Lassiter Grad Knows She Can Dance

1. Expect intense heat today, the National Weather Service says, leading to a 20 percent chance of scattered but severe thunderstorms this afternoon. It will be sunny with a high of about 94. Overnight, the low will be around 72.

2. We’re still stunned at Tuesday’s news that state Rep. Bobby Franklin of Northeast Cobb is dead. We’re also reeling at the wrath people have unleashed at Franklin now that he can’t defend himself. Whatever you thought of Franklin and his politics, have some respect for the feelings of those mourning him if you post a comment on the article.

3. If you went to sleep early Tuesday night, you’re waking up to a higher property tax rate. While the on the school system’s millage rate Tuesday afternoon, the Cobb Board of Commissioners heard from about 50 speakers before voting 3-2 to raise the overall county rate to 11.11 mills. That’s about $105 more if your house has a market value of $200,000. Relive the . Northeast Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell explained her long, careful consideration of the proposal, including praying, and decided she couldn’t support raising the rate for the general fund or the debt service fund. She and East Cobb’s Bob Ott voted no.

4. School registration for new pupils starts this morning at Cobb County elementary schools. Check with your local school (listings are in our Places directory) for specific times and requirements.

5. If it’s Wednesday, it must be So You Think You Can Dance? night, which means the whole nation can watch 2010 grad Melanie Moore show her moves as part of the final eight. The Marietta Daily Journal has more about Moore, and you can get to know all about her from the attached YouTube clips. Plus, you can watch her yourself at 8 p.m. on Fox 5.