MDJ Script/ Top Stories for April 16th
Publish Date: April 16th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, April 16th and Happy Birthday to Kareem Abdul Jabarr.
***04.16.25 - BIRTHDAY – KAREEM ABDUL JABBAR***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
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!
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STORY 1: Strand Theatre to Have Auditions for Jukebox Giants: Motown & More
The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta is holding video auditions for *Jukebox Giants: Motown & More*, a high-energy musical revue featuring classic soul and R&B hits. Open to ages 18+, auditions require both a vocal video (under 5 minutes with two contrasting songs) and a dance video (four 8-counts of a jazz combo). Submissions, including a headshot, resume, and availability from June 16 to July 27, are due by May 6 via email to auditions@strandmarietta.org. Rehearsals start June 16, and performers must be prepared to sing and dance concurrently.
STORY 2: UPDATE: Three Arrested at Marjorie Taylor Greene Town Hall in Acworth
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's town hall in Acworth turned chaotic, with three arrests, two taser incidents, and nine protesters removed. Greene emphasized her support for Trump’s agenda, immigration crackdowns, and banning gender-affirming care for minors. She addressed economic concerns, urging families to "rein in" spending, and dismissed claims about Medicare cuts. Protesters criticized her policies, while Greene defended her positions, including the Protect Children's Innocence Act and the Laken Riley Act. Despite disruptions, Greene answered pre-submitted questions, mostly from supportive constituents, and highlighted the growth of the MAGA movement.
STORY 3: Carr Launches 'Operation Hold the Line' to Combat Transnational Gangs in Georgia
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr launched "Operation Hold the Line" in Cobb County, a taskforce uniting local, state, and federal agencies to combat transnational gangs, human trafficking, and fentanyl distribution. Inspired by President Trump’s call to action, the initiative builds on Carr’s anti-gang network, established in 2017, and includes federal partners like the FBI and ICE. Carr highlighted the role of transnational gangs in organized retail theft and illicit activities, citing recent successes like shutting down 35 massage parlors linked to gangs. The effort aims to strengthen partnerships and intensify the fight against violent crime in Georgia.
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STORY 4: Mt. Bethel Academy to Receive Tax-Free Bonds for Expansion
The Development Authority of Cobb County approved up to $50 million in tax-exempt bonds to help Mt. Bethel Christian Academy expand its upper school campus in east Cobb. The project aims to accommodate up to 625 middle and high school students by replacing temporary classrooms with permanent buildings, upgrading athletic facilities, and adding a dining hall. The school plans to move middle grades to the upper campus as its lease for the lower campus ends in 2028. While the bond pricing is pending market conditions, the expansion is expected to create 14-16 jobs in five years, though some board members questioned its alignment with the authority's mission.
STORY 5: Kemp signs two tax cut bills
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed two tax relief bills on Tax Day. House Bill 111 reduces the state income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%, retroactive to the start of the tax year, while House Bill 112 provides one-time rebates: $250 for single filers, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for joint filers. While the rebate bill passed unanimously, Democrats criticized HB 111, arguing it favors higher-income earners. Kemp defended the measures, emphasizing taxpayer control over their money. The signing event, held at the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre, was attended by state leaders and lawmakers.
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STORY 6: Marietta Woman Charged with Payroll Theft
Claudia Patricia Angulo, a Marietta bookkeeper, is accused of stealing $46,167.68 from Tile Media Properties (The Tile Doctor) between November 2023 and September 2024. According to a Cobb County arrest warrant, Angulo allegedly issued herself around 20 extra payroll deposits via QuickBooks and attempted to conceal the theft by moving records to another computer file. She faces charges of theft by taking (over $1,500) and computer theft but does not currently appear in jail records.
STORY 7: UPDATE: Rep. Seabaugh Takes Plea Deal in DUI Case
State Rep. Devan Seabaugh pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors—failure to yield to a bicyclist and driving too fast for conditions—stemming from a 2024 car wreck in Atlanta. DUI charges were dropped as part of a plea deal. Seabaugh was fined $2,866, sentenced to 40 hours of community service, and must complete a DUI course, a victim impact panel, and a clinical evaluation. The incident involved Seabaugh driving into an unmarked bike lane, striking a bicycle, and causing minor injuries to the cyclist. Seabaugh denied intoxication, citing a single beer hours prior, and expressed gratitude no one was seriously hurt.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
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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
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