blue Ridge on February 2-3. CCSD Superintendent Brian Hightower commended the achievement, emphasizing the importance of performing arts in middle schools and expressing gratitude to dedicated band teachers for providing exceptional instruction and opportunities. The selected students represent various middle schools, each led by their respective band directors.   STORY 3: COED President Misti Martin Announces 'Work in Cherokee' Campaign The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) is launching the Work in Cherokee campaign to boost the county's workforce, offering a $1,500 signing bonus to employees who relocate their jobs to Cherokee County after a 120-day employment period. Funded by American Rescue Plan Act relief funds, the campaign aims to attract and retain talent, foster innovative business investment, and enhance infrastructure. COED also plans a workforce analysis and website careers page update. The initiative aligns with Cherokee By Choice 2.0 goals. COED has previously assisted over $1 billion in investments and 8,000 job creations.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.    Back in a moment  Break: DRAKE – CHEROKEE CHAMBER   STORY 4: Police: Carjacking Led to Lockdown at KSU On Wednesday evening, a carjacking near KSU's campus prompted a nearly two-hour lockdown. Three men carjacked a 2023 Cadillac CT4, fleeing toward the KSU campus. The carjacked vehicle was located by the Cobb Police's Real Time Crime Center, leading KSU Police to issue a secure-in-place alert due to reports of an armed intruder on campus. Marquise Adams, 17, was apprehended with the stolen vehicle's keys after a foot chase, but two suspects remained at large. No shots were fired on campus, and there were no reported injuries. The secure-in-place alert was lifted at 8:18 p.m. as police continue to investigate. Contact the Cobb County Police Department with information at 770-499-4111. STORY 5: Cherokee County Student Selected for All-State Art Competition Woodstock High School junior Kate Bean has been chosen as one of 50 Georgia high school students for the All-State Art Symposium, hosted at Columbus State University. Out of over 2,000 student entries, Bean's painting titled "Still Life" earned her a spot in the statewide competition. She is a student of Woodstock High School visual arts teacher Lori Thompson. The Cherokee County School District expressed pride in Kate's achievement and acknowledged the role of fine arts programs in providing students with opportunities to nurture their talents and creativity. Kate will be honored at the school board meeting on February 15.   Commercial: GCPS – INGLES 3   STORY 6: Harry Johnston Shares 'State of Cherokee' At the Council for Quality Growth's 2024 State of Cherokee County event, Cherokee County Commission Chair Harry Johnston outlined plans for the county's future growth. Focusing on maintaining low taxes and high-quality services, Johnston emphasized the need to keep up with road work, prevent overwhelming growth, and address attainable housing challenges. He expressed the goal of maintaining expense growth below population growth and inflation. Johnston acknowledged the rising costs of public safety and the need for more funding for alternatives to incarceration. Slowing population growth to around 0.75% over 30 years and increasing road funding were highlighted as challenges and goals. STORY 7: Cherokee County Student Named Candidate for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Creekview High School senior Kinley Sikes has been selected as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, an elite national honor. Among 5,000 students nationwide and 207 from Georgia, Sikes was chosen based on her outstanding performance on the ACT or SAT. The next stage involves an application review considering academic excellence, personal character, leadership, and service activities. Finalists will be selected, with 161 Presidential Scholars named in the spring. As a National Merit Semifinalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, and STAR Student, Sikes has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and athletics.     We'll have closing comments after this.    COMMERCIAL: HELLER LAW   SIGN OFF –   Thanks again for listening to today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are what we do.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? 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: ingles-markets.com jeffhellerlaw.com drakerealty.com esogrepair.com cherokeechamber.com gcpsk12.org/jobs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do countries outside America support families and therefore lighten the mental load?What do nordic countries do to support families:Baby boxes with important newborn items to set families up for successPaid parental leave In Norway, parental leave is paid at full pay for the first 44 weeks or at 80% if parents opt to take 54 weeks. To encourage both parents to play their part, fathers must take at least six weeks' parental leave or risk the family losing payments for the same period.Free universal childcare from 18 mo - 7 yearsCapped childcare costsStrong gender equality in the workforce:Gender quotas legislate for a 40% female presence in the country's parliament and on business boards, resulting in a strong female presence – Norway's prime minister, minister of finance and minister of foreign affairs are all female, while women make up 41% of the C-suite.What happened to America?"Ronald Reagan: by 1980 the Moral Majority, the main Evangelical lobby, had almost half a million members (Diamond 174).2 These new activists had three priorities, and they were directly related to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and the issue of women's rights: the denunciation of homosexuality, the fight against abortion (which was famously declared constitutional by the Supreme Court with its Roe v. Wade decision in 1973), and the rejection of the ERA (the Equal Rights Amendment) (Martin 162-166, 193-194). In the late 1970s, Ronald Reagan quickly understood the incredible electoral potential of the Christian Right."These policies all hold women back economically by making childcare unaffordable (which means we have to puzzle piece it together).Once covid hit, moms were spending five hours a day more on chores than menHit women of color especially hard bc there are stricter gender normsWhen we're faced with this onslaught of policies that harm more than they help, we decide to leave the workforce. The nation loses a major economic factor:Household earnings therefore spending go downCompanies lose more workers and therefore innovationWhy don't we view it as economically beneficial to support families?America's lack of family support rests on a false assumption: that providing help discourages parents from taking responsibility for their children.And while other wealthy countries spend an average of $14,000each year per child on early-childhood care, the U.S. spends a miserly $500. Underlying each of these bleak truths appears to be the same, misguided belief: that government support for parents is at odds with parents being responsible for their kids.Helping parents is not the same as parenting, and support does not replace real-life parents.Why do we think tough love is good for families as policy?Treating parenting with punitive punishmentWhat are the good things to come from supporting families and why should we care?We know that in countries with greater gender inequality just closing the gap in women's labor force participation could increase economic output by an average of 35 percent. New Mexico used $77 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to create the Competitive Pay for Professionals (CPP) program to fund $3/hour pay increases for an estimated 16,000 child care staff.37 Iowa used $30 million to provide $1,000 and $2,000...

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Jan 20th         Publish Date:  Jan 19th    Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Saturday, January 20th and Happy 93rd Birthday to astronaut Buzz Aldrin. ***01.20.24 – BIRTHDAY – BUZZ ALDRIN*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Woman Charged with Manslaughter in Death of Six Flags Employee Acworth Police Name Suspect in Card Theft from Assisted Living Facility McEachern Basketball Standout JD Palm Has Both Kidneys Removed   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA    STORY 1: Woman Charged with Manslaughter in Death of Six Flags Employee A 27-year-old Austell woman, Asia Danielle Hendricks, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and six counts of reckless conduct in connection with the October 2023 death of Andrea Crook, a Six Flags employee. Hendricks was allegedly driving a van on the Six Flags Over Georgia grounds with multiple occupants in the rear cargo compartment, including two juveniles, without seatbelts or seats. The van's sliding door was reportedly open. Hendricks is accused of operating the van in a manner that ejected Crook while navigating a left curve, leading to serious head injuries. Crook was pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital. Hendricks was released on $27,720 bond. STORY 2: Acworth Police Name Suspect in Card Theft from Assisted Living Facility The Acworth Police Department has identified Markinious Katrell Hartfield of New Orleans as the suspect who allegedly used stolen credit and debit cards from an assisted living facility. Hartfield, who presents as female despite being male, is charged with first-degree burglary, credit card forgery, identity theft, and exploiting a disabled or elderly person. He has multiple arrests for similar incidents in other jurisdictions. The stolen cards were used at Walmart, and Hartfield was captured on surveillance cameras. The suspect, not employed by the facility, allegedly entered the business wearing scrubs similar to staff uniforms, checking residents' doors and entering unlocked rooms. Acworth Police suspect additional victims and encourage residents to check financial statements for fraudulent activities.     STORY 3: McEachern Basketball Standout JD Palm Has Both Kidneys Removed McEachern High School junior center JD Palm is facing a critical situation as he underwent surgery to remove both kidneys due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, diagnosed last spring. The 6-foot-10, 210-pound player, once a five-star prospect, urgently needs a kidney donor. Despite the kidney disease diagnosis in 2022, Palm played limited minutes in the 2022-23 season, dealing with constant headaches and high blood pressure. Now in need of a donor, Palm's coach, Tremayne Anchrum Sr., is reaching out for help, emphasizing the urgency of finding a match for the young player. JD Palm aspires to return to school after the surgery. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back.   Break: ESOG STORY 4: 'Good and Evil': Ragsdale Plans to Continue Banning Books in Cobb County Schools Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale has expressed his intention to continue banning books in the district, emphasizing the removal of "sexually explicit, lewd, and pornographic" material. Ragsdale commended Marietta City Schools for their similar efforts. The initial bans were prompted by an email from the right-wing social media group Libs of TikTok. Ragsdale asserted that once sexually explicit content is identified, it is the district's responsibility to protect students and inform parents. The ongoing review aims to identify and remove such materials. Critics argue that the bans disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ content, leading to concerns about the targeting of the LGBTQ+ community. Public commenters, including high school senior Ava Bussey, expressed opposition to the book bans, citing the impact on LGBTQ+ students and urging the district to listen to students' needs for a successful learning environment. STORY 5: Cobb Leaders Break Ground on Mableton Workforce Development Center Cobb County is set to establish the Cobb WorkSource Center in Mableton, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by over 50 people. The $4 million project, funded by $2.8 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and grants, aims to become a hub for workforce development, offering training rooms, a computer lab, and business coaching services. The 10,000-square-foot center will replace Cobb Fire Station 1 on Mableton Parkway, addressing the need for workforce development services in the southern part of the county. The initiative aligns with the county's commitment to equity, focusing on areas with high concentrations of low-income and minority communities. We'll be back in a moment.   Break: GCPS   STORY 6: Ragsdale Announces Location for $50 Million Event Center The Cobb County Board of Education plans to build a $50 million, 8,000-seat event building on Glover Street next to the district's headquarters. The facility, approved in a 6-1 vote in March 2023, is intended for hosting events like science fairs, art presentations, and graduation ceremonies. The property, spanning over 10 acres, includes the former A1 Rental facility, the district's police department headquarters, and a demolished building at 440 Glover Street. The new event center aims to fill a void in the northern part of Cobb County, providing a space for various activities. Board member Becky Sayler has expressed concerns about additional costs and lack of clarity regarding the project's expenses. Board Chairman Randy Scamihorn anticipates the new facility's potential and the need for improvements to the police department headquarters, with construction timelines yet to be determined. STORY 7: 'A Different Mindset': Cobb School Board Talks New Career Center The Cobb County School Board is considering options to enhance post-secondary education by approving an architect for a new career center in north Cobb. The board plans to engage Atlanta-based Collins Cooper Carusi Architects to design the center, funded by the sixth education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (Ed-SPLOST) at an estimated cost of over $700,000. The center, mandated to be in north Cobb per the SPLOST project list, aims to provide students with alternative pathways to traditional four-year colleges. The district is currently exploring suitable locations for the center, with a central north Cobb location suggested for better accessibility. Additionally, the board discussed the development of a $50 million multi-use facility approved in March 2023, which is expected to host various events such as science fairs, arts presentations, and graduation ceremonies. BREAK: DRAKE STORY 8: Major airline fires back at analyst over bankruptcy claims The airline industry, known for its challenges, faces uncertainties with potential bankruptcies. Warren Buffett's past skepticism resonates, as airlines like JetBlue and Spirit grapple with financial woes. Analysts, including TD Cowen's Helene Becker, express concerns about Spirit Airlines' survival, pointing to its debt and financial constraints. While Spirit denies pursuing Chapter 11, analysts suggest bankruptcy restructuring as a viable option. The airline's future hinges on debtholder cooperation, given its financial vulnerabilities. Fitch Ratings urges a clear liquidity plan. Despite potential disruptions, bankruptcy doesn't guarantee passenger abandonment. Spirit's decision to resist a merger with JetBlue adds complexity to its fate, impacting consumers and the airline industry. Spirit asserts ongoing efforts to fortify its balance sheet and operations.   Break: INGLES 1 – Henssler :60  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     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: henssler.com ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com esogrepair.com gcpsk12.org/jobs   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Nov 18th      Publish Date:  Nov 17th       Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Saturday, November 18th and Happy Birthday to Alan Shepard.  ***MERCURY LAUNCH*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  GBI IDs Cobb man shot by police Wednesday 'It's Major League': The Extension Opens New $7 Million Facility False Code Red at East Cobb Middle Due to 'Human Error'   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA    STORY 1: GBI IDs Cobb man shot by police Wednesday The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified Peter Luna-Lopez, 26, as the man fatally shot by police in Cobb County. The incident occurred during a traffic stop related to an ongoing drug investigation. Luna-Lopez, armed and a subject of the probe, fled the stop, prompting an officer to use her patrol car to force his vehicle off the road. Subsequently, officers approached Luna-Lopez's truck and shot into it, causing his death. He was found with a handgun. The Cobb County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy, and the GBI's investigation will be reviewed by the Cobb District Attorney's Office upon completion.   STORY 2: 'It's Major League': The Extension Opens New $7 Million Facility The Tyler A. Driver Center, a new $7 million facility, has been officially opened by The Extension Rehabilitation Center in Marietta. The center, located on Church Street Extension near Kennestone Hospital, accommodates 52 men and replaces a smaller building on the same site. The facility, providing long-term residential treatment for homeless and addicted individuals, increases capacity by 70%. With dedicated therapy rooms and offices for counselors, it offers improved amenities. Funded mainly by private donors, the center aims to address substance abuse issues and contribute to community balance. Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady Jr. emphasized the program's role in rehabilitating individuals with substance abuse problems involved in the criminal justice system. STORY 3: False Code Red at East Cobb Middle Due to 'Human Error' A false code red alarm at East Cobb Middle School this week was attributed to human error, as stated by the Cobb County School District. A staff member triggered the alarm, but there was no actual threat, and normal operations resumed swiftly. This incident follows previous false alarms in the district since implementing the Centegix crisis alert system. The system utilizes badges for staff to rapidly alert law enforcement in case of an attack. Safety remains a priority in the district, with Superintendent Chris Ragsdale emphasizing the normalization of red alert drills to become as routine as fire drills, as mandated by state law.     We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back    Break: ESOG – ELON – DAYCO    STORY 4: MLB All-Star Game Coming to Truist Park in 2025 Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that Cobb County's Truist Park will host the MLB All-Star Game in 2025. This will be the 95th Midsummer Classic, the first at Truist Park, and the third in Atlanta. The decision follows the controversy surrounding the relocation of the 2021 All-Star Game from Truist Park to Coors Field in Colorado due to Georgia's voting law, Senate Bill 202. The move resulted in a political dispute between Democrats and Republicans. The 2025 All-Star Game at Truist Park is seen as a positive development for the Braves and the community, with expectations of creating memorable experiences and economic benefits.   STORY 5: Marietta Dentist Provides Free Treatment for Rehab Residents Residents of The Extension Rehabilitation Center's recovery program in Marietta received free dental cleanings, boosting their confidence and overall health. Envision Dental Marietta, led by dentist Priyanka Seekand, provided dental hygiene cleanings for 18 participants, addressing a significant need for various dental treatments. Seekand expressed passion for holistic patient care and viewed the event as a starting point to enhance residents' health. The cleanings not only contribute to improved health but also boost residents' self-esteem. Seekand aims to make this initiative an annual event for The Extension, emphasizing the positive impact on the community and the organization. Tyler Driver, the executive director of The Extension, commended Seekand and her staff for their community-oriented work. We'll be back in a moment  Break: TEDS - DRAKE – INGLES 6   STORY 6: Commission OKs bus vouchers and funds for MUST Ministries Warming Shelter The Cobb Board of Commissioners approved a $108,000 agreement with MUST Ministries to support its Hope House homeless shelter during cold weather. The funding will cover expenses like cleaning supplies, security, staff, food, and transportation for families when the temperature is 35 degrees or lower. Commissioner Keli Gambrill opposed the agreement, expressing concerns about guaranteeing funding in advance and the perceived singling out of MUST Ministries. The county aims to serve a broader population beyond those with limited transportation options provided by MUST Ministries. Gambrill drew parallels to the equitable distribution of COVID relief funds under the American Rescue Plan Act.   STORY 7: Kennesaw State School of Art and Design Students to Offer Inaugural Holiday Artist Market Students from Kennesaw State University's School of Art and Design are hosting the inaugural Holiday Artist Market on December 1 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Visual Arts Building on the Kennesaw campus. The market will feature handcrafted items made by students, including pottery, art prints, stickers, plushies, comics, tote bags, jewelry, 3D prints, paintings, and illustrations. With support from the School of Art and Design and the Spring Arts Festival Committee, the event is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for art lovers to purchase unique holiday gifts while supporting student artists. Break: Henssler :60  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     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.  www.henssler.com  www.inglesmarkets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.jrmmanagement.com  #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Biden's first two years in office resulted in several landmark laws: the American Rescue Plan Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS & Science Act, and more. During that time, this episode's guest, Louisa Terrell, served as Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. In this episode, hear Louisa discuss her journey to the West Wing and how she helped the President achieve historic wins under incredibly challenging circumstances.Follow STAFFER on Twitter • Facebook • Instagram

A tidal wave of federal money is set to flow into communities across the country as programs like the American Rescue Plan Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act disperse funding. Andy speaks with Marguerite Casey Foundation president Dr. Carmen Rojas about how to make sure that money goes into the right hands. They also discuss the brightsides of COVID, how to make the government work for us, and why liberal movements must include poor white people. Keep up with Andy on Post and Twitter @ASlavitt. Follow Carmen Rojas on Twitter @crojasphd. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.    Support the show by checking out our sponsors! Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: https://lemonadamedia.com/sponsors/    Check out these resources from today's episode:  Learn more about what the Marguerite Casey Foundation supports: https://www.caseygrants.org/ Find vaccines, masks, testing, treatments, and other resources in your community: https://www.covid.gov/ Order Andy's book, “Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the U.S. Coronavirus Response”: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250770165  Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.  For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com/show/inthebubble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.