GDP Script/ Top Stories for Jan 9th
Publish Date: Jan 8th
HENSSLER 15
From the Henssler Financial Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Tuesday, January 9th and Happy Birthday to Led Zepplin’s guitarist Jimmy Page.
***01.09.24 – BIRTHDAY – JIMMY PAGE
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: PCOM Georgia and Gwinnett County Public Schools work together to help STEM students
Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) and PCOM Georgia collaborate on STEM opportunities for Gwinnett students. The partnership began in 2004 when GCPS purchased a facility near PCOM Georgia. The college sponsors the Gwinnett Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair, with faculty and staff serving on the advisory board. PCOM Georgia participates in events like Principal for a Day and the STAR Student luncheon, enhancing community engagement. The college offers career fairs and programs like Opportunities Academy, Summer STEM Saturdays, and Future Healthcare Scholars to introduce high school students to healthcare professions. The collaboration extends to faculty involvement, capstone projects, and admissions outreach.
STORY 2: Helping Hand: Gwinnett Woman Forms Nonprofit To Support Cancer Patients
Bobbie Menneg, a breast cancer survivor of 12 years, founded Beyond the Ribbon to provide support, encouragement, and hope to cancer patients. The Lawrenceville-based nonprofit offers assistance through various programs, including Jane's Closet (a food pantry), Pat's Pillows & Pouches (providing pillows, drain pouches, and seat belt cushions), and Chloe & Friends (supporting family pets). During Christmas, Beyond the Ribbon adopts families, fulfilling wish lists and distributing grocery store gift cards. Menneg organizes creative fundraising events, including golf tournaments, 5K races, car shows, and recent events like "Rainbows, Reindeers & Wishes" and "Bingo & Beyond." The nonprofit aims to bring joy to cancer families during challenging times.
STORY 3: Good problem for General Assembly: What to do with surplus?
The 2024 session of the Georgia General Assembly, starting with a $16 billion budget surplus, is expected to address various long-debated issues. The state's surplus and $11 billion undesignated funds will be a focal point of discussions, determining spending priorities. Governor Brian Kemp proposed accelerating the state income tax cut and additional spending, including one-time pay supplements for state employees and teachers. Legislative Republicans are likely to push for private school vouchers, while tort reform and legalized gambling, particularly sports betting, are also on the agenda. Transportation funding and potential Medicaid expansion discussions are expected during the session.
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We’ll be right back.
Break 2: GCPS – TOM WAGES –INGLES 5
STORY 4: UGA retention, completion rates remain strong
The University of Georgia (UGA) achieved a nearly 95% first-year retention rate for first-time freshmen, showcasing the success of efforts to enhance the academic environment and support students. The university's six-year completion rate maintained a record high of 88%, and the four-year completion rate indicated that almost three-quarters of UGA students graduate within four years. UGA's retention and completion rates continue to surpass those of its peer institutions, reflecting a decade-long commitment to initiatives such as the Active Learning Initiative, faculty hiring programs, academic advisor expansion, tutoring, mentorship, and peer-learning programs. The university's focus on data-driven student success strategies contributes to its ongoing improvement.
STORY 5: Georgia lawmakers to again consider Okefenokee mining ban
Georgia lawmakers are preparing to address the contentious issue of a proposed mine near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as the legislative session begins. Twin Pines, an Alabama-based company, aims to mine minerals, including titanium dioxide, near the Okefenokee, raising concerns about potential environmental harm. House Bill 71, currently before the legislature, seeks to protect the Okefenokee by prohibiting new mining permits within the area. Although the bill did not progress last year, supporters are optimistic about its chances this time. Opponents are also exploring other avenues, including pressuring companies not to purchase products from a mine near the refuge.
We’ll be back in a moment.
Break 3: ESOG – DTL
STORY 6: New robotic device improves walking for Parkinson’s patients
Scientists from Harvard and Boston University have developed a wearable robotic device to help people with Parkinson's disease walk without "freezing" or stumbling. The device is a robotic garment worn around the hips and thighs, providing a gentle push to the hips as the legs swing, allowing wearers to achieve a longer stride and walk faster and further. In trials, the garment eliminated freezing episodes in participants with Parkinson's. The technology offers a potential solution to one of the major contributors to falls in people with Parkinson's, as existing treatments are not highly effective.
STORY 7: Psychedelic plant successfully treats war vets’ traumatic brain injuries: study
A study by researchers at Stanford University explored the potential of ibogaine, a naturally occurring compound found in the roots of the African shrub iboga, to alleviate symptoms of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in war veterans. Ibogaine, a psychedelic plant, was found to significantly improve functioning, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in veterans with TBIs. The research team worked with 30 special-ops veterans with a history of TBIs, and the results indicated immediate and lasting improvements in various areas. However, the use of ibogaine is restricted in the United States due to its classification as a Schedule I-controlled substance.
We’ll have final thoughts after this.
Break 4: Henssler 60
Signoff –
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