🌱 More Frequent MARTA Trains For New Years + Gorilla Pregnant At Zoo

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this winter morning with your fresh edition of the Atlanta Daily. Let's get this Thursday started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• MARTA's New Year's train schedule
• Zoo Atlanta announces gorilla pregnancy
• The Fulton County Board of Health is hiring

But first, today's weather:

Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 61 Low: 40.

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Here are the top five stories today in Atlanta:

1. MARTA has announced there will be more frequent train service this New Year's. Starting on Saturday, trains will run every seven-and-a-half minutes on the Red/Gold Line between Lindbergh Center Station and Airport Station. The Blue/Green Line between Ashby Station and King Memorial Station will run on the same schedule. After 5:00 p.m., train frequency will increase to six minutes. (Reporter Newspapers + Atlanta Intown)
2. Investigating new home listings in Atlanta on the internet can be fun, but it doesn't compare to seeing it in person. Ready to start hunting? To jump-start your search, a list of open houses in the Atlanta area this week is available at the link. You can get a feel for what's available prior to committing to anything. (Atlanta Patch)
3. Zoo Atlanta is expecting a very special delivery in 2023. Willie B. Jr, a beloved 22-year-old gorilla is going to be a first-time father! He and Shalia, a 20-year-old female from his troop, will soon be parents. The infant is due between May and June of 2023.
   (FOX 5 Atlanta)
4. The Fulton County Board of Health is hiring for several positions. Experienced temporary contractors are welcome to apply – especially those with an interest in serving the community. The job fair will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 12. Interested parties should bring their resume to College Park Regional Health Center. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
5. Officials are investigating a house fire in southwest Atlanta which looks suspicious. The fire took place on the 100 block of Burbank Street. This was the second fire at the location – and both fires took place on the same night. No one was home during either of the fires. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Today in Atlanta:

• Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer™ At AJC: Center For The Puppetry Arts (10:00 AM)
• Gresham Holiday Winter Camp At Gresham Park Recreation Center (12:00 PM)
• Homelessness Outreach: Compassion Night At Frontline Response (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for laughs today? Grab a ticket to the Straight No Chaser Comedy Tour at State Farm Arena this evening at 8:00 p.m. at the link! (Discover Atlanta)
• MARTA bus operators and staff have kept the city moving this whole year, no matter what! Thanks for all your hard work! (MARTA via Facebook)
• Give your whole family the chance to see a Disney classic on the big screen! "The Little Mermaid" will be playing at Fox Theatre on Dec. 31. (AXS)

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• Online webinar about our types of roofing in Atlanta, GA (January 1)
• Lori Williams - Birthday / Live Jazz Concert (January 22)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.