Tuesday takeaways
Jan. 14 — The Georgia General Assembly gaveled in Monday for the first day of a 40-day session and immediately introduced anti-trans legislation and revived a probe of Fulton DA Fani Willis. Gov. Brian Kemp said he would seek $50 million to improve school security.
☀️ Sunny and 45° today.
🍳 Over 2,500 state leaders are expected at the Georgia Chamber’s annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast this morning. Featured speakers include Gov. Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Speaker of the House Jon Burns, and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
💵 Sandy Springs City Council approved the qualifying fees for its 2025 Municipal Elections scheduled for Nov. 4.
🛑 Macy’s is closing three more Georgia stores: Gwinnett Place Mall, Johns Creek Town Center, and its furniture store on Ventura Parkway in Duluth.
👪 WalletHub reported that Georgia ranked as the 40th-best state in the country to raise a family.
🏀 Georgia’s men’s basketball team cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2011, landing at No. 23. The Bulldogs face top-ranked Auburn on Saturday.
ELSEWHERE
🇮🇱🇵🇸 Negotiators in Qatar say a deal for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is “very close.” The proposal would include hostage releases and phased Israeli troop withdrawal. Get live updates here.
🏛️ Senate hearings for President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks begin today.
⚖️ Special Counsel Jack Smith released his final report on the 2020 election investigation.
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Guide to MLK Jr. Day
• Perspectives in Architecture
• Jewish Fertility Foundation
• Around the State: GPB
AND
• Volunteer Opportunities
Have a good day,
Collin & Sammie
✅ For 70 years, Peachtree Orthopedics has provided expert, specialized care for all your orthopedic needs. With 43 fellowship-trained physicians and convenient UrgentORTHO clinics, we help you recover quickly and Get Better. SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. Guide to MLK Jr. Day events & activities around Metro Atlanta
🕊️ We’ve compiled a guide of events, activities, and celebrations leading up to the Jan. 20 observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
From volunteer opportunities and lectures to 5K runs and film screenings, there are a myriad of ways to mark the holiday.
The annual commemoration at Ebenezer Baptist Church at 9 a.m. on Jan. 20 will feature a keynote address by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II.
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2. Perspectives in Architecture: South Downtown revitalizes city’s historic center
🏛️ Tech entrepreneur David Cummings is revitalizing 56 buildings, 10 continuous blocks, and one million square feet into a second location of Atlanta Tech Village in historic South Downtown.
“We envision this development as a startup community with local companies, retailers, and eateries that wish to stay in South Downtown throughout their growth,” Roberts said.
Located north of Interstate-20, east of Castleberry Hill, south of Five Points, and west of Interstate 75/85, the area encompassing the South Downtown development thrived over 150 years ago.
🏗️ Learn more about the history of the area and the revitalization plan here.
3. Jewish Fertility Foundation celebrates 10 years
🎊 The Jewish Fertility Foundation is celebrating its 10th anniversary at a gala tonight. Elizabeth Carr, the first IVF baby born in the United States, is the guest speaker.
The average cost for one IVF cycle is $20,000 in the United States. While 12.5% of women are using infertility services, 17% of Jewish women are doing the same.
Founded in Atlanta in 2015 by CEO Elana Frank, JFF provides financial assistance, emotional support, and educational programming.
👉🏼 Read more about JFF here.
4. Georgia economy expected to slow in 2025, but remain stronger than nation overall
💸 Georgia’s economy will likely see slower but continued growth in 2025, according to forecasters at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual outlook meeting.
University of Georgia Terry College of Business Dean Ben Ayers told attendees last Wednesday that although employment gains will moderate compared to last year, they should still outpace the national average.
“Most sectors in our state will continue to hire,” Ayers said. Homebuilding and health care will lead the way due to expected interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve and growing demand for telemedicine.
➡ Read more in this story from GPB.
✅ For 70 years, Peachtree Orthopedics has provided expert, specialized care for all your orthopedic needs. With 43 fellowship-trained physicians and convenient UrgentORTHO clinics, we help you recover quickly and Get Better. SPONSOR MESSAGE
5. Volunteer Opportunities
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HANDS ON ATLANTA
🤝 Opportunities for MLK Days of Service are already in full swing and run through Mon., Jan. 20. Hands On Atlanta is featuring 400 volunteer projects to support more than 75 nonprofits and schools, with the aim to engage 5,000 people in service. You can see the full list here to learn more about events, volunteer opportunities, and how to participate.
Here are a few volunteer opportunities to consider each day leading up to Monday:
🛋️ The Welcome Co-op in Tucker needs volunteers to help set up apartments for refugee families on Wednesday starting at 9 a.m. You will meet at the warehouse to gather supplies and load trucks; assigned teams will help unload items and organize apartments. Heavy lifting is not required.
🍞 New Life Community Alliance in Decatur needs volunteers for their food pantry on Thursday morning. You will help distribute food boxes and bags and load vehicles.
🚗 Another Chance of Atlanta, Inc. is looking for volunteers for their Food Pantry Fridays initiative this Friday afternoon in southwest Atlanta. You will pack food bags, assist with registration, load food into client vehicles, and organize warehouse food.
🧠 Hands On Atlanta (pictured) is seeking volunteers to help at Love T. Nolan Elementary on Saturday morning. Enrichment activity roles include school captain, session lead, and general volunteer slots.
👟 Atlanta Track Club needs volunteers for the College Football Playoff Trophy Trot on Sunday morning to cheer on, greet, and direct race participants. You will also serve water on the course and pass out t-shirts at the finish line.
📍 Georgia State University is commemorating MLK Day of Service with volunteer spots open throughout the day Monday in Atlanta, Covington County, Alpharetta/Dunwoody, and Decatur.
➼ For more details on additional Jan. 20 events visit here.
📧 Today’s newsletter was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
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