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Top Stories for January 6th Publish Date: January 6th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, January 6th and Happy Birthday to Malcolm Young I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Lawrenceville's new downtown hotel rising ahead of schedule Lawrenceville resident kicks off new year by winning $1 million in the Georgia Lottery The Latest: US strikes Venezuela, captures Maduro and his wife 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: Lawrenceville's new downtown hotel rising ahead of schedule Lawrenceville’s dream of a downtown hotel has been a slow burn—years of planning, delays, and setbacks. But now? It’s finally happening, and faster than anyone expected. The Lawrence Hilton Tapestry, a boutique hotel nestled between the Lawrenceville Lawn and Arts Center, is set to open mid-2026. Or maybe even earlier. “We’re ahead of schedule and under budget,” said City Manager Chuck Warbington. Brickwork is already going up, and the weather’s been a surprising ally—minimal rain, no freezing temps. The hotel will feature 120 rooms, meeting spaces, a chef-driven restaurant (Bellfire), and a bar (Old Nick’s). Plus, 200 new parking spots in the city-owned deck below. This project’s been a decade in the making, delayed by COVID and financing hurdles. But now, Lawrenceville’s vision of a walkable, thriving downtown is finally within reach. STORY 2: Lawrenceville resident kicks off new year by winning $1 million in the Georgia Lottery Three Georgians are starting 2026 a whole lot richer—millionaires, in fact. Among them? A lucky winner from Lawrenceville, along with two others from College Park and Grovetown. Their $1 million prizes came from the Georgia Lottery’s second-chance Georgia Millionaire drawing, announced right as the clock struck midnight on New Year’s. Talk about a way to ring in the new year. The Georgia Millionaire scratcher offers $10,000 instant prizes and a shot at the big one through second-chance entries. STORY 3: The Latest: US strikes Venezuela, captures Maduro and his wife The United States launched a military operation early Saturday, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, in a move that’s already shaking the world. By morning, he was aboard a U.S. warship, blindfolded and bound for New York to face drug trafficking charges. President Trump, speaking on Fox News, called the operation “genius” and confirmed the U.S. would oversee Venezuela’s next steps. “We’ll be involved very much,” he said. The fallout was immediate. Venezuela’s U.N. ambassador condemned the strike as a “colonial war,” while China and Russia slammed the U.S. for violating international law. Meanwhile, in South Florida, Venezuelan exiles celebrated, waving flags and chanting “Liberty!” Maduro’s capture marks a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions. Trump dismissed criticism over bypassing Congress, calling his opponents “weak” and insisting the operation was necessary. “The tyrant is gone,” said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. 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: ART BEAT: Beat those January blues with exciting Gwinnett arts events Feeling the post-holiday slump? The decorations are packed away, the parties are over, and—ugh—football season’s almost done. So now what? Here’s an idea: throw on that big coat, brave the chill, and dive into Gwinnett’s arts scene. Plays, concerts, art classes—there’s plenty to shake off the winter blahs. On Jan. 11, the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra and Youth Orchestra team up for a concert at Discovery Theatre in Lawrenceville. Mozart, Strauss, and even Anderson’s quirky “The Typewriter” are on the program. Tickets? Head to www.tix.com. Prefer visual art? The Hudgens Center in Duluth has three exhibits running through January, including “Sketching with Buck,” a stunning collection of hand-drawn architectural sketches from around the world. Or maybe you’re itching to create? The Suwanee Arts Center offers classes like “Watercolor Landscapes” (Jan. 7 and 14) and “Drawing Basics” starting Jan. 17. Winter doesn’t stand a chance. STORY 5: Meet the first babies born in 2026 at hospitals in Gwinnett New Year’s Eve is exciting enough—countdowns, confetti, champagne. But imagine if Jan. 1 was also your birthday. That’s exactly the case for a few lucky babies born in Gwinnett hospitals as the calendar flipped to 2026. At 12:44 a.m., Julian Alessandro Sanchez made his debut at Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, becoming their first baby of the year. Over at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, Brittany and Ryan Hopper of Hoschton welcomed twin boys—Koen Anthony at 4:58 a.m. and Kaden Michael at 5:14 a.m. The Hopper family even received a gift basket from the hospital’s Auxiliary and Safe Kids program. We’ll be right back. Break 3: EAGLE THEATRE Gentleman’s Guide STORY 6: Gwinnett police offering free women's basic self-defense course The Gwinnett County Police Department is hosting a self-defense program for women 16 and up, and honestly, it’s something every woman should consider. The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course isn’t just about learning moves—it’s about building confidence, awareness, and practical skills to stay safe. Over four sessions (Jan. 20, 22, 27, and 29, from 6–9 p.m.), participants will dive into risk awareness, avoidance strategies, and hands-on defense techniques. It wraps up with a live simulation—because practice makes perfect, right? Held at the Gwinnett Police Training Center in Lawrenceville, spots fill fast. Don’t wait. Call 678.442.6520 or visit GwinnettCounty.com/RAD to register. STORY 7: Norcross Grad Mason Kaplan Earns NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award Norcross alum Mason Kaplan just added another impressive accolade to his already stacked resume. On Saturday, the Illinois State linebacker snagged the NCAA FCS Football Elite Scholar-Athlete Award—one of the most prestigious academic honors in college football. Here’s the deal: this award isn’t just about being good on the field. It’s for the student-athlete with the highest GPA at the finals site of an NCAA championship. And Kaplan? He’s rocking a 4.0 in grad school, studying the psychology of sport and physical activity. Oh, and he’s also president of ISU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. What’s wild? Kaplan started his college career as a quarterback, playing two seasons at Valparaiso and one at Illinois State before an injury sidelined him in 2024. This year, though, he’s made a seamless (and dominant) transition to linebacker, helping lead the Redbirds to Monday’s FCS National Championship in Nashville. 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.

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.

===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 2nd Publish Date:  January 2nd    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, January 2nd and Happy Birthday to Cuba Gooding Jr. I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal No more cars up Kennesaw Mountain, starting January Paychex founder makes historic $50 million gift to Wellstar Meet Aloka, the peace dog winning hearts nationwide during Walk for Peace Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads 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 2 STORY 1: No more cars up Kennesaw Mountain, starting January  Starting this month, private cars will no longer be allowed up Kennesaw Mountain. The park’s steep, winding Mountain Road—famous for its blind curves and 12% grade—has become a safety headache, with too many close calls between cars, cyclists, and hikers. Instead, visitors can reach the summit by shuttle, bike, or on foot. A new pedestrian lane will make the 1.5-mile trek safer for walkers, while the unpaved hiking trail remains untouched. Acting Superintendent Beth Wheeler said the changes address “growing safety concerns” and aim to protect the park’s natural and historic beauty. Road striping starts Jan. 6, with closures lasting through March. STORY 2: Paychex founder makes historic $50 million gift to Wellstar Philanthropist and Paychex founder Tom Golisano just made history with a $50 million gift to Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia (WCHOG), the largest donation in Wellstar’s history. In recognition, the hospital will now be called the Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia. This isn’t just a check—it’s a game-changer. The hospital is joining the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a network of 12 children’s hospitals across the U.S., opening doors to collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise. It’s the only hospital in the alliance representing Georgia and its neighboring states. The donation will fund projects like a cutting-edge pediatric cardiac ICU, further cementing Wellstar’s reputation for top-tier pediatric care. Other hospitals in the alliance include institutions in Buffalo, Fort Myers, and Hershey, Pa.—all part of Golisano’s mission to improve children’s health nationwide. STORY 3: Meet Aloka, the peace dog winning hearts nationwide during Walk for Peace   If you’ve ever seen a serene dog strolling alongside Buddhist monks—sometimes dressed better than the humans—you’ve probably met Aloka, the Peace Dog. Aloka isn’t flashy. He doesn’t bark for attention or demand the spotlight. But somehow, he’s become the quiet soul of the Walk for Peace, embodying everything it stands for. He walks when he can, rides when he’s tired, and never strays from the monks’ side. Once a stray in India, Aloka chose this life. Literally. He started following the monks during a peace walk years ago and never stopped. Now, he’s trekking across the U.S., his calm presence lifting spirits and drawing fans online. Despite the growing attention, Aloka stays grounded. He’s shy with fans, content to rest his paws in the grass or wait patiently for the next step. He doesn’t need words or signs to make his point. Aloka just shows up, step after step, proving that quiet compassion can be the loudest message of all. 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 2 STORY 4: Duo Arpeggione to perform Jan. 11 at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church  St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Marietta (571 Holt Road) is hosting something special: a performance by the world-renowned Duo Arpeggione as part of its Friends of Music series. Mark your calendar—Sunday, Jan. 11, at 3 p.m., in the church sanctuary. Duo Arpeggione, formed in 2017, brings together pianist Catherine Lan and cellist Claudio Jaffe. Their program, “Romantic Resonance,” promises a journey through the evolution of piano and cello music, from Beethoven’s refined elegance to the fiery, nationalistic flair of Cassadó and Chopin. Admission is free—donations welcome. Seating is first-come, first-served. Questions? Call 770-971-2839 or email stcats@stcatherines.org. STORY 5: Sprayberry comes back to upend Sandy Creek Down 12 in the second half against three-time defending state champs Sandy Creek, Sprayberry’s boys basketball team could’ve folded. But they didn’t. Instead, they clawed their way back for a gritty 50-45 win Monday at the Lemon Street Classic. Sandy Creek (6-2) brought the heat early, showing why they’re one of the toughest defensive teams around. Sprayberry (9-3) struggled to find rhythm, trailing 26-18 at halftime. Nate McDaniel sparked an 11-2 run in the third, hitting a three and sinking free throws to pull Sprayberry within three. McDaniel, who’s been part of the program since he was a kid, finished with 16 points, 10 in the second half. The Yellow Jackets opened the fourth with eight straight points, taking a 39-34 lead. Sandy Creek fought back, briefly reclaiming the lead at 42-41, but McDaniel’s clutch three-point play and a layup from Christian Bass sealed the deal. ANTHONY JOSHUA: The boxing world is reeling after a tragic car crash near Lagos on Monday left Anthony Joshua injured and claimed the lives of two of his closest friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champ and Olympic gold medalist, is recovering in stable condition, his promoter confirmed. But the loss of Ghami, his strength coach, and Ayodele, a trainer, has left a deep void. Just hours before the crash, Joshua and Ayodele had shared a lighthearted moment on social media, playing table tennis together. Tributes poured in from the boxing community. Tyson Fury called it “heartbreaking,” while Chris Eubank Jr. remembered Ghami and Ayodele as “genuinely good men.” Shannon Courtenay urged fans to keep Joshua in their prayers, adding, “No one should have to witness what he did.” The crash is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even for giants like Joshua. I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 2 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.

Top Stories for January 1st Publish Date: January 1st From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, January 1st and Happy birthday to Verne Troyer I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Meet Aloka, the peace dog winning hearts nationwide during Walk for Peace Gwinnettians urged to 'treecycle' their live Christmas trees $100K in Pokémon cards stolen from Carrollton shop Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads 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: Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink STORY 1: Meet Aloka, the peace dog winning hearts nationwide during Walk for Peace If you’ve ever seen a serene dog strolling alongside Buddhist monks—sometimes dressed better than the humans—you’ve probably met Aloka, the Peace Dog. Aloka isn’t flashy. He doesn’t bark for attention or demand the spotlight. But somehow, he’s become the quiet soul of the Walk for Peace, embodying everything it stands for. He walks when he can, rides when he’s tired, and never strays from the monks’ side. Once a stray in India, Aloka chose this life. Literally. He started following the monks during a peace walk years ago and never stopped. Now, he’s trekking across the U.S., his calm presence lifting spirits and drawing fans online. Despite the growing attention, Aloka stays grounded. He’s shy with fans, content to rest his paws in the grass or wait patiently for the next step. He doesn’t need words or signs to make his point. Aloka just shows up, step after step, proving that quiet compassion can be the loudest message of all. STORY 2: Gwinnettians urged to 'treecycle' their live Christmas trees Christmas 2025 is officially in the rearview mirror, and if you went with a live tree this year, you’re probably staring at it now, wondering, “What the heck do I do with this thing?” Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful has your answer: “Treecycle” it. Yep, their annual Bring One for the Chipper program is back, and they’re asking families to drop off their used live trees at participating fire stations by Jan. 21, 2026. The trees will be chipped into mulch for parks and public spaces—because why let a perfectly good tree go to waste? The big chipping event happens Jan. 24 at Bethesda Park in Lawrenceville, and volunteers are needed. Want to help? You’ve got to be at least 14, and you can sign up through Volunteer Gwinnett. Oh, and a quick heads-up: no lights, tinsel, ornaments, or stands—just the tree, bare and ready for its second act. Questions? Call 770-822-5187 or email gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org. STORY 3: $100K in Pokémon cards stolen from Carrollton shop Christmas Eve took a sour turn for Tag Collects, a local trading card shop, when a thief smashed their way in and made off with over $100,000 in rare Pokémon cards and sealed merchandise. Co-owner Tommy Brown got the alert early that morning—someone had hurled a tow hitch ball through the front door. In under two minutes, the thief grabbed rare gems like the coveted Umbreon “Moonbreon” card (worth $3,000) and Gold Star Rayquazas, valued at $14,000 combined. Sealed boxes, some worth up to $12,000 each, were also taken. The store has launched a GoFundMe to cover repairs and payroll, while Carrollton police are asking anyone with tips to come forward. 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 STORY 4: Is New Year's Day a federal holiday? Here's what's open and closed The first day of 2026 is here, and while it’s a holiday for many, it might throw a wrench in your plans if you’re trying to run errands or grab last-minute essentials. Here’s the deal: Walmart? Open. Target? Open. Costco? Nope, closed. Same for Aldi and Trader Joe’s. Whole Foods? Modified hours. CVS and Walgreens? Open, but check for reduced pharmacy hours. Mail? Forget it—USPS, UPS, and FedEx are all taking the day off. Banks and government offices? Closed too. Moral of the story? Plan ahead. STORY 5: Wesleyan Grad Eva Garabadian Earns Auburn Basketball Spot in Open Tryout Eva Garabadian thought basketball was behind her. Done. She’d moved on. A former three-sport star at Wesleyan—basketball, lacrosse, softball—she started her college hoops career at Georgia College and State University, a Division II school. One season, 16 games off the bench. Then she transferred to Auburn, not for sports, but for life. Basketball? That chapter was closed. She played pickup games, joined Auburn’s club lacrosse team, and settled into her new normal. Until October. A random Instagram post about walk-on tryouts flipped everything. Two weeks later, she was at Neville Arena, trying out. No nerves, just drills she’d done a hundred times. Worst case? She’d go back to her regular life. Best case? A dream she thought was over might come back. And it did. A text from Auburn’s new head coach, Larry Vickers, sealed it: she made the team. Now, she’s an SEC basketball player. From Division II to SEC, from thinking it was over to living the dream again—Eva’s story is proof that sometimes, life gives you a second chance when you least expect it. FALCONS: The Falcons’ season, a rollercoaster of confusion and chaos, somehow got even weirder Monday night. Already eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, Atlanta (7-9) pulled off a dramatic 27-24 win over the Rams, their third straight victory in a season that’s been equal parts frustrating and baffling. Zane Gonzalez nailed a 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds left, capping a game where Atlanta blew a 21-point lead but still managed to hang on. It’s been that kind of year—beating Super Bowl contenders like Buffalo and L.A., but losing to teams like the Jets and Panthers. Go figure. Bijan Robinson was unstoppable, racking up 195 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a highlight-reel 93-yard run that left jaws on the floor. Rookie safety Xavier Watts continued his breakout season with two interceptions, tying Deion Sanders’ rookie record for Atlanta. But let’s not sugarcoat it—this season’s been a mess. Special teams? A disaster, with yet another blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. The Cousins signing? A head-scratcher. And yet, somehow, the Falcons are ending the year on a high note, showing flashes of the potential fans expected back in August. For now, though, they’ll be watching the playoffs from the couch—again. Break 3: GCPL Passport And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads We’ll have closing comments after this Break 5: Ingles Markets 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 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.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of January 2nd Publish Date: January 2nd   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, January 2nd and Happy Birthday to Cuba Gooding Jr. I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cherokee County’s Development Service Center going cashless Cherokee County musician Kurt Lee Wheeler performs in movie MLK Day Unity Breakfast returning to Canton after hiatus Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads 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 9 STORY 1: Cherokee County’s Development Service Center going cashless The Cherokee County Development Service Center is now cashless—no more bills or coins at the counter. If you’re handling business licenses, building permits, alcohol licenses, or even motorized cart registrations, you’ll need to pay with a card, check, money order, or online. The office, located on the ground floor of the county’s admin building in Canton, says this change will speed things up and make transactions more secure. So, plan ahead—no cash, no exceptions. Got questions? Call 770-721-7810 or email dsc@cherokeecountyga.gov. And hey, for more details, check out their website. STORY 2: Cherokee County musician Kurt Lee Wheeler performs in movie Kurt Lee Wheeler’s had plenty to smile about this holiday season. By day, he’s teaching at Creekland Middle School in Canton—a job he loves. But outside the classroom? He’s been busy releasing a new album and making his movie debut. After hearing his music, producer and actress Roberta Sparta invited Wheeler to perform in The Secret Life of a Good Wife, a Lifetime movie that premiered Thanksgiving Day. In a scene shot in Acworth, Wheeler and his band played during an outdoor gathering. Wheeler’s new album, Lathemtown, features some of the best bluegrass talent around, including Aaron Ramsey and Jake Stargel. A Cherokee County favorite, Wheeler’s also known for writing the county’s official song and performing at countless local events. With retirement from teaching on the horizon this May, Wheeler’s looking forward to traveling, spending time with his new grandchild, and, of course, making more music. STORY 3: MLK Day Unity Breakfast returning to Canton after hiatus  The MLK Day Unity Breakfast is making its long-awaited return to Canton on Jan. 19 after a six-year break. This free event kicks off at 8 a.m. with breakfast at the Cherokee County Conference Center (1130 Bluffs Parkway), followed by a program at 9 a.m. honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of equality, justice, and service. The keynote speaker? Canton native and weather-climate expert Dr. James Marshall Shepherd, a Cherokee High valedictorian who’s advised NASA, Congress, and even the White House. The program will also feature local leaders, a community choir, creative dance, and the CFCC Unity Award Presentation. For more info or to donate, visit cfergusoncc.org. 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 10 STORY 4: Johns Creek holds off Cherokee Cherokee had its shot—literally—but couldn’t quite close the deal, falling 69-63 to Johns Creek in Monday’s Lemon Street Classic at Marietta High. Down two with 33 seconds left, Polk Corben’s steal and layup gave Cherokee life. Then Johns Creek missed two free throws, leaving the door wide open. But Braylon Luster’s potential game-tying shot? Off the mark. Forced to foul, Cherokee watched the Gladiators ice it with four free throws. Tatum Holmes led the Gladiators with 25 points, while Kaysan Brock added 13. For Cherokee, Sean Williams and Braylon Luster each dropped 21, with Luster sparking a furious fourth-quarter rally. Trailing 58-46 after three, Cherokee clawed back with a 10-2 run, cutting the lead to one. But Brock’s clutch three-pointer with 1:33 left sealed the Gladiators’ win. It was a back-and-forth battle early. Cherokee’s hot start from deep gave them a 9-2 lead, but Johns Creek answered with a 12-4 run, fueled by three triples. By halftime, the Gladiators clung to a 30-28 edge. In the end, Cherokee’s fight wasn’t enough. FALCONS: The Falcons’ season, a rollercoaster of confusion and chaos, somehow got even weirder Monday night. Already eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, Atlanta (7-9) pulled off a dramatic 27-24 win over the Rams, their third straight victory in a season that’s been equal parts frustrating and baffling. Zane Gonzalez nailed a 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds left, capping a game where Atlanta blew a 21-point lead but still managed to hang on. It’s been that kind of year—beating Super Bowl contenders like Buffalo and L.A., but losing to teams like the Jets and Panthers. Go figure. Bijan Robinson was unstoppable, racking up 195 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a highlight-reel 93-yard run that left jaws on the floor. But let’s not sugarcoat it—this season’s been a mess. Special teams? A disaster, with yet another blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. The Cousins signing? A head-scratcher. And yet, somehow, the Falcons are ending the year on a high note, showing flashes of the potential fans expected back in August. For now, though, they’ll be watching the playoffs from the couch—again. I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your tribune ledger sports minute. STORY 5: New laws will address professional services, homeowner protections, car owners and politicians  While most laws from this year’s legislative session kicked in back in July, a few big ones kicked off on New Year’s Day. They tackle everything from dentist shortages to car tags, with a little campaign finance reform thrown in for good measure. Take House Bill 148, for example. Rep. John Carson, a CPA from Cobb, is trying to fix Georgia’s accountant shortage. His bill updates a 30-year-old licensing system, making it easier to become a CPA and letting out-of-state firms work here without opening an office. Then there’s House Bill 567, aimed at solving the dentist drought. Rep. Katie Dempsey’s bill allows licensed dentists to practice online—yes, teledentistry is now a thing—and ensures dental plans cover it. Homeowners get a win, too. Senate Bill 35 doubles the notice period for nonrenewal of certain insurance policies to 60 days. And Senate Bill 112 makes HVAC warranties transferable to new buyers and bans those annoying “register your product or lose your warranty” rules. Campaign finance? Senate Bill 199 tightens the rules, requiring PACs to keep detailed bank records and file disclosures with the State Ethics Commission. Oh, and candidates can’t be investigated within 60 days of an election. And for the patriotic crowd, there’s Senate Bill 291. It introduces a new license plate with the American flag and “America First” slogan. Proceeds go to the state’s general fund. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this.   COMMERCIAL: INGLES 1   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.

1 / 4 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 31st Publish Date: December 31st Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Wednesday, December 31st and Happy Birthday to Donna Summer I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 1. ‘Bittersweet’ goodbye: Marietta school board says farewell to three colleagues 2. New Cobb Young Republicans Chair looks to affordability, voter engagement 3. Cumberland CID details big projects, future plans 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: ‘Bittersweet’ goodbye: Marietta school board says farewell to three colleagues The final meeting of the year for the Marietta Board of Education was a bittersweet one, full of hugs, tears, and heartfelt goodbyes as three longtime members—A.B. Almy, Kerry Minervini, and Jason Waters—stepped down. During the meeting, emotions ran high. Vice Chair Jaillene Hunter praised Almy for her relentless push for academic excellence. Angela Orange called Minervini “a woman who gives a million percent,” while Irene Berens, tearing up, described Waters as “an exceptional man and a dear friend.” Waters, who’s moving on to the Marietta City Council, called the moment “surreal.” Minervini, meanwhile, joked about finding a new hobby, and Almy expressed gratitude for her time on the board. The night ended with a video tribute, glass plaques, and a reminder of the board’s legacy: being named Georgia’s 2025 School Board of the Year. STORY 2: New Cobb Young Republicans Chair looks to affordability, voter engagement At just 25, Andre Stafford is stepping up as the new chairman of the Cobb Young Republicans, ready to shake things up. “I’m all in,” he says, a mantra that’s driven him since he first got involved in politics after the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump—a moment that, for him, changed everything. Stafford, a restaurant manager by day, wants to grow the group, boost voter turnout, and focus on issues like affordability. “The American Dream feels like a fairy tale to my generation,” he says. “We need more homeowners, less paycheck-to-paycheck living.” His goal? Turn Cobb red—and keep it that way. STORY 3: Cumberland CID details big projects, future plans 2 / 4 Big things are happening in Cumberland, and Kim Menefee, the CID’s executive director, couldn’t be prouder. “2025 was our best year yet,” she told lawmakers at a recent meeting. One highlight? The first phase of the New Day Palisades project at Paces Mill Park. With $6.3 million in upgrades—like better parking, trail access, and erosion control—it’s already drawing millions of visitors. Phase 2 kicks off in 2026, with a $9.5 million price tag and plans for a visitor center and river overlooks. Oh, and driverless shuttles? Coming in 2027. Free rides connecting The Battery, Truist Park, and more. Cumberland’s future? Bold. 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: Cobb Superior Court Clerk asks judge to dismiss charges against her Lawyers for Cobb Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor are fighting to get her case dismissed before it even reaches trial. Meanwhile, prosecutors are busy filing motions over what evidence can and can’t be shown in court. Taylor, elected in 2020, faces four felony charges tied to allegations she mishandled passport fee records—pocketing over $425,000 in fees during her first two years in office. Things escalated when a whistleblower claimed Taylor ordered records destroyed, reportedly saying, “We’re just going to Donald Trump this thing.” Taylor denies wrongdoing, but if convicted, she’ll lose her job permanently. A hearing is set for Feb. 5. STORY 5: Marietta residents call for increased safety measures after crash on train tracks Residents are sounding the alarm after a truck barreled off the road and crashed near the train tracks at Kennesaw Avenue and Church Street last week. Melissa Korczyk, out for a walk with her toddler and dog, heard the screech of tires just before 10 a.m. “I look up, and this car is flying down Kennesaw Avenue,” she said. “It hit the tracks, went airborne, and slammed into the pedestrian signal.” The driver, who also hit a light post and tree, escaped with minor injuries and was charged with reckless driving. “It’s scary,” Korczyk said. “That intersection feels like an accident waiting to happen.” Break: 3 / 4 STORY 6: Marietta celebrates legacy of service as three council members retire The Marietta Fire Museum was full of laughter, hugs, and a few teary eyes last week as friends, family, and city staff gathered to honor retiring council members Andy Morris, Grif Chalfant, and Johnny Walker. “You’ve left a footprint on this city that just keeps getting better,” said Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin, summing up the mood of the night. Chalfant, who’s been on the council since 2005, joked about finally tackling 20 years of neglected home projects—and maybe fixing up his Triumph TR3. Morris, a lifelong Marietta resident, said he’s ready to relax with his new dog, Harry. “I might even pick up golf again,” he added. Walker, proud of his work on school traffic safety, plans to focus on real estate, photography, and more time at home. Each was presented with a Distinguished Service Award, a fitting send-off for years of dedication. STORY 7: Baby clothes program helps mothers in need year-round For nearly two decades, Rosemary Buckley has quietly made life a little easier for new moms in need. Every month, she gathers bundles of baby clothes—layettes—and delivers them to Wellstar Kennestone, where they’re given to families who could use a little extra help. “It’s not just store-bought stuff,” Buckley says. “Parishioners make blankets, tiny hats, even mittens. It’s beautiful.” Inspired by her 12 grandchildren and a simple church request back in 2007, Buckley has turned this into her mission. Monsignor John Walsh calls her a “woman of action.” She just calls it “something that needs to be done.” We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 1 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 4 / 4 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top Stories for December 30th Publish Date: December 30th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 30th and Happy Birthday to Sandy Koufax I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Georgia State Parks offering First Day Hikes You can ring in the New Year early with your kids at Stone Mountain Park Registration for Georgia Rivers spring events now open 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: Georgia State Parks offering First Day Hikes Kick off 2026 with a breath of fresh air—literally. Georgia State Parks are bringing back their First Day Hikes tradition on New Year’s Day, offering guided adventures for everyone, from casual strollers to hardcore hikers. Bonus? You’ll snag a First Day Hikes sticker to prove you started the year on the right foot. At Indian Springs, choose between a three-mile trek at 10 a.m. or a laid-back “Easy Breezy” hike at 1 p.m. High Falls? Two hikes, coffee, Chick-fil-A, and even a K-9 demo. Amicalola Falls adds a Birds of Prey show. Parking fees apply—call ahead to register! STORY 2: You can ring in the New Year early with your kids at Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain Park’s got your New Year’s plans covered—especially if you’ve got kids (or just don’t want to stay up ‘til midnight). On Dec. 31, they’re doing an early countdown at 9 p.m., complete with fireworks and even snow. The fun kicks off at noon with Stone Mountain Christmas attractions, but the real magic happens at 8 p.m. Princess Aurora’s Light Spectacular and the Christmas Drone Show take center stage—this year with fire drones. Yep, drones that shoot fireworks. Think Santa’s sleigh launching sparks. Afterward? Music, dancing, and that 9 p.m. countdown. Who needs midnight anyway? STORY 3: Registration for Georgia Rivers spring events now open Ready to paddle into 2026? Georgia Rivers just dropped its adventure-packed schedule, and it’s a dream for river lovers—whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just figuring out which end of the paddle goes in the water. From the Okefenokee Swamp to the Toccoa’s whitewater, there’s something for everyone: weekend camping trips, kayak fishing classes, even beginner-friendly “Kayaking 101” sessions. Oh, and don’t miss the America250 trips—history lessons on the water. Scholarships are available, too, because everyone deserves a chance to explore Georgia’s rivers. Check out the full lineup at garivers.org and start planning your next adventure. 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: In Gwinnett, it’s hard to afford housing on less than $75,000 a year Jeannie Johnson works two full-time jobs. At 54, she’s still chasing the dream most people take for granted—owning a home. “I’ve never bought a house. Never even had a brand-new car,” she says, standing on the back porch of her rented townhome in Lawrenceville. Her kids, grown but not gone, help with rent and groceries. Anayah, her daughter, once thought about moving out—until she saw the prices. “She said, ‘Yeah, I think I’ll stay home a little longer.’” Rent’s nearly doubled in recent years, from $785 to $1,485. Saving? Forget it. “Maybe someday,” Jeannie says. STORY 5: Lanier Islands Resort offers two ways to ring in the New Year Looking for a New Year’s Eve plan that works for everyone? Lanier Islands Resort might just have you covered. Whether you’re chasing a family-friendly evening or a grown-ups-only Havana Nights bash, they’ve got something for both vibes. For the kids (and parents who’ll probably be in bed by 10), there’s a celebration at Game Changer—think arcade games, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, and a sparkling cider toast at 7 p.m. Free to get in, but activities are pay-as-you-go. Meanwhile, the 21+ crowd can party in style with cocktails, a gourmet buffet, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight. Break 3: DTL HOLIDAY INTERVIEW - MARK BERENS - BERENS FROZEN CUSTARD STORY 6: Gwinnett County Public Library earns North American Innovation award for Hooper-Renwick Themed Library The Gwinnett County Public Library just snagged a huge honor—it’s been named a Top Innovator for 2025 by the Urban Libraries Council. Why? Their new Hooper-Renwick Themed Library in Lawrenceville, a space that’s all about equity, inclusion, and honoring history. “This award means the world to us,” said Charles Pace, GCPL’s executive director. “In a time when libraries face so many challenges, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do.” The library, built on the site of Gwinnett’s only pre-desegregation Black high school, blends history with modern resources, showcasing memorabilia and stories that deserve the spotlight. STORY 7: Lawrenceville's Baggett Elementary is GCPS's lone elementary school offering organized sports At Baggett Elementary, sports aren’t just about the game—they’re about giving kids a place to belong. Even though organized sports don’t officially start in Gwinnett County until middle school, a group of passionate teachers and staff decided to change that. It all started four years ago with basketball. Now? They’ve got T-ball, flag football, soccer, and cheerleading too. “We’ve basically built our own league,” said Jasmin Riley, the school’s PE teacher. The games are in-house—Baggett Blue vs. Baggett Red—but the energy is real. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: GCPS Hiring 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 Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill Team GCPS https://www.downtownlawrencevillega.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.

Top Stories for December 27th Publish Date: December 27th PRE-ROLL: Sugar Hill Ice Skating From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, December 27th and Happy Birthday to Mick Jones I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Rising costs for insurance, with reports of refusals to pay claims, could spur legislation Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays Grayson man gets 80-year prison sentence for robbery-turned-murder 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: Rising costs for insurance, with reports of refusals to pay claims, could spur legislation Insurance costs are climbing, and people are fed up. Policyholders say they’re paying more for less—claims denied, delays dragging on for months. Meanwhile, insurers aren’t exactly thrilled with Georgia either. The state ranked dead last in profitability for insurance companies last year. “Less competition means higher prices,” said Robert Hoyt from UGA’s Terry College of Business. At a final hearing in Gwinnett, lawmakers heard it all: auto repair shops battling insurers, marathoners denied prosthetics, and frustrated customers paying out of pocket. Rep. Matt Reeves says change is coming. “We’ll be looking at prices, profits, and penalties. It’s overdue.” STORY 2: Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays With the holidays here, there’s a little gift from GDOT: no lane closures on major roads, interstates, or near shopping spots. From Dec. 23 at 6 a.m. to Dec. 28 at 10 p.m., and again Dec. 31 at 5 a.m. to Jan. 2 at 5 a.m., you’ll get a smoother ride. But don’t zone out—crews might still be working, and emergencies? Yeah, those closures can still happen. Stay sharp, watch for signs, and be extra careful near work zones. Need updates? Check the 511GA app or GDOT’s website. Safe travels, and happy holidays! STORY 3: Grayson man gets 80-year prison sentence for robbery-turned-murder A 20-year-old from Grayson, known on the streets as “Draino,” will spend the rest of his life—and then some—behind bars. Adrian Synclare Johnson was convicted last Friday on nearly two dozen charges, including murder and racketeering, for his role in the February killing of 24-year-old Gerryon Ceasor during a botched drug robbery. The sentence? Two life terms (one without parole) plus 20 years. “Gang violence won’t be tolerated,” said DA Patsy Austin-Gatson. Prosecutors say Johnson and six others planned to rob Ceasor of his Draco pistol. Shots were fired. Ceasor didn’t survive. The others await trial. 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: Polar Vortex Is Strengthening: What It Means For GA Winter Temps Georgia’s Christmas forecast? It was warm. And, according to The Weather Channel, this unseasonably toasty trend is sticking around through March. Why? A strong polar vortex. Sounds intense, right? But here’s the twist: the stronger it is, the less it messes with us. Instead of icy blasts, we’re looking at above-average temps across the South, especially in February. Meanwhile, the North gets the cold and wet. La Niña vibes, basically—warm down here, chilly up there. So, enjoy the sunshine, Georgia. Winter’s taking it easy. STORY 5: Georgia swears in its youngest state representative At just 21, Ali’s already making waves. Youngest lawmaker in Georgia’s history? Check. Youngest Democratic state rep in the country? Also check. But he’s quick to brush off the titles. “First and foremost, I’m a brother, a son, and your neighbor,” he says. Ali’s story mirrors his district’s—immigrant parents, humble beginnings, and a relentless climb. “We went from eating white rice every night to owning a home,” he recalls. That shaped him. His journey into politics started young, sparked by threats to his community’s mosque. Now, he’s building bridges, lowering costs, and proving age doesn’t define leadership. We’ll be right back. Break 3: DTL HOLIDAY INTERVIEW - Lorraine Green STORY 6: Metro Atlanta man accused of cheating people out of almost $1 million by selling bogus UGA tickets A 43-year-old Alpharetta man, Matthew Neet, is accused of pulling off a nearly $1 million scam that targeted college football fans and investors. Fake tickets, bogus investments—he allegedly promised it all, but delivered nothing. Prosecutors say Neet offered hard-to-get UGA football tickets (think Alabama, Texas matchups) and pitched timberland projects in Costa Rica. The catch? None of it was real. Instead, he pocketed $943,000 from over two dozen victims. Neet’s been charged with wire fraud and waived indictment. The FBI’s still digging, and prosecutors are ready to take him on. STORY 7: ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ cast member Kandi Burruss stars in ‘& Juliet’ on Broadway Kandi Burruss is taking her talents to Broadway. Yep, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star and Grammy-winning artist joined the cast of & Juliet on Dec. 11 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York. She’s stepping into the role for a limited run through March 8, 2026, following TikTok sensation Cheryl Porter. The show? A playful twist on Romeo & Juliet—what if Juliet didn’t, you know, end it all over Romeo? Burruss, a 14-season RHOA veteran, adds this to her packed résumé: singer, songwriter, producer, restaurateur, and now Broadway star. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: GCPS Hiring 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 Team GCPS 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.

We're off today, but enjoy this bonus episode!News That Didn't Make the News: Why do you want to eat more in the winter? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're off today, but enjoy this bonus episode!News That Didn't Make the News: Fake Halloween photos... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

===== 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.

We're off today, but enjoy this bonus episode never aired on the podcast!News That Didn't Make the News: Halloween costumes...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

Merry Christmas! Live Let Thrive has a new episode for you. Myka and Steve are back, diving into high-level real estate plays and sharing legendary stories about taking bold risks and betting on yourself.Steve gets real about the daily grind of managing a six-bedroom Pad Split. He shares stories from the front lines, including dealing with a "gossip queen" tenant and finding creative ways to keep the water bill from exploding when a tenant tries to thaw hamburger meat under a running faucet. He also takes a trip down memory lane to recount his legendary gamble: flying standby to Salt Lake City without a ticket, a plan, or even a place to sleep, just to catch Michael Jordan's "Last Dance" Bulls championship with nothing but a cardboard sign and a dream.On the money side, Myka is dropping gems on how he's leveraging a Cost Segregation Study and the Short-Term Rental (STR) tax loophole to potentially bag an $80,000 write-off this year. The guys discuss their "passive-passive" model of using massive tax returns to fund their next property acquisition and why they're pivoting some mid-term rentals back to long-term and Section 8 housing to crush it in a hardening market. Whether it's debating a $7,600 World Cup ticket gamble versus a 5-day Disney cruise or avoiding the "Shiny Object Syndrome" that burns so many rookies, this episode proves that if you can live with the worst-case scenario, you can always pull the trigger.LLT info: Hit us up!www.LiveLetThrive.comLiveLetThrive@gmail.com@LiveLetThrive on the socials!Management Companies:ArgestRentals.comSharebnb.comLooking for a great Arbitrage? Click here! ⁠https://zfrmz.com/zIRCwmIDcwNcZ5LXSiJ4⁠or visit Lo-Casa.com and tell them Live Let Thrive sent you!Click our Link Tree for Podcast News!⁠https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive⁠#airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

We're off today, but enjoy this bonus episode never aired on the podcast!News That Didn't Make the News: Spam calls are coming to an end and How much girl time do we need?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My conversation with Rod and Karen starts at about 33 minutes in to today's show after headlines and clips Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE : On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. This show is Ad free and fully supported by listeners like you! Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous soul The Black Guy Who Tips is a podcast from the minds of Rod and Karen, a black, southern married couple who enjoy pop culture, politics and comedy. Rod and Karen have been together since they were 16 and have been married since 2002. The show has been mentioned in The Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg.com, Vox.com, BET.com, and  written about on Ebony.com. This Queen City Nerve award winning podcast has been featured on National Public Radio, Revolt Tv, and  Vice News Tonight on HBO. They have been consistently the number one comedy podcast on Podomatic.com and the podcast has featured guests such as, podcasters comedian/actor Kev On Stage, Keith and Chemda from Keith and the Girl, comedian Roy Wood Jr, Adult Film Star Sara Jay, ESPN contributor Bomani Jones, Journalist Jemele Hill, comedian/activist Elon James White, rapper/singer Phonte Coleman, comedian/writer Rae Sanni, comedian/actor Janelle James, poet/author Bassey Ikpi and NBA Shooting Guard Anthony Morrow among others. Rod and Karen have over 3,000 episodes plus more in their premium subscription service. They also have performed in several audio plays and one feature film (Dirt Cheap Therapy). They have been guests on The Evening Jones, Roy's Job Fair, The Karen Hunter Show, Open Mic The Reese Waters Show, Marriage Be Hard, Insanity Check, Where's My 40 Acres, Making Podcast Great Again, Three Guys On and many other podcasts / internet shows. And they've been panelists at such conferences such as Revolt Music Conference, Podcon and Awesomecon. They hosted their own live podcasting event in Charlotte, NC at The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Over the years the show has become a space of empathy, inclusion, progressiveness while still maintaining wit and humor on a daily basis. On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Listen rate and review on Apple Podcasts Listen rate and review on Spotify Pete On Instagram Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on Twitter Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page

Top Stories for December 23rd Publish Date: December 23rd From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 23rd and Happy Birthday to Eddie Vedder I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Christkindl Market heading into final days of first run in Lawrenceville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 66 hosts annual Cops and Kids Christmas event EXPLORING GWINNETT'S HISTORY: Christmas in the past 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 Final STORY 1: Christkindl Market heading into final days of first run in Lawrenceville The Atlanta Christkindl Market has been buzzing with holiday cheer, drawing over 226,000 visitors to downtown Lawrenceville since Thanksgiving. But if you haven’t made it out yet, time’s running out—Christmas Eve is your last chance. This German-inspired market has become a magnet for families across Gwinnett and beyond, offering European treats, handmade ornaments, and festive vibes. City Manager Chuck Warbington predicts the final tally will top 320,000 visitors. The market, at 210 Luckie St., is open daily now through Christmas Eve. Hours vary, so check ahead—and maybe book a Santa photo while you’re at it. STORY 2: Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 66 hosts annual Cops and Kids Christmas event Holiday traditions come in all shapes—carols, candles, big family dinners, and gift exchanges. But for the past 35 years, Gwinnett law enforcement has added its own twist: one December night dedicated to giving back. On Thursday, officers from 10 Gwinnett departments gathered at the Walmart on Lawrenceville Highway for the annual Cops and Kids Christmas. They strolled the aisles with families, helping kids pick out toys and clothes—making sure there’d be something under the tree. For many officers, this event is tradition. This year, 61 families and 104 kids were treated to gifts, Christmas dinner fixings, and even a “blessing box” from Hebron Baptist Church. For officers, it’s more than just shopping—it’s a chance to connect with the community and show a different side of law enforcement. More than 100 officers, plus Gwinnett Police Explorers, joined in this year. STORY 3: EXPLORING GWINNETT'S HISTORY: Christmas in the past When we think about Christmases past, it’s easy to romanticize them—quiet, simple, less commercial. Maybe we picture what our grandparents described or scenes from old books, but the truth? It all depends. Time, place, culture, class—Christmas looked different for everyone. By the 1800s, Christmas shifted toward family. Homemade gifts, carols, and decorated trees became staples. For enslaved people, though, the holiday was bittersweet—sometimes a brief reprieve, sometimes more work. In Gwinnett’s early days, Christmas was simple. Handmade decorations, maybe a church service, and stockings filled with candy, nuts, and—if you were lucky—an orange. 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: ART BEAT: Instructor Jae Montano helps people find 'The Joy of Painting' Jae Montano doesn’t believe in mistakes—just “happy accidents.” A Certified Bob Ross Instructor (one of only 18 in Georgia), she’s made it her mission to share the joy of painting, one brushstroke at a time. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Jae didn’t start painting until the pandemic hit. Stuck at home, she stumbled across Bob Ross on YouTube and was hooked. That spark led her to classes with Steve Ross, Bob’s son, and eventually to becoming a certified instructor herself in 2022. Now, Jae teaches Ross’s wet-on-wet technique across Atlanta and Gwinnett, helping students create dreamy landscapes without fear or perfectionism. You can catch her at festivals like Suwanee Arts and Duluth Spring and Fall, or shop her work at Suwanee and John’s Creek Art Centers. For classes and more, visit www.paintingwithjae.com. STORY 5: HOUSING MATTERS: Georgians struggle with cost of living more than most Americans The cost of living is crushing. For some, it’s meant bouncing between overpriced motels; for others, it’s homelessness. Here’s a look at the latest on affordable housing and the fight against homelessness: Georgia ranks 8th in financial struggle: A United Way study puts Georgia in the top 10 states where people can’t afford basics like food, gas, and housing. Nearly 34% of adults are behind on rent or mortgage, and 41% struggle with daily expenses. Nationwide, 42% of households can’t cover essentials—13% live in poverty, while 29% are stuck in the “ALICE” gap: earning too much for aid, but not enough to get by. Warming centers hiring Gwinnett’s warming centers open when temps hit 35°F or below, offering meals and shelter. They’re hiring attendants ($18/hour) to work 5:30 p.m.–7 a.m. Apply at gwinnettcounty.com/WarmingStationsJob. It’s tough out there—help is out there too. Break 3: DTL HOLIDAY INTERVIEW GDP_DTL_MARK BERENS_122325_FINAL STORY 6: Gwinnett school board drops high schools from cell phone ban Gwinnett County Public Schools will follow the new state law banning cell phones in K-8 classrooms, but high schools? Not yet. The school board voted 3-2 last week to ban personal devices—phones, smartwatches, tablets, headphones—in elementary and middle schools. Originally, the plan included high schools too, but that part was dropped after some debate. Why? Flexibility. “High schoolers have jobs, leave early, and have different responsibilities,” said Vice Chairwoman Tarece Johnson-Morgan. Still, the state might force the issue soon. Lawmakers are already eyeing a high school ban for 2026. For now, the K-8 ban covers the entire school day—class, recess, even assemblies. Exceptions? Only for students with special needs. STORY 7: Atlanta's Christmas Day forecast sees temperatures near record high It’s not exactly sweater weather, folks—Christmas in Atlanta is shaping up to feel more like a spring fling. Highs are expected to hit the low to mid-70s, putting this year in the running for one of the warmest Christmas Days on record. The all-time high? A toasty 75 degrees back in 2015. By Christmas Eve, most of metro Atlanta will bask in the 70s, while the North Georgia mountains hover in the 60s. Rain? Not likely. Just sunshine, warmth, and maybe a little disbelief. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: GCPS Hiring 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 Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill Team GCPS https://www.downtownlawrencevillega.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.

Top Stories for December 20th Publish Date: December 20th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, December 20th and Happy Birthday to Dick Wolf I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Apartment fire displaces 19 residents in Buford Philadelphia Winn Chapter DAR Honors Veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day HOLIDAY TRAFFIC: Year-end travel expected to set new record Plus, Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 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: Apartment fire displaces 19 residents in Buford Tuesday afternoon, chaos broke out at the Plantation Ridge Apartments in Buford when a fire erupted on a second-story balcony. It was 3:44 p.m. when 911 calls started pouring in—residents scrambling to evacuate as flames climbed toward the second floor. By the time firefighters arrived, the back of the three-story building was ablaze. Crews worked fast, deploying hose lines to knock down the fire while police helped evacuate everyone inside. Six units were damaged—fire, water, the works—but thankfully, no one was hurt. The fire displaced 19 people—11 adults, eight kids. The Red Cross and apartment management are stepping in to help. Investigators traced the fire to a second-story balcony and ruled it accidental. STORY 2: Philadelphia Winn Chapter DAR Honors Veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day On Dec. 13, the Philadelphia Winn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held two heartfelt ceremonies to honor veterans resting at Gwinnett Memorial Park and East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens. It was all part of Wreaths Across America, a nationwide effort to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach future generations about the cost of freedom. Volunteers placed fresh balsam wreaths—handcrafted in Maine, red bows and all—on veterans’ graves. The ceremonies featured local JROTC cadets, SAR Color Guard, and more. Through Dec. 31, wreath sponsorships are buy-one-get-one-free for next year’s event. STORY 3: HOLIDAY TRAFFIC: Year-end travel expected to set new record More than 122 million Americans—including 3.8 million Georgians—are gearing up to hit the road, skies, or rails this holiday season, according to AAA. That’s a record-breaking number, up 2.2% from last year. “People are ready to travel,” said Debbie Haas, AAA’s VP of travel. “Roads will be packed, airports busy—plan ahead, leave early, and maybe consider travel insurance if you’re flying in winter weather.” Of the 122 million, most (89%) will drive, with 109.5 million taking road trips. In Georgia, 3.4 million will drive, while nearly 200,000 will fly. Christmas week? Busier than New Year’s. Stay safe. 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 1- DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Fani Willis testifies to Georgia Senate committee After over a year of dodging Republican efforts to drag her before the Georgia Senate, Fani Willis finally showed up at the Capitol on Wednesday—and it was a spectacle. For three hours, the Fulton County district attorney sparred with a special committee she called a “political farce.” The committee, created by Senate Republicans, has been gunning for Willis ever since she indicted Donald Trump and 18 others over the 2020 election. The hearing? A mix of accusations and insults. Sen. Greg Dolezal, filling in as chair, grilled Willis on everything from her office’s spending to her use of a media tracking service. Willis fired back, calling some questions “ignorant”. Both sides threw punches. Dolezal pointed to Willis’ political donations and her staff’s ties to Democratic campaigns. Willis countered with social media posts showing Dolezal and others using the investigation for their own political gain. The hearing ended with no clear resolution—just more finger-pointing. STORY 5: UPDATE: 19-year-old shot by Gwinnett police after charging officers with a knife Gwinnett County police are looking into a Thursday afternoon shooting involving one of their own. It started around 1:40 p.m. when the State Mobile Crisis Team called officers to help with a mental health situation on Lockridge Drive, near Peachtree Corners. When officers arrived, they spoke with the crisis team and a 19-year-old outside the home. Clinicians decided the teen needed to go to the hospital for evaluation. But things escalated fast. “The subject went back inside, came out with a knife, and charged at the officer,” said Cpl. Angela Carter. “Despite commands to stop, the officer fired, striking the individual.” Paramedics on scene treated the teen, who was taken to the hospital and is alive, though their condition is unclear. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now handling the case, as is standard in officer-involved shootings. Here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre -Interview with Shane Delancey- Break 3: THE STRAND STORY 6: UGA researchers find more evidence that mining would harm Okefenokee New research has added weight to what environmentalists have been saying for years: mining near the Okefenokee Swamp is a terrible idea. Scientists at UGA found that water in the swamp and the aquifer beneath it share the same “fingerprint,” meaning they’re connected. Pull water from the aquifer? You’re pulling it from the swamp too. For years, it was assumed a thick clay layer separated the two, but this study flips that on its head. Rainfall raises the swamp’s water level—and, a month later, the aquifer’s. Activists are calling the findings a “game changer.” STORY 7: Gwinnett Native Todd Welborn Named Mountain View Head Football Coach Mountain View has tapped Todd Welborn as its new head football coach for the 2026 season, and honestly, it feels like a homegrown story coming full circle. Welborn, a former Collins Hill offensive lineman and a 26-year coaching veteran, has spent most of his career in Gwinnett County. For the past four years, he’s been a key part of Mountain View’s program, serving as defensive coordinator and handling a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Now, he’s stepping into the top spot, replacing John Poitevint, who led the Bears to three playoff runs from 2020 to 2025. Welborn, who’s deeply rooted in the Mountain View community—his kids attend local schools, his wife teaches in the cluster, and he’s coached youth football in the area—sees potential. “We’ve got talented kids,” he said. “It’s time to fix last year’s mistakes and let the sun rise over Mountain View.” We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: VILLA RICA WONDERLAND TRAIN- GCPS Hiring 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 Team GCPS 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 December 19th Publish Date:  December 19th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, December 19th and Happy Birthday to Al Kaline I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, future Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35 Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 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!  Now here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre BREAK: THE STRAND STORY 1: South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, future  Three mayors, three cities, and a lot to reflect on. Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons, Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, and Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman gathered at the Riverside EpiCenter to talk about 2025 wins and what’s next for 2026 during the State of South Cobb event. Clemons? He’s proud of Austell’s bold move to raise the millage rate for the first time in decades. “It’s about reinvesting in our community,” he said, pointing to plans for downtown revitalization and hiring a city manager—finally. Owens celebrated Mableton’s new departments and leadership team, calling 2025 a year of “building the foundation.” Next year? It’s all about community engagement and growth. Thurman highlighted Powder Springs’ shiny new city hall and parking garage, plus job-creating developments. His focus for 2026? Sustainable growth and leaving a legacy of leadership. STORY 2: Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35 Jaha Howard pulled off a narrow win Tuesday night, defeating fellow Democrat Roger Bruce in the runoff for state Senate District 35. Unofficial results show Howard, a dentist and former Cobb school board member, edging out Bruce with 51.9% of the vote to Bruce’s 48.1%. The seat, which covers parts of Cobb and Fulton counties, was left open when Jason Esteves stepped down to run for governor. Howard credited his win to personal outreach—hundreds of phone calls, he said, to build trust. “People want to feel heard,” he said. Bruce’s campaign struggled with name recognition, especially in Cobb. STORY 3: Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols  Glover Park got a dose of holiday magic Tuesday, thanks to Cobb County’s newest choir, “Cobb County Sonic Sound” (or, as they like to call themselves, “CoCo SoSo”). Led by Dr. Jatunn Gibson, head of the county’s Public Services Agency, the group—decked out in festive sweaters and holiday flair—belted out classics like “Joy to the World” and “White Christmas.” Oh, and they’ve got their own band too, all county employees. Between songs, they performed skits about elves saving Christmas. “It’s all about fun and camaraderie,” said Grace Williams, a choir member. “We’re connecting beyond work—and it’s a blast.” 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: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 4: Jason Gaines named Mableton Citizen of the Year  Jason Gaines didn’t see it coming. This week, he was named the 2025 Mableton Citizen of the Year at the South Cobb Area Council meeting, and the surprise left him, well, a little speechless. “It just warms my heart,” Gaines said. “To know the work I’ve done is appreciated like this—it’s humbling.” Gaines, who’s the director of planning at Croy Engineering and chairs the Mableton Development Authority Board, was honored by Mayor Michael Owens. “Jason’s been a force,” Owens said. “His expertise and passion have shaped this community at such a critical time.” The guy’s résumé? Stacked. Leadership programs, board memberships—he’s everywhere. STORY 5: Anderson steps down as Walker football coach TJ Anderson pulled off something close to miraculous in 2025. With just 23 players—yes, 23—he guided Walker through a grueling 10-game season. The Wolverines finished 2-8, but they still earned a spot in the Class A-AAA Private state playoffs. Unfortunately, injuries piled up, and the team had to decline the bid. “We had to make the best decision for our kids,” Anderson said, reflecting on the tough call. But that season? It was his last. Anderson announced on X that he’s stepping down as Walker’s head coach after three years. “It’s been a journey,” he wrote, thanking the community and his family. BRAVES: Ha-Seong Kim is staying put in Atlanta—at least for another year. The 30-year-old shortstop signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Braves on Monday, locking him in as the team’s starter for 2026. Not bad, considering he turned down a $16 million option just last month and walked away with an extra $4 million. Kim joined the Braves late last season, claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Sept. 1. He made an immediate impact, hitting .309 with a .372 OBP, three homers, and 12 RBIs in his first 19 games. Sure, he cooled off at the end—1-for-19 in the last five games—but the Braves clearly see his potential. Kim’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. Injuries sidelined him for much of 2025 with the Rays, where he hit just .214 in 24 games. But let’s not forget—this guy won a Gold Glove with the Padres in 2023 and has 84 career stolen bases. The Braves are betting on a bounce-back. And if Kim can channel his San Diego form, he could be a 3-4 WAR player. High hopes, but hey, the talent’s there. I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 8 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.

Top Stories for December 18th Publish Date: December 18th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, December 18th and Happy birthday to Keith Richards I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Arizona developer building 300-plus apartments in Peachtree Corners' Technology Park First buildings underway at Sugarloaf Crest in Lawrenceville GGC celebrates future nurses during pinning ceremony Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats 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-Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 1: Arizona developer building 300-plus apartments in Peachtree Corners' Technology Park Technology Park Atlanta, a hub for Fortune 500 companies and tech innovators, is about to get a residential twist. Soon, it won’t just be a place to work—it’ll be home for hundreds. Alliance Residential Company, the Arizona-based developer behind Broadstone Peachtree Corners, has snagged 10.7 acres in the park to build Broadstone Innovation, a 326-unit apartment community set to open in spring 2027. Think sleek, modern living: a salt sauna, red-light therapy pods, a resort-style pool, EV chargers, and even a food truck zone. STORY 2: First buildings underway at Sugarloaf Crest in Lawrenceville Parkland Residential has kicked off vertical construction at Sugarloaf Crest, a new build-to-rent community in Gwinnett County. What’s that mean? Townhomes—67 of them—are going up on 5.2 acres, complete with a big central green space. Located on Sugarloaf Parkway, right next to Richards Middle and Cedar Hill Elementary, these two- and three-bedroom homes are designed for modern living: open layouts, sleek kitchens, walk-in closets, and even washers and dryers included. The three-bedroom units? They’ve got lofts and nearly 2,000 square feet of space. STORY 3: GGC celebrates future nurses during pinning ceremony In a room buzzing with pride and emotion, 39 nursing students at Georgia Gwinnett College celebrated their pinning ceremony—a moment that marks the leap from student to nurse. “Y’all, it’s been two years!” joked Merick Sanogo, the class speaker, earning laughs and cheers. His classmates surprised him with a pineapple, a nod to his quirky tradition of gifting one on every birthday. The ceremony, steeped in tradition, included the lighting of the Nightingale Lamp and the Nurse Pledge. For Prudence Donald, an international student from Tanzania, it was a dream realized. “If you can dream it, you can achieve it,” she said. 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: 07.14.22 KIA MOG- DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Freight rail line from coast to northwest Georgia reports record traffic Georgia’s freight rail line from the Port of Savannah to Murray County just hit a record: nearly 4,000 containers moved in November, a 35% jump from last year. Seven CSX trains a week now roll through the Appalachian Regional Port near Chatsworth, cutting truck traffic—and emissions—in metro Atlanta. Opened in 2018, the inland port is fueling growth in northwest Georgia. A UGA study found it added 5,600 jobs in Dalton, Rome, and beyond over two years. And there’s more to come: the $127 million Blue Ridge Connector, opening next spring, promises to expand rail capacity even further. STORY 5: GGC's Devontre Chaney, Brasen James Earn Continental Athletic Conference Awards Georgia Gwinnett College juniors Devontre Chaney and Brasen James just snagged Continental Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors after leading the Grizzlies to a big road win. Chaney? He was unstoppable—15 points, 15 boards, and eight assists. Oh, and he went 9-for-10 at the line. That’s his seventh double-double this season. The guy’s averaging 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds. James locked it down defensively, holding his matchup to just six points (16 below average) while adding 14 of his own. FALCONS: As the Falcons limp toward the end of a rough 2025 season, the big question looms: will Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot keep their jobs? Atlanta’s 5-9 record doesn’t inspire much confidence, even after Thursday’s wild 29-28 comeback win over Tampa Bay. Sure, it was fun—rallying from 14 down in the fourth quarter—but in the grand scheme? It’s meaningless. The playoffs are out of reach, even in the laughable NFC South. Despite a 13-18 record, failed coaching hires, and some head-scratching moves (what was that with Ike Hilliard?), Morris has the locker room behind him. Bijan Robinson, for one, is all in. Owner Arthur Blank will have a tough call to make. Morris says it’s about building for next year, but will he get the chance? Three games remain—Arizona, the Rams, and the Saints. If the Falcons finish strong, maybe Morris gets another shot. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats We’ll have closing comments after this Break 3: Ingles Markets 10 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.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 19th Publish Date: December 19th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, December 19th and Happy Birthday to Al Kaline I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Sawnee EMC announces a balanced rate approach for 2026 Northside Hospital Cherokee named one of the best in U.S. for maternity care School board honors retiring Chief of Staff Mike McGowan Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 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!  Here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre Commercial: THE STRAND STORY 1: Sawnee EMC announces a balanced rate approach for 2026 Sawnee EMC has some good news for its members heading into 2026—most will see their monthly bills drop slightly in January compared to December. It’s not a huge change, but hey, every little bit helps, right? Here’s the deal: the Board of Directors voted to lower the Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA) by $4.72 per month for accounts using 1,500 kWh. At the same time, they approved small increases to base charges—about $2 to $3 per month. The net result? A $2 monthly savings for most members using 1,500 kWh. For those using less energy, the savings will be smaller, but still there. Sawnee says it’s committed to keeping rates affordable and only making changes when absolutely necessary. Serving over 203,000 accounts across seven counties in north Georgia, they also offer energy-saving tips, rebates, and incentives to help members cut costs. Questions? Call 770-887-2363 or visit www.sawnee.coop. STORY 2: Northside Hospital Cherokee named one of the best in U.S. for maternity care Northside Hospital Cherokee just snagged a big honor—it’s been named one of the nation’s top hospitals for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report. The “High Performing” rating puts it in the top 10% for uncomplicated pregnancies, making it one of only seven hospitals in Georgia to earn the distinction. Last year, nearly 3,000 babies were born at the Canton hospital, which also holds a Level III maternal care verification. Christina Roberts, director of women’s services, called the recognition a testament to their “high-quality, compassionate care.” Oh, and it’s not just maternity—Northside Cherokee also excels in 15 other areas, from cancer surgeries to heart failure care. STORY 3: School board honors retiring Chief of Staff Mike McGowan  After nearly 30 years with the Cherokee County School District, Mike McGowan is hanging up his hat—and the farewell was as heartfelt as you’d expect for someone who’s been a cornerstone of the district. At his final school board meeting last week, McGowan, CCSD’s first-ever chief of staff, was showered with gratitude, stories, and a few tears. Here is Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis and several school board members thanking McGowan for his service to CCSD. VO CLIPS From “hall monitor” to “everybody’s best friend,” McGowan’s legacy is clear: he made things better—for students, staff, and the entire community. 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 Markets 8 STORY 4: Names approved for new Cherokee High School athletic facilities Tommy Baker Field isn’t going anywhere—at least in name. Cherokee County’s school board made it official on Dec. 11: the new Cherokee High School’s football field will still be called Tommy Baker Field, while the stadium itself gets a fresh name, Warrior Stadium. For Cherokee’s athletic director Jeremy Adams, keeping the name alive wasn’t up for debate. The original Tommy Baker Field, home to the Warriors for 70 seasons, was named in 1958 after Tommy Baker, a student who passed away tragically in 1957. His legacy? Still strong. BRAVES: Ha-Seong Kim is staying put in Atlanta—at least for another year. The 30-year-old shortstop signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Braves on Monday, locking him in as the team’s starter for 2026. Not bad, considering he turned down a $16 million option just last month and walked away with an extra $4 million. Kim joined the Braves late last season, claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Sept. 1. He made an immediate impact, hitting .309 with a .372 OBP, three homers, and 12 RBIs in his first 19 games. Sure, he cooled off at the end—1-for-19 in the last five games—but the Braves clearly see his potential. Kim’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. Injuries sidelined him for much of 2025 with the Rays, where he hit just .214 in 24 games. But let’s not forget—this guy won a Gold Glove with the Padres in 2023 and has 84 career stolen bases. The Braves are betting on a bounce-back. And if Kim can channel his San Diego form, he could be a 3-4 WAR player. High hopes, but hey, the talent’s there. I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your tribune ledger sports minute. STORY 5: Tanner Place in Canton will soon welcome its first residents  Come January 1, the first families will finally move into Tanner Place, a long-awaited affordable housing community in Canton. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday wasn’t just about opening doors—it was about honoring a legacy. Pat Tanner, the neighborhood’s namesake and a former Canton City Council member, stood alongside her 98-year-old mother, Ozella Tanner, as she cut the ribbon. “This is humbling,” Tanner said, her voice full of emotion. “We knew this city needed safe, decent housing, and today, we’ve made that happen.” Tanner Place replaces 39 old units with 70 new ones, funded through state tax credits, HUD vouchers, and local contributions. Mayor Bill Grant called it “money well spent,” noting it’s the first new public housing in Canton in over 50 years. CHA Director Jacquelyn Loberg said 18 units are ready now, with more to follow in January. This project is just the beginning—next up, the redevelopment of Oakside Drive. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this.   COMMERCIAL: VILLA RICA WONDERLAND TRAIN   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.

Host Pamela Cook interviews crime writer Kate Horan, to chat about Kate's latest release, 'On the Edge,' a compelling thriller. On the agenda is Kate's journey to becoming a writer, her experience with the Faber Academy course, and the mentorship she received from Katherine Heyman. Kate shares the inspiration behind 'The Inheritance,' her debut novel, and the complexities of returning to an earlier manuscript for 'On the Edge.' The episode also touches on the structural and character development processes, the challenges of writing, and the significance of small-town settings. Pam also important news regarding the podcast in 2026. 1:27 Pamela's Writing and Podcast News 05:59 Substack Community and Subscriber Benefits 13:30 Kate Horan's Writing Journey 23:58 The Inheritance: Inspiration and Success 27:22 On the Edge: Themes and Storyline 29:43 Elevator Pitch for the Mystery Novel 31:12 Inspiration Behind the Story 33:09 Writing Process and Character Development 34:52 Challenges and Revisions 40:56 Small Town Setting and Its Importance 44:32 Character Development Techniques 48:00 Balancing Writing with Life 48:52 Promotion and Marketing Strategies 51:52 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/ Kate Horan Website: click here Instagram: click here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top Stories for December 16th Publish Date: December 16th PRE-ROLL: Villa Rica Wonderland Train From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 16th and Happy Birthday to Yosemite Sam I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett leaders update lawmakers on voting site challenges, public safety efforts Brookwood High selected to participate in the GaDOE Gifted in Action series Gwinnett Chamber announces 2025 Business Excellence Award winners Plus, Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 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: Gwinnett leaders update lawmakers on voting site challenges, public safety efforts Gwinnett County is cutting polling locations—down from 156 to 144—and the reason? Insurance headaches. Churches and private organizations, once reliable voting sites, are pulling out, according to Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold. Manifold shared the news during a meeting with Gwinnett’s state lawmakers, where elections and public safety took center stage. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson emphasized collaboration: “When local and state leaders work together, we serve our residents better.” On the safety side, Police Chief J.D. McClure highlighted staffing gains and a futuristic twist—drones as “first eyes” on crime scenes. Progress, but challenges remain. STORY 2: Brookwood High selected to participate in the GaDOE Gifted in Action series Brookwood High just got a big nod from the Georgia Department of Education—it’s been featured in the GaDOE Gifted in Action series, a webinar collection for educators working with gifted and talented students. Eric Rovie’s AP Literature and Language classes were in the spotlight, with the GaDOE team recording his students in action. Rovie’s approach? Open discussions, tough questions, and a classroom built on trust. Gifted education isn’t just about acceleration, says Dr. Keena Ryals-Jenkins of GCPS—it’s about sparking curiosity and pushing boundaries. STORY 3: Gwinnett Chamber announces 2025 Business Excellence Award winners The Gwinnett Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards lit up the John Maxwell Leadership Center last week, celebrating the movers, shakers, and innovators shaping Gwinnett’s business scene. Nick Masino, Chamber President & CEO, kicked things off, followed by keynote speaker Darryll Stinson—a TEDx speaker and leadership guru—who delivered a heartfelt, no-fluff message about trust, growth, and greatness. “It’s about elevating results,” he said, leaving the room buzzing. Masino summed it up: “When our businesses thrive, so does our region.” Winners spanned 10 categories, from Spectrum Autism Support Group (Community Contributor) to iS3 Tech Services’ Adam Hammock (Founder Award). A night of well-earned applause. 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 - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Gwinnett road closures Dec. 13-19 Heads up, Gwinnett drivers—here’s what’s happening on the roads this week (Dec. 13–19). Expect closures, detours, and delays, all courtesy of construction, utility work, and improvements. Big ones to note: **Ballpark Lane** is closed through April 2026. Detours are in place, but, yeah, plan extra time. Other spots with intermittent lane closures include **Beaver Ruin Road**, **Sugarloaf Parkway**, and **Rockbridge Road**—plus about 30 more. For details or detour routes, contact the Gwinnett DOT. STORY 5: ART BEAT: Players Guild at Sugar Hill to stage 'The Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder' Looking for a darkly funny way to kick off the new year? *The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder* hits Sugar Hill’s Eagle Theatre stage Feb. 6–15, promising six performances of murder, mayhem, and music. The story? Monty Navarro, a broke clerk, discovers he’s ninth in line to inherit a fancy title and fortune. His solution? Start “removing” the D’Ysquith family members ahead of him. It’s twisted, hilarious, and based on the 1907 novel *Israel Rank*. JD Touchton stars as Monty, marking his first musical role in four years. Tickets? Boxoffice@pgatsh.com. Now, here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre - Shane Delancey - Break 3: THE STRAND HOLIDAY STORY 6: Mill Creek Grad Holden Cammarata Runs 100-Mile Day for Williams Syndrome Holden Cammarata had a wild dream—run 100 miles in a single day. Not a marathon, not two, but *four*. The 2025 Mill Creek grad and Georgia Tech freshman had always pushed himself, running cross country in high school and now with Georgia Tech’s club team. But this? This was next level. “It’s a big jump,” he admitted. “With my foot surgery coming up, I figured this might be my last shot.” But Holden didn’t just run for himself. He ran for Molly Kate Cloer, the little sister of his high school teammate Tyler, who has Williams Syndrome. Inspired by their family, he turned his grueling goal into a fundraiser, raising over $8,000 for the cause. The run itself? Brutal. By mile 60, his injured foot was screaming. By mile 80, the park closed, forcing him to finish in a church parking lot. Every step hurt. But his parents, old teammates, and even strangers showed up to cheer him on, some running alongside him. After 25 hours, 33 minutes, and 32 seconds, Holden crossed the finish line—exhausted, in pain, but surrounded by love. STORY 7: Northside Hospital Gwinnett named one of nation's best for maternity care Northside Hospital Gwinnett just got some big news—it’s officially one of the best places in the country to have a baby, according to *U.S. News & World Report*. The hospital earned a “High Performing” rating for maternity care, putting it in the top 10% nationwide for uncomplicated pregnancies. Pretty impressive, right? Last year alone, they delivered 4,245 babies. Northside Gwinnett also scored high marks in 15 other areas, from heart surgery to stroke care. When you’re here, you’re family. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: GCPS Hiring 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 Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill Team GCPS https://www.downtownlawrencevillega.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.

Top Stories for December 13th Publish Date: December 13th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, December 13th and Happy Birthday to Ted Nugent I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Suwanee recognizes Eagle Scout projects Suspect arrested after road rage incident leads to stabbing on I-85 in Gwinnett Peachtree Corners Town Center's movie theater is third major closure of 2025 Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk Break 1: THE STRAND HOLIDAY STORY 1: Suwanee recognizes Eagle Scout projects At November’s City Council meeting, Suwanee took a moment to shine a spotlight on three incredible Eagle Scouts who poured their time, energy, and heart into projects that made the community a little brighter. “Thank you to these young leaders for their creativity and dedication,” the city shared. Here’s what they accomplished: Jocelyn Carsley (Troop 5109) transformed the barn at White Street Park with a kids’ activity area and a colorful mural. Meredith Carsley (Troop 5109) built observation decks for better views at city events. Colin Kenney (Troop 608) revamped the landscaping around the “Mommy” sculpture at PlayTown Suwanee. Amazing work, all around! STORY 2: Suspect arrested after road rage incident leads to stabbing on I-85 in Gwinnett A man accused of stabbing another driver in a road rage clash last month has been arrested, Gwinnett County police announced. The incident happened on Nov. 13 along I-85 South. Peter Chai, the victim, told officers he got into a heated exchange with a white van. Things escalated fast. According to police, the van’s driver, Yoandry Rincon, got out, approached Chai’s window, and stabbed him in the chest. Chai fought back—grabbing a bat from his car—which sent Rincon running back to his van. Chai was hospitalized but has since recovered. Rincon? He’s now in Gwinnett County Jail, facing aggravated assault charges. STORY 3: Peachtree Corners Town Center's movie theater is third major closure of 2025 It’s been a tough year for Peachtree Corners Town Center, and now there’s more bad news to close out 2025—CMX Cinebistro has shut its doors. The theater, which opened in March 2019, quietly disappeared from the CMX website, though it was still being hyped on social media just a few months ago as the go-to spot for date nights and family outings. This marks the third big closure in six months. Lazy Dog left in July, blaming parking headaches, and Uncle Jack’s Meat House followed in August. For a six-year-old development, it’s starting to feel like a rough patch. 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 - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Housing Matters: HUD pauses changes to housing grants after lawsuit The cost of living is crushing, and it’s forcing people into impossible situations—cramped hotel rooms, shelters, or worse, the streets. Here’s the latest on housing and homelessness: HUD’s Homeless Aid Shake-Up Hits Pause The Trump administration’s plan to cap grants for permanent housing and programs like those supporting transgender communities has been put on hold after a lawsuit. Critics say the changes would displace 170,000 people. HUD now promises a revised policy by January. Atlanta Food Bank’s Big Push With demand up 70%, the Atlanta Community Food Bank is racing to collect 10 million meals by year’s end. A $100,000 match doubles every donation. Housing Market Stalls New home listings dropped 1.7%—the sharpest decline in two years. Buyers and sellers are waiting, unsure of what 2026 will bring. STORY 5: Kim Peeples makes a lifelong impact on Brookwood’s theater family For Kim Peeples, music isn’t just a career—it’s her heartbeat. She retired from Brookwood High in 2019, but let’s be honest, she never really left. This year, she hit a milestone: her 100th musical production, “String,” which won the region one-act competition. Peeples’ journey with Brookwood started in the early ’80s, when she was fresh out of college and working under her middle school chorus teacher, Lori Ziecker. “Lori was everything,” Peeples said, her voice catching. “She passed in May, but her influence is everywhere.” Over the years, Peeples became a cornerstone of Brookwood’s theater and choral programs, working alongside the Lindahl family—first Ken and Patty, and now their daughter, Laura. And family is exactly what Brookwood has been to Peeples. From directing “Evita” in 1990 to the award-winning “1940s Radio Hour” in 1998, and more recent productions like “Ragtime” and “Bright Star,” her passion has left an indelible mark. We’ll be right back. Break 3: Kia Mall of Georgia And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk - Interview - We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: VILLA RICA WONDERLAND TRAIN- GCPS Hiring 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 Team GCPS 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 December 12th Publish Date:  December 12th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, December 12th and Happy Birthday to Frank Sinatra I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Pedestrian safety improvements coming to south Cobb Gateway Marietta CID seeks public input on 12 projects The Georgia Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 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!  Now here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre BREAK: THE STRAND STORY 1: Pedestrian safety improvements coming to south Cobb  Cobb County’s making moves to keep pedestrians safer in south Cobb, tackling two big projects: a pedestrian bridge near Factory Shoals Road and new bollards at Mableton Town Square Park. Let’s start with Factory Shoals. That bridge over I-20? Built in 1963, and, well, it shows. No sidewalks, no bike lanes—just a narrow shoulder that’s barely walkable. Commissioner Monique Sheffield said it’s been a problem for years, especially for folks working at nearby businesses. Now, the county’s greenlit a plan for a new pedestrian bridge alongside the old one, connecting sidewalks on both sides. And Mableton Park? Bollards are coming to stop cars from driving onto the grounds—because, yes, that’s been happening. STORY 2: Gateway Marietta CID seeks public input on 12 projects  The Gateway Marietta CID wants your thoughts—yes, yours—on 12 infrastructure projects they’re planning. These aren’t just random ideas; they’re focused on Franklin Gateway, South Marietta Parkway, and Delk Road. What’s on the table? Everything from streetscapes and trails to bridge replacements and new road connections. Some projects, like the Rottenwood Creek Trail extension ($20 million!) and Franklin Gateway bridge rebuild, are already in motion. Others, like adding Gateway signage or narrowing roads for multiuse trails, are still in the “what do you think?” phase. Your input will help shape what gets prioritized. Got opinions? Take the survey before the master plan wraps next year. Visit engage.publiccoordinate.com/en/project/gateway-marietta-cid-project-prioritization. STORY 3: The Georgia Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker  The Georgia Ballet’s The Nutcracker is back, running Dec. 18–23 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, and it’s bringing all the holiday magic you’d expect—plus a little extra sparkle this year. Here’s the twist: they’ve teamed up with Hamp & Harry’s, a Marietta Square favorite, to add some festive flair. Think Nutcracker-themed cocktails (yes, there’s wine and beer too) in the lobby before the show and during intermission. The ballet itself? Pure enchantment. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Clara’s midnight adventure, snowflakes, sweets, and Daet Rodriguez’s choreography. There’s even a Sensory-Friendly performance on Dec. 18—perfect for kids or anyone needing a gentler experience. Tickets start at $23. Don’t wait. 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: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 4: North Cobb Christian student wins statewide essay contest  North Cobb Christian seventh-grader Samille Shy just snagged first place in Georgia for her essay, “What Is Patriotism to Me?”—a big win in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen contest, which had over 120,000 entries nationwide. Samille’s take on patriotism? It’s about giving back. She wrote about volunteering at a food pantry, helping out at The Humane Society, singing with her school chorus on Veterans Day, and being part of the Sea Cadet Corps. The Georgia VFW loved it, awarding her top honors. Next stop? The regional competition. Not bad for a middle schooler, huh? STORY 5: McEachern rolls into state championship game  Every time McEachern scores, the announcer calls out the updated score. And when the opponent has zero? Oh, the crowd lives for it. They stretch it out—“zerooooooo”—like it’s a victory chant. They’ve had plenty of practice. Over the last two seasons, McEachern’s flag football team has gone 51-2, allowing just 2.9 points per game with 35 shutouts. Monday was no different. The Indians blanked Lithia Springs 19-0, then crushed North Forsyth 33-0 to punch their ticket to the state championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Now, McEachern heads to the championship, chasing back-to-back titles. GEORGIA TECH: No. 22 Georgia Tech is heading to the Pop-Tarts Bowl to take on No. 12 BYU on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Kickoff’s at 3:30 p.m., and you can catch it live on ABC. This marks Tech’s third straight bowl trip—something they haven’t pulled off since 2012-14—and their 48th all-time, which ranks 14th in college football history. With a 9-3 record, it’s their best regular season since 2014. BYU (11-2) comes in hot, despite two losses to Texas Tech. It’s a ranked-vs.-ranked showdown, Tech’s first since the 2014 Orange Bowl. History’s on their side—they’re 2-0 in this bowl. I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 6 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 12th Publish Date: December 12th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, December 12th and Happy Birthday to Frank Sinatra I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Canton Lions Club donates $6K to 'Shop with a Cop' program New taco fusion restaurant opens in Woodstock’s Towne Lake Road closure planned for Cherokee Avenue in Nelson Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 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!  Here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre Commercial: THE STRAND STORY 1: Canton Lions Club donates $6K to 'Shop with a Cop' program The Canton Lions Club stepped up in a big way Tuesday, donating $6,000 to the Canton Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” program—a holiday tradition that brings smiles to kids and families in need across Cherokee County. Lions Club members Shawn Tolan and Marty Taylor handed over the check, and they weren’t alone in their generosity. The Laurel Canyon Optimist Club chipped in another $1,500 to help make this year’s event even bigger. “This program is everything,” said Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell. “It’s about connection, joy, and showing kids we’re here for them. We couldn’t do it without these amazing partners.” STORY 2: New taco fusion restaurant opens in Woodstock’s Towne Lake There’s a new taco spot in Towne Lake, and it’s not your typical taco joint. Towne Lake Taco Co., owned by Rick and Julie VanBuren, is throwing a grand opening party this Thursday through Saturday, complete with deals, giveaways, and a special-edition taco. “We’re not a Mexican restaurant,” Rick said. “We’re a fusion spot—tacos are just our canvas to play with flavors.” And play they do. This weekend’s exclusive? A steak au poivre taco with sirloin, greens, and a peppercorn sauce spiked with Grandaddy Mimm’s sorghum rum. Deals include free tacos, $45 taco flights, and $8 sangrias. Oh, and brownie chimichangas for dessert. STORY 3: Road closure planned for Cherokee Avenue in Nelson  Heads up, Nelson residents—storm drainpipe work is coming to Cherokee Avenue, and it’s going to mean a road closure. From Dec. 15 to Dec. 19, the stretch between 61 and 98 Cherokee Avenue will be shut down. Here’s the deal: if you’re at 61, you’ll need to head west to get in or out. If you’re at 98, it’s east for you. Signs will go up at Dogwood Pass and Hillside Lane to mark the closure. Be careful around the crews and equipment, and please follow the work zone signs—it’s for everyone’s safety. Questions? Call 678-493-6077. Thanks for your patience! 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 Markets 7 STORY 4: Chattahoochee Gold grabs top three finish at senior state championships  The Chattahoochee Gold Swim Club made waves at the Georgia Senior State Championships in Athens last weekend, with both the boys and girls teams landing top-three finishes. The boys snagged second place with 587.5 points, just behind Swim Atlanta (622) and ahead of Dynamo (505). Asher Cooper was the standout, racking up 90 points with wins in the 200 backstroke (1:47.77) and 200 butterfly (1:51.11). Parker Hebert and Jack Lynch also delivered big, with Hebert taking second in the 500 freestyle (4:33.09). On the girls’ side, they finished third overall, led by Ashlyn Loftin’s 55 points and Ariana Lutz’s two first-place swims, including the 500 freestyle (4:58.75). BRAVES: The Atlanta Braves just inked a deal with free-agent outfielder Mike Yastrzemski—yep, Carl Yastrzemski’s grandson—for two years and $23 million, with an option for a third. Yaz (the younger) has had an up-and-down career. He burst onto the scene in 2019, hitting .272 with 21 homers as a rookie, and even snagged some MVP votes in 2020 when he batted .297 during the shortened season. But since 2021? He hasn’t quite found that same spark, hitting .233 with 17 homers last year between the Giants and Royals. At 35, he’s likely looking at left field or a fourth-outfielder role—Acuña’s got right field locked down. I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your tribune ledger sports minute. STORY 5: Cherokee Chick-fil-As donate $155K for local charities  The Operators and Marketing Directors of Cherokee County’s six Chick-fil-A and Truett’s Grill locations handed over a jaw-dropping $155,000 check to the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF)—all thanks to the 12th Annual Cherokee County Chick-fil-A 5K. This year’s event? Bigger than ever, with over 2,700 runners and walkers showing up. It wasn’t just a race—it was a full-on celebration. Think Chick-fil-A biscuits, a petting zoo, balloon animals, face painting, live dance performances, and giveaways galore. Oh, and nonprofits got free booth space to connect with the community. The best part? That $155,000 will support CCEF and Cherokee County Special Olympics. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this.   COMMERCIAL: VILLA RICA WONDERLAND TRAIN   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.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for December 11th Publish Date: December 11th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, December 11th and Happy birthday to Nikki Six I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Atlanta Christkindl Market proving a hit in Lawrenceville Gwinnett commissioners OK 4% salary adjustment for county employees Paul Duke STEM High School honored for work to improve student outcomes Plus Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 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-Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 1: Atlanta Christkindl Market proving a hit in Lawrenceville Avery Boutin and Jordan Lettis had never been to the Atlanta Christkindl Market before, but now that it’s landed in their backyard? They couldn’t resist. Sunday night, they joined the crowd under twinkling string lights, wandering the aisles, riding the Ferris wheel, and—of course—grabbing raclette sandwiches. This is the market’s first year in Lawrenceville, and it’s already a hit. City Manager Chuck Warbington said it’s tripled downtown foot traffic. Vendors? 90 booths, everything from bratwursts to alpaca scarves. And the hot chocolate line? Let’s just say, patience required. STORY 2: Gwinnett commissioners OK 4% salary adjustment for county employees Gwinnett County employees just got an early Christmas surprise—4% raises, approved by commissioners on Tuesday. Starting pay? Now at least $40,000 a year for full-timers. Not bad, right? The adjustment, retroactive to Oct. 25, bumps up pay ranges across the board, including public safety roles. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson called it a step toward addressing inflation and keeping Gwinnett competitive. “We’re investing in the people who keep this county running,” she said. With a $2.6 billion budget vote looming in January, it’s unclear how this raise fits in. But for now? A little extra in the paycheck feels good. STORY 3: Paul Duke STEM High School honored for work to improve student outcomes Paul Duke STEM High just snagged a huge honor—one of only two schools in Georgia named a 2025 National ESEA Distinguished School. Pretty big deal, right? This recognition isn’t handed out lightly. It’s for Title I schools that are crushing it academically and making real strides with their students. Principal Dr. Jonathon Wetherington couldn’t be prouder. “This is about our students, our teachers, our families—all of us,” he said. Their STEMforALL initiative? Game-changer. It’s hands-on, rigorous, and inclusive, reaching multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and those facing economic challenges. Oh, and Flex Fridays? Genius. Targeted support, projects, college prep—it’s working. Graduation rates? Over 90%. 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: Gwinnett County Public Library offering RISE Teen Entrepreneurship program Got a teen with big dreams of running their own business? Gwinnett County Public Library’s RISE Teen Entrepreneurship Program might be just the thing. Starting Feb. 17, 2026, this four-week crash course will teach teens (ages 13–19) how to turn ideas into real businesses. Here’s the deal: they’ll brainstorm, build a business plan, and pitch their ideas to local entrepreneurs in a Shark Tank-style showdown. Winners? Cash prizes. Meetings are weekly, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at the Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick branch. Deadline to apply? Jan. 5. Oh, and library cardholders can use maker spaces—think laser printers, podcast gear, sewing machines—for free. Dream big, Gwinnett! STORY 5: Touchdown Club of Gwinnett Honors Best in 2025 High School Football The Touchdown Club of Gwinnett threw a big bash Monday at 12Stone Church, celebrating the absolute best of Gwinnett high school football from the 2025 season. And wow, what a lineup. Buford’s Tyriq Green snagged Athlete of the Year—no surprise there, considering he’s leading his team to the Class AAAAAA state finals. North Gwinnett cleaned up too, with Zach Lewis (Offensive Lineman), Max Patterson (Tight End), and Chauncey Davis (Defensive Back) all taking home top honors. Other schools? Brookwood, Collins Hill, and Grayson had multiple winners, too. Honestly, the talent in this county is unreal. Full list? It’s long—like, really long. But trust me, these kids earned it. GEORGIA SWARM: The Georgia Swarm are itching to get back on the floor. After dropping their season opener to Buffalo—yeah, the three-time champs, no big deal—they’ve had a week off to regroup. That 15-11 loss? Not ideal. Saturday, Dec. 13, they’re finally at home, Gas South Arena, facing the Oshawa FireWolves. Rookie Nolan Byrne? Scored his first goal in Buffalo. Shayne Jackson? Four goals, still a beast. And this team? Big. Fast. Aggressive. Fans better buckle up—it’s gonna be fun. Here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre Break 3: THE STRAND - Ingles Markets 7 - THE SUGAR HILL HOLIDAY 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 Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of 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.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 10th Publish Date:  December 10th Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, December 10th and Happy Birthday to Med White Seven Nation Army I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb Library Foundation launches online store to boost fundraising Powder Springs man charged in fatal shooting of mother and stepfather Kennesaw "Holly Days" parade spreads holiday cheer 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 5 STORY 1: Cobb Library Foundation launches online store to boost fundraising The Cobb County Library Foundation just got a little more creative with its fundraising—say hello to The Cobb Library Shop, an online store packed with bookish goodies. From cozy throw blankets and pet sweaters to pickleball paddles and “Get Carded” T-shirts, there’s something for every library lover. The shop, designed by library staff, features six themed collections, including merch for the bookmobile and holiday gifts. Proceeds? They go straight back into library programs like the Summer Reading Program and Teen Book’d. “This isn’t just about selling stuff,” said Sandra Morris, the foundation’s executive director. “It’s about building a bridge between the library and the community.” Shop now at cobblibrary.shop. STORY 2: Powder Springs man charged in fatal shooting of mother and stepfather A tragic scene unfolded in Powder Springs on Saturday, where a man is accused of fatally shooting his mother and stepfather. Police arrived at a home on Yoshino Terrace around 12:30 p.m. after a domestic disturbance call. Inside, they found Monica Brookins, 72, and John Wells, 73, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite being rushed to the hospital, neither survived. The suspect? Martin Duberry, 31—Brookins’ son and Wells’ stepson—who also lived in the home. He’s now facing two counts of murder, eight counts of aggravated battery, and a firearm charge, according to authorities. A heartbreaking loss for the family and community. STORY 3: Kennesaw "Holly Days" parade spreads holiday cheer   Downtown Kennesaw was buzzing with holiday cheer as the Holly Days parade rolled through, bringing floats, marching bands, dancers, and, of course, Santa Claus himself. The parade, with over 50 entries, started at Adams Park and wound its way down Watts Drive and Main Street. Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling stole the show, pedaling a tricycle decked out in Christmas lights and decorations, waving to the crowd in his festive suit. The parade wasn’t just for spectators. Performers like Sophia Allsen, a North Cobb High color guard member, said marching in the cold was worth it. “Seeing everyone’s smiles makes it all worthwhile,” she said. The festivities wrapped up with Santa waving from his sleigh float, followed by photos in Depot Park. Preston Bell, 10, summed it up: “I loved the candy—and I’m asking Santa for Robux!” For more Holly Days fun, visit kennesaw-ga.gov/hollydays. 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: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 4: Braves great Dale Murphy falls short of Hall of Fame induction Dale Murphy’s wait for the Hall of Fame continues. The Braves legend fell short again on Sunday, earning just six of the 12 votes needed from the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee. It’s the same result as 2022, leaving fans and supporters—who’ve rallied around him for years—disappointed but undeterred. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Murphy wrote on X before the announcement, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. “Words can’t describe how much this support means.” Murphy’s career? A mix of brilliance and heartbreak. Seven All-Star nods, back-to-back MVPs in ’82 and ’83, 398 homers, five Gold Gloves. But injuries slowed him, and his Hall of Fame case has always been a debate. For now, the wait goes on. STORY 5: Senior living development advances  The Cobb County Planning Commission gave the green light to a 16-home senior living development in southwest Cobb—unanimously, no less. The project, proposed by Atlanta-based Romusa Properties, would rezone 3.29 acres on West Sandtown Road, right by Mud Creek Soccer Complex. The plan? Build attached homes, at least 1,800 square feet each, with brick, stone, and cedar shake exteriors. Pretty traditional, but cozy. There’s also a recreational area and a mail kiosk in the mix, plus a mandatory HOA and private streets. No objections, no drama—it sailed through. Next stop: Cobb Board of Commissioners on Dec. 16. Break: STORY 6: Marietta celebrates girls cross country team’s sixth state championship    The Marietta High girls cross country team took a well-earned victory lap Friday—on a bus, through the entire school district. Why? Six straight state championships. Six. Decked out in bright pink shirts, the 21 runners stopped at all 12 schools, greeted by cheering students, handmade signs, pom-poms, and blaring anthems like “We Are the Champions.” High-fives everywhere. Superintendent Grant Rivera led the charge, calling the team an “inspiration.” Senior Mary Nesmith, a two-time state champ herself, said, “It’s so special seeing the little kids. They’re so sweet.” The tour ended with Mayor Steve Tumlin’s proclamation. Six titles—and counting. The move follows “Wesley’s Law,” passed last year, which req ======uires schools to stock naloxone and train staff to use it. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 5 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 December 9th Publish Date: December 9th PRE-ROLL: DTL HOLIDAY From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 9th and Happy Birthday to John Malkovich I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience rolls into holidays to help benefit Norcross Co-op North Gwinnett Co-op in need of donations for annual Santa Shop Toy Drive Gwinnett's budget hearing draws few speakers, but feedback still accepted 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 - Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 1: Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience rolls into holidays to help benefit Norcross Co-op The fourth annual Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience isn’t just about trains—it’s about giving back. Held at 3135 Repps Miller Road in Norcross, this massive holiday display supports Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, a nonprofit helping families in crisis. “Last year, we raised $11,000,” said organizer Jonathan Galucki. “This year, we’re aiming for $15,000—and we’ve got a matching grant lined up.” The event runs Dec. 13, 14, 20, and 21, with tickets starting at $8. Expect nearly a dozen trains, a LEGO Christmas City, and an interactive Engineer Training Center where kids can run their own trains. Live music, festive vibes, and even a Buffalo Bills watch party? It’s all here. Visit neighborhoodchristmastrain.com for details. STORY 2: North Gwinnett Co-op in need of donations for annual Santa Shop Toy Drive The North Gwinnett Co-Op pulled off a miracle earlier this year, keeping families fed during the food-stamp crisis caused by the federal shutdown. But that effort came at a cost—plans for their annual Kristen Mullen Santa Shop had to take a back seat. “We fed families twice in November and gave out over 600 holiday meals,” said Executive Director Kim Phillips in a heartfelt Facebook video. “But now, we’re behind on toys for the Santa Shop.” The shop, which lets parents choose gifts for their kids with dignity, needs unwrapped toys by Dec. 12—especially sensory toys and gifts for teens. Visit ngcoop.org to help. STORY 3: Gwinnett's budget hearing draws few speakers, but feedback still accepted The public hearing for Gwinnett County’s proposed $2.6 billion 2026 budget? Quiet. Not a single taxpayer showed up to speak. Instead, community leaders—library board, health board, Mosaic Georgia—took the mic to thank commissioners for their expected funding. But here’s the gist: the budget is $66 million leaner than 2025’s, with Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson applauding department heads for trimming costs. “They worked hard to find efficiencies,” she said. Where’s the money going? Public safety and public works dominate—new police HQ, fire station relocations, 911 upgrades, road repaving, and even drones for mall patrols. Want to weigh in? Submit comments online by Dec. 31. 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 - Sugar Hill Holiday STORY 4: 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' coming to Red Clay Music Foundry Dec. 13 Even after all these years, Jeffrey Bützer still loves playing *A Charlie Brown Christmas*. Listening to the record? Not so much. “I don’t really enjoy listening to it anymore,” he admits. “But playing it? That’s different. It’s jazz—you don’t play it the same way twice. T.T. (Mahony) takes different solos every night, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. It keeps me on my toes, and people love it. It’s a tradition for so many, and honestly, I love that.” Bützer, Mahony, bassist Francisco Lora, and vocalists Kelly Winn and Audrey Gamez will bring the Peanuts magic to Eddie Owens Presents at Red Clay in Duluth on Dec. 13. Since the original album is only 35 minutes, the group adds some surprises—like songs from the *Phil Spector Christmas Album*—and even clips from the TV special. “We never announce it; we just do it,” Bützer says. “No one’s ever left early, so I guess it works.” And the fans? They keep coming back. “We’ve got ‘Snoopy Groupies,’” Bützer laughs. “One woman came every year, moved away, and now flies back for the show. It’s wild.” For tickets, visit eddieowenspresents.com. STORY 5: Primerica collects nearly 82,000 food items for Can-A-Thon Christmas is about giving, right? Helping those in need? Primerica hosted its annual canned food drive last week at its Duluth headquarters, collecting a jaw-dropping 81,846 cans for the Salvation Army’s Can-A-Thon. But this year, they ditched the Santa hats for bell-bottoms and tie-dye. The theme? “Can You Dig It.” Employees went all-in on the 60s and 70s vibe—think hippie costumes, peace signs, and even a nod to the Mystery Machine from *Scooby-Doo*. Groovy, right? We’ll be right back. Break 3: Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink STORY 6: Families of crime victims remember loved ones at annual vigil As the names of Gwinnett County crime victims appeared on the screen at last weeks Crime Victims Candlelight Vigil, Deborah Free leaned into Renee Haygood’s shoulder, her tears unstoppable. Deborah’s daughter, Rachel, was killed in a domestic violence murder-suicide just two months ago. This will be the family’s first Christmas without her. Held at 12Stone Church in Duluth, the vigil—organized by the Gwinnett DA’s Office—offered grieving families a space to honor their loved ones. Three Christmas trees stood adorned with ornaments for victims, while a bell rang for each name read aloud. For Venetia and Jeffrey Coleman, who lost their son Bradley to a carjacking three years ago, the vigil was a chance to share hope. For the Free family, it was their first vigil—but not their last. “We’ll be back every year,” said Rachel’s sister, Jenn. “Her story doesn’t end here.” STORY 7: Grayson LB Tyler Atkinson Named Gatorade Georgia Football Player of the Year Gwinnett County’s got another star in the books—Grayson senior linebacker Tyler Atkinson just snagged the Gatorade Georgia Football Player of the Year award for 2025-26. That makes him the fifth-ever winner from Gwinnett, and the first since Mill Creek’s Caleb Downs in 2022. Atkinson’s season? Unreal. The 6’3”, 221-pound Texas Longhorns commit racked up 96 tackles, 26 for loss, nine sacks, and 22 QB hurries, leading Grayson to the state quarterfinals. Oh, and he’s a five-star recruit ranked No. 14 nationally for 2026. Off the field? He’s hosting youth football clinics, mentoring at church, and rocking a 3.48 GPA. Atkinson’s also in the running for Gatorade’s National Player of the Year. Big things ahead. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: GCPS Hiring 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 Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill Team GCPS https://www.downtownlawrencevillega.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.

Big news about the podcast, a look at some early baseball moves and Guns & Roses is going on tour. Errata: The Houston Astros missed the playoffs twice since 2015 - in 2016 and in 2025 - not once. Nacagdoches is a town in East Texas, home of Stephen F. Austin University. Guns & Roses' record label was Geffen, not Sony.Please consider supporting Hooks & Runs by purchasing books, including those featured in this episode (if any were), through our store at Bookshop.org. Here's the link. https://bookshop.org/shop/hooksandruns Hooks & Runs - https://hooksandruns.buzzsprout.comEmail: hooksandruns@protonmail.comCraig on Bluesky (@craigest.bsky.social)Rex (Krazy Karl's Music Emporium) on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Krazy-Karlz-Music-Emporium/100063801500293/Hosts Emeriti:Andrew Eckhoff on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hofffestEric on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ichaboderic/Music: "Warrior of Light" by ikolics (via Premium Beat)   www.premiumbeat.com/artist/ikoliksThis podcast and this episode are copyright Craig Estlinbaum, 2025.

Top Stories for December 6th Publish Date: December 6th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, December 6th and Happy Birthday to Peter Buck from REM I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett Chamber Foundation honors small business leaders at inaugural Power of Impact Gala Lawmakers seek Lottery money for need-based college scholarships Applications for Jackson EMC Washington Youth Tour now open 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 Chamber Foundation honors small business leaders at inaugural Power of Impact Gala The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation held its first-ever Power of Impact Gala on Dec. 3 at Bear’s Best Suwanee, bringing together over 130 business leaders to celebrate small business growth and mentorship. Award winners included Dr. William “Bill” Russell (Legacy Business Leader), Alicia Cole of Lillies Boutique (Certification Cohort Member), and Berthine Crèvecoeur West of Westbridge Solutions (Accelerator Cohort Member). The event also celebrated the 2025 Small Business Impact Institute graduates, seven of whom earned supply-chain certifications. STORY 2: Lawmakers seek Lottery money for need-based college scholarships Georgia’s public colleges hit record enrollment this fall, with over 382,000 students, but a bipartisan Senate committee says too many are still being left behind. The HOPE Scholarship, funded by the state lottery, has helped over 2 million students since 1993, but it’s merit-based—requiring a 3.0 GPA—and doesn’t account for financial need. For low-income students juggling work and school, losing HOPE often means dropping out entirely. The committee is pushing for a $126 million need-based aid program, funded by the lottery’s $1.7 billion reserves. But not everyone’s on board. Critics argue need-based aid feels like “social welfare,” despite warnings of a growing “brain drain” as students leave Georgia for better financial aid elsewhere. Gov. Brian Kemp praised HOPE’s legacy this week, but advocates say Georgia must do more to keep talented students in-state. STORY 3: Applications for Jackson EMC Washington Youth Tour now open Jackson EMC is now accepting applications for the 2026 Washington Youth Tour—a once-in-a-lifetime, all-expenses-paid trip to D.C. from June 12-19. Four lucky high school sophomores or juniors from the Jackson EMC service area will be selected for this leadership experience. Who’s eligible? Students with strong grades, a passion for community service, and an interest in building connections. You can apply online at jacksonemc.com/wyt or be nominated by a teacher or counselor. Applications close Jan. 31, 2026. Finalists will interview on Feb. 16 with a panel of leaders. The trip includes visits to monuments, Smithsonian museums, Arlington Cemetery, and even a chance to meet Georgia’s congressional delegation. 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 - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Walmart launches drone delivery service in Georgia — including Loganville No, drones won’t be squeezing down your chimney, but if you live near one of six Walmart Supercenters around Atlanta, they might just drop a package on your lawn in time for Christmas. Walmart, teaming up with Wing, announced Wednesday that drone deliveries are now a thing in metro Atlanta—just in time for last-minute shoppers. Need wrapping paper? Holiday meal ingredients? A stocking stuffer you forgot? These 12-pound drones, zipping along at 60 mph, can deliver in five minutes if you’re within six miles. For now, Georgia’s drone-enabled Walmarts are in Conyers, Dallas, Hiram, Loganville, McDonough, and Woodstock. And while this is Atlanta’s first legal drone delivery service, drones have already been making, uh, less festive deliveries—state officials recently flagged them as a growing problem for smuggling contraband into prisons. Still, for holiday procrastinators, this tech could be a game-changer. Fewer delivery trucks on the road? That’s a win for everyone. STORY 5: ‘TIS THE SEASON: Your 2025 Guide To Tree Lightings And Holiday Celebrations In And Around Gwinnett County The holidays are in full swing, and there’s no shortage of festive fun around Gwinnett County. Here’s a quick rundown: **Suwanee’s Jolly Holly Days** (Dec. 8–9): Two days of crafts, live music, a pet parade, and Santa’s grand arrival. **Lilburn Holiday Parade** (Dec. 9): Floats, bands, and Christmas characters galore. **Duluth’s Deck the Hall** (Dec. 9): Snow slides, crafts, and Santa pics. For more, check city websites! Break 3: GCPS HIRING STORY 6: Dr. Carla Price joins Northeast Georgia Physicians Group in Dacula For over 20 years, Dr. Carla Price has been a familiar face in northeast Georgia, caring for families and building relationships that last. Now, she’s bringing her expertise—and her heart—to Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Hamilton Mill. Her journey started on a farm in Fairmont, West Virginia, where she helped her grandfather care for sick cows. That early love of healing led her to West Virginia University for med school, then Savannah for residency, and eventually to Winder in 2002. Now, when she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her on her 8-acre horse farm in Jefferson, raising chickens, riding horses, or tending to her bees. She’s also a beach lover, often escaping with her fiancé and three daughters. NGPG Hamilton Mill, located at 3575 Braselton Highway in Dacula, is open seven days a week. Call 770-848-5300 or visit ngpg.org/price to book an appointment. STORY 7: Rainbow Village marks 12th year as Subaru of Gwinnett's hometown charity Rainbow Village, a Duluth nonprofit helping families overcome homelessness, has once again been named Subaru of Gwinnett’s Hometown Charity for the 2025 Subaru Share the Love® Event. This marks 12 years of partnership, with donations from car sales and service appointments supporting Rainbow Village’s mission of “Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing.” For a nonprofit that relies on private funding for 90% of its budget, relationships like this are a lifeline. Last year’s event raised $51,475. This year? They’re aiming even higher. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: THE SUGAR HILL HOLIDAY 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 2025 Buford Holiday Festival & Parade All-In-One Flyer Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill 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.

===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 5th Publish Date:  December 5th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, December 5th and Happy Birthday to Walt Disney I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Daniel Gaddis elected to Marietta City Council Proposed Atlanta Road apartments delayed amid safety, school capacity concerns Honorees announced for 41st annual Tribute to Women of Achievement Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots 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 4 STORY 1: Daniel Gaddis elected to Marietta City Council City planner Daniel Gaddis clinched the Ward 3 Marietta City Council seat Tuesday night, defeating life coach Nora Gaudet in the runoff election. With all precincts reporting, Gaddis secured 698 votes (64.15%) to Gaudet’s 390 (35.85%). The results will be certified Dec. 8. “It’s been a long road, but we worked hard and had incredible support,” Gaddis said, reflecting on a campaign that reached over 3,500 voters. Still, he admitted the race wasn’t without challenges, particularly the push to label him politically. “Parks, sidewalks, public safety—these aren’t partisan issues,” he said. Gaudet, who moved to Georgia five years ago, acknowledged the uphill battle of being a “wild card” candidate. “I didn’t have deep connections here,” she said, adding that campaigning through the holidays was exhausting. “People are tired by a runoff—they just want it over.” Both candidates highlighted inequities in Marietta, from neglected neighborhoods to housing affordability. Gaddis spoke of the need to preserve Marietta’s charm while addressing real issues like homelessness and unsafe streets. Gaudet, meanwhile, emphasized the voices of overlooked residents. “We’ve done great work,” Gaudet said. “And I hope those quiet voices finally get heard.” STORY 2: Proposed Atlanta Road apartments delayed amid safety, school capacity concerns  After hearing concerns about traffic and overcrowding, the Cobb County Planning Commission hit pause Tuesday on a proposed 249-unit apartment complex at Atlanta Road and I-285. The decision? Delayed until February. Flournoy Development Group wants to rezone 3.79 acres to build the rental apartments—mostly one-bedrooms—but the project’s sparked pushback. Locals worry about traffic, U-turn safety, and overcrowding at Nickajack Elementary, which is already 269 students over capacity. Attorney Kevin Moore, representing Flournoy, said the plan has been revised: fewer units (down from 274), shorter building height along Atlanta Road, and a parking deck tucked into the five-story section near the interstate. But traffic remains a sticking point. Residents like Nat Milburn, from Olde Ivy at Vinings, raised alarms about U-turns, claiming the project could add 500 daily U-turns and spike accidents by 800%. Moore dismissed the data as “opinion,” but Planning Chair Nadia Faucette wasn’t sold. “I’m for the project, but safety’s a big concern,” she said. The commission will revisit the case Feb. 3, giving Flournoy time to address traffic, signage, and other community concerns. STORY 3: Honorees announced for 41st annual Tribute to Women of Achievement  LiveSafe Resources, a Marietta-based shelter for domestic violence survivors, has revealed the honorees for its 41st annual Tribute to Women of Achievement. Every year, the organization celebrates 15 women who’ve made waves—personally, professionally, and through volunteer work. One will be crowned 2026 Woman of the Year at the awards gala on March 20 at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest. This year’s honorees include leaders like Cobb Solicitor General Makia Metzger, Braves exec DeRetta Rhodes, and Judge Jaret Usher. The gala will feature dinner, auctions, and awards like the Pat Head Dignity Award for public safety and the Kim Gresh Survivor’s Award, honoring a survivor whose story inspires. Tickets are available now. 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 4 STORY 4: Carlyle Kent reelected to Marietta City Council  Councilman Carlyle Kent is staying put in Ward 5, clinching reelection with a commanding 80.49% of the vote over challenger and former Councilman Reggie Copeland, who pulled in just 19.51%. Unofficial results show Kent received 495 votes to Copeland’s 120, with all precincts reporting. The results will be certified Dec. 8. This race felt like déjà vu—Kent unseated Copeland back in 2021. “My neighbors pushed me to run four years ago because they felt the ward wasn’t being represented well,” Kent said Tuesday, surrounded by family, friends, and supporters who cheered as the final numbers came in. Kent credited his team’s hard work—canvassing, phone banking, and connecting with newly redistricted voters—for the win. “I’m always optimistic, but it’s humbling to see that support,” he said, adding, “I give thanks to the Lord for putting the right people in my life.” Looking ahead, Kent said his focus remains on improving Ward 5. “I want to leave it better than I found it.” STORY 5: Wheeler to host big-name programs in Tournament of Champions SPORTS UPDATE Wheeler’s boys basketball team will host the Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic on Saturday, featuring 16 top teams from Georgia and beyond. Games start at 10 a.m. and run every 90 minutes, with $22 tickets covering all eight matchups. Highlights include Kell, led by BJ Love and Kamari Kilgore, facing Meadowcreek at 11:30 a.m., and Wheeler, ranked No. 1 in Georgia and No. 4 nationally, taking on Nevada’s Coronado at 8:30 p.m. Wheeler boasts five Division I recruits, including Colben Landrew (UConn) and Amare James (Clemson). Coronado’s Munir Greig, Nevada’s top player, will also take the court. SOCCER: The U.S. Men’s National Team will face top-tier competition in its final pre-World Cup tune-ups, with Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosting two marquee matchups. On March 28, the U.S. takes on No. 8 Belgium at 3:30 p.m., followed by a clash with No. 6 Portugal on March 31 at 7 p.m. Both games will air on TNT, HBO Max, and more. As the new home of U.S. Soccer, Atlanta gets the spotlight, offering fans a front-row seat to world-class soccer as the team preps for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 4 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 5th Publish Date: December 5th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, December 5th and Happy Birthday to Walt Disney I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal New Jersey Mike’s Subs location opening in Hickory Flat FBI warns about rise in charity and disaster-relief fraud as holiday season ramps up Walmart launches drone delivery service in Woodstock Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots 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 5 STORY 1: New Jersey Mike’s Subs location opening in Hickory Flat Jersey Mike’s Subs opened its doors at 6764 Hickory Road in the Hickory Flat community this Wednesday. From Dec. 3 to 7, the new location will support Every Link Matters, a nonprofit helping kids with KBG Syndrome. Got one of their special fundraising coupons? Donate at least $3, and you’ll snag a regular sub in return. No coupon, no deal—so keep an eye out for those flyers. “We’re so excited to join the Woodstock community,” said franchise owner Diego Rangel. “Giving back is who we are. Partnering with Every Link Matters lets us make a real difference—one sub at a time.” Hungry? You can order in-store, online, or through the Jersey Mike’s app. Delivery and curbside pickup are also options. The shop will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more info, visit jerseymikes.com or call 470-523-8055. Looking for a job? Email nico@rangelcompanies.com. STORY 2: FBI warns about rise in charity and disaster-relief fraud as holiday season ramps up The holidays are here, and so are the scammers—because, of course, they are. The FBI is warning folks to watch out for charity and disaster-relief fraud, which always seems to spike after major disasters or crises. These scammers? They’re sneaky. They’ll pose as legit charities, relief workers, or even government agencies, using emails, fake websites, crowdfunding pages, or social media to tug at your heartstrings—and your wallet. Sometimes they’ll even offer cleanup services, demand payment upfront, and then vanish. The FBI’s advice? Double-check charities before donating, skip sketchy links, and stick to secure payments (no gift cards or wire transfers). Stay sharp out there. STORY 3: Walmart launches drone delivery service in Woodstock  Residents near the Woodstock Walmart on Highway 92 can now have small packages delivered by drone—yes, drones. Walmart and Wing, the drone company behind the service, kicked things off Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the first official delivery. Woodstock is one of six metro Atlanta cities chosen for the launch, alongside Conyers, Dallas, Hiram, Loganville, and McDonough. The drones, fully electric and weighing about 11 pounds, can carry up to two pounds of goods and fly six miles one way. They operate quietly at low altitudes, dropping packages to designated spots like driveways or backyards. Here is what Senator John Albers had to say about these new delivery drones. JOHN ALBERS CUT To see if you’re eligible, visit wing.com/atlanta. 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 Markets 6 STORY 4: Wolverines perfect through five games Woodstock basketball is on fire. Under third-year coach Eric Blair, the Wolverines are off to a perfect 5-0 start—already their best in nearly a decade. They crushed Roswell 58-34 before Thanksgiving, thanks to sophomore phenom Jahmar Maurice dropping 21 points. The team’s averaging 70.4 points per game, a huge leap from last year’s 57.7. They’ve blown out opponents like Blessed Trinity (by 30!) and edged out a nail-biter against Chapel Hill. With region play kicking off today against Creekview, the Wolverines are eyeing a championship. They swept the Grizzlies last year, and a win this week would be a big step toward that goal. For now, though, this team is rolling—and it’s hard not to get excited about what’s ahead. GA BULLDOGS: Georgia lost five-star quarterback Jared Curtis to Vanderbilt just before National Signing Day, dropping their recruiting class to No. 6. Despite the hit, the Bulldogs signed 30 players, including one five-star, defensive lineman Valdin Sone, and 22 four-stars. Key signees include local standout Craig Dandridge Jr., three top tight ends like Kaiden Prothro, and Colquitt County running back Jae Lamar. Defense was a focus, with edge rushers Pierre Dean and Khamari Brooks, plus safeties Jordan Smith and Zech Fort. Gwinnett County contributed five players, including Carter Luckie, continuing his family’s Georgia legacy. Coach Kirby Smart’s class remains strong despite the late shakeup. I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your Tribune Sports Minute. STORY 5: Cherokee County to form T-SPLOST citizen committee Cherokee County is forming a five-member citizen committee to keep an eye on how the county spends the $445 million expected from the new T-SPLOST, which kicks off April 1 and runs for six years. The Board of Commissioners approved the plan on Dec. 2, and each commissioner will appoint one member to the group. Their job? Make sure the county sticks to the approved project list and spends the money responsibly. They can give advice and updates but can’t change the project list. The committee, unpaid and open to the public, will hold its first meeting in early 2026. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this.   COMMERCIAL: Ingles Markets 7   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 Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg, Dani shares some updates and news that makes her excited, energized, infuriated, or curious: Court Rules to Protect Seed Saving in Kenya Australia's Government to Expand Right to Repair Nigeria Launches Initiative to Support Sustainable Farming San Francisco Sues Producers of Ultra-Processed Foods Microbes with an Appetite for Methane While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg" wherever you consume your podcasts.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for December 4th Publish Date: December 4th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, December 4th and Happy birthday to Jeff Bridges I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Lake Lanier Association Completes Phase Three of Shoreline Protection Program Hilscher wins another term in Suwanee City Council Police aim to deter youth gun violence in slain officer's memory Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots 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: Lake Lanier Association Completes Phase Three of Shoreline Protection Program  Lake Lanier’s shoreline just got a little more secure—5,280 feet of it, to be exact. The Lake Lanier Association (LLA) announced the completion of the third phase of Project Armor, its ongoing effort to fight erosion caused by heavy boat traffic. This phase reinforced 16 badly eroded areas with rip rap, a method that helps absorb wave energy and protect the shoreline. Over the past 12 years, the LLA has armored 3 miles of shoreline, saving 28 islands and areas from disappearing into the lake. Why does it matter? These islands aren’t just pretty—they’re vital. They provide wildlife habitats, beaches, and safe spots for fishing and recreation. Without protection, some islands have already vanished, and erosion is making the lake shallower, threatening both recreation and the drinking water supply for over 5 million Georgians. This project, supported by partners like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local counties, is far from over. With 12 million visitors a year, Lake Lanier’s waves aren’t slowing down anytime soon. STORY 2: Hilscher wins another term in Suwanee City Council  Suwanee City Councilwoman Beth Hilscher is sticking around for another four years after edging out David Martinez in Tuesday’s runoff for the Post 4 seat. Unofficial results show Hilscher pulled in 734 votes to Martinez’s 638. Suwanee wasn’t the only Gwinnett city with a runoff—Duluth voters also hit the polls to decide the Post 3 City Council race between incumbent Lamar Doss and challenger Marlene Denise Tucker. In Suwanee, it’s Hilscher who’s celebrating. STORY 3: Police aim to deter youth gun violence in slain officer's memory   Gwinnett County police have rolled out a new program aimed at steering kids away from guns while honoring Officer Antwan Toney, who was tragically killed in the line of duty seven years ago. Called Toney’s Program, it launched in September and focuses on first-time or minor handgun offenses among juveniles. The program, named after Toney—who was shot by a teen in 2018—pairs participants with mentors for a seven-week curriculum and three months of follow-up support. Families are involved too, attending sessions alongside their kids. Teens hear from gun violence victims and learn conflict resolution, emotional awareness, and nonviolent decision-making. The first group graduated last month, with the next starting in January. 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: 07.14.22 KIA MOG- DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Snellville man convicted of attacking former basketball teammates   A Snellville man, just 20 years old, is headed to prison for 25 years after a string of violent attacks on his former high school basketball teammates. Jet Horne, once a senior on South Gwinnett High’s 2022-23 team, was convicted last week on a laundry list of charges—aggravated assault, firearm possession, criminal damage, even hijacking a car. The incidents? Three separate attacks between December 2024 and May 2025. In December, Horne ambushed Talal Ansah, shooting him eight times as he returned home from work. Ansah barely survived. Then, in March, Horne fired into Timair Walker’s car, injuring a neighbor with a stray bullet. By May, he escalated—holding Maalik Leitch at gunpoint, stealing his BMW, and leading police on a chase. Ballistics tied it all together, sealing Horne’s fate. “This was a violent, senseless series of crimes,” said DA Patsy Austin-Gatson. “We’re grateful for justice and continue to pray for the victims.” STORY 5: BOYS BASKETBALL ROUNDUP: Dacula Keeps Rolling with Lopsided Win Dacula cruised past Jackson County on Tuesday night, dominating with an 82-58 win in boys basketball. Case Presley was unstoppable, racking up 20 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Josh Brown added 15 points, six boards, and four steals, while Dorian Douglas chipped in 15 points, five steals, and four assists. Kenny LaRue (nine points, six assists), Luke Anderson (nine points), and Caleb Golding (nine points, four rebounds) rounded out the Falcons’ balanced attack. Dacula now sits at 6-1 on the season. ATLANTA FALCONS: The Falcons, with six losses in their last seven games, will take on the Seahawks, who’ve won six of their last seven. Led by coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Sam Darnold, the 9-3 Seahawks face the Falcons at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. U.S. MENS SOCCER: The U.S. Men’s National Team will face Belgium, Portugal, and Germany in a high-stakes pre-World Cup series. Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts two matches: USA vs. Belgium on March 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET and USA vs. Portugal on March 31 at 7 p.m. ET. Both games will air on TNT, HBO Max, Telemundo, and Peacock. We’ll be right back. Break 3: THE SUGAR HILL HOLIDAY And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots Break 4: BUFORD HOLIDAY FESTIVAL We’ll have closing comments after this Break 5: Ingles Markets 4 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 Strand Marietta – Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre Ice Rink – Downtown Sugar Hill Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill 2025 Buford Holiday Festival & Parade All-In-One Flyer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 3rd Publish Date:  December 3rd Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, December 3rd and Happy Birthday to Andy Williams I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Four Cobb schools earn STEAM/STEM certifications Meet Michael McNeely, Mableton’s newest councilman Gas prices dip following Thanksgiving, predicted to stay down through holidays 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 3 STORY 1: Four Cobb schools earn STEAM/STEM certifications Cobb Schools are buzzing with opportunities for students to dive into STEM and STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. And now, four more schools have joined the ranks of those earning certifications in these fields. South Cobb Early Learning Center and Ford Elementary snagged STEAM certifications, while Betty Gray Middle and Walton High earned STEM honors. “It’s been a joyful, messy journey,” said Marilyn Thomas, director of South Cobb Early Learning Center. “Our kids, teachers, and families all came together—building, experimenting, creating art. It’s hands-on learning at its best.” With over 50 certified schools, Cobb’s commitment to innovation is clear. Just ask the students at Tritt Elementary, who recently celebrated Girl-Powered Robotics Day. STORY 2: Meet Michael McNeely, Mableton’s newest councilman Michael McNeely, newly elected to Mableton’s City Council, is all about service—clear, honest, and hands-on. “I’d rather over-communicate than leave people guessing,” he says. McNeely, who moved to Mableton in 2019, has a long history of giving back. From his days as an Eagle Scout to serving in the Army National Guard and working in public safety for over two decades, he’s built a life around helping others. “It’s in my blood,” he says. Now, as District 2’s councilman, he’s focused on smart redevelopment, public safety, and creating spaces that bring the community together. Think parks, sidewalks, and maybe even a new community center. “We’ve got work to do,” McNeely says, “but Mableton’s got the people and the heart to make it happen.” STORY 3: Gas prices dip following Thanksgiving, predicted to stay down through holidays  Georgia drivers are catching a break at the pump—finally. After the Thanksgiving travel rush, gas prices have dipped, with the state average sitting at $2.82 per gallon as of Monday, according to AAA. That’s about $42 to fill up a 15-gallon tank. Prices are 5 cents lower than last week but still 2 cents higher than last month. And if you’re in Cobb County? You’re paying a bit more—$2.89 per gallon. The priciest spots? Savannah ($2.88), Atlanta ($2.86), and Macon ($2.85). Meanwhile, Dalton drivers are smiling at $2.68. Nationally, gas has dropped to $3, the lowest since May 2021, thanks to low crude oil prices and sluggish demand. AAA predicts prices could stay low through the holidays. For EV drivers, no changes—public charging still averages 38 cents per kilowatt hour. Want to save? AAA suggests fuel rewards programs, paying cash (some stations charge more for credit), and driving smarter. 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 3 STORY 4: Cobb fraternal organization recognized as best in Georgia The Omicron Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, better known as the Cobb County Alphas, just snagged a huge honor—Alumni Chapter of the Year—at the Alpha Georgia District Association Convention in Augusta. Why? Their leadership, community impact, and dedication to the fraternity’s mission stood out among 25 chapters across Georgia. “This award is a testament to the passion and hard work of every member,” said Chapter President Harold G. Dickerson. One standout initiative? The Youth to Men mentoring program, where 70 Cobb high schoolers meet bi-monthly to learn life skills and give back to the community. “We’re shaping greatness,” said Steven Boyd, Callis Foundation Chair. For more, visit CobbAlphas.org. STORY 5: AirTag leads police to Chick-fil-A theft suspect  Richard George Cintron, 47, of Dallas, is facing charges after allegedly swiping three Rubbermaid utility trash carts and an Apple AirTag—worth $1,545 total—from the Chick-fil-A on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. According to police, Cintron was caught on surveillance cameras, along with his personal vehicles, during the thefts on Sept. 14 and 28. The AirTag? It led officers straight to his home, where Paulding County deputies found the stolen items near his truck. Cintron was arrested Nov. 19 and charged with theft by taking over $1,500. He spent less than 12 hours in jail, released on Nov. 20 after posting a $5,000 bond. Break: STORY 6: Strand Theatre's Andy Gaines wins Governor’s Award    Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp announced Monday that Andy Gaines, executive director of the Strand Theatre, is one of this year’s recipients of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities. The awards, presented with Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities, honor 10 individuals or organizations making a real difference in Georgia’s cultural landscape. “Georgia’s arts and entertainment scene has fueled our economy for decades,” Kemp said. “These honorees have left a lasting mark on their communities and our state.” Under Gaines’ leadership, the Strand generated $5.4 million in economic impact last year, supported 80+ jobs, and contributed $230,000 in government revenue. Recipients will receive a handmade mahogany sculpture by Fairburn artist Etienné Jackson. STORY 7: Mount Paran Christian School collects over 10,000 diapers for Bartow Family Resources  Mount Paran Christian School’s high school BETA Club and National Honor Society recently rallied their community for a cause that hits close to home—helping local parents in need. Through their annual Fall Diaper Drive, students encouraged families to donate diapers and wipes for Bartow Family Resources, a nonprofit in Cartersville that supports parents and babies. Flyers went up, announcements were made, and the response? Incredible. Over 10,640 diapers and 1,180 wipes poured in, stacking up at the school’s doors. Student NHS officers counted, sorted, and loaded the donations, ready for Bartow Family Resources to distribute essentials like diapers, formula, and clothing to families who need them most. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 3 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 December 2nd Publish Date: December 2nd PRE-ROLL: BUFORD HOLIDAY FESTIVAL From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 2nd and Happy Birthday to Nelly Furtado I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Coca-Cola Caravan coming to Lanier Islands Resort Suwanee’s new ‘Bookshelf’: A mural that lets you judge a wall by its cover Gwinnett native Brandon Brigman changes life through CrossFit 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 - Downtown Lawrenceville Holiday STORY 1: Coca-Cola Caravan coming to Lanier Islands Resort The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan is rolling back into Lanier Islands Resort on Saturday, Dec. 13, lighting up the night alongside the resort’s Magical Nights of Lights. Picture it: a glowing 18-wheeler, mile after mile of twinkling displays, and all the holiday vibes you can handle. From 5 to 8:30 p.m., the Caravan will park outside Game Changer, where you can snap pics with Santa, sample new Coke flavors, and browse holiday merch. Beyond the Caravan, there’s Game Changer—an indoor playground with arcade games, axe throwing, and festive cocktails—and License to Chill Snow Island, featuring snow tubing, skating, and carnival rides. Magical Nights of Lights runs nightly through Jan. 4, with carload pricing starting at $35. Discounts are available for military, first responders, educators, and toy or food donors on select nights. For details, call 770-945-8787. STORY 2: Suwanee’s new ‘Bookshelf’: A mural that lets you judge a wall by its cover A bold new mural now greets visitors at Suwanee’s Town Center on Main, and it’s a stunner. Titled “Bookshelf,” the piece was created by renowned artist Pat Perry, whose jaw-dropping, photorealistic murals have popped up all over the globe. Back in early 2025, Suwanee put out a call for artists, and nearly 90 submissions poured in. Perry’s work stood out—his knack for blending realism with thoughtful, site-specific designs won over the Suwanee Public Arts Commission (with a little help from the Gwinnett Creativity Fund). Over two and a half weeks, Perry turned the walls outside the Suwanee branch of the Gwinnett Public Library into a vibrant tribute to storytelling. The mural’s placement—right by the pedestrian bridge—was no accident. It ties together the library, the park, and the new Town Center on Main. But here’s the cool part: “Bookshelf” isn’t just a mural. It’s a puzzle for book lovers. Perry didn’t paint books or readers; instead, he filled the piece with objects that hint at famous works of literature. A pearl for Steinbeck’s The Pearl. Chewing gum for To Kill a Mockingbird. Matches for McCarthy’s The Road. Over 20 literary Easter eggs are hidden in the mural, waiting for sharp-eyed readers to uncover them. It’s not just art—it’s a celebration of imagination, curiosity, and the stories that shape us. STORY 3: Gwinnett native Brandon Brigman changes life through CrossFit For Brandon Brigman, CrossFit isn’t just a workout—it’s his whole world. It’s where he transformed his body, met his wife, and found his calling. Back in 2010, Brandon, a former 270-pound offensive lineman from West Georgia, stumbled into NoExcuses CrossFit in Suwanee. He was bored of treadmills and marathon training, so he gave CrossFit a shot. Ten minutes into his first workout, he was wrecked. “I thought I was in shape—I’d just run a marathon. Nope.” Fast forward: he became a trainer, then the gym’s general manager, and in 2018, he bought the place. Now, NoExcuses is thriving, with 100 members, six employees, and a whole lot of heart. “It’s not just fitness,” Brandon says. “It’s accountability, community, and people who actually care if you show up.” 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 - Sugar Hill Holiday STORY 4: McClure High senior earns statewide recognition for leadership Jasmine Osorio-Antonio is already making waves—and she’s just getting started. A senior at McClure Health Science High in Duluth, Jasmine juggles more than most adults. Coding Club founder? Check. DECA leader? Yep. Junior Achievement honoree? Absolutely. In October, she was named one of Junior Achievement of Georgia’s Nineteen Under Nineteen, a recognition for students who are shaking things up with leadership and innovation. Her résumé is stacked: Horatio Alger Scholar, Alexander Hamilton Scholar, NCWIT Honorable Mention, and finalist in the Girls Who Code AI + Sustainability Challenge. Oh, and she’s in the top 10% of her class. But Jasmine’s not just about accolades. She’s hands-on. Her Coding Club, which she started with a teacher, gives students real-world experience—projects they can actually show off. And somehow, she still finds time to work three jobs: as a “FANgineer” at Georgia Tech games, a parking lot ambassador near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and helping with her mom’s cleaning business. Her future? Computer science and business. STORY 5: Strickland says Georgia’s future ‘on the line’ in attorney general race State Sen. Brian Strickland is running for Georgia attorney general, and he’s got a lot to say about why. “I want my boys to grow up in the same Georgia I did,” he said. “We’ve got a good thing going here, but it’s a pivotal time. The wrong person in this seat could change everything.” Strickland, who’s been in the General Assembly since 2012, has a packed résumé: chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, former floor leader for two governors, and now a candidate to replace Chris Carr. His campaign? Focused on public safety, defending state laws, and tackling new threats like AI-driven crime. But it’s not all politics. Strickland’s a dad of two young boys, one of whom is autistic. He wears a faded autism awareness bracelet daily, a reminder of the work still needed. His campaign is grounded in what he calls “common sense” values: supporting law enforcement, protecting families, and ensuring Georgia stays a place people want to call home. We’ll be right back. Break 3: Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink STORY 6: GCPS sets new calendars, but religious holiday debate lingers Gwinnett County Public Schools just rolled out its calendars for the next two school years, and, well, not everyone’s thrilled. Board member Tarece Johnson-Morgan called it “disappointing” and “non-inclusive,” pointing out that the calendar still leans heavily on Christian holidays while leaving out major ones from other faiths, like Ramadan or Rosh Hashanah. The district says they surveyed families, and most prioritized longer breaks and fewer digital learning days over adding religious holidays. But Johnson-Morgan argues there’s room for a “Yes/And” approach—keeping the current structure while recognizing key non-Christian holidays. It’s a debate that’s not going away anytime soon in one of the nation’s most diverse districts. STORY 7: Gwinnett schools preparing to adopt cell phone ban policy Gwinnett parents, it’s time to weigh in: should cell phones be banned in schools? The school board is considering a new policy—Policy JCDAF—that would ban personal devices like phones, smartwatches, and tablets starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Exceptions? Only for students with medical or learning plans. This isn’t just a local idea. It’s tied to Georgia’s new Distraction-Free Education Act, which requires elementary and middle schools to ban phones by 2026. Gwinnett’s proposal goes further, extending restrictions to high schools. For younger students, the ban would last all day—class, recess, assemblies, everything. High schoolers? They’d get a little more freedom, with phones allowed during lunch. The district says the goal is to cut distractions and reduce bullying, citing studies showing phone bans can lower bullying by nearly 45%. Parents, students, and staff can share their thoughts by emailing myschoolboard@gcpsk12.org. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: GCPS Hiring 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 Strand Marietta – Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill 2025 Buford Holiday Festival & Parade All-In-One Flyer 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.

Top Stories for November 29th Publish Date: November 29th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, November 29th and Happy Birthday to Vin Scully I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Piedmont Oncology Opens Early Detection Pancreatic Cancer Clinic, First of Its Kind in Georgia You can now use a digital driver’s license to buy beer, cigarettes in Georgia Musical events, attractions to get into the magical spirit of the holiday season 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: Piedmont Oncology Opens Early Detection Pancreatic Cancer Clinic, First of Its Kind in Georgia Piedmont Oncology just opened Georgia’s first Early Detection Pancreatic Cancer Clinic, and honestly, it’s a big deal. Pancreatic cancer is brutal—13% five-year survival rate, no screening test, vague symptoms that sneak up on you. But this clinic? It’s here to change that. Dr. Andrew Page, the clinic’s medical director, says early detection is everything. “Education about risk factors is critical,” he explained. The clinic will focus on genetic counseling, research collaborations with NIH and Mayo Clinic, and, hopefully, developing a much-needed screening test. None of this would’ve happened without donors like Purple Pansies. Their support is saving lives. STORY 2: You can now use a digital driver’s license to buy beer, cigarettes in Georgia Big news for Georgians: you can now use a digital driver’s license to buy alcohol, tobacco, and other age-restricted items. Yep, your phone just got even more useful. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) announced the update Monday, calling it a “major step forward” in modernizing IDs. But here’s the catch: it’s up to individual businesses to accept them. No guarantees. Oh, and don’t try using a screenshot—doesn’t count. Retailers need a special mDL reader to scan the license, and staff still have to verify your age. Progress? Sure. Perfect? Not quite yet. STORY 3: Musical events, attractions to get into the magical spirit of the holiday season It’s that time again—holiday magic is everywhere, and Atlanta’s got no shortage of ways to celebrate. From concerts to tree lightings, here’s what’s happening: Holiday Shows at the FOX Theatre: Lauren Daigle’s Behold Christmas Tour (Dec. 4): Grammy-winning magic. Christmas Together (Dec. 6): Amy Grant, Cece Winans, and Michael W. Smith. A Drummer Boy Christmas (Dec. 8): for King + Country’s festive storytelling. Elf the Musical (Dec. 16–20): Buddy’s heartwarming journey. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Dec. 23–24): Ballet meets acrobatics. Festive Attractions: Stone Mountain’s Flight to the North Pole (Nov. 8–Jan. 4): Help Santa save Christmas. Garden of Lights (Nov. 15–Jan. 11): Stroll through dazzling displays. Georgia Aquarium Holidays (Nov. 14–Jan. 2): Twinkling lights, Santa, and sea life. Don’t miss these great events! 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 - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Student loan change could drain nurse pipeline, Ga. dean warns Nursing is no longer considered a “professional degree” by the U.S. Department of Education, and nurses are, understandably, furious. The change, tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, means nursing students can’t access the $200,000 loan cap reserved for professional programs. Instead, they’re stuck with a $100,000 limit—less than what many need to cover tuition. Linda McCauley, dean of Emory’s Nursing School, didn’t hold back: “In a time when we desperately need more nurses, why make it harder? It feels like they didn’t think this through.” The fallout? Fewer nurses, more debt, and a lot of frustration. STORY 5: Flight delays: Here are your rights when flying over the holidays in 2025 Stuck at the airport? Here’s a tip: if your flight’s delayed more than three hours (domestic) or six hours (international), you’ve got rights. Travel expert Katy Nastro says airlines must offer a refund or rebook you—your choice. But here’s the catch: no double-dipping. You can’t get both. And meal vouchers? Only if the delay’s the airline’s fault, like staffing or mechanical issues. Hotels? Depends on the airline. The Department of Transportation even published a guide for what airlines owe you. Pro tip: screenshots of your license don’t count for ID. Break 3: BUFORD HOLIDAY FESTIVAL STORY 6: Forsyth school board approves use of same alarm system in place at Apalachee High School Forsyth County schools are stepping up safety with a $2.4 million Centegix alarm system, approved by the Board of Education this week. You’ve probably heard of these “panic alarms”—they’re the same system credited with the quick response during the tragic Apalachee High School shooting last year. Teachers and staff wear a button they can press in emergencies, instantly alerting law enforcement without fumbling for a phone. The system also includes color-coded strobe lights for visual alerts, ensuring ADA compliance. The first year’s cost? $420,000, with the rest spread over five years. Safety, it seems, is getting an upgrade. STORY 7: Recall alert: Honda recalls 256K vehicles for loss of power software error Honda’s recalling over 256,000 vehicles—specifically 2023–2025 Accord Hybrids—because of a software glitch that could cause the car to lose power mid-drive. Not ideal, right? The issue? The integrated control module’s CPU might reset itself while you’re cruising along. Dealers will fix it for free, though, so there’s that. Honda says owners will get a heads-up by mail starting Jan. 5, but if you’re the impatient type (or just worried), you can call them at 888-234-2138. Oh, and if you’re curious, the recall number is TN2. Stay safe out there! We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: THE SUGAR HILL HOLIDAY 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 2025 Buford Holiday Festival & Parade All-In-One Flyer Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill 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.