MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Feb 23rd
Publish Date: Feb 22nd
From the Drake Realty Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Friday, February 23rd, and Happy 81st Birthday to NFL HOF Fred Biletnikoff.
***02.23.24 – BIRTHDAY – FRED BILETNIKOFF***
I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.
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: U.S. Supreme Court Rules Cobb Man Cannot Be Retried for 2012 Killing
In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned a Georgia Supreme Court opinion, ruling that Damian McElrath, who was tried for the 2012 stabbing death of his mother, cannot be retried for malice murder.
McElrath, diagnosed with schizophrenia, stabbed his mother over 50 times in their west Cobb home, believing she was trying to poison him. He was found guilty, but mentally ill, of felony murder and not guilty by reason of insanity of malice murder. However, in 2020, the Georgia Supreme Court dismissed both verdicts.
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling asserts that the jury’s verdict constituted an acquittal for malice murder, thus protecting McElrath from retrial under double jeopardy standards. This decision emphasizes that "an acquittal is an acquittal" regardless of its consistency with other verdicts.
This ruling marks a significant moment for McElrath's defense team, who expressed their honor in representing "the forgotten mentally ill who get into serious trouble."
STORY 2: Uncertainty Surrounds Cobb Commission's District Map: An Update on the Situation
The future of the Cobb Board of Commissioners District 2 seat, currently occupied by Jerica Richardson, hangs in the balance due to an ongoing legal dispute surrounding redistricting.
The validity of the county's self-drawn district map is under scrutiny, with a decision from the Georgia Supreme Court eagerly anticipated. If the court confirms the General Assembly's alternate map, which doesn't include Richardson's residence in District 2, her position could be jeopardized.
The situation is further complicated by contradictory legislation regarding her seat and Richardson's refusal to step down. This may necessitate a special election, causing further disruption to the commission's operations and leaving residents uncertain about their representation.
Amidst this uncertainty, Richardson has announced her run for the U.S. House of Representatives, attracting several candidates for her potentially vacant commission seat.
STORY 3: Initial Hearings to Begin in City of Mableton Lawsuit Challenge
The city of Mableton, Georgia, is facing a legal challenge that questions the constitutionality of its creation. The lawsuit, brought forward by five residents, will have its first hearing in Cobb Superior Court on March 6.
The plaintiffs argue that House Bill 839, which allowed for Mableton’s establishment and was passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2022, is unconstitutional. They claim the bill violates the state constitution's single subject rule by creating both the city and community improvement districts in a single act.
The suit seeks a declaratory judgment ruling that HB 839, and thus, the city, is void. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Mableton's Mayor, Michael Owens, stated that the city would continue with its operations and work on establishing commissions, authorities, and boards to assist in city development.
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 COUNTY SHERIF
STORY 4: Pope Girls Basketball Team wins First State Playoff Win Since 2018
In a thrilling and long-awaited victory, the Pope High School girls basketball team clinched their first state playoff win since 2018, defeating Etowah 53-44 in the opening round of the Class 6A state playoffs.
Standout player Abbey Bensman led the Greyhounds to victory with an impressive 18 points and seven rebounds. "Abbey is a special player," praised Pope coach Bill Blythe. "She does just about everything out on that court."
The game saw Pope leading 32-29 in the third quarter. However, a successful 7-0 run gave them a comfortable lead going into the final quarter. Despite Etowah's best efforts, Pope managed to maintain control and secure the win.
Sarah Gentry also made significant contributions, scoring nine points and six rebounds, including a crucial 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter, which put the Greyhounds ahead.
The win propels the Greyhounds into Round 2 where they will host South Paulding on Saturday.
STORY 5: Over $22K Donation for Literacy Made at Marietta Town Hall Meeting
A significant donation of over $22K was recently made to promote literacy at a town hall meeting in Marietta. The meeting, hosted by Ward 5 Marietta City Councilman M. Carlyle Kent, saw Cobb Collaborative Executive Director Irene Barton receive a check for $22,100.
This contribution will be utilized for two early literacy projects. $20,000 will assist Zion Academy in constructing a playground designed around an early literacy theme. The remaining $2,100 will fund 25 ‘Marietta Reads’ packets per month for a year, intended to benefit pre-K age children throughout Councilman Kent's ward.
We’ll be back in a moment.
Break: DRAKE
STORY 6: McEachern reaches century mark in win over Westlake
McEachern High School's basketball team achieved a stunning victory over Westlake, ending with an impressive 105-72 score in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs.
Ace Bailey led the charge, scoring a game-high 32 points, with 24 of those earned in the first half alone. This win marks the first time McEachern has reached the century mark since the 2019-20 season.
The team now looks ahead to their next challenge against Newton on Saturday. Despite the victory, Coach Tremayne Anchrum insists there's still room for improvement as they progress in the playoffs.
Break: INGLES 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 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.
