🌱 Federal Trial Over Redistricting In GA + Cobb Co. MHC Anniversary

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 86 Low: 66.

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

1. Down the road, Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson has launched a website and filed initial paperwork to run for the sixth District Congressional seat. Richardson will be holding a kickoff event for her Congressional bid next week, teasing the campaign on social media this week. The new sixth Congressional District—which was redrawn last year by the Republican-dominated Georgia legislature—includes some of East Cobb, North Fulton, and Sandy Springs. (East Cobb News)
2. This week, a federal trial began that could reshape the political landscape in Georgia ahead of next year’s congressional and legislative races. The lawsuit challenges the Georgia U.S. House maps, arguing that they violate the Voting Rights Act and were drawn to dilute minority voting strength The trial is expected to last throughout next week. (Cobb County Courier)
3. The Cobb County Mental Health Court (MHC) celebrated its ten-year anniversary on Friday, Sep. 8. The MHC provides crucial alternatives for individuals whose criminal violations are the result of behavioral factors, recommending treatment, counseling, and a system of supported accountability, rather than by incarceration. The anniversary celebration marked the progress of the organization in helping individuals achieve a crime-free life of mental health and sobriety. (Cobb County Courier)

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

Do you have diabetes and suffer from pain, tingling, and numbness in your hands and feet? Get relief with RealWave ultrasound. Treatment is non-invasive and has been clinically proven effective in reducing the symptoms of diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy. In fact, 89% of their patients have reported improvement in their symptoms within 12 weeks. Call 877-301-3441 or click to book an appointment.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

Saturday, September 9

• Create A Photo Legacy With Print & Digital Photos At Sewell Mill Library And Cultural Center, Marietta (1:00 PM)
• The Year Of Extraordinary Travel Performance At Old Smyrna Firehouse (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Smyrna is hosting a free Document Shredding event today, Sep. 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Click the link for more information. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• The Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting recurring "Lunch on the Lawn" events every other Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. starting on Sep. 13. These free events will be held on the new Village Green Lawn and will feature yard games, music, and a food vendor. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, Smyrna Police Department has a traffic to share with the public. Click the link to learn more. (Smyrna Police Department via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Cub Scout Signing Event (September 9)
• Tacos and Tequila Marietta Square (September 9)
• Cub Scout Signing Event (September 9)
• The Transition Network - Prospective and New Member Dinner (September 13)
• Atlanta Police Department Recruitment Event (September 16)
• CHRIS WILLIS - Man in the Mirror - Dance Music of the 80s (October 7)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll see you soon.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager 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.