News
Federal judge halts Georgia law restricting youth access to social media
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Thursday against enforcement of a 2024 Georgia law that sought to limit social media companies’ access to children. The Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act sailed through the General Assembly with broad bipartisan support and was a top priority for Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. But Amy Totenberg, a federal judge for the Northern District of Georgia, said the industry-backed plaintiff in the case was likely to prevail on claims that the law
How SMBs Can Successfully Navigate the Leap Into Global Markets
The dream of international expansion carries equal parts promise and pressure. For small and medium-sized businesses, the prospect of tapping into overseas markets can open up new revenue streams, diversify risk, and boost brand credibility. But the global playing field isn't just bigger—it’s trickier, messier, and often plays by an entirely different rulebook. That’s why the difference between growth and growing pains often lies in how smartly and strategically a business prepares for its global
Northside adds providers, earns top local honors
Northside Hospital continues to expand access to top-quality health care across Georgia with the addition of new providers and recent community recognitions. New providers and locationsDr. Nimit Lad, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon, joins Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute – Sports Medicine in Snellville. He has specialized fellowship training in sports medicine. More: sportsmedicine.northside.com.Dr. Steven Lobel, medical director of the Spine Center at Medical Associates of North Georgia, is now
Georgia State Faculty Honored with Regents’ Professorships
Media ContactShana Bagley ATLANTA — The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) has appointed and reappointed outstanding faculty to the system’s highest academic rank, the Regents’ Professor. The Regents’ Professorship is granted by the board for three years, subject to renewal to a second three-year term by the board upon the recommendation of the institution’s president, the system chancellor and the board’s Committee on Academic Affairs. After six years, the professorship is
Brookhaven, GA, June 18, 2025 – The Brookhaven City Council acted on several items
Brookhaven, GA, June 18, 2025 – The Brookhaven City Council acted on several items in its June 17 meeting.During a Special Called Meeting, the Mayor and Council held the third presentation and public hearing of the FY 2025 Millage rates, which was considered later in the agenda (see below). The Mayor and Council deferred a variance application for a childcare facility on Apple Valley. The Council approved an ordinance to amend the 2025 Confiscated Assets Fund Budget, appropriating $197,236 from the
Brookhaven’s City Centre project hit with color mismatch issue
Brookhaven’s $78 million new city hall, scheduled to open in August, is experiencing a colorful setback. The dome atop Brookhaven’s City Centre was intended to reflect muted tones of the city’s signature colors – blue and green, consistent with the design vision supported by the community, mayor, and city council members. But last week when the installation of the dome glass began, residents and passersby noticed something was amiss. Online, people have been comparing the bright red, yellow, and blue
GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger Launches Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking Initiative
On June 16, 2025, Secretary Raffensperger joined with Secretaries of State across the country to launch the Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking (GBAT) initiative for Georgians to join in the fight against human trafficking. GBAT focuses on raising awareness through training and collaboration with businesses and organizations across Georgia. It is open to any business, non-profit organization, or association in the state of Georgia that is interested in preventing human trafficking and being a partner
Early bird tickets on sale for Sandy Springs Wine Festival
Early bird tickets are on sale now for the Oct. 5 Sandy Springs Wine Festival at Heritage Entertainment Lawn. The festival enters its third year after attracting more than 300 attendees in its first two years. A news release said it will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 6110 Blue Stone Road. The general tasting runs from 3 to 5 p.m.Early bird tickets are on sale for $80. Groups of 10 or more tickets get a 10 percent discount, the release said. Read more here Posted by GPC
Helping Children Overcome Anxiety About Getting Sick
While it’s natural for kids to have concerns about germs or illness from time to time, when these fears become excessive, persistent, or start interfering with daily life, it may be a sign of health anxiety. Understanding the difference between normal worry and health anxiety is an important first step:Normal worry: “I hope I don’t catch the flu this week.”Excessive worry: “What if this headache is something serious?” asked multiple times a day, even after reassurance or a clean bill of health. Other
Perimeter CIDs Launch ‘Rapid Ride’ to Expand Commuter Access with Vanpool Program
The Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (Perimeter CIDs), in partnership with Commute with Enterprise and in conjunction with the long-standing vanpool program through the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL), has launched Rapid Ride, a new vanpooling pilot program designed to provide employees commuting to the Perimeter area with a cost-effective and dependable transportation alternative. Developed in response to shifting regional transit patterns, Rapid Ride offers a new option for
A Bold New Twist: Auntie Anne’s®?Rolls Out Modernized New Store Design
ATLANTA— Auntie Anne’s®, one of the seven iconic brands within the GoTo Foods, LLC platform company, unveils a playfully bold new store design that invites guests to “twist up your day” with a fresh, irresistibly magnetic brand experience. With a focus on attracting Gen Z and Millennials, the brand’s refreshed design enhances curb appeal and reflects a renewed commitment to innovation and cultural relevance. This updated look not only elevates the guest experience but also streamlines operations and
Film permits are up but work is still slow, workers say
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Aurora Walker stayed busy as a tailor and seamstress on film sets in Georgia until a year ago, when the work dried up. Her last job was on the set of "Tulsa King," a show streaming on Paramount+. She's had one job since. Walker moved to Mobile, Alabama, with her husband and has since worked on private projects. "Most of my colleagues are still back in Georgia, holding out hope things will improve," she said. "I’ve tried my best to hold out some hope,
Music, events and food to mark Juneteenth celebrations around Atlanta
Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, was celebrated with parades and celebrations over the weekend, but even more are planned for June 19. We’ve rounded up a guide to some of the events.Juneteenth a Reat City Springs Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Brookhaven are teaming up to present a free, family-friendly 2025 Juneteenth Celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 19 at City Springs with a mix of live performances, educational experiences, and immersive art exhibits. Read more
How Remote Construction Recruiting Helps Find Skilled Labor Fast
Despite recent macroeconomic uncertainty that has stalled some large-scale commercial projects, the U.S. construction industry generally looks to be in hiring mode. According to analysis by Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry will need to attract roughly 439,000 net new workers in 2025 to meet anticipated demand. While the study didn’t break out skilled trades versus unskilled workers, the demand for both is still high and the supply low. This leaves construction firms with a
Georgia Aquarium Unveils ‘Glow Nights’: A Dazzling New Summer Experience
This summer, Georgia Aquarium lights up the night like never before with Glow Nights. This all-new evening experience is inspired by the natural wonder of bioluminescence found deep within our oceans. Starting May 30, as the sun sets, the Aquarium transforms into a glowing celebration of color and light. Step into a vibrant underwater world as the Aquarium is taken over by a dazzling UV light scene. Guests will encounter glowing corals, radiant jellyfish, and other luminous sea creatures, brought to life
Three Business Issues Modern Technology Has Solved
Business is all about disaster mitigation and damage control. You never know exactly when something bad is going to happen, but you have to be ready for it when it does. Today, we want to discuss a couple ways that smart technology can help you in specific situations where your business might otherwise falter. Loss of Data Your business lives off of its data, and without it, good luck keeping operations going. Imagine if your customer records, invoices, internal files, contact information,
Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Launches Active Living Every Day
A 12-week wellness program to help residents build healthier, active lives Brookhaven, GA, June 3, 2025 – Brookhaven Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Human Kinetics will begin offering Active Living Every Day classes beginning June 9. Active Living Every Day is a 12-week behavior change program, focused on helping sedentary adults fit physical activity into their lives in realistic ways. Participants will learn the skills needed to become physically active, such as overcoming barriers, setting
New at Brookhaven Parks: Swim Lessons and Water Fitness Classes
Brookhaven, GA, June 06, 2025 – The City of Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Swem School to offer swim lessons and water fitness classes for the first time ever, welcoming guests of all ages and skill levels. Lessons begin on Monday, June 9 and will be available at Briarwood Park, 2235 Briarwood Rd, Lynwood Park, 3360 Osborne Rd, and Murphey Candler Park, 1551 West Nancy Creek. Both private and group sessions are offered, ranging from beginner to intermediate levels for
Brookhaven reduces speed limits on main thoroughfares
Brookhaven, GA, June 10, 2025 – Brookhaven commuters should ease off the gas pedals on several main thoroughfares, starting immediately. Today, Mayor John Park took down the last 35 MPH speed limit sign on Dresden Drive and replaced it with a 25 MPH sign. Within the next few weeks, other roads will have reduced speed limits:Ashford Dunwoody Road and Johnson Ferry Road, from 40 MPH to 35 MPH, andHarts Mill Road from 35 MPH to 30 MPH “The Dresden Drive Corridor in District 2 is a very tight and dense
Mercedes-Benz USA and Atlanta Falcons Running Back Bijan Robinson Join Forces with Backpack Buddies
In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 21-25, 2025), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and Atlanta Falcons Running Back Bijan Robinson teamed up with nonprofit Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta to provide essential food supplies and complete meals to Atlanta-based children facing food insecurity. Many students rely on subsidized school meals to receive proper nutrition throughout the week, leading them to face hunger on the weekends – an issue that can lead to difficulties learning, low self-esteem,
Dunwoody keeps the tax rate flat for 2025
Dunwoody, GA – June 5, 2025 – Today, the City of Dunwoody issued a state-required press release in the format prescribed by the Georgia Department of Revenue. The city is issuing this separate press release concurrent with the required one (linked here) to give context that the state one does not allow. The City of Dunwoody is proposing to keep its millage rate the same at 3.040 mills for 2025. The tax rate for 2025 will also include a one-mill reduction for all homestead properties, lowering the
Brookhaven to hold public hearings for 2025 millage rate
Brookhaven, GA, May 29, 2025 – Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming public hearings for the 2025 millage rate. The meetings will be held Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at City Hall at 4362 Peachtree Road, Brookhaven. After the final public hearing, the millage rate will be formally adopted at the June 17, 2025, meeting at 6:30 p.m. In November 2024, the Brookhaven City Council adopted a balanced 2025 budget totaling $101.9 million in direct
Coastal States Bank announces Scott Hall as Senior Vice President, Commercial Banker
ATLANTA (May 16, 2025) – Coastal States Bank (“CSB”) announced that Scott Hall has joined the bank as Senior Vice President, Commercial Banker, serving its Alpharetta and North Fulton market.Scott brings more than 25 years of commercial banking experience in Metro Atlanta to CSB. As commercial banker, he will focus on acquiring and growing commercial client relationships throughout the northern communities of the Atlanta MSA."We are excited to welcome Scott to our CSB team," said Gary Dowell, Atlanta
Kennesaw State educator brings industry experience to the classroom
Hopping around a lecture hall in the Burruss Building, Tom Garr approaches individual students with questions and comments that show a sense of care. “You crushed it on your exam,” the lecturer of economics at Kennesaw State University tells one student in his thick, scratchy New York accent. Garr, who was recently promoted from adjunct in the Michael J. Coles College of Business, is crouched in a chair next to her, reminiscent of the way he translates lofty economics concepts to students by using
Coro Realty Names Ansley Nixon as Executive Vice President, Capital Markets
Atlanta (May 20, 2025) Coro Realty, a real estate investment and management company, has named Ansley Nixon as Executive Vice President, Capital Markets. Nixon brings nearly 20 years of experience across institutional capital markets, acquisitions, and portfolio strategy, having closed more than $8 billion in real estate transactions spanning office, multifamily, retail, and mixed-use assets. Coro Realty applies a tailored approach to each investment, identifying opportunities to maximize long-term
Georgia State University Names Donald Hamelberg as Vice President for Research, Economic Development
Media ContactAmanda Dobbs ATLANTA — Georgia State University has announced the appointment of Donald Hamelberg (Ph.D. ’01) as the new vice president for Research and Economic Development, effective June 1. Hamelberg, a Distinguished University Professor in Chemistry and interim vice president, brings 17 years of dedicated service and leadership to this critical role. Following a comprehensive national search process, Hamelberg’s selection received strong support from the Georgia State community. Feedback
How Much Should Your Business Invest in its Cybersecurity?
Long story short: it depends. As unhelpful as that answer may seem on the surface, it really is the truth. There are just so many variables that different businesses will exhibit that ultimately impact how their budgets should be shaped. For instance, both a small mom-and-pop shop and a massive corporation need cybersecurity, but the scale of their respective investments will vastly differ. Let’s go over how to budget appropriately for your cybersecurity protections and concerns. What is an Appropriate
Community Comes Together for Night of Hope
On Wednesday, May 15, CAC supporters, neighbors, and friends came together for our annual Night of Hope at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center—and it was truly a night to remember. Guests were treated to a dazzling performance of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, celebrating the life and music of one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters. The sold-out show was made even more meaningful by the generosity of our community. Thanks to your support, we raised $20,000 to help local families
City of Sandy Springs Opens Applications for Citizens' Leadership Academy
The City of Sandy Springs today opened applications for the 2025-’26 Citizens’ Leadership Academy. Applications will close on June 30. The multi-week program, designed to empower and educate residents and businesses within the community, offers a comprehensive and engaging curriculum tailored to foster an informed and active citizenry. Applications are available at SandySpringsGa.gov/sandy-springs-leadership-academy. Courses will take place at Sandy Springs City Hall and other municipal facilities,
Greater Perimeter Chamber Opens Nominations for 2025 Woman of Distinction Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2025Greater Perimeter Chamber Opens Nominations for 2025 Woman of Distinction Award Honoring Exceptional Women Who Lead, Serve, and Inspire Across the Perimeter Region Sandy Springs, GA — The Greater Perimeter Chamber (GPC) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Woman of Distinction Award. Let’s honor and celebrate a remarkable woman who demonstrates outstanding leadership, integrity, and community impact within the Perimeter region.Winner Announced and Honored: October
How Small Business Owners Can Manage Change Without Losing the Crew
When a business shifts course, small companies feel the tremor more than giants. A policy tweak, leadership switch, or new technology doesn’t just ripple—it crashes through a tight-knit team, rattles long-standing habits, and pokes holes in comfort zones. Change isn’t the enemy, though; resistance to it is. If you’re running a small business, managing organizational change isn't just about pushing updates or sending memos—it's about keeping your people on board while the ship turns. Start With the Real
The Future of Work Is Flexible—And Here’s How Companies Can Make It Happen
The workplace isn’t what it used to be, and that’s a good thing. Employees want more autonomy, better work-life balance, and the ability to do their jobs without being chained to a desk from nine to five. For small businesses, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. You don’t have the sprawling HR departments or endless budgets of large corporations, but you do have something better—agility. If you’re willing to rethink traditional work structures, you can create a remote or flexible work
Revolutionize Hiring with the Latest Recruitment Innovations
In the competitive realm of recruitment, staying ahead requires more than just traditional methods. The integration of technology and data-driven strategies is reshaping how organizations attract and retain talent. By adopting innovative approaches, companies can not only streamline their hiring processes but also enhance their appeal to prospective employees. This shift towards modern recruitment practices is essential for businesses aiming to secure the best candidates in a rapidly changing job