  =====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for November 21st 

Publish Date:  November 21st 

   

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Friday, November 21st and Happy Birthday to Stan The Man Musial 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security
Smyrna denies five-story apartment building
Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing Acworth neighbors

 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on rice 

 

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 10 

STORY 1: Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security 

 Next summer, Cobb County will play host to international soccer teams prepping for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the biggest sporting events ever. 

With Atlanta set to host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Cobb will handle training, transportation, and fan events. But with that comes challenges—crowds, security, and logistics. To prepare, county officials are asking for Homeland Security grants to boost safety measures, including $7.5–$12 million for drone detection tech. 

Training sites? Atlanta United’s grounds in Marietta, KSU’s Fifth Third Stadium, and possibly Pace Academy. 

“The more popular the team, the bigger the crowds,” said Cobb EMA Director Cassie Mazloom. 

STORY 2: Smyrna denies five-story apartment building 

 The Smyrna City Council shot down a rezoning request for a 250-unit apartment complex this week, with a 5-2 vote against the proposal. 

Wood Partners South Acquisitions LLC had pitched a five-story mixed-use development on 6.7 acres along Highlands Parkway, near Technology Court. The plan included 250 apartments—mostly one- and two-bedroom units—plus retail space, a pool, and a courtyard. 

Councilwoman Latonia Hines acknowledged the project’s quality but questioned the location. “It’s a great development—just not here,” she said. 

The Planning Board and city staff had already recommended denial, citing conflicts with the area’s industrial zoning. 

STORY 3: Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing Acworth neighbors 

On the third day of Matthew Lanz’s murder trial, the defense finally had its turn. Lanz, now 26, sat quietly in a green jumpsuit, his hair unkempt, his face hidden behind a scruffy beard. 

Prosecutors played interrogation videos from 2021, where Lanz, then 22, denied killing his neighbors, Justin and Amber Hicks. “I didn’t murder them,” he said. “Someone murdered them.” 

The Hicks, both 31, were found shot to death in their home, their two-year-old son unharmed nearby. Lanz is accused of breaking in through a back window and pulling the trigger. 

The trial, a bench trial at the defense’s request, will hinge on Judge Sonja Brown’s decision. Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday, leaving the defense to decide if Lanz will testify. 

In one chilling video, Lanz asked police if Amber Hicks had been pregnant. She wasn’t, but his comment left the courtroom uneasy. 

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: STRAND THEATRE 

STORY 4: State Senate election appears headed toward runoff 

 It looks like Democrats Jaha Howard and Roger Bruce are headed for a runoff in the special election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Jason Esteves. Unofficial results show Howard leading with 32.6% of the vote, followed by Bruce at 25.4%. 

The six-candidate race was a whirlwind, with just over a month to campaign. “We had to gear up in days,” Howard said, calling the campaign a “faith journey.” 

Bruce, a Capitol veteran with 22 years in the Georgia House, leaned on endorsements from big names like former Gov. Roy Barnes. 

The runoff is set for Dec. 16. 

STORY 5: Smyrna limits vape shop locations, approves Tolleson Aquatic Center contract 

This week, Smyrna’s City Council cracked down on vape shops, unanimously passing an ordinance to define and restrict them. 

“Right now, they’re just lumped in with general retail,” said Community Development Director Rusty Martin. “This lets us set some boundaries.” 

The new rules? Vape shops—defined as retailers primarily selling alternative nicotine or vapor products—can’t open within 1,000 feet of another vape shop, schools, or daycares. 

In other council news, Arrow Waste got the green light (6-1) for a temporary office on Riverview Road, despite concerns about a nearby fuel tank. 

Also approved: a $16.23M contract for the Tolleson Aquatic Center, set to open in 2027. 

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on rice 

 

 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

 

Break: Ingles Markets 10 

 

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
Strand Marietta – Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre

&nbsp; =====&nbsp; MDJ Script/ Top Stories for November 21st&nbsp;
Publish Date:  November 21st&nbsp;
  &nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
Today is Friday, November 21st and Happy Birthday to Stan The Man Musial&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security</li>
<li>Smyrna denies five-story apartment building</li>
<li>Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing Acworth neighbors</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on rice&nbsp;
&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;
BREAK: INGLES 10&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-targets-millions-in-federal-funds-to-counter-drones-boost-world-cup-security/article_0258f0a5-cd97-43ab-afea-30650fc07ec9.html">Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security</a>&nbsp;
 Next summer, Cobb County will play host to international soccer teams prepping for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the biggest sporting events ever.&nbsp;
With Atlanta set to host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Cobb will handle training, transportation, and fan events. But with that comes challenges&mdash;crowds, security, and logistics. To prepare, county officials are asking for Homeland Security grants to boost safety measures, including $7.5&ndash;$12 million for drone detection tech.&nbsp;
Training sites? Atlanta United&rsquo;s grounds in Marietta, KSU&rsquo;s Fifth Third Stadium, and possibly Pace Academy.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The more popular the team, the bigger the crowds,&rdquo; said Cobb EMA Director Cassie Mazloom.&nbsp;
STORY 2: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/smyrna-denies-five-story-apartment-building/article_995f19b4-2738-44af-aca2-62c30464d6b1.html">Smyrna denies five-story apartment building</a>&nbsp;
 The Smyrna City Council shot down a rezoning request for a 250-unit apartment complex this week, with a 5-2 vote against the proposal.&nbsp;
Wood Partners South Acquisitions LLC had pitched a five-story mixed-use development on 6.7 acres along Highlands Parkway, near Technology Court. The plan included 250 apartments&mdash;mostly one- and two-bedroom units&mdash;plus retail space, a pool, and a courtyard.&nbsp;
Councilwoman Latonia Hines acknowledged the project&rsquo;s quality but questioned the location. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a great development&mdash;just not here,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;
The Planning Board and city staff had already recommended denial, citing conflicts with the area&rsquo;s industrial zoning.&nbsp;
STORY 3: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/interrogation-videos-highlight-third-day-of-trial-for-man-accused-of-killing-acworth-neighbors/article_b706673f-24dc-4fb7-91fb-294db4faa0ef.html">Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing Acworth neighbors</a>&nbsp;
On the third day of Matthew Lanz&rsquo;s murder trial, the defense finally had its turn. Lanz, now 26, sat quietly in a green jumpsuit, his hair unkempt, his face hidden behind a scruffy beard.&nbsp;
Prosecutors played interrogation videos from 2021, where Lanz, then 22, denied killing his neighbors, Justin and Amber Hicks. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t murder them,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Someone murdered them.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The Hicks, both 31, were found shot to death in their home, their two-year-old son unharmed nearby. Lanz is accused of breaking in through a back window and pulling the trigger.&nbsp;
The trial, a bench trial at the defense&rsquo;s request, will hinge on Judge Sonja Brown&rsquo;s decision. Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday, leaving the defense to decide if Lanz will testify.&nbsp;
In one chilling video, Lanz asked police if Amber Hicks had been pregnant. She wasn&rsquo;t, but his comment left the courtroom uneasy.&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. &nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll be right back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: STRAND THEATRE&nbsp;
STORY 4: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/elections/state-senate-election-appears-headed-toward-runoff/article_3d397ce6-f6cc-45a2-a698-47a86dd567ee.html">State Senate election appears headed toward runoff</a>&nbsp;
 It looks like Democrats Jaha Howard and Roger Bruce are headed for a runoff in the special election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Jason Esteves. Unofficial results show Howard leading with 32.6% of the vote, followed by Bruce at 25.4%.&nbsp;
The six-candidate race was a whirlwind, with just over a month to campaign. &ldquo;We had to gear up in days,&rdquo; Howard said, calling the campaign a &ldquo;faith journey.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Bruce, a Capitol veteran with 22 years in the Georgia House, leaned on endorsements from big names like former Gov. Roy Barnes.&nbsp;
The runoff is set for Dec. 16.&nbsp;
STORY 5: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/smyrna-limits-vape-shop-locations-approves-tolleson-aquatic-center-contract/article_9bb7ba13-c731-4106-9bd3-2a50a8d6cb42.html">Smyrna limits vape shop locations, approves Tolleson Aquatic Center contract</a>&nbsp;
This week, Smyrna&rsquo;s City Council cracked down on vape shops, unanimously passing an ordinance to define and restrict them.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Right now, they&rsquo;re just lumped in with general retail,&rdquo; said Community Development Director Rusty Martin. &ldquo;This lets us set some boundaries.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The new rules? Vape shops&mdash;defined as retailers primarily selling alternative nicotine or vapor products&mdash;can&rsquo;t open within 1,000 feet of another vape shop, schools, or daycares.&nbsp;
In other council news, Arrow Waste got the green light (6-1) for a temporary office on Riverview Road, despite concerns about a nearby fuel tank.&nbsp;
Also approved: a $16.23M contract for the Tolleson Aquatic Center, set to open in 2027.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on rice&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: Ingles Markets 10&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 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 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.&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>
<li><a href="https://earlsmithstrand.org/">Strand Marietta &ndash; Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre</a></li>
</ul>

Get the news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County with the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.

Marietta Daily Journal - https://www.mdjonline.com 

Cobb Life Magazine - www.cobblifemagazine.com 

 

 

 

This podcast is produced by BG Ad Group

 

For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com

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

Get the news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County with the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Marietta Daily Journal - <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com">https://www.mdjonline.com </a>
Cobb Life Magazine - <a href="http://www.cobblifemagazine.com">www.cobblifemagazine.com </a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This podcast is produced by BG Ad Group
&nbsp;
For advertising inquiries, please email <a href="mailto:j.southerland@bgadgroup.com">j.southerland@bgadgroup.com</a>
For more information be sure to visit <a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/</a>

Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security | Smyrna denies five-story apartment building Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing | Acworth neighbors