GDP Script/ Top Stories for July 2nd Publish Date: July 2nd From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, July 2nd and Happy Birthday TO MLB player Jose Canseco. ***07.02.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOSE CANSECO*** I’m Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia Buford Hall-of-Famer 'Pop' Carson Battling End Stage Renal DiseaseTop Spots to Celebrate Independence Day in Gwinnett CountyGreater Atlanta Christian Grad Makes U.S. Team 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: Buford Hall-of-Famer ‘Pop’ Carson Battling End Stage Renal Disease Michael "Pop" Carson, a prominent figure in Buford's sports history, is facing severe health challenges due to end-stage renal disease in central Florida. Carson, 63, played a crucial role in Buford's first state football championship in 1978 and later coached football and baseball for over 40 years. He launched a GoFundMe page to manage medical expenses, emphasizing gratitude for support. Despite health setbacks, including congestive heart failure, Carson remains hopeful and advocates for health awareness. His coaching career spanned various schools, impacting many students. Carson, known for his resilience, reflects on the importance of health and cherishes each day as a blessing. STORY 2: Here’s Where to Celebrate Independence Day in Gwinnett County From Stone Mountain Park to the charming streets of Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County is gearing up for an electrifying Independence Day. We're bringing you the lowdown on all the must-see events that will light up the sky and your hearts. Whether you're into patriotic fireworks, live music, or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere, there's something here for everyone. Let's dive into the lineup and get you prepped for an unforgettable celebration! First off, head to Stone Mountain Park from July 1 to July 7 for nightly fireworks and a spectacular Drone & Light Show. On July 3, Lawrenceville brings you "Prelude to the Fourth!" with music and food trucks, while Norcross hosts "Red, White & Boom!" with live music and fireworks at Lillian Webb Park. On Independence Day itself, don't miss Lilburn's "Sparkle in the Park" and Snellville's "Star Spangled Snellville" with games, music, and more fireworks. Plus, Braselton offers a parade and festival, and Coolray Field presents "Fourth on the Field" with a kids' movie and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. STORY 3: Olympic Qualifier: Greater Atlanta Christian Grad Makes U.S. Team Jasmine Jones, a Greater Atlanta Christian graduate, secured her spot on the U.S. Olympic team by finishing third in the 400-meter hurdles on Sunday. Competing just after her senior season at USC, Jones clocked a personal best of 52.77 seconds. She trailed Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who set a new world record at 50.65 seconds, and her USC teammate Anna Cockerell, who finished second with 52.64 seconds. Jones' achievement not only earned her a place in the Olympics but also elevated her to the eighth spot on the all-time U.S. list for the event. 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 STORY 4: Georgia Gwinnett College’s FAFSA center now open through Aug. 1 Georgia Gwinnett College's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Completion Center will extend its operations until August 1 due to high demand. Since its launch in late April, the center, located conveniently on campus, has assisted over 400 students with their FAFSA applications. The FAFSA is crucial for determining federal aid eligibility, though the streamlined form introduced by the U.S. Department of Education in late 2023 has posed challenges. Kimberly Jordan, GGC's Executive Director of Financial Aid Services, highlighted the center's role not only in aiding applications but also in providing personalized support to students. The center remains committed to helping students start or continue their academic journey smoothly. STORY 5: One Man’s Efforts to Stop Mulberry Cityhood Continues. What We Know. Stephen Hughes, an eastern Gwinnett resident, has filed a lawsuit against the state of Georgia in Fulton County Superior Court, challenging the constitutionality of legislation that established the city of Mulberry and scheduled its city council elections. This marks Hughes' third active lawsuit related to Mulberry's cityhood. His attorney, Allen Lightcap, argues that Senate Bill 333, which crafted Mulberry's charter and set the cityhood referendum, violates the Georgia Constitution. Hughes seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to halt the city council elections and prevent Governor Kemp from participating in any city transition. The core of Hughes' legal challenge focuses on ...
