Cobb Contributes $100k for MUST Ministries’ Cooling Center

Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 14th

Publish Date:  May 14th

  

Commercial: NASHVILLE GREEK FESTIVAL

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

 

Today is Wednesday, May 14th and Happy Birthday to George Lucas.

***05.14.25 - BIRTHDAY – GEORGE LUCAS***

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

1. Cobb Contributes $100k for MUST Ministries’ Cooling Center
2. 18-year-old Charged with Bringing Knife to Marietta High
3. Atlanta Braves to Honor USHER with Bobblehead

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: TIDWELL TREES_FINAL

STORY 1: Cobb Contributes $100k for MUST Ministries’ Cooling Center

Cobb County commissioners voted 3-2 to allocate $108,000 to MUST Ministries for its summer cooling center, providing refuge for the homeless on days over 90°F. The funding covers food, supplies, security, and bus vouchers, with hotel stays for overflow. While Democrats supported the initiative as a proactive measure to prevent heat-related deaths, Republicans opposed it, citing concerns about government funding for nonprofits and favoritism. Chairwoman Lisa Cupid defended the decision, emphasizing the county’s responsibility to address homelessness compassionately. The funds come from Cobb’s Emergency Management budget, which also supports other emergencies like fire displacement.

STORY 2: 18-year-old Charged with Bringing Knife to Marietta High

Mikaya Kameron Thompson, 18, was arrested on May 2 for bringing a 6-inch Kunai knife to Marietta High School. Charged with carrying weapons in a school safety zone, she was taken into custody at 8 a.m. and remains in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center without bond.

STORY 3: Atlanta Braves to Honor USHER with Bobblehead

The Atlanta Braves will honor GRAMMY-winning artist Usher on June 18 at Truist Park. The first 15,000 fans will receive an exclusive Usher bobblehead featuring the iconic “Peace Up, A-Town” gesture. Pre-game celebrations in The Battery Atlanta include live music with a DJ playing Usher’s hits and a themed food truck offering dishes inspired by his songs. Usher also collaborated on a co-branded merchandise collection, available at the Braves Clubhouse Store starting that day. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the festivities.

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Break: INGLES 5

STORY 4: Atlanta Man Charged with Damaging Safe at Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Amari Diallo of Atlanta is accused of using a power hose to damage a $20,000 safe at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in the Cumberland area before quitting his job on May 3. The safe was rendered inoperable, according to the manager. Diallo faces a second-degree criminal damage charge but does not appear in jail records.

STORY 5: 1885 Grill Named Cobb County's Small Business of the Year

1885 Grill in Acworth was named Cobb County's 2025 Small Business of the Year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Owner Michael Schroeder was recognized for overcoming challenges in the hospitality industry, opening during the pandemic and expanding to a second location in Kennesaw. Other awards included FruiTea Bubbles Café as Minority-Owned Business of the Year, The Music Studio Atlanta as Woman-Owned Business of the Year, and Essayon Construction Group as Veteran-Owned Business of the Year. The chamber also celebrated its Top 25 Small Businesses, highlighting their innovation, growth, and community contributions.

Break: TIDWELL TREES_FINAL

STORY 6: Mableton Man Charged with Attempted Kidnapping at School Bus Stop

Seron Kennedy, 39, of Mableton, was arrested for attempting to kidnap a 12-year-old girl at a bus stop in Austell on May 5. The girl reported the incident to a school counselor, leading to a forensic interview where she provided a detailed description of Kennedy and his vehicle. Police located and arrested Kennedy, charging him with attempted kidnapping. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact Cobb Police's Crimes Against Children Unit. Parents are encouraged to discuss safety with their children, teach safety procedures, stay vigilant, and report suspicious activity.

STORY 7: Marietta Student Among 2025 Graduates Recognized by WKU Academic Colleges

Western Kentucky University recently celebrated its spring and summer 2025 graduates from its five academic colleges. Among the honorees was Shannon Maloney of Marietta, a dance major and Scholar of the Potter College of Arts & Letters. Maloney is also a member of the Mahurin Honors College.

We’ll have closing comments after this.

Break: TOP TECH_FINAL

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

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