Tuesday tidbits
Aug. 20 — According to a new audit, MARTA owes up to $70 million to the Atlanta transit expansion program funded by a half-penny sales tax approved by voters in 2016. MARTA called the findings “flawed.”
🌞 Sunny and 88° today.
🤸 Last week’s sudden closure of Intown Stars Gymnastics in Decatur has left parents and students with many questions, but no answers from the owner.
🚙 More than 50 fatal crashes and 200+ serious injury crashes in the last five years have led Sandy Springs to create a Safety Action Plan.
🇫🇷 French restaurant Petite Violette is marking its 50th anniversary in Brookhaven this month with tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music, and more.
⚾️ A broken hand will sideline Braves third baseman Austin Riley for the rest of the regular season. Atlanta begins a three-game series against division-leading Philadelphia tonight at Truist Park.
⛳️ The TOUR Championship will have a new fan experience when the tournament returns to East Lake Golf Club Aug. 28-Sept. 1.
🎡 The Georgia Mountain Fair is underway in Hiawassee through Aug. 24 with carnival rides and music from the Oak Ridge Boys on Aug. 23.
ELSEWHERE
🗣️ President Joe Biden received an extended standing ovation and chants of “Thank you, Joe!” on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Biden’s speech, which ended around 12:20 a.m., was a tour of his career and positioned Vice President Kamala Harris as his political successor.
🗳 Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama will speak tonight at the DNC. Jason Carter will give remarks on behalf of his grandfather, former President Jimmy Carter.
🇮🇱 Israel recovered the bodies of six hostages from Gaza overnight. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remains in the region as he works on a peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
⚖️ Former Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty to federal charges of identity theft and misusing campaign funds.
🎗️ Pioneering daytime talk show host Phil Donahue has died at age 88 after a long illness.
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Fauci, Giffin @ Book Festival
• BronzeLens Film Festival
• Where to eat in August
• Around the State: GPB
AND
• Volunteer Opportunities
Have a good day,
Collin & the Rough Draft team
📚 Georgia Power’s partnership with the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has been a major win for engaging with historically Black colleges and universities across Georgia. This year’s focus is on students, training, and internship opportunities. The collaboration has underscored a commitment to developing future professionals. (SPONSOR MESSAGE)
1. Book Festival of the MJCCA announces star-studded lineup
📚 The 33rd annual Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will feature an array of impressive speakers – from a former medical advisor to numerous U.S. presidents, to an actor who was part of a beloved television comedy series.
Set for Nov. 2-17 at the MJCCA campus in Dunwoody, the lineup includes Dr. Anthony Fauci (pictured), Michael Richards from “Seinfeld,” Emily Giffin, Mitch Albom, and many more. Tickets are on sale today and are sure to sell out fast.
👓 See the full lineup of authors here.
Shop the Farmers Market at Home
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🥕 As life gets busy, shopping and eating locally can feel like a burden — but it doesn’t have to! With Fresh Harvest, you can get local organic produce and groceries delivered right to your door.
Fresh Harvest’s seasonal offerings are sourced from over 20 local farms and 100+ artisans with produce, flowers, grocery staples, and a rotating selection of specialty artisan items.
2. BronzeLens Film Festival kicks off Aug. 21
📽️ The 15th annual BronzeLens Film Festival kicks off on Wed., Aug. 21, with a series of screenings, workshops, and more around Atlanta.
The festival begins with the opening night screening of “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” at 8 p.m. at the Tara Theatre. The film stars Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, and Samuel L. Jackson and is set on the night of Muhammad Ali’s return to boxing in 1970.
The Filmmakers Ball will be held Sat., Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. in the atrium of Atlanta City Hall. There will be music from DJ Salah Ananse and the host will be actor Jonathan Slocumb.
🎞️ Read the full story and get the schedule here.
3. Top food finds: Dominick’s Italian, J’s Snack Land, and Daily Chew are ‘The Move’ in August
“The Move” is your monthly guide to the top food finds from Senior Editor Beth McKibben, who oversees restaurant and dining coverage at Rough Draft. Subscribe to our dining newsletter Side Dish for the latest restaurant intel and scoops.
🔥 Dominick’s Italian in Norcross, J’s Snack Land in Smyrna, and Atlanta’s Daily Chew are all part of the spotlight in this month’s edition of “The Move.”
At Dominick’s expect a taste of classic Italian dishes — think chicken parmesan and penne alla vodka — served with Southern hospitality. J’s Snack Land, located inside Spring Road Laundry, is a solid turn for steak and carnitas tacos. Plus, grain bowls at Daily Chew offer a healthy and quick take on lunch.
➼ Read the full story from Beth McKibben here.
🏈 According to Jon Nelson, award-winning journalist and podcast host of “Football Fridays in Georgia,” reclassification is one of the biggest changes for Football Fridays this year.
In an interview with GPB’s Peter Biello, Nelson elaborates on both the consequences and the ripple effect of 6A taking the highest classification over 7A.
See why Nelson compares some of the changes to Thunderdome; what he has to say regarding the rules for name, image, and likeness rights; and more of what’s to come on the podcast this season.
🎤 Read and listen to the full interview at GPB here.
📚 Georgia Power’s partnership with the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has been a major win for engaging with historically Black colleges and universities across Georgia. This year’s focus is on students, training, and internship opportunities. The collaboration has underscored a commitment to developing future professionals. (SPONSOR MESSAGE)
5. Volunteer Opportunities
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HANDS ON ATLANTA
🪲 Help the Wylde Center with The Great Pollinator Census at Hawk Hollow in Atlanta (pictured) on Friday morning. Volunteers will count and identify insects that land on a chosen pollinator plant for 15 minutes. Data will then be sent to researchers at the University of Georgia’s Pollinator Census.
🧃 Decatur’s Peace on the Move needs volunteers for the August Mobile Pantry on Saturday morning. You will help with table and pallet setup, bagging items, and placing food in cars. Volunteers must be able to consistently lift 20 lbs.
🍂 Piedmont Park Conservancy is looking for volunteers on Sunday morning to help with weed removal, trash pickup, and assorted landscaping.
📧 Today’s newsletter was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
