? Rain, rain go away

Wet Tuesday

Jan. 9?— Be careful on the roads this morning as a flood watch is in effect for most of the metro area as the rain that began last evening intensified overnight, causing treacherous conditions on highways and surface streets.

?? Heavy rain and high winds with a chance of thunderstorms throughout the morning before things begin to dry in the afternoon. High of 54°.?

? Adding to traffic woes today, Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to be in town to attend a midday voting rights roundtable at?The Gathering Spot.?

??? Frustrated by delays around the fight over the public safety training center, Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari?introduced an ordinance that outlines a new process for validating ballot referendums initiated by the public.?

??? The 2024 Georgia Legislative session got off to a slow start Monday, but the action is expected to pick up quickly. The Georgia Chamber's annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast is tomorrow morning.??

???MARTA Police are investigating the stabbing death of a man at the Five Points MARTA station on Monday morning.?

?? Dyana Bagby took a deeper dive into the recently released Atlanta crime stats for 2023, which show homicides down by 21% in the city.

? Several local municipalities and the Atlanta Board of Education swore in new members during yesterday's first meetings of the new year. In Brookhaven, Georgia's first Asian-American mayor, John Park, took the oath of office.

???With flu and COVID cases on the rise, here's how you can help yourself and others stay healthy.?

???Beth McKibben kicks off her Rough Draft dining coverage with more on the closure of the beloved Highland Bakery in O4W.?

ELSEWHERE?

?? Michigan beat Washington last night to cap a 15-0 season and capture its first College Football Championship in 26 seasons.?

?? After a successful launch yesterday, Astrobotic Technology's Peregrine lunar lander encountered a critical propulsion issue, jeopardizing its mission.?

?? Federal investigators continue to investigate why a piece of an Alaska Airlines plane broke off last week as Boeing tries to reassure the industry its signature 737 Max 9 planes are safe.?

?? Today's newsletter is?â‘£ stories.

? Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

? APS Posse Scholars

? Mental health and the 'digital divide'

AND?

? Volunteer Opportunities

Stay safe and dry,

Collin & Sammie

1. Atlanta Jewish Film Festival hits theaters Feb. 13-26

??? The 24th Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) will run Feb. 13-26 at various theaters across Atlanta.

This year’s festival includes more than 60 films from 20 different countries. After its initial run, the festival will offer a special streaming encore from Feb. 27-March 7 with 32 films available to watch online.

The first night of the festival will kick off with a screening of the film “Irena’s Vow,” based on the true story of a Nazi’s housemaid who risked her life to save Polish Jews during World War II. The screening will take place at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, and actress Sophie Nélisse (“Yellowjackets”), actor Dougray Scott (“Ever After,” “Mission: Impossible 2”) and Irena’s daughter, Jeannie, are expected to attend.?

?? Learn more about what films will be screening here.

Small Georgia farms need our support

SPONSORED BY FRESH HARVEST?

???????Since 2013, America has lost 100,000+ farms, coinciding with a surge in obesity and reliance on ultra-processed foods from industrial farms. In Georgia, there are still resilient farmers growing organic crops, benefiting both consumers and the soil.? ?

As Atlanta’s online farmer’s market, Fresh Harvest connects over 20 Georgia farms to the doorsteps of Atlanta residents each week.

Support Georgia farms and nourish your body with Fresh Harvest's home delivery!

?? Seasonal organic produce and grocery staples

???Customize contents to fit your preferences

?? Sustainable packaging

???Skip or cancel anytime

???Use code FRESHDRAFT for $20 off each of your first three deliveries!?SIGN UP NOW!

2. 13 Atlanta Public School seniors named Posse Scholars, receive full scholarships?

?? Thirteen Atlanta Public Schools seniors have been named Posse Scholars, receiving four-year, full-tuition scholarships for post-secondary studies from the?Posse Foundation.?

The scholars collectively represent over $3 million?in scholarships earned. The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits, and trains students with extraordinary potential to become leaders in every field.

?? Learn who the scholarship recipients are here.

3. UGA student on the impact of the 'digital divide' on mental health treatment?

?? When people in rural counties can't connect to local mental health care services in their community, telehealth care can help. But these are also the counties most likely to lack broadband access, according to a national study published Jan. 4 in Nature Mental Health.

Shriya Garg started at Rome High School in Floyd County the year COVID-19 disrupted everyone's lives. Her current research as a first-year student at the University of Georgia is informed by her personal experience.

"When I was in high school, there were students in my grade that didn't have the internet," Garg said. "They couldn't get on Google Classroom at home. They couldn't access Khan Academy or educational resources. …[T]his impedes them in a future sense if they can't get the basic high school education that … every student is guaranteed."

?? Read more from GPB here.

4. Volunteer Opportunities

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HANDS ON ATLANTA

???Giving Hands Food Pantry in Covington is looking for volunteers on?Wednesday morning?to stock food and fill boxes with a variety of non-perishable items.?

???Join C.H.O.I.C.E.S. (pictured) to volunteer for their mobile food pantry at Oak Hill Child, Family and Adolescent Center on?Friday morning. You will help pack food in bags for community distribution.??

???Habitat for Humanity needs ReStore volunteers to stock and straighten shelves, organize the donation collection area and engage with customers on?Friday afternoon.???

???Looking to join a statewide day-of-service initiative to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday? Don’t forget to check out?the Georgia Native Plant Society’s inaugural?Weed Wrangle.?More information on participating Atlanta greenspaces is available?here.?

"The newsletter you never knew you wanted"

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?? Today's newsletter was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.