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Top Stories for January 3rd Publish Date: January 3rd From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, January 3rd and Happy Birthday to John Paul Jones I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett couple handcuffed at home after fake hostage call Why warming up your car on cold mornings might actually be hurting it Judge again pauses Georgia execution amid parole board conflict questions 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 STORY 1: Gwinnett couple handcuffed at home after fake hostage call Christmas Eve turned into a nightmare for Fredis Mejia and his wife. One minute, they were watching a movie. The next? Police with guns and shields were storming their home on Sugar Mill Drive. Through his security cameras, he saw officers surrounding the house. Moments later, he was on the ground, handcuffed. His wife, terrified it was immigration officers, refused to open the door until neighbors convinced her. The reason? A fake 911 call claiming a woman was being held at gunpoint. The caller gave an address that doesn’t even exist—4051 Sugar Hill Court. Gwinnett police say they acted quickly, fearing someone’s life was in danger. But Mejia says they treated him and his wife like criminals. “No apology, nothing. They just left,” he said. Police now believe it was a “swatting” incident, where false reports trigger a heavy police response. It’s illegal, and those responsible could face serious charges. STORY 2: Why warming up your car on cold mornings might actually be hurting it We’ve all done it. It’s freezing outside, so you grab your coffee, throw on a coat, start the car, and let it idle while you finish getting ready. Feels like the right move, right? A warm car, defrosted windshield—what’s not to love? Well, here’s the thing: that old habit might actually be doing more harm than good. Back in the day, when cars had carburetors, warming up your engine was necessary. But modern engines? They don’t need it. In fact, idling too long can damage your engine. Fuel doesn’t fully evaporate in cold weather, which means it can wash away the oil that lubricates critical parts like pistons and cylinders. Less oil equals more wear and tear—and a shorter engine life. So, what’s the better move? Start your car, wait 30 seconds, and drive off gently. The motion warms the engine faster than idling ever could. And if your windshield’s iced over? Grab a scraper. Don’t just sit there waiting for the defroster to do all the work. Oh, and if you’re driving an EV, preheat it while it’s plugged in to save battery range. STORY 3: Judge again pauses Georgia execution amid parole board conflict questions A Georgia judge hit the brakes on Stacey Humphreys’ execution—again. Originally set for Dec. 17, the lethal injection was paused last-minute, and now Fulton County Judge Robert McBurney says there’s more to sort out. The issue? Possible conflicts of interest on the state parole board, which decides clemency. Humphreys’ lawyers argue two board members shouldn’t even be involved. One, Kimberly McCoy, was a victim advocate during his trial. The other, Wayne Bennett, was the sheriff overseeing security when the trial moved to Glynn County. “Pressing pause is the right move,” McBurney wrote, calling the concerns “non-frivolous.” Humphreys, 52, was convicted of killing two women in a Cobb County real estate office back in 2003. His defense team says he deserves a clemency hearing without potential bias. Both sides have until Jan. 19 to file more arguments. For now, the clock stops. 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: Virginia-Highland staple Murphy’s sold to father-son chef duo After 45 years, Murphy’s Restaurant, a Virginia-Highland institution, is changing hands—but not entirely leaving the family, in a way. Tom Murphy, who opened the beloved spot in 1980 as a Georgia State class project, has sold it to father-son chef duo Gregg and Matt McCarthy. They’ll officially take over on Jan. 5, 2026. The McCarthys are no strangers to Murphy’s. Gregg was executive chef from 2005 to 2009, and Matt joined as executive chef in 2023. “Murphy’s is more than a restaurant—it’s a cornerstone of this community,” they said. For decades, Murphy’s has been the go-to for brunch, wine tastings, and cozy dinners. And now, it’s ready for its next chapter. STORY 5: Historic Campbellton Park expands as development in South Fulton County continues Tucked along the Chattahoochee River, about 30 miles from Atlanta, lies the quiet, nature-filled city of Chattahoochee Hills. Mayor-elect Camille Lowe has big plans to make this hidden gem more accessible—without losing its charm. One of those big ideas? Expanding Campbellton Park from 18 acres to 95, thanks to a $2.5 million public-private effort led by the Trust for Public Land. Christine Hassell, who oversees capital projects for the Chattahoochee program, says the park is part of a larger vision: connecting one million people across 50 miles, from Atlanta to Alabama, through trails and river access. With new trails, birdwatching spots, and a rich history woven into the land, the park is already drawing visitors. And with MARTA’s bus rapid transit and local business revitalization underway, the area is poised for thoughtful growth. Break 3: GCPL Passport STORY 6: Teen accused of stealing thousands in East Cobb Venmo scam A 17-year-old is accused of pulling off a bold scam at a busy East Cobb intersection, tricking drivers into handing over thousands of dollars under the guise of collecting donations for a basketball team. Police say Antrez Jenkins stood at Johnson Ferry and Lower Roswell roads, asking for $1 donations. But when drivers opened payment apps like Venmo, he allegedly grabbed their phones and transferred much larger amounts before handing them back. One victim, Brenda Laskey, said it happened to her on Christmas Day. “He was messing with my phone, and I grabbed his and said, ‘Give me my phone back now!’” she recalled. When she got home, she discovered $2,000 had been drained from her account. Laskey immediately changed her passwords and called 911. Police arrested Jenkins at the same intersection, charging him with robbery and theft by deception. STORY 7: 25-year-old Georgia police officer battles stage 5 kidney failure At just 25, Officer Quas’Jon “Q” Flowers is facing a battle no one sees coming in their twenties: stage five kidney failure. A two-year veteran of the Albany Police Department, Flowers has been fighting a hereditary kidney condition since his teens. His health took a sharp turn in recent years—his kidney function plummeting from near-normal in 2021 to just 5–9% now. Doctors have placed a dialysis catheter, and he’s preparing for at-home treatments while awaiting final approval to join the kidney transplant list. A living donor could change everything, offering better outcomes and a shorter wait. The Albany Police Department is rallying behind him. “We lift him up in strength and support,” they said. Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant. If you’d like to help, visit www.donatelifegeorgia.org to learn about organ donation. 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.
A Chicago Symphony Chorus Spotlight by CSO Association
Handel Messiah & Tchaikovsky Nutcracker by CSO Association
Mahler Festival Broadcast: Mahler 7 by CSO Association
News for the Heart talks with Tracy McBurney.Unlock your body's energy blueprint. In this profound episode, Tracy and Laurie decode the deep connection between digital technology, emotional trauma, and achieving optimal physical health. A seemingly simple communication issue—a Wi-Fi handshake problem—was effectively diagnosed using Gemini AI. This digital resolution revealed a critical, surprising insight: Laurie's current physical weakness and energy depletion mirrors a systemic "handshake" failure within her own complex biological system. Consequently, the discussion shifts to exploring the surprising parallels between intricate digital structures and holistic health frameworks. Listeners will discover the foundational NES Health concept of Human Body Energy Drivers. These 16 vital energetic components are inherently vulnerable to factors like environmental toxins, significant trauma, and even subtle life events. The hosts examine why three of Laurie's core drivers (Source, Cell, Muscle) simultaneously deactivated. Furthermore, they discuss the necessity of unmasking truths and actively clearing any pervasive non-beneficial energetic forces through focused spiritual intention. The conversation deepens as they conceptualize the nervous system as the body's internal Wi-Fi system. Tracy provides expert context on the current accelerated ascension cycle and the resultant rise of subtle energy awareness in clients. Laurie transparently shares her personal journey through a profound crisis of faith encountered during an unexpected housing crisis. Tracy then recommends specialized thymus gland affirmations as a concrete practice to help rebuild trust and internal stability. Ultimately, the path to deep healing requires forgiveness.The hosts guide listeners through the process of releasing persistent guilt and emotional attachments (even those symbolically represented by a sentimental family table!). You will learn how the act of full-body forgiveness restores energetic balance. Tune in to understand your unique energy blueprint, reclaim your inner vitality, and find enduring freedom through a renewed divine connection.
Solti Conducts Del Tredici by CSO Association
Rakitina, Weilerstein & Tchaikovsky by CSO Association
Guests in the House by CSO Association
Barenboim Conducts Bruckner 8 by CSO Association
If you've been to a national park in the U.S. recently, you might have noticed some odd new signs about “beauty” and “grandeur.” Or, some signs you were used to seeing might now be missing completely. An executive order issued earlier this year put the history and educational aspects of the parks system under threat–but a group of librarians stepped in to save it. This week we have a conversation between Sam and two of the leaders of the independent volunteer archiving project Save Our Signs, an effort to archive national park signs and monument placards. It's a community collaboration project co-founded by a group of librarians, public historians, and data experts in partnership with the Data Rescue Project and Safeguarding Research & Culture. Lynda Kellam leads the Research Data and Digital Scholarship team at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries and is a founding organizer of the Data Rescue Project. Jenny McBurney is the Government Publications Librarian and Regional Depository Coordinator at the University of Minnesota Libraries. In this episode, they discuss turning “frustration, dismay and disbelief” at parks history under threat into action: compiling more than 10,000 images from over 300 national parks into a database to be preserved for the people. YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/xrCElwgY5Co ‘Save Our Signs' Archive and Submission Site 'Save Our Signs' Wants to Save the Real History of National Parks Before Trump Erases It ‘Save Our Signs' Preservation Project Launches Archive of 10,000 National Park Signs Archivists Work to Identify and Save the Thousands of Datasets Disappearing From Data.gov Subscribe at 404media.co for bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Afkham & Gluzman by CSO Association
Opera Without Words by CSO Association
Mike's back to help Hugh Grant charm his way into our hearts once again!
In episode 220, Max chats with the AFL's Head of Officiating Stephen McBurney! We went deep on the laws of the game, umpire contact, holding the ball, and how to stay calm with 100,000 fans roaring behind you. Stephen shares how content he is with the current Brownlow Medal adjudication process, whether umpires could soon have access to stats, and how the interpretation of holding the ball has evolved this year - including whether the “shrug” could be deemed prior opportunity in 2026. He also gives fascinating insight into how the out-of-bounds rule impacts the ruck's role in the game, and whether the ARC's boundary line review system will carry over into 2026. Stephen takes us through his umpiring journey - from being mentored by John Beveridge to bouncing the ball in his first AFL match, and the greatest Grand Final he's been part of. We unpack how umpires communicate in real time during matches, what changes he wants to see for greater safety, and how the AFL can maintain consistency across a full season. All this and much more in episode 220 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/
Ravinia Opening Night 2025 by CSO Association
News for the Heart talks with Tracy McBurney on Heart Approved.Ready to silence your inner critic and step into a life of clarity and peace? In this illuminating episode, Tracy shares powerful insights from her Positive Intelligence training. Which is a proven program dedicated to building your mental fitness. First, you'll discover the fundamental battle between your Saboteur minds (led by the relentless Judge). Followed by your higher, compassionate Sage thinking. Crucially, you'll learn about simple, 10-second PQ Reps—neuroscience-backed exercises that help you shift your mental state away from stress and overthinking, unlocking your natural capacity for wisdom.Following this essential foundation, the conversation deepens with a focus on mindfulness and tapping into a more "delicious" form of heart-centered wisdom. Tracy and Laurie explore how, exactly, moving decisions from the head to the healing heart fosters non-judgment and lasting inner peace. Furthermore, beyond mental practices, they dive into the profound connection between emotional state and physical wellness. Specifically, you will hear a fascinating discussion on the healing impact of laughter and smiling. Which offers the incredible potential for energy transformation through the practice of self-forgiveness. To illustrate this power, Tracy shares a compelling client story where full-body forgiveness led to a radical shift in health. Which illustrates how letting go of self-judgment releases us from self-imposed cages, allowing for profound growth and deep healing. Ultimately, this episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking to dissolve their internal critics and embrace a life of authentic, heart-led connection.
Mahler Festival Broadcast: Mahler 6 by CSO Association
Salonen & Kuusisto by CSO Association
Mäkelä Conducts Mahler 3 by CSO Association
Harding Conducts The Planets by CSO Association
What makes Disney World so magical? Shelby will tell you—like most extraordinary productions, there's a LOT going on behind the curtain. Disney Parks continue to dominate global rankings, holding eight spots in the Top 10 Most Visited Parks. According to the TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Report, Magic Kingdom welcomed 18.2 million visitors in 2024.Micky & Minnie must be doing something right! But what is it? In today's exchange, we're chatting with Shelby McBurney, Customer Account Coordinator at Nussbaum. Drawing from her time in the Disney College Program and Disney Signature Services, Shelby offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” everything from training to costumes to assisting VIP guests! Turns out, there's a method to the magic. With Shelby as our guide, we'll discover how Disney's five core service principles—safety, courtesy, show, inclusion, and efficiency—create the exceptional guest experience that has come to define them. Today's episode is full of stories, did-you-knows, and Shelby's reflection on the importance of connection and genuine care in customer service—and how these values continue to shape her work at Nussbaum. Press play and be whisked away….. FROM TODAY'S PODCAST• Guest: Shelby McBurney, Customer Account Coordinator at Nussbaum• Learn More about Disney Experiences LET'S CONNECT• Visit us online at terminalexchange.org • Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media! • Facebook• Instagram • XABOUT NUSSBAUM Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry-leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.
Reiner Rarities by CSO Association
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis by CSO Association
Musicians of the Orchestra by CSO Association
Janáček; J. Strauss, Jr. & Mussorgsky by CSO Association
Lyvie Scott returns as we revisit Sofia Coppola's 2017 southern gothic drama when she remade The Beguiled! Together we chat about the differences from the original Don Segal film, how great of an ensemble Coppola put together, sound design and how sympathy to the McBurney character
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Daniel Barenboim, conductor
Salonen & Apkalna - Broadcast by CSO Association
Verdi's Requiem Mass, in its fervent quest for eternal rest, stands as a powerful demonstration of the composer's ability to harness the human voice. Hailed by NPR as “simply magnificent” for their two-time Grammy Award-winning CSO Resound recording of this work, Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are joined by a thrilling quartet of international singers to once again deliver a masterful blend of passion and precision. Please note: This program replaces Berlioz's The Damnation of Faust. Learn more: cso.org/performances/24-25/cso-classical/muti-verdi-requiem
Esteban Batallán, the CSO's principal trumpet since 2019, makes his much-anticipated debut as a soloist with the Orchestra in a pair of brilliant, high-flying concertos. Riccardo Muti frames the program with Joseph Haydn's tempestuous Symphony No. 48 and Schubert's Haydn-inspired Tragic Symphony. Learn more: cso.org/performances/24-25/cso-classical/muti-and-esteban-batallan
2024 Ravinia Festival Opening Night: Celebration of Americana - Broadcast by CSO Association
Hear Part 2 as Fred Williams and co-host Doug McBurney discuss the highly improbable claims of neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory with Dr. Robert Stadler. * Robert Stadler, PhD: is the author of Evolution: What They Didn't Teach You in Biology. He got his PhD in medical engineering from the Harvard/MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. He's a scientist in the medical device industry, where he's made things that actually work for over 2 decades, he's contributed to cardiac devices implanted in millions of people, all over the world! He has been elected fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biomedical Engineers, his 20+ articles and papers appear in a host of peer-reviewed journals, and he's approaching 200 US patents.
Hear Part 2 as Fred Williams and co-host Doug McBurney discuss the highly improbable claims of neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory with Dr. Robert Stadler. * Robert Stadler, PhD: is the author of Evolution: What They Didn't Teach You in Biology. He got his PhD in medical engineering from the Harvard/MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. He's a scientist in the medical device industry, where he's made things that actually work for over 2 decades, he's contributed to cardiac devices implanted in millions of people, all over the world! He has been elected fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biomedical Engineers, his 20+ articles and papers appear in a host of peer-reviewed journals, and he's approaching 200 US patents.
In Randall Goosby, the pioneering American composer Florence Price “has her ideal champion,” writes The Guardian, “his playing full of old-school warmth and breadth but never schmaltzy.” Price's beguiling violin concerto shares a program with Prokofiev's enchanting Seventh Symphony, composed for a children's radio broadcast. The suite from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg gathers stirring moments from Wagner's opera. Learn more: cso.org/performances/24-25/cso-classical/elder-goosby-and-price
Gavin and Kristi hear from Chris McBurney about how students in Ireland are responding to the gospel in different ways across very different contexts in the north and south of the island. Reflecting on the rise in spirituality, coupled with muddied worldviews, the beating heart of evangelism for young people still seems to remain rooted in authentic relationships. As leader of Christian Unions Ireland, Chris shares his passion for this type of ministry.Chris McBurney is the Director for Christian Unions Ireland. He lives in Comber with this wife Katie and two girls, Orla and Ava. Having become a Christian at university in Canterbury, he's spent the last 10 years working in student ministry both in England and across the island of Ireland.
Dvořák's radiant salute to the New World kicks off an American road trip with James Gaffigan at the wheel. Take in poignant selections from Gershwin's landmark opera — sung by Janai Brugger — and the composer's urbane and nostalgic love letter to Paris. Chicago native Florence Price sets two American poems to song, and a pair of symphonic showstoppers by Bernstein transports audiences to “New York, New York” and beyond. Learn more: cso.org/performances/24-25/cso-classical/an-american-suite
Haitink Conducts Mahler 2 - Broadcast by CSO Association
Giulini Conducts Mahler 9 - Broadcast by CSO Association
Giulini Conducts Mahler 9 - Broadcast by CSO Association
The CSO brings the soaring emotional peaks and valleys of Mahler's Sixth Symphony to Chicago audiences before performing it on Amsterdam's Concertgebouw stage. The “hammer blows of fate” in the finale seem to foreshadow the tragedies in Mahler's life, including his own fatal illness. But the symphony brims with life's pleasures, too, from memories of mountain pastures (listen for the cowbells) to a rapturous portrait of the composer's wife, Alma. Learn more: cso.org/performances/24-25/cso-classical/mahler-6-with-jaap-van-zweden
In this episode, Dr. Veronica McBurney, family physician and founder of Westbourne Medical Studios in Glasgow, joins Scott Becker to share how her global experiences and personal healing journey inspired a unique approach to integrative medicine. She also discusses the power of music, meditation, and energy in modern healthcare.
CSO Artist-in-Residence Daniil Trifonov, “without question the most astounding pianist of our age” (The Times of London), takes on Brahms' Second Piano Concerto, as remarkable for its rich orchestral writing as for its simultaneously glittering and muscular piano part. Dvořák's turbulent Seventh Symphony is both an expression of the composer's personal crises and a lyrical tribute to the Czech spirit. Learn more: cso.org/performances/24-25/cso-classical/makela-and-trifonov
Beethoven, Mozart & Tchaikovsky - Broadcast by CSO Association
In his Third Symphony, Mahler portrays the whole of earthly existence. Its six movements — written for a massive orchestra, two choruses and a contralto soloist — explore humanity's relationship with nature using fanfares, marches, folk dances and bird calls. Children's voices portray angels while the sixth movement is a pantheistic love song to all of creation. Learn more: cso.org/performances/24-25/cso-classical/makela-conducts-mahler-3
Dancers from Chicago's world-renowned Joffrey Ballet join the CSO with newly commissioned choreographies. Symphonies by Haydn and the Chevalier de Saint-Georges abound in witty and joyful melodies while two 20th-century works are full of popular influences: Perkinson's jazz-tinted Sinfonietta No. 1 and Milhaud's rollicking Brazilian postcard, The Ox on the Roof. Learn more: cso.org/performances/24-25/cso-classical/cso-and-the-joffrey-ballet
Canellakis & Gerstein - Broadcast by CSO Association
Earth, in all its marvelous vitality and fragility, has inspired generations of composers. In The Oceanides, Sibelius conjures the water nymphs of Greek mythology and the broad majesty of the sea. Dvořák's The Wild Dove is based on a dark folktale about a dove's prophetic song. Childhood memories shape Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances, his sumptuous masterpiece. Learn more: cso.org/performances/24-25/cso-classical/canellakis-and-rachmaninov
Bryan is starting his own private insurance company (with many prerequisites before joining), and Erin shares details about her recent pet psychic call, and a neighbor who brings horses over to eat grass and a dog food eating child. Erin discusses Judge Robert McBurney who struck down the Georgia's six week abortion ban under HB 481, and Bryan is confounded by MAGA men's obsession with JD VanceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.