MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 30th
Publish Date: July 30th
Commercial:
From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, July 30th and Happy Birthday to Arnold Schwarzenegger
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 7
STORY 1: New bagel shop offers a steamed twist near Marietta Square
Sully’s Steamers has opened its first metro Atlanta location near Marietta Square, offering steamed bagel sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Known for their “always steamed, never toasted” approach, the bagels are steamed twice for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Popular menu items include The Griswold, featuring turkey, bacon, and barbecue sauce, and the Nacho Maximus, topped with nacho cheese Doritos. Co-owned by Sophie Balas and her parents, the family aims to bring this unique concept, originally founded in South Carolina, to the Marietta community. Sully’s is open daily, serving a variety of bagel flavors and creative sandwiches.
STORY 2: Marietta kindergartners get first taste of school bus life
Marietta’s annual "Ready, Set, Ride" event gave first-time bus riders a practice run before the school year begins. Over 100 students participated, preparing for the return of 8,500 students across 12 campuses, with 5,800 riding buses. Bus driver Cathy Wells decorated her bus with positive messages, calling it an extension of the classroom. She emphasized safety rules, reminding kids to sit properly. Kindergartener Waverly Andrews experienced her first bus ride with excitement, while fifth-grader Giovanna Ricciardi guided her younger brother Nico, ensuring a smooth start to the school year.
STORY 3: Fake Romeos used Facebook, Instagram and other platforms in scheme to swindle women
Kenneth G. Akpieyi, a Georgia man, was convicted in Louisiana for his role in a $3 million romance scam targeting women online. Using social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Akpieyi and others lured victims into fake relationships, later requesting money for fraudulent causes via encrypted apps like WhatsApp. Akpieyi, operating under the alias Phillip Anderson, funneled funds through his company, KGA Autobrokers LLC, to accounts in China and the UAE. He faces up to 40 years in prison and significant fines, with sentencing set for Nov. 5.
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 7
STORY 4: Keegan’s Irish Pub brings Irish flavor to downtown Acworth
Keegan’s Irish Pub has opened its second location on Main Street in Acworth, offering a cozy Irish atmosphere with traditional fare like shepherd’s pie and its bestselling Reuben spring rolls. Owner Pete McCaffery, who also runs a Kennesaw location, emphasizes hands-on management, doing everything from cooking to serving. The pub, adorned with Irish flag colors, has quickly become a local favorite, with patrons praising its authentic vibe, great food, and friendly environment. McCaffery envisions it as a welcoming spot for families and friends to gather, eat, and enjoy soccer.
STORY 5: Three Cobb educators named 2025 Teachers of the Year
Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale surprised staff at three schools to announce the district’s Teachers of the Year: Caleb Garrett (Compton Elementary), Lakeisha Grange (Betty Gray Middle), and Amanda Dillard (Pope High). Each teacher, selected by colleagues, was praised for their dedication and impact on students. They received a pin, crystal award, and a free one-year car lease, with the district winner earning the car permanently. Garrett, a fourth-year teacher, called it a “full circle moment,” while Grange emphasized building lasting relationships with students. Dillard, a special education teacher, highlighted helping students find their passion.
Break:
STORY 6: Sewell Mill Library Knit and Stitch meets Aug. 6
Knit and Stitch, a monthly meetup for adults to work on crafts like knitting, crochet, embroidery, or cross-stitch, takes place at 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Sewell Mill Library in Marietta. Participants must bring their own supplies, as no materials are provided. The event is not instructional and requires no registration. For details, call 770-509-4987 or visit cobbcat.org/library.
STORY 7: Sheriff Owens calls for unity at 34th annual shrimp boil in Cobb
The Cobb County Sheriff’s 34th annual Low Country Shrimp Boilin’ drew 400 attendees to Jim Miller Park. Sheriff Craig Owens continued the tradition, emphasizing it as a community event, not political. Guests enjoyed shrimp, live music, and family activities, with proceeds supporting Owens’ reelection and community programs like backpack drives and holiday donations. Owens, Cobb’s first African-American sheriff, highlighted unity and equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. Local officials and community members praised Owens’ leadership and dedication to Cobb County.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: INGLES 7
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.