Atlanta, GA
World War II drama 'Blitz' opening in Atlanta theaters
Stars talks WWII drama ‘Blitz’
The new movie ”Blitz” features four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan as a young mother searching for her son during the bombings of London in World War II. Good Day’s Paul Milliken recently sat down with the director and stars to talk about the film.
A mother desperately searches for her son amid the British bombings of World War II in the harrowing new drama “Blitz” — opening in Atlanta this week from Apple Original Films.
Written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen, “Blitz” features four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan in a role that required both dramatic and musical chops.
“The singing was something that was so enjoyable from the very beginning,” says Ronan of her role as Rita, the mother separated from her young son. “I rehearsed a lot with my vocal coach, Fiona, and she just strengthened up my voice so much, and taught me how it works and how to hit higher keys that I wasn’t able to hit before.”
McQueen says he knew one of the biggest challenges of making “Blitz” would be finding the right young actor to portray Ronan’s son, George.
“A tape came in, and there was this child — this kid — and there was a stillness in him,” says McQueen. “And in a way, it was like seeing Charlie Chaplin; not in a funny way, but in a kind of beautiful, still way.”
Elliott Heffernan won the role — and had no problems with some of the film’s more terrifying scenes, including one that involves being trapped in rising water.
“It might look scary, and maybe to some people on-set it might have looked scary, but the thought of filming and then waiting around just chilling in the water was so cool,” says the young actor.
“Blitz” opens in select Atlanta theaters this week, and will be streaming on Apple TV+ later this month. To hear more from the writer-director and stars, click the video player in this article.
Atlanta, GA
Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Popular gathering spots across metro Atlanta saw heightened law enforcement presence Saturday night following rumors of potential “teen takeovers.”
Authorities say a similar event last weekend led to more than a dozen teenagers and adults being taken into custody. In response, agencies across the metro area are stepping up patrols in several high-traffic areas, including the Beltline and the Cumberland Mall and Battery districts.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 9 juveniles, 8 adults charged after weekend ‘takeover’ event at The Battery
Along the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta police confirmed they increased staffing levels as a precaution. An APD officer on scene told Atlanta News First that officers are maintaining an enhanced presence due to the takeover rumors. An Atlanta News First crew observed multiple people put in handcuffs and an APD officer at the Beltline said four guns had been confiscated.
Multiple patrol units were visible along the Beltline, with officers monitoring foot traffic and briefly detaining several individuals. Police said the show of force is intended to deter large, disruptive gatherings before they begin.
Cumberland Mall to have teen curfew Saturday after ‘takeover’ at The Battery
In Cobb County, law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts around Cumberland Mall and The Battery Atlanta. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office deployed its mounted patrol unit, with four deputies on horseback circling the mall. Units from the Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol were also seen monitoring traffic and pedestrian activity in the area.
Electronic message boards and posted signage between Cumberland and The Battery warned visitors of the increased law enforcement presence. Officers said the goal is to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s arrests and ensure public safety.
For now, officials say the evening remains calm, but they are prepared to respond quickly if large crowds begin to form.
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Atlanta, GA
Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest
STONECREST, Ga. – The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred at the Mall of Stonecrest on Saturday afternoon.
What we know:
The department was alerted to the shooting around 12:40 p.m. Officers responded to the mall and immediately began a search of the premises. In an early update, police stated the mall was on lockdown and that no victim had been found.
A few hours later, police confirmed a victim had been located and several people were detained after running away from the mall. The injured person was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.
The mall remained on lockdown as of 3:45 p.m. as officers continued clearing the building. Police said the process could take several hours and requested that the public continue to avoid the area.
DeKalb police stated there is no further danger to the public.
What we don’t know:
At this time, it is unclear what led to the shooting or if any of the detained individuals have been charged.
The Source: Information in this article came from the DeKalb County Police Department via an email.
Atlanta, GA
The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?
The show highlights a tongue-in-cheek social media “ban” on pajamas and Crocs at Tampa International Airport that sparked national debate over travel etiquette. The crew also covers the Atlanta Hawks’ bold “Magic City Monday” promotion featuring famous lemon pepper wings and halftime performances by T.I.. Additionally, the segment dives into Gen Z’s “loud breakup” trend on TikTok and ends with a nostalgic defense of the Burger King Whopper.
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