🌱 Car Fire On Rail Tracks + McDonald's Splenda Melee + PPP Fraud

Atlanta GA

08 December, 2021

5:53 PM

Description

Hey Atlanta: As you may know, Amazon Web Services experienced an outage on Tuesday that affected the Atlanta Daily. As a result, none of you received a newsletter Wednesday. Please know this was unfortunately beyond our control, but know that we are fully back in business! - Kathy Cioffi First, today's weather: Times of clouds and sun. High: 61 Low: 52. Here are the top stories today in Atlanta: Responding to a single-vehicle accident around 6:40 a.m. Wednesday, Atlanta Police found a vehicle on fire on the MARTA tracks close to the Candler Park station near Clifton Road Northeast and DeKalb Avenue Northeast. While the accident disrupted rail service between East Lake and King Memorial for hours, bus transportation was provided as police and fire crews investigated. As of about 1:45 p.m., full rail service through the area had been restored, said Stephany Fisher, spokesperson for MARTA. No injuries were reported and the driver was cited for driving too fast for conditions. (Decaturish.com) A metro Atlanta couple was arrested Tuesday after attacking a McDonald's employee during a fight over a packet of Splenda, according to authorities. Marshall Wallace and Crystal Wallace are facing multiple charges stemming from a Nov. 23 encounter at a Locust Grove McDonald's that intensified once the Wallaces were told they had to come inside to get the zero-calorie sweetener. A cellphone video taken by an onlooker that went viral shows the argument escalating with Marshall Wallace climbing through the drive-thru window and hitting a manager in the leg with a chair, according to the sheriff's office. A bystander can be heard in the video screaming at him not to throw the chair at the manager because "she's an old lady." The Wallaces, arrested in Walton County during a traffic stop, were both taken to the Henry County Jail, officials said, where they are being held on charges of criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. Additionally, Marshall Wallace faces a count of simple battery, and Crystal Wallace is charged with simple assault. (Free: CBS46 News Atlanta; Subscription: Atlanta Journal Constitution)An Atlanta man has been sentenced for obtaining a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan for $160,000, some of which he used to purchase a Range Rover. Brandon Ridge, 37, was sentenced to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and to forfeit his interest in the Range Rover and over $100,000 seized from his bank accounts. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act, PPP loans were intended to help small businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. "Ridge thought he could unjustly enrich himself by defrauding a program designed to support struggling businesses during an international pandemic," said U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine, adding the sentence should serve as a warning that there are serious consequences for engaging in this type of fraud. (CBS46 News Atlanta)All units in a new apartment building on the BeltLine's Eastside Trail will be designated affordable housing. Madison Reynoldstown, a 116-unit apartment complex on the Atlanta BeltLine, will be developed by Atlanta Housing, the city's housing authority, with all one-, two-, and three-bedroom units reserved for affordable housing. Located at 872 Memorial Drive, the apartments will target working families earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. (Reporter Newspapers) The 2021 Eater Awards for Atlanta were announced Tuesday, after deferring last year's awards due to the pandemic. With restaurants settling into "a new normal," 2021 Atlanta Eater Awards have been presented for Best New Restaurant, Best Pop-Up to Permanent Restaurant, Best New Menu, Best Pandemic Pivot, Best New Pop-Up, and Best New Vegan Restaurant. Winners will receive Eater's distinguished tomato can trophy to display. (Eater Atlanta) Today's Atlanta Daily is brought to you in part by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013) Today in Atlanta: COVID-19 testing - Little Five Points Center for Arts and Community (10:00 AM) Prepare for your Christmas Feast at Vinings Jubilee's Farmers Market (2:30 PM) Red's Beer Garden Hosts a Bingo Fundraiser (7:00 PM) Bound to Inspire (7:00 PM) Best of the Best of Atlanta Comedy Showcase (8:00 PM) From my notebook: Atlanta: "P C M . Beautiful vibes in this snap of @poncecitymarket via @jerrito1! #atlantasnaps" (Instagram) Atlanta Humane Society: "Her name just fits: Sweetie. This beautiful girl came into our care with skin and allergy issues, but that was nothing compared to the two massive bladder stones our Shelter Medicine Team found on her X-rays. We removed Sweetie's bladder stones and treated her allergy issues, and now she's feeling like a brand new lady! She's ready to find her forever home, so visit atlantahumane.org/sweetie if you're looking for a total sweetheart of a dog!" (Facebook) City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department: "Historic Station 16 held their Christmas Holiday Event over the weekend. The tradition was started 51 years ago by the first African American firefighters to join Atlanta Fire Rescue. At this year's event, we distributed over 1,000 newly wrapped toys to 250 children." (Facebook) MARTA: "MARTA & Artbound are providing a holiday experience for customers through the month of December. There will be events at 8 rail stations and the Clayton County Transit Hub featuring carolers, live performances, prizes, and a visit from Santa." (Facebook) Lauren Swanson, Neighbor: "Just in time for the cold winter months, @bartacolife is bringing back a fan favorite as the next #bartacosecret taco! The mojo pork carnitas taco is back! Enjoy the flavors of tender shredded pork seared with a tangy, sweet + spicy mojo sauce, topped with tomatillo sauce and garnished with onion + cilantro––available from 12/7/21 through 1/17/22." (Patch) From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Featured businesses: Add your business here Events: Whitefield Academy Lower School Tour for PreK - 4th Grade (December 9) Free Aura Readings in Buckhead (December 10) Stepp Stewart's A Soulful Christmas 10th Anniversary Shows Dec 2-5 & 10-24 (December 10) Are Looking For Venue To Host Holiday Event/ Party? (December 11) French Wine Tasting with Food Pairing (December 11) Drive Thru Christmas Pageant (December 12) Atlanta New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance Party (Latin dance & Top 40s room) (December 31) Add your event Gigs & services: Tax Preparation (Details) Add your gig or service Job listings: Retail Sales Specialist - Running and Sporting Goods Store (Details) Add your job listing That's it for today! I'll see you around. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe. — Kathy Cioffi Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Atlanta Daily? Contact me at [email protected].