Funeral Services Announced for Laken Riley

Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast

CTL Script/ Top Stories of February 27th

Publish Date: February 26th

From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast

Today is Tuesday, February 27th, and Happy 42nd Birthday to singer Josh Groban.

***02.27.24 - BIRTHDAY – JOSH GROBAN

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.

1. Funeral Services Announced for Laken Riley
2. 16 Sentenced in Connection With 2020 Acworth Murder
3. Person Killed in Ga. 372 Crash. What We Know

Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath to discuss food products from other stores.

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: Funeral Services Announced for Laken Riley

Funeral arrangements have been set for Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student tragically killed on the University of Georgia campus. A visitation and funeral service are scheduled for March 1 at Woodstock City Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to her GoFundMe will fund the Laken Hope Riley Foundation, dedicated to raising homicide awareness and women's safety. Riley was a devoted nursing student, church member, and sorority sister, known for her caring nature. Her death, resulting from blunt force trauma, shocked the community. The suspect, Jose Ibarra, remains in custody without bond, facing multiple charges including murder and kidnapping. Ibarra, a Venezuelan national, entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and has no apparent connection to Riley.

STORY 2: 16 Sentenced in Connection With 2020 Acworth Murder

Sixteen individuals have been convicted and sentenced in connection with a 2020 fatal shooting in Cherokee County, Georgia. The case involved gang-related crimes including murder, armed robbery, drug charges, and racketeering. The defendants were involved in a complex drug trafficking organization linked to Sureños (SUR 13) and Ghost Face Gangsters. The events leading to the murder began with a drug deal gone wrong, resulting in a retaliation that culminated in the fatal shooting of Jon-David Russel Johnson. The defendants received sentences ranging from life in prison to probation, with some sentenced as recidivist offenders. The case highlights law enforcement efforts to dismantle criminal gangs and drug trafficking organizations.

STORY 3: Person Killed in Ga. 372 Crash. What We Know

A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Friday at Highway 372 and Preserve Parkway near Ball Ground, as reported by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office. The collision involved a pickup truck traveling north on Highway 372 crossing the center line and colliding with an SUV traveling in the opposite direction. One passenger in the SUV, a woman, succumbed to her injuries at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, while the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the truck was unharmed. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin. The intersection was temporarily closed but has since reopened, while investigations into the crash continue.

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Back in a moment

Break: DRAKE – CHEROKEE CHAMBER

STORY 4: Woodstock Voters to Decide in May on Senior Tax Break Amendment

Residents of Woodstock will vote in May on amending the city's senior homestead property tax exemption to include a residency requirement for future beneficiaries. House Bill 1013, signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, calls for a referendum requiring seniors receiving the exemption to have lived in Woodstock for five years. The bill, supported by Woodstock City Council, aims to ensure fairness and sustainability of the benefit amidst growing city population. Seniors 62 and older currently qualify for the exemption without income or home value limits. Additionally, Senate Bill 388 proposes eliminating the cap on school property taxes for Cherokee County seniors, subject to voter approval in May. If passed, both measures would take effect in 2025.

STORY 5: Thomas' Political Ad Deepfake Bill Clears Georgia House

The Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 986, criminalizing the use of "deepfakes" to impersonate political candidates in campaign ads. Perpetrators of such deepfakes within 90 days of an election could face two to five years in prison and a fine up to $50,000. Exceptions are made for satire, parody, artistic expression, and journalism. Supporters argue that the bill protects election integrity, while opponents argue it infringes on free speech rights. The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

Commercial: HENRY CO SHERIFFS

STORY 6: INGLES - LEAH

And now here is Bruce Jenkins conversation with Leah McGrath

We’ll have closing comments after this.

COMMERCIAL: INGLES 3

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.

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