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🌱 Patch AM: How Zoo Atlanta’s new pandas could boost Grant Park businesses

Coming up on the Atlanta Patch calendar: Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival Returns This Weekend

Sunday September 27th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Atlanta! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Zoo Atlanta's new pandas could boost Grant Park businesses
  • New CDL simulators in Atlanta could change careers in weeks
  • When Olivia Rodrigo's 'melting dress' tour lands in Atlanta

Also on today's calendar: Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival Returns This Weekend and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What are the two favorite words for a shark to hear? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 81 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Monday: Some clouds, then sunshine, temps: high: 83, low: 55.
  • Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 86 and low of 60 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Zoo Atlanta's neighbors can't wait for return of the giant pandas (wsbtv.com) — Zoo Atlanta is preparing to welcome two new giant pandas from China, and nearby Grant Park businesses like Ollie's Market & Deli are gearing up for a surge in visitors. Neighbors say more zoo traffic could mean better sales and more dining options for families planning panda visits once an arrival date is announced.
   

2. Goodwill's commercial vehicle simulator helps career seekers (wsbtv.com) — Goodwill of North Georgia has installed commercial driver's license simulators at its Metropolitan Career Center in Atlanta, funded by more than $300,000 from Invest Atlanta. The free program helps Atlantans train for high-demand trucking jobs, cutting costs that often block entry and offering a faster path to living-wage careers across metro neighborhoods.
   

3. All About Olivia Rodrigo's Melting Dress on 'The Unraveled Tour': Watch 'The Cure' Performance Video Now! (justjared.com) — Olivia Rodrigo's massive Unraveled Tour is set to hit Atlanta's State Farm Arena on November 11 and 12, giving local fans two chances to see her theatrical "melting dress" performance of "The Cure." The tour features hits from Sour, Guts, and her latest album, with tickets now mainly available through resale sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats.
   

4. Volunteers pack 1 million meals at State Farm Arena (atlantanewsfirst.com) — Thousands of volunteers at State Farm Arena just packed one million meals to support Atlantans facing food insecurity, with help from the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm. Local leaders say the annual Million Meal Pack keeps all food in the Atlanta community, where one in eight residents and one in six children struggle to find their next meal.
   

5. Morehouse School of Medicine helps get Atlanta men screened (theatlantavoice.com) — Morehouse School of Medicine partnered with Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church for a Game On for Good Health tailgate, offering free prostate cancer screenings and fresh produce to local men. With Atlanta's Black men facing some of the nation's worst prostate cancer survival rates, survivor and singer Montell Jordan urged residents not to delay regular testing.
   

📸 Around Atlanta

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Sweet Sixteenth Annual Pink Kiss for the Cure Toasts Over $301,000 Raised across all CentraArchy Restaurants —Nicholas Wolaver Read on Patch
  • Divas® Running Series Returns To Peachtree City To Paint the Town Pink —St. Steven PR Read on Patch
  • 'The Frozen River' Author, Ariel Lawhon, to Make Her Only Georgia Stop Nov. 14 at Johns Creek Literary Fair —Kathy Cioffi Read on Patch
  • Meet LifeLine Animal Project's Pets of the Week —Timyka Artist Read on Patch
  • Circus Vazquez – America's Premier Family-Owned Big Top Show – visits Atlanta now through October 11 —Alan Miller Read on Patch
  • Heads up, neighbors.
    Please be careful with posts offering a "gift" to the first few people who send a DM. I know many people are struggling right now and looking for… (Nextdoor Bolton)
  • Update: She now has a furever home
    Hi! I have a kitten that I am looking to find a home for. We rescued her from outside. She's super cuddly and great with our other cats. Loves… (Nextdoor West Haven)
  • United Talent Staffing Services posted a job opening for Material Handler 1st Shift in Atlanta. Apply here.
  • Home Chef posted a job opening for Reach Truck Operator - Day Shift - Days Off: Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday in Atlanta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Atlanta here.

Ok Atlanta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "MAN OVERBOARD!" (Thank you M J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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