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Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell answer listener questions in this Monday mailbag episode of Politically Georgia. They start with whether Senate Republicans made a strategic mistake by voting against Affordable Care Act health care subsidies as costs rise for Georgians. They explain why Democrats forced those votes, how GOP candidates are defending them, and why the issue is likely to loom large in the U.S. Senate race. They also touch on a brewing fight over “academic redshirting” in Georgia schools, the state of the governor's race, and growing scrutiny of mystery political ads targeting Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Greg and Tia break down what the law requires when it comes to disclosure, why the ads live in a legal gray area, and how dark money is already shaping Georgia's 2026 elections. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 21st Publish Date: January 21st Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Wednesday, January 21st and Happy Birthday to Jack Nicklaus I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! BREAK: INGLES 7 STORY 1: Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee Seventh-grader Ella Grace Beard from Marietta Middle School clinched the top spot at the Marietta City Schools spelling bee on Friday, sealing her victory with the word “allergenic.” The competition was intense—10 students, each a champion from their school, battled it out for 26 rounds. Now, Ella Grace is headed to the Georgia District 2 spelling bee in Cherokee County. Her dad, Jason Beard, couldn’t be prouder. “She’s been studying like crazy—she even got a dictionary for Christmas last year,” he shared. Superintendent Grant Rivera, who handed out trophies to Ella Grace and runner-up Sreenika Arcot, called the spelling bee one of the most stressful events of the year. Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, praised the event as a celebration of intelligence. Words like “archetype” and “tenement” challenged the spellers, but Ella Grace rose to the occasion. Now, she’s ready for the next round. STORY 2: Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens had a simple message at the Cobb Chamber luncheon: when Atlanta thrives, the whole region wins. Borrowing JFK’s famous line, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” Dickens made it clear that Atlanta’s success ripples far beyond city limits. Take the FIFA World Cup, for example. Starting in June, Atlanta will host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the impact? It’ll stretch across the metro—Cobb County, Truist Park, Six Flags, Marietta Square. Through “Showcase Atlanta,” a leadership initiative chaired by Dickens, Arthur Blank, and UPS CEO Carol Tomé, the city plans to maximize the World Cup’s economic impact while spotlighting Atlanta’s culture and hospitality. And it’s not just about FIFA—Atlanta’s hosting the Super Bowl in 2028 and the NCAA Final Four in 2031. But Dickens didn’t shy away from challenges. With the metro population expected to grow by 1.8 million by 2050, he stressed the need for affordable housing and better transportation. “Teachers, first responders—they’re being priced out of the communities they serve. That’s a loss for all of us,” he said. And traffic? Atlanta’s infamous for it. Dickens wants to change that, starting with MARTA expansion into Cobb and Gwinnett. “We can’t keep doing this one-person-per-car thing forever,” he said. Dickens closed with a reminder: safety, health, opportunity—these aren’t partisan issues. “We all want thriving communities,” he said. “That’s something we can all agree on.” STORY 3: Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty Jordan Dean, 30, of Marietta, is facing an animal cruelty charge after what authorities describe as a heartbreaking case involving his Great Dane, Snoop. On Oct. 23, 2025, Dean reportedly brought Snoop to Cobb County Animal Services, claiming he’d found the dog as a stray near a Walgreens on Canton Road. But Snoop’s condition told a different story. Severely emaciated, his ribs and bones jutted out—no fat, barely any muscle. A cruelty exam scored Snoop at 1/9 on the body condition scale. He weighed just 50 pounds. After care, he reached 107 pounds with no medical issues causing the weight loss. Dean was arrested Jan. 5 and released the next day on a $10,000 bond. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 7 STORY 4: Where the sidewalk ends: Mableton mayor talks SPLOST goals Mableton Mayor Michael Owens has his sights set on two big priorities: public safety and economic growth. And with the upcoming vote on a 1% special sales tax (SPLOST), he sees a chance to make it happen. If approved, the 2028 SPLOST would bring $97.6 million to Mableton—its first time creating its own project list since becoming a city in 2022. For Owens, it’s a defining moment. Top of the list? Sidewalks. “It’s the one thing everyone’s asking for,” Owens said, pointing to gaps along Veterans Memorial Highway and Nickajack Road. Parks, neighborhoods, and even businesses are disconnected, making walking unsafe—or impossible. But sidewalks are just the start. Owens envisions SPLOST funds going toward civic spaces, recreation centers, and even office parks to attract businesses. “You drive down Veterans Memorial, and it’s all shopping centers—no office buildings, no tech parks. That has to change,” he said. For Owens, the November vote is more than a tax—it’s a chance for Mableton residents to shape their city’s future. STORY 5: Marietta Police paint vibrant interrogation room for child witnesses, victims The Marietta Police Department has turned one of its interview rooms into something truly special—a space designed with kids in mind. Gone are the cold, blank walls. In their place? A vibrant, hand-painted mural that feels more like a storybook than a police station. It’s colorful, calming, and, most importantly, comforting—created to help children, especially those who’ve experienced trauma, feel a little less scared during tough conversations. Marietta High School art teachers Amanda Rudolph and Katherine Robinson, along with students from the National Art Honor Society, poured their hearts into this project. The department’s goal? To make sure every child feels protected and heard. Break: STORY 6: Mableton earns recognition as environmentally friendly city Mableton just snagged some serious recognition for going green. Mayor Michael Owens and city council members accepted the Silver-level Green Communities certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). It’s a big deal—proof that the city’s making real moves to cut its environmental impact. How’d they do it? Think tree preservation ordinances, a community composting program, expanded recycling, and even switching to a 100% electric vehicle fleet. Practical stuff with long-term impact. The certification also boosts Mableton’s chances for state and federal grants, meaning more investment without raising taxes. The Green Communities program evaluates cities on their environmental performance, and Mableton’s efforts earned them a spot among metro Atlanta’s leaders. But the work doesn’t stop here—the certification lasts four years, and the city will need to keep proving its commitment to stay certified. STORY 7: Senate bill would hold down property tax increases that fund Georgia schools Georgia lawmakers are back at it, debating how to handle property taxes—and this time, they’re eyeing a cap tied to inflation. A new bill from Senate Republicans would force all school systems to limit property tax hikes, even as rising home values push assessments higher. Here’s the twist: last year, 71% of Georgia’s school systems voted to reject a similar cap. Why? Because it slashes funding for education. If this bill passes, schools would lose the ability to tax property values that outpace inflation, leaving them scrambling to cover costs. Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, the bill’s sponsor, argues it’s about fairness. The bill would also impact city and county governments that opted out of last year’s cap. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones called it a priority, saying it’s about “putting more money back in Georgians’ pockets.” Meanwhile, other tax proposals are swirling at the Capitol—like eliminating income taxes or ending homestead property taxes altogether. Gov. Brian Kemp? He’s pushing for tax rebates and a slight income tax cut. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 7 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal 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 www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Top Stories for January 20th Publish Date: January 20th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, January 20th and Happy Birthday to Buzz Aldrin I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Stone Mountain Park preparing to host Lunar New Year Festival 'Be ready to belly laugh' — Aurora Theatre staging 'The Play That Goes Wrong' as part of 30th anniversary season Gwinnett Chamber welcomes new board members for 2026 All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia - Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink STORY 1: Stone Mountain Park preparing to host Lunar New Year Festival Stone Mountain Park is ringing in the Year of the Horse with its fourth annual Lunar New Year Festival, running weekends from Feb. 14 to March 1. And let me tell you, it’s not your average celebration. Think lighted floats, dragon and lion dances, live music, and a parade that’ll make you forget it’s February. Oh, and the food? Double the food trucks this year, all serving up Asian-inspired dishes you’ll want seconds of. The highlight? A jaw-dropping Lunar New Year Drone & Light Show. Picture hundreds of drones lighting up the sky, some even launching fireworks. Yes, fireworks. And the finale? A massive light show projected onto the mountain itself, complete with special effects and a fireworks extravaganza. Want to learn something new? Try calligraphy, paper art, or knot tying with instructors from the Chinese Cultural School of Atlanta. Or just soak in the vibes—ambassadors in traditional dress, a Lighted Reflection Walk-Way for wishes and prayers, and photo ops galore. It’s a celebration you don’t want to miss. Details at stonemountainpark.com. STORY 2: 'Be ready to belly laugh' — Aurora Theatre staging 'The Play That Goes Wrong' as part of 30th anniversary season Heidi McKerley is back at Aurora Theatre, this time directing the chaos-filled comedy The Play That Goes Wrong—a perfect fit for the theatre’s 30th anniversary season. McKerley, a Suzi Bass Award-winning veteran of Atlanta’s theatre scene, knows her way around a laugh, having previously directed Noises Off and The Italian American Reconciliation at Aurora. The play, a fan favorite first staged at Aurora three years ago, runs Jan. 22–Feb. 15. Written by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer, it’s a farcical take on a local theatre troupe’s disastrous attempt to stage a murder mystery. What should audiences expect? “Nonstop belly laughs,” McKerley promised. “It’s high-energy, ridiculous, and exactly the kind of escape we all need right now.” STORY 3: Gwinnett Chamber welcomes new board members for 2026 The Gwinnett Chamber just welcomed 28 new faces to its 2026 Board of Directors, kicking things off with an orientation that dove into the Chamber’s mission, goals, and the big responsibilities ahead. The board isn’t just about strategy—it’s about reflecting the community. “We’re intentional about diversity—industries, cultures, perspectives,” said CEO Nick Masino. “This board champions business and connection.” New members include leaders from healthcare, real estate, banking, and more, like Vandana Aggarwal of Aggarwal Real Estate, Wendy Palmer of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Beto Tenorio of Norsan Group. It’s a powerhouse lineup ready to drive Gwinnett’s growth. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets STORY 4: Snellville reaches major milestone with opening of The Grove's Towne Center Market Like most teenagers, Kierra Mays couldn’t wait to leave her hometown of Snellville. After graduating from South Gwinnett High in 2015, she had big dreams—bigger than her small town, or so she thought. Even when she launched Keys Cakery, her bakery business, her sights were set on Atlanta. A food hall in the city? That was the goal. But life has a funny way of circling back. Instead of the bright lights of Atlanta, Mays found herself opening her first brick-and-mortar shop right in Snellville, as one of the first vendors at The Towne Center Market in The Grove downtown district. The market, anchored by Crooked Can Brewing, officially opened with a ribbon-cutting last week—a moment years in the making for Snellville leaders. Mayor Barbara Bender reflected on the city’s journey: “Snellville didn’t have a downtown. It got mowed over by highways. We needed a place for people to gather, to walk, to connect.” The Grove is that place. It’s not just a food hall—it’s a mix of apartments, a library, coworking spaces, restaurants, and even a splash pad. It’s a downtown built from scratch, designed to feel like it grew over time. For Mays, it’s more than just a business opportunity. “Snellville’s growing,” she said. “There’s a young crowd moving in, and this market is perfect for them. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to hang out, to connect. It feels like home.” STORY 5: Senate bill would hold down property tax increases that fund Georgia schools Georgia homeowners might soon see their property tax hikes capped at the inflation rate—yes, even for school taxes. A new bill from Senate Republicans would force all school systems to limit tax increases tied to rising home values. Here’s the catch: most school districts—71% of them—voted last year to reject a similar cap. Why? Because it slashes funding for public education. If this bill passes, schools would lose the ability to tax property values that outpace inflation, leaving them scrambling to cover rising costs. Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, the bill’s sponsor, argues it’s about fairness. “People are seeing double-digit tax increases. We need to limit it to inflation—everyone has to live within their means.” The bill would also impact city and county governments that opted out of last year’s cap. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones called it a priority, saying it’s about “putting more money back in Georgians’ pockets.” Meanwhile, other tax proposals are swirling at the Capitol—like eliminating income taxes or ending homestead property taxes altogether. Gov. Brian Kemp? He’s pushing for tax rebates and a slight income tax cut. We’ll be right back. Break 3: EAGLE THEATRE STORY 6: Buford High School earns Gold distinction on 2025 AP School Honor Roll Buford High School just snagged a spot on the 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll, earning the coveted Gold distinction from the College Board. Translation? They’re crushing it when it comes to preparing students for college and making rigorous coursework accessible to more kids. But wait—it gets better. Buford students also earned Platinum recognition in College Credit and College Optimization. And the stats? Impressive. Last spring, 691 students took 1,407 AP exams, with a jaw-dropping 90% scoring a 3 or higher. The school’s average score? 3.81—well above state and global averages. Oh, and here’s the kicker: the Buford Board of Education covers the cost of every AP exam. No barriers, just opportunity. STORY 7: Norcross' Maddi Yi to Play Soccer for the US Air Force Academy Norcross senior Maddi Yi is heading to the United States Air Force Academy to play college soccer—she made it official on Sunday. A standout midfielder, Yi’s been racking up all-region honors for the past two seasons while also playing club soccer with Concorde Fire Platinum. Oh, and did I mention she’s rocking a 4.3 GPA? Yeah, she’s the real deal. Balancing academics, high-level club soccer, and high school play isn’t easy, but Yi’s made it look effortless. Now, she’s taking her talent (and that work ethic) to the next level. The Air Force Academy just scored big. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: GCPL Passport Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com Ice Rink – Downtown Sugar Hill NewsPodcast, CurrentEvents, TopHeadlines, BreakingNews, PodcastDiscussion, PodcastNews, InDepthAnalysis, NewsAnalysis, PodcastTrending, WorldNews, LocalNews, GlobalNews, PodcastInsights, NewsBrief, PodcastUpdate, NewsRoundup, WeeklyNews, DailyNews, PodcastInterviews, HotTopics, PodcastOpinions, InvestigativeJournalism, BehindTheHeadlines, PodcastMedia, NewsStories, PodcastReports, JournalismMatters, PodcastPerspectives, NewsCommentary, PodcastListeners, NewsPodcastCommunity, NewsSource, PodcastCuration, WorldAffairs, PodcastUpdates, AudioNews, PodcastJournalism, EmergingStories, NewsFlash, PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down Governor Brian Kemp's State of the State address, where he dipped deeper into Georgia's surplus while warning future leaders against draining the rainy day fund. They analyze the political message behind Kemp's final budget, including tax rebates, a surprise push for need-based scholarships, and why he pushed back on sweeping income tax elimination plans. Then, Greg and Patricia turn to the escalating money wars shaping Georgia's 2026 races. They examine Sen. Jon Ossoff's massive fundraising haul and the mysterious, multimillion-dollar anonymous ad campaign hammering Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. They explain why the source of the spending remains hidden, how it exploits gaps in disclosure laws, and why it has rattled candidates across the political spectrum. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Top Stories for January 17th Publish Date: January 17th PRE-ROLL: Kia Mall of Georgia From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, January 17th and Happy Birthday to James Earle Jones I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett commission accused of deliberately skipping GOP member for vice chair Kemp proposes money for Highway 316 projects, fighting homelessness GCPS receives grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: EAGLE THEATRE STORY 1: Gwinnett commission accused of deliberately skipping GOP member for vice chair Drama is brewing in Gwinnett County politics, and it’s all about the vice chairman seat on the county commission. Republicans are accusing the Democratic majority of intentionally skipping over the board’s lone Republican, District 4 Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp, for the ceremonial role. For years, the vice chair position rotated among district commissioners—until it didn’t. Holtkamp, now in his fourth year, has never been chosen. Instead, the board voted 4-1 to name Democrat Ben Ku as vice chair, sparking claims of “partisan gamesmanship.” Holtkamp, for his part, kept it diplomatic: “I was disappointed but respect the process.” Others? Not so much. Republicans are calling it a blatant snub. Democrat Kirkland Carden didn’t mince words, saying Holtkamp’s “partisan antics” cost him the role. But Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson downplayed the drama, calling the vote a routine decision. And so, the debate rages on. STORY 2: Kemp proposes money for Highway 316 projects, fighting homelessness Gov. Brian Kemp has big plans for Georgia this year—think highways and homelessness. At the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs and Issues Breakfast, he laid out his priorities, and for Gwinnett residents, one stands out: $200 million to keep transforming State Route 316 into a limited-access highway. “Growth along 316 is incredible,” Kemp said. “We need a safe, efficient expressway.” Work’s already underway at Hi Hope Road, with more interchanges and overpasses coming. But that’s not all. Kemp’s also pushing $1.8 billion for permanent express lanes on I-75 in Henry County to ease its infamous traffic jams. And homelessness? He’s proposing $50 million for grants to fund shelters, outreach, and mental health services. Big moves, big money—Kemp’s aiming to leave a mark. STORY 3: GCPS receives grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Gwinnett County Public Schools just scored big—literally. Thanks to a $6.3 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (with help from Atlanta United, the Falcons, and PGA TOUR Superstore), middle and high school sports are getting a major boost. What’s the plan? For starters, GCPS will add field lighting at six athletic fields, meaning weekday soccer games—no more cramming everything into Saturdays. Better lighting also means safer, more flexible practices and games. The grant will also fund girls’ flag football at 14 middle schools by 2026 and help cover costs for boys’ and girls’ soccer programs, especially in underserved areas. The Blank Foundation, founded by Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, has donated over $1.5 billion to causes that unite and uplift communities. This grant? Just another example of that mission in action. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles MarketsSTORY 4: Fox Theatre delivers chart-topping year The Fox Theatre had a banner year in 2025, racking up awards and accolades that cement its place as one of the most beloved venues in the country. From ticket sales to community impact, the recognition poured in. The biggest win? Being crowned IEBA’s 2025 Theatre of the Year—an honor that highlights excellence in programming, operations, and artist relations. “This reflects the strength of our team, the artists who grace our stage, and the audiences who keep showing up,” said CEO Allan Vella. The Fox also dominated year-end charts: No. 2 Highest Grossing Venue Worldwide (Billboard), No. 1 in ticket sales for its size (VenuesNow), and No. 6 globally for ticket sales (Pollstar). Locally, it snagged “Best of Atlanta” honors and a Reader’s Choice Award from the Atlanta Jewish Times. Even the leadership shined—Vella made Atlanta Magazine’s “Atlanta 100” and Billboard’s Touring Power Players list, while team members Rachel Bomeli and Faustina Brooks earned industry awards. The Fox isn’t just a theatre; it’s a cultural powerhouse. STORY 5: Johnson-Morgan named school board chair, Simmons is vice chair Gwinnett County’s school board is shuffling its leadership roles for 2026, but keeping familiar faces at the helm. Tarece Johnson-Morgan, last year’s vice chair, is stepping up as chairwoman, while Adrienne Simmons, who served as chair in 2025, will now take on the vice chair role. Both votes? Unanimous. Not everyone was thrilled, though. Board member Steve Knudsen voiced frustration that Steve Gasper or Rachel Stone weren’t considered for vice chair—but, notably, he didn’t nominate them during the vote. In other business, the board kept its attorney and legal organ the same, readopted policies, and adjusted a few meeting dates for the year. We’ll be right back. Break 3: GCPL Passport STORY 6: Georgia Democratic lawmakers try to rein in ICE Georgia Senate Democrats took aim at the Trump administration Tuesday, introducing a flurry of bills targeting immigration enforcement and military deployments. They didn’t hold back, calling Trump’s administration a “rogue regime” and demanding state Republicans step up. One flashpoint? ICE. After an officer fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, Sen. Josh McLaurin accused ICE of escalating violence. “We’ve all seen the video,” he said. “This isn’t what they’re trained to do.” McLaurin’s bill would let citizens sue ICE for civil rights violations. Other proposals include requiring judicial warrants for enforcement at sensitive locations (like schools and hospitals), mandating badges and unmasking ICE officers, and limiting National Guard deployments without the governor’s approval. Sen. Kim Jackson didn’t mince words: “If Georgia State Patrol can show their faces, so can ICE. It’s cowardice.” But Republicans, like Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, dismissed the effort, saying, “The state can’t regulate the federal government.” STORY 7: Georgia GOP senators target Raffensperger over voter registration lists Georgia Republicans are turning up the heat on Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, demanding he hand over the state’s unredacted voter registration list to the Trump administration. But Raffensperger? He’s not budging. State law, he says, protects private voter info—Social Security numbers, birthdates, driver’s licenses. Sharing that? Not happening. The DOJ, meanwhile, has been pushing all 50 states for voter lists, claiming it’s about accuracy. They even sued Georgia last month. The resolution, led by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ allies, accuses Raffensperger of “obstruction.” But it’s mostly symbolic—no legal teeth. Raffensperger’s office fired back, saying they’ve already complied as far as the law allows. “He won’t risk identity theft for millions of voters,” the statement read. The DOJ’s lawsuit heads to federal court in Macon soon. Stay tuned. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com Ice Rink – Downtown Sugar Hill NewsPodcast, CurrentEvents, TopHeadlines, BreakingNews, PodcastDiscussion, PodcastNews, InDepthAnalysis, NewsAnalysis, PodcastTrending, WorldNews, LocalNews, GlobalNews, PodcastInsights, NewsBrief, PodcastUpdate, NewsRoundup, WeeklyNews, DailyNews, PodcastInterviews, HotTopics, PodcastOpinions, InvestigativeJournalism, BehindTheHeadlines, PodcastMedia, NewsStories, PodcastReports, JournalismMatters, PodcastPerspectives, NewsCommentary, PodcastListeners, NewsPodcastCommunity, NewsSource, PodcastCuration, WorldAffairs, PodcastUpdates, AudioNews, PodcastJournalism, EmergingStories, NewsFlash, PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CTL Script/ Top Stories of January 16th Publish Date: January 16th Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast Today is Friday, January 16th and Happy Birthday to Albert Pujols I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Woodstock elected officials sworn in to serve new terms Kemp to build roads, bridges during final year as Georgia governor Canton man charged in Christmas shopping center fire Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk 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: INGLES 1 STORY 1: Woodstock elected officials sworn in to serve new terms Woodstock kicked off the week with a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, welcoming back familiar faces and appointing new ones to key boards. Municipal Court Judge Robert Tidwell swore in Mayor Michael Caldwell and Council Members Warren Johnson (Ward 1), Colin Ake (Ward 3), and Brian Wolfe (Ward 5)—all re-elected in November. Caldwell also administered oaths to Lisa Morton, Spencer Nix, and Melissa Madigan for the Downtown Development Authority, and Rob Hogan, Ali Najafi, and Chase Roth for the Planning Commission. “Public trust is no small thing,” Caldwell said. “Congratulations to everyone stepping up to serve.” The council also made appointments to the Ethics Board and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. STORY 2: Kemp to build roads, bridges during final year as Georgia governor Gov. Brian Kemp isn’t coasting through his final year in office. Nope, he’s dropping over $2 billion into highway upgrades south and east of Atlanta—part of a $6 billion infrastructure push during his tenure. Speaking at the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs and Issues event Wednesday, Kemp credited “conservative budgeting” for making it all possible. “While some politicians just talk about affordability,” he said, “we’re actually doing something.” Big-ticket items? $1.8 billion for express lanes on I-75 in Henry County, $200 million to overhaul Georgia 316, and $250 million for local road grants. Oh, and $50 million to tackle homelessness ahead of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns are laser-focused on taxes—property, income, you name it. Burns even floated eliminating homestead property taxes statewide. It’s a busy year for Georgia politics, to say the least. STORY 3: Canton man charged in Christmas shopping center fire A Canton teenager is facing serious charges after allegedly setting fire to a vacant shopping center on Christmas Day. Firefighters were called to the Canton Village shopping center on Marietta Road around 3:15 p.m., finding smoke pouring from the roof and flames inside. Crews worked quickly—hoses out, building searched—but thankfully, no one was inside, and no injuries were reported. After an investigation involving fire officials, Canton Police, and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Blake Louis Bishop was arrested Tuesday. He’s charged with first-degree arson, second-degree criminal damage, and loitering. The city-owned shopping center, set for demolition, required 30 firefighters and hours to fully extinguish the blaze. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 2 STORY 4: Morales breaks record, Gold returns for New Years Kickoff meet At the New Year’s Kickoff swim meet, held Jan. 9-11 at UGA’s Ramsey Center, Mila Morales of Chattahoochee Gold shattered a 19-year-old club record in the girls’ 8U 50-yard freestyle. Her time? A blazing 30.95 seconds, dethroning Lauren Case’s long-standing mark. The meet wasn’t scored—more of a post-holiday tune-up—but Chattahoochee Gold swimmers still made waves. Ava Gana stole the show with five wins, including the 12U 400 IM (4:56.31) and 200 backstroke (2:20.22). Meanwhile, Ella Malave snagged gold in the 13+ 100 breaststroke (1:05.96), and Bryston Burks dropped six seconds to win the 12U 200 breaststroke (2:48.08). Plenty of top-10 finishes, too—this team’s on fire. FALCONS: The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced Matt Ryan as their new president of football on Tuesday, and honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment. At the press conference in Flowery Branch, Ryan—who spent 14 seasons as the face of the franchise—spoke about his “unfinished business” with the team. “Since I was drafted, my mission’s been the same: help this organization win championships. We came close, had some success, but I believe we’ll get there,” he said. After retiring and working as a CBS Sports analyst, Ryan said he wasn’t looking for a new job—unless it was with the Falcons. Now, he’ll report directly to owner Arthur Blank, focusing on hiring a head coach and GM who share a unified vision. STORY 5: Georgia GOP senators target Raffensperger over voter registration lists A group of Georgia Republican senators is pressuring Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to hand over the state’s unredacted voter registration list to the Trump administration—a move Raffensperger flatly opposes. His reasoning? State law. Sharing private voter details like Social Security numbers, birthdates, and driver’s license info is a no-go, he says. The DOJ, meanwhile, has been requesting voter lists from all 50 states, claiming it’s about ensuring accuracy. They even sued Georgia last month over the issue. The Senate resolution, led by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ allies, is mostly symbolic. But it accuses Raffensperger of “obstruction” for only providing a public version of the list. Raffensperger’s office fired back, saying he’s already complied as far as state law allows. “He won’t break the law or risk voters’ private information,” his office said. The DOJ’s lawsuit heads to federal court in Macon later this month. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: INGLES 3 SIGN OFF – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger 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 www.tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this edition of Political Breakfast, we're going into the first week of Georgia's legislative session -- which means strategists Brian Robinson, Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam are keeping busy and keeping up with lawmakers' top priorities. In this economy, everyone wants to focus on "affordability." The Senate wants to start eliminating the state income tax by 2032. A proposal by Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones would get rid of income taxes for two-thirds of Georgians, and phase out the rest over six years. On the House side, GOP lawmakers want to slow the growth of Georgians' property taxes. Democrats ask: How are we going to pay for essential services? And who will ultimately benefit? Plus, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp prepares to deliver his last 'State of the State.'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CTL Script/ Top Stories of January 9th Publish Date: January 9th Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast Today is Friday, January 9th and Happy Birthday to Jimmy Page I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Fincher wins runoff for Cherokee County’s state House seat Farm Bureau seeks entries for High School Art Contest Georgia Republicans move to scrap state income tax by 2032 despite concerns Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats 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: INGLES 10 STORY 1: Fincher wins runoff for Cherokee County’s state House seat Republican Bill Fincher is poised to take the Georgia House District 23 seat, according to unofficial results. With all precincts reporting by 8:57 p.m. Tuesday, Fincher secured 71.38% of the vote—4,345 ballots—against Democrat Scott Sanders, who pulled in 1,742 votes. Fincher, a retired assistant DA and RV park owner, thanked supporters on Facebook: “To everyone who voted, knocked doors, prayed, or just believed—thank you. I’m humbled and ready to get to work.” Sanders, meanwhile, called his campaign a success, saying, “We hit every goal and laid the groundwork for 2026. No more uncontested elections.” The seat, left vacant after Rep. Mandi Ballinger’s passing, saw six candidates in the Dec. 9 special election. Fincher and Sanders advanced to the runoff. Turnout was low—just 13.75%—with most votes cast on Election Day. Results will be certified Friday after the elections board reviews one provisional ballot. STORY 2: Farm Bureau seeks entries for High School Art Contest Hey, high school artists—this one’s for you! The 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau High School Art Contest is here, and there’s cash on the line. The state winner gets $250, and 10 district winners snag $100 each. Not bad, right? It’s open to all 9th–12th graders (public, private, or homeschool). The rules? Create your masterpiece on 8.5 x 11-inch white paper using black, white, and gray. Use whatever works—charcoal, graphite, pen, chalk, mixed media, you name it. Just one entry per person, though. Deadline? Feb. 6. Drop your entry at the Cherokee County Farm Bureau office. Questions? Call 770-479-1481. Let’s see what you’ve got! STORY 3: Georgia Republicans move to scrap state income tax by 2032 despite concerns Cutting state income taxes sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: how do you replace billions in lost revenue without gutting schools, health care, or public safety—or jacking up other taxes? That’s the question Georgia Republicans are wrestling with as they push to eliminate the state’s personal income tax by 2032. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, eyeing the governor’s mansion in 2026, is leading the charge, with State Sen. Blake Tillery backing him up. Their plan? Start by exempting the first $50,000 of income for singles ($100,000 for couples) in 2027. Sounds nice, but it’d cost the state $3.8 billion in year one alone. Tillery says they’ll cover it with surplus funds and borrowing for infrastructure, but critics—Democrats and even some Republicans—aren’t sold. For now, the debate rages on. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 1 STORY 4: Prep Roundup: Hamby, Bass have record-setting nights Creekview’s Kailyn Hamby had a night to remember, shattering both the single-game and all-time scoring records as the Grizzlies rolled past Sprayberry, 62-35. Hamby dropped 33 points, grabbed six boards, and helped Creekview climb to 13-1 overall and 4-0 in Region 6AAAAA. They’re now neck-and-neck with River Ridge for the top spot. Next up? A Friday showdown at Pope. Meanwhile, River Ridge stayed unbeaten in region play, edging Pope 70-60 behind Finley Parker’s 28 points and Makayla Roberson’s 25. Elsewhere, North Paulding handled Etowah 56-46, and Sequoyah crushed Woodstock 78-50 with a dominant third-quarter run. Cherokee also outlasted Wheeler, 41-34. PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Will Rajecki. If you’ve followed Cherokee County football these past few years, you know the name. It’s only fitting he caps off his high school career as the 2025 Cherokee County Offensive Player of the Year. Records? He smashed them. Flashy stats? Oh, plenty. Rajecki was the heart of Sequoyah’s offense, leading the Chiefs to their first region title since 2003 and back-to-back state quarterfinals for the first time ever. The numbers are wild: 4,049 career rushing yards (a school record), 66 all-purpose touchdowns, and a jaw-dropping seven-touchdown game against Sprayberry that landed him third in state history. This season alone, he racked up 1,974 rushing yards, 30 touchdowns, and helped Sequoyah to a 35-14 record over his four varsity years. Now? He’s weighing offers from Arkansas, Oregon State, and Georgia after decommitting from Memphis. Wherever he lands, one thing’s clear: Rajecki’s story is just getting started. STORY 5: Cagle names appointee to Cherokee County T-SPLOST committee Cherokee County just named the first three members of its new T-SPLOST Citizens Review Committee, a group tasked with keeping an eye on how the county spends its transportation sales tax dollars. On Tuesday, Commissioner Will Cagle appointed Jack Norton, a Canton resident, Marine Corps vet, and small business owner with a background in transportation. Norton joins Ashley Holcomb, appointed by Chairman Harry Johnston, and Tom Teague, chosen by Commissioner Benny Carter. Two spots are still open, but Johnston isn’t worried. The 1% T-SPLOST, approved by voters in November, kicks off April 1 and is expected to bring in $445 million over six years. The committee’s job? Make sure the funds are spent responsibly and projects stay on track. They’ll review reports, offer recommendations, and keep the public informed—but they can’t change the project list. Meetings will be open to the public, with the 2026 schedule set at the first session. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: INGLES 2 SIGN OFF – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger 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 www.tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 26th Publish Date: December 26th Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Friday, December 26th and Happy Birthday to Lars Ulrich I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Piastra closing, reopening as café and grocery in January Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Bittersweet: Candymakers navigate tariff, supply chain challenges during holiday season Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! BREAK: INGLES 10 STORY 1: Piastra closing, reopening as café and grocery in January Big changes are coming to Piastra, the Italian spot that’s been a Marietta Square favorite since 2015. After New Year’s Eve, the restaurant will close its doors—but not for good. In January, it’ll reopen as Asher and Rose Modern Grocers, a café and market dreamed up by co-owners Greg Lipman and his mom, Betty Bahl. Why the shift? “We’ve been listening,” Lipman said. Locals have been asking for a specialty grocery store on the Square for years, and now they’re getting one—complete with fresh bread, local produce, prepared meals, and an all-day breakfast café. “We love this community,” Lipman added. STORY 2: Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Salleigh Grubbs, former Cobb GOP Chair, is stepping into a new role on the State Election Board. The Georgia Republican Party announced Monday that Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appointed her to fill the seat left vacant by Rick Jeffares. It’s a “recess appointment,” Grubbs explained, and she’s diving in immediately. “I’m honored, humbled, all of it,” she said. “Fair elections are something I’ve been passionate about for years, and I’m ready to get to work.” A Marietta native, Grubbs led the Cobb GOP until earlier this year and now serves as the Georgia GOP’s first vice chair. “This is about transparency,” she added. STORY 3: Bittersweet: Candymakers navigate tariff, supply chain challenges during holiday season For Jocelyn Dubuke, owner of Jardi Chocolates, 2025 has been a rollercoaster. Tariffs, supply chain chaos, rising costs—it’s enough to make anyone panic. And yet, back in January, she made a bold move: she spent every penny of last year’s revenue stockpiling chocolate. “I told my distributors, ‘Whatever you’ve got in the States, I’ll take it,’” she said. “I wasn’t about to tell my customers halfway through the year, ‘Oh, by the way, your chocolate’s double the price now.’” Chocolate’s tricky—rules you can’t break, ingredients you can’t grow here. But for Dubuke, it’s personal. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 10 STORY 4: Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays With the holidays happening, the Georgia Department of Transportation is hitting pause on lane closures—at least on interstates, major routes, and roads near shopping hubs. From Dec. 23 at 6 a.m. to Dec. 28 at 10 p.m., and again from Dec. 31 at 5 a.m. to Jan. 2 at 5 a.m., you’ll get a break from the usual construction chaos. But don’t get too comfortable—crews might still be working nearby, and emergency closures? Yeah, those can still happen. Stay sharp, watch for signs, and if you’re curious about road updates, check out GDOT’s website or the 511GA app. STORY 5: Walton claims first county title in nearly two decades Walton’s boys wrestling team finally broke through, snagging their first Cobb County title in nearly 20 years Saturday at Harrison High. And they did it in style—five wrestlers in the finals, five gold medals. Coach Dylan Turner couldn’t stop smiling. “We’ve got everyone back from last year, and it took every single one of them to pull this off,” he said. “They’re just gamers.” The standout? Brandon Whiteford. An eighth seed at 165 pounds, he shocked the top seed with a pin in his opener, then clinched the title with a gritty 6-3 win in the final. “I love the pressure,” he said. FALCONS: Bijan Robinson was electric, C.J. Henderson clutch, and the Falcons? They held on—barely. Atlanta edged Arizona 26-19 on Sunday, thanks to Henderson’s diving interception with 90 seconds left, slamming the door on the Cardinals’ final drive. Robinson? Unreal. 171 total yards, a touchdown grab, and a spot in Falcons history—just the third player to hit 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season. Not bad company: Jamal Anderson, William Andrews. Arizona? Another heartbreak. Seven straight losses, 12 of their last 13. Brissett’s 203 yards weren’t enough, and a wild Michael Wilson TD catch wasn’t either. Atlanta’s still alive. Barely. I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 10 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal 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 mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 26th Publish Date: December 26th Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast Today is Friday, December 26th and Happy Birthday to Lars Ulrich I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cherokee High School student places in statewide art contest Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods 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: INGLES 8 STORY 1: Cherokee High School student places in statewide art contest Cherokee High senior Grace Dai just snagged second place in the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Art Contest, and her piece, “The Fall of the House of Chief Vann,” is heading to the Georgia State Capitol for the 2026 legislative session. Pretty cool, right? Dai’s no stranger to recognition—she’s been in the Governor’s Honors Program for Visual Arts, featured in the Atlanta High School Art Exhibit, and, oh yeah, she’s also a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Her art teacher, Morgan Clifton, must be beaming. Grace? She’s clearly on a roll, and it doesn’t look like she’s slowing down anytime soon. STORY 2: Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Salleigh Grubbs, former Cobb GOP Chair, is stepping into a new role on the State Election Board. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appointed her to fill the seat left by Rick Jeffares, who stepped down last week. It’s a “recess appointment,” Grubbs explained, and she’s diving in right away. “I’m honored, humbled—really, all of it,” she said. “Fair elections have been my focus for years, and I’m ready to get to work.” A Marietta native, Grubbs led the Cobb GOP until earlier this year and now serves as the Georgia GOP’s first vice chair. “This is about transparency,” she added. STORY 3: Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays With the holidays here, the Georgia DOT is giving drivers a little gift: no lane closures on interstates, major routes, or roads near shopping hotspots. From Dec. 23 at 6 a.m. to Dec. 28 at 10 p.m., and again from Dec. 31 at 5 a.m. to Jan. 2 at 5 a.m., you’ll get a break from the cones. But don’t get too comfy—crews might still be working nearby, and emergencies? Yeah, those closures can still happen. Stay sharp, watch for signs, and check the 511GA app for updates. Safe travels, y’all. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 9 STORY 4: High-Scoring Georgia Men's Basketball Continues Non-Conference Roll With SEC play looming, Georgia’s men’s basketball team has plenty to feel good about. Monday night, they steamrolled West Georgia 103-74, improving to 11-1 and keeping their spotless 35-0 home non-conference record under coach Mike White intact. Blue Cain and Jeremiah Wilkinson were on fire, combining for 39 points. Cain dropped 20 on 9-of-13 shooting, adding four assists and three steals. “They told me about the 100-point record after the game,” Cain said. “It’s cool, but we’re just focused on playing the right way.” Somto Cyril? A beast. Fifteen points, 15 boards, four blocks. SEC, here they come. FALCONS: Bijan Robinson was electric, C.J. Henderson clutch, and the Falcons? They held on—barely. Atlanta edged Arizona 26-19 on Sunday, thanks to Henderson’s diving interception with 90 seconds left, slamming the door on the Cardinals’ final drive. Robinson? Unreal. 171 total yards, a touchdown grab, and a spot in Falcons history—just the third player to hit 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season. Not bad company: Jamal Anderson, William Andrews. Arizona? Another heartbreak. Seven straight losses, 12 of their last 13. Brissett’s 203 yards weren’t enough, and a wild Michael Wilson TD catch wasn’t either. Atlanta’s still alive. Barely. I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your tribune ledger sports minute. STORY 5: Incoming Mayor Dennis Nelson shares goals for Ball Ground Dennis Nelson has big plans for Ball Ground. The incoming mayor, set to be sworn in Jan. 15, wants to turn Ball Ground Highway into a bustling commercial corridor and add a new park—maybe even the city’s first dog park. “Right now, it’s just an empty stretch,” he said. “People want to stay local, not drive miles for dinner or shopping.” Nelson’s also focused on the truck bypass project, aiming to keep heavy traffic out of downtown. “Everyone’s tired of the trucks,” he said. A Ball Ground resident since 2018, Nelson’s roots run deep—his great-great-grandfather helped settle the nearby city of Nelson. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: INGLES 10 SIGN OFF – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger 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 www.tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Top Stories for December 25th Publish Date: December 25th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, December 25th and Happy birthday to Jimmy Buffett I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Duluth named Georgia's most Hallmark movie-like city Solicitor's Office donates 5K proceeds to help domestic violence victims Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: GCPS Hiring STORY 1: Duluth named Georgia's most Hallmark movie-like city If you’re dreaming of a Hallmark-style Christmas, Gwinnett County’s got you covered—no need to pack your bags. According to The Action Network, three Gwinnett cities made Georgia’s top five most Hallmark-like towns, with Duluth taking the crown as number one. Why Duluth? Think walkable streets, a buzzing town green, and a community that actually shows up—for festivals, concerts, and all the holiday feels. “It’s less about historic landmarks and more about people-driven traditions,” they said. Lawrenceville and Suwanee also made the list, proving Gwinnett’s got that small-town magic—minus the guaranteed snow or last-minute romantic plot twists. STORY 2: Solicitor's Office donates 5K proceeds to help domestic violence victims Three local groups that support domestic violence survivors got a little holiday cheer last week, courtesy of the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office. Solicitor General LisaMarie Bristol handed out checks to Mosaic Georgia, the Partnership Against Domestic Violence, and Ahimsa House during a ceremony at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The $12,080 came from the office’s third annual Dash 4 Domestic Violence 5K. “This is about more than money—it’s about action,” the office said. The event drew 170 runners, 65 volunteers, and 33 sponsors, raising over $12K to help survivors and their families across Gwinnett. STORY 3: Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Former Cobb GOP Chair Salleigh Grubbs has been tapped for the State Election Board, the Georgia Republican Party announced Monday. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones made the appointment, filling the seat left vacant by Rick Jeffares. Grubbs called it a “recess appointment” and said she’s ready to get to work immediately. “Salleigh’s leadership and commitment to election integrity are unmatched,” said Georgia GOP Chair Josh McKoon. A Marietta native, Grubbs has been a vocal advocate for fair elections for years. “I’m honored and humbled,” she said. “This is about transparency, bipartisanship, and making Georgia’s elections better for everyone.” We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Kia Mall of Georgia - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Bittersweet: Candymakers navigate tariff, supply chain challenges during holiday season For Jocelyn Dubuke, owner of Jardi Chocolates, 2025 was a gamble. Faced with rising tariffs and supply chain chaos, she spent every dollar of last year’s revenue to stockpile chocolate. Why? To keep her customers from feeling the pinch. “Come January, I told my distributors, ‘Whatever chocolate you’ve got in the States, I want it,’” she said. “I wasn’t about to tell my customers halfway through the year, ‘Oh, by the way, your price just doubled.’” Chocolate’s tricky—rules you can bend, but not break. And with cacao only grown overseas, tariffs hit hard. STORY 5: Brookwood Tops Archer for First Deep South Classic Title in 10 Years Masai Knight spent most of the game dishing out assists—nine of them, to be exact—but his biggest play came when it mattered most. With Brookwood clinging to a four-point lead in the final minute of the Deep South Classic championship, Knight threaded a perfect pass to Grant Dehnke, who scored inside to stretch the lead to six. A defensive stop, a couple of free throws, and that was it—Brookwood sealed a 61-52 win, their first tournament title in a decade. FALCONS: Bijan Robinson was electric, C.J. Henderson clutch, and the Falcons? They held on—barely. Atlanta edged Arizona 26-19 on Sunday, thanks to Henderson’s diving interception with 90 seconds left, slamming the door on the Cardinals’ final drive. Robinson? Unreal. 171 total yards, a touchdown grab, and a spot in Falcons history—just the third player to hit 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season. Not bad company: Jamal Anderson, William Andrews. Arizona? Another heartbreak. Seven straight losses, 12 of their last 13. Brissett’s 203 yards weren’t enough, and a wild Michael Wilson TD catch wasn’t either. Atlanta’s still alive. Barely. Break 3: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods Break 4: We’ll have closing comments after this Break 5: Ingles Markets 3 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com Ice Rink – Downtown Sugar Hill https://www.downtownlawrencevillega.com/ Team GCPS News Podcast, Current Events, Top Headlines, Breaking News, Podcast News, Trending, Local News, Daily, News, Podcast, Interviews See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Episode 402 Ken and Dave discuss Fani going before the State Senate, data centers sucking up power, banging on Burt Jones, the Brown University shooter, Trump's wild week, and Fulton's 2020 foulups. The Fanny Willis Senate Hearing Discussion of District Attorney Fanny Willis's testimony before the Georgia State Senate, highlighting her argumentative demeanor and the presence of former Governor Roy Barnes as her attorney. Insights into the billing controversies involving Nathan Wade, including reports of him billing up to 160 hours in a single week. Analysis of how the hearing impacts the public perception of the Fulton County DA's office. Donald Trump's Busy Week Marijuana Reclassification: Trump reclassified marijuana to allow for expanded medical research and standard tax deductions for businesses, though it remains federally illegal. The Kennedy Center: The board unanimously voted to rename the facility the "Trump President Trump Kennedy Center" after Trump appointed the board members. Patriot Games: An initiative to host a national youth fitness competition in honor of the country's 250th birthday. Military and Federal Perks: Trump announced $1,776 checks for military members (funded via housing allowances) and granted federal employees extra time off for Christmas. Controversy: Criticism of Trump's comments regarding the tragic death of actor/director Rob Reiner. Georgia Political & State News 14th District Race: Local businessman Brian Stover enters the race for the 14th District, immediately becoming a front-runner against Colton Moore. Dark Money in Politics: The Georgia GOP filed an ethics complaint against "Georgians for Integrity," a Delaware-based group spending millions on ads targeting Bert Jones. Data Center Expansion: The Public Service Commission approved a major energy expansion to meet the demands of nearly 10 new gigawatts for data centers and warehouses along the I-75 corridor. Nuclear Energy: A look at the return of nuclear power, including the reactivation of facilities like Three Mile Island using modern AI monitoring. National Headlines & Crime Brown University Shooting: Analysis of the shooting involving suspect Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, a former student with a long-standing grudge, and the subsequent criticism of the university's lack of security cameras. Epstein Files: The release of new photos involving David Copperfield and Ghislaine Maxwell, leading to further debate over transparency in the investigation. Fulton County Election Gaffes: Fulton County admitted to procedural errors in the 2020 election involving 315,000 unsigned tabulator tapes, sparking renewed debate over election integrity. The Mule of the Week Hashim Walters: A 29-year-old "entrepreneur" accused of running a scam regarding a purported bid to buy Spirit Airlines and establish the first black-owned commercial airline. Quick Hits Jake Paul's $100 million payday despite a broken jaw. The massive $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot. Alabama's comeback victory to move forward in the college football playoffs.
A mystery group is spending millions on attack ads against Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and no one seems to know - or wants to say - who's behind it. Kind of rich that Jones and the Georgia GOP are suddenly outraged over dark money tactics they've long defended. The ads, tied to an unregistered group called Georgians for Integrity, have sparked ethics complaints, legal threats, and a political guessing game inside the Republican primary for governor.Comedian Sterling Thrill joined Ron to laugh through the absurdity, unpack the hypocrisy, and talk about why this shadow campaign may be rattling the GOP front-runner more than the allegations themselves.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #RonRoberts #SterlingThrill #GeorgiaPolitics #BurtJones #DarkMoney #GAGOP #ElectionAds
Ron unpacks a whirlwind of breaking news, starting with the long-awaited arrest in the 2021 pipe-bomb case and the suspect's claimed motive — a development that cuts directly through MAGA talking points. Ron walks listeners through shifting narratives, political hypocrisy, and why some on the right suddenly want distance from their own conspiracy theories.Then the focus turns to Georgia, where a mysterious $1 million ad hits Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and sparks questions neither party is eager to answer. Ron also dives into ethics rulings shaking up the GOP primary and a tense debate over citizen-run predator stings, including insight from a recent guest who explained why law enforcement often won't engage.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #PamBondi #DanBongino #ChrisCarr #BurtJones #BradRaffensperger #AngelusPereira #GeorgiaPolitics #DOJ
A new AJC poll shows former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is dominating early in the 2026 Georgia governor's race on the Democratic side. Behind her, is former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. On the Republican side, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones leads, with the endorsement from President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger trails behind him. It's important to note: Both parties still have a large swath of undecided voters. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson weigh-in on this with host Lisa Rayam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ron Roberts breaks down the AJC/Politically Georgia forum and a new survey of 1,000 likely Democratic primary voters: Keisha Lance Bottoms holds 40%, Michael Thurman 11%, Jeff Duncan 5%, Jason Estevez 3%, Derek Jackson and Rua Roman 1%, with a massive 40% still undecided.Duncan courts skeptics with a $1.4B “Jumpstart Fund,” vows to expand Medicaid, overhaul QBE, and sign a Day One order against Georgia's six-week abortion ban—then stumbles in the lightning round by naming Nathan Deal as his favorite Georgia governor, before redeeming himself with a homelessness-focused book pick.Bottoms touts executive chops—$180M in reserves, 7,000 affordable units, and worker pay boosts—positions herself as results-first over ideological labels, and defends the Public Safety Training Center.Thurman leans on deep state and county experience, early work on CAPS and transitional Medicaid, and a pledge to finally expand Medicaid statewide.With Raffensperger and Carr in the Q&A—and Burt Jones a no-show—Ron connects the dots to a choppy economy and travel turmoil that could shape 2026. The race isn't settled; the stakes are now clear.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#JeffDuncan #KeishaLanceBottoms #JasonEstevez #MichaelThurman #BradRaffensperger #ChrisCarr #DerekJackson #RuaRoman #HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy are joined by AJC senior reporter Tamar Hallerman to unpack the fallout from President Trump's sweeping pardons for his 18 federal co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case. They explain what the move means for the stalled Fulton County prosecution, how it could affect Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and why replacing District Attorney Fani Willis has proven so complicated. Then the show kicks off Politically Georgia's Candidate Forum series with former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, who talks about his decision to run for governor as a Democrat, his priorities on affordability and health care, and his message to voters who want to move past Trump-era politics. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down new results from the AJC–University of Georgia poll that show former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as the early frontrunner in the Democratic primary for governor, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones leads a crowded Republican field. They discuss what the numbers reveal about name recognition, fundraising power, and how undecided voters could still reshape both races. The hosts also look at the Senate race, where Congressman Mike Collins and Buddy Carter are competing for Trump-aligned voters, and explain why Jon Ossoff remains well positioned heading into 2026. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr joins Politically Georgia to talk about his campaign for governor, his record on public safety and economic growth, and how he plans to stand out in a crowded Republican primary. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy press Carr on Donald Trump's influence, the leadership-committee fundraising fight, and whether “Kemp-style conservatism” still defines Georgia's GOP. Carr also outlines his priorities on crime, health care, and rural development while taking aim at his top rivals, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
CTL Script/ Top Stories of September 19th Publish Date: September 19th Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast Today is Friday, September 19th and Happy Birthday to Duke Snider I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Health department bringing drive-thru flu shots to Woodstock Holly Springs postpones vote on city hall to October Cherokee County seeks state lawmakers’ support in lawsuit Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sweet tooth 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: Ingles Markets 4 STORY 1: Health department bringing drive-thru flu shots to Woodstock The Cherokee County Health Department is bringing back its Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on Oct. 7, and honestly, what’s better than getting your flu shot without leaving your car? From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodstock Health Center (7545 North Main St., Suite 100), residents 18 and older can roll up, roll down their window, and roll out vaccinated. Got insurance? Most plans cover it. If not, it’s $25 for the regular shot or $65 for the high-dose version (for those 65+). Bonus: It’s not just about flu season—it’s also a practice run for emergency preparedness. Stay healthy, stay ready. STORY 2: Holly Springs postpones vote on city hall to October Holly Springs leaders are gearing up for a big decision in October—whether to greenlight a $21.7 million contract to build the city’s new town hall. At the Sept. 15 meeting, Mayor Ryan Shirley asked the council to hit pause on the vote, giving the city time to update the Town Center Project’s master budget. The delay? Necessary, Shirley said, to account for rising costs—think a basement addition, market volatility, and a more intricate design than originally planned. The council will revisit the contract on Oct. 6, with Gilbane Building Company lined up for construction. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. STORY 3: Cherokee County seeks state lawmakers’ support in lawsuit Cherokee County is turning up the heat in its fight with Holly Springs over a controversial annexation. On Sept. 16, the county commissioners unanimously passed a resolution asking state lawmakers to back their lawsuit against the city and to help fix what they see as flaws in the state’s land dispute process. Commissioner Richard Weatherby didn’t hold back, calling Holly Springs’ annexation of 301 Lower Union Hill Road “in conflict” with the General Assembly’s directives. Chairman Harry Johnston added that some legislators have offered to help, though what that looks like is still unclear. The lawsuit stems from Holly Springs’ August approval of a 20-acre mixed-use development in Hickory Flat—despite vocal opposition from residents. The county claims the city ignored annexation laws and overstepped agreed-upon growth boundaries (though those boundaries were more of a “handshake deal” than a legal agreement). For now, the court has paused the annexation while the lawsuit plays out. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: TRUCK A PALOOZA STORY 4: Man sentenced to prison for arson at Woodstock nail salon A Gwinnett County man who admitted to setting fire to a Woodstock nail salon will spend three years in prison and faces deportation afterward, according to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office. Cang Thanh Luu, 48, pleaded guilty to arson and criminal damage charges for the January 2021 fire at Nick’s Nails on Highway 92. Surveillance footage showed Luu buying gloves, carrying a gas can into the salon, and leaving just as the fire alarm blared. Investigators found multiple fire origins, burn patterns, and a gas can nozzle at the scene. Judge Jennifer Davis sentenced Luu to five years—three in prison, two on probation—and ordered him to pay $382,589 in restitution. Authorities suspect the fire was financially motivated, tied to the salon’s owner. STORY 5: Georgia elections chief running for governor Brad Raffensperger is eyeing the governor’s mansion, following the same path Brian Kemp took from Georgia secretary of state to the state’s top office. Raffensperger officially jumped into the Republican primary Wednesday, leaning on a platform of jobs, lower taxes, immigration crackdowns, and the usual GOP staples—guns, God, and a hard stance against “woke” culture. But here’s the twist: Raffensperger is still battling the shadow of 2020. His refusal to back Trump’s election fraud claims earned him Trump’s ire—and now he’s up against Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. The GOP primary is shaping up to be a showdown, with Trump’s influence looming large. Meanwhile, Democrats are fielding a crowded lineup, including Keisha Lance Bottoms, Michael Thurmond, and even former Republican Geoff Duncan, who’s now running as a Democrat on an anti-Trump platform. Raffensperger, a businessman-turned-politician, says he’s ready to build on Kemp’s legacy—taking on the left, “woke” corporations, and criminal immigrants, while pushing for tax reform and school safety. But can he win over a party still dominated by Trump’s base? That’s the million-dollar question. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sweet tooth Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: Ingles Markets 4 SIGN OFF – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger 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 www.tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GDP Script/ Top Stories for September 18th Publish Date: September 18th PRE-ROLL: From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, September 18th and Happy birthday to Tyne Sandberg I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Annual Lake Lanier Shore Sweep takes place this weekend Landowners near Rivian defeat state demand for legal costs Friday Night Food Fight turns 10 and nears milestone for helping feed Gwinnett families Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sweet tooth All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Ingles Markets 1 STORY 1: Annual Lake Lanier Shore Sweep takes place this weekend The Lake Lanier Association is gearing up for its 37th annual Shore Sweep, the massive cleanup effort that’s been keeping the lake and its shores clean for decades. Mark your calendars: it’s happening Saturday, Sept. 20, with advance cleanup sites open now through Sunday, Sept. 21. Over the years, volunteers have pulled a staggering 2.33 million pounds of trash from the lake. Last year alone? 85 tons, thanks to 1,200 dedicated helpers. This year, they’re aiming even higher—100 tons. Volunteers can bring trash to 15 drop-off sites or join mobile crews on the water. Registration is required—visit lakelanier.org/shore-sweep for details. STORY 2: Landowners near Rivian defeat state demand for legal costs A group of landowners who tried to block the massive Rivian auto plant near Social Circle just dodged a $338,000 legal bill. The state wanted them to pay for its defense, calling their lawsuit frivolous, but a Morgan County judge wasn’t buying it. Judge Stephen Bradley ruled the suit was a legitimate attempt to question whether Georgia officials could sidestep local zoning laws for a private company on public land. The state had bought the 2,000-acre property, leased it to a development authority, which then leased it to Rivian. Bradley’s 11-page order didn’t hold back, even suggesting the state’s actions seemed designed to silence local opposition. For the landowners, it’s a huge relief. Meanwhile, Rivian is moving forward, with groundbreaking on the plant expected soon. The state insists the project will bring “generational economic opportunity,” but the legal battles aren’t over yet. STORY 3: Friday Night Food Fight turns 10 and nears milestone for helping feed Gwinnett families What started as a simple idea at Susan Lang’s kitchen table has turned into something extraordinary: 10 years of Friday Night Food Fight, a student-driven effort that’s collected nearly half a million pounds of food for Gwinnett County families in need. It all began when Lang’s son, then a senior at Mill Creek High, suggested turning a football rivalry with Dacula into a food drive competition. That first year? They hauled in 45,000 pounds of food. Now, schools across the county join in, with donations feeding hundreds of families weekly. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: GWINNETT FAIR STORY 4: Northside Duluth doctor first in Georgia to perform new knee procedure Last month, Northside Hospital Duluth made waves in Georgia’s medical community. Dr. Timilehin Wusu, an orthopedic surgeon at Northside, became the first in the state to perform a groundbreaking procedure using the MISHA (Medial Implantable Shock Absorber) system. The device, designed for patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, helps reduce pain and improve mobility—without the need for a total knee replacement. The first patient? A 54-year-old woman who’s already on the road to reclaiming her active life. STORY 5: Georgia high court decision ends Fulton prosecutor’s participation in case against Trump The Georgia Supreme Court just slammed the brakes on Fulton County DA Fani Willis’ election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies. In a tight 4-3 vote, the court refused to hear her appeal after the Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified her from prosecuting the case. Why? Her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor she’d assigned to the case, raised too many eyebrows. The ruling leaves the state Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council to potentially take over, as it did with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ case. We’ll be right back. Break 3: 07.14.22 KIA MOG And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sweet tooth Break 4: We’ll have closing comments after this Break 5: Ingles Markets 1 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
MDJ Script/ Top Stories for September 17th Publish Date: September 17th Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Wednesday, September 17th and Happy Birthday to Hank Williams I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb elections director not to return after leave Sawyer Road Elementary celebrates 20 years with $7.7M renovation reveal Three arrested, charged in east Cobb Waffle House fight All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! BREAK: INGLES 1 STORY 1: Cobb elections director not to return after leave After less than two years on the job, Cobb County Elections Director Tate Fall is stepping down—for good. Fall, who came to Cobb from Arlington County, Virginia, was appointed in late 2023 and has since overseen nine elections, including the 2024 General Election. But last month, she requested leave, and now it’s official: she won’t be back. In her absence, Michael D’Itri, a longtime county employee and Elections Prep Center manager, has stepped in as acting director. Why is Fall leaving? The county isn’t saying, and Fall herself hasn’t commented. STORY 2: Sawyer Road Elementary celebrates 20 years with $7.7M renovation reveal Sawyer Road Elementary just hit the big 2-0, and it’s looking better than ever. Thanks to a $7.7 million renovation, the school got a serious glow-up—new floors, ceilings, lighting, windows, paint, and even a revamped media center. The upgrades, funded by the E-SPLOST VI program, were unveiled Monday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This isn’t just fresh paint and new windows,” said board member Kerry Minervini. “It’s an investment in our kids’ futures.” Fifth-grader Adamary Lopez-Cisneros summed it up perfectly: “It’s like watching your house get remodeled. It feels special—like they care about us.” And honestly? It shows. STORY 3: Three arrested, charged in east Cobb Waffle House fight It was chaos at a Waffle House on Sandy Plains Road last week, and now all three suspects involved in the early-morning brawl have been arrested, according to Cobb County jail records. Sammy Dodd, 17, of Ball Ground, and Daniel Riley, 18, of Calhoun, are accused of climbing the counter, kicking plates, and assaulting a staff member—leaving him bruised and cut, with pain in his chest and back. Oh, and they allegedly broke 24 plates in the process. Blake Talley-Stewart, 17, of Roswell, reportedly threw a plate of food and a drink into the fray. All three face misdemeanor charges, with bonds ranging from $1,870 to $5,720. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 1 STORY 4: UPDATE: Cobb teachers on administrative leave for 'unacceptable comments' on Kirk shooting The Cobb County School District is investigating “unacceptable” social media posts by educators about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Some posts, according to the district, appeared to celebrate his death—a claim that’s sparked outrage. Nan Kiel, the district’s spokesperson, confirmed that employees involved have been placed on administrative leave. “They won’t be in classrooms or interacting with students,” she said, adding that the district will report the matter to Georgia’s ethics board for educators. Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, urged teachers to pause before posting online. Other Georgia employers, like Delta and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, have also fired or suspended workers over similar comments. STORY 5: Georgia Bureau of Investigation promotes Mableton resident The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has promoted Mableton resident Kimberly Jewett to lead the Trace Evidence Section of its Crime Lab—a big step for someone who’s been with the GBI since 2009. Jewett, who started as a trace evidence scientist, has worked on everything from hair analysis to gunshot residue. Now, she’ll oversee the section’s staff and operations. A University of West Georgia grad (biology, cum laude), Jewett is also an instructor for the GBI Resiliency Program. Her leadership? It’s already making waves. Break: STORY 6: Former Republican, Duncan, running for governor as Democrat In a twist no one saw coming, former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan is running for Georgia governor—as a Democrat. His campaign? All about financial stability and dialing down the political chaos. In a YouTube video posted Monday, Duncan didn’t hold back, calling out Donald Trump as an extremist and wearing Trump’s criticism like “a badge of honor.” Duncan’s been on Trump’s bad side since rejecting his 2020 election claims and writing GOP 2.0, a book urging Republicans to move past Trumpism. Now, he’s taking on big issues: child care costs, families struggling to afford medicine, and, of course, political moderation. Duncan joins a crowded Democratic primary with Jason Esteves, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Michael Thurmond. Meanwhile, the GOP race is heating up between Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr. STORY 7: UPDATE: 16-year-old charged in Mableton killing A 16-year-old has been arrested for allegedly killing 17-year-old David Daniel at a Mableton home Saturday evening, Cobb Police said. Officers were called to a house on Milam Creek Road around 5:41 p.m. for a medical emergency. They found David on the front porch, suffering from a stab wound to his left torso. He was rushed to the hospital but didn’t make it. The suspect, whose name hasn’t been released, was arrested without much incident and charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a knife during a crime. Mableton Mayor Michael Owens called the loss “heartbreaking,” urging the community to support David’s family and Pebblebrook High School, where he was a student. The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: TRUCK A PALOOZA Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal 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 www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GDP Script/ Top Stories for August 30th Publish Date: August 30th PRE-ROLL: MONSTER JAM From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, August 30th and Happy Birthday to Robert Parish I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. After 157 years, AJC plans to stop print by end of the year Judge dismisses Carr campaign lawsuit against Jones All Aboard! Zoo Atlanta's new Safari Express is on the tracks Plus, the Stripers report with Jim Jarvis All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: After 157 years, AJC plans to stop print by end of the year After 157 years, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is saying goodbye to print. Come Dec. 31, the presses will stop, and the AJC will go fully digital, President Andrew Morse announced Thursday. The AJC’s history dates back to 1868, just after the Civil War. Now, Atlanta will be the largest U.S. metro without a daily print paper—a sign of the times, Morse said, but also a step forward. STORY 2: Judge dismisses Carr campaign lawsuit against Jones A federal judge tossed out Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s lawsuit Thursday, which claimed a 2021 law unfairly boosts Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in their upcoming Republican gubernatorial primary. The law lets certain officials, like Jones, create “leadership committees” to raise unlimited campaign funds—something Carr, as attorney general, can’t do. U.S. District Judge Victoria Marie Calvert ruled Carr didn’t have standing to sue. Carr’s team hinted at an appeal, calling the ruling “technical” and the law “unfair.” STORY 3: All Aboard! Zoo Atlanta's new Safari Express is on the tracks Zoo Atlanta’s got something fresh for your Labor Day plans: the Safari Express, a reimagined version of the beloved Norfolk Southern Zoo Train. This isn’t just a ride—it’s a mini adventure. With Skylar, your guest conductor, you’ll glide past vibrant scenes of giraffes, lemurs, and lions while learning quirky animal facts. Did you know giraffes only need 30 minutes of sleep a day? Wild, right? Jennifer Smith, Zoo Atlanta’s COO, called it “a joyful new way to connect kids—and let’s be honest, adults too—to the magic of wildlife.” Bonus: it’s electric, comfy, and eco-friendly. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets 3 STRIPERS INTERVIEW Break 3: MONSTER JAM STORY 6: POLITICAL ROUNDUP: Husband and wife team running for Grayson City Council seats Grayson’s municipal election just got a little more interesting—Zach and Shunverie Rushing, a husband-and-wife duo, are both running for City Council. Different seats, same vision: balancing growth with community values. Shunverie, with nearly 20 years in education and DEI leadership, faces incumbent Bob Foreman for Post 2. Zach, a youth soccer coach, is vying for Post 4. Meanwhile, in Auburn, incumbents Taylor Sisk and Robert Vogel III are defending their City Council seats against challengers Johnathen Eggleston and James Matthews. In Dacula, Erica Pope is back, running against Jason Shelton after losing by just 10 votes in 2023. STORY 7: Parents call for regulation of tech companies that target kids Kids glued to screens, families struggling to connect, and parents left wondering: how did it get this bad? That’s what Georgia lawmakers are trying to figure out. On Wednesday, a bipartisan committee kicked off hearings on the impact of social media and AI on children. Sen. Sally Harrell shared how her own kids became “guinea pigs” for this tech experiment—dinners disrupted, books forgotten. But for some families, the stakes are far higher. Sharon Winkler testified her son took his life after online bullying. The challenge? Regulating tech giants. A 2023 law aimed at protecting kids is tied up in court, but lawmakers aren’t giving up. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: MONSTER JAM Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Riley Bunch break down Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones' official entry into the race for Georgia governor, his deep ties to Donald Trump and what that means for a crowded GOP field. They also look at how Jones' candidacy could reshape city-state relations in Atlanta, from Buckhead cityhood to airport control, and why Mayor Andre Dickens is carefully navigating federal politics as he heads into his reelection campaign. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the Wednesday, Aug. 27 edition of Georgia Today: The race to replace state Sen. Brandon Beach is headed to a runoff; Lt. Gov. Burt Jones kicks off his campaign for governor in Butts County; and Grady Memorial celebrates its new airbound trauma care unit.
This week Atlanta is paying final respects to DeKalb County Officer David Rose, who was killed during a shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month. Authorities say Patrick Joseph White targeted the CDC, and blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his mental health issues. He died by suicide after firing roughly 500 shots at CDC buildings. The union representing CDC workers warns about the continued spread of vaccine disinformation, especially by leaders like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. They say the violence is a result of the vilification of government employees, fueled by the Trump Administration. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, and host Lisa Rayam break down all of this. Plus, both Tharon and Brian agree: As candidates for Georgia Governor like Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr show their allegiance to Trump, one new name could shake things up. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger may soon jump into the race. Raffensperger defied Trump in 2020 as the president allegedly conspired to overturn Georgia's election results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, and Patricia Murphy talk about President Donald Trump backing Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones in the race for governor.Then, the trio moves on to U.S. Rep Mike Collin's comments about his Senate rivals Derek Dooley and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
00:00 Today we talk about Trump and Putin in Alaska. 12:00 We talk about federalizing the law enforcement in Washington DC. We talk about selling goods to China and putting money in the pocket of the United States Federal Government. 35:00 We talk about the Trump endorsement of Burt Jones and we talk about celebrating special occasions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this week's episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, host Craig Kidd welcomes Lyndsey Coates and Daelen Lowry for an in-depth conversation on three major political storylines making headlines across the South and beyond. The trio begins with the Georgia governor's race, unpacking the latest campaign developments and candidate strategies. From fundraising battles to grassroots momentum, the discussion covers the dynamics that will define one of the state's most-watched races. Next, the panel turns to former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan's headline-grabbing decision to switch political parties. What motivated the move, how it's being received by Georgia's political establishment, and what it could signal for the state's shifting political landscape are all on the table. Finally, the conversation moves west to Texas, where lawmakers are engaged in a contentious redistricting effort with potentially far-reaching consequences for both state and national politics. The hosts break down the legal, demographic, and political stakes in one of the nation's most closely watched legislative battles. Packed with sharp analysis, insider perspectives, and spirited debate, this episode offers listeners a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping the political map in Georgia—and beyond. Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1 Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network. #gapol
On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam react to former DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond's long-awaited campaign launch for the Democratic primary in the Georgia Governor's race. One question being addressed: Will a more moderate Thurmond be able to bring Democrats together at a time when what unites most is just hating President Donald Trump? Plus, the legal drama brewing between the gubernatorial candidates. Attorney General Chris Carr sues Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Meantime, Jones nabs a critical endorsement from President Trump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GDP Script/ Top Stories for August 14th Publish Date: August 14th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, August 14th and Happy birthday to Magic Johnson I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett students outperform state on many milestones tests — but trail in science Buford's David Clark joins race to be Georgia’s next lieutenant governor Police contacted weeks earlier due to CDC shooter's 'thoughts of suicide,' GBI says Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Food Apps All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: MONSTER JAM STORY 1: Gwinnett students outperform state on many milestones tests — but trail in science Gwinnett County Public Schools has some bragging rights—but also some glaring gaps. The latest Milestones and end-of-course test scores show the district outperforming the state in most areas, but science? That’s a different story. The eighth-grade science results are, frankly, shocking: just 0.3% of students scored proficient or higher. Compare that to 28% statewide. Yes, you heard that right—0.3%. GCPS says most of its eighth-graders take the tougher high school physical science test instead, but even there, only 44% hit proficiency, trailing the state’s 57%. There are bright spots, though. Fifth-grade science scores beat state averages, and high school biology students held their own. Math and social studies also showed solid results, with Gwinnett consistently outpacing state averages. English/language arts? Mixed bag. Less than half of students in every grade tested were proficient, with third-graders struggling the most—just 39% hit the mark. The district plans to dig into the data at the Aug. 21 school board meeting. STORY 2: Buford's David Clark joins race to be Georgia’s next lieutenant governor The race for Georgia’s next lieutenant governor just got more crowded. On Tuesday, Rep. David Clark, R-Buford, threw his hat in the ring, becoming the fifth state lawmaker to join the campaign. Clark’s announcement follows state Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, who launched his campaign just a day earlier. Both Republicans are hitting familiar notes—tax cuts, immigration crackdowns, and opposition to transgender rights. They join Sens. John F. Kennedy and Steve Gooch, both running on MAGA-friendly platforms aimed squarely at Trump’s base. On the other side of the aisle, Sen. Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs, is the lone Democrat in the race. A vocal Trump critic, McLaurin has made no secret of his disdain for the former president’s policies and legal defiance during this year’s legislative session. The lieutenant governor’s role? Presiding over the Senate and stepping in when the governor’s out. But this race? It’s shaping up to be anything but ordinary. STORY 3: Police contacted weeks earlier due to CDC shooter's 'thoughts of suicide,' GBI says The Georgia Bureau of Investigation shared new details Tuesday about Friday’s shooting outside the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters—a tragedy that left DeKalb County Officer David Rose dead and the suspect, Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, taking his own life. GBI Director Chris Hosey said White had no criminal history but had recently expressed suicidal thoughts, prompting a call to law enforcement weeks earlier. At White’s home, investigators found writings criticizing COVID-19 vaccines—angry, but not overtly threatening. White fired over 500 rounds, hitting six CDC buildings. His weapons, a mix of rifles and a shotgun, belonged to his father, who told investigators White broke into the gun safe. Officer Rose, one of the first responders, was fatally shot by White. “He died a hero,” said FBI Special Agent Paul Brown. “His sacrifice won’t be forgotten.” The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the GBI tip line. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets 6 STORY 4: PCOM Georgia holds White Coat ceremony On Aug. 8, nearly 200 students from PCOM Georgia’s Physician Assistant and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine programs slipped into their crisp white coats for the first time—a moment that felt both surreal and monumental. The ceremony, held at the Gas South Convention Center, wasn’t just about the coats. It was about stepping into something bigger: the responsibility, the privilege, the weight of caring for others. Students recited their oath and class mission statement, pledging to lead with compassion and professionalism. For many, it wasn’t just a milestone—it was the start of a dream they’d been chasing for years. STORY 5: Trump throws support behind Jones’ bid for Georgia governor President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in Georgia’s governor’s race, giving his “complete and total” endorsement in a social media post Monday. Trump praised Jones as a loyal ally who worked “tirelessly” for his campaigns, calling him an early supporter of the MAGA movement. The endorsement could be a game-changer in the GOP primary, where Trump’s base still holds serious sway. Jones faces Attorney General Chris Carr, but he’s already got a fundraising edge—thanks to a 2021 law that lets him raise unlimited funds through a leadership committee. Carr, who doesn’t have that advantage, has taken the fight to federal court, accusing Jones of abusing the system. Meanwhile, the Democratic primary is heating up, with big names like Keisha Lance Bottoms, Jason Esteves, and Michael Thurmond already in the mix. We’ll be right back. Break 3: MONSTER JAM And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Food Apps Break 4: 07.14.22 KIA MOG We’ll have closing comments after this Break 5: MONSTER JAM Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I've said for a few days now that Donald Trump's goading of Texas to "find" five new safely GOP congressional seats in a highly unusual mid-decade gerrymander could spark something akin to a civil war. Perhaps not a literal "military" rift between red and blue states, but a fraying of the threads that keep them "united" as a nation. Well, it turns out I'm not the only one who thinks that. Bloomberg's Ronald Brownstein sees what I see, too: blue states matching what Texas does to counter-act their stifling of "we, the people's" ability to elect representation vs letting the representation choose us. Where does that lead us as a nation? It's ominous to consider, and more importantly, it's anti-democratic. Perhaps the silver lining in all of this is that Texas' egregious actions could be what finally convinces enough Americans and House members to pursue making gerrymandering illegal - no matter the state doing it. Texas state representative James Talarico - I think of him as "white Obama" - is a pastor, former teacher and rising star in the Democratic Party. He's everything scumbags like Ted Cruz isn't: courageous, decent and lives his morals and values. He's among the handful of Democrats refusing to give Governor Greg Abbott the legislative quorum required to pass the Trump-ordered gerrymander. Do keep an eye on him if you aren't already. Meanwhile, Donald Trump thinks he has the power to have the Commerce Department "re-do" the 2020 census to remove undocumented people from the count. Never mind the unconstitutional nature of the order (buy when's that stopped him before?) but say he does it: doesn't that also mean Texas loses three U.S. House seats when 2.1 million immigrants aren't counted? Derp. ------Closer to home, Georgia's still fighting the Civil War in a court battle with the Sons of the Confederacy. You see, Stone Mountain Park, just outside Atlanta - the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan - had long been a magnet glorifying the Confederacy. After civil rights protests in 2020, the state drew down a lot of that, and the SOCVs are throwing a judicial hissy. Here again, a Kemp-led Georgia (a broke clock being right occasionally) steered from pandering to Confederate fetishists, and Trump's recent emboldening of said fetishism has them itching for a fight. ------Lastly - and this is rich - Georgia attorney general Chris Carr is howling like a scalded dog because his 2026 GOP gubernatorial combatant (Burt Jones) has the benefit of a state law giving him cover to fundraise using a "leadership committee" only state legislators or governors or lieutenant governors can use prior to winning party primaries. Here's the funny part: AG Carr has been defending the law that created that unfair advantage in court since it became law. Also, a Republican whining about there being "too much money" in campaigns when his party's done everything they could to let as much big money sicken the process for decades.
Live, Local, Topical, and Authentic where you provide the balance to our content. Tonight, in Hour 1, Shelley talks about Chris Carr suing Burt Jones, what Trump is doing to Washington D.C. what gangsta rap has done to society, and much more. Listen LIVE weeknights 7pm-9pm on 95.5 WSB
Last week, Georgia Recorder columnist Jay Bookman wrote a well-measured op/ed asking why Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Burt Jones looks to Florida and Tennessee for ideas on tax & economic policy when Georgia is already superior to them? Answer: to put an even greater tax burden on the working class by eliminating the state income tax. He and I caught up to go over that, the newest entry into the 2026 governors' race, Mike Thurmond, the shape of the field as it stands now, plus Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent "boys' club" frustrations . I shared with him a theory about her that worries me: her 2026 frustrations leading to a 2028 White House run, where MAGA voters may look favorably on her moreso than J.D. Vance and ... well, we know what happened the last time a mouthy idiot stood on the GOP presidential primary dais for the first time.I also wondered if he felt (as I do) that Trump triggering Texas to gerrymander (even more!) could lead to a very-real fracturing of the country the likes of which we haven't seen since the 1860s.
With word that Kamala Harris wouldn't be seeking the California governor's office in 2026 came immediate speculation (and derision) she's eyeing a second go at the White House in 2028. Incidentally, 'Meet The Press' anchor Kirsten Welker (again) brought up this alleged, yet-to-be-proven cover-up inside the Biden White House to shield Americans from knowing the former President was .... old?Why am I the only one troubled by mainstream media types insisting there's a "there" there? It smacks of ageism and the same kind of "took the bait" group-think the right lambasts Beltway media over when it's "RussiaGate" or "the dossier." Meanwhile, someone I'm still going to insist should be considered for a Presidential movement (til he says he absolutely won't do it) is 'The Daily Show' Monday host Jon Stewart. He and author ("Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza" ) Peter Beinart - two Jewish American men - had such a profound conversation last Monday - about Netenyahu's bloodlust and the long-range ramifications on Israeli safety and security - I felt it worthy of revisiting. Just more reason I see Stewart as a "Trump elixir" for most of non-MAGA America. C"mon, Jon.------Stacey Abrams also isn't running for governor - here in Georgia - at least not yet. A recent interview with NPR's Tanya Mosley about her latest novel, "Coded Justice" naturally led Mosley to ask while she had Abrams on. The TL:DR is she's "not ruling it out." Meanwhile, an Abrams-led organization - Fair Fight Action - is working to counter-act state government-led voter purges by providing an online search tool to help Georgia registered voters check their standing. ------Georgia Recorder op/ed columnist Jay Bookman penned a response piece denouncing Lieutenant Governor (and 2026 gubernatorial candidate) Burt Jones' pitch to have Georgia ditch the state income tax. Bookman used liberal tools - facts, math and data - to make a cogent argument against Jones' scheme to put a greater burden on the poor and working class to fund the state's budget.------There's movement in the tussle to succeed U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. Thirty-year old state representative Houston Gaines has tossed his hat in the ring. On the left is Lexy Doherty, but there are rumors a conservative Democrat from Hall County is set to announce his run, too, but until verified, there's little to do but speculate. ------Georgia's two Democratic Senators joined a Bernie Sanders-led push to limit military aid to Israel. Good!
GDP Script/ Top Stories for July 26th Publish Date: July 26th PRE-ROLL: From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, July 26th and Happy Birthday to Mick Jagger I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Georgia leaders dedicate Gwinnett County bridge in honor of fallen state trooper New Georgia Senate panel to take up abolishing state income tax Partnership between Georgia technical colleges, university system targets nursing students All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: Georgia leaders dedicate Gwinnett County bridge in honor of fallen state trooper The Gravel Springs Road bridge over Interstate 85 was officially dedicated as the Trooper Jimmy Cenescar Memorial Bridge during a ceremony on Thursday. Governor Brian Kemp and other officials attended the event, honoring Trooper Cenescar’s service. The bridge, named in his memory, recognizes his contributions and dedication. The ceremony included speeches, an honor guard presentation, and reflections on the importance of the dedication. STORY 2: New Georgia Senate panel to take up abolishing state income tax Georgia is exploring the elimination of its state income tax, aiming to become the 10th state without one. Sen. Blake Tillery announced a new Senate committee to study the issue, with plans to introduce legislation in 2026. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones supports the initiative as part of his gubernatorial platform. While Georgia recently reduced its income tax rate to 5.19%, concerns remain about replacing lost revenue, potentially through higher sales taxes. The committee will study models from nine states without income taxes and report findings by Dec. 15. STORY 3: Partnership between Georgia technical colleges, university system targets nursing students Georgia nursing students with associate degrees from technical colleges can now transfer seamlessly to four-year public universities to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, thanks to a new agreement between the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the University System of Georgia (USG). This initiative, supported by House Bill 192, aims to address the state’s nursing shortage, worsened by the pandemic, and meet growing healthcare demands, especially in rural areas. Governor Brian Kemp praised the partnership for expanding opportunities and strengthening Georgia’s workforce. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: DTL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT STORY 4: Pilgrim's to build food plant in Northwest Georgia Pilgrim's, a leading food company, will invest $400 million to build a prepared foods plant in Walker County, Northwest Georgia, creating over 630 jobs by 2027. The plant will produce fully cooked chicken products, expanding Pilgrim's existing presence in Georgia, where it already supports 7,500 jobs. Governor Brian Kemp praised the project for boosting Georgia’s agriculture industry and creating quality jobs. The state partnered with local authorities and the Technical College System of Georgia to support the development. STORY 5: Kelvin King running for secretary of state Atlanta businessman and Air Force veteran Kelvin King has announced his candidacy for Georgia secretary of state, focusing on hybrid voting systems, cleaning voter rolls, and overhauling business licensing. King, who previously ran for the U.S. Senate, joins State Rep. Tim Fleming in the Republican race. Incumbent Brad Raffensperger, known for rejecting Donald Trump’s 2020 election claims, has not announced if he will seek a third term and is reportedly considering runs for governor or Senate. Break 3: STORY 6: Peachtree Corners resident recognized as outstanding Appalachian State alum Appalachian State University honored four alumni, including Peachtree Corners resident Phillip Ostwalt, at the 2025 Alumni Awards Gala on July 12. Ostwalt received the Outstanding Service Award for his exceptional contributions to the university. A 1983 accounting graduate, Ostwalt is CEO of DL Phillips Investment Builders and a retired KPMG partner. He has supported scholarships, served on the Walker College of Business Advisory Council since 2005, and is a member of the Chancellor’s Society and Yosef Club. Chancellor Heather Norris praised the honorees for their lasting impact on the university and society. STORY 7: Gwinnett government, tourism officials teaming up on Gas South Arena renovations Gwinnett County and Explore Gwinnett are planning a $170-$176 million renovation of the 23-year-old Gas South Arena. The project will modernize the venue with upgrades to security, technology, concessions, premium seating, restrooms, and parking, including a multi-level deck. The arena, home to three professional sports teams, aims to enhance guest experiences and remain competitive. Funding will come from reserve cash, bonds, and other sources. Officials emphasize the arena’s cultural and economic importance, with renovations ensuring it continues to be a key entertainment hub for Gwinnett County. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: Ingles Markets 8 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Publish Date: July 22nd From The BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, July 22nd and Happy Birthday to Alex Trebek I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia Furkids teaming up with PetSmart to find homes for pets during National Adoption Week Cavender's Boot City opening new store near Mall of Georgia Gwinnett officials are celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Break 1: Kia MOG STORY 1: Furkids teaming up with PetSmart to find homes for pets during National Adoption Week Gwinnett County residents are encouraged to adopt pets during National Adoption Week, running July 22-27. Furkids Animal Rescue, in partnership with PetSmart Charities, will host adoption events across metro Atlanta, including two in Gwinnett. Cat and kitten-focused events will take place on July 26 at PetSmart in Buford and July 27 in Norcross, both from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Summer, known as "kitten season," overwhelms shelters, making adoptions crucial. Furkids also offers dog adoptions at other locations. Visit furkids.org for available pets and event details. STORY 2: Cavender's Boot City opening new store near Mall of Georgia Cavender’s Boot City has opened a new 16,223-square-foot store near the Mall of Georgia in Buford, marking its fourth Georgia location. Known for handcrafted western boots, the store also offers work boots, apparel, hats, jeans, belts, and accessories for men, women, and children. Popular brands include Wrangler, Ariat, and Resistol, alongside Cavender’s own lines like Rockin’ C and Rafter C. Services include boot fitting, stretching, and hat shaping. The store is open daily, and customers can join the My Cavender’s loyalty program for exclusive perks. Visit cavenders.com for more details. STORY 3: Gwinnett officials are celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month Gwinnett County is celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month this July, encouraging residents to explore its 51 award-winning parks and over 10,000 acres of green space. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the observance, themed “Build Together, Play Together.” Gwinnett’s parks offer diverse amenities, from trails and ballfields to aquatic centers and historic sites. In 2024, the county served 233,160 meals, hosted 34,000 athletes, and conducted 7,052 activities. Recognized nationally for excellence, Gwinnett recently won the Georgia Planning Association Award for its Trails Master Plan. Visit GwinnettParks.com for celebration activities. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: DTL EVENING OF ARTS STORY 4: King’s Hawaiian to expand food plant in Hall County King’s Hawaiian is expanding its Oakwood, Georgia, plant with a $54 million investment, creating 135 new jobs. Founded in Hawaii and now based in California, the company has been in Georgia since 2010, supporting over 800 jobs. The expansion will add a new production line for King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Bites, with operations starting in mid-2026. Positions in management, maintenance, food safety, and quality control will be available. Gov. Brian Kemp praised the company’s long-standing partnership with Georgia, while CEO Mark Taira highlighted the state’s role in their success. Visit kingshawaiian.com/careers for job details. STORY 5: Daughter of couple killed in domestic-related homicide raising money for parents' funeral Yesenia Rosas, the daughter of Maria Garza, 40, and Pilar Rosas, 43, is seeking community support to cover funeral expenses after her parents' tragic deaths in a domestic-related homicide on July 13 in Gwinnett County. Police are not seeking additional suspects and have not confirmed it as a murder-suicide. Yesenia launched a GoFundMe campaign with a $20,000 goal, raising over $2,000 in three days. She expressed gratitude for any contributions during this difficult time. Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-rosas-garza-loss. Break: STORY 6: New Georgia Senate committee to mull repealing state income tax Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has announced a state Senate committee to explore eliminating Georgia’s income tax, aligning with his campaign for the 2026 Republican gubernatorial nomination. Jones emphasized the need to stay competitive with neighboring states, noting Georgia’s income tax rate is among the highest in the Southeast. The Republican-led legislature recently reduced the tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%, a move criticized by Democrats as favoring the wealthy. The 11-member committee, chaired by Sen. Blake Tillery, will meet this summer and present recommendations by Dec. 15. STORY 7: Atlanta Hawks, Kaiser Permanente Team Up for Health Summit The Atlanta Hawks and Kaiser Permanente hosted the "Real Talk, Real Strength: Men of Color Health Summit" at State Farm Arena, focusing on mental and physical health for men of color. Nearly 100 attendees engaged in keynote speeches, panel discussions, and breakout sessions featuring experts like former Hawks player Kevin Willis and Dr. Marcus Griffith. The event included wellness giveaways, a Hawks locker room tour, and court access. This summit is part of the Hawks and Kaiser Permanente’s partnership to promote health and wellness in Atlanta’s communities of color through fitness, mental health, and nutrition initiatives. Break 4: Ingles Markets 6 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ken and Dave discuss lowering the British voting age, Democrats on Epstein, Florida Man strikes again, Trump's swollen ankles, ousting Colbert, Chris Carr getting dirty, PBS on its own, and the government gets involved in crypto. ----- This episode of the "Let Me Tell You Why You're Wrong Podcast," hosted by Dave Roberts and Ken Pullin, covers a range of current events and political discussions. • Local Government Issues: Ken Pullin shares insights into Pike County's local government, including his dissent on tax incentives for a solar farm and the general lack of public discussion on important items in commission meetings. He expresses concern about decisions being made without proper deliberation and the absence of televised public meetings in Pike County, advocating for greater transparency. He also critiques past decisions by the Industrial Development Authority, such as losing money on movie studio projects during an economic downturn. • Coldplay "Kiss Cam" Scandal: The hosts discuss the viral incident involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Head Kristine Cabot who were caught on a "Kiss Cam" at a Coldplay concert, leading to Byron being placed on leave. The clip showed them "cuddling and smiling" before attempting to hide when seeing themselves on screen. Social media reactions to the event were also highlighted. • Brant Frost Financial Scandal: An update is provided on Brandt Frost IV, who issued an apology for his actions, taking "full responsibility". The discussion raises questions about whether this will become a criminal matter and mentions calls for politicians to return campaign donations from the Frost family. Notably, Brant Frost V, the son, filed paperwork to create a new lending firm shortly after his father's firm shut down, which the hosts found suspiciously timed. • UK Voting Age & Populism: The UK's decision to lower the voting age to 16 in all elections is debated, with concerns raised about "taxation without representation" as the reasoning and the broader implications for populism in politics. • Epstein List Controversy: The ongoing saga of the Epstein list is touched upon, including the political back-and-forth regarding its release and the recent directive from Trump to release grand jury testimony. The hosts discuss the challenges of linking individuals on flight manifests to illegal activities. • Miscellaneous News: ◦ A Florida man was arrested for molesting goats at a zoo. ◦ A discussion about chimpanzees adopting fashion trends with grass and sticks. ◦ The media's focus on Donald Trump's chronic venous insufficiency (swollen ankles) is contrasted with their perceived lack of attention to President Biden's health. ◦ The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2026 is announced, with critical commentary on Colbert's comedic style and political focus. ◦ The Georgia Governor's race is mentioned, specifically the legal challenge by Chris Carr against Burt Jones regarding a $10 million campaign loan. ◦ Congress's $9 billion budget cut, including over a billion dollars from NPR and PBS, is discussed and largely supported by the hosts, who argue public broadcasting should be self-funded. ◦ The new "Genius Act" regulating stablecoins is explained, highlighting the benefits of easier international money transfers but also raising concerns about a potential cashless society and government control over finances.
On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, Georgia's Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones wants in on the 2026 gubernatorial race. Jones kicked-off his campaign for Georgia Governor in grand style and to the tune of 10 million dollars. Jones loaned himself the money and made a pretty bold statement in doing so. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson discuss this strategic move along with host Lisa Rayam. The team also discusses how money is paramount overall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GDP Script/ Top Stories for July 10th Publish Date: July 10th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, July 10th and Happy birthday to Arthur Ashe I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Burt Jones enters race for Georgia governor Lilburn wants to keep millage rate the same, but that means a property tax increase Backyard fire damages Duluth home over holiday weekend Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oils All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: Burt Jones enters race for Georgia governor Lt. Gov. Burt Jones announced his 2026 Georgia gubernatorial bid, highlighting Republican-led achievements like economic growth, safer communities, and stronger schools. In his campaign video, Jones pledged to eliminate state income tax and combat fentanyl overdoses. A former state senator and UGA football co-captain, Jones emphasized his ties to Donald Trump, despite past investigations into the 2020 election. He joins Attorney General Chris Carr in the GOP primary, while Democrats like Keisha Lance Bottoms and Jason Esteves are also running. Georgia Democratic Chair Charlie Bailey criticized Jones’ leadership, citing issues like rural hospital closures and inequitable tax policies. STORY 2: Lilburn wants to keep millage rate the same, but that means a property tax increase Lilburn plans to maintain its 4.43 millage rate, but rising property values mean higher taxes for residents. Property taxes make up 27% of the city’s general fund. Public hearings on the rate are set for Friday at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with a third on July 14 at 6 p.m., followed by a council vote at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Homeowners with a $278,600 property value and homestead exemption will see a $42.79 tax increase, while non-homestead properties of the same value will rise by $44.80. STORY 3: Backyard fire damages Duluth home over holiday weekend A Duluth family’s Fourth of July weekend turned chaotic when a fire broke out at their home on Bromley Rowe. Gwinnett County firefighters responded around 5:40 p.m. Saturday to find the blaze, which started accidentally near a fire pit, had spread from the backyard to the house. While no injuries were reported, the fire displaced five residents and caused significant damage, especially to the back of the home. Firefighters controlled the blaze within 20 minutes. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: STORY 4: Peachtree Corners, Gwinnett County offer conflicting takes on traffic signal project's status The traffic signal improvement project at Spalding Drive and Medlock Bridge Road in Peachtree Corners faces differing accounts of its status. The city announced a temporary halt due to a "utility conflict" involving electrical infrastructure, delaying completion. However, Gwinnett County officials clarified the project is active, with coordination ongoing with Georgia Power to resolve utility issues. The county emphasized such coordination is routine for projects like this, which includes a full signal rebuild with new mast arms. No completion date has been set yet. STORY 5: Emory Morsberger stepping down as head of Gateway85 CID Emory Morsberger, executive director of Gateway85 CID, announced his resignation after 20 years of involvement, including serving as a board member and director since 2019. Morsberger, a key figure in multiple CIDs, highlighted Gateway85’s transformation of the Jimmy Carter Boulevard area from a struggling corridor to a thriving business hub. He praised the CID’s progress in improving curb appeal, reducing crime, and fostering innovation. While no end date or successor has been announced, Morsberger expressed confidence in the CID’s strong board and staff to continue its mission. Break 3: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oils We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: Ingles Markets 1 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scot and Buzz are back, and they've gone country! Not really. However, we have a lot to say about all the wild events that have occurred over the past two weeks. Topics this episode include: GOP Party Influencers, the Frost Family, are in a world of hurt. Burt Jones is running for Governor. Who else might run? Senate Rumor Update: Collins, Dooley, Raffensperger? MTG and Kandiss Taylor traffic in outrageous conspiracy theories. Duncan flirts with running for Governor as a Democrat. Epstein is still causing problems. Early Voting started this week for the Democratic runoff for PSC. Please be sure to like and subscribe for free to Peach Pundit the Podcast™ wherever you listen to podcasts—some people like Spotify, some like Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Pandora, or Amazon. We are on all of them and many more, so listen however you prefer. Turn on your notifications so you never miss an episode. If you are inclined to offer financial support to Peach Pundit voluntarily, you may sign up to be a Patreon here. In the second tier, you are invited to watch our recording sessions live, giving you extra, unedited content. And trust us, it is worth it.
Delta Air Lines revises its financial outlook; Gov. Brian Kemp joins calls on Hamas to release hostage; and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has a hefty coffer for his gubernatorial run, but mostly thanks to his personal bank account. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the show: Jim Ryan from ABC News in Texas updates the flooding. We'll go to the White House for the latest on the tariffs. Burt Jones enters the governor's race. David Welch from Bloomberg live on Elon's politics hurting Tesla stock. Plus, Scott Slade on how the spending bill could impact healthcare in Georgia. 9am-noon on 95.5 WSB
Today on the show: Jim Ryan from ABC News in Texas updates the flooding. We'll go to the White House for the latest on the tariffs. Burt Jones enters the governor's race. David Welch from Bloomberg live on Elon's politics hurting Tesla stock. Plus, Scott Slade on how the spending bill could impact healthcare in Georgia. 9am-noon on 95.5 WSB
Today on the show: Jim Ryan from ABC News in Texas updates the flooding. We'll go to the White House for the latest on the tariffs. Burt Jones enters the governor's race. David Welch from Bloomberg live on Elon's politics hurting Tesla stock. Plus, Scott Slade on how the spending bill could impact healthcare in Georgia. 9am-noon on 95.5 WSB
On the Tuesday, July 8 edition of Georgia Today: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones announces run for governor; a new study from UGA details the importance of sleep on youth brain development; and Georgia to host a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian on voting in America.
The number of candidates entering the 2026 Georgia gubernatorial race continues to grow. On Tuesday, Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones officially announced his candidacy. Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks shares insights on the race so far. Plus, after 8 years, it’s a new chapter for Atlanta City Councilmember Amir Farokhi. Farokh talks with Rose about his tenure working in local government, legislation he championed, as well as the challenges he faced and his proudest achievements. Lastly, the Atlanta City Council recently passed a "smart surfaces" policy requiring new and replacement roofs to meet high solar reflectance standards-- meaning they have to be built with light-colored, reflective materials, commonly known as “cool roofs.” Dr. Brian Stone, a professor of urban planning and the director of the Urban Climate Lab at Georgia Tech, explains why he supports the ordinance and how it will potentially help cool neighborhoods, lower energy costs, and save lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week's Political Breakfast, the gang addresses the latest in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Israel and Iran continued to trade attacks over the weekend, with U.S. officials saying both have violated a recent cease fire. U.S. bombs destroyed three nuclear sites in Iran, according to President Donald Trump. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam bring it home to Georgia -- where one of Trump's most fierce supporters, GOP Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, criticized the move. Plus, supporters of Georgia Republican Attorney General Chris Carr released an attack ad against his potential opponent in the 2026 gubernatorial race: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GDP Script/ Top Stories for June 21st Publish Date: June 21st PRE-ROLL: From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, June 21st and Happy Birthday to Chris Pratt I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Former FOX 5 reporter Randy Travis running for Lawrenceville City Council seat Gwinnett man killed, woman injured in shooting at Norcross area hotel Socialist group to hold immigration protest in downtown Lawrenceville All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: Former FOX 5 reporter Randy Travis running for Lawrenceville City Council seat Randy Travis, a retired FOX 5 Atlanta investigative reporter of 35 years, is running for Lawrenceville City Council Post 3 this fall. Known for exposing government corruption, Travis aims to continue public service by ensuring efficient use of tax dollars. He will challenge incumbent Austin Thompson, focusing on keeping taxes low, supporting diverse housing, and aiding small businesses. A Lawrenceville resident, Travis has served as a poll worker and on the city’s Financial Review Citizen Committee. Married for 41 years, he values community ties, Georgia Gwinnett College, and small business growth. His campaign emphasizes a safe, vibrant future for Lawrenceville. STORY 2: Gwinnett man killed, woman injured in shooting at Norcross area hotel A shooting at the Horizon Inn & Suites in Gwinnett County late Tuesday left 29-year-old Andre Jones dead and a woman injured. Police found Jones with a gunshot wound to the chest; he later died at the hospital. The woman, an apparent bystander, sustained a leg injury but was not involved in the altercation. Detectives are investigating the motive and pursuing leads. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Gwinnett police or Crime Stoppers anonymously. The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. at the hotel on Dawson Blvd. Police continue to seek answers in this tragic case. STORY 3: Socialist group to hold immigration protest in downtown Lawrenceville Protestors will gather in downtown Lawrenceville on Saturday afternoon to oppose immigration raids and arrests, organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. The "Hands Off Immigrants" protest will take place at 2 p.m. at Bicentennial Plaza, a busy area near Lawrenceville Lawn. The group advocates for socialism, criticizing capitalism for creating a "repressive state" and endorsing revolutionary change. Police have warned of potential traffic disruptions from 2 to 6 p.m. but pledged neutrality while ensuring safety. The event follows a tense immigration protest in DeKalb County last weekend, where tear gas was used, and arrests, including a journalist, were made. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: STORY 4: End of an Era: Greater Atlanta Christian's Cliff, Kristy Shelton Enter Retirement Cliff and Kristy Shelton, longtime educators and coaches at Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC), retired after 43 impactful years. Originally awaiting a job offer from Central Arkansas, they found their calling at GAC, where they viewed their work as a ministry. Kristy coached softball and volleyball, winning multiple championships, while Cliff led the baseball team to a record number of victories and served as associate athletic director. Honored with the "Shelton Stands" at GAC’s baseball park, the couple plans to move to Arkansas to be near family. They look forward to new pursuits like writing, golfing, and fishing while continuing to find purpose in helping others. STORY 5: 5 things to do this weekend in Gwinnett County — June 20-22 Looking for weekend plans? Here are five fun things happening nearby: Duluth Rotary Car Show: Check out exotic cars, hot rods, and more at Duluth Town Green on Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free entry, supporting a great cause! Guardians of the Jukebox: Relive the '80s with this high-energy concert at Buford Community Center lawn, Saturday at 7 p.m. Gates open at 6, and it’s free! Movies and Mocktails: Enjoy a double feature under the stars in Suwanee on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. Food trucks and themed mocktails await! Rubik’s Groove: Dance to '80s, '90s, and 2000s hits Friday, 7:30 p.m., at Thrasher Park in Norcross. Sunflower Maze: Explore the Buford Corn Maze daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., for family-friendly fun! Break 3: STORY 6: Gwinnett files traffic charges against Latino reporter in ICE custody El Salvador-born journalist Mario Guevara, who was arrested while covering a "No Kings" protest in DeKalb County, now faces traffic-related charges in Gwinnett County. The charges, including reckless driving and running a red light, stem from incidents in May and June, unrelated to his June 14 arrest. Guevara, known for live-streaming ICE arrests in metro Atlanta, was detained by ICE after being granted bond. His attorneys question the timing of the charges, emphasizing his innocence. Guevara, in the U.S. on a valid work permit, is currently held at ICE’s Folkston Detention Facility while pursuing permanent residency. STORY 7: Georgia Senate Republicans vote on new leadership amid big shuffle The Georgia Senate is undergoing a major leadership shakeup as Republicans elected Sen. Jason Anavitarte, R-Dallas, as the new majority leader and nominated Sen. Larry Walker III, R-Perry, as president pro tempore. Anavitarte, serving since 2021, steps into the third-highest Senate role, leaving his caucus chair position vacant. Walker’s promotion, pending a full Senate vote in January, would also create a leadership gap. These changes follow Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ anticipated gubernatorial run, triggering leadership shifts as Sen. Steve Gooch and Sen. John F. Kennedy vie for Jones’ position. Four of six top Republican Senate roles will change next session. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: Ingles Markets 3 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post 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 www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Excessive regulations can strangle small businesses, delay job creation, and burden entrepreneurs with unnecessary red tape. But in Georgia, leaders are taking action to fix it. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones to discuss the Red Tape Rollback Act, a bold initiative aimed at reducing government overreach and making the state more business-friendly. Jones explains how the legislation will require every state agency to regularly review and justify their regulations, ensuring only necessary and effective rules remain in place. He also highlights how regulatory burdens often create backlogs, slow licensing processes, and make it harder for individuals and businesses to thrive. As a lifelong businessman, Jones brings firsthand experience in dealing with government inefficiencies and is leading the charge to make Georgia a national model for streamlined governance. Tune in to hear how cutting through red tape will promote economic growth, create more opportunities, and put power back in the hands of the people.