GDP Script/ Top Stories for September 27th
Publish Date: September 27th
PRE-ROLL:
From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Saturday, September 27th and Happy Birthday to Meatloaf
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett 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: 07.14.22 KIA MOG
STORY 1: It's Back — Magical Nights of Lights returns to Lanier Islands
After a five-year break, one of Georgia’s most cherished holiday traditions is finally back. Lanier Islands Resort announced Thursday that Magical Nights of Lights will return for the 2025 holiday season, promising a reimagined experience that’s bigger, brighter, and, well, just plain magical.
From Nov. 15 to Jan. 4, 2026, the lakeside resort will transform into a glowing wonderland. Picture this: miles of twinkling lights, animated displays, and Christmas carols playing through your car radio. Classic favorites like Candy Cane Lane and the 12 Days of Christmas are back, but there’s new fun too—Pickleball Elves, anyone?
The tour ends with two festive stops: Holiday Headquarters (think mulled wine, s’mores, and axe throwing) and License to Chill Snow Island, complete with snow tubing and ice skating.
Tickets start at $25 per car, and overnight guests get a free light tour.
STORY 2: Magazine still rates Georgia No. 1 for business
For the 12th year running, Georgia has snagged the top spot on Area Development Magazine’s list of best states for doing business. A dozen years—pretty impressive, right?
The magazine pointed to affordable housing, reliable child care, and solid transportation as key reasons for the streak.
Southern states dominated the rankings, with Georgia leading the pack, followed by South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina.
Gov. Brian Kemp credited the win to teamwork between state leaders and local communities, while the Georgia Chamber of Commerce called the state the “economic envy of the nation.”
But the game is changing. Tax breaks and cheap land aren’t enough anymore. Companies are eyeing climate risks, water access, and long-term resilience. Georgia, the magazine noted, is already ahead in those areas.
It’s not just about business—it’s about building a place where people want to live, work, and stay.
STORY 3: Three of Georgia’s top higher education institutions retain high rankings
Georgia’s top universities are holding their own in the 2026 U.S. News rankings, with all three—Georgia Tech, UGA, and Emory—landing in the top 100.
Tech climbed to 32nd, tied with NYU and two California public schools. UGA stayed steady at 46th, sharing the spot with four others. Emory? Sitting pretty at 24th, right alongside Georgetown.
The rankings factor in everything from graduation rates to faculty pay to post-grad earnings. And in specific fields? Georgia schools shine. Emory’s nursing program is second only to Duke. Tech’s environmental and industrial programs are No. 1, and UGA’s insurance program? Best in the nation.
For in-state students, Tech and UGA are a steal at just over $10,000 a year. Out-of-state? Triple that. Emory, though, comes with a hefty $70,000 price tag. Worth it? Depends who you ask.
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We’ll be right back
Break 2: CITY OF SUGAR HILL
STORY 4: Police: Woman stabbed to death at home near Stone Mountain
Gwinnett County police are investigating after a woman was fatally stabbed Thursday in what appears to be a domestic violence case.
Officers responded to a call around 4:30 p.m. about a person down at a home on Deshong Drive, near the Gwinnett-DeKalb County line. Inside, they found a woman who had died from stab wounds.
A female relative was detained elsewhere in Gwinnett, and detectives are questioning her.
The victim’s name hasn’t been released yet, pending notification of her family.
Anyone with information can contact detectives or Crime Stoppers for a possible cash reward.
STORY 5: Housing Matters: Conversion of extended-stay hotel to affordable housing to begin soon
A vacant Extended Stay America off Jimmy Carter Boulevard is getting a second life. Starting in December, it’ll be transformed into affordable housing for seniors, homeless youth, and young adults aging out of foster care.
Gwinnett County and the Gwinnett Housing Corporation bought the property in February for $14.5 million, using funds from the Affordable Housing Development Fund and the American Rescue Plan.
Units will be for single or double occupancy, with rents about $500 below market. Leasing starts in 2026.
Break 3:
STORY 6: Duluth Fall Festival returns this weekend
The 42nd Duluth Fall Festival is back this weekend, and it’s pulling out all the stops—over 180 arts and crafts vendors, 40+ food booths, and nearly two dozen performers spread across two stages. It’s a lot.
Festivities kick off Saturday at 10 a.m. with the parade, which some say is the biggest in Gwinnett. After that? The opening ceremony at the Festival Center Amphitheater, followed by nonstop entertainment on the Festival Center and Parsons Alley stages. Sunday starts early with the Donut Dash 5K at 8 a.m. and a church service at 10 a.m.
Parking? It’s tight. Use the free shuttles from local schools. And leave the pets at home—it’s hot, crowded, and not ideal for furry friends.
Proceeds go straight back into the community, funding everything from downtown beautification to nonprofits like Rainbow Village and Spectrum Autism Center.
Details at duluthfallfestival.org.
STORY 7: FAFSA application now open for current and future GGC students
For Georgia Gwinnett College students, the road to scholarships, grants, and financial aid starts now—FAFSA for the 2026–2027 school year is officially open.
FAFSA isn’t just a form; it’s the key to federal grants, work-study gigs, and loans. Plus, state and school aid programs use it to figure out who qualifies for what. The earlier you file, the better your chances of snagging the most aid.
Need help? The Grizzly Welcome Center (Building D) is open weekdays to guide students through the process.
Pro tip: File ASAP.
We’ll have closing comments after this
Break 4: Ingles Markets 5
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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