Federal judge: Redistricting case focuses on Black voters

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Dec 22nd         

Publish Date:  Dec 21st      

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From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. 

Today is Friday, December 22nd and Happy Birthday to Robin and Maurice Gibbs from the Bee Gees.

***12.22.23 - BIRTHDAY - BEE GEES***  

I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia

Federal judge: Redistricting case focuses on Black voters
Kansas City Woman Dead After Crash in Northeast Cobb
9: Congressional and General Assembly Maps Shake Up Cobb

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: ESOG

STORY 1: Federal judge: Redistricting case focuses on Black voters

A federal judge, Steve Jones, expressed reluctance to entertain challenges against new congressional and legislative maps drawn by Georgia's Republican-majority General Assembly. The case, primarily focused on the rights of Black voters, questioned the protection of "coalition" districts where Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters collectively influence outcomes. Despite concerns about changes, Judge Jones noted the absence of evidence regarding Asian and Hispanic voting behavior in the trial. The judge hinted at a forthcoming decision to meet a mid-January deadline for the 2024 elections, emphasizing the need to avoid addressing new alleged violations within a constrained timeframe.

STORY 2: Kansas City Woman Dead After Crash in Northeast Cobb

A fatal crash near Lake Allatoona in northeast Cobb resulted in the death of Angela Smith from Kansas City, Kansas, and left three others seriously injured. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Monday when a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Curtis Johnson collided with a Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Samaria Nelson. The Hyundai, turning onto Black Acre Trail from Cobb Parkway, entered the path of the oncoming Jeep, leading to a collision that caused the Hyundai to overturn. Angela Smith, along with Jimmy Smith, Monique Smith, and Nelson, sustained serious injuries and were transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where Angela Smith succumbed to her injuries. Johnson reported an injury but did not require hospitalization.

STORY 3: No. 9: Congressional and General Assembly Maps Shake Up Cobb

In response to a federal judge's ruling that Georgia's GOP-drawn congressional maps violated the Voting Rights Act, proposed new maps aim to create majority-Black districts, reshaping the 6th and 7th Congressional Districts. The 6th, currently represented by Republican Rich McCormick, would become majority-Black, while the 7th would shift to majority-white and Republican-leaning. Republicans seek compliance with the judge's order while maintaining a 9-5 Republican-Democrat split in the delegation. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones, focused on Black voters' rights, may not consider other minorities' impacts before a mid-January decision. The proposed state legislative maps increase Cobb County's representation, potentially leading to primary battles. Cobb's Senate delegation would see changes, maintaining a majority-Democratic composition.

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Break:  CU of GA – DRAKE  

STORY 4: Smyrna Committee Approves Statue Design of Fanny Williams

The final design for a statue honoring civil rights activist Fanny Williams, the namesake of the controversial Aunt Fanny’s Cabin restaurant in Smyrna, was unanimously approved by the city’s Committee to Honor Fanny Williams. The statue, expected to be completed by March, was designed by a North Carolina-based team led by David Wilson. The $125,000 memorial, to be located in front of Smyrna’s history museum, features a life-size statue of Williams holding a shovel against a perforated metal backdrop depicting nurses from Georgia's first Black hospital, which Williams helped open in the 1940s. The design underwent changes to accurately reflect Williams’ image and historical significance. The restaurant, known for exploiting Williams' legacy, closed in 1992 and was demolished in 2022, sparking community debates about preserving history. The approved statue design is hailed for its improved representation and connection with the community.

STORY 5: Cobb Approves Guthrie's Drive-Thru in East Cobb

The Cobb Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Guthrie’s request to open a drive-thru-only restaurant at the Johnson Ferry and Lower Roswell roads intersection in east Cobb. Despite concerns from the East Cobb Civic Association regarding traffic and operating hours, the commission approved the restaurant based on completed traffic studies indicating acceptable driveway performance. The civic association sought clarity on operating hours, expressing concerns about late-night operation. Guthrie’s attorney assured commissioners that hours would align with typical lunch and dinner times, extending from around 6 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m., covering the necessary prep and closing times. The decision faced debate over singling out Guthrie’s for specific hours compared to other nearby fast-food establishments.

We’ll be back in a moment 

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STORY 6: Bus Vouchers and Rides to MUST Warming Shelter Now Available

Cobb County has unveiled details regarding bus vouchers and pickup locations for individuals in need of transportation to the MUST Ministries homeless shelter during the winter. The announcement follows the Cobb Board of Commissioners' approval of a $108,000 agreement with MUST Ministries to support Cobb residents at the new Hope House shelter on 1297 Bells Ferry Road. The pickup location is Reflections of Trinity at 4037 Austell-Powder Springs Road, with pickups scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Bus vouchers can be obtained from three locations: HOPE Family Resource Center, Family Life Restoration Center, and Bethany United Methodist Church. The program may expand pickup locations and voucher distribution as it progresses.

STORY 7: East Cobb Quilters’ Guild Provided Special Holiday Gifts for Veterans

The East Cobb Quilters’ Guild, known for its extensive community service, has contributed to various charities by creating quilts, placemats, Beads of Courage bags, and pillowcases. In a special initiative this year, patriotic-themed placemats were crafted and donated to Cobb County Senior Services for their annual Veteran’s Christmas Luncheon. The heartfelt gesture left veterans deeply touched. In 2023, the Guild donated a remarkable total of 2,430 items to local organizations, a nearly 100% increase from the previous year. Recipients included Cobb County DFCS, Ryan’s Case for Smiles, Cobb County Meals on Wheels, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, which received 825 Beads of Courage bags for patients dealing with serious illnesses.

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Signoff-  

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