🌱 Rivian Plant A Go: 7,500 GA Jobs + COVID Closes 3 ATL Schools

Atlanta GA

16 December, 2021

5:56 PM

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Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's what's happening today in town. First, today's weather: Fog in the a.m.; mostly cloudy. High: 70 Low: 59. Rent this space! Are you a local business owner or marketer in Atlanta? We want to start connecting local businesses with our amazing readers. Learn more about how it works. Here are the top 5 stories in Atlanta today: Electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive confirmed plans Thursday to build a new $5 billion assembly plant and battery factory on a sprawling stretch of farmland and pine forest about an hour's drive east of Atlanta. Gov. Brian Kemp called Rivian's pending arrival "the largest single economic development project ever in this state's history." During a press conference with Kemp at the State Capitol, Rivian executives discussed plans to employ 7,500 workers at its factory, a number state officials have said could grow to 10,000. Construction on the site between Social Circle and Rutledge is scheduled to begin next summer, with production expected to begin in 2024. (Free: CNBC.com; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution) COVID-19 cases have prompted three school buildings to close, transitioning a couple thousand Atlanta students to virtual learning the rest of this week, according to an Atlanta Public Schools spokesman. King Middle School, Maynard Jackson High School and Herman J. Russell West End Academy have pivoted to virtual learning through today, the last day before a two-week holiday break. ( The Atlanta Journal Constitution) If any gift lists in your household include a new pet for the holidays, look no further than these adoptable Atlanta animal shelter pets. Many shelter animals are still looking for their forever homes close to the holidays, and animal shelters are working to fulfill adoptions. With help from Petfinder, Patch compiled a list of 55 animals available for adoption nearby. Check out photos and details about each of these pets of the week. (Atlanta Patch)Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey said she is concerned that the public's fatigue with COVID-19 is translating into people tuning out ongoing health updates and advice. "I know that after a while it's blah, blah, blah. People aren't hearing it," Toomey said. As of Wednesday, however, the number of Georgia omicron cases has grown to five and Georgia health officials reported 2,054 COVID-19 cases statewide, including 161 hospitalizations and 23 deaths. CDC officials encourage the public to continue wearing masks in closed public spaces, social distancing and handwashing. Additionally, the agency also recommends getting vaccinations and boosters for those eligible. (Atlanta Patch)After a two-year hiatus, Atlanta's New Year's Eve tradition of the Peach Drop will return this year. The restoration of the long-running event was announced by the city of Atlanta on Thursday, with more details to come. (Atlanta Patch) Today's Atlanta Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Atlanta! Today in Atlanta: Fernbank 's Newest Exhibit, "Antarctic Dinosaurs," runs through Jan. 2, 2022 (10:00 AM) Holiday Concert with Joe Gransden at Trilith's Winter Wonderland (5:30 PM) NY Nick's 10th Annual Rock for Tots at Avondale Estates (7:00 PM) Wonderland: Alice's Rock & Roll Adventure at Synchronicity Theatre (7:00 PM) Thunderbird Trio Bluegrass at Elsewhere Brewing Co. (8:00 PM) From my notebook: Thursday, the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department broke ground on the first EMS-Only Station in the City of Atlanta. About 80 percent of all AFR's calls are EMS-related. Given the number of medical-related calls, establishing an EMS Only Medical Station will allow for Southwest Atlanta to have appropriate EMS coverage.(Facebook) Acclaimed author, poet, and activist bell hooks passed away Wednesday at age 69. While the Atlanta History Center said her legacy will be felt and appreciated by generations to come, this "Beloved Community" mural located at 222 Mitchell Street leaves her mark in Atlanta as well. This message of social justice and harmony was inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.⁠ (Instagram) 🎶 On the third day of Christmas, APD sent to me … 🎶 Some great tips concerning safe driving. Remember the following when driving, fasten seat belts and child restraints; don't speed or become distracted through use of mobile phones. And never drink and drive. We also want to remind you that Georgia is a "hands-free" state: Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand or touching any part of their body while talking on their phone while driving. Drivers cannot watch videos when they are on the road. (Navigational/GPS videos are allowed). Drivers cannot use their phones or electronic devices to record video when they are on the road. (Continuously running dash cams are allowed). (Facebook) The Atlanta BeltLine 🍂 is where memories are made! Spend time with friends and family on the trails this holiday season. Cozy up at Ponce City Market, shop on Krog Street or walk the new Southside Trail. There is something for everyone. (Facebook) Atlanta Habitat for Humanity & ReStore thanks Publix Charities for its generous gift of sponsoring a house to help a family achieve affordable homeownership. Publix has been an Atlanta Habitat partner sponsor since 1997 and has built 24 houses with us! 2022 will be a Full House Sponsorship ($80,000) for its 25th build! (Facebook) More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Events: Experience Powerful and Healing art with Body & Brain Tai Chi Class (December 18) Pine Lake Artists' Pop-up (December 18) Brighten The First Day Of Winter With 15 Percent Off FTD's Sunniest Blooms (December 21) Add your event Loving the Atlanta Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved: Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe Get your local business showcased in front of readers Send me a news tip or suggestion at [email protected] You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update. — Kathy Cioffi