Today, your host Brian Giffin talks to Mayor Tommy Allegood, Marlon Longacre, Jeff Chase, Larry Braden, Jonathan White, and Erin LaBelle as they tell us what makes Acworth "the All-American City."  

#CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews    
#cityofacworth
#redtopbrewhouse
#scoopsicecream
#acworth
#cityofacworth
#piedmontchurch 

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The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County. 

Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline

Register Here for your essential digital news. 



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Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here. 

This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group



For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com

Today, your host Brian Giffin talks to Mayor Tommy Allegood, Marlon Longacre, Jeff Chase, Larry Braden, Jonathan White, and Erin LaBelle as they tell us what makes Acworth "the All-American City."  
#CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews    
<ul>
<li>#cityofacworth</li>
<li>#redtopbrewhouse</li>
<li>#scoopsicecream</li>
<li>#acworth</li>
<li>#cityofacworth</li>
<li>#piedmontchurch </li>
</ul>
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The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.            
Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable">MDJOnline</a>           
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Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.mdjonline.com/podcasts/&amp;source=gmail-imap&amp;ust=1611963165000000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3TrS9igef2xVK4PXrR60OS" data-auth="NotApplicable">here</a>.            
This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group
 
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Get the news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County with the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.

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Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

Cobb Life: A spotlight on the City of Acworth

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 14th 

Publish Date:  January 14th 

 

Commercial:  

From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  

  

Today is Wednesday, January 14th and Happy Birthday to Dave Grohl 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
East Cobb protest calls to end ICE after deadly shooting
Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project
‘Ready to work for it’: Miss Cobb County 2026 looks toward Miss Georgia competition

All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  

 

BREAK: INGLES 5 

STORY 1: East Cobb protest calls to end ICE after deadly shooting 

  The intersection of Johnson Ferry and Roswell roads buzzed with energy Sunday afternoon as over 150 protesters gathered for the “ICE Out for Good” rally, part of a nationwide movement calling for the abolition of ICE. 

Chants of “No ICE, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” echoed across the streets, accompanied by honking horns and waves from passing cars. Protesters held handmade signs with messages like “Melt ICE,” “Justice for Renee,” and “Keep Orwell fiction.” 

The rally followed the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman, by an ICE agent during an immigration operation. Protesters, led by Indivisible Cobb, called out what they described as ICE’s unchecked violence. “This is about justice,” said Susan Lopez of Smyrna. “ICE is overstepping, and it’s time to hold them accountable.” 

Not everyone agreed. Terry Frost, a lone counter-protester, stood silently with a Trump campaign flag, voicing his support for ICE. “I can’t stand with people defending criminals,” he said. 

The protest remained peaceful, with no arrests reported. 

STORY 2: Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project 

 Heads up, drivers: weather permitting, GDOT contractors will be closing lanes around the I-285/I-20 West Interchange for a major reconstruction project. Expect delays, lane shifts, and some frustration—so plan ahead. 

The project? Widening ramps, adding collector-distributor lanes, and improving traffic flow. But first, the closures: 
I-285 Northbound: Cascade to Bolton, nightly Jan. 12-16. Single-lane closures start at 9 p.m., double-lane closures at 11 p.m. 
I-285 Southbound: Hollowell to MLK Jr. Drive, same deal. 
I-20 Westbound: Anderson to Riverside, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. 
I-20 Eastbound: Riverside to I-285, alternating lane closures. 

Flagging operations and pacing will also hit nearby roads. Check 511ga.org for updates, and drive safe! 

STORY 3: ‘Ready to work for it’: Miss Cobb County 2026 looks toward Miss Georgia competition 

  For Dominique Verville, crowned Miss Cobb County 2026 last August, life’s best moments often sit just past fear. 

“Fear shows up when something matters,” the 23-year-old from Kennesaw told the Kiwanis Club of Marietta on Thursday. “It doesn’t mean you’re unprepared—it means you’re standing at the edge of growth.” 

A graduate of Auburn University with degrees in aviation management and finance, Verville is a classically trained dancer, a licensed pilot, and now an aviation insurance underwriter. But her heart? It’s in service. 

Through her nonprofit, Hearts for Heroes, she supports veterans transitioning to civilian life, delivering supplies and reading her children’s book, Dear Soldier, to students. 

“The crown isn’t about me,” she said. “It’s about serving others.” 

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  

 

We’ll be right back. 

 

Break: INGLES 5 

 

STORY 4: Mableton swears in new councilmembers, elects mayor pro tem 

The Mableton City Council kicked off the year with a packed agenda—and a little drama. 

New council members Cassandra Brown and Michael McNeely were sworn in, while Debora Herndon, reelected unopposed, will take her oath later this month. Then came the vote for mayor pro tem. 

After a 3-3 tie between Ron Davis and Keisha Jeffcoat, McNeely flipped his vote in a second round, giving Davis the role with a 4-2 majority. “Big shoes to fill,” Davis said, “but I’m ready to make this city the best it can be.” 

The council also approved Mableton’s participation in HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program, partnering with Cobb County to fund affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, and economic development. 

STORY 5:  Wood you believe it? New art exhibits open in Marietta 

  Two fresh exhibitions are taking over the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art and they couldn’t be more different. Downstairs, “Georgia Wood Artists” showcases 50 stunning woodworks from 39 Georgia artists—everything from bowls to mandolins to abstract sculptures. Upstairs? Lawrenceville painter Maya Perez-Lugones makes her solo debut with a series of bold, surreal bathroom scenes. 

“It’s like night and day,” said museum director Sally Macaulay. “Every piece evokes something different. I love hearing what people feel.” 

Perez-Lugones’ work, inspired by light bouncing off bathroom surfaces, explores ego and compulsion. Meanwhile, the wood exhibit highlights craftsmanship, from whittling to woodturning. 

Tickets are $10; kids under 6 get in free. 

Break:  

STORY 6: Braves re-sign reliever Tyler Kinley 

   The Braves are keeping their bullpen busy this offseason, signing right-hander Tyler Kinley to a $3 million deal for 2026, with a $5.5 million club option for 2027 (or a $1.25 million buyout). 

Kinley, 34, was lights-out last season—5-0 with a ridiculous 0.72 ERA in just 25 innings after being traded from Colorado in July. Not bad, right? 

This move follows Atlanta’s other bullpen splashes: a $45 million deal for Robert Suarez and a $16 million re-signing of closer Raisel Iglesias. 

STORY 7: Health inspection follow-up brings big change for Hoboken Cafe 

 The Hoboken Café on Whitlock Avenue, a local favorite for Italian eats, bounced back this week after a rough health inspection in December. The follow-up? A shiny 97 out of 100—an “A” for food safety excellence. 

Back in December, though, things weren’t so great. The café scored a 69, just one point above a failing grade. Violations included raw meat stored above ready-to-eat foods, cooling and reheating issues, and sanitizer buckets with way too much solution. 

The last inspection found just one issue—improper cooling for stuffed peppers, which was fixed on the spot. Management says everything’s been addressed. 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: INGLES 5 

 

Signoff-   

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal 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.mdjonline.com 

Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 

Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

  

Show Sponsors: 
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&nbsp;MDJ Script/&nbsp;Top Stories for&nbsp;January&nbsp;14th&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January&nbsp;14th&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the&nbsp;BG Ad Group&nbsp;Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
Today is&nbsp;Wednesday,&nbsp;January&nbsp;14th&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Dave Grohl&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m&nbsp;Keith Ippolito&nbsp;and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by&nbsp;Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>East Cobb protest calls to end ICE after deadly shooting</li>
<li>Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project</li>
<li>&lsquo;Ready to work for it&rsquo;: Miss Cobb County 2026 looks toward Miss Georgia competition</li>
</ol>
All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! &nbsp;
&nbsp;
BREAK:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;5&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/east-cobb-protest-calls-to-end-ice-after-deadly-shooting/article_a5195440-66b9-4505-a54e-befee76b2ec9.html">East Cobb protest calls to end ICE after deadly shooting</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;The intersection of Johnson Ferry and Roswell roads buzzed with energy Sunday afternoon as over 150 protesters gathered for the &ldquo;ICE Out for Good&rdquo; rally, part of a nationwide movement calling for the abolition of ICE.&nbsp;
Chants of &ldquo;No ICE, no fear, immigrants are welcome here&rdquo; echoed across the streets, accompanied by honking horns and waves from passing cars. Protesters held handmade signs with messages like &ldquo;Melt ICE,&rdquo; &ldquo;Justice for Renee,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Keep Orwell fiction.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The rally followed the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman, by an ICE agent during an immigration operation. Protesters, led by Indivisible Cobb, called out what they described as ICE&rsquo;s unchecked violence. &ldquo;This is about justice,&rdquo; said Susan Lopez of Smyrna. &ldquo;ICE is overstepping, and it&rsquo;s time to hold them accountable.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Not everyone agreed. Terry Frost, a lone counter-protester, stood silently with a Trump campaign flag, voicing his support for ICE. &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t stand with people defending criminals,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
The protest remained peaceful, with no arrests reported.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/interstate-lane-closure-advisory-for-the-i-285-i-20-west-interchange-project/article_4ec4ca02-a7f7-433e-bc53-0de2d78e3102.html">Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project</a>&nbsp;
 Heads up, drivers: weather&nbsp;permitting,&nbsp;GDOT contractors will be closing lanes around the I-285/I-20 West Interchange for a major reconstruction project. Expect delays, lane shifts, and some&nbsp;frustration&mdash;so&nbsp;plan&nbsp;ahead.&nbsp;
The project? Widening ramps, adding collector-distributor lanes, and improving traffic flow. But first, the closures:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="16" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">I-285 Northbound: Cascade to Bolton, nightly Jan. 12-16. Single-lane closures start at 9 p.m.,&nbsp;double-lane closures at 11 p.m.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="16" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">I-285 Southbound: Hollowell to MLK Jr. Drive, same deal.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="16" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">I-20 Westbound: Anderson to Riverside, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="16" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">I-20 Eastbound: Riverside to I-285, alternating lane closures.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Flagging operations and pacing will also hit nearby roads. Check 511ga.org for&nbsp;updates, and&nbsp;drive&nbsp;safe!&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/ready-to-work-for-it-miss-cobb-county-2026-looks-toward-miss-georgia-competition/article_717033a8-0c93-49ce-86c2-507986d90efb.html">&lsquo;Ready to work for it&rsquo;: Miss Cobb County 2026 looks toward Miss Georgia competition</a>&nbsp;
  For Dominique Verville, crowned Miss Cobb County 2026 last August, life&rsquo;s best moments often sit just past fear.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Fear shows up when something matters,&rdquo; the 23-year-old from&nbsp;Kennesaw told the Kiwanis Club of Marietta on Thursday. &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t mean you&rsquo;re unprepared&mdash;it means you&rsquo;re standing at the edge of growth.&rdquo;&nbsp;
A graduate of Auburn University with degrees in aviation management and finance, Verville is a classically trained dancer, a licensed pilot, and now an aviation insurance underwriter. But her heart?&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;in service.&nbsp;
Through her nonprofit, Hearts for Heroes, she supports veterans transitioning to civilian life, delivering&nbsp;supplies&nbsp;and reading her children&rsquo;s book, Dear Soldier, to students.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The crown isn&rsquo;t about me,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about serving others.&rdquo;&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;be right back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;5&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/mableton-swears-in-new-councilmembers-elects-mayor-pro-tem/article_72453a76-5595-4e73-a839-ad7ef3cf5a7b.html">Mableton swears in new councilmembers, elects mayor pro&nbsp;tem</a>&nbsp;
The Mableton City Council kicked off the year with a packed agenda&mdash;and a little drama.&nbsp;
New council members Cassandra Brown and Michael McNeely were sworn in, while Debora Herndon, reelected unopposed, will take her oath later this month. Then came the vote for mayor pro&nbsp;tem.&nbsp;
After a 3-3 tie between Ron Davis and Keisha Jeffcoat, McNeely flipped his vote in&nbsp;a second&nbsp;round, giving Davis the&nbsp;role with&nbsp;a 4-2 majority. &ldquo;Big shoes to fill,&rdquo; Davis said, &ldquo;but I&rsquo;m ready to make this city the best it can be.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The council also approved Mableton&rsquo;s participation in HUD&rsquo;s Community Development Block Grant program, partnering with Cobb County to fund affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, and economic development.&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/wood-you-believe-it-new-art-exhibits-open-in-marietta/article_ff8e2792-c9f2-4cc7-bbb8-2ad8e6d48e73.html">Wood&nbsp;you believe it? New art exhibits open in Marietta</a>&nbsp;
  Two fresh exhibitions are taking&nbsp;over&nbsp;the Marietta-Cobb Museum of&nbsp;Art&nbsp;and they&nbsp;couldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;be&nbsp;more&nbsp;different. Downstairs, &ldquo;Georgia Wood Artists&rdquo;&nbsp;showcases&nbsp;50 stunning woodworks from 39 Georgia artists&mdash;everything from bowls to mandolins to abstract sculptures. Upstairs? Lawrenceville painter Maya Perez-Lugones makes her solo debut with a series of bold, surreal bathroom scenes.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s like&nbsp;night and day,&rdquo; said museum director Sally Macaulay. &ldquo;Every piece evokes something different. I love hearing what people feel.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Perez-Lugones&rsquo; work, inspired by light bouncing off bathroom surfaces, explores ego and compulsion. Meanwhile, the wood exhibit highlights craftsmanship, from whittling to woodturning.&nbsp;
Tickets are $10; kids under 6&nbsp;get in&nbsp;free.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 6:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/sports/atlanta_braves/braves-re-sign-reliever-tyler-kinley/article_6064e04d-c70f-4580-a825-a07e546f89f0.html">Braves re-sign reliever Tyler Kinley</a>&nbsp;
   The Braves are keeping their bullpen busy this offseason, signing right-hander Tyler Kinley to a $3 million deal for 2026, with a $5.5 million club option for 2027 (or a $1.25 million buyout).&nbsp;
Kinley, 34, was&nbsp;lights-out last season&mdash;5-0 with a ridiculous 0.72 ERA in just 25 innings after being traded from Colorado in July. Not bad, right?&nbsp;
This move follows Atlanta&rsquo;s other bullpen splashes: a $45 million deal for Robert Suarez and a $16 million re-signing of closer Raisel Iglesias.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;7:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/health-inspection-follow-up-brings-big-change-for-hoboken-cafe/article_422e5f5d-2f86-4ee6-a86c-c97e11e77162.html">Health inspection follow-up brings big change for Hoboken Cafe</a>&nbsp;
 The Hoboken Caf&eacute; on Whitlock Avenue, a local favorite for Italian eats, bounced back this week after a rough health inspection in December. The follow-up? A shiny 97 out of 100&mdash;an &ldquo;A&rdquo; for food safety excellence.&nbsp;
Back in December, though, things&nbsp;weren&rsquo;t&nbsp;so great. The caf&eacute; scored a 69, just one point above a failing grade. Violations included raw meat stored above ready-to-eat foods, cooling and reheating issues, and sanitizer buckets with way too much solution.&nbsp;
The last&nbsp;inspection found just one issue&mdash;improper cooling for stuffed peppers, which was fixed on the spot. Management says&nbsp;everything&rsquo;s&nbsp;been addressed.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;5&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Signoff-  &nbsp;
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today&rsquo;s&nbsp;Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other&nbsp;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.mdjonline.com&nbsp;
Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling&nbsp;great stories&nbsp;are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or&nbsp;your Google&nbsp;Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">Produced by the BG Podcast Network</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Show Sponsors:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">www.ingles-markets.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

East Cobb protest calls to end ICE after deadly shooting | Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project | ‘Ready to work for it’: Miss Cobb County 2026 looks toward Miss Georgia competition

  =====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 9th 

Publish Date:  January 9th 

   

Commercial:  

From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  

  

Today is Friday, January 9th and Happy Birthday to Jimmy Page 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
Georgia schedules election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene
Marietta Theatre Company announces 2026 season
Flu season hits Georgia harder this year — What you should be watching for

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats

 

All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  

 

 

BREAK: INGLES 4 

STORY 1:  Georgia schedules election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene 

 Georgia’s 14th Congressional District is gearing up for a special election on March 10, following Marjorie Taylor Greene’s abrupt resignation. Greene, once a staunch Trump ally, stepped down after a public fallout with the  president over her push to release Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Trump called her a “traitor” and vowed to back her challenger if she ran again. Ouch. 

The race? Already crowded. Nearly two dozen candidates are eyeing the seat, including two Democrats, an independent, and 20 Republicans. Big names like State Sen. Colton Moore and Dalton Councilman Nicky Lama are in the mix. Qualifying runs Jan. 12–14, with a $5,220 fee. 

STORY 2:  Marietta Theatre Company announces 2026 season 

Marietta Theatre Company just dropped its 2026 season lineup, and honestly? It’s a good one. Tickets are already on sale—season passes start at $65, and they’re flexible, so no stressing over dates. 

“Live theater sticks with you—it’s magic that lingers,” said Katrina Stroup, the company’s president. “This season? Laughter, music, joy. We’ve got it all.” 

Here’s what’s coming: 
Little Shop of Horrors (Jan. 22-31): A cult classic with humor, heart, and a man-eating plant. 
9 to 5: The Musical (May 28-June 6): Dolly Parton. Friendship. Revenge. Enough said. 
All Shook Up (Aug. 13-22): Elvis meets Twelfth Night. Chaos ensues. 

Details at mariettatheatre.tix.com. 

STORY 3: Flu season hits Georgia harder this year — What you should be watching for 

 Flu season’s here, and Georgia’s getting hit hard—again. Over 300 people have been hospitalized since Dec. 21, and it’s not just the flu. RSV and colds are making the rounds too. Feeling run down? Fever, chills, body aches, sore throat? Yeah, it might be the flu. 

Dr. Earl Stewart Jr. from Wellstar says Influenza A (H3N2) is the big culprit this year, hitting kids, seniors, and folks with chronic conditions the hardest. Symptoms usually last 5–7 days, but that cough? It might stick around for weeks. 

When to worry? If you’re struggling to breathe, have chest pain, or your kid’s lethargic and not drinking fluids—get to the ER. 

Prevention? The usual suspects: flu shots, handwashing, rest, and staying hydrated. And if you do catch it, antivirals like Tamiflu can help—especially if you act fast. Stay safe, everyone. 

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  

We’ll be right back. 

 

Break: INGLES 4 

STORY 4: Cobb Prom Swap 

 Got an old prom dress or suit gathering dust in your closet? Give it a second life at the Cobb Prom Swap! 

The Cobb County Public Library is collecting gently used dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and even new, unused cosmetics through Feb. 7. Drop-off locations include: 
East Cobb Library, Marietta 
North Cobb Library, Kennesaw 
Powder Springs Library, Powder Springs 
Vinings Library, Atlanta 
West Cobb Library, Kennesaw 

Then, teens can shop for free at the Prom Swap events—first-come, first-served—on Feb. 21 (South Cobb Library, Mableton) and Feb. 28 (Switzer Library, Marietta). Perfect outfits, no price tags. 

STORY 5: Wheeler overcomes rocky start to beat Cherokee 

Cherokee came out swinging, but Wheeler landed the knockout punch, pulling away for a 78-64 win Tuesday night at Cherokee High. 

The Wildcats (12-3, 4-0 Region 5AAAAAA) have been living out of suitcases for weeks, and while this wasn’t their cleanest game, they handed the Warriors (11-5, 3-1) their first region loss—without starters Kevin Savage and Lamarrion Lewis. 

UConn commit Colben Landrew was unstoppable, dropping 26 points. Jaron Saulsberry added 17, and Amare James chipped in 16, including a half-court buzzer-beater that sparked Wheeler’s comeback. 

Cherokee started hot—Sean Hamilton’s seven-point run helped build a 20-6 lead. But Wheeler clawed back, outscoring the Warriors 26-12 in the second quarter and never looking back. 

FALCONS: Kirk Cousins and the Falcons just shook up his contract—again. According to reports, they’ve reworked the final two years of his four-year, $180 million deal, giving Atlanta some breathing room with the salary cap. But here’s the kicker: by March 13, 2026, they’ll have to decide if Cousins sticks around. 

Why? A $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 kicks in that day. And let’s be real—at 38, with a no-trade clause, Cousins isn’t exactly a hot commodity. 

The new deal slashes his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million, shifting that cash to 2027. Still, he’s got a $10 million roster bonus locked in for next year. 

Atlanta signed Cousins in 2024 with $100 million guaranteed, then drafted Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8. But when Penix tore his ACL, Cousins stepped in, starting seven games. His numbers? Solid-ish: 1,721 yards, 10 TDs, five picks. Not bad for a guy nearing 40. 

I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute. 

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats  

 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

 

Break: INGLES 4 

 

Signoff-   

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal 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 mdjonline.com 

Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 

Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

  

Show Sponsors: 
www.ingles-markets.com  

&nbsp; =====&nbsp;&nbsp;MDJ&nbsp;Script/&nbsp;Top Stories for&nbsp;January&nbsp;9th&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January&nbsp;9th&nbsp;
  &nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the&nbsp;BG AD Group&nbsp;Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
Today is&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;January&nbsp;9th&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Jimmy Page&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m&nbsp;Keith Ippolito&nbsp;and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by&nbsp;Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Georgia schedules election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene</li>
<li>Marietta Theatre Company announces 2026 season</li>
<li>Flu season hits Georgia harder this year &mdash; What you should be watching for</li>
</ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats
&nbsp;
All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! &nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
BREAK:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;4&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/elections/georgia-schedules-election-to-replace-marjorie-taylor-greene/article_5f239844-34b0-48ee-aa3d-7ee3cafbef0b.html">Georgia schedules election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>&nbsp;
 Georgia&rsquo;s 14th Congressional District is gearing up for a special election on March 10, following Marjorie Taylor Greene&rsquo;s abrupt resignation. Greene, once a staunch Trump ally, stepped down after a public fallout with&nbsp;the&nbsp; president&nbsp;over her push to release Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Trump called her a &ldquo;traitor&rdquo; and vowed to back her challenger if she ran again. Ouch.&nbsp;
The race? Already crowded.&nbsp;Nearly two&nbsp;dozen candidates are eyeing the seat, including two Democrats, an independent, and 20 Republicans. Big names like State Sen. Colton Moore and Dalton Councilman Nicky Lama are in the mix. Qualifying runs Jan. 12&ndash;14, with a $5,220 fee.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/marietta-theatre-company-announces-2026-season/article_cd440d2b-d2a0-4b1a-bb50-cff0e28d0479.html">Marietta Theatre Company announces 2026 season</a>&nbsp;
Marietta Theatre Company just dropped its 2026 season lineup, and honestly?&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;a good&nbsp;one. Tickets are already on sale&mdash;season passes start at $65, and&nbsp;they&rsquo;re&nbsp;flexible,&nbsp;so&nbsp;no&nbsp;stressing&nbsp;over dates.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Live theater sticks with you&mdash;it&rsquo;s magic that lingers,&rdquo; said Katrina Stroup, the company&rsquo;s president. &ldquo;This season? Laughter, music, joy.&nbsp;We&rsquo;ve&nbsp;got it all.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s&nbsp;what&rsquo;s&nbsp;coming:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Little Shop of Horrors&nbsp;(Jan. 22-31): A cult classic with humor, heart, and a man-eating plant.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">9 to 5: The Musical&nbsp;(May 28-June 6): Dolly Parton. Friendship. Revenge. Enough said.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">All Shook Up&nbsp;(Aug. 13-22): Elvis meets&nbsp;Twelfth Night. Chaos ensues.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Details at mariettatheatre.tix.com.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/flu-season-hits-georgia-harder-this-year-what-you-should-be-watching-for/article_49d4911b-dcbb-41c4-bae3-8aa7fced0d9e.html">Flu season hits Georgia harder this year &mdash; What you should be watching for</a>&nbsp;
 Flu season&rsquo;s here, and Georgia&rsquo;s getting hit hard&mdash;again. Over 300 people have been hospitalized since Dec. 21, and&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;not just the flu. RSV and colds are making the rounds too. Feeling run down? Fever, chills, body aches, sore throat?&nbsp;Yeah, it might be the flu.&nbsp;
Dr. Earl Stewart Jr. from Wellstar says Influenza A (H3N2) is the big culprit this year, hitting kids, seniors, and folks with chronic conditions the hardest. Symptoms usually last 5&ndash;7 days, but that&nbsp;cough? It might stick around for weeks.&nbsp;
When to worry? If&nbsp;you&rsquo;re&nbsp;struggling to breathe, have chest pain, or your kid&rsquo;s lethargic and not drinking fluids&mdash;get to the ER.&nbsp;
Prevention? The usual suspects: flu shots, handwashing, rest, and staying hydrated. And if you do catch it, antivirals like Tamiflu can help&mdash;especially if you act fast. Stay safe,&nbsp;everyone.&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. &nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;be right back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;4&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/cobb-prom-swap/article_8588b6b6-4bf9-42eb-ace8-0c03324b8a96.html">Cobb Prom Swap</a>&nbsp;
 Got an old prom dress or suit gathering dust in your closet? Give it a second life at the Cobb Prom Swap!&nbsp;
The Cobb County Public Library&nbsp;is collecting&nbsp;gently used dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and even new, unused cosmetics through Feb. 7. Drop-off locations include:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">East Cobb Library, Marietta&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">North Cobb Library, Kennesaw&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Powder Springs Library, Powder Springs&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Vinings Library, Atlanta&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">West Cobb Library, Kennesaw&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Then, teens can shop for free at the Prom Swap events&mdash;first-come, first-served&mdash;on Feb. 21 (South Cobb Library, Mableton) and Feb. 28 (Switzer Library, Marietta). Perfect outfits, no price tags.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;5:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/sports/wheeler-overcomes-rocky-start-to-beat-cherokee/article_4cfaebc1-a79c-5e8b-9729-0463b4e410b0.html">Wheeler overcomes rocky start to beat Cherokee</a>&nbsp;
Cherokee came out swinging, but Wheeler&nbsp;landed&nbsp;the knockout punch, pulling away for a&nbsp;78-64 win&nbsp;Tuesday night at Cherokee High.&nbsp;
The Wildcats (12-3, 4-0 Region 5AAAAAA) have been living out of suitcases for weeks, and while this&nbsp;wasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;their cleanest game, they&nbsp;handed&nbsp;the Warriors (11-5, 3-1) their first region loss&mdash;without starters Kevin Savage and Lamarrion Lewis.&nbsp;
UConn commit Colben&nbsp;Landrew&nbsp;was unstoppable, dropping 26 points. Jaron Saulsberry added 17, and Amare James chipped in 16, including a half-court buzzer-beater that sparked Wheeler&rsquo;s comeback.&nbsp;
Cherokee started hot&mdash;Sean Hamilton&rsquo;s seven-point run helped build a 20-6 lead. But Wheeler clawed back, outscoring the Warriors 26-12 in the second quarter and never looking back.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/fieldlevel/reports-falcons-qb-kirk-cousins-agrees-to-modified-contract/article_6ab3ffc7-1b67-58f6-b9bd-5969e0e3f022.html">FALCONS:</a>&nbsp;Kirk Cousins and the Falcons just shook up his contract&mdash;again. According to reports,&nbsp;they&rsquo;ve&nbsp;reworked the final two years of his four-year, $180 million deal, giving Atlanta some breathing room with the salary cap. But&nbsp;here&rsquo;s&nbsp;the kicker: by March 13, 2026,&nbsp;they&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have to decide if Cousins sticks around.&nbsp;
Why? A $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 kicks in that day. And&nbsp;let&rsquo;s&nbsp;be real&mdash;at 38, with a no-trade&nbsp;clause,&nbsp;Cousins&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;exactly a hot commodity.&nbsp;
The new deal slashes his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million, shifting that cash to 2027. Still,&nbsp;he&rsquo;s&nbsp;got a $10 million roster bonus locked in for next year.&nbsp;
Atlanta signed Cousins in 2024 with $100 million guaranteed, then drafted Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8. But when Penix tore his ACL, Cousins stepped in, starting seven games. His numbers? Solid-ish:&nbsp;1,721 yards, 10 TDs, five picks. Not bad for a guy&nbsp;nearing&nbsp;40.&nbsp;
I'm&nbsp;Keith Ippolito and&nbsp;that&rsquo;s&nbsp;your MDJ Sports Minute.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles&nbsp;Markets&nbsp;on&nbsp;saturated fats&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;4&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Signoff-  &nbsp;
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today&rsquo;s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other&nbsp;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 mdjonline.com&nbsp;
Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling&nbsp;great stories&nbsp;are what we do. Make sure you join us for our&nbsp;next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or&nbsp;your Google&nbsp;Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">Produced by the BG Podcast Network</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Show Sponsors:&nbsp;
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<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="●" data-font="Calibri Light" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;●&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">www.ingles-markets.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Georgia schedules election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene | Marietta Theatre Company announces 2026 season | Flu season hits Georgia harder this year — What you should be watching for

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 7th 

Publish Date:  January 7th 

 

Commercial:  

From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  

  

Today is Wednesday, January 7th and Happy Birthday to Kenny Loggins 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange Project 
Infants, toddlers learn, play together in Saturday story time 
Kennesaw Catholic school sees financial awards, growth in third year of operation 

All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  

 

BREAK: INGLES 3 

STORY 1: Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange Project 

  Heads up, drivers: weather permitting, GDOT contractors will be closing lanes around the I-285/I-20 West Interchange for a major reconstruction project. Expect delays, detours, and, let’s be honest, some frustration. 

The project? It’s a big one—widening ramps, adding collector-distributor lanes, and improving traffic flow. But first, the closures: 
I-285 Northbound: Cascade to Bolton, nightly Jan. 5–9, with single-lane closures starting at 9 p.m. and double-lane closures at 11 p.m. 
I-285 Southbound: Donald Lee Hollowell to MLK Jr. Drive, same dates and times, with alternating lane closures. 
I-20 Westbound: Anderson Ave. to Riverside Parkway, nightly closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. 
I-20 Eastbound: Riverside Parkway to I-285, alternating lane closures nightly. 

Flagging operations and pacing will also hit local roads like Collier Drive and Delmar Lane. 

Check 511ga.org or the Georgia 511 app for real-time updates. And please—slow down, stay alert, and watch for workers. 

STORY 2: Infants, toddlers learn, play together in Saturday story time 

 Saturday morning at the Lewis A. Ray Library was pure chaos—the good kind. Ten little ones, from wobbly toddlers to wide-eyed infants, gathered on a colorful mat in the children’s section, ready for story time. Their parents? Mostly trying to keep up. 

Jess Fulcher, the library’s assistant senior librarian of youth services, led the charge. There were songs (“Wheels on the Bus,” of course), dancing, and two books about big feelings: Mad, Mad Bear and Leo Wakes Up Grumpy. The kids shook maracas, froze mid-dance, and popped bubbles from a machine that sent hundreds floating through the air. 

“It’s amazing,” Fulcher said, smiling. “I’ve been seeing some of these kids for over a year now. Watching them grow, connect, and learn—it’s the best part of my job.” 

The library, located at 4500 Oakdale Road, hosts family story time every other Saturday. For details, visit cobbcounty.gov/location/lewis-ray-library. 

STORY 3: Kennesaw Catholic school sees financial awards, growth in third year of operation 

 The 2025-26 school year has been a big one for Kennesaw’s Chesterton Academy of Atlanta. Just three years in, this small Catholic high school is growing steadily—and racking up some impressive wins along the way. 

Founded in 2023, the school is part of the global Chesterton Schools Network, which aims to provide affordable, classical Catholic education. Tuition? $9,185 per year. 

This year, the network snagged the prestigious $1 million Yass Prize for education innovation, while the Kennesaw campus received a $3,000 grant from the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia to upgrade its art room and cafeteria. 

From just 10 students in its first year to over 30 now, Chesterton Academy is carving out a special place in Georgia’s Catholic education landscape. For more, visit chestertonatl.org. 

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  

 

We’ll be right back. 

 

Break: INGLES 3 

 

STORY 4: Cobb lawmakers react to U.S. strike on Venezuela 

Cobb County lawmakers are weighing in on the U.S. military’s strike in Venezuela, which ended with the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, ordered by President Trump, has sparked a firestorm of reactions—both praise and sharp criticism. 

U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, called the move “decisive and courageous,” hailing it as the end of a “tyrannical regime” and a chance for a brighter future for Venezuela. 

But not everyone’s cheering. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome, slammed the strike, questioning its consistency with Trump’s stance on Ukraine and accusing the administration of prioritizing foreign conflicts over domestic issues. “Why is it okay when we do it?” she asked on X. 

Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Marietta, echoed concerns, demanding clarity on the strike’s legality and its potential to destabilize Venezuela further. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia, went even further, calling it a “broken promise” from a president more focused on foreign oil than Americans’ struggles. 

Locally, the Cobb Democratic Party condemned the strike as “unlawful,” while Cobb GOP President Mary Clarice Hathaway defended Trump’s decision, saying, “Sometimes hard decisions are necessary.” 

STORY 5:  Cobb Police arrest suspect in New Year’s Day homicide 

  A New Year’s Day stabbing at the Millwood Apartment Complex in Marietta left one man dead and another behind bars. 

Cobb County Police say they responded to a call around 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 at 300 Pat Mell Road, near Austell Road. When officers arrived, they found 47-year-old Jerry Sampson Jr. with a stab wound. He was rushed to the hospital but didn’t make it. 

The suspect, 50-year-old Zuberi A. Douglas, was arrested the next day at the same apartment complex where the incident happened. He’s now facing charges, including felony murder. 

The investigation is ongoing. Got info? Call 770-499-3945. 

Break:  

STORY 6: Mac’s Chophouse scores 64 on health inspection, owners say violations are being corrected 

    Mac’s Chophouse, a Marietta Square favorite, hit a rough patch, scoring a 64 on its health inspection—an unsatisfactory “U” grade. Ouch. 

Co-owners Randy McCray and Chef Mike Fuller didn’t shy away from the news. “This score doesn’t reflect who we are,” they said, calling most violations “administrative” rather than food safety issues. 

The inspection cited nine problems, from improper handwashing to black buildup in ice machines. A half-eaten burger on a prep table? Not a great look. 

McCray admitted, “We fell behind during a busy season.” They’ve since cleaned house—literally—and are prepping for a re-inspection by Jan. 9. 

STORY 7: Wheeler falls in title game of Hoophall West 

 Darius Wabbington was unstoppable. He dropped 23 points, grabbed nine boards, and led Sunnyslope to a nail-biting 61-59 win over Wheeler in the Hoophall West Nike Tournament of Champions final on Saturday. 

Wheeler (11-3), ranked No. 5 by MaxPreps, had a solid run—beating Salesian (CA) and No. 6 Millennium (AZ)—but three games in three days and 1,800 miles of travel caught up with them. Still, they fought. Down 47-45 heading into the fourth, they clawed back to lead 53-51. 

But Sunnyslope? Ice cold at the line. They hit all 15 free throws, including six clutch ones from Colorado signee Rider Portela, who finished with 14 points. 

The game was chaos—nine ties, 16 lead changes, and no lead bigger than five. Wheeler’s Amare James (16 points) and Colben Landrew (20 points, six assists) kept it close, but Wabbington’s second-half threes and Sunnyslope’s composure sealed it. 

Tough loss, but what a game. 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: INGLES 3 

 

Signoff-   

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal 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.mdjonline.com 

Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 

Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

  

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&nbsp;MDJ Script/&nbsp;Top Stories for&nbsp;January 7th&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January 7th&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the&nbsp;BG Ad Group&nbsp;Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
Today is&nbsp;Wednesday,&nbsp;January&nbsp;7th&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Kenny Loggins&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m&nbsp;Keith Ippolito&nbsp;and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by&nbsp;Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange Project&nbsp;</li>
<li>Infants, toddlers learn, play together in Saturday story time&nbsp;</li>
<li>Kennesaw Catholic school sees financial awards, growth in third year of operation&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! &nbsp;
&nbsp;
BREAK:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;3&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/interstate-lane-closure-advisory-for-the-i-285-i-20-west-interchange-project/article_598e14bf-f0a9-4833-a990-17ae586e7634.html">Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange Project</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;Heads up, drivers: weather&nbsp;permitting,&nbsp;GDOT contractors will be closing lanes around the I-285/I-20 West Interchange for a major reconstruction project. Expect delays, detours, and,&nbsp;let&rsquo;s be&nbsp;honest, some frustration.&nbsp;
The project?&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;a big one&mdash;widening ramps, adding collector-distributor lanes, and improving traffic flow. But first, the closures:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="15" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">I-285 Northbound: Cascade to Bolton, nightly Jan. 5&ndash;9, with single-lane closures starting at 9 p.m. and double-lane closures at 11 p.m.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="15" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">I-285 Southbound: Donald Lee Hollowell to MLK Jr. Drive, same&nbsp;dates&nbsp;and times, with alternating lane closures.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="15" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">I-20 Westbound: Anderson Ave. to Riverside Parkway, nightly closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="15" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">I-20 Eastbound: Riverside Parkway to I-285, alternating lane closures nightly.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Flagging operations and pacing will also hit local roads like Collier Drive and Delmar Lane.&nbsp;
Check 511ga.org or the Georgia 511 app for real-time updates. And please&mdash;slow down, stay alert, and watch for workers.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/infants-toddlers-learn-play-together-in-saturday-story-time/article_c78dd021-4684-4437-a074-74442879be69.html">Infants, toddlers learn, play together in Saturday story time</a>&nbsp;
 Saturday morning at the Lewis A. Ray Library was pure chaos&mdash;the good kind. Ten little ones, from wobbly toddlers to wide-eyed infants, gathered on a colorful mat in the children&rsquo;s section, ready for story time. Their parents?&nbsp;Mostly&nbsp;trying to keep up.&nbsp;
Jess Fulcher, the library&rsquo;s assistant senior librarian of youth services, led the charge. There were songs (&ldquo;Wheels on the Bus,&rdquo; of course), dancing, and two books about big feelings: Mad, Mad Bear and Leo Wakes Up Grumpy. The kids shook maracas, froze mid-dance, and popped bubbles from a machine that sent hundreds floating through the air.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s amazing,&rdquo; Fulcher said, smiling. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve&nbsp;been seeing some of these kids for over a year now. Watching them grow, connect, and learn&mdash;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;the best part of my job.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The library,&nbsp;located&nbsp;at 4500 Oakdale Road, hosts family story time every other Saturday. For details, visit cobbcounty.gov/location/lewis-ray-library.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/kennesaw-catholic-school-sees-financial-awards-growth-in-third-year-of-operation/article_d5bf30e4-63c6-4181-9bac-61e10f8f9fb7.html">Kennesaw Catholic school sees financial awards, growth in third year of operation</a>&nbsp;
 The 2025-26 school year has been a big one for Kennesaw&rsquo;s Chesterton Academy of Atlanta. Just three years in, this small Catholic high school is growing steadily&mdash;and racking up some impressive wins along the way.&nbsp;
Founded in 2023, the school is part of the global Chesterton Schools Network, which aims to provide affordable, classical Catholic education. Tuition? $9,185 per year.&nbsp;
This year, the network snagged the prestigious $1 million Yass Prize for education innovation, while the Kennesaw campus received a $3,000 grant from the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia to upgrade its art room and cafeteria.&nbsp;
From just 10 students in its first year to over 30 now, Chesterton Academy is carving out a special place in Georgia&rsquo;s Catholic education landscape. For more, visit chestertonatl.org.&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;be right back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;3&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/national/cobb-lawmakers-react-to-u-s-strike-on-venezuela/article_18a2f97d-1d21-414a-924f-f301109a95dd.html">Cobb lawmakers react to U.S. strike on Venezuela</a>&nbsp;
Cobb County lawmakers are weighing in on the U.S. military&rsquo;s strike in Venezuela, which ended with the capture of President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, ordered by President Trump, has sparked a firestorm of reactions&mdash;both praise and sharp criticism.&nbsp;
U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, called the move &ldquo;decisive and courageous,&rdquo; hailing it as the end of a &ldquo;tyrannical regime&rdquo; and a chance for a brighter future for Venezuela.&nbsp;
But not&nbsp;everyone&rsquo;s&nbsp;cheering. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome, slammed the strike, questioning its consistency with Trump&rsquo;s stance on Ukraine and accusing the administration of prioritizing foreign conflicts over domestic issues. &ldquo;Why is it okay when we do it?&rdquo;&nbsp;she&nbsp;asked on X.&nbsp;
Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Marietta, echoed concerns, demanding clarity on the strike&rsquo;s legality and its potential to destabilize Venezuela further. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia, went even further, calling it a &ldquo;broken promise&rdquo; from a president more focused on foreign oil than Americans&rsquo; struggles.&nbsp;
Locally, the Cobb Democratic Party condemned the strike as &ldquo;unlawful,&rdquo; while Cobb GOP President Mary Clarice Hathaway defended Trump&rsquo;s decision, saying, &ldquo;Sometimes hard decisions are necessary.&rdquo;&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/cobb-police-arrest-suspect-in-new-year-s-day-homicide/article_e558b360-4baf-4028-bc98-1eb647ce3a1a.html">Cobb Police arrest suspect in New Year&rsquo;s Day homicide</a>&nbsp;
  A New Year&rsquo;s Day stabbing at the Millwood Apartment Complex in Marietta left one man dead and another behind bars.&nbsp;
Cobb County Police say they responded to a call around 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 at 300 Pat Mell Road, near Austell Road. When officers arrived, they found 47-year-old Jerry Sampson Jr. with a&nbsp;stab&nbsp;wound. He was rushed to the hospital but&nbsp;didn&rsquo;t&nbsp;make it.&nbsp;
The suspect, 50-year-old Zuberi A. Douglas, was arrested the next day at the same apartment complex where the incident happened.&nbsp;He&rsquo;s&nbsp;now facing charges, including felony murder.&nbsp;
The investigation is ongoing. Got info? Call 770-499-3945.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 6:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/mac-s-chophouse-scores-64-on-health-inspection-owners-say-violations-are-being-corrected/article_fb3c398a-5f8f-4ee1-bd87-46d803c33d54.html">Mac&rsquo;s Chophouse scores 64 on health inspection, owners say violations are being corrected</a>&nbsp;
    Mac&rsquo;s Chophouse, a Marietta Square favorite, hit a rough patch, scoring a 64 on its health inspection&mdash;an unsatisfactory &ldquo;U&rdquo; grade. Ouch.&nbsp;
Co-owners Randy McCray and Chef Mike Fuller&nbsp;didn&rsquo;t&nbsp;shy away from the news. &ldquo;This score doesn&rsquo;t reflect who we are,&rdquo; they said, calling most violations &ldquo;administrative&rdquo; rather than food safety issues.&nbsp;
The inspection cited nine problems, from improper handwashing to black buildup in ice machines. A half-eaten burger on a prep table? Not a great look.&nbsp;
McCray admitted, &ldquo;We fell behind during a busy season.&rdquo;&nbsp;They&rsquo;ve&nbsp;since cleaned&nbsp;house&mdash;literally&mdash;and&nbsp;are prepping for a re-inspection by Jan. 9.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;7:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/sports/wheeler-falls-in-title-game-of-hoophall-west/article_04edce77-f799-49b7-bb4d-feaa0c19fc50.html">Wheeler falls in title game of Hoophall West</a>&nbsp;
 Darius&nbsp;Wabbington&nbsp;was unstoppable. He dropped 23 points, grabbed nine boards, and led Sunnyslope to a nail-biting 61-59 win over Wheeler in the&nbsp;Hoophall&nbsp;West Nike Tournament of Champions final on Saturday.&nbsp;
Wheeler (11-3), ranked No. 5 by MaxPreps, had a solid run&mdash;beating Salesian (CA) and No. 6 Millennium (AZ)&mdash;but three games in three days and&nbsp;1,800 miles&nbsp;of travel caught up with them. Still, they fought. Down 47-45 heading into the fourth, they&nbsp;clawed back to lead 53-51.&nbsp;
But Sunnyslope? Ice cold at the line. They hit all 15 free throws, including six clutch ones from Colorado signee Rider Portela, who finished with 14 points.&nbsp;
The game was chaos&mdash;nine ties, 16 lead changes, and no lead bigger than five. Wheeler&rsquo;s Amare James (16 points) and Colben&nbsp;Landrew&nbsp;(20 points, six assists) kept it close, but&nbsp;Wabbington&rsquo;s&nbsp;second-half threes and Sunnyslope&rsquo;s composure sealed it.&nbsp;
Tough loss, but what a game.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;3&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Signoff-  &nbsp;
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today&rsquo;s&nbsp;Marietta Daily Journal 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.mdjonline.com&nbsp;
Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling&nbsp;great stories&nbsp;are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or&nbsp;your Google&nbsp;Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">Produced by the BG Podcast Network</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Show Sponsors:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">www.ingles-markets.com</a></li>
</ul>

Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange Project | Infants, toddlers learn, play together in Saturday story time  | Kennesaw Catholic school sees financial awards, growth in third year of operation 

Cobb Life: A spotlight on the City of Acworth

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