Athens News Matters

Athens News Matters for February 4, 2022

By Martin Matheny,

Published February 4, 2022 at 1:39 PM EST

This week on Athens News Matters, ACC District 9 Commissioner Ovita Thornton discusses the local redistricting maps process, and her recent decision that drew anger from some residents. Cameron Harrelson from Athens PRIDE joins Chris Shupe to discuss the recent controversy over the Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School administrator who invoked Nazi symbolism. Documents reveal Georgia Power went to great lengths to advocate for risky waste storage. A new bill could incentivize more organ donations. Megan Wahn has the story on the new fruit that is taking root in Georgia. The UGA Wellbeing Coordinator joins the team to discuss how a few deep breaths could greatly impact your stress and anxiety levels. Our Panel discusses an eventful week in news and politics in Athens.

Tags

Athens News Matters WUGA News

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.

See stories by Martin Matheny

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.

See stories by Chris Shupe

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!

See stories by Alexia Ridley