Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How an Atlanta child’s walk home turned into a long recovery

Also check out New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks on the Atlanta Patch calendar

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Friday December 26th Patch AM
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Good day Atlanta! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How an Atlanta child’s walk home turned into a long recovery
  • What Atlanta Housing changed after a top executive’s fraud charges
  • How DeKalb’s $8 million move just erased rent for 60 families

Also on today's calendar: Magical Nights of Lights and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Atlantafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Atlantafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, with a high of 69 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Saturday: Cloudy and warm, temps: high: 70, low: 58.
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 72 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 8-year-old Atlanta girl spends Christmas in hospital after being hit by car (fox5atlanta.com) — An 8-year-old girl is recovering in the hospital after being hit by a car while crossing Joseph E. Boone Blvd. in northwest Atlanta, leaving her facing surgeries, a back brace, and months of rehabilitation. Atlanta police have not said whether the driver will face charges, and her family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover mounting medical costs as she misses the rest of the school year.
   

2. Former Atlanta Housing executive expected to plead guilty in fraud case (fox5atlanta.com) — A former senior executive at Atlanta Housing is expected to plead guilty to federal fraud charges tied to Section 8 and COVID-19 relief funds, according to prosecutors. As the case moves toward a plea, the agency has already installed new leadership over its Housing Choice Voucher Program, a key service for many low-income Atlanta residents.
   

3. Nearly 60 DeKalb County families given homes for the holidays (atlantanewsfirst.com) — In Atlanta, nearly 60 DeKalb County families are starting 2026 in fully furnished apartments with a year of free rent, thanks to an $8 million investment approved by county commissioners. The program is helping parents move out of hotels, stabilize their lives, and focus on work, food, and family instead of scrambling for housing during the holidays.
   

4. Birthright Israel trip changes perspectives and directions for Atlanta-area participants (roughdraftatlanta.com) — Atlanta-area young adults are reflecting on how their Birthright Israel trips reshaped their Jewish identity and future paths. One participant describes trusting the program’s care even during illness, while another, now with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, says the experience inspired a career in Jewish education.
   

5. Some families choose dining out over holiday cooking for Christmas Day in Atlanta (atlantanewsfirst.com) — Families across Atlanta skipped the kitchen on Christmas Day and headed to Midtown’s The Sparrow, where staff opened specially to serve Chinese dishes like Peking duck and fried rice. Diners shared that busy work schedules and a desire for easy family time made eating out more appealing than cooking and cleaning at home.
   

📸 Around Atlanta

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Atlanta

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday December 26
  • Anew You Yoga
    Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library -
    11:00 am
  • The [censored] Memorial Quilt: Honoring Lives, Inspiring Change
    Decatur Library -
    1:00 pm
  • Friday Movies
    Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library - Meeting Room
    1:30 pm
  • Friday Movie: The Polar Express
    Scott Candler Library -
    2:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Meet LifeLine Animal Project's Pets of the Week —Timyka Artist Read on Patch
  • My sweet pup Frannie is missing.
    She is very shy. Please do not chase, but call or text if you see her around the (30331) area. 678-895-4345 (Nextdoor Adamsville/Oakcliff)
  • Hi Neighbors!
    Tina has escaped our fence and is on the loose in the vicinity of Bouldercrest/Flat Shoals. Please call 615-522-9852 if you see her or have any news… (Nextdoor East Atlanta Village)
  • Sonesta International Hotels Corporation posted a job opening for Part-Time Night Auditor in Atlanta. Apply here.
  • ABM posted a job opening for Janitorial Cleaner in Atlanta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Atlanta here.

Ok Atlanta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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