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Community Corner

🌱 Kemp Gets Gas Tax Bill + ATL Jobs Strong + Freeman Heads To LA

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Atlanta.

Kathy Cioffi, Community Contributor
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(Patch)

Morning, Atlanta! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know around town today.

First, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm. High: 67 Low: 51.

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Here are the top 5 stories in Atlanta today:

  1. A bill suspending gasoline taxes in Georgia is on its way to Gov. Brian Kemp, and he has said he plans to sign it. According to Georgia Public Broadcast, the Georgia Senate voted unanimously to pass a bill suspending state taxes on gasoline through May. Once voted into law, the measure could save Georgia drivers 29 cents per gallon on gas, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan tweeted. The bill will likely reach Kemp's desk today. "We are pleased the Senate voted in favor, and Governor Kemp will sign (it) as soon as possible," Kemp spokeswoman Katie Byrd said Thursday in an email. (Atlanta Patch)
  2. Georgia posted one of its strongest Januarys on record, adding 19,400 jobs. Typically, January sees thousands of positions eliminated, many of them created to handle the holiday rush for retail and delivery companies. During an average pre-pandemic January, the area loses about 47,500 jobs. But, this year, the economy shrank by only 22,200 jobs. That's good news, said Mark Butler, Georgia's commissioner of labor, adding that odds are good that January's job seekers have either already been hired or will be soon. Currently, there are more than 95,000 job openings listed for the metro Atlanta area, where more than 60% of the jobs in the state are located. "We continue to see Georgia's workforce be successfully employed in record-breaking numbers," Butler said. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  3. It's official: Freddie Freeman is leaving the Braves and joining one of their major foes, the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to multiple reports, Freeman, an Orange County native, and the Dodgers agreed to a six-year contract worth $162 million late Wednesday night. Earlier this week, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos swung a huge trade and landed first baseman Matt Olson, an Atlanta native. (Free: CBSsports.com; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  4. Season 8 of "Masterchef Junior," which returned Thursday with 16 young chefs from 8 to 13, features Atlanta cook A'Dan Lisaula. Filmed the fall of 2019 before the pandemic, the Fox Show spotlights A'Dan at age 10. He just turned 13. "When I was 10, I was a little bit cocky," he said. "I am more humble now. I know what my limits are. And my cooking has elevated since then. I want to elevate it even more." Gordon Ramsay, who is much kinder on "Masterchef Junior" than "Masterchef" or "Hell's Kitchen," talked to A'Dan about Atlanta during the first episode, mentioning he had gone catfishing here and saying, "They are huge!" (Free: Fox.com; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  5. Many Georgia residents have shown solidarity with Ukraine amid the Russian invasion through donations, protests and signs of support. Businesses have also taken a stand. Total Wines, with stores in Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Kennesaw and Atlanta, has pulled all Russian-made beverages from its shelves. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines and the Coca-Cola Company are among many global companies suspending business dealings with Russian entities. And Gov. Brian Kemp has condemned Russia, expressing his support for Ukraine while ordering state and local governments to stop working with Russian businesses. For individuals interested in doing more to support Ukraine, here are 23 charities that are accepting donations. (Atlanta Patch)

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Today in Atlanta:

  • The Atlanta Home Show returns to Cobb Galleria from March 18-20, bringing the highly anticipated annual consumer show back to the market amid a continued pandemic-fueled home improvement boom. (10:00 AM)
  • Salesforce presents the Blind Institute of Technology's Dining in The Dark Fundraising Gala at The Georgia Aquarium. (6:00 PM)
  • Start the Weekend with a smile at Red's Comedy Night. Beginning tonight, guests in need of a pick-me-up or searching for a smile are welcome to join amateur comedians for a free comedy show in Red's pet-friendly outdoor beer garden. (7:00 PM)
  • Southern Dharma Celebration, the Healing Power of Love and Medicine Buddha Empowerment, is an annual event of spiritual practitioners in the Southeast United States. This year, the celebration is hosted by Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia and is available in-person and online. (7:00 PM)
  • Horizon Theatre Performance of "The Light" at Little Five Points Center for Arts and Community (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Boat Rock / Camp Creek: "I'd love to get tennis lessons again. Can anyone recommend an instructor or facility in the area? Would love to get started this spring. Thank you in advance!" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Lake Claire: "⚡️⚡️⚡️ MAMMA MIA ⚡️⚡️⚡️ - 💥 Opening night is a week away! 💥 Mamma Mia! Midtown's spring musical, will be March 24 -27. Get your tickets now. You don't want to miss this super fun performance. https://gradydramaboosters2.square.site/" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Sagamore Hills: "Looking for a new primary care doc. Prefer a female who specializes (or at least has significant knowledge) in issues resulting from peri-menopause, anxiety and mental health, in addition to general internal medicine. Any and all recommendations appreciated." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Summerhill: "Check out my new group: Mama Needs Wine (& a Nanny!) Social Club. Would love to get to know more amazing moms in our area! Please join my new group and invite a neighbor. https://nextdoor.com/g/b8cqe3g8f" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Legacy at Cascading Creek: "Looking for a good doggy daycare. Any suggestions?" (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin Returns for one night only (March 19)
  • Estate Planning Webinar 3/21 & 3/21 (March 21)
  • Barranco Enterprises - 1st Annual Career Fair (March 21)
  • PRIDE Kickball Atlanta Spring Leagues (March 21)
  • DeKalb Symphony Masterworks Series No. 2 (March 22)
  • American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day: Understand Your Risk (March 22)
  • Feeling Overwhelmed? Anxieties? Re-center yourself with Holistic Fitness for all levels! (March 24)
  • High Revelry for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 24)
  • John Stango Artist Show (March 26)
  • Independent Distilling 8 year Anniversary & Crawfish Boil with Mothers Best!! (March 26)
  • Add your event

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Kathy Cioffi

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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