Athens News Podcast: 9/30/23
1. Georgia track and field star Matthew Boling makes call on stay-or-go decision
Matthew Boling, Georgia Bulldogs track and field star, is turning pro to focus on his Olympic dreams. Despite having one more year of eligibility, Boling, known for viral videos and marketability, ran for Team USA at the World Athletics Championships, winning gold. His achievements include NCAA titles, SEC honors, and being the only four-time SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Boling, with sponsorships from Dunkin, Nike, and others, plans to make the U.S. Olympic team at the 2024 trials for the Paris games. He aims to leave no stone unturned in his journey, embracing the next step……….This from the Athens Banner Herald
1. ACC officer arrests couple for selling laughing gas in downtown Athens
An Athens-Clarke County police officer arrested a couple in downtown Athens for selling balloons filled with Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The officer observed people with balloons on a corner and found the couple selling them in a parking deck. Initially claiming it was helium, the man admitted it was laughing gas. The officer, recognizing the drug’s common inhalation use, credited the arrest to a “watchful eye.” The couple faces misdemeanor charges, and their three children, left alone in a parked car, were taken into custody by the State Department of Family and Children Services………..This from WUGA
1. New Program Helps People Expunge Their Criminal Records
The Georgia Justice Project is inaugurating the Athens Second Chance Desk, a free resource in collaboration with the Solicitor General’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. The program aids Athens and Oconee County residents with criminal histories by offering assistance to restrict and seal eligible records. This two-step process limits public access to criminal history information, potentially improving employment, housing, and education opportunities. The Second Chance Desk aims to address the complexities of record expungement and removal, providing legal guidance to individuals seeking a fresh start. The office, open monthly, requires registration for appointments………..This from the Flagpole
1. This UGA art professor turned her home into a gallery to display her neighbor’s paintings
Congress is in a sharp divide over preventing a federal government shutdown, which would lead to furloughs, military without pay, air travel disruptions, and cut vital services. The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia’s Director of Development, Kelly Klein, emphasizes the impact in Athens, where the food bank serves a 14-county area. The Senate proposed a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to avert a shutdown until November 17th, but it faces challenges in the House. The House aims for an 8% federal spending cut, stricter border security, and reduced aid to Ukraine, while the Senate suggests adding $6 billion to Ukraine and $6 billion for U.S. disaster relief……….This from WUGA
1. ACC officer confronts man outside courthouse, ends up in fight:
An off-duty Athens-Clarke police officer, arriving for a court matter, intervened in a potential crime outside the Clarke County Courthouse. Upon questioning a man attempting to enter a Sheriff’s Office vehicle, the man assumed a fighting stance and charged the officer. Despite a Clarke County deputy’s attempt to assist, the suspect broke free and ran. After a pursuit, the officers apprehended the 33-year-old homeless man near a federal building, where he resisted arrest by kicking. A Taser was used to subdue him, and he now faces charges including obstruction, battery on a police officer, and disorderly conduct. The officer was unharmed, but his suit was torn during the scuffle………..This from Athens – Banner Herald
1. Commissioners Have Mixed Reactions to Housing, Homelessness Studies:
Athens commissioners are divided over accepting recommendations from two studies on affordable housing and homelessness. Some express skepticism, with Commissioner Thornton stating she didn’t support the homelessness study and feared spending more might attract more homeless people. Commissioner Culpepper called for “barriers” to prevent homeless individuals from entering the county. The affordable housing study highlights a gap between housing costs and affordability, suggesting a $3.3 million annual contribution to an affordable housing fund. The homelessness study recommends allocating $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Homeless Coalition for staffing, outreach, and shelter beds, with urgency as funds must be spent by 2026…………This from the Flagpole
1. UGA receives $7.2M grant for more electric buses:
The University of Georgia (UGA)…