Kennesaw State students protest losing Black Studies program

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 16th 

Publish Date: May 16th 

 

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Friday, May 16th and Happy Birthday to Pierce Brosnan 

 

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

1. Kennesaw State students protest losing Black Studies program 
2. Cobb Commuter Routes Consolidated, Free Cumberland Loop Cut 
3. Second Annual Paws Fest is May 17-18 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on grass-fed beef 

 

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: TOP TECH MECHANICAL 

STORY 1:   Kennesaw State students protest losing Black Studies program 

Dozens of Kennesaw State University students protested outside the University System of Georgia offices against the termination of KSU's Black Studies degree program, citing it as a setback for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The university attributed the decision to declining enrollment, but critics argue the process lacked transparency and undercounted students. Demonstrators carried signs and chanted slogans emphasizing the importance of diversity. The Board of Regents, which oversees such decisions, has not addressed the issue in its upcoming meeting. DEI programs face increasing opposition at state and federal levels, including legislative efforts in Georgia to defund them.  

STORY 2:  Cobb Commuter Routes Consolidated, Free Cumberland Loop Cut 

Cobb County will eliminate the free Green Circulator bus loop near The Battery and consolidate three commuter routes (100, 101, 102) into the regional 484 Xpress route due to reduced ridership and the failure of a proposed transit tax. Ridership on commuter routes has dropped 81% since 2019, prompting cost-saving measures. The changes will save over $1.1 million annually, with funds redirected to other transit needs, including the 2025 All-Star Game. The county’s deal with ATL adds seven trips to the 484 route, covering most of the same stops, though the Marietta Transfer Center will no longer be included. 

STORY 3:   Second Annual Paws Fest is May 17-18 

The Avenue of West Cobb will host its second annual Paws Fest on May 17-18, featuring exciting DockDogs canine competitions like Big Air Wave, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve. Events begin at 10 a.m. each day, with finals on May 18 at 4:30 p.m. The festival also includes pet-friendly vendors, interactive booths, grooming services, and giveaways, such as doggy ice cream treats from Bark Street Petopia. For details, visit avenuewestcobb.com. 

 

 

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Break: Ingles Markets 6 

STORY 4: