GDP Script/ Top Stories for April 9th       

Publish Date:  April 9th         

From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.

Today is Tuesday, April 9th and Happy heavenly Birthday to Hugh Hefner.

***04.09.24 – BIRTHDAY – HUGH HEFNER***

I’m Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett County Public Schools

1. Update on the Aurora Theatre Bomb Threat in Lawrenceville
2. The Hudgens Prize $50K Finalists Unveiled
3. World of Medical Marvels' Exhibition Opens April 20 at Fernbank

Plus, The Stripers Report with Dave Lezotte, providing in-depth coverage and the latest news on your Gwinnett Stripers.

And this week, Guide's Mental Health Minute focuses on the perilous effects of fentanyl, highlighting its potential for addiction, respiratory depression, and fatal overdoses.

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: GCPS DISCOVERY

STORY 1: Bomb Threat at Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville: What We Know

Lawrenceville Police are probing a bomb threat at the Aurora Theatre on Sunday after an email was circulated to media, threatening the venue. Despite a comprehensive search by police and theater staff confirming the threat as false, investigations continue with assistance from the ATF and FBI to trace the origin. The motive is yet undetermined. As a safety measure, the theater's scheduled comedy show, "Greener Pastures," was canceled. The Aurora Theatre has thanked law enforcement for their rapid action and will inform patrons of any further schedule adjustments.

STORY 2: Meet The Four Finalists Vying for The $50K Hudgens Prize

The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning has announced the four finalists competing for the prestigious $50,000 Hudgens Prize, aimed at elevating Georgia's vibrant art scene. This significant award not only offers financial support but also a solo exhibition opportunity at the center for the winner. The contenders, Krista Clark and Sergio Suarez of Atlanta, alongside Victoria Dugger and Joni Mabe from Athens, showcase a broad spectrum of artistic innovation, from unique material use to fresh expressions of identity. A panel of esteemed jurors from leading art institutions will select the winner in September.

STORY 3: Fernbank To Feature 'Super Human Body: World of Medical Marvels' on April 20

Fernbank Museum is set to debut the giant screen film, "Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels," narrated by Matthew McConaughey, on April 20. The film delves into the latest medical breakthroughs, combining compelling personal narratives with advanced CGI to illustrate the transformative power of science. Highlighting stories of individuals such as Ty Duckett, James Garrett, and Emily Whitehead, alongside pioneering researchers Dr. Carl June and Dr. Ayanna Howard, it underscores the impact of medical innovation. The film not only aims to spark interest in STEM fields but also to foster a deeper appreciation for the strides made in medical science. Admission includes access to the museum's exhibits and natural areas. Visit FernbankMuseum.org for more details and ticket information.

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.

The Stripers Report is coming up next.

Break 2: TOM WAGES

***STRIPERS REPORT***

STORY 4: Georgia Sees 10.5% Growth in Total Housing Units Over the Past Decade

The United States grapples with a critical affordable housing shortage, underscored by a shortfall of millions of units. This predicament stems from a complex web of factors, including stringent regulations, escalating construction costs, and the enduring aftermath of the Great Recession. While regions like the Mountain West and Sun Belt have witnessed notable housing developments, areas such as West Virginia and parts of the Great Lakes region have experienced stagnation or negligible growth. Moreover, the pace of housing development does not always match up with demographic trends, posing affordability issues in certain locales. In Georgia, for instance, the number of housing units rose by 10.5% between 2012 and 2022, marginally exceeding population growth. However, this period also saw median home prices skyrocket by 157.7%. Tackling the housing shortage demands a multifaceted approach, focusing on policy reform, increased construction activity, and bolstering affordable housing initiatives.

STORY 5: PrizePicks to locate new headquarters in Atlanta

Governor Brian Kemp has officially announced that PrizePicks will establish its new headquarters in Atlanta, marking a significant $25 million investment and promising the creation of 1,000 jobs within the next seven years. Esteemed as a leading figure among North America's rapidly growing sports companies, PrizePicks has been lauded for its innovative approach and excellence in workplace culture. The new headquarters, occupying 33,000 square feet in the Star Metals Building at Midtown Atlanta, signifies a major boost to the city's innovation ecosystem. This strategic move underscores Georgia's burgeoning reputation as a technology and innovation hub, supported by a skilled workforce and robust infrastructure. The expansion of PrizePicks is poised to make a considerable economic contribution to Atlanta, reflecting the state's dedication to promoting technological innovation and employment opportunities.

We’ll be back in a moment.

Break 3: CURIOSITY LAB BIKE RACE

And now here is your Guide mental health minute.

***GUIDE MENTAL HEALTH MINUTE***

STORY 6: GA to distribute $638M settlement through grant program to combat deadly opioid epidemic

Georgia is set to launch a grant program to allocate $638 million received from opioid settlement funds, dedicating $479 million to grants and distributing the remaining $159 million among Atlanta and its major counties. The grant application process begins next Monday, accompanied by workshops designed to guide applicants through the submission procedure. The state's strategy emphasizes a meticulous and impactful response to the opioid epidemic, prioritizing areas such as medication-assisted treatment, prevention initiatives, and recovery support services. Sheriff Gary Sisk has underscored the critical nature of the drug crisis and the imperative for a sincere commitment to recovery efforts. This program advocates for transparency and seeks to integrate insights from those with firsthand experience of addiction, underlining the value of their perspectives in the fight against substance abuse.

STORY 7: Virtual reality sessions could help cancer patients lessen pain: study

A recent study published by the American Cancer Society reveals that ten-minute sessions of virtual reality therapy can significantly alleviate pain in cancer patients, with effects persisting beyond the duration of the session. This innovative approach has demonstrated superior efficacy in pain reduction compared to traditional distraction methods, such as using an iPad. The research involved 128 adult cancer patients suffering from moderate to severe pain, who were randomly assigned to either VR or iPad therapy sessions. Findings highlighted a more pronounced decrease in pain levels among participants in the VR group, with the relief extending up to 24 hours post-session. The study advocates for further investigation into the application of VR therapy across various outpatient contexts and for different manifestations of cancer-related pain, underscoring its potential as a non-pharmacological option for managing discomfort in cancer patients.

We’ll have final thoughts after this.

Break 4: INGLES 4

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, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at Gwinnettdailypost.com.

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