GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 11/14– Published Friday 11/17 From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast. This podcast features stories compiled from the publications of Times Journal Inc. Today is Sunday, November 17th and Happy birthday to Tom Seaver ***11.17.24 - BIRTHDAY – TOM SEAVER*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty State prisons chief pitches case for funding boost Georgia House Republicans Retain Leadership Team Rep. Greene Says She's Staying In The House To Help Trump We’ll have these stories and more, coming up on your Georgia News Podcast and If you want community, local, and statewide news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Geoff) Story 1: State prisons chief pitches case for funding boost Georgia Department of Corrections officials are preparing for increased state funding to address staffing shortages, infrastructure issues, and inmate health care improvements. The correctional officer workforce has struggled with high turnover rates, peaking at over 40% during the pandemic. Commissioner Tyrone Oliver highlighted challenges in retaining officers due to better opportunities elsewhere. Infrastructure deterioration poses safety risks, and there's a push for more single-bunk cells to reduce inmate assaults. The department also faces issues with contraband and rising health-care costs due to an aging inmate population. Funding for these improvements is expected to be a priority in the 2025 legislative session. Story 2: Georgia House Republicans Retain Leadership Team The Georgia House Republican Caucus has reelected its entire leadership team for the upcoming two-year term starting in January. Rep. Chuck Efstration will continue as House majority leader, with Rep. James Burchett as majority whip. Other leaders include Reps. Bruce Williamson, Houston Gaines, and Ginny Ehrhart. Speaker Jon Burns and Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones were also renominated. Despite losing two seats in the recent election, Republicans maintain a 100-80 seat majority over Democrats. The House Democratic Caucus is set to elect its leadership team soon. Story 3: Rep. Greene Says She's Staying In The House To Help Trump Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene confirmed she will remain in the House, dismissing rumors of a Cabinet role in the upcoming Trump administration. President-elect Donald Trump announced key appointments, including South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security and Tom Homan as "border czar," roles Greene had shown interest in. Trump also named Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense and John Ratcliffe as CIA Director. Additionally, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" to advise on reducing government spending, though it won't be part of the federal government. We’ll be right back Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) Story 4: University System Sets Enrollment Record The University System of Georgia has reached a record high enrollment of nearly 365,000 students this fall, marking a 5.9% increase from last year. This growth is largely driven by a 27% rise in out-of-state students since 2020, attributed to factors like Georgia's open status during the pandemic. Dual enrollment has surged by 53.5% since 2020, and the system has become more diverse, with increases in Latino and Asian student populations. The Board of Regents approved policy changes focusing on merit-based admissions and hiring, eliminating diversity statements. Additionally, a $25 million renovation of Georgia Tech's basketball facilities was authorized. Story 5: Automated warehouse services company building distribution center in Georgia GreenBox Systems LLC is set to invest $144 million in a new distribution facility in Butts County, Georgia, creating over 300 jobs. The 1-million-square-foot automated facility will employ various roles, including automation operators, forklift operators, and logistics coordinators, serving regional retailers. Operations are slated to start late next year. The project was facilitated by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Butts County Development Authority, and other partners. Job opportunities will be available on the company's career page as they arise. We’ll be right back. Break: Ingles Markets 7 Story 6: Biden welcomes Trump back to the White House President Biden welcomed President-elect Trump to the White House for a traditional meeting, emphasizing a smooth transition of power. Despite past tensions, Biden aims to restore the norm of peaceful power transfer. The two leaders planned a private Oval Office meeting, with Biden instructing aides to ensure an efficient transition. Trump, who previously refused to acknowledge his 2020 election ...
