MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 23rd
Publish Date: July 23rd
Commercial:
From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, July 23rd and Happy Birthday to Slash
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
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 5
STORY 1: Whataburger opens first Acworth location
Whataburger opened its first Acworth location on Cobb Parkway Northwest, marking the 20th Georgia location and fourth in Cobb County. Mayor Tommy Allegood welcomed the franchise during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating its investment in the community. Known for fresh, customizable burgers and popular items like the Patty Melt and breakfast taquitos, Whataburger aims to stand out with quality ingredients. The grand opening treated the first 100 customers to free food and swag. Regional leaders announced plans for further expansion in Georgia, including a Marietta location, as the brand approaches its 75th anniversary in 2025.
STORY 2: Smyrna ice cream business issues recall for listeria contamination
Smyrna-based Paleteria La Providencia has voluntarily recalled three popsicle flavors—Coconut, Cookies and Cream, and Coffee—due to potential listeria contamination. The affected products, with date codes of 6/17/25 and 6/11/25, were sold via mobile carts and Atlanta-area stores. Listeria can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable groups, and may lead to miscarriages in pregnant women. While no illnesses have been reported, consumers experiencing symptoms are urged to contact the Georgia Department of Public Health. Authorities are working to trace the distribution of the contaminated products.
STORY 3: Mableton approves EV fleet purchases
The Mableton City Council approved the purchase of 11 all-electric Ford vehicles, including 10 Lightning Trucks and 1 Mach E, for up to $470,425 from fiscal 2026 capital funds. The vehicles will address staff shortages and support city departments like code enforcement. Special Projects Manager Xavier Ross highlighted the phased purchase approach and potential grant opportunities tied to the EV investment. Mayor Michael Owens praised Wade Ford for offering discounted prices below market and state contract rates. Additionally, the council approved a rezoning request for TKHC Ministries to build a church and held a public hearing on issuing city alcohol licenses, with no action taken.
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: INGLES 5
STORY 4: Cobb eyes funding for microtransit pilot in Acworth, Kennesaw
The Cobb County Board of Commissioners is considering expanding its successful CobbLinc Go microtransit program to Acworth and Kennesaw, targeting areas like Kennesaw State University and Town Center. The $6.4 million pilot would be funded primarily through state grants, with a local match to boost competitiveness. The service, modeled after the south Cobb pilot, offers flexible, curb-to-curb rides for $2.50. While some commissioners support the program for its potential to reduce congestion and serve nontraditional students, others question its necessity given existing transit options. The board will vote on applying for grant funding, with final approval pending project selection.
STORY 5: KSU student's research aims to create more confident math teachers
Kennesaw State University senior Summer Funk is researching math anxiety among preservice teachers through the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, inspired by her own struggles with algebra. Under the mentorship of Professor Paula Guerra, Funk is surveying education students to understand their experiences with math anxiety and its impact. Early findings reveal that all participants recognize math anxiety as common among future teachers. Funk hopes her research will lead to curriculum changes that address and mitigate this issue, ultimately fostering more confident math educators. This project marks a significant milestone in her academic journey.
Break:
STORY 6: Great Southeast Pollinator Census – Citizen Science at Work webinar is Aug. 12
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County will host a free virtual webinar, “Great Southeast Pollinator Census – Citizen Science at Work,” on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m., led by UGA Extension’s Becky Griffin. The webinar will explore pollinator ecology and encourage participation in the 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census on Aug. 22-23. The census will take place at various gardens in Marietta and Roswell, offering opportunities for individuals to contribute to pollinator research. For details, registration, and participation, visit the event’s website.
STORY 7: Anesthesiologist Arrested Over Operating Room Drug
Ariana Nicole Lyons, a 33-year-old anesthesiologist from Smyrna, was arrested on July 7 for allegedly possessing 10 vials of Drprivan Propofol, a controlled substance valued at $100 each, outside its authorized area at Wellstar Vinings Health Park. According to an arrest warrant, the drug is restricted to operating rooms. Lyons faces charges of theft and possession. She was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and released on July 9 on a $2,000 bond.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: INGLES 5
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 Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.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.