Top Stories for November 18th Publish Date: November 18th PRE-ROLL: BUFORD HOLIDAY FESTIVAL From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, November 18th and Happy Birthday to astronaut Allan Shepard I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. The Sandwich Project celebrates milestones and welcomes new executive director Norcross receives international award for branding efforts Elementary and middle school cellphone bans proving popular, as debate moves to high schools 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: Kia Mall of Georgia STORY 1 : The Sandwich Project celebrates milestones and welcomes new executive director Before the latest government shutdown even hit, the Sandwich Project was already out there—quietly, relentlessly—feeding Atlanta’s hungry. This grassroots nonprofit, born in the chaos of 2020, has now delivered over 2.2 million sandwiches across metro Atlanta. Two million sandwiches. Let that sink in. And now, they’ve got their first executive director: Christine Cooper Nowicki, a longtime volunteer with a heart for service. “This wasn’t something I saw coming,” she admits, “but food insecurity has always been personal for me.” Every week, volunteers—families, Girl Scouts, Rotary Clubs—make 8,000 sandwiches. It’s messy, beautiful, and life-changing work. Learn more at thesandwichproject.org. STORY 2: Norcross receives international award for branding efforts Norcross just snagged a Silver Davey Award—pretty impressive, right? Out of 2,000+ global entries, this small-but-mighty city was recognized for its killer branding and communication efforts in the Government and Municipal category. The secret sauce? A partnership with Lawrenceville’s Accent Creative Group, the creative minds behind Norcross’ ads, event logos, social media, and more. “Our brand isn’t just a look,” said Mayor Craig Newton. “It’s how we tell our story.” The Davey Awards celebrate big ideas on small budgets, and Norcross nailed it—showcasing a community alive with culture, creativity, and connection. Not bad for a little city with big heart. STORY 3: Elementary and middle school cellphone bans proving popular, as debate moves to high schools Georgia high schools might soon say goodbye to cellphones, following the success of bans already in place at some schools. Starting next fall, a new law will require elementary and middle schools to lock up phones during the day. High schools aren’t included—yet. But with 92% of teachers supporting the idea, according to a Georgia Southern University survey, the push is gaining momentum. At Lakeside High in DeKalb, Principal Susan Stoddard said banning phones was a game-changer: “You heard kids talking again—actual conversations in the hallways.” Still, some parents worry about emergencies. Lawmakers? Divided. But this debate isn’t over. Not even close. 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: Ingles Markets 7- Sugar Hill Holiday STORY 4: Agency seeks more power to enforce campaign finance law Georgia’s election finance watchdog wants sharper teeth, and lawmakers might just hand them over. The State Ethics Commission says it needs more power to investigate campaign finance violations—like the $300,000 fine it slapped on Stacey Abrams’ nonprofit earlier this year for failing to disclose millions in donations and spending. Sen. Bill Cowsert, who’s running for attorney general, is leading the charge. “We need transparency,” he said. “Big money shouldn’t dominate politics.” But critics call it political theater, especially with Fulton DA Fani Willis now in the committee’s crosshairs. Meanwhile, the Ethics Commission says it’s hamstrung without stronger subpoena powers. The fight’s far from over. STORY 5: Corps of Engineers says below normal rainfall could make Lake Lanier hazardous Lake Lanier’s water level is holding steady—for now. As of last week, it sat at 1,065.51 feet, just a hair above the historic median of 1,065.39 feet for this time of year. But here’s the catch: rainfall’s been scarce lately, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is keeping a close watch. “The dry spell could mean lower levels ahead,” said Dustin Gautney from the Corps. And with Lanier’s hidden hazards—tree stumps, old roadbeds, even remnants of submerged towns—boaters and swimmers need to stay sharp. The advice? Wear your life jacket, watch for obstacles, and stay safe out there. We’ll be right back. Break 3:
