A 41-7 blowout between North Cobb and Walton rewrites rivalry history—what does it mean for the rest of the season? In this week’s episode of Cobb Football Friday, hosts Brian Giffin and John Bednarowski break down pivotal matchups, record-breaking performances, and what’s ahead after fall break. From Marietta’s explosive win to Hillgrove’s lockdown defense, it’s a full slate of highlights, heartbreaks, and hopeful turnarounds across Cobb County.

Cobb Football Friday

Chapters

00:00 Cobb Football Friday Kickoff
03:01 Week Six Highlights and Key Matchups
05:47 Team Performances and Standout Players
09:07 Upcoming Games and Predictions
11:53 Special Events and Community Impact
15:05 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

A 41-7 blowout between North Cobb and Walton rewrites rivalry history&mdash;what does it mean for the rest of the season? In this week&rsquo;s episode of Cobb Football Friday, hosts Brian Giffin and John Bednarowski break down pivotal matchups, record-breaking performances, and what&rsquo;s ahead after fall break. From Marietta&rsquo;s explosive win to Hillgrove&rsquo;s lockdown defense, it&rsquo;s a full slate of highlights, heartbreaks, and hopeful turnarounds across Cobb County.
<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/cobb_football_friday/">Cobb Football Friday</a>
Chapters
00:00 Cobb Football Friday Kickoff 03:01 Week Six Highlights and Key Matchups 05:47 Team Performances and Standout Players 09:07 Upcoming Games and Predictions 11:53 Special Events and Community Impact 15:05 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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 County's authority on high school football, brought to you by the Marietta Daily Journal.

https://www.mdjonline.com/

Cobb County's authority on high school football, brought to you by the Marietta Daily Journal.
https://www.mdjonline.com/

Cobb County's authority on high school football, brought to you by the Marietta Daily Journal.

Cobb Football Friday

Seven Touchdowns and a Statement: Sprayberry’s Wake-Up Call

  =====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 16th 

Publish Date:  January 16th 

   

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Friday, January 16th and Happy Birthday to Albert Pujols 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival
Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square
Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk 

 

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 6 

STORY 1:  50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival 

 Mark your calendars—April 18 and 19 is the 50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival, brought to you by Superior Plumbing. It’s all happening in downtown Kennesaw, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

What’s in store? Over 250 arts and crafts booths, fair food galore, a beer garden, kids’ activities, and live acoustic music in the food court all weekend. Don’t miss the Georgia Grown Member Village, showcasing local goods from across the state. 

Scott Thompson of Brother Mojo will play at the 1885 Grill food court, while the United Bankshares Amphitheater and Main Street’s entertainment stage will feature local dance groups, school choirs, and more. 

Admission’s free, and parking’s available at Adams Park, Kennesaw First Baptist, and Swift-Cantrell Park, with shuttles running from Swift-Cantrell. 

Questions? Call 770-423-1330 or email missy@jrmmanagement.com. 

STORY 2:  Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square 

 So, Ted’s Montana Grill is out. The long-vacant lot at 77 North Park Square stays empty, and the bison burgers? Not happening—at least for now. 

CEO George McKerrow, a Cobb local, said the decision came after a wave of public backlash. “In 50 years in this business, I’ve never seen this kind of vitriol,” he said. 

But here’s the twist: the tide on social media had actually shifted. By the time Ted’s pulled out, most comments were supportive. Even Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin invited McKerrow to walk the Square and reconsider. 

The lot’s been an eyesore since 2010, and Councilman Johnny Walker, who’s been pushing for something—anything—to fill the space, is frustrated. “If Ted’s doesn’t come back, it could be years before anyone else steps up,” he said. 

The $5 million project was ready to go: a 4,311-square-foot building designed to match the Square’s historic charm. But now? It’s back to square one. 

STORY 3: Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings 

 Cobb County’s 2028 SPLOST plan is officially in motion. On Tuesday, commissioners gave a unanimous thumbs-up to a preliminary list of projects, kicking off months of public input. 

What’s on the table? Everything from new fire stations and libraries to pedestrian safety upgrades and a $30 million aquatic center. The total? A hefty $790 million. 

Chair Lisa Cupid called it a balancing act: “Every dollar has a constituency. We need projects that move the county forward but also maintain the basics—roads, public safety, services.” 

Nine community meetings are set through March, giving residents a chance to weigh in before the final vote in April. 

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 6 

STORY 4: Addison Elementary School principal charged with DUI 

 Addison Elementary Principal Jill Spiva was arrested Thursday for DUI after a crash near the school, according to Cobb County Police. 

The wreck happened around 4:45 p.m. at Ebenezer and Sandy Plains roads, just minutes from Addison. Officers said Spiva appeared intoxicated and was at fault for the crash. A half-empty bottle of Smirnoff vodka was reportedly found in her car, per WSB-TV. 

Spiva refused sobriety and blood tests, prompting a judge to issue a warrant for a blood draw. She’s facing charges of DUI, open container, and failure to maintain lane. 

The district acknowledged the incident but declined to comment on her status. 

STORY 5: Mount Paran Christian enter apparel agreement with Nike and BSN Sports 

Mount Paran Christian School just announced a big win for its athletics program—a multi-year partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS. Translation? Top-tier gear and branded apparel for student-athletes, coaches, and the entire MPC sports community. 

Nike will now be the official provider of athletic apparel and equipment, while BSN SPORTS steps in as the school’s brand distributor. 

“This partnership is huge,” said Athletic Director Mike Walker. “It’s about giving our athletes the best—gear that matches their heart and hustle.” 

The deal also lowers costs for families, sharpens team branding, and fuels MPC’s mission to compete at a championship level. 

FALCONS: The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced Matt Ryan as their new president of football on Tuesday, and honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment. 

At the press conference in Flowery Branch, Ryan—who spent 14 seasons as the face of the franchise—spoke about his “unfinished business” with the team. “Since I was drafted, my mission’s been the same: help this organization win championships. We came close, had some success, but I believe we’ll get there,” he said. 

After retiring and working as a CBS Sports analyst, Ryan said he wasn’t looking for a new job—unless it was with the Falcons. Now, he’ll report directly to owner Arthur Blank, focusing on hiring a head coach and GM who share a unified vision. 

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

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk 

 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

 

Break: INGLES 6 

 

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;16th&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January&nbsp;16th&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;16th&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Albert Pujols&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>50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival</li>
<li>Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square</li>
<li>Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings</li>
</ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets&nbsp;on&nbsp;raw milk&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;
&nbsp;
BREAK:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;6&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/50th-annual-kennesaw-big-shanty-festival/article_170150bd-ecc0-428e-8a75-07c9b3800f8c.html">50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival</a>&nbsp;
 Mark your calendars&mdash;April 18 and 19 is the 50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival, brought to you by Superior Plumbing.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;all happening in downtown Kennesaw, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s&nbsp;in store? Over 250 arts and crafts booths, fair food galore, a beer garden, kids&rsquo; activities, and live acoustic music in the food court all weekend.&nbsp;Don&rsquo;t&nbsp;miss the Georgia Grown Member Village,&nbsp;showcasing&nbsp;local goods from across the state.&nbsp;
Scott Thompson of Brother Mojo will play at the 1885 Grill food court, while the United&nbsp;Bankshares&nbsp;Amphitheater and Main Street&rsquo;s entertainment stage will feature local dance groups, school choirs, and more.&nbsp;
Admission&rsquo;s free, and&nbsp;parking&rsquo;s&nbsp;available at Adams Park, Kennesaw First Baptist, and Swift-Cantrell Park, with shuttles running from Swift-Cantrell.&nbsp;
Questions? Call 770-423-1330 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:missy@jrmmanagement.com">missy@jrmmanagement.com</a>.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/community-holds-out-hope-for-teds-montana-grill-on-marietta-square/article_91b0a893-4d53-42eb-bcc8-a11a346e5894.html">Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square</a>&nbsp;
 So, Ted&rsquo;s Montana Grill is out. The long-vacant lot at 77 North Park Square stays empty, and the bison burgers? Not happening&mdash;at least for now.&nbsp;
CEO George McKerrow, a Cobb local, said the decision came after a wave of public backlash. &ldquo;In 50 years in this business, I&rsquo;ve never seen this kind of vitriol,&rdquo; he&nbsp;said.&nbsp;
But here&rsquo;s the twist: the tide on social media&nbsp;had&nbsp;actually shifted. By the time Ted&rsquo;s pulled out, most comments were supportive.&nbsp;Even Mayor&nbsp;Steve &ldquo;Thunder&rdquo; Tumlin invited McKerrow to walk the Square and reconsider.&nbsp;
The lot&rsquo;s been an eyesore since 2010, and Councilman Johnny Walker,&nbsp;who&rsquo;s&nbsp;been pushing for something&mdash;anything&mdash;to fill the space, is frustrated. &ldquo;If Ted&rsquo;s doesn&rsquo;t come back, it could be years before anyone else steps up,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
The $5 million project was ready to go: a 4,311-square-foot building designed to match the Square&rsquo;s historic charm. But now?&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;back to square one.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-advances-2028-splost-sets-community-meetings/article_5897a5b3-76cb-46ae-a12d-6bb897aecc34.html">Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings</a>&nbsp;
 Cobb County&rsquo;s 2028 SPLOST plan is officially in motion. On Tuesday, commissioners gave a unanimous thumbs-up to a preliminary list of projects, kicking off months of public input.&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s&nbsp;on the table? Everything from new fire stations and libraries to pedestrian safety upgrades and a $30 million aquatic center. The total? A hefty $790 million.&nbsp;
Chair Lisa Cupid called it a balancing act: &ldquo;Every dollar has a constituency. We need projects that move the county forward but also&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;the basics&mdash;roads, public safety, services.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Nine community meetings are set through March, giving residents a chance to weigh in before the final vote in April.&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;6&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/addison-elementary-school-principal-charged-with-dui/article_199d0f4e-e625-48a1-8f4f-16837b480d9f.html">Addison Elementary School principal charged with DUI</a>&nbsp;
 Addison Elementary Principal Jill Spiva was arrested Thursday for DUI after a crash near the school, according to Cobb County Police.&nbsp;
The wreck happened around 4:45 p.m. at Ebenezer and Sandy Plains roads, just minutes from Addison. Officers said Spiva appeared intoxicated and was at fault for the crash. A half-empty bottle of Smirnoff vodka was&nbsp;reportedly found&nbsp;in her car, per WSB-TV.&nbsp;
Spiva refused sobriety and blood tests, prompting a judge to issue a warrant for a blood draw.&nbsp;She&rsquo;s&nbsp;facing charges of DUI, open container, and failure to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;lane.&nbsp;
The district acknowledged the incident but declined to comment on her status.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;5:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/mount-paran-christian-enter-apparel-agreement-with-nike-and-bsn-sports/article_fe9ad102-f483-402a-ada9-363f8659e33b.html">Mount Paran Christian enter apparel agreement with Nike and BSN Sports</a>&nbsp;
Mount Paran Christian School just announced a big win for its athletics program&mdash;a multi-year partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS. Translation? Top-tier gear and branded apparel for&nbsp;student-athletes, coaches, and the entire MPC sports community.&nbsp;
Nike will now be the official provider of athletic apparel and equipment, while BSN SPORTS steps in as the school&rsquo;s brand distributor.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This partnership is huge,&rdquo; said Athletic Director Mike Walker. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about giving our athletes the best&mdash;gear that matches their heart and hustle.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The deal also lowers costs for families, sharpens team branding, and fuels MPC&rsquo;s mission to compete at a championship level.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/matt-ryan-has-unfinished-business-his-new-role-falcons-president-football/EYDCERH4LVCD3FCVJB426UI7II/">FALCONS:</a>&nbsp;The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced Matt Ryan as their new president of football on Tuesday, and honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment.&nbsp;
At the press conference in Flowery Branch, Ryan&mdash;who spent 14 seasons as the face of the franchise&mdash;spoke about his &ldquo;unfinished business&rdquo; with the team. &ldquo;Since I was drafted, my mission&rsquo;s been the same: help this organization win championships. We came close, had some success, but&nbsp;I believe we&rsquo;ll&nbsp;get there,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
After retiring and working as a CBS Sports analyst, Ryan said he&nbsp;wasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;looking for a new job&mdash;unless it was with the Falcons. Now,&nbsp;he&rsquo;ll&nbsp;report directly to owner Arthur Blank, focusing on hiring a head coach and GM who share a unified vision.&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;raw milk&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;6&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&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;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">www.ingles-markets.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival | Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square | Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings

 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: 
www.ingles-markets.com 

&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;
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And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles&nbsp;Markets&nbsp;on&nbsp;saturated fats&nbsp;&nbsp;
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We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
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Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;4&nbsp;
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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;
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