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Apr 2025
11m 52s

KSU President Addresses Graduation Rates...

BG Podcast Network
About this episode

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for April 4th 

Publish Date:  April 4th 

   

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Friday, April 4th and Happy Birthday to Robert Downey Jr. 

 

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

  1. KSU President Addresses Graduation Rates, Growth and DEI 
  2. Rhett's Bill Helping Reintegrate Inmates headed to Kemp's Desk 
  3. OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — April 4 - 6 

 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oils 

 

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: MONSTER JAM 

STORY 1:   KSU President Addresses Graduation Rates, Growth and DEI 

Kennesaw State University President Dr. Kathy Schwaig is focused on improving graduation rates and enhancing student experiences as the university continues its rapid growth, now nearing 48,000 students. Key initiatives include expanding on-campus housing, such as the new $50M Summit II residence hall, and addressing infrastructure challenges like parking. KSU’s new strategic plan, "Taking Flight," emphasizes student success, research, and community engagement. Recent projects include a $60M STEM building and a robotics facility. Schwaig also highlighted efforts to support student organizations and adapt to changes in diversity policies, aiming to foster a supportive and engaging campus environment. 

STORY 2:  Rhett's Bill Helping Reintegrate Inmates headed to Kemp's Desk 

Georgia Senate Bill 147, authored by Sen. Michael “Doc” Rhett, aims to ease reintegration for former inmates by requiring state correctional institutions to provide key documents like birth certificates, social security cards, work records, and vocational certifications upon request. The bill, unanimously passed and awaiting Gov. Kemp’s signature, seeks to reduce barriers to employment and lower Georgia’s 27% recidivism rate. Rhett, inspired by his work in homeless shelters, emphasized empowering individuals to reenter society successfully. This builds on prior legislation helping inmates obtain work records and driver’s licenses, further supporting their transition to becoming contributing citizens. 

STORY 3:   OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — April 4 - 6 

This weekend in Atlanta is packed with events! The Braves kick off their 2025 home opener at Truist Park against the Marlins, featuring the Braves Walk, fireworks, giveaways, and kids' activities. Downtown Acworth hosts the Art Fest with artisan crafts, food, and a kid zone. The ATL Blues Festival at Cobb Energy Centre showcases top blues artists Sunday evening. Kennesaw’s Bunny Breakfast offers a family-friendly Easter celebration with pancakes and photo ops. For laughs, Comedy on the Square hits Marietta Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss out—tickets for many events are selling fast! 

 

 

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Break: Ingles Markets 4 

STORY 4:  Parade Cancelled for 49th Annual Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival 

The 49th annual Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival will take place April 12-13 in downtown Kennesaw, though the kickoff parade has been canceled due to low participation. The free, family-friendly event features over 200 craft booths, the Georgia Grown Member Village, and a Kid’s Zone. Entertainment includes the Ready Go Dog Show, acoustic music, puppetry performances, and live music by Scott Thompson near the Food Court, which will also stream the Masters Golf Tournament. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History anchors the festival, showcasing local history. 

STORY 5:    26th Annual Wellstar Grand Gala Raises $1.25M for Women’s Health 

 The 26th Annual Wellstar Grand Gala raised $1.25 million to advance women’s health services, addressing disparities in maternal and cancer care. Held at The St. Regis Atlanta, the sold-out event featured 600 attendees, including Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins. Highlights included Wellstar’s Doula Program, improving maternal outcomes, and the Healthy Start initiative, bridging care gaps in rural Georgia. Dr. Michael Andrews received the Philanthropist of the Year award for his oncology advancements, while Jose “Mario” Castillo was honored as Caregiver of the Year for his dedication during Hurricane Helene. Proceeds will support Wellstar’s mission to improve women’s health outcomes. 

 

Break: MONSTER JAM 

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oils  

 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: MONSTER JAM  

 

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 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. 

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