EAST METRO Top Stories for July 4th
Publish Date: July 4th
From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to The Community Podcast. This Podcast brings you the top stories from the Rockdale-Newton Citizen and the Morgan Citizen.
Today is Friday, July 4th and Happy birthday to Bill Withers
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sodas
These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan Counties! Please like, follow, and subscribe.
BREAK: Ingles Markets
STORY 1: Rivian opponents face risk of paying legal fees in failed lawsuits
Six plaintiffs opposing the Rivian Automotive plant in Morgan County face $540,883 in legal fees after losing lawsuits aimed at halting the project. The state and Joint Development Authority (JDA) seek reimbursement, claiming the lawsuits wasted taxpayer dollars. The plaintiffs, supported by the No2Rivian group, argue the fee recovery is an attempt to silence opposition and have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $1 million. Critics call the move punitive, while the JDA defends it as protecting public funds. A hearing on the fees is set for August 13, with Rivian’s project currently paused but backed by a $5 billion federal loan.
STORY 2: Pearl-Burney to hold 55th reunion
The Pearl-Burney Alumni Association will celebrate its 55th Anniversary Reunion on Saturday, July 19, at the Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club Gymnasium in Madison, Georgia. All former faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to honor the legacy of Pearl and Burney Street schools. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the program starting at 4 p.m., featuring light refreshments. The event aims to preserve cherished memories and foster community spirit.
STORY 3: Woman with ties to Conyers convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering
Monica Dominguez Torres, 36, has been convicted for leading a transnational drug trafficking and money laundering ring. Operating methamphetamine conversion labs in Atlanta, her organization funneled millions in drug proceeds to Mexico while purchasing luxury homes, vehicles, and goods to conceal illicit wealth. Federal agents seized $3.6 million in cash, firearms, and assets, dismantling the operation. Dominguez faces sentencing on September 15, with potential penalties including up to life in prison and millions in fines. Authorities praised the collaborative effort to bring her to justice and remove the network from the community.
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We’ll be right back
Break: Ingles Markets
STORY 4: Churches Teach Kids About Jesus At VBS
This summer, Madison Presbyterian Church, Fusion Church of Madison, and Centennial Baptist Church hosted camps and Vacation Bible Schools in Morgan County, offering kids fun-filled opportunities to connect with God’s Word. Activities ranged from campfires and learning Christ’s values at Madison Presbyterian, to a circus-themed Camp 441 at Fusion Church, where kids studied Psalm 23 and King David’s life. Centennial’s “Wonder Junction” took children on a wild west journey, raising funds for ministry while exploring the life of Christ. Through crafts, games, and Bible stories, kids memorized scripture, deepened their faith, and felt loved by dedicated volunteers.
STORY 5: Big Haynes Creek Nature Center featured in acclaimed new hiking guidebook
Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (BHCNC) has been featured in the book *Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests: Intown and Out* by Jonah McDonald and Zana Pouncey, highlighting it as one of the best hiking trails near Atlanta. To celebrate, a book signing and meet-and-greet with the authors will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m., followed by an all-ages hike. The book showcases 60 trails within 30 miles of Atlanta, offering maps, directions, and accessibility tips. BHCNC, located at the Georgia International Horse Park, is open daily with free admission.
We’ll be back in a moment
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sodas
-Interview-
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: Ingles Markets
Signoff-
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Community 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 https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/ and https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/
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