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Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Smyrna candidate charged; 2 million Georgians have voted early

Plus, the Dream play Game 6 at 12:30 p.m. Thursday and Halloween weekend traffic looks heavy.

The Morning Marietta team5 stories30 sources8 min read

Cobb PoliticsTop story

Smyrna police arrested the Republican candidate for Georgia House District 42 on a child molestation charge

The warrant puts the alleged incident between about 8:22 and 8:27 a.m.

Near Lakes Edge Drive SE and Hillsdale Parkway, Smyrna

Midnight6 a.m.Noon6 p.m.8:22 a.m.to 8:27 a.m.
  • 8:22 a.m. to 8:27 a.m.Alleged incident, per the warrant
Date
Oct. 15
Car on camera
8:11 a.m., condo complex

Sources: The Georgia Sun, WSB-TV

View as table
WhenWhat
8:22 a.m. to 8:27 a.m.Alleged incident, per the warrant
DateOct. 15
Car on camera8:11 a.m., condo complex

If you're following the Cobb County races, here's what the warrant says. Smyrna police arrested Andre Stafford on Oct. 22. He's the Republican nominee for Georgia , and he faces one felony count of child molestation and one misdemeanor count of public indecency.

According to the Cobb County arrest warrant, a man in a gray sedan pulled up beside a girl walking to her school bus stop on Oct. 15, told her she was pretty and exposed himself. Police used license plate cameras to find a gray Kia Forte registered to Stafford, and the girl identified him in a lineup, WSB-TV reported.

A magistrate first denied bond, citing danger to the community. Stafford was released from the Cobb County jail on Oct. 24. Reached by phone, he told the AJC he was innocent but wouldn't comment further.

The case runs from an Oct. 15 incident to the Nov. 3 election

  1. Oct. 15A man in a gray sedan allegedly approaches a girl near her bus stop.
  2. Oct. 22Smyrna police arrest Stafford; a magistrate issues the warrant.
  3. Oct. 24Stafford is released from the Cobb County jail.
  4. Nov. 3Voters decide between Stafford and Rep. Gabriel Sanchez.

Sources: The Georgia Sun, CBS Atlanta

  • Race: Nov. 3 general election, House District 42
  • Incumbent: Democratic Rep. Gabriel Sanchez, first elected in 2024
  • District covers parts of Smyrna and Cobb County

Public Safety

Three people are arrested in an alleged plot to shoot up Cherokee High School

If you have a student in Cherokee County, here's where this stands. Canton police arrested three people in an alleged conspiracy to carry out a shooting at Cherokee High School. Authorities say they've identified no known ongoing threat to Cherokee High or any other Cherokee County school.

Three suspects face charges in the alleged plot

SuspectArrestedCharge
Juvenile, Canton residentOct. 20Conspiracy to commit murder; school disruption
Shane Keith Taylor, 17Oct. 23Conspiracy to commit murder
Michael Brandon Terry, 21Oct. 23Conspiracy to commit murder

Sources: FOX 5 Atlanta, Atlanta News First

The FBI flagged threatening social media posts to school district police, who brought in Canton detectives on Oct. 19, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. 11Alive reported that a tip to the FBI started it. Terry is awaiting transport to Cherokee County, and the investigation remains active.

The case went from school police to three arrests between Oct. 19 and Oct. 23

  1. Oct. 19School district police bring Canton detectives into the case.
  2. Oct. 20Detectives arrest a Canton juvenile on conspiracy and school-disruption charges.
  3. Oct. 22A magistrate issues arrest warrants for two more suspects.
  4. Oct. 23Taylor is arrested in Metter, Georgia, and Terry in Chatsworth, California.

Sources: FOX 5 Atlanta, Atlanta News First

  • Tips: Canton police, 770-720-4883, or tips.fbi.gov
  • Emergencies: call 911
  • Parents: talk with kids about reporting threats immediately

Election 2026

More than 2 million Georgians have voted early, and early voting ends Friday

If you haven't voted yet, early voting ends Friday, Oct. 30. Georgia has passed 2 million in-person early votes, Rough Draft Atlanta reported: 2,016,077 as of just before 8 p.m. Tuesday.

In-person early voting has already topped 2022's total

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

View as table
Value
2022 (15 days)1.6M
2026 so far2M

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says turnout is running five to seven percent higher than in 2022, with one fewer day of early voting. Counting absentee ballots, statewide turnout is 28% with a week to go, Atlanta News First reported.

Statewide turnout matches 2022's pace a week out

28%Statewide turnout, with absentee ballots

Sources: Atlanta News First, Rough Draft Atlanta

View as table
Value
Statewide turnout, with absentee ballots28%
2022, a week out28%

Raffensperger toured Gwinnett County's election operations center Tuesday, promising results before midnight and 20 audits. Justice Department monitors are heading to Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett, CBS Atlanta reported. An Anthropic AI bot pulled public voter statistics without entering the voter registration system, and the state isn't changing how it stores data, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.

  • Early voting ends: Fri., Oct. 30
  • Election Day polls: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tue., Nov. 3
  • Find locations: mvp.sos.ga.gov

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Sports

The Atlanta Dream play Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, trailing 3-⁠2

If you're sneaking away Thursday, the Atlanta Dream play Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena at 12:30 p.m. They trail the Golden State Valkyries 3-2, and a loss ends their season.

The Dream lost Game 4 and play Game 6 at 12:30 p.m. Thursday

  • Golden State Valkyries67
    Atlanta Dream62
    FinalGame 4, Saturday at State Farm Arena
  • Golden State Valkyries
    Atlanta Dream
    Thu., 12:30 p.m.Game 6; the Dream trail the series 3-2

Sources: Atlanta News First, WSB-TV

Game 6 was moved from an 8 p.m. tip to fit around the Hawks' game against Cleveland, which now starts at 8 p.m. It's only the second time two pro games have shared a day at State Farm Arena. Dream ownership called the slot "not what we fought for" in an open letter, Atlanta News First reported, and said it raised schedule concerns two months ago, WSB-TV reported.

State Farm Arena holds 17,000 fans; Gateway Center Arena holds 3,500

Source: Atlanta News First

View as table
Value
Gateway Center Arena3,500
State Farm Arena17,000

Mayor Andre Dickens is asking employers and educators to "extend a little grace" for people cheering the Dream. The team says blue T-shirts will be on every seat.

  • Tip-off: 12:30 p.m. Thursday, with the Hawks at 8 p.m.
  • Giveaways: rally towels for the first 10,000 fans through the doors
  • Game 7, if needed: Chase Center in the Bay Area

Weekend Watch

GDOT expects heavy Halloween weekend traffic, and rain returns Saturday evening

If you're heading out Friday or Saturday, GDOT expects heavy interstate traffic from noon to 8 p.m. both days, so plan for an extra 30 to 45 minutes. On Halloween, Northside Drive and Cobb Parkway should be heavy from 2 to 4 p.m.

Heavy interstate traffic runs noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Metro Atlanta interstates and Northside Drive/Cobb Parkway

Midnight6 a.m.Noon6 p.m.noonto 8 p.m.
  • noon to 8 p.m.Heavy interstate traffic, Fri. and Sat.
  • 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Northside Dr./Cobb Pkwy. heavy, Halloween Day
Extra time
30 to 45 minutes
Dates
Fri., Oct. 30 and Sat., Oct. 31

Sources: Cobb Courier, WNEG Radio

View as table
WhenWhat
noon to 8 p.m.Heavy interstate traffic, Fri. and Sat.
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Northside Dr./Cobb Pkwy. heavy, Halloween Day
Extra time30 to 45 minutes
DatesFri., Oct. 30 and Sat., Oct. 31

The weather helps until Saturday night. Today's breezy and gray with highs near 75, then sunshine and 80-degree warmth return Thursday and Friday, FOX 5 Atlanta's forecast says. Rain returns Halloween evening, and Sunday looks wet with heavy downpours, flood concerns, and temperatures in the 60s. CBS Atlanta also flagged rain for Halloween night.

GDOT asks drivers to reduce their speed in neighborhoods for trick-or-treaters. The Cobb Courier's reprint adds that trick-or-treaters don't always use the crosswalk, so drivers should yield to pedestrians even outside one.

GDOT points to low light and missing crosswalks in pedestrian deaths

More than 80%
of pedestrian deaths happen in low-light or overnight hours
Nearly 95%
of pedestrian deaths happen outside a crosswalk
1 hour
clocks go back at 2 a.m. Sun., Nov. 1

Sources: WNEG Radio, Cobb Courier

  • Wed. and Thu.: afternoon congestion expected 3 to 7 p.m.
  • Route help: .org or the free 511GA app
  • Kids under 13: GDOT advises adult supervision

News Notes

Habitat

Northwest Metro Atlanta Habitat celebrated its 40th anniversary with 172 guests, who were taken back to the 1980s when it first launched its work in Cobb County. East Cobb News

Barbecue

Pitmaster Bryan Furman, back from a nine-month residency in Oregon, is now the "official pitmaster" at Owens & Co. in Smyrna. His new menu starts Nov. 1, and brisket and short ribs are available Friday through Sunday with preorder. Atlanta Magazine

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Cobb County

172guests at Habitat NWMA's 40th anniversary celebration

The evening honored 40 years of grassroots community impact.

Source: East Cobb News

Quoted

Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.

— Jean-Paul Sartre

The Buy

Around Georgia

Insurance

Georgia leaders say more than 40 companies that offer coverage have reported rate decreases. State Rep. Matt Reeves says the savings from 41 companies add up to $500 million for 3.6 million policy holders, and he urges Georgians to shop around. 95.5 WSB

Powerball

The Powerball jackpot is $716 million for tonight's drawing, Telemundo Atlanta reports. The Georgia Lottery said a $1 million ticket from Monday's drawing was sold at the Kroger on Marketplace Parkway in Dawsonville. telemundoatlanta.com

$500 millionin savings from 41 insurers' rate decreases, per Rep. Matt Reeves

Reeves says the savings reach 3.6 million policy holders in Georgia.

Source: 95.5 WSB

Asked

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Today’s puzzles

A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.

All 13 games

Things to Do

Things to Do

Marietta, GA

Wednesday, Oct. 28

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The Wrap

Costume on, because Halloween morning has a plan. Boo at the Zoo adds a special-edition date on Sat., Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park. Expect sweets on Trick or Treat Lane, costumed characters, carnival games, and crafts. Kids under 3 and Zoo Atlanta members get in free. It's looking cloudy with a high of 73, so pack a light layer.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Mother and toddler found dead at Marietta church; early voting ends Friday

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Every source in this edition30 links · 17 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. The Georgia Sunthegeorgiasun.com
  3. CBS Atlantacbsnews.com
  4. WSB-TVwsbtv.com
  5. The Atlanta Journal-Constitutionajc.com
  6. 95.5 WSBwsbradio.com
  7. FOX 5 Atlantafox5atlanta.com
  8. Atlanta News Firstatlantanewsfirst.com
  9. 11Alive.com11alive.com
  10. WSAV-TVwsav.com
  11. Rough Draft Atlantaroughdraftatlanta.com
  12. FOX 5 Atlantafox5atlanta.com
  13. Atlanta News Firstatlantanewsfirst.com
  14. Atlanta News Firstatlantanewsfirst.com
  15. CBS Atlantacbsnews.com
  16. The Atlanta Journal-Constitutionajc.com
  17. Atlanta News Firstatlantanewsfirst.com
  18. WSB-TVwsbtv.com
  19. WSB-TVwsbtv.com
  20. WSB-TVwsbtv.com
  21. FOX 5 Atlantafox5atlanta.com
  22. Cobb Couriercobbcountycourier.com
  23. WNEG Radiownegradio.com
  24. FOX 5 Atlantafox5atlanta.com
  25. CBS Atlantacbsnews.com
  26. East Cobb Newseastcobbnews.com
  27. Atlanta Magazineatlantamagazine.com
  28. 95.5 WSBwsbradio.com
  29. telemundoatlanta.comtelemundoatlanta.com
  30. Marietta events calendarmorningmarietta.com

Past issues

  1. Tues., Nov. 3Georgia polls are open until 7 p.m. today, so bring your photo ID
  2. Mon., Nov. 2Falcons shut out 16-0 by Bucs; Olson, Dubón win Gold Gloves
  3. Sun., Nov. 1Georgia beat Florida 27-8 in the rivalry's first game in Atlanta
  4. Sat., Oct. 31The Oct. 31 edition
  5. Fri., Oct. 30Dream force Game 7 Saturday; early voting ends today
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Morning Mariettato me · Wed., Oct. 286:00 a.m.

Smyrna candidate charged; 2 million Georgians have voted early

Plus, the Dream play Game 6 at 12:30 p.m. Thursday and Halloween weekend traffic looks heavy.

The TLDR

  1. Smyrna police charge the Republican House District 42 candidate
  2. Three people are arrested in an alleged Cherokee High School plot
  3. Georgia tops 2 million early votes; early voting ends Friday
Read this edition

More stories this week

From Morning Marietta’s other editions

All the news
Election DayGeorgia polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, and you need a photo IDIf you haven't voted yet, today's your day. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., and anyone in line by 7 p.m. gets to cast a ballot.Today’s editionRead SportsNickeil Alexander-Walker scores a season-high 34 as the Hawks beat a six-man Pacers teamNickeil Alexander-Walker scored a season-high 34 points Monday night as the Hawks beat the Indiana Pacers 108-104. He shot 12 of 25, and CJ McCollum added 13 points and 11 assists.Today’s editionRead SportsThe Falcons were shut out 16-0 by the Buccaneers in a Tampa downpourIf you caught the Falcons on Sunday, you saw a strange one. The Buccaneers beat Atlanta 16-0 in the rain at Raymond James Stadium, and Baker Mayfield didn't complete a pass. Tampa Bay is the first team to finish with zero completions since Buffalo on Sept. 29, 1974.Monday’s editionRead

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