Secure Government Shutdown Begins – Press Muara Digital

Spooky Season

A partial shutdown of the federal government began at 12:01 a.m. today after Congress failed to pass a short-term funding bill. About 750,000 federal workers now face furloughs. This marks the 15th shutdown since 1981, with the most recent one lasting 35 days and starting in December 2018. Lawmakers from both parties are pointing fingers as the situation unfolds.

Sunny with a high of 84° today.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced a $5 billion Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative aimed at bringing jobs, business growth, and more choice to underserved communities. The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on local development and economic opportunities.

Georgia’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of Gullah-Geechee residents, allowing voters to decide whether to repeal zoning changes that permit larger homes on Sapelo Island. This decision highlights the ongoing dialogue between community interests and land use policies.

The class of 2025 set a graduation record, with nearly nine out of every 10 Georgia high school students earning a diploma within four years. This achievement reflects the progress made in education and student success across the state.

At this week’s Dunwoody City Council meeting, the Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard provided an update on its continued progress. The garden has become a vital part of the community, promoting sustainability and local agriculture.

After the Tucker City Council rejected a proposal to build pickleball courts at the Tucker Recreation Center, residents reviewed a sound mitigation study and other location options for the courts. This process emphasizes the importance of community input in local development decisions.

Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, begins tonight at sundown. It is Judaism’s holiest day when observant Jews fast and seek forgiveness through prayer. This sacred occasion holds deep significance for Jewish communities around the world.

Elsewhere

In speeches to assembled generals and admirals, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump criticized “woke” standards, including “fat troops,” and stated that combat training would adopt the “highest male standards.” Trump also mentioned his desire for the military to address “the enemy within” in “dangerous” U.S. cities.

Pfizer agreed to sell medications at 50-85% discounts through a new federal website, TrumpRx, meeting a White House deadline requiring drugmakers to match international prices. This move aims to make essential medications more affordable for American consumers.

A new study found that more than 400 people have been charged with “pregnancy-related crimes” since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This data highlights the ongoing legal and social implications of reproductive rights in the United States.

Picture This

Kevin Woo, the singing voice behind Mystery Saja in the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” will perform at this year’s Korean Festival at Sugarloaf Mills in Duluth. The festival, an all-out celebration of Korean culture, runs from Oct. 4-5. Learn more here.

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:

AIDS Walk raises $1M
Taste of Tucker returns
Wellness Wednesday
AND
Concert Picks

“Xanadu” the musical rolls into Serenbe Oct. 10-19 at the Wildflower Meadow. Enjoy a disco-fueled night under the stars with live music, glitter, and a VIP experience where you can sit on stage, meet the cast, and win signed skates. More info here.

Sponsor Message

AIDS Walk raises $1 million for HIV care

The 34th Annual AIDS Walk Music Festival and 5K Run on Sept. 27 raised $1 million for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services. The event at Piedmont Park attracted thousands of attendees with performances by award-winning artist CeeLo Green, internationally acclaimed trombonist and trumpeter Trombone Shorty, and Orleans Avenue.

The $1 million raised by the event will be split among organizations, including: AID Atlanta, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Aniz Inc., Bridge of Light, Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Georgia Equality, I Am Human, Lost-N-Found Youth, LGBTQ+ Institute, Positive Impact Health Centers, and Trans Women of Color Healing Project.

More on this story from Katie Burkholder here.

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Celebrate 20 Years of Stories at the Decatur Book Festival

SPONSORED BY THE DECATUR BOOK FESTIVAL

Join us this weekend, Oct. 3-4, in downtown Decatur as we celebrate 20 years of one of the nation’s most beloved literary festivals.

The festival kicks off Friday evening with two special events only: the 6 p.m. Kidnote with Angie Thomas and the 7 p.m. Keynote with Saeed Jones. All remaining events take place Sat., Oct. 4, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Enjoy 100+ authors, book signings, performances, kids’ activities, and more. Free admission. Get the full schedule here.

2. Annual Taste of Tucker event returns, supporting local charities

A Tucker favorite is celebrating its sweet 16 this weekend with a smorgasbord of cuisine, activities for the whole family, and a mission to raise funds for two local charities.

Taste of Tucker returns from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Oct. 4 on Main Street, between the railroad tracks and LaVista Road.

Last year, the event, curated by Tucker couple Art and Karen Wood, attracted nearly 7,000 people to downtown, raising more than $45,000 for NETWorks Cooperative Ministry and Camp Kudzu, which supports children with Type 1 diabetes. The Woods hope to draw even more attendees and dollars at this year’s event for the same charities.

Learn more about the event here.

3. Wellness Wednesday

Ready to Zumba? Join a free class in Johns Creek tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. Enjoy an energetic dance-based cardio workout to Latin and international rhythms.

Experience the power of Tai Chi in Sandy Springs (pictured) on Fri., Oct. 3. Classes start at 10 a.m. and take place on the City Green.

Learn how to build resilient, biodiverse, and sustainable urban green spaces by planting native edible trees. Check out Trees Atlanta’s Annual Tree Sale on Oct. 4 at the Carter Center.

Center your foot health at a Free Foot Check Day in Alpharetta on Saturday. The event will assess general foot function and educate participants on potential impacts of poor foot health on ankles, knees, hips, and backs.

Alpharetta Restaurant Week runs Oct. 11-18, with 60+ restaurants offering special menus. It’s the perfect chance to try something new or revisit a favorite spot. Don’t miss the area’s largest culinary event! Learn more here.

4. Lorde, The Lumineers, Lake Street Dive

WEEKLY CONCERT PICKS | MORE ONLINE HERE

Wed., Oct. 1

The Love Scene + Kenyon Dixon + Tiffany Evans @ Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre

Vincent Lima @ The Loft

Djo @ Coca-Cola Roxy

Thurs., Oct. 2

Elvis Costello & The Imposters + Charlie Sexton @ Coca-Cola Roxy

Slow Crush @ The Masquerade (Purgatory)

Che @ Center Stage

NXWORRIES @ Tabernacle

Marina + Mallrat @ The Eastern

Fri., Oct. 3

Maxwell @ State Farm Arena

Lake Street Dive @ Tabernacle

Billy Pilgrim @ Buckhead Theatre

A Lot Like Birds @ The Masquerade (Purgatory)

Aminé @ Coca-Cola Roxy

Arcy Drive @ Terminal West

Sat., Oct. 4

The Lumineers @ State Farm Arena

The Tubs @ The Masquerade (Purgatory)

Brandon Lake @ Gas South Arena (also Sunday)

Lil Tecca @ Coca-Cola Roxy

Daniel Donato @ Buckhead Theatre

Molly Tuttle @ Variety Playhouse

Sun., Oct. 5

Method Man @ Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre

Madison Ryann Ward @ Variety Playhouse

Polyrhythmics + Sam Greenfield @ Aisle 5

Clave Especial @ The Eastern

Mon., Oct. 6

David Archuleta + Rachel Bochner @ Terminal West

Valery Meladze @ Center Stage

Janine @ The Masquerade (Hell)

Tues., Oct. 7

Lorde (pictured) @ Gas South Arena

Kublai Khan TX @ The Eastern

Jensen McRae @ Terminal West

Andy Bell @ Buckhead Theatre

Fujii Kaze @ Tabernacle

Wed., Oct. 8

TOPS @ Terminal West

Jake & Shelby @ Vinyl

Polo & Pan @ The Eastern

Serenbe and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles present the 12th Serenbe Designer Showhouse, open through Oct. 12! Explore inspired interiors, stunning architecture, and Serenbe’s beautiful setting. A must-see fall event just outside Atlanta – stylish, inspiring, unforgettable. Get tickets here.