🌱 Court Rules On Roswell Free Speech Lawsuit + Zapata Resigns

Morning, neighbors! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Daily. Follow along for everything you need to know about what's going on these days in town.

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First, today's weather:

A couple of t-storms; humid. High: 86 Low: 71.

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Here are the top five stories today in Roswell:

1. Yesterday, Jun. 29, the Eleventh Circuit ruled that former Roswell police sergeant Silvia Cotriss' free speech retaliation lawsuit was improperly dismissed. Cotriss was fired for flying Confederate battle flags outside her home for over a year. A jury determined that her termination did not violate the First Amendment. (Bloomberg Law)
2. City of Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson issued an official statement in regards to Councilmember Marcelo Zapata. The council received a notice of resignation from Councilman Zapata and his family, stating Zapata resigns from his duties as a Councilmember. On the council's Jul. 11 meeting, the Mayor and City Council will vote to add the election of a new Councilmember to the November 2022 ballot. (Press Release Desk)
3. This week, attorneys moved to stop subpoenas for Georgia state legislators in the Fulton County special grand jury, citing state constitutional privilege and immunity clauses for the lawmakers. The grand jury is looking at former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results; it is unclear how many members of the Georgia General Assembly have been subpoenaed. (11 Alive)
4. Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis wants Fulton County to be 'a safe haven' for LGBTQ+ victims of crime. Last week, agencies from all over Fulton County and the LGBTQ+ community gathered for the second annual LGBTQ+ crime victims vigil at the Central Library. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
5. Looking for a new home in the Roswell area? Patch, with data from Redin, has compiled a list of upcoming open houses. View the link to see showings in your area on Saturday, Jul. 2, and Sunday, Jul. 3. (Roswell Patch)

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Today in Roswell:

• Minions: The Rise of Gru At Aurora Cineplex (2:00 PM)
• Sweet Apple Farmers and Artisans Market At World Harvest Church (2:00 PM)
• 3rd International Tree Plantation Day At Roswell (5:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Roswell Police Department warns residents about a local resurgence of a common scam in the last few days. The scammers try to get money or gift cards by claiming to represent a local police department or sheriff's office on the phone. The RPD says that no government official is going to solicit for money over the phone, and absolutely no one is settling arrest warrants with seven iTunes gift cards! Please end the calls before providing any identifying information or money. (Facebook)
• Roswell High School Football congratulates Patrick! He is now part of the Hornet family! (Facebook)
• On Friday, Jul. 1, Paw Patrol the Movie will be playing at Aurora Cineplex! View the link for more information. (Roswell Patch)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another 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.