The late Congressman John Lewis is on the lips of the country today, March 7, as we recognize the 56th anniversary of the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. During an ugly moment in our history that became known as “Bloody Sunday” Lewis, along with other civil rights marchers, were beaten and arrested by law enforcement officers who forbid them from crossing the bridge. We commemorate today and honor Congressman Lewis by continuing the work that he started.

Following a more than 25-hour marathon of amendment votes, President Joe Biden’s signature $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief bill passed the Senate 50-49 on Saturday. It is headed back to the House for a vote.

The long debated minimum wage hike to $15, which would have benefited many in our community, is dead on arrival as Democrats in Congress had no path forward on the issue. Because of its controversy, it was removed from the proposed Covid-19 Relief Package.

In the U.S. House, Democratic priorities related to a sweeping voting rights measure and policing laws passed this week. As expected, the votes fell closely along party lines - all six Georgia Democrats voted for the proposals and the eight Georgia Republicans all opposed. The future of both bills is uncertain as it heads to the U. S. Senate.

In his criticism of the $1.9 trillion dollar stimulus package, Gov. Kemp said Georgia is being shortchanged. U. S. Senator Raphael Warnock responded to he Kemp on social media acknowledging his (Warnocks) support for the package. "For months now Georgia cities and towns have been waiting for robust relief that's crucial to keeping essential workers on the job and supporting vital community services - critical relief that wasn't possible before January 20th," said Warnock.

Governor Kemp is keeping Georgia on course in fighting the spread of the COVID-19 virus and will not follow the path of fellow Republican Governors in other states who are rolling back pandemic guidelines. Said Kemp, “We can’t let our guard down.”

At the Georgia Capitol, a sweeping elections bill - which Democrats say will reduce voter turnout while Republicans say it is needed to restore trust - has passed in the GA House along party lines and is on its way to the Senate. Included in the bill: reduced voting hours and limited weekend voting as well as ID requirements and drop box restrictions. 

LeBron James and the NBA are teaming up with voting rights organization to target voter suppression during the league’s All-Star Game this weekend in Atlanta. This comes amid a brutal political fight in the state Legislature over sweeping measures that would restrict ballot access. More Than A Vote, the group launched by James, is partnering with the NBA, the NBA Players Association and the state chapter of the NAACP to draw attention to attempts in Georgia and other battleground states to roll back voting rights.

Cobb Solicitor General Barry Morgan has announced that he will retire and not run for re-election when his term ends in December 2022. Powder Springs resident and Chief Assistant Solicitor Chris Lanning, a Democrat, has already announced his plans to run to succeed him.

Marietta Councilman Andy Morris has a challenger for his seat on the council. Businessman Ted Ferreira has announced his plans to run.

Cobb D.A. Flynn Brody is said to be reviewing Cobb schools’ purchase of $12M in UV lights and hand-rinsing stations at the district’s elementary schools because of the use of a company whose employee had been indicted for bid rigging in another state.

The South Cobb Library will join others in the county in resuming operations - with limited services - on Monday, March 8th. Hours of operations are Mondays, 10 am to 8 pm and Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 am to 6 pm.

Biscuits and Burgers, located at 3120 South Cobb Drive in Smyrna is open and serving homestyle Southern comfort food to the community. The restaurant had its official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Among the crowd participating in the opening were Smyrna city officials, police officers, firefighters, local American Legion veterans and their families.

If you or a loved one drives the ever-popular RAV4 automobile, be aware that these cars are being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for battery fires coming from the engine compartment. Models are fourth generations built between 2013 and 2018.

Until next time, enjoy your TEA...

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