MDJ Script/ Top Stories for June 27th Publish Date: June 27th Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Thursday, June 27th and Happy 53rd Birthday to actor Chris O’Donell. ***06.27.24 – BIRTHDAY – CHRIS O’DONNELL*** I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Saint Joseph Catholic Church Breaks Ground on New RectoryRed Roof Inns Settles Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Involving Smyrna LocationCobb Elections Explores Charging for Voter Challenges Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Laura Lynn Products. 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: CU of GA STORY 1: Saint Joseph Catholic Church Breaks Ground on New Rectory Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new rectory, replacing its historic but damaged former building. The original rectory, dating back to the mid-19th century, was demolished due to mold, asbestos, and water damage from burst pipes in 2022. Construction on the new rectory is set to begin July 1, expected to finish by summer 2025 at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. Funded by a $6 million capital campaign, the project will also add parking spaces and a soccer field. The new rectory will accommodate four priests with modern amenities and enhanced privacy, aiming to support the church's vibrant community. STORY 2: Red Roof Inns Settles Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Involving Smyrna Location Red Roof Inns has reached a confidential settlement with eleven plaintiffs who alleged they were sex trafficked at its hotels in Smyrna and Atlanta. The federal lawsuit, which began trial on June 11, accused Red Roof of profiting from sex trafficking by turning a blind eye to activities at their properties. The hotel chain denied wrongdoing but settled after plaintiffs testified and the defense began presenting its case. This marked the first sex trafficking lawsuit against a national hotel brand to go to trial. Plaintiffs' attorneys emphasized the importance of their clients' stories being heard and raising awareness about sex trafficking. STORY 3: Cobb Elections Explores Charging for Voter Challenges The Cobb Board of Elections discussed potentially charging individuals who challenge voters' eligibility, following a contentious meeting where thousands of voter registrations were challenged by a resident. Eugene Williams challenged 2,472 registrations, prompting debate among board members. They decided, in a 4-1 vote along party lines, to only consider challenges to active voters going forward, reducing the workload on elections staff. The possibility of charging challengers like Williams for the cost of notifications was debated, with varying opinions among board members and legal perspectives shared. This issue arises amidst broader changes in Georgia election law under Senate Bill 189, which facilitates mass voter challenges and faces legal challenges from organizations like the ACLU. 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: DRAKE STORY 4: Cobb Approves Moratorium on Massage Parlor Licenses The Cobb Board of Commissioners has enacted a six-month moratorium on issuing licenses to massage parlors, or health spas, in response to rising concerns over illegal activities and code violations. This decision follows the denial of a license renewal for Wang’s Feet due to a reported sexual assault and other violations. Cobb officials aim to strengthen regulations and enforcement before resuming licensing, citing ongoing challenges with illicit spa operations. Similar measures have been taken in nearby cities like Roswell to address issues such as human trafficking. Additionally, the commission approved funding for various projects including library furniture, a parks maintenance building, an emergency generator for the medical examiner lab, and road improvements. STORY 5: Out and About: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County—June 28-30 This weekend offers a variety of events in the Marietta and Kennesaw areas. The Glover Park Concert Series returns to Marietta Square on Friday with a "British Invasion" theme featuring Her Majesty’s Request, starting at 8 p.m. Admission is free, with options to reserve tables near the stage for a fee. More details can be found at mariettaga.gov. In Kennesaw, Smith-Gilbert Gardens hosts Music & Monarchs on Friday evening, featuring The Dappled Grays, a bluegrass band. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-members, with VIP options available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating. Visit smithgilbertgardens.com for further information. Additionally, Downtown Acworth will host a Classic Car ...
