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Community Corner

🌱 DNA Cracks Cold Case Murder, Rapes + Schools' Food For Thought

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Atlanta.

Kathy Cioffi, Community Contributor
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(Patch)

Morning, neighbors! It's me again, Kathy Cioffi, your host of the Atlanta Daily.

First, today's weather:

A thick cloud cover. High: 56 Low: 38.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Atlanta:

  1. Inspired by the Golden State Killer case to use genealogy and DNA profiling to solve the 1995 cold case rape and murder of Nacole Smith and a 2004 East Point sexual assault, Atlanta Police say detectives believe they have identified the man responsible. In 1995, Smith, 14, who went missing as she walked to school, was shot twice in the face after she was brutally assaulted and raped. Nine years later, 13-year-old Betty Brown in East Point was assaulted. Rape kits with DNA samples taken from both Smith's and Brown's cases returned matches to GBI forensic investigators. Then, in 2021, investigators used genealogy and ancestral databases to identify the suspect. "We got word just after Christmas that the GBI forensic lab was able to match his DNA profile to the DNA profile obtained in Nacole's investigation and in the unsolved rape of the victim from East Point," said Atlanta Police Det. Scott Demeester. But Brown, the East Point victim, told reporters Tuesday morning, "It's bittersweet." The suspect, 49-year-old Kevin Arnold, died of liver and kidney failure while in hospice care in August 2021 in Fulton County, having never been charged or arrested for the crimes of which he's accused. (Atlanta Patch)
  2. While students are learning virtually today, Atlanta Public Schools will provide meals to them. Initially, the district planned to reopen school buildings this week, but officials announced Saturday that APS would pivot to online classes instead from Tuesday through Friday. To help families while children are learning remotely, APS will distribute meal kits from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at eight schools. (Free: ReporterNewspapers.net; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  3. Tops on Andre Dickens' agenda after being sworn in as Atlanta's 61st mayor was signing two executive orders renewing the city's emergency measures in response to the pandemic. Monday, Dickens extended Atlanta's mandate requiring people to wear masks in all indoor public spaces, including inside private businesses, according to an order obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He also called for a temporary moratorium on evictions for residents living in properties funded by a variety of entities. "We survived the Olympic Park bombing and we will survive the COVID-19 pandemic," Dickens said. (Free: Westweb.in; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  4. If you're planning to take MARTA, be sure to build in extra time for your trips. As COVID-19 continues to take a toll on staffing, MARTA is canceling some train trips and has already reduced the frequency of service on many bus routes. "Select train trips may be canceled because staffing shortages due to COVID-19," the agency told customers on social media late Monday. "Customers are advised to allow extra time to complete their trips." As of Monday, 1,203 MARTA employees have tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic. And more disruptions may be coming. After record-high COVID caseloads in recent days, Georgia's Department of Public Health didn't publish new case and death information Monday, citing the "overwhelming" volume of data. (Free: Atlanta Patch; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  5. During these chilly winter days when daylight seems scarce, Woodruff Park is sparkling in downtown Atlanta. "PRISM: Winter Lights," now in its third year on display, is an outdoor exhibit curated by the experimental public art company Dashboard and presented by Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. Featuring light installations by national and local artists, the exhibit explores themes of imagination, identity, and the artist's journey through sculptures on the park's main lawn, which are open for free to the public through Jan. 31. (WABE 90.1 FM)

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Today in Atlanta:

  • January Wednesday Crafts, Pick Up Your Take-Home Craft Kit at DeKalb County Public Library (10:00 AM)
  • Preschool Story Time at DeKalb County Public Library (10:30 AM)
  • Learn about Making Authentic Connections at Work via an Online Event (5:00 PM)
  • Stem Wine Bar's January Wine Events: California's Hidden Gems (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Atlanta Public Schools is hosting COVID-19 vaccination events for eligible APS students (ages 5 and older), families, and staff on Saturday, January 8 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. We will be offering first shots, second shots, and boosters! Register today at http://tinyurl.com/apsvax (Facebook)
  • Congratulations Mayor Dickens, City Council President Shipman and new and returning City Council members. We look forward to working together as we build out the Atlanta BeltLine! (Facebook)
  • There's a variety of hidden gems scattered throughout the Atlanta History Center's 33-acre campus. This staff favorite is located on the lower level of Swan House. It's a boar's head soup tureen designed and crafted in China ca. 1780–owned by none other than Swan House architect Philip Shutze. When filled with hot soup, steam would curl out of the boars' nostrils. A party favorite for sure. You can find this dish and its twin on display, along with other standout pieces from Shutze's collection, in the terrace level of Swan House. (Facebook)
  • Are you looking for a spot at an Atlanta Public School charter school for the next school year? Charter school applications for the 2022-2023 school year are now open! Visit ApplyAPSCharter.org to apply! (Facebook)
  • MARTA is now offering a signing bonus up to $3,000. MARTA is hiring bus operators & technicians! Join us for a job fair at MARTA Headquarters on Sat., Jan. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon and become part of our team of #MARTAheroes who keep Atlanta moving. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Kathy Cioffi

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