🌱 Taxpayers Could Receive Cash From State + Atlanta Traffic Ranking

Hey, Atlanta. I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news on...

• After the state announced a budget surplus, Georgians might receive up to $500.
• Atlanta is the No. 10 U.S. city with the most traffic-congested urban areas.
• Plenty of live music events are happening in the Atlanta area.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, mild; a p.m. shower. High: 64 Low: 59.

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

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Here are the top five stories in Atlanta today:

1. Georgia homeowners could receive cash after Gov. Brian Kemp recently announced the state’s $6.37 billion surplus. Gov. Kemp said, "More than $1 billion in surplus funds where they belong, back to taxpayers' wallets." Eligible homeowners could see about $500 on average for this tax year, and anyone who files taxes could see $250 (for individuals) or $500 (for joint filers). (WSB Atlanta)
2. A recent study by INRIX, a software company providing real-time and historical traffic conditions, road safety, and parking availability, ranked the top 10 most congested urban areas where motorists would lose the most time and money sitting in traffic — Atlanta being one of them. Atlanta ranked No. 10 in the 2022 Global Traffic Scorecard, highlighting congestion and mobility trends in more than 1,000 cities across 50 countries. (WSB Atlanta)
3. Are you looking for live music events in and around the Atlanta area? Atlanta boasts a lively nightlife, with talented artists in tribute bands and beloved performers from all different decades, including Barry Manilow, Bruce Springsteen, and well-known Led Zeppelin and The Beatles tribute acts. Here are 11 concerts not to miss. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
4. The City of Atlanta and Atlanta Housing applied for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a $40 million grant. The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant would be used toward former Bowen Homes and the surrounding neighborhoods of Carey Park and Almond Park. The transformation of Bowen Homes falls in line with the mayor's vision for neighborhood revitalization in Atlanta. (Metro Atlanta CEO)
5. According to a survey by Georgia State University, an estimated 3,372 adolescents are experiencing homelessness in the metro-Atlanta area. To combat those numbers, Supporting Persons Overcoming Troubles , or "The SPOT," is a center where young adults aged 16-24 experiencing or at risk for homelessness can go to find resources and tools to help. (11Alive.com WXIA)

Today in and around Atlanta:

• Ribbon Cutting At Planet Fitness, Sandy Springs (3:00 PM)
• Kids Yoga At DeKalb County Public Library – Clarkston Branch, Clarkston (4:30 PM)
• License To Kill Comedy At Vesper Atlanta (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A good Samaritan found 10-year-old Mario Boyd, who ran from his aunt's car by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, at Hughes Spalding. (WSB Atlanta)
• Brush Sushi will re-open in Buckhead and will have a dedicated omakase room. (Atlanta Magazine)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Atlanta area. Available properties range from a 1,017 square-foot, two-bed, two-bath home for $276,900 to a $675,000 home with four beds, two baths, and 1,803 square feet. Get all the property details at the link. (Atlanta Patch)

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Featured businesses:

• Colony Roofers — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Athletic Open House (January 20)
• Alexi Butirskiy 'Mystery & Belonging' (January 21)
• Lori Williams - Birthday / Live Jazz Concert (January 22)
• Jane Pauley Coming to Speak on Mental Wellness (January 23)
• Grand Opening!!! (January 28)
• Online discussion with professional roofers in Atlanta (February 1)
• Ladies Night: A Salute to Women in Music (February 11)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Lauren Kubiak

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