GDP Script/ Top Stories for August 7th
Publish Date: August 7th
From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Thursday, August 7th and Happy birthday to Wayne Knight
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia.
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on peaches
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: 07.14.22 KIA MOG
STORY 1: Gwinnett commissioners narrowly OK grant funds for maternal health clinic
Gwinnett County commissioners were split this week, narrowly approving a $450,000 grant for Georgia Wellness Group, a Lawrenceville maternal health clinic that’s sparked heated debate. Critics, mostly Democrats, have accused the clinic of being “anti-abortion” and linked it to Obria, a controversial organization.
The 3-2 vote came after hours of back-and-forth. Commissioners Ben Ku and Kirkland Carden wanted the clinic removed from the funding plan, but others, like Jasper Watkins, pushed back hard. “This is not a fake clinic,” Watkins said. “They’re licensed, accredited, and provide critical care to hundreds of women.”
Georgia Wellness insists it’s no longer tied to Obria and focuses on affordable prenatal care, STI testing, and maternal mental health. Still, tensions ran high, with local Democrats calling the clinic manipulative and unregulated.
STORY 2: A former Gwinnett student got into McConnell Middle School while carrying a knife
Two days into the school year, and Gwinnett County Public Schools is already dealing with a scary situation—a former student sneaking into McConnell Middle School with a knife.
Principal Derico White told parents in a letter that the individual slipped in through a side door early Tuesday morning, before classes started. Thankfully, no students were inside yet.
“Our staff acted quickly,” White wrote. “The person was escorted to the front office and taken into custody by police, who found a knife during a search. No threats were made, and no one was harmed.”
This incident comes as GCPS is rolling out $19.3 million worth of weapons detection systems across its schools—a process that’s still underway. It’s unclear if McConnell had any devices installed yet.
STORY 3: Gwinnett Technical College police department achieves full state certification
Gwinnett Technical College’s police department just hit a major milestone: full state certification from the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program. It’s a big deal—kind of like the gold medal of public safety in Georgia.
Getting there wasn’t easy. The department had to prove it meets over 100 professional standards, from ethical conduct to community engagement. “This is a testament to our police force’s dedication,” said Gwinnett Tech President Dr. Glen Cannon. “They’ve set the bar high for campus safety.”
The certification process dug deep into policies, procedures, and day-to-day operations, ensuring the department is ready to handle the unique challenges of a college campus.
This recognition isn’t just about a badge of honor—it’s about creating a safe, supportive space for students, staff, and faculty. Gwinnett Tech’s commitment to safety and integrity shines through, and now they’re part of an elite group of law enforcement agencies across Georgia.
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We’ll be right back
Break 2: Ingles Markets 3
STORY 4: Another Gwinnett family is mourning loved one whose body was found on Bell Mountain
Months after 19-year-old twins Qaadir and Naazir Lewis were found dead on Bell Mountain, another tragedy has struck the same spot. On July 19, Towns County deputies discovered the body of 38-year-old Norcross resident Phat Tan Bui inside his car in the mountain’s parking lot. His family had reported him missing just a day earlier, according to the GBI.
Bui’s obituary describes him as someone with a “bright smile, adventurous spirit, and generous heart.” He loved skating and videography. His funeral was held over the weekend.
The GBI says no foul play is suspected in either case, though Bui’s death is still under investigation. The Lewis twins’ deaths were ruled suicides, but their family and the NAACP have strongly disputed that, alleging foul play and even a cover-up.
Bui’s family, however, is urging patience. “We’re still processing and waiting for answers,” his sister, wrote on Facebook.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Towns County Sheriff’s Office or the GBI. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online or through the “See Something, Send Something” app.
STORY 5: Cirque du Soleil’s 'OVO' coming to Gas South Arena this weekend
Lydia Harper’s journey to becoming artistic director for Cirque du Soleil wasn’t exactly slow—more like a whirlwind. “It was fast,” she laughed. “Big learning curve, but hey, I’m an acrobat. Climbing’s kind of my thing.”
Now based in London, Harper will be in Duluth with Cirque’s “OVO” from Aug. 7–10 at Gas South Arena. The show, a vibrant, bug-themed spectacle, has dazzled 7 million people worldwide since its 2009 debut.
Harper’s path started onstage—Chinese Pole, Double Cloud, Rope—you name it. She joined Cirque in 2015 as an acrobat for “TORUK,” then climbed the ranks: captain, coach, assistant director, and finally, artistic director two years ago.
Her job? Everything on stage. Casting, choreography, rehearsals, even approving new elements. “We’ve got 53 artists from all over the world—it’s like running a tiny, chaotic ecosystem,” she said.
Performing was her first love, but these days, she’s all about helping others shine.
Touring isn’t easy—living out of a suitcase, missing family—but Harper finds magic in the chaos.
Catch “OVO” in Duluth for five shows. Details at cirquedusoleil.com/ovo.
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on peaches
Break 3:
We’ll have closing comments after this
Break 4: Ingles Markets 3
Signoff –
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