Top Stories for August 19th
Publish Date: August 19th
PRE-ROLL: MONSTER JAM
From The BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Tuesday, August 19th and Happy Heavenly Birthday to Matthew Perry
I’m Peyton Spurlock 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 and subscribe!
Break 1: Kia MOG
STORY 1: Approaching 90, Lawrenceville's Bob Cunningham still in the swing of things as a golf teacher
Come September, Bob Cunningham—“Georgia’s Golf Guru” to those who know him—will hit a milestone most golfers only dream of: turning 90 and still shooting his age.
But for Bob, golf isn’t just about playing—it’s about teaching. Five days a week, you’ll find him at Pine Hills Golf Club or The Sports Academy, sharing his “Alignment, Balance, Connection” philosophy with students.
Bob’s been teaching for over 20 years, charging the same $50 an hour since day one.
And retirement? Not a chance.
Bob’s secret to staying young? Golf, fresh air, and purpose.
For lessons, call 770-378-4310.
STORY 2: Rascal Flatts bringing Life Is A Highway tour to Gas South Arena
Fresh off their sold-out comeback tour, Rascal Flatts is gearing up for another run in 2026 with their Life Is A Highway tour—and yep, they’re stopping in Gwinnett. Mark your calendar: Feb. 12 at Gas South Arena.
Joining them? Country favorite Chris Lane, adding even more energy to the 21-city tour that’s set to bring all the hits (and probably a few tears) to fans across the country.
Tickets? They’re already on sale, so don’t wait—grab yours at Ticketmaster before they’re gone. Because let’s be honest, they will be.
STORY 3: Gwinnett wants to increase poll worker pay for 2026 elections
Gwinnett County wants to bump up pay for poll workers in 2026—and honestly, it’s about time. With a packed election year ahead (think: governor, U.S. Senate, and all the chaos in between), they’re asking for $120,913 to raise stipends and $87,972 for in-person training.
The pay hikes? Modest but meaningful: poll managers could see $350 a day (up $10), assistant managers $280 (up $40), issuing clerks $235 (up $20), and non-issuing clerks $170 (up $10).
Why? To stay competitive with neighboring counties and attract qualified workers.
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We’ll be right back
Break 2: MONSTER JAM
STORY 4: NBA Champion Adam Flagler Hosts Basketball Camp at Alma Mater Duluth
Less than two months after winning an NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Adam Flagler was back where it all started—Duluth High School—hosting his first-ever youth camp on Saturday.
Over 200 kids showed up, from elementary schoolers to high school athletes, to learn from the former Wildcat who once dominated these same courts.
Planning started months ago, with Duluth assistant coach Byron Wilson leading the charge.
Flagler’s journey to the NBA wasn’t smooth. After graduating from Duluth in 2018 as the school’s all-time leading scorer, he took his only Division I offer at Presbyterian College. After a standout freshman year, he transferred to Baylor, where he helped the Bears win a national championship in 2021.
Undrafted in 2023, Flagler signed with the Thunder, grinding in the G-League before earning a spot on the roster. This past season, he played 37 games and became an NBA champion.
Now signed with the Spurs, Flagler’s future is bright, but Saturday was all about the kids.
STORY 5: Study: Georgia Gwinnett College has made a $7 billion economic impact since its inception
Georgia Gwinnett College isn’t just shaping minds—it’s driving dollars, too.
Since 2007, GGC has pumped over $7 billion into the economy, according to a University System of Georgia study. Just last year? More than $558 million flowed into Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta, supporting nearly 3,800 jobs—on and off campus.
With 14,000+ alumni living and working locally, GGC’s influence stretches far beyond its classrooms, building communities and preparing tomorrow’s leaders.
We’ll be right back.
Break: MONSTER JAM
STORY 6: Let The Search Begin
The Gwinnett County Board of Education is back at it—searching for yet another superintendent after firing two in just four years. It’s a mess, honestly. Who’s even going to want this job? And how do you find someone who can handle the chaos, the politics, and the sheer size of this district?
This time, they’re slowing down. The board hired Alma Advisory Group for $99,840 to lead the search, promising community input through town halls, surveys, and focus groups.
But critics are already talking. Some say the process feels predetermined, others worry about bias, and a few question if Alma’s track record is strong enough. Meanwhile, Interim Superintendent Al Taylor, a GCPS veteran, has quietly won over many with his steady leadership.
Whoever takes the job will face big challenges: chronic absenteeism, behavior issues, budget scrutiny, and the ever-present pressure to improve academics.
The board says they’ll have someone in place by the 2026 school year. But with so many eyes watching—and so much at stake—this hire feels like more than just filling a position. It’s about restoring trust, stability, and hope in a district that desperately needs all three.
STORY 7: ART BEAT: Gwinnett Symphony announces 2025-26 concert schedule
“Expect the Unexpected.” That’s the theme for the Gwinnett Symphony’s 2025-2026 season, and honestly? They’re not kidding. This year’s lineup is packed with everything from Copland to carols, Beethoven to the King of Pop. Classical purists, modern music lovers, and everyone in between—there’s something here for you.
Kicking off Sept. 21, the “80th Anniversary World War 2 Victory Concert” at Atlanta’s Symphony Hall promises a powerhouse collaboration with the Atlanta International Symphony Orchestra. Think Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and Bernstein’s Candide Overture.
Other highlights? Handel’s Messiah in November, a Christmas concert with Sleigh Ride (kid conductors included!), and a May finale featuring Elvis, Aretha, and MJ.
Details at gwinnettsymphony.org. Don’t wait—tickets will go fast.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break 4: Ingles Markets 8
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
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