Top Stories for January 31st
Publish Date: January 31st
PRE-ROLL: KIA Mall Of Georgia
From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Saturday, January 31st and Happy Birthday to Jackie Robinson
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia.
- Lanier Islands Resort offering Valentine's Day romantic getaway package
- Amid walkouts, GCPS affirms students’ right to expression, reminds them to follow rules
- Scott McCray’s lasting impact on downtown Lawrenceville
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: EAGLE THEATRE
STORY 1: Lanier Islands Resort offering Valentine's Day romantic getaway package
Lanier Islands Resort—where love stories seem to write themselves. With over a dozen dreamy indoor and outdoor wedding venues, it’s no wonder this lakeside gem has been the backdrop for countless “I do’s.” And this year? Valentine’s Day lands on a Saturday, making it the perfect excuse for a romantic escape.
For couples looking to make a weekend of it, the resort’s Valentine’s Romantic Getaway has all the swoon-worthy details: champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, cozy accommodations, a multi-course dinner at Sidney’s overlooking the lake, and breakfast the next morning. Want more? There’s spa treatments, snow fun at Margaritaville, or even a game day at Game Changer.
Planning to pop the question? The resort’s wedding consultants can help you nail the moment, from finding the perfect spot to booking a photographer. Love is definitely in the air at Lanier Islands.
STORY 2: Amid walkouts, GCPS affirms students’ right to expression, reminds them to follow rules
Students across Gwinnett County are walking out of class, protesting immigration enforcement and the fear it’s brought into their schools. The district is trying to balance it all—supporting students’ voices while keeping things safe and orderly.
The protests come as frustration grows nationwide over ICE’s actions, including the deaths of two U.S. citizens. Some students say they’re scared to even show up to school.
The district reiterated its policy: ICE can’t enter non-public areas of schools without a judge-signed warrant. But fear lingers. Enrollment has dropped by thousands since ICE activity ramped up in 2025, according to the Gwinnett County Association of Educators.
For now, GCPS is working with students to keep protests peaceful and on-campus.
STORY 3: Scott McCray’s lasting impact on downtown Lawrenceville
When Scott McCray first set his sights on expanding his restaurant footprint, downtown Lawrenceville wasn’t exactly buzzing. “It was quiet—really quiet,” he said. “Not much going on, but I saw potential.” That was back in the early 2000s, when the corner spot he wanted—a beat-up old drugstore—wasn’t even available. So, he waited.
By 2006, McCray’s Tavern opened on Perry Street, and two decades later, it’s a cornerstone of Lawrenceville’s now-vibrant Square.
Today, McCray owns nine restaurants, including Perry Street Chophouse and several McCray’s Taverns across metro Atlanta. But he’s not done yet. “We’ve got another building on the Square,” he teased. “Still figuring out what to do with it, but we’re working on something.”
And then there’s St. Patrick’s Day—his annual “Perry Street festival” that shuts down the street, packs the rooftop deck, and unofficially kicks off spring.
Reflecting on 20 years in the business, McCray still seems a little surprised. “I didn’t grow up dreaming about restaurants,” he said. “But once I opened my first place, I knew. It’s hard work, but I still love it. Every day.”
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We’ll be right back
Break 2: Ingles Markets - GCPS
STORY 4: GIVE East's Candice Richardson named GCPS Teacher of the Year
Dr. Candice Richardson didn’t take the usual path to teaching. In fact, her journey started far from a classroom—in a doctor’s office in Nassau, Bahamas, where she worked as a physician. But life has a funny way of rerouting us.
Fifteen years ago, she moved to the U.S. with her husband and began the long, grueling process of earning her medical license here. To make ends meet, she started substitute teaching. “I thought it’d just be temporary,” she said. “But when I walked into GIVE Center East, something clicked. I knew—this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Fast forward to now: Richardson, who’s been teaching biology at GIVE for four years, was just named Gwinnett County Public Schools’ 2027 Teacher of the Year. It’s a rare honor for a teacher at an alternative school, and Richardson doesn’t take it lightly.
At GIVE, Richardson works with students who’ve been written off by others. “These kids have been told they’re failures, that one mistake defines them,” she said. “But I believe in second chances. I want them to see they’re worth more than their worst moment.”
Richardson’s passion for her students shines through in everything she does, from creating hands-on biology lessons to building relationships that show her students they’re valued.
STORY 5: Republican state House leaders unveil plan to abolish homeowner property taxes
Georgia Republicans are making a bold promise: no more property taxes for homeowners by 2032. Sounds great, right? But the details? Well, they’re complicated.
House Speaker Jon Burns unveiled the plan Wednesday, calling it “historic tax relief” aimed at easing the financial strain on homeowners. Rising home values, he said, have made the current system “unsustainable.” The idea is to gradually phase out property taxes on primary residences, but here’s the catch—local governments rely on that money. A lot of it.
Property taxes fund schools, police, fire departments—you name it. So, what happens when that revenue disappears? Burns’ plan would let cities and counties make up the difference by raising sales taxes or adding fees for specific services. But sales taxes are unpredictable, especially during economic downturns, and some areas might struggle to generate enough revenue.
And then there’s the political hurdle. To make this happen, lawmakers need a constitutional amendment, which requires two-thirds approval in both chambers and a public vote. Oh, and the Senate? They’re focused on slashing income taxes instead.
For now, the House hasn’t released all the details, but one thing’s clear: this proposal is ambitious—and it’s going to spark a lot of debate.
We’ll be right back.
Break 3: GCPL Passport
STORY 6: TenMed Wound Care opening Lawrenceville office
TenMed Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine is bringing its expertise to Lawrenceville, opening a new clinic at 696 Grayson Highway. For patients in Gwinnett County dealing with stubborn wounds—diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds, or other complex injuries—this is big news.
The Lawrenceville location joins TenMed’s existing offices in Atlanta and Johns Creek, expanding access to advanced treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Dr. Joshua Behlmann, the clinic’s medical director, said he’s excited to serve the community. “Our goal is simple: to provide life-changing care for those who need it most.”
From personalized wound care plans to cutting-edge therapies, the clinic is ready to help. For more info, visit tenmedhealth.com or call 470-508-0696.
STORY 7: Test-run of outdoor classrooms in Georgia schools clears General Assembly
Georgia students might soon trade desks for fresh air, thanks to a new outdoor learning pilot program. On Wednesday, the state Senate gave unanimous approval to a bill that would create outdoor classrooms at select K-8 schools. Next stop? Governor Kemp’s desk.
State Sen. Bo Hatchett shared his own experience: “I had an outdoor classroom at North Habersham Middle, and it made a huge difference. Every kid should have that chance.”
Sen. Sheikh Rahman added, “Kids are glued to screens. Getting them outside? It’s good for their bodies, their minds—everything.”
The program will run for three years before lawmakers decide what’s next.
We’ll have closing comments after this
Break 4: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING
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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