Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for June 6th  Publish Date:  June 6th      Commercial:   From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.      Today is Friday, June 6th and Happy Birthday to Tommie Smith    I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal  1. New $50,000 Median to Drive Safety on Fairground Street 2. Attempted Carjacking Suspect Held at Gunpoint by Civilian, Arrested in Marietta 3. Kennesaw’s Salute to America is July 3 Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on controlling your sweet tooth    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: TOP TECH MECHANICAL  STORY 1:   New $50,000 Median to Drive Safety on Fairground Street [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/new-50-000-median-to-drive-safety-on-fairground-street/article_b6ec51ec-bf33-4fdc-aa63-c5b23b044898.html]  Marietta is enhancing road safety with a new median on Fairground Street near Haley Street. The $50,000 project, set to finish next week, aims to prevent U-turns that have caused accidents and traffic issues. The median will allow only left turns off Fairground Street, with 200 feet of median and 115 feet of curb being installed. Signage will alert drivers to the changes, ensuring smoother and safer traffic flow.  STORY 2:  Attempted Carjacking Suspect Held at Gunpoint by Civilian, Arrested in Marietta [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/attempted-carjacking-suspect-held-at-gunpoint-by-civilian-arrested-in-marietta/article_9a3fe4ee-3618-4a79-a415-1b4f49a57a53.html]  A carjacking suspect, Rico Riley, was arrested in Marietta after a witness, Gary Edwards, intervened and held him at gunpoint. Riley allegedly attempted to steal two cars at a Chevron gas station on Franklin Gateway. He first fought a woman for her car keys, then tried to carjack a second vehicle with a family inside. Edwards intervened both times, ultimately detaining Riley until police arrived. Riley faces multiple felony charges, including attempted armed robbery and child cruelty, and is held without bond. Marietta Police commend Edwards but urge witnesses to prioritize safety and call 911 in such situations.  STORY 3:   Kennesaw’s Salute to America is July 3 [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/kennesaw-s-salute-to-america-is-july-3/article_44e447b6-9bec-4d7a-8965-b7de240f332e.html]  Kennesaw's annual Independence Day celebration, **Salute to America**, takes place July 3 from 6–10 p.m. in downtown Kennesaw. The free event features live music, food vendors, family activities, and a fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m. Performances include Tripp’n at 6 p.m., Girls Night Out at 7 p.m., and Guardians of the Jukebox at 8 p.m. Kids can enjoy ticketed inflatables, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Reserved seating is $20, with reservations at kennesawjuly3.com. Tobacco and e-cigarettes are prohibited, and the event may be rescheduled for bad weather.      We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.     Break: Ingles Markets 2  STORY 4:  Update: Asylum Seeker Married to Alpharetta Man Released on Bond [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/update-asylum-seeker-married-to-alpharetta-man-released-on-bond/article_ab14c9f2-323a-45fb-8a86-873b1c4db175.html]  Colombian asylum seeker Daniela Landin, 24, was released on a $10,000 bond after nearly a month in ICE custody. Married to Alpharetta resident Richard Landin, she fled gang violence in Colombia and sought asylum last year, though her initial request was denied and is under appeal. ICE detained her in May, citing an issue with her ankle monitor, despite it functioning properly. Her bond was granted after a delayed hearing, with the judge convinced of her sincerity and low flight risk. The couple, unable to fly due to her lack of ID, is driving back to Georgia, relieved to reunite.  STORY 5:    OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — June 6 - 8 [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/frontpage/out-and-about-5-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-cobb-county-june-6-/article_73f72630-ece2-4139-bc00-4c388ab7b641.html]  This weekend in Cobb County offers a variety of events: Marietta Square hosts its free Art Walk Friday from 5-9 p.m., showcasing local art alongside shopping and dining. The BLADE Show at Cobb Galleria Centre runs Friday-Sunday, featuring unique blades and collectibles, with tickets starting at $30. The Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K kicks off Saturday at 8 a.m., followed by a post-race party. The Strand Theatre presents "Grease" with showtimes through June 22, and Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw screens "Moana 2" Saturday at 8:15 p.m., with pre-movie activities starting at 6 p.m.    Break:     And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on controlling your sweet tooth    We’ll have closing comments after this.  Break: TIDWELL TREES    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 [https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/]     Show Sponsors:  * www.ingles-markets.com [https://www.ingles-markets.com/]   * tidwelltrees.com [https://tidwelltrees.com/index.html]   * toptechmech.com [https://toptechmech.com/]    #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for June 4th  Publish Date:  June 4th      Commercial:   From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.      Today is Wednesday, June 4th and Happy Birthday to Angelina Jolie    I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal  1. Cobb Students Receive College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships 2. Judge Pauses State Sanctions put on Cobb, Cities 3. Cobb Advances 300-Apartment Development Amid School District Concerns   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: TIDWELL TREES_FINAL  STORY 1:   Cobb Students Receive College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/cobb-students-receive-college-sponsored-national-merit-scholarships/article_133cf551-7055-42cf-80ca-02c40913cb9c.html]  Fourteen Cobb County students have earned college-sponsored scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program, part of over 2,900 winners nationwide this year. These scholarships, ranging from $500 to $2,000 annually, are funded by 146 colleges and universities. Recipients were selected from 2025 National Merit Finalists based on academic excellence, recommendations, and test scores. The winners, representing schools like Lassiter, Walton, and Wheeler High, plan to pursue diverse fields such as engineering, law, genetics, and marine biology. By the program’s end, over 6,930 students will have received scholarships totaling nearly $26 million.  STORY 2:   Judge Pauses State Sanctions put on Cobb, Cities [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/judge-pauses-state-sanctions-put-on-cobb-cities/article_7bbf1c5b-b110-4740-9fab-35ecd88339a0.html]  Sanctions cutting off state funding for Cobb County and its seven cities have been paused by a Cobb Superior Court ruling. The sanctions stemmed from Mableton and Cobb County missing a May 31 deadline to finalize a Service Delivery Strategy agreement. Mableton initially rejected the $9.5 million deal but later approved a revised version, allowing more time for payment. The court ruled the sanctions would harm Cobb’s 800,000 residents, halting state support for infrastructure, public safety, and more. If the agreement is finalized soon, sanctions could lift by July 1. Mableton plans to create a special service district to fund its payment.  STORY 3:  Cobb Advances 300-Apartment Development Amid School District Concerns [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/cobb-advances-300-apartment-development-amid-school-district-concerns/article_da13bfa4-1967-4c0d-b6a9-6037e817be2c.html]  The Cobb County Planning Commission approved a 300-unit apartment development on South Cobb Parkway near Cumberland Mall, replacing an aging hotel. Developer Alliance Residential plans a five-story building with amenities like a pool, gym, and co-working space, targeting young professionals, downsizers, and seniors. Despite concerns from the Cobb School District about overcrowding at Teasley Elementary, the commission voted unanimously to advance the project. Alliance argued the development would generate $1.19 million in annual tax revenue and suggested rezoning the area to Brumby Elementary, which has capacity. The proposal now heads to the Board of Commissioners for final approval on June 17.    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: TOP TECH_FINAL  STORY 4:  Cobb EMC’s Nurdan Cornelius Honored as 2025 Woman of Distinction [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-emc-s-nurdan-cornelius-honored-as-2025-woman-of-distinction/article_4a757a81-8c2a-4c9d-b99b-59ee08cd4541.html]  Nurdan Cornelius, recently retired director of consumer marketing at Cobb EMC, has been named the 2025 Woman of Distinction by Cobb Executive Women. Honored after Cobb Chair Lisa Cupid’s State of the County address, Cornelius was recognized for her leadership, community involvement, and social responsibility. Over her 20-year career, she led transformative initiatives at Cobb EMC and dedicated decades to civic causes, including providing over 1 million diapers and 10,000 winter coats to families in need. Known for her global perspective and commitment to underserved communities, Cornelius remains a driving force in Cobb County.  STORY 5:  Pedestrian Hit by Two Cars in Marietta, Sustains Life-Threatening Injuries [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/pedestrian-hit-by-two-cars-in-marietta-sustains-life-threatening-injuries/article_7c69dc32-b7b8-4f1f-88cf-981562664a79.html]  A pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by two vehicles Monday night on Powder Springs St. in Marietta. The incident occurred around 11:26 p.m. near a QuikTrip gas station when the man, crossing in a crosswalk but against the traffic signal, was hit by a 2020 Mercedes Benz and then a 2015 Nissan. Both drivers remained on the scene and are cooperating with police. Video evidence from Cobb County Police supports the investigation, and no charges are expected. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Marietta Police Investigator D. Lester.      Break: INGLES 1  STORY 6:  Austell Appoints First Woman Police Chief in Cobb County [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/austell-appoints-first-woman-police-chief-in-cobb-county/article_62ac23a4-75ca-4da5-9f1f-7ce6edd915b1.html]  Shameta Jones-Harrell has been appointed as Austell’s new police chief, becoming the first woman to hold the position in Cobb County history. The City Council unanimously approved her promotion, praising her leadership. A 25-year law enforcement veteran, Jones-Harrell holds a criminal justice degree and has served in various roles, including deputy chief in Austell and major in Brookhaven. She has managed multiple divisions, from community engagement to training. Jones-Harrell has been interim chief since March and officially steps into the role following former Chief Scott Hamilton’s resignation. Capt. Cecil Lloyd Garett will now serve as deputy chief.  STORY 7:  Georgia Department of Driver Services Implements Federal Commercial Medical Certificate Mandate [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/briefs/georgia-department-of-driver-services-implements-federal-commercial-medical-certificate-mandate/article_e4bd8ed1-e288-4492-b3d2-272f227b75da.html]  Starting June 18, 2025, Georgia CDL holders requiring medical certifications must have their Medical Certificates submitted directly to the FMCSA by their Medical Examiner, as per the Medical Certification Integration Final Rule. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will no longer accept hard copies via mail, fax, email, online, or in-person. Medical providers will input the information into the National Registry, which FMCSA will transmit to DDS. Existing certificates remain valid until expiration. DDS advises customers to create an Online Services Account for easy monitoring and to handle transactions like license replacements or address changes online.  We’ll have closing comments after this.   Break: TOP TECH_FINAL    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 [https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/]     Show Sponsors:  * www.ingles-markets.com [https://www.ingles-markets.com/]  * tidwelltrees.com [https://tidwelltrees.com/index.html]  * toptechmech.com [https://toptechmech.com/]  #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 30th  Publish Date:  May 30th      Commercial:   From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.      Today is Friday, May 30th and Happy Birthday to Gayle Sayers    I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal  1. The Avenue West Cobb to Have Summer Vibes 2. KSU dancers selected to participate in prestigious summer workshops 3. Cobb County High School Coalition and Assurant Dedicate First Habitat Home Build of the Year Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on local vendors    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: TOP TECH MECHANICAL  STORY 1:   The Avenue West Cobb to Have Summer Vibes [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/the-avenue-west-cobb-to-have-summer-vibes/article_ff7fde28-3212-4c27-bae4-3b385dd22cb6.html]  The Avenue West Cobb is hosting **Summer Vibes**, a family-friendly event series from June 9 to July 27. Highlights include:  - **Summer Social** (June 13): Games, crafts, and treats like lemonade.    - **International Yoga Day** (June 21): Yoga class, healthy drinks, and a giveaway.    - **Build Your Own Bouquet** (July 11): Create custom floral arrangements.    - **Backyard BBQ Bash** (July 26): Games, food, and a picnic essentials giveaway.    Events take place in the Green Space, offering fun for all ages. Visit avenuewestcobb.com/summer-vibes for details!  STORY 2:  KSU dancers selected to participate in prestigious summer workshops [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/ksu-dancers-selected-to-participate-in-prestigious-summer-workshops/article_98ac6d18-2911-4e9f-8d4b-986ba583bab4.html]  Three Kennesaw State University dancers earned scholarships to prestigious summer programs after standout performances earlier this year. George Chavez will attend the Alvin Ailey School’s Professional Intensive in New York, while Allison Behrend and Charlene Font head to the American Dance Festival at Duke University. Their achievements highlight the strength of KSU’s dance program and the dedication of its faculty. These opportunities will allow the dancers to explore new techniques and grow as artists, further enhancing KSU’s reputation in the dance community. Their success reflects the program’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering artistic growth.  STORY 3:   Cobb County High School Coalition and Assurant Dedicate First Habitat Home Build of the Year [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/cobb-county-high-school-coalition-and-assurant-dedicate-first-habitat-home-build-of-the-year/article_052af163-fda5-49b1-8b64-aa56874aea8a.html]  The Cobb County High School Coalition and Assurant dedicated a new Habitat for Humanity home in Austell to future homeowner David, a hardworking single father and U.S. Postal Service employee. Built by students from five local high schools, this marks the coalition’s 28th Habitat home and the first of 2025. For David, the home represents love, safety, and opportunity for his family. Habitat CEO Kyle Huhtanen praised the coalition’s longevity and Assurant’s continued support. David expressed gratitude to all who made his dream of homeownership a reality.      We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.     Break: Ingles Markets 10  STORY 4:  Marietta Student Awarded Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/marietta-student-awarded-phi-kappa-phi-study-abroad-grant/article_77e42619-18e3-4e2b-8789-2fd25d06c160.html]  Martha Frascella of Marietta, a Kennesaw State University student majoring in English and human services, received a $1,000 Study Abroad Grant from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. She is one of 75 recipients nationwide and will use the grant to study at the European Academy Otzenhausen in Germany. The grant supports undergraduates seeking global academic experiences, with recipients selected based on academic achievement, service, and career goals. Phi Kappa Phi’s grant program, established in 2001, awards over $1 million annually to support students and literacy initiatives.  STORY 5:    Walmart honors Kennesaw company for Small Business Month [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/walmart-honors-kennesaw-company-for-small-business-month/article_725fc6d6-89b2-4b00-8528-a6db2565dfce.html]  Kennesaw-based Beaumont Products Inc., known for its eco-friendly Citrus Magic products, was named a Preferred Georgia Small Business by Walmart during National Small Business Month. This honor highlights Walmart’s commitment to supporting small businesses, which supply 60% of its products. Founded in 1991 by Hank Picken, Beaumont has grown under CEO Jeff Picken, earning over $30 million annually and distributing to major retailers like Walmart, Publix, and Target. Walmart has been a key partner since 2006, boosting Beaumont’s revenue by over 50%. The recognition celebrates Beaumont’s dedication to creating safe, high-quality products.    Break:     And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on local vendors    We’ll have closing comments after this.  Break: TIDWELL TREES    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 [https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/]     Show Sponsors:  * www.ingles-markets.com [https://www.ingles-markets.com/]   * tidwelltrees.com [https://tidwelltrees.com/index.html]   * toptechmech.com [https://toptechmech.com/]    #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 28th  Publish Date:  May 28th      Commercial:   From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.      Today is Wednesday, May 28th and Happy Birthday to Gladys Knight    I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal  1. Mableton Payout to Cobb Presents 'Serious Financial Challenge' 2. Early Voting Underway for Ga. Commission Overseeing Utilities 3. KSU Researchers Develop Phone Application to Combat Elderly Loneliness   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: TIDWELL TREES_FINAL  STORY 1:   Mableton Payout to Cobb Presents 'Serious Financial Challenge' [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/mableton-payout-to-cobb-presents-serious-financial-challenge/article_e3337e93-498b-47a0-8031-dd1375833107.html]  Mableton is considering a $9.5 million payment to Cobb County for one year of police and transportation services, a move Mayor Michael Owens calls a "serious financial challenge." The deal, part of an intergovernmental agreement, aims to ensure public safety while avoiding state sanctions. Mableton, exiting its transitional phase, currently offers limited services and has operated without property taxes, relying on other fees. To fund services, the city may establish a special services district. Negotiations follow Cobb’s initial $23 million service bill, which nearly doubled Mableton’s proposed budget. Final votes on the agreement are expected this week.  STORY 2:   Early Voting Underway for Ga. Commission Overseeing Utilities [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/early-voting-underway-for-ga-commission-overseeing-utilities/article_81f990fb-567c-426b-b7fb-5a5f0d70101f.html]  Early voting has begun in Cobb County and across Georgia for the June 17 special primaries to fill two seats on the Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates utilities like electric and natural gas. The PSC oversees rate approvals, including Georgia Power's recent agreement to freeze base rates for three years. Incumbents Tim Echols (District 2) and Fitz Johnson (District 3) are on the ballot, with Echols facing a GOP challenger and Johnson unopposed. Early voting runs through June 13 at four Cobb locations, with low turnout expected initially but likely increasing closer to Election Day.  STORY 3:  KSU Researchers Develop Phone Application to Combat Elderly Loneliness [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/ksu-researchers-develop-phone-application-to-combat-elderly-loneliness/article_1d8eb03b-d5ff-4710-8f07-8ec2892cdf7c.html]  Kennesaw State University researchers are developing Sandrapp, an AI-powered tool to combat chronic loneliness among older adults, which can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Unlike traditional social platforms, Sandrapp focuses on fostering real-life connections by matching users with individuals who share similar values and experiences. Led by an interdisciplinary team, the app prioritizes usability and user needs, gathering insights from older adults and families. Sandrapp aims to enable meaningful meetups, not replace them, while exploring subtle monitoring technologies for reassurance. The project emphasizes rebuilding social support networks to improve mental and physical health.    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 9  STORY 4:  The Walker School Honors the Class of 2025 [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/the-walker-school-honors-the-class-of-2025/article_73f35670-557d-422a-a430-1b9eb4591e09.html]  The Walker School celebrated its Class of 2025 with heartfelt speeches and reflections. Valedictorian William Darko encouraged classmates to find meaning in the mundane, while Salutatorian Sofia Tejedor highlighted the unique gifts and accomplishments of each graduate. Keynote speaker Lauren Hands, a 2007 alumna and film producer, shared her journey of pivoting from law to a fulfilling career in creativity and community impact. She credited Walker for fostering her confidence to embrace her passions and urged graduates to stay true to themselves, pursue progress over perfection, and embrace their individuality as they step into the world.  STORY 5:  Local Teams Compete in National High School Quiz Competition [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/local-teams-compete-in-national-high-school-quiz-competition/article_6a33dda8-c538-4a42-9ca8-b5ce74e40491.html]  The 2025 High School National Championship Tournament brought 336 quiz bowl teams from across the U.S. and beyond to Atlanta, including Marietta’s The Walker School and The Stonehaven School. Stonehaven, led by captain Samuel Marks, finished with a 3-7 record. Walker, coached by Michael Arjona and others, excelled with a 7-3 record in preliminaries, advancing to playoffs and finishing 13th overall. Karthik Jayaram earned All-Star honors for his standout performance, answering 94 tossup questions. The tournament champion was Livingston High School’s A team from New Jersey.      Break:   STORY 6:  Cobb Police Search for Suspect in Monday Hit-and-Run on I-285 [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-police-search-for-suspect-in-monday-hit-and-run-on-i-285/article_446fdfa6-79d7-45c7-aa94-10bd99720918.html]  Cobb County police are searching for a suspect in a hit-and-run crash on I-285 near the I-75 interchange. Around 11:19 a.m. Monday, a dark-colored sedan, possibly a Kia, changed lanes and may have collided with a white 1996 GMC Safari. The GMC lost control, hitting the median, while the sedan fled. The GMC driver, a 57-year-old Austell man, suffered serious injuries, and a 22-year-old passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries; both were hospitalized. Police urge anyone with information to contact the STEP Unit at 770-499-3987.  STORY 7:  Historical Society to Host Black Genealogy Workshop [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/historical-society-to-host-black-genealogy-workshop/article_757d95d5-8e7f-4a05-87ac-4562c6f1797d.html]  The Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society will host a genealogy workshop on June 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the William Root House in Marietta. Led by Christopher Smothers, founder of Unearthing Your Roots Inc., the workshop will explore resources like Census and Probate Records for genealogical research. Smothers will also share a list of formerly enslaved individuals from Cobb County probate records. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance, as space is limited. For details, visit CobbLandmarks.com.  We’ll have closing comments after this.   Break: TOP TECH_FINAL    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 [https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/]     Show Sponsors:  * www.ingles-markets.com [https://www.ingles-markets.com/]  * tidwelltrees.com [https://tidwelltrees.com/index.html]  * toptechmech.com [https://toptechmech.com/]    #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 23rd  Publish Date:  May 23rd      Commercial:   From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.      Today is Friday, May 23rd and Happy Birthday to Drew Carey    I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal  1. Marietta Man Accused of Failing to Pay Musicians for Performances at Cherokee Chop House 2. Four Cobb County Student-Athletes Awarded 3. Marietta Man Charged with Attempted Stabbing Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sodas    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: TOP TECH MECHANICAL  STORY 1:   Marietta Man Accused of Failing to Pay Musicians for Performances at Cherokee Chop House [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/marietta-man-accused-of-failing-to-pay-musicians-for-performances-at-cherokee-chop-house/article_58d10a5c-c6df-4303-97b3-175ddd84bb02.html]  Jerry Royce Watson of Marietta faces charges for allegedly failing to pay musicians and singers he hired to perform at the Cherokee Chop House between November and December 2024. According to a Cobb County Police warrant, Watson owes thousands to various performers, including a trombone player ($1,900), a bass player ($2,100), and a singer ($3,000). In total, he faces five counts of theft of services over $1,500 and three counts under $1,500. Watson has not been listed in jail records.  STORY 2:  Four Cobb County Student-Athletes Awarded [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/four-cobb-county-student-athletes-awarded/article_48e6ecc3-91ec-4e9b-b3c8-9549184af14e.html]  For the 11th year, Positive Athlete awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to student-athletes in Georgia who embody positivity and excellence in sports. Over 6,400 nominations from 440+ schools were submitted, with winners meeting specific scholarship criteria. Cobb County recipients include Ben Laskey (Harrison High), Grant Pool (North Cobb Christian), Cade Saldi (Mount Paran Christian), and Elizabeth Michalek (Walton High), each receiving $1,000 scholarships. The winners will be honored at the Georgia Positive Athlete Awards Ceremony on June 5, 2025, in Marietta.  STORY 3:   Marietta Man Charged with Attempted Stabbing [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/marietta-man-charged-with-attempted-stabbing/article_5e56d4b5-319a-4546-98b8-0a297c1cc78d.html]  Junior Esquivel Medina, 21, of Marietta, is accused of attempting to stab a man and injuring the victim's forearm with a knife on May 16 at a mobile home in Lamplighter Village, Marietta. Charged with aggravated assault, Medina was arrested early that morning and remains in custody without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.      We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.     Break: Ingles Markets 8  STORY 4:  OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — May 23 - 25 [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/out-and-about-5-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-cobb-county-may-23-/article_9c29361d-6d4b-4871-91a4-9017023cebb6.html]  This weekend in Marietta offers a variety of events! The Marietta Square Farmers Market returns Saturday morning with over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and artisan goods. Acworth will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Cauble Park at 10 a.m. Saturday to honor fallen soldiers. Sports fans can catch the Atlanta Braves facing the San Diego Padres at Truist Park, with games Friday through Sunday. For entertainment, the Strand Theatre presents "Grease" starting Friday, and the Alley Stage hosts "Comedy on the Square" Friday and Saturday nights.  STORY 5:    Political fallout starting after Army Corps closes recreational areas ahead of Memorial Day [https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/political-fallout-starting-after-army-corps-closes-recreational-areas-ahead-of-memorial-day/article_96e80860-f86b-424f-98dd-0d34a75e2701.html]  A federal staffing shortage has led to the closure of 31 lakeside recreational areas in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi just before Memorial Day weekend. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced closures at 20 Lake Lanier sites, two at Allatoona Lake, and others across the region, sparking political backlash. U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick criticized Democrats for blocking a funding bill he claims could have prevented these closures. The closures are linked to budget cuts by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, established under President Trump and Elon Musk.    Break:     And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sodas    We’ll have closing comments after this.  Break: TIDWELL TREES    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 [https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/]     Show Sponsors:  * www.ingles-markets.com [https://www.ingles-markets.com/]   * tidwelltrees.com [https://tidwelltrees.com/index.html]   * toptechmech.com [https://toptechmech.com/]    #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.