Road to Williamsport Starts Today

1. We're locked into a pattern of hot days and thunderstorms the rest of the week, the National Weather Service says. There's a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms today and a 40 percent chance tonight. The high will be close to 90, and the overnight low will be around 69. We're also under a Code Orange air-quality alert.

2. The local Little League world descends on Sewell Park this week for two tournaments being hosted by the East Marietta National Little League. In the District 2 tournament for 11- and 12-year-olds, East Marietta and four other teams are competing to take the first step toward the Little League World Series next month in Williamsport, PA. The tournament starts with Milford against Murphey Candler Gold at 6 p.m., followed by East Marietta against Murphey Candler Blue at 8, both on Field 3. Smyrna joins the action Wednesday. You can follow the action, check the standings and see the schedule at this GameChanger website.

3. The second tournament, being played on Sewell Park’s Field 1, is the Northwest Georgia 9-Year-Old Classic. It features East Marietta, Cartersville, Rockmart, Murphey Candler Blue and Murphey Candler Gold. Play starts at 6 p.m. with Cartersville against Murphey Candler Blue; Rockmart plays Murphey Candler Gold at 8. East Marietta’s first game is Wednesday at 6 against Cartersville. Pool play will lead to the championship game Saturday. You can see the full schedule here.

4. Our weekly police blotter runs later today. Come back to East Cobb Patch to see all the local crimes reported in Cobb County police Precinct 4. Meanwhile, you can catch up on two unfortunate police stories from the long weekend: the Sunday in East Cobb and an Monday in Sandy Springs.

5. The Cobb County government and facilities such as libraries are open today after being closed Friday for a furlough day and Monday for the Fourth of July, but the is closed today for one of its furlough days. That doesn’t mean you can take the day off if you’re in summer school, however; summer school is in session.