GDP Script/ Top Stories for Jan 21st
Publish Date: Jan 19th
HENSSLER 15
From the Henssler Financial Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Sunday, January 21st and Happy 83rd Birthday to golfer Jack Nicklaus.
***01.21.24 – BIRTHDAY – JACK NICKLAUS***
I’m Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by Kia Mall of Georgia.
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: MOG
STORY 1: Duluth Man Heading To Federal Prison For Trying To Have Girlfriend Murdered
James Wan, a Duluth man, has been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for attempting to hire a hitman on the dark web to murder his girlfriend in 2022. Wan pleaded guilty in October and was sentenced this week. The FBI intervened, protecting the girlfriend and arresting Wan when they discovered his arrangement. Wan used a dark web marketplace, paying $8,000 in Bitcoin for the hit. Despite attempting to conceal his intentions electronically, Wan's plot was foiled, and he admitted to the crime when questioned by the FBI. The sentencing underscores law enforcement's commitment to thwarting violent acts.
STORY 2: Woman claims doctors misdiagnosed brain tumor as perimenopause
Pippa Griffiths, 45, initially attributed migraines, brain fog, fatigue, and stress to perimenopause but later discovered a brain tumor was causing the symptoms. After waking up with facial numbness, an MRI scan revealed a meningioma. Pippa underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and though aware it may grow back, she opted against further treatment due to potential side effects. Pippa, now participating in a charity event for Brain Tumour Research, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about brain tumors and hopes for kinder treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
STORY 3: Steve Knudsen, Karen Watkins Picked To Lead Gwinnett School Board
Steve Knudsen has been appointed as the Gwinnett County Board of Education's chairman for 2024, following his two-year tenure as vice chairman. The appointment was made through a 4-1 vote, with Tarece Johnson-Morgan opposing. Johnson-Morgan nominated Adrienne Simmons for the position, but the nomination lacked a second. Additionally, Karen Watkins was chosen as vice chairwoman in a 3-2 vote, with Morgan and Simmons voting against. The chairman and vice chairwoman play pivotal roles in leading school board meetings and assuming responsibilities in the absence of the other.
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We’ll be right back
Break 2: GCPS – TOM WAGES
STORY 4: Willy Wonka-Like Chocolate Factory Opens In Gwinnett
Bitzel's Chocolate in Suwanee, Gwinnett County, celebrated its grand opening by offering visitors a unique "Journey of Chocolate." Owner Ray Bitzel aims to provide an immersive experience, showcasing the entire chocolate-making process, from cacao harvesting and fermentation to sorting, molding, and packaging. The main attraction, "The Glass Chocolate Factory," guides guests through an artificial cacao forest, offering educational insights. The 7,000-square-foot facility also features a retail store offering a variety of chocolate products, including treats made from milk chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel chocolate, and the unique ruby chocolate. The space includes a "Chocolate Theater" for events and classes.
STORY 5: A New Way To Watch The Gwinnett Stripers
The Gwinnett Stripers announced the opening of the Coca-Cola Front Porch area for the 2024 season, marking the first significant renovation at Coolray Field in 15 years. This open-air deck, spanning 1,500 square feet, will be located behind home plate, accommodating up to 150 people. Larimer Design Architecture, known for projects at Truist Park and Petco Park, designed the Coca-Cola Front Porch. The renovation includes the development of a new Concourse Suite down the first base line, offering a more intimate experience. The area will feature eight four-top tables and 72 individual seats, providing fans with up-close views of the game. Food service will be available within the Front Porch area, creating a space for fans to eat and stay during the entire game. The opening game at Coolray Field is scheduled for April 2.
We’ll be back in a moment
Break 3: DTL – ESOG
STORY 6: Opponents of sales tax on period products ready to push Georgia lawmakers to end levy
A group of advocates and Democrats in Georgia are urging the state to end the 4% sales tax on period products. The Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board, which works with member states to smooth out complexities in sales tax systems, adopted the term "menstrual discharge collection devices" to provide a uniform definition for tampons and other period products. Advocates argue that ending the discriminatory tax would not significantly impact state revenues and point to Georgia being one of the few states still taxing such products. Two bills from last year aim to eliminate the tax, but progress has been slow.
STORY 7: Gwinnett Teachers Will Get Their State-Funded Retention Supplements Later This Month
Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia will distribute $20.3 million to teachers and school support staff as part of a statewide effort to retain educators. The funds come from the state and will be provided as a $1,000 supplement to each of the district's 196,000 educators. The school board also decided to extend the supplements to other employees not covered by the state's guidance, including benefits-eligible district employees, part-time and full-time rehired retirees, and new hires. The additional cost for this extension is estimated at $5 million, and the supplements will be distributed with the employees' January 31 monthly paycheck.
BREAK: INGLES 8
STORY 8: Major airline fires back at analyst over bankruptcy claims
The airline industry, known for its challenges, faces uncertainties with potential bankruptcies. Warren Buffett's past skepticism resonates, as airlines like JetBlue and Spirit grapple with financial woes. Analysts, including TD Cowen's Helene Becker, express concerns about Spirit Airlines' survival, pointing to its debt and financial constraints. While Spirit denies pursuing Chapter 11, analysts suggest bankruptcy restructuring as a viable option. The airline's future hinges on debtholder cooperation, given its financial vulnerabilities. Fitch Ratings urges a clear liquidity plan. Despite potential disruptions, bankruptcy doesn't guarantee passenger abandonment. Spirit's decision to resist a merger with JetBlue adds complexity to its fate, impacting consumers and the airline industry. Spirit asserts ongoing efforts to fortify its balance sheet and operations.
We’ll have final thoughts after this.
Break 4: Henssler 60
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, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at Gwinnettdailypost.com.
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