🌱 COVID Shutters Eateries, CNN, Hoops + Isakson Dies + Top Books

Atlanta GA

19 December, 2021

5:48 PM

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Rise and shine, Atlanta! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything worth knowing today in town. First, today's weather: Some sun, then clouds. High: 54 Low: 37. Rent this space: Are you a local business owner or marketer in Atlanta? We love showcasing trusted businesses who can solve problems for our amazing local readers. Click here to learn more. Here are the top 5 stories in Atlanta today: Thanks to a surge in COVID-19 cases, a number of restaurants closed over the weekend, CNN's offices were shuttered "to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs," and Sunday night's game between the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers was postponed. The closed restaurants included Ticonderoga Club, Juniper Cafe, 8Arm, Supremo, Lucian Books & Wine, Field Day, A Mano and Bread & Butterfly. According to the latest figures posted by the Georgia Department of Public Health Friday, COVID-19 cases increased by 60 percent in the last 14 days. The state reported 2,334 new cases, the highest number since early October. (Reporter Newspapers) Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Republican who became one of the state's most popular politicians, died in his sleep before dawn Sunday at his Atlanta home. Isakson, 76, rose from the ranks of the state Legislature to become a U.S. senator with a simple motto: "There are two types of people in this world: friends and future friends." Isakson, who had been battling Parkinson's disease for the better part of a decade, spent more than four decades in Georgia political life before stepping down in late 2019 due to declining health. (Associated Press)Police said a rideshare driver was shot by his passenger during a robbery Friday night in northwest Atlanta. Around 9:40 p.m., upon arriving at the passenger's destination, a restaurant in the 1100 block of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, police said the passenger pulled out a handgun and demanded the driver's money and jewelry. The two began struggling and the driver was shot, authorities said, after which the gunman exited the vehicle and fled on foot while the victim drove to a Walmart along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where he met police. He was stable when transported to the hospital. ( The Atlanta Journal Constitution) Seven years ago, Heaven Hightower, then 9, told her mother, Tonika, she wanted to help others less fortunate. The mother-daughter duo soon founded "Heaven Help One Help All," and have since assisted more than 500 families in need, and not just during the holidays. "I'm very proud," Tonika Hightower said of Heaven, now 16. "She's very independent. She loves to help around her city and her school. She helps all kinds of ways." As for Heaven, she's happy to be of assistance year round. "It feels very, very great because every time I see them smile, every time I see them give out that energy, it just makes me smile and it makes me know that I've done my job," she said Saturday, before handing out gifts to 10 families with a total of 40 children. (CBS46 News Atlanta) The Fulton County Library System has released lists of the Most Checked Out Books of 2021, divided into two main categories: audiobook and print. The adult print book most checked out was "The Four Winds" by Kristin Hannah. "The Four Winds" also came in first for Fulton County's most checked out e-book of the year. As for the most requested audiobook, the top spot belongs to Isabel Wilkerson's "Caste: The Origins of our Discontents," an Oprah's Book Club pick. (11Alive.com WXIA) 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: Winter Holidays Through Jan. 3 For Fulton County Schools (ALL DAY) Take and Make: Kwanzaa Paper Chain at Scott Candler Library (12:00 AM) Fernbank 's Newest Exhibit, "Antarctic Dinosaurs," runs through Jan. 2, 2022 (10:00 AM) Create a Kwanzaa Greeting Card at DeKalb County Public Library (1:00 PM) Pop-up Christmas Cocktail Bar Sippin' Santa at Bon Ton Atlanta (5:00 PM) From my notebook: 🎶 On the sixth day of Christmas, APD sent to me … 🎶 a reminder that to reduce thefts from vehicles, you should secure your parcels and gifts in the trunk of your car when parked in public places and keep all valuables out of sight. We also recommend that you remove temptation by always locking doors, removing your keys and closing windows when your vehicle is unattended. (Facebook) Job announcement reposted by Atlanta's Historic West End: #ATL311 is hiring customer service representatives! The application is available now so apply today. (Facebook) Would anyone in Lakeside Preserve happen to have any magazines you could donate? We're having a 2022 Vision Board party and we're light on magazines. (Nextdoor) Two adorable puppies were left on the side of the road in Vinings in the rain in a crate, and they need a home immediately. Rescues cannot take them unless they are turned in to animal control. Approximately 4 or 5 months old. Super sweet puppies. (Nextdoor)A foggy morning at the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences was captured by a volunteer. The inner lights, are also lighting up ✨ (Facebook) More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Events: Brighten The First Day Of Winter With 15 Percent Off FTD's Sunniest Blooms (December 21) Add your event Other classifieds: Alpharetta's New Non-Invasive Body Make-Over Spa (Details) Add your classified 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 featured in front of readers Send me a news tip or suggestion at [email protected] You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon! — Kathy Cioffi