🌱 School Board Fires Marietta Teacher + X-Ray Tech At Superior Court

Hi there, Marietta! I'm here in your inbox this warm morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Sunny much of the time. High: 88 Low: 67.
• Sunday: Sunny and hot. High: 92 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. The Cobb County School Board voted on Thursday to fire Marietta teacher Katie Rinderle over her decision to read a book about gender fluidity to her fifth-grade students. This decision follows a tribunal hearing which found that Rinderle did violate the state's new divisive concepts law, although the tribunal recommended that Rinderle be able to keep her job. Superintendent Chris Ragsdale had recommended that Rinderle's employment be terminated, although he acknowledged that legal advocates say Georgia's new law contradicts the U.S. Constitution. (WSB TV)
2. The Cobb County Superior Courthouse is increasing security with X-ray technology. Newly installed X-ray scanners similar to those used in airports by the TSA can detect items like firearms and weapons. The scanners utilize artificial intelligence and multiple cameras to deliver enhanced images to the machine's operators. Cobb County is the first county in the country to utilize this technology outside of the TSA. (11 Alive)
3. The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre has announced a Sweet 16 Community Day & Open House Celebration to mark the facility's sixteenth anniversary. The free, family-friendly event will take place on Sunday, Aug. 27 from 12:00-5:00 p.m. There will be performances by the Atlanta Opera, the Atlanta Ballet, and ArtsBridge Foundation students. The event will also feature food trucks, activities, building tours, and more. (East Cobber)

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Today and tomorrow in Marietta:

Saturday, August 19

• Pop-In For Family Fun: Bugs & Flowers At Marietta History Center (10:00 AM)
• Live Music: Apollo Gott At The Still On The Square (6:00 PM)

Sunday, August 20

• Jazz In The Patch With Trey Wright & Karla Harris At Mount Zion UMC (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Marietta Center for Advanced Academics has received a grant from the Whole Kids Foundation to support its school garden. The funds will allow the garden to continue and expand. (Marietta City Schools via Facebook)
• The Marietta Police Department has shared some helpful tips to avoid being the victim of a home repair scam. If you need home repairs, the department advises that you contact your homeowner's insurance to determine coverage, then ask friends and family for trusted referrals. The department also suggests getting quotes from at least three different contractors. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• The City of Marietta is hiring! Positions with the city offer higher pay than similar positions with the county government. Click here to learn more and view current openings. (City of Marietta, Ga., Government via Facebook)

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• Aura Reading + Chakra Balancing (August 19)
• Wednesday Wind Down In the Point (August 23)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all soon for your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.