Food Bank Draws $5 Million From Reserves

The Atlanta Community Food Bank is activating a crisis response plan, drawing $5 million from its reserves to purchase and distribute more than 6 million pounds of emergency food over the next four weeks.

This action comes as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will become unavailable for around 1.5 million Georgians starting today due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“It is more critical than ever that we take immediate action to ensure that the children, families, and seniors in our communities continue to have access to nutritious food and vital resources,” said Kyle Waide, the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s president and CEO.

Additionally, the city of Atlanta announced that it will pause residential evictions and water shutoffs through Jan. 31, 2026.

  Atlanta Public Schools Releases Restructure Plan

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is moving forward with a major restructuring plan called “Forward 2040,” which outlines the closure, consolidation, and repurposing of 16 schools and a realignment of attendance zones as part of a cost-saving initiative.

The plan aims to address a projected $100 million budget gap, improve operational efficiency across the district, and align school capacities more closely with student enrollment.

APS estimates that implementing the plan could save the district $20-$25 million annually in operating expenses and $65 million in deferred maintenance costs.

The Atlanta Board of Education is seeking community input on the proposal, with public hearings scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Nov.  5 and Dec. 3 at the APS offices on Trinity Avenue.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival to Return

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is returning to Piedmont Park next April for its 90th year.

In August, organizers announced that the event was at risk of being cancelled unless they could raise $250,000 by today. The festival has raised only around $72,000 as of Oct. 29.

Key factors behind the budget challenge include rising costs and reduced sponsorships.

To combat the financial shortfall, the event, which has been free for 89 years, will now charge an entrance fee. The new ticket prices will be $5 for Friday, April 10, and $10 for Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12.

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➤ Cartersville: The Tellus Science Museum has opened a 20,000‑square‑foot expansion featuring new space and technology exhibits. (More)

➤ Wrightsville: A GoFundMe has raised over $26,000 for a local firefighter who had his hand severed in an attack by a man with a samurai sword. (More)

➤ Milledgeville: A former Georgia College & State University professor is suing the school, alleging he was fired after reporting student plagiarism and that the institution failed to act. (See Details)

➤ Walker County: Multiple students at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School were hospitalized after ingesting a substance later identified as kratom. (More)

➤ Atlanta: MARTA will be introducing new faregates that support tap-to-pay on all train stations and buses in an effort to reduce fare evasion and improve employee safety. (More)

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➤ Georgia safety KJ Bolden revealed that he played last football season with an eye injury that left him blind in his right eye. He still played 14 games for the Bulldogs. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Hawks picked up the third-year option for former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher this week. (More)

➤ Georgia State women’s soccer will play Old Dominion on Monday in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Championship. The Panthers just lost to ODU last Wednesday, so the tournament will be their chance to enact revenge less than a week later. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Zoo Atlanta has welcomed two new animals to its African Savanna habitat: Neighomi, a 2-year-old plains zebra, and Olive, an 11-month-old ostrich. (More)

➤ Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has been ranked the No. 1 design university in the Americas and Europe by the Red Dot Design Ranking. (More)

➤ Woodstock has become the first metro Atlanta city to approve Walmart’s drone delivery program. Drones will deliver items within a 6-mile radius of the Highway 92 location once the drone hub is constructed. (More)

Can anyone else not resist the temptation to sample the candy?

What do you typically do with extra Halloween candy?

1. Eat it, of course!
2. Donate it
3. Throw it away
4. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you like pumpkin seeds?

1. Not a fan: 33%
2. Store bought: 23%
3. Bake them at home: 22%
4. Both/other: 22%

What city was the capital of Georgia during the U.S. Civil War?

Show me the answer