Athens News Matters

Athens News Matters for October 22, 2021

WUGA | By Chris Shupe,

Published October 22, 2021 at 1:55 PM EDT

This week on Athens News Matters, District 7 Commissioner Russell Edwards joins Chris Shupe to discuss the formation of a civilian police oversight board, the future of a local eviction relief plan and more. Misinformation on the COVID-19 vaccine is killing Georgians because many say the science keeps changing. ACC voters will be deciding on the renewal of a one percent sales tax for eduction improvements. Two health communicators sit down with Chris Shupe to discuss the hardships and the importance of communications between public health officials and the public. A new study has found that social media could be impacting the perceptions of romantic relationships, consent, and social activity. Early voting is underway in Clarke County. Plus, Alexia Ridley sits down with this week's panel to discuss the thumbs-down on a vaccine mandate for district staff as well as they break down the week in current news and politics.

Athens News Matters

Chris Shupe

Chris Shupe was the Program Director of WUGA from 2014-2022. Shupe may be best known as The Athens King, a tribute to Elvis Presley, which often included an 8 piece show band! After two years as a part-time announcer, Chris Shupe joined WUGA full time as the station’s Morning Edition Host and Assistant Operations Director. He was later promoted to PD in 2014.

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Alexia Ridley

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!

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Martin Matheny

Martin Matheny was formerly WUGA's Program Director and a host and producer of our local news program 'Athens News Matters.' He started at WUGA in 2012 as a part-time classical music host and still hosts WUGA's longest-running local program 'Night Music' which was heard on WUGA and GPB Classical. He is now the Morning Edition Host for Delaware First Media.

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