Tuesday fireworks
Dec. 16 — Nick Reiner is being held without bond after he was arrested in connection with the deaths of his parents, filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. In a social media post that brought condemnation from both sides of the aisle, President Donald Trump said that the filmmaker’s political views led to his murder.
☀️ Sunny with a high of 55° today.
🗳️ Polls are open until 7 p.m. today in the state Senate District 35 runoff, as former Cobb County School Board member Jaha Howard and retired state Rep. Roger Bruce vie to replace state Sen. Jason Esteves.
🎆 Rather than the annual Peach Drop, the City of Atlanta is planning multiple fireworks displays and a drone show on New Year’s Eve. If you’re looking for places to eat as you ring in 2026, check out our list.
🚨 A student accused of stabbing a classmate at North Atlanta High School last week has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
🧠 The Fulton County Commission has approved the renewal of $15.8 million in contracts to aid more than 7,000 individuals who need behavioral health services.
🚗 Dunwoody City Council rejected a permit for a double drive-through at a proposed Zaxby’s restaurant at Ashford Lane.
🍷 The full-service restaurant part Vino Venue will close after Dec. 20, but the Dunwoody mainstay will continue to host wine tastings and cooking and wine classes.
🏆 Creekside, Bowdon, Harris County, and Greenbrier won their respective GHSA Football Championships yesterday. Play continues with both flag and tackle games today and tomorrow at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
ELSEWHERE
🇦🇺 Australian police said the Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting suspects were inspired by ISIS, with flags and explosives recovered from their vehicle.
🚨 Authorities said they foiled a New Year’s Eve bomb plot in Southern California, arresting four alleged anti-government extremists accused of planning coordinated attacks.
🔌 Ford stopped production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning, saying it was a permanent money-loser, as they pivoted toward hybrids and cheaper EVs.
☀️ A study found tanning bed users were nearly three times more likely to develop melanoma.
🎗️ “General Hospital” star Anthony Geary has passed away at the age of 78.
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Theater Review: ‘The Wizard of Oz’
• TrustDALE
• Sandy Springs and Perimeter growth
• Around the State: GPB
AND
• Volunteer Opportunities
🏡 Listed with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, this uniquely crafted Gainesville home features fine millwork, hardwood floors, and an expansive covered deck overlooking a tranquil, tree-lined backdrop. Enjoy a spa-inspired primary, a central vacuum system, and designer selections throughout, all about an hour from Atlanta.
SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. City Springs Theatre Company puts a whole lot of heart on the stage with ‘The Wizard of Oz’
🪄 The 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” is nothing if not a tough act to follow. Starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, a young Kansas girl who wakes up after a tornado to find herself in the magical land of Oz, the film’s legacy spans generations. It’s beloved by moviegoers, young and old. It’s filled with indelible performances and fantastic technical achievements. It is, to put it bluntly, singular.
But while following in the footsteps of one of the best movies ever made seems like an impossible task, the City Springs Theatre Company’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” – directed by Baayork Lee and running at the Byers Theatre through Dec. 28 – is a worthy, if not perfect, successor.
The production features strong performances, and while opening night had a few technical kinks that need to be worked out, the amount of heart and talent up on that stage is sure to bring a smile to the audience’s faces.
👠 Read Sammie Purcell’s full review here.
🎄 For more theater reviews, check out Cathy Cobbs’ take on Stage Door’s production of “A Christmas Carol” here.
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2. Is TikTok Shop legit? What every shopper should know
TOGETHER WITH TRUSTDALE
📱 TikTok Shop is the shopping marketplace built directly into the TikTok app. Instead of sending shoppers to outside websites, the platform lets people buy items directly from videos, livestreams, and creator storefronts.
This creates an extremely convenient experience, since a person can discover a product and check out within seconds. Many buyers enjoy this combined entertainment and shopping experience. They like the short videos, the product demonstrations, and the quick access to deals.
TikTok Shop is a legitimate feature of the app, and for many consumers it works as intended. Still, the quality of the experience depends greatly on the seller involved.
💸Learn what you should know about TikTok Shop from TrustDALE.
3. 20 years of Sandy Springs … and a story worth revisiting.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PERIMETER COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS
🎉 As Sandy Springs celebrates its anniversary, we’re sharing a few standout facts about how the city helped spark the growth of the modernPerimeterdistrict.
From infrastructure to the partnerships that set the tone for today’s thriving community, its influence runs deeper than city limits.
4. U.S. News & World Report recognizes twice as many Georgia hospitals for best maternity care, access
🤰 Last year, Georgia had two of the best hospitals for maternity care and one top maternity care access hospital, according to U.S. News & World Report. There are more than double that in 2025.
Maternity care access hospitals provide good quality care to communities that might not have access to maternity care otherwise.
Georgia’s best maternity care hospitals met high standards for a number of metrics, such as preterm birth and “Most heavily weighed C-section and severe unexpected newborn complications for that recognition,” according to health data scientist Jennifer Winston.
👶 Read more in this story from GPB.
🍑 Celebrate local flavor with Georgia Grown gifts! Build beautiful baskets or grab flavorful stocking stuffers from local craft makers. Enjoy chef demos, tasty samples, and meet the farmers. Visit us Sat., Dec. 20, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at Cook’s Warehouse Ansley Mall.
SPONSOR MESSAGE
5. Volunteer Opportunities
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HANDS ON ATLANTA
🪲 Five Points Farm (pictured) is looking for volunteers for the Five “Points” Community Garden in Atlanta on Thursday morning. Expect to work in the main garden and then move to various “points” to plant, weed, mulch, seed collect, and perform other tasks.
🎄 Alpha Loop Foundation Inc. needs volunteers for the Lights on the Loop event in Alpharetta on Friday afternoon and evening. Volunteers will assist with check-in, help manage parking flow, and provide general event support.
🪥 Help Operation D.E.F.R.O.S.T. by volunteering on Saturday morning and afternoon in Atlanta to assist the underserved. Expect to distribute hygiene kits and hot meals, and to provide community resource information and SNAP referrals.
🏡 Listed with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, this uniquely crafted Gainesville home features fine millwork, hardwood floors, and an expansive covered deck overlooking a tranquil, tree-lined backdrop. Enjoy a spa-inspired primary, a central vacuum system, and designer selections throughout, all about an hour from Atlanta. SPONSOR MESSAGE
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