Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security | Smyrna denies five-story apartment building Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing | Acworth neighbors

  =====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for November 21st 

Publish Date: November 21st 

 

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From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  

  

Today is Friday, November 21st and Happy Birthday to Stan The Man Musial 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 

1. Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security
2. Smyrna denies five-story apartment building
3. Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing Acworth neighbors

 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on rice 

 

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 10 

STORY 1:  Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security 

 Next summer, Cobb County will play host to international soccer teams prepping for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the biggest sporting events ever. 

With Atlanta set to host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Cobb will handle training, transportation, and fan events. But with that comes challenges—crowds, security, and logistics. To prepare, county officials are asking for Homeland Security grants to boost safety measures, including $7.5–$12 million for drone detection tech. 

Training sites? Atlanta United’s grounds in Marietta, KSU’s Fifth Third Stadium, and possibly Pace Academy. 

“The more popular the team, the bigger the crowds,” said Cobb EMA Director Cassie Mazloom. 

STORY 2: Smyrna denies five-story apartment building 

 The Smyrna City Council shot down a rezoning request for a 250-unit apartment complex this week, with a 5-2 vote against the proposal. 

Wood Partners South Acquisitions LLC had pitched a five-story mixed-use development on 6.7 acres along Highlands Parkway, near Technology Court. The plan included 250 apartments—mostly one- and two-bedroom units—plus retail space, a pool, and a courtyard. 

Councilwoman Latonia Hines acknowledged the project’s quality but questioned the location. “It’s a great development—just not here,” she said. 

The Planning Board and city staff had already recommended denial, citing conflicts with the area’s industrial zoning. 

STORY 3: Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing Acworth neighbors 

On the third day of Matthew Lanz’s murder trial, the defense finally had its turn. Lanz, now 26, sat quietly in a green jumpsuit, his hair unkempt, his face hidden behind a scruffy beard. 

Prosecutors played interrogation videos from 2021, where Lanz, then 22, denied killing his neighbors, Justin and Amber Hicks. “I didn’t murder them,” he said. “Someone murdered them.” 

The Hicks, both 31, were found shot to death in their home, their two-year-old son unharmed nearby. Lanz is accused of breaking in through a back window and pulling the tri