Cinematic Thursday
Jan. 30 — Bank of America and Merrill are offering cardholders free admission to local museums – including the High and Atlanta History Center – this weekend through an initiative called “Museums on Us.”
☁️ Cloudy with a high of 62° today.
🚲 Brookhaven City Council voted to move forward with the Ashford Dunwoody Road multi-use path and storm sewer repair projects.
🚧 The Dunwoody City Council is considering continuing the closure of a turnoff lane from Mt. Vernon Road to Nandina Lane due to safety concerns, despite opposition from local businesses over longer travel times.
🎧 A new podcast, “We Came to the Forest,” is diving into the death of Manuel Esteban Paez Terán, or Tortuguita, the protestor who was killed by Georgia state troopers while opposing the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, known as Cop City.
🍎 In a recent episode of WSB Radio’s “Scott Slade’s Georgia,” Brookhaven city council member and HealthMPowers CEO Jennifer Owens shares the importance of empowering kids to embrace healthy habits.
☀️ 🐶 The Sundogs are playing their 12th annual Tom Petty Show on Feb. 1, with proceeds benefiting ALS research.
💰 Riverwood Athletic Association will hold its first online auction fundraiser from Feb. 1-15 to fund facility updates not included in the school’s major renovation.
ELSEWHERE
✈️ An American Airlines flight from Wichita, KS, on approach to Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, was struck by a helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River last night. The number of casualties was unknown at press time.
⚖️ President Donald Trump’s budget office rescinded a memo freezing spending on federal grants and loans.
✍️ President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, requiring ICE to detain and deport undocumented immigrants who commit nonviolent crimes. The law honors the UGA nursing student who was murdered last year.
🇮🇳 Dozens were killed in a crowd rush during the world’s largest religious gathering in India on Jan. 29.
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Office of Inspector General changes
• Sundance: ‘Made in Georgia’
• Undaunted + robotics
AND
• Quick Bites
Have a good day,
Collin & Sammie
❤️ Have a sentimental fur, stole, jacket, or coat not being worn? Let Restyle Your Fur make a “trans-fur-mation” at Magnolia Moon in Alpharetta, Feb. 5 and 6 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at our recycle fur and mink restyling event. SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. Atlanta City Council to hold public work session to go over controversial changes to Office of Inspector General
🗳️ Atlanta City Council members will hold a public work session today to go over proposed changes to the Office of Inspector General.
The bill to amend the OIG’s responsibilities, pushed by Mayor Andre Dickens’ administration, includes restricting the inspector general’s authority to conduct only administrative investigations, and not criminal probes. The mayor and council would also be able to make two appointments to the OIG governing board.
The proposed revisions have sparked outrage from critics who say they would hinder the OIG from conducting effective investigations to root out fraud, waste, and corruption. Adding political appointments to the OIG’s governing board would remove the watchdog’s independence.
Celebrate Creativity at Spruill’s 2025 HeART Market!
SPONSORED BY SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS
🖼️ Join us at the Spruill Center for the Arts’ 2025 HeART Market! on Sun. Feb., 2 from 11 a.m to 5 p.m at the Spruill Education Center, located at 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338.
This curated market features stunning works by 40 different Spruill students and teaching artists, with each artist exhibiting and selling their unique creations throughout Spruill’s classroom spaces.
❤️ Support local talent and find distinctive gifts for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.
➡️ For more information, visit Spruill Arts’ HeART Market page.
2. ‘Made in Georgia’ panel talks cultivating state talent at Sundance
🎞️ Georgia film industry professionals gathered in Park City, UT, over the weekend to discuss the state’s film future at Sundance.
During a panel discussion called “Made in Georgia” on Jan. 24, different industry leaders talked about their views on what makes Georgia special and how it can continue to grow within a constantly changing film industry.
One of the main topics of the panel was the importance of cultivating Georgia filmmakers and telling Georgia-based stories. The panelists often discussed different methods of helping to develop a new, up-and-coming group of Georgia artists.
🍑 Learn more about what the panelists had to say here.
3. Undaunted takes on security with robotics and real-time solutions
🛡️ Proactive security. That is what Undaunted, the latest startup spinning out of the Atlanta Ventures Studio, is hyper-focused on as it brings robotic solutions to market.
That is a different approach than what you will mostly find across the physical security world, co-founder and CEO Bryan Dinner said. To date, the industry has largely been reactive and only deploys solutions after an incident occurs, which exposes both guards and bystanders to potential harm during an incident.
Undaunted is a robotics company providing “real-time security solutions” for real estate developers, property owners, and community stakeholders looking to proactively safeguard properties and tenants.
➡ Read the whole story from Hypepotamus here.
🥰 What if you could help someone’s dream of having a family come true? Join The Surrogacy Foundation at the 3rd Annual Soiree on Feb. 8 for a magical night of making dreams possible. SPONSOR MESSAGE
4. Quick Bites
VIA SIDE DISH, A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER| SUBSCRIBE HERE
😮The Colonnade will open seven days a week, starting Feb. 1, adding Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours are 5-9 p.m. on weekdays, 12-9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12-8 p.m. on Sundays. Owners Paul Donahue and Lewis Jeffries will maintain the same menu for lunch and dinner. Keep up with more Colonnade news here.
🍫 Sugar Shane’s has some new additions to celebrate – chocolate-dipped cheesecake slices and the Dubai Chocolate Bar, a combination of dark chocolate, Kataifi dough, and pistachio. Both treats are available now for pickup, delivery, or shipping from Sugar Shane’s locations in Midtown, Ponce City Market, Sandy Springs, and Kennesaw. Follow Instagram for more updates.
🍩 And here’s another treat: Krispy Kreme is expanding its menu in select US markets – and Atlanta made the cut. The lineup includes returning popular doughnuts that were offered previously for a limited time only, including flavors fans have asked for on social media and trending new flavors. Pop in to try New York Cheesecake, OREO Cookies and Kreme, Cinnamon Swirl, Biscoff Cookie Butter Kreme, and Original Glazed Cake doughnuts, available at all Atlanta locations. But that is not all – if you already have Valentine’s Day on the brain (or the heart) they also have a special Hearts in Bloom doughnut collection to check out. Follow here for more.
🥂 Decatur’s Wahoo! Grill has launched a “Toast to Thursday” happy hour, offering bar and dining room specials from 4-7 p.m. weekly. The menu features cocktails starting at $5 and bar bites including pimento cheese fritters, calamari, and charcuterie boards. They also offer Taco Tuesday and Wine Wednesday specials. Stay in the know on Instagram here.
🏈 🍻 Whether you are cheering on the Chiefs or the Eagles, here’s a roundup of where to catch Super Bowl LIX viewing parties next Sunday – including themed bites inspired by the matchup and game day specials. Check out the following viewing parties and takeout options:
Sweet Auburn Barbecue is also rolling out three catering packages, including the Playmaker Pack with ribs, Victory Wing Platter at $90 for 50 wings, and the Most Valuable Plate Pack featuring sliders, all available at both the Atlanta and McDonough restaurants.
The Pub @ EAV is celebrating game day with Kansas City pulled pork chili cheese fries, Philly cheesesteaks, and Philly nacho specials, plus viewing on multiple screens and drink deals in East Atlanta Village.
Catch the Big Game Bash at Sports & Social at The Battery, featuring specials on bites, cocktails, and Miller Lite, with viewing available on multiple HD screens. The 21+ event requires an advance ticket purchase; Red Deck parking is available.
SsamJang Korean BBQ in Cumberland Mall is offering $10 beer buckets and pitchers, $2 drafts, $10 well drinks, and 10% off for jersey-wearing fans during the game.
Ready for unlimited wings? Lit Ass Wings and Soiree Decatur are teaming up for cooked-to-order wings and drink specials during the game. Visit here for more information.
Looking for takeout options? DBA Barbecue has a $135 game day package with 50 smoked wings, sliders, and buffalo chicken dip, available for pickup at the Chastain and Clarkston locations. Orders will be accepted through Feb. 7.
📧 Today’s newsletter was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
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