Athens News Matters

Athens News Matters for January 28, 2022

By Chris Shupe,

Published January 28, 2022 at 1:33 PM EST

This week on Athens News Matters, the team discusses the recent investigation of an Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary staff member who allegedly compared a student's artwork to that of Nazi symbolism. Mayor Kelly Girtz joins the WUGA team to discuss the highly debated redistricting plans for Clarke County. GPB's Grant Blankenship has the story on the US Department of Justice's ongoing Civil Rights investigation of the Georgia Department of Corrections. January is Radon Awareness Month, an expert joins the team to discuss what Radon is and steps you can take to keep your home safe. Journalist Adam Clair sits down with Alexia Ridley to discuss his new book Elephant 6. Our panel discusses the recent issues in local 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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