Local Government

A red, white, and blue ballot drop box on a sidewalk outside a building.

Local Government

East Cobb absentee voting proceeds normally after Supreme Court blocks USPS mail ballot restrictions

The U.S. Supreme Court's 7-2 ruling blocking new USPS mail ballot restrictions clears the way for East Cobb voters to request absentee ballots as usual, with the Oct. 23 application deadline approaching and early in-person voting starting Oct. 13.

September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

Local Government

McBath leads National Hazing Awareness Week resolution for fourth consecutive year

East Cobb's U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath introduced a bipartisan congressional resolution for the fourth straight year designating Sept. 21-25 as National Hazing Awareness Week, as colleges prepare for new hazing-reporting requirements under a law she championed.

September 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Crowded government meeting room with rows of blue chairs and many attendees seated and standing.

Local Government

Cobb commissioners push back on proposed written-permission rule for homeless camps

Cobb County commissioners debated but did not vote on a proposed ordinance requiring written property-owner permission for camping, with two public hearings scheduled before a final vote.

September 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Red brick courthouse complex with a prominent clock tower under a clear blue sky.

Local Government

New Georgia law removes party labels from Cobb elections; lawsuits pending

A new Georgia law signed by Gov. Brian Kemp will remove party affiliations from Cobb County's DA, tax commissioner, school board and other local races starting in 2028. Two metro Atlanta district attorneys have filed lawsuits calling the measure unconstitutional, and a Fulton County judge is weighing whether to dismiss one challenge.

September 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Data center, engine room, the battery pack, data center, data center, data center, data center, data center

Local Government

Cobb brings back ADU proposal, introduces first data center rules for October vote

Cobb County commissioners will hear the reintroduced accessory dwelling unit proposal and first-ever data center regulations at a Sept. 22 work session, with public hearings set for October where residents can weigh in before a vote.

September 22, 2026 · 3 min read

Brick exterior of a library in a strip shopping center with signage above the entrance.

Local Government

East Cobb residents invited to weigh in on $1.2 billion SPLOST project list Tuesday

Cobb County is presenting proposed projects for the 2028 SPLOST cycle at a public session Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Marietta. East Cobb projects on the list include a $20 million replacement library and millions more for road, park and intersection work.

September 22, 2026 · 2 min read

Local Government

Cobb planners reject Eastside Church senior-living project 4-0

The Cobb County Planning Commission voted 4-0 on Sept. 1 to recommend denial of Eastside Church's proposed senior-living facility on Lower Roswell Road, citing incompatibility with the surrounding East Cobb neighborhood. The case now goes to the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 20.

September 18, 2026 · 3 min read

Local Government

Cobb double murder case heads to Georgia Supreme Court Dec. 8

The Georgia Supreme Court scheduled Dec. 8 oral arguments on whether convicted Cobb County double-murderer Stacey Humphreys qualifies for a new sentencing hearing under the Survivor Justice Act, keeping his execution on hold months after a last-minute stay.

September 18, 2026 · 2 min read

Local Government

SPLC backs Cobb parents' free speech fight over board meetings

The Southern Poverty Law Center filed a brief Wednesday in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals supporting two Cobb County parents who allege the school district silenced their criticism at a 2023 board meeting by manipulating the public comment sign-up process.

September 17, 2026 · 2 min read

Local Government

Cobb Chamber names county manager McMorris Woman of Distinction

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce named Cobb County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris its 2026 Woman of Distinction at a Monday ceremony, honoring the leader who became the county's first African American woman to hold the post in 2020 and oversees a $1.3 billion budget serving East Cobb and all of unincorporated Cobb.

September 17, 2026 · 2 min read

Solar-powered Flock Safety license plate reader camera mounted on a pole against a partly cloudy sky.

Local Government

Former Acworth, Emerson officer charged in Flock misuse case

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested former Acworth and Emerson police officer Anthony Trapani on Sept. 14 for allegedly misusing the Flock Safety license plate reader system for non-law enforcement purposes, adding to a statewide wave of similar charges.

September 15, 2026 · 2 min read

Brick government building labeled Community Development with an arched entrance and green roof.

Local Government

Eastside Church delays senior-living rezoning to October

Eastside Church's rezoning request for a 103-unit senior-living complex on Lower Roswell Road has been delayed from Tuesday, Sept. 15 to Oct. 20, with the church's attorney saying the site plan will be revised after a 4-0 Planning Commission denial and strong community opposition.

September 15, 2026 · 2 min read