===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for September 26th
Publish Date: September 26th
Commercial:
From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Friday, September 26th and Happy Birthday to Tommy Lasorda
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
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: Ingles Markets 4
STORY 1: Potential name changes on the horizon for Cobb Galleria, Performing Arts Centre
Big changes are coming to the Cobb Galleria Centre—and not just the $190 million renovation. A new name might be on the way, too.
Charlie Beirne, the Galleria’s general manager, floated the idea of renaming it the “Cobb Convention Center” during a meeting Wednesday. “It’s simple, clear, and gives us national recognition,” he said. The authority’s board agreed, though Chair Jerry Nix admitted, “It’s not just a name change—there’s a lot of headache involved.”
Meanwhile, the $145 million Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is also eyeing a rebrand, with naming rights expiring in 2027. A new sponsor could bring fresh funds to keep the venue cutting-edge.
Renovations for both facilities are well underway, with the Galleria’s upgrades—including a grand entrance, expanded meeting spaces, and a sleek new look—set to wrap by early 2027. It’s the end of an era for the Galleria Specialty Shops, but Beirne says the revamped space will better serve the community and attract larger events.
As for the Performing Arts Centre, a marketing firm has been hired to find a new name sponsor.
Both projects signal a fresh chapter for these iconic Cobb landmarks.
STORY 2: Kennesaw to increase sanitation rates
Starting Nov. 1, Kennesaw residents will see a 6% bump in their sanitation rates. That means the standard monthly service—one trash can, one recycle cart—goes from $32.50 to $34.50. Got an extra trash can? That’ll now run you $19.50 a month, and additional recycle carts are $6.
The increase hits December bills, but if you’ve prepaid for the year, you’re safe until your service period ends. Auto-pay users? Better update your payment info to dodge late fees.
The city says it’s been eating rising costs for four years—18% higher, to be exact. “This adjustment was overdue,” Councilman Antonio Jones said, noting it was finalized with the 2026 budget.
Republic Services, the city’s contractor, will continue handling trash, recycling, and yard waste.
STORY 3: Health officials warn of measles in Georgia
Georgia health officials are keeping a close eye on seven people who may have been exposed to measles after contact with infected individuals.
On Tuesday, the state Department of Public Health confirmed three new cases, including one on Sept. 11. Two of the patients are unvaccinated, and the third? Their vaccination status is unclear. All three are isolating at home.
So far, 268 close contacts have been identified, but only seven are under “active” monitoring. Officials stress vaccination is the best defense—kids should get their first dose between 12-15 months and a second by age 6.
This year, Georgia has seen 10 measles cases, up from six last year. Nationwide, cases have been climbing since the pandemic disrupted routine vaccinations.
Meanwhile, a CDC advisory panel recently stirred controversy by recommending standalone chickenpox vaccines for toddlers instead of the combined MMRV shot. The American Academy of Pediatrics pushed back, calling the move “misguided” and warning it could erode trust in vaccines.
Georgia parents are urged to talk to their doctors about the best options for their kids.
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We’ll be right back.
Break: Ingles Markets 4
STORY 4: New art exhibits in Marietta blend the personal, political and the abstract
Two new exhibits are turning heads at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, running through Dec. 14: Craig Drennen’s “T is for Timon” and Ahmad Hassan Taylor’s “History Lessons.”
Drennen, a Guggenheim fellow and Georgia State professor, spent 17 years crafting his Shakespeare-inspired collection. “Timon of Athens,” a play Shakespeare himself never staged, serves as his muse. “It’s a bad play by a great playwright,” Drennen quipped. “I use bad things to make good things.” His bold, abstract works—painted to mimic collages—are designed to last centuries.
Taylor, known as the “Atlanta Illustrator,” makes his debut with striking cityscapes and politically charged pieces. One standout, “All In Favor (Of Hate),” features a white horse surrounded by biting commentary on perception and truth.
Both artists will host free talks—Drennen on Nov. 1, Taylor on Dec. 14. Admission is free on Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7.
STORY 5: Cobb extends student housing moratorium
Cobb County’s moratorium on student housing applications just got another six-month extension, as officials wait for Kennesaw State University to wrap up its housing study. The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday—no debate, just a quick vote—to keep the pause in place until spring 2026.
This is the second extension since the ban started in October 2024. Community Development Director Jessica Guinn said it’ll likely be the last.
The issue? It’s messy. Commissioner Keli Gambrill isn’t a fan of purpose-built student housing, saying KSU should handle its own housing needs.
Chair Lisa Cupid, on the other hand, has pointed out that many students can’t find affordable housing because of county rules limiting unrelated people from living together.
Meanwhile, not everyone’s on board with the moratorium. During public comment, Donald Barth didn’t hold back. “Have y’all bumped your heads?” he asked. “We need student housing. It brings growth, tax dollars, and no problems—at least not where I live.”
The county plans to revisit the issue once KSU’s study is done, with potential updates to the student housing code included in the new Unified Development Code.
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sodas
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: Ingles Markets 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
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