GDP Script/ Top Stories for October 23rd Publish Date: October 23rd From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Wednesday, October 23rd and Happy Birthday to Weird Al Yankovic ***10.23.24 – BIRTHDAY – WEIRD AL YANKOVIC*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. 1. Norcross Grad Alvin Kamara Signs 2-year, $24.5M Extension with Saints 2. Gwinnett Schools Scales Back on Clear Book Bag Rule. Here's Why 3. Gwinnett Tech's Nursing Program Receives National Accreditation Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes. 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 MOG (07.14.22 KIA MOG) STORY 1: Norcross Grad Alvin Kamara Signs 2-year, $24.5M Extension with Saints Alvin Kamara, a Norcross graduate, is staying with the New Orleans Saints after signing a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension, keeping him with the team through 2026. Despite rumors of a trade, Kamara denied wanting to leave. The extension helps the Saints save about $18 million against the salary cap in 2025. Kamara, who has been with the Saints since being drafted in 2017, has had a successful career, including being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and making five Pro Bowls. This season, he has 438 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and 34 receptions for 252 yards. STORY 2: Gwinnett Schools Scales Back on Clear Book Bag Rule. Here's Why Gwinnett County Public Schools is facing criticism for purchasing clear book bags for students before gathering feedback from parents on a proposed requirement for their use. Initially planned for all schools, the policy is now a pilot program at select schools. Critics, like Steve Smith, argue the district moved forward with a $1.3 million purchase before the survey was completed. The clear bags are a response to a recent school shooting, but opinions are divided: 50.7% of parents oppose the bags, while 87% of students are against them. Despite mixed feedback, the district will proceed with the pilot program, emphasizing safety concerns. STORY 3: Gwinnett Tech's Nursing Program Receives National Accreditation Gwinnett Technical College's Associate Degree Nursing program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) through 2032. This accreditation confirms the program's adherence to rigorous standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. It enhances the college's reputation and strengthens ties with healthcare industry leaders, assuring employers of the graduates' readiness and skills. The ACEN accreditation process involves a thorough evaluation, including a self-study report and on-site peer review. This recognition underscores Gwinnett Tech's commitment to providing quality nursing education aligned with industry needs. 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: Tom Wages (08.05.24 OBITS_FINAL) STORY 4: Kemp announces another $1B tax rebate Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced a tax rebate exceeding $1 billion for the second time in three years, to be included in the mid-year budget presented to the General Assembly in January. This rebate aims to aid Georgians, especially those impacted by Hurricane Helene, amidst ongoing high prices. Kemp also recently suspended the state sales tax on gasoline following the hurricane. The rebate offers $250 for single filers, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for joint filers. Kemp emphasized using the state's budget surplus for taxpayer relief rather than expanding government programs. STORY 5: Gateway85 CID Celebrates Safety Enhancing Sidewalk Project Officials from the Gateway85 Community Improvement District and Gwinnett County celebrated the completion of the Oakbrook Parkway sidewalk project, enhancing pedestrian safety and connectivity. This 1.5-mile sidewalk between Jimmy Carter Blvd. and Indian Trail Lilburn Rd. improves access in a busy business area. Since its inception, Gateway85 CID has added over 20 miles of sidewalks and improved lighting. The project aims to boost local businesses by increasing foot traffic. The celebration also highlighted other initiatives like microtransit and clean-up efforts. Officials praised the partnership between Gateway85 CID and Gwinnett County for driving community development and infrastructure improvements. Break 3: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes. ***LEAH MCGRATH INERVIEW***INGLES 2 DIABETES (INTERVIEW)*** We’ll have final thoughts after this. Break 4: Ingles Markets (Yogurt) (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 ...
