Good morning, Marietta.

Haro, a 10-month-old male tan/white Labrador Retriever, is available for adoption at Cobb County Animal Services at 1060 Al Bishop Drive.

The shelter advises walk-ins are welcome while appointments (through their online service) help manage visitor flow.

Lights of Life, a 36-year holiday celebration at Life University campus in Marietta, showcases over a million lights (including festive bears, elves, and Santa) and runs through December 31.

The event also features food stands, train rides, and amusement rides that draw families and visitors from near and far.

On Thursday, Cobb lawmakers reviewed varying school district plans for student cell phone use in classrooms in Marietta.

They weighed proposals to balance digital learning with focused instruction as districts plan future policy updates.

On Thursday afternoon, Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and board members discussed a new districtwide cellphone policy in Marietta — raising concerns that a state law may complicate enforcement — as they consider needed adjustments.

Marietta taxpayers should note that the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' introduces tax changes affecting 2025 returns filed this spring, with some provisions applied retroactively and others set to begin Jan.

1 — experts expect more filing extensions as professionals adjust to the new rules.

Marietta's Cobb County Animal Services features Cali (a four-month-old, 4 lb, female calico kitten) now ready for adoption at its shelter on 1060 Al Bishop Drive.

The shelter welcomes appointments for pet visits and assists citizens with lost or stray pets.

In October, Cobb County Tax Assessor data shows home sales in the Sprayberry High attendance zone ranged from $190,000 for 40 Dickson Rd on Oct.

30 to $800,000 for 1585 Blackwell Rd on Oct. 20.

The Braves signed reliever Robert Suarez to a three-year, $45 million deal that pays $13 million for his first season + $16 million for each of the next two seasons, and he will donate 1% of his salary to the Braves Foundation.

Sleighbells on the Square 5K

8-10 a.m. — Marietta Square — Registration fee applies — Embrace the holiday spirit at the 24th Annual Sleighbells on the Square 5K, 1K & Tot Trot.

3 Redneck Tenors: Christmas SPEC-TAC-YULE-AR

7:30-9 p.m. — Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a festive musical celebration with a mix of classic holiday songs and humorous spoofs.

The Nutcracker

2-3 p.m. — Jennie T. Anderson Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Clara's adventure in this enchanting ballet with live music.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

8:45 p.m. — The Wimbish House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed by the Magnolia String Quartet under candlelight.

Georgia Ballet - The Nutcracker

2:00-3:30 p.m. — Jennie T. Anderson Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical winter wonderland with The Nutcracker, featuring stunning choreography and Tchaikovsky’s music.

Holiday Movies at The Strand: It's A Wonderful Life

11:00 a.m. — Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre — Ticket details not provided — Enjoy the heartwarming classic 'It's A Wonderful Life' with popcorn and drinks.

White Elephant Christmas Run

8:30 AM – 2:30 PM — Etowah River Park — Entry fee varies — Celebrate Christmas Eve morning with a fun family-friendly run, sporting your best or ugliest holiday attire.

Homegrown Winter Jam Featuring Funk Cake and Davis & The Love

8-9:30 p.m. — Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the vibrant sounds of Funk Cake and Davis & The Love at this lively winter jam.

Champions - A Celebration of Queen

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience iconic Queen hits including 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Somebody to Love'.