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: CUofGA

STORY 1:Ossoff Demands Action Against Fraudsters Targeting Veterans

Sen. Jon Ossoff called on the Federal Trade Commission to intervene and protect veterans from what he termed "claim sharks," who charge high fees for assisting with Department of Veterans Affairs claims. Ossoff, flanked by veterans and representatives from the American Legion, cited instances where these companies exploit veterans, often charging more than the benefits they seek. He attributed this exploitation to the complexities of navigating the VA claims process, which can take months. Ossoff emphasized bipartisan efforts to combat this exploitation, urging the FTC to investigate and penalize such deceptive practices. One veteran, Yolanda Beavers, shared her experience of being asked for exorbitant fees by one of these companies. Legislation has been proposed in the Senate to criminalize unauthorized fees charged to veterans seeking VA benefits, with support from veterans service organizations like the American Legion.

STORY 2:Cobb Sheriff's Deputies Save Lives of Two Inmates

Deputy David Morris and Sgt. Tyler Johnson of the Cobb County Adult Detention Center recently saved the lives of two inmates who attempted suicide on separate occasions. Morris intervened when he noticed unusual behavior and found an inmate attempting to hang himself with a bedsheet. Johnson encountered another inmate in a similar situation and promptly removed the sheet from around his neck. Both inmates were taken for evaluation and are alive today. The jail provides mental health staff 24/7, and deputies have access to peer support systems for their own well-being. Sheriff Craig Owens emphasized the importance of mental health support for both inmates and deputies, acknowledging the stress of their roles. Chaplains are available to provide spiritual guidance and counseling sessions for inmates experiencing depression.

STORY 3:Military Ball Will Support Cobb Veterans Memorial

The Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation is hosting a Military Ball and Gala next month to raise funds for the Cobb Veterans Memorial. With $3 million already raised, they aim to collect an additional $300,000 for the project's first phase. Retired Gen. Jack Keane will be the keynote speaker. The memorial will feature a 120-foot star-shaped sculpture, service walls with branch histories and flags, and photo walls for community contributions. It will also serve as a venue for patriotic events and parades. The event is scheduled for April 20 at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria, and tickets are available for purchase.

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: HENRY CO SHERIFFS – DRAKE

STORY 4:Cobb Library Foundation Celebrates Booked for the Evening Gala

The Cobb Library Foundation's Booked for the Evening Gala, held at the Atlanta Country Club, drew hundreds in support of the Cobb Public Library System. Funds raised benefit programs like the summer reading initiative. Children's author Carmen Agra Deedy shared her journey to becoming a writer, highlighting the significance of literacy instilled by her father. Former Gov. Nathan Deal also spoke, fulfilling a promise to his late wife, Sandra Deal, to publish a book. Attendees were deeply moved by the speakers, with Williams noting the emotional impact of their stories on the audience.

STORY 5:Sprayberry Students Go for Driverless Ride

Sprayberry High School students experienced a driverless shuttle ride over the bridge between the Cobb Galleria and the Battery Atlanta. The Cumberland Hopper pilot program, in place since July, might extend due to its success, having attracted 4,400 riders. Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) aims to expand autonomous mobility, with plans for an $8 million route connecting Akers Mill Road to Interstate 285. The initiative seeks to connect the community to job centers and provide alternative transportation options. Students found the experience positive, highlighting the potential of autonomous vehicles for future transportation.

We’ll be back in a moment.

Break: TEDS – ATL HEALTH FAIR

STORY 6:Notable Women Of Smyrna Discussed in Lecture

The Smyrna Library hosted a lecture as part of Women’s History Month, focusing on prominent Smyrna women like Dorothy Bacon, Julia Roberts, and Sarah Sentell Scott. Bacon, the city's first lady, served as an Army nurse during World War II. Roberts, a Smyrna native, found fame as an actress. Scott, diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, founded Cobb Services for the Blind and Low Vision. Max Bacon, former Smyrna mayor, recalled his mother's strength. Linda Keeney shared a humorous encounter her daughter had with Roberts. Scott’s daughter, Elaine Davis, expressed pride in her mother's legacy of helping others with vision impairment. The lecture celebrated the contributions of these remarkable women to Smyrna's history.

STORY 7:'A Hot Mess Express': Elections Board Disqualifies GOP Candidate in Cobb Commission Race

Political activist Mindy Seger successfully challenged Republican candidate Alicia Adams's candidacy for the Cobb Board of Commissioners District 2 seat due to her residence outside the district according to the "home rule" map. Adams's disqualification was upheld by the Cobb Board of Elections, with the exception of one vote. The home rule map, created by the Democratic majority, is currently in use pending a Supreme Court decision on its constitutionality. Chuck Boring, Adams's attorney, questioned the legality of the home rule map. Seger's challenge aimed to ensure accountability in the elections process amid ongoing confusion over the maps. Boring plans to appeal the decision to Cobb Superior Court.

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 Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. 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:

#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 for privacy information.

Rate