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Community Corner

🌱 Kemp Signs Big Midyear Spending Plan + St. Paddy's Atlanta Fun

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Atlanta.

Kathy Cioffi, Community Contributor
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(Patch)

Get on up, Atlanta! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening around Atlanta today.

First, today's weather:

Some sun and warmer. High: 72 Low: 52.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Atlanta:

  1. State, university and k-12 school employees are poised to see an increase in their paychecks next month after Gov. Brian Kemp signed a record $30.2 billion midyear budget Wednesday. The spending plan, which includes raises and bonuses for workers and a $1 billion tax refund for Georgians as well as adding $3 billion in expenditures from the original budget, runs through June 30. The General Assembly approved the election-year spending plan last week. (Free: Capitolbeat.org; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  2. Top o' the mornin' to ya! It's St. Patrick's Day and, whether you're feeling lucky or just have a hankering for something green, there are more than enough offerings around metro Atlanta to put anyone in mind of the dear old Emerald Isle. Even better, many of the Irish-themed good times carry on throughout the weekend. (Free: DiscoverAtlanta.com; Subscription: ( The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  3. A second suspect has been arrested in the shooting death of a man near the Atlanta BeltLine. Thomas Arnold, 60, who was killed Feb. 26, was found by neighbors the next morning near Elizabeth Street and Bernina Avenue, which is near the Freedom Park Trail BeltLine Connector. Two days after Atlanta police released surveillance photos of three men of interest, 28-year-old Brandon Williams was arrested. Wednesday, Atlanta police said another suspect, Demetrice Ross, 26, was arrested in Morrow with help from the US Marshals service. APD said the investigation into the case remains open. (WSB Atlanta)
  4. The James Beard Foundation announced its slate of finalists for its 2022 awards Wednesday, and the list includes several chefs and restaurants from metro Atlanta. Ticonderoga Club in Krog Street Market is a finalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category, Claudia Martinez of Miller Union is a finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef, and Kevin Gillespie, whose Red Beard Restaurants group includes Gunshow, Ole Reliable and Revival, was named a finalist for the Best Restaurateur honor. (Free: Eater.com; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  5. ISB's 20th Anniversary Gala March 26 will honor the 100 Influential Georgia Muslims. The annual event is a community-wide gathering of leaders from many parts of society, from business to civil rights, from education to the arts, who gather to celebrate the ISB's efforts to battle bigotry through education and engagement. At this year's festivities, role models who use their influence to make the world a better place will be recognized. Click here for more information. (GlobalAtlanta)

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Today in Atlanta:

  • The Atlanta Science Festival is a two-week celebration of local science and technology taking place March 12-26 throughout metro Atlanta. Explore the world of STEM with approximately 100 engaging events for kids and adults. (9:00 AM)
  • St. Patrick's Day programming at Children's Museum of Atlanta will include an interactive Irish folk tale on stage. Guests will even learn how to dance an Irish jig. (10:00 AM)
  • Celebrate St. Patty's Day With 'Pinch Me' Deals at Dantanna's. Today, Dantanna's will be offering $6 pints of Guinness all day long. Guests can pair this Irish stout with an appetizer sampler platter curated by Executive Chef Brad Parker. (11:00 AM)
  • Toast to a brew-tiful St. Patrick's Day this year with Wild Heaven Beer. In anticipation of the holiday, Wild Heaven released a new beer for all revelers to raise a glass with. Available at both the West End and Avondale brewery locations, Smiling Eyes is a bold and creamy Irish stout. (Noon)
  • Celebrate St. Patty's Day at Urban Pie. Head to Urban Pie from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a frosty pint of green beer and and an excuse to properly celebrate the holiday with family and friends. (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Washington Park: "Insta-parents needing help! Hello everyone! My husband and I will become permanent legal guardians to a 13-year-old young man. ❤️🙌🏽 Soooo many questions but the main one is what's the best middle school in our area? Any alternative learning suggestions are also welcomed. #instadads #parenthood #education #love #gaydads #help" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Regency Oaks: "I appreciate all of your service. Your department is worth the investment and more." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Embry Hills/Mercer: "Stop in the new Marco's Pizza and see our exciting new look. Great vibe for dining in and watching a game. Dine in and enjoy a beverage on me. Just ask for Jay." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Wolf Creek: "Congratulations Westlake Athletic Director on winning Region4 6A Athletic Director Of The Year, one of the best in the business. Congratulations to Creekside Athletic Director Dr. Mekia Troy for receiving another recognition for Region AD of the Year. All we do is win!" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Kirkwood: "Good morning all! Join us and Trees Atlanta Saturday at 9 a.m. in the DeKalb Mental Health parking lot of Kirkwood Urban Forest North. We'll be doing native tree and shrub plantings along Hardee Creek as part of the restoration of the space damaged earlier this year. It's a great chance to care for a greenspace, learn how to plant native plants and trees, and have fun! We'll take care of the gloves, tools and plants. We only need you. Help return this to healthy Kirkwood greenspace!" (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Black Wounds: A Dialogue, Reading and Book Signing (March 17)
  • Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin Returns for one night only (March 19)
  • Estate Planning Webinar 3/21 & 3/21 (March 21)
  • Barranco Enterprises - 1st Annual Career Fair (March 21)
  • PRIDE Kickball Atlanta Spring Leagues (March 21)
  • DeKalb Symphony Masterworks Series No. 2 (March 22)
  • American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day: Understand Your Risk (March 22)
  • High Revelry for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 24)
  • Independent Distilling 8 year Anniversary & Crawfish Boil with Mothers Best!! (March 26)
  • Add your event

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around.

— Kathy Cioffi

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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