🌱 Appeals Court Rules On Cobb Co. Lawsuit + Ex-Officer Indicted

Hi all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Daily — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy with a stray shower. High: 41 Low: 36.

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Here are the top three stories in Smyrna-Vinings today:

1. The Eleventh Circuit appeals court reversed a lower court's decision regarding a request to reinstate COVID-19 mitigation strategies at Cobb County schools. The lawsuit was brought about on behalf of students with disabilities in the district. The ruling remands the lawsuit back to the District Court for reevaluation. (Cobb County Courier)
2. Fulton County prosecutors indicted a former Atlanta Police Department officer for a fatal shooting that killed a man from nearby Fulton County in 2019. The family of the man killed demonstrated outside the Fulton County courthouse in reaction to the indictment. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. It’s the last week before Christmas, which means it's the perfect time to check out all the amazing light displays around Smyrna! Check out the Smyrna Bright Nights interactive map of light displays around town. You can either spread your own neighborhood cheer and add your home to the interactive map, or use the map to plan a night of bright lights. (City of Smyrna, Georgia)

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

• Connection Pros Business Networking Event At Keller Williams Reality Cityside (7:00 AM)
• Christmas Carnival Pop-Up Toy Give Away At Midtown Collective Atlanta (3:00 PM)
• Santa House At Taylor-Brawner House (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Cobb County is looking for your feedback! The county is working on its five-year plan to guide the local government's priorities, and they want you to tell them what you think are the most important issues in the county. Add your input by taking the online survey. (Cobb County Government via Facebook)
• As the new year starts, so do a few new Georgia laws that were recently signed by Gov. Brian Kemp. Take a look at this list of new laws set to go into effect Jan. 1, including an increase tax credit limit for rural hospitals, a new food truck permit law, and a streamlined public utilities law. (11Alive.com WXIA)
• Zoo Atlanta announced that it will be involved in five 2023 international conservation programs targeted at protecting at-risk species around the world. The programs are located in Africa and Asia and are funded by annual grants to Zoo Atlanta. (SaportaReport)

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• Mableton city council and mayor elections March 21st (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.