🌱 New Downtown Hotel + Protest Outside Popular Buckhead Restaurant

Hi all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Atlanta Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Let's get this week started off right with a quick review of the most important things going on in town these days, including updates on...

• A brand new hotel is coming near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is set to open in 2024.
• An Atlanta nonprofit is fighting to keep the homeless warm during freezing temperatures.
• Protestors stood outside Fogo de Chão this past week in the wake of the 10-month anniversary of Nygil Cullins being fatally shot by Atlanta police.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine, but cool. High: 53 Low: 31.

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Here are the top five stories in Atlanta today:

1. Atlanta is getting a brand new hotel downtown that is set to the spot when attending premier events in the city. The Signia by Hilton Atlanta hotel is being built right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and will have all the travel amenities you can imagine including meeting rooms, a fitness center, and even a spa. the 100,000 square foot building is set to be open in 2024 and you can already begin booking events. (WSB Atlanta)
2. Atlanta nonprofit 'From Me Until Unity' is continuing to put effort into protecting the homeless from freezing temperatures with the addition of igloos. In addition to the warming centers already located throughout the city, the non-profit has opened a GoFundMe attempting to raise $50,000 by September to get 500 igloos provided for the city. Popular in Paris, the igloos are foam and aluminum structures that are good at trapping heat and keeping warm. The non-profit feels very passionate about this as anyone can be homeless at any time. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. A protest took place outside of Fogo de Chão this past week as 10 months have officially passed since Nygil Cullins was shot and killed by an Atlanta police officer in May 2022. Cullins was shot after reportedly being disorderly in the restaurant and shooting a security guard to which officers responded by shooting Cullins. His family wants the police department to take accountability because they believe the situation could have been avoided if they responded more timely to calls made prior to arriving at the restaurant. Cullins's mother believed he was experiencing a manic episode and things could have been resolved before they became violent. (11Alive.com WXIA)
4. Fogo de Chão was evacuated for a short period of time Saturday afternoon as a small wooden stove caught flames. Fire crews arrived at the popular restaurant to customers and staff waiting outside already, the crews assisted in making sure the building was clear and investigating the flame. With some firefighters attacking the fire from the roof as well as inside the building, the flame was reportedly extinguished in about 10 or so minutes. (11Alive.com WXIA)
5. On Friday, a "Justice for Justice," rally was organized by animal activists in Downtown Atlanta near the Georgia State Capitol, to demand justice for a dog that was brutally attacked and killed. The rally was held in response to a disturbing act caught on camera, where someone was seen chasing and hitting the dog, which ultimately led to its death. Mekhi Jackson, a 19-year-old, has been taken into custody by the police in connection with the incident after the video started circulating on social media. (11Alive.com WXIA)

Today in Atlanta:

• Take & Make Spring Craft - DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• Preschool Storytime - Doraville Library (10:00 AM)
• Cafune Concert - Purgatory At The Masquerade (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The water service is back on Cascade Road after shutdowns to the main line. Repairs have been completed and there should be no issues at the time being. (Atlanta Department of Watershed Management via Facebook)
• Calling all local house hunters! These five gorgeous Atlanta-area homes have just been listed for sale, including 1152 Arlington Avenue SW, 3412 Collier Court NW, and 28 Collier Road NW. Get the details and list prices at the link. (Atlanta Patch)
• After learning that her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, local woman Chasity Nolton decided to schedule an appointment for a screening and learned she also has breast cancer. Nolton started a GoFundMe to help support her and her mother as the family goes through this new journey of recovery together. (WSB Atlanta)

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Featured events:

• Gent's Lunch - A Benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 22)
• High Revelry, a benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 23)
• Viernes Tropicales Latin Night Atlanta @ Sanctuary Night Club - Bonus Hustle/top 40s (March 24)
• 3hr Bachata Boot camp Atlanta @ HDC Dance & Fitness Sat March 25, 2023 (March 25)
• Free Zoom Meeting with professionals about Atlanta roofers! (April 1)
• Delta Sigma Theta Atlanta Alumnae Chapter Pre- Centennial Fashion Show (April 16)

Featured gigs & services:

• Participants Needed For Docustyle Project. PAID OPPORTUNITY. (Details)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.