Cargill, the largest private US company, is firing approximately 8,000 employees (5% of workforce) due to falling grocery prices and earnings shortfalls, with restructuring efforts to streamline operations and reduce duplication of work.
By Elizabeth Urban | December 4, 2024
The largest private company in the U.S. is quietly firing about 8,000 employees before Christmas as grocery prices fall across the country.
Cargill, a major ingredients business and food production company, has been hit hard after grocery prices dropped recently as crops the company trades, including wheat, corn and soybeans, hit new lows, as reported by Reuters.
“The majority of these reductions will take place this year,” CEO Brian Sikes said in an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg. “They’ll focus on streamlining our organizational structure by removing layers, expanding the scope and responsibilities of our managers, and reducing duplication of work.”
The memo went on to state that this meant “reducing our global workforce by approximately 5%,” as reported by Reuters. This means that about 8,000 of Cargill’s 160,000 employees will lose their jobs.
Cargill’s businesses fell short of hitting their earnings goals in fiscal 2024, with less than a third of their businesses doing so. The company shared with employees over the summer that they planned to downsize from five business units to three, Bloomberg previously reported.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Cargill – Gainesville, GA
“As we look to the future, we have laid out a clear plan to evolve and strengthen our portfolio to take advantage of compelling trends in front of us, maximize our competitiveness, and, above all, continue to deliver for our customers,” Cargill said in a statement to CNN.
The company cut 200 tech jobs across the country earlier this year. Cargill previously announced that it was hiring for 400 positions for a new Atlanta location in June.
For the last four years, Cargill has been ranked as the largest privately-held company in the U.S., according to Forbes.
The Ron Clark Academy (RCA) is an innovative school in Atlanta, GA, that uses groundbreaking teaching methods to foster academic excellence, student empowerment, and community development, inspiring a global movement in education.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA – November 18, 2024
On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend an open house at the Ron Clark Academy (RCA), an innovative school located in Southeast Atlanta in a repurposed old warehouse. Renowned globally for its groundbreaking teaching methods, RCA is more than just a school— it’s a living, breathing model of how bold ideas can reshape learning.
During my visit, I observed firsthand how RCA fosters an environment of academic excellence and student empowerment. As founder Ron Clark summed up their philosophy succinctly, “We teach to the smartest student in the classroom. All other students are brought up when we do so, and the smartest students are not slowed down.” This guiding principle was vividly brought to life during my visit, particularly in a dynamic fifth-grade math class.
The classroom was a stunning space of design and functionality, seamlessly blending inspiration with engagement. Far removed from traditional setups that I remember, it resembled an auditorium with tiered seating for 250-300 observers and a central teaching floor elevated by 12 inches. Tables and chairs for 30 students filled the center, while state-of-the-art digital Promethean boards replaced conventional chalkboards. Students equipped with electronic tablets and laser pointers actively participated in discussions, showcasing collaboration and leadership skills.
Student takes over 5th grade math class
One standout moment came when a confident young girl voluntarily hopped over her table and stepped into the role of teacher, leading her peers in solving equations. Later, students were encouraged to partner with audience members for problem-solving exercises. A remarkable young man, Cole Savage, selected me as his partner. Together, we tackled a complex equation step by step, demonstrating RCA’s emphasis on critical thinking and teamwork.
Founded in 2007 by Ron Clark and Kim Bearden—both Disney Teachers of the Year—RCA’s student body represents a rich tapestry of socio-economic and academic backgrounds in grades four through eight. The Academy’s mission extends beyond its student body. The RCA Experience program has amplified its impact by training over 100,000 educators worldwide over the past 16 years to adopt its transformative teaching methods.
Cole Savage
RCA’s innovative curriculum, including math, science, social studies, English, and fine arts, is an immersive journey combining interactive learning with a strong emphasis on community, relationships, and character development. This approach, inspired by Ron Clark’s The Essential 55 principles, fosters academic achievement, emotional resilience, and social intelligence.
The after-school programs, tennis, golf, double-dutch, tutoring, dance, and etiquette, serve to add yet another dimension to the developmental path at the academy.
From its unique classrooms to its empowering teaching methods, my visit to RCA was a refreshing reminder of the transformative power of education. The excitement and admiration radiating from other visitors confirmed it: RCA isn’t just shaping students; it’s driving a global movement to redefine what’s possible in education.
Michael Moore gets slide certified as students cheer
The Ron Clark Academy is a testament to what happens when passion, innovation, and purpose collide. It’s not just a school; it’s a revolution in learning—and the world is paying attention.
GirlTREK is a national movement empowering Black women to prioritize health through walking, fostering a sense of community and self-care, with over 1.3 million members and growing.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA – November 9, 2024
In a world where Black women face disproportionate health challenges, a movement is gaining momentum, offering not only a path to physical well-being but a sisterhood of support, empowerment, and life-changing habits. GirlTREK, founded in 2010 by T. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison, is quickly becoming a national force in the fight for better health among Black women, with over 1.3 million members and counting.
The statistics speak volumes
A 2022 survey conducted by GirlTREK reveals some of the profound impacts of their mission and work: 61% of Black women have lost weight, 90% report fewer symptoms of depression, 59% walk daily at life-saving levels, and 56% have sustained the habit of daily walking for over a year. For many, these numbers are more than just figures—they are a lifeline to a healthier, more fulfilled life.
Walking for Health, Walking for Life
GirlTREK was born from a simple idea shared by Dixon and Garrison, whose bond was strengthened by their mutual love for Tupac, Nikki Giovanni, and, yes, smothered pork chops. The idea was to create a walking group for Black women that would help improve physical health and foster a sense of community, resilience, and empowerment.
The group has grown into a powerful movement in just over a decade. In 2013, GirlTREK organized a landmark walk to honor Harriet Tubman on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with 15,000 participants.
GirlTreker – Tonya Flemons
By 2020, GirlTREK reached the monumental milestone of inspiring 1 million Black women to walk toward their healthiest, most fulfilled lives. Now, GirlTREK is on a mission to encourage even more women to take charge of their health through the simple act of walking.
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, Black women in the U.S. are at higher risk for preventable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. “There are 20 million Black women in this country, and 82% are overweight—that’s 16 million women at greater risk,” the organization states on its website. According to GirlTREK, the solution is rooted in scientific research. They have specifically identified walking as a bridge to better health, walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
The health benefits of daily walking are well-documented. Research shows that it can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes by over 50% and lower depression by nearly 50%. For GirlTREK, walking is not just an exercise—it’s an act of self-care and, for Black women, self-preservation.
One Woman’s Goal
Tonya Flemons averages between 8,000 and 15,000 steps per day. She has launched an initiative to complete a 5K walk/run in fifty states. She has completed 5K’s in 8 states: Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland, Kansas, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia. Her most recent event was a 10K in Charleston, SC.
The Power of Sisterhood
One of the unique aspects of GirlTREK is its ability to minimize the isolation that often accompanies chronic illness and mental health struggles. The organization has created safe spaces for women to walk together, share their stories, and support one another on their journeys to better health.
Through initiatives like Sisterhood Saturday, a weekly walking series that draws hundreds of thousands of women, GirlTREK has cultivated a sense of camaraderie and partnership that extends beyond physical activity. Each Saturday, women nationwide gather in their neighborhoods to walk together, fostering a shared commitment to health and healing.
In addition to these weekly walks, GirlTREK hosts annual events such as the Black Family 5K, a, a post-Thanksgiving tradition that brings families together to celebrate health and community. To help members organize these events, GirlTREK offers downloadable toolkits with race templates, FAQs, and tips for making the walk memorable and impactful.
Education Through Movement
GirlTREK is also using innovative tools to further its mission of education and empowerment. One of its most successful initiatives, the Black History Bootcamp Podcast, launched in 2020, is a 21-day walking meditation series that blends physical activity with history and reflection. The podcast has been so well-received that it earned three prestigious Webby Awards in 2022 and 2023, including Best Live Podcast Recording and Best Podcast Series.
Another popular initiative, the Self-Care For Freedom Fighters Spring Challenge, launched annually on April 1, is a ten-week holistic wellness series designed to jump-start healthy habits and promote long-term well-being. Through these programs, GirlTREK helps women improve their physical health and provides the tools and support to transform their entire lifestyle.
A Bold Vision for the Future
As the most significant health movement and nonprofit organization focused on improving the health of Black women, GirlTREK is committed to addressing the health crisis facing this community. The organization’s ambitious goal is to increase the life expectancy of Black women by 10 years in 10 years—a mission that has already begun to bear fruit.
According to GirlTREK, “Walking is one of the most accessible and powerful tools for reversing the devastating impacts of chronic disease. “But it’s more than just about walking—it’s about reclaiming our health, our joy, and our lives.”
GirlTREK’s growth is a testament to the power of community, self-care, and resilience. With every step taken, they are helping to create a healthier, more empowered future for Black women across the nation. And the movement is just getting started.
For more information or to join the movement, visit GirlTREK.org.
Loretta Green’s Story: At 89, Loretta Green has been voting since 1960 and has a poll tax exemption certificate, symbolizing her resilience in the fight for voting rights, which she continues to advocate for today.
By Milton Kirby – Atlanta, GA – November 6, 2024
At 89 years old, Loretta Green, originally from Mobile, Alabama, and now an Atlanta resident has been casting her ballot since 1960—and she has a poll tax exemption certificate to prove it. For Green, this certificate is more than a document; it’s a testament to the resilience of voting rights. She knocked on doors this Election Day, rallying support for Vice President Kamala Harris and encouraging registered voters to make their voices heard.
Green’s journey in voter advocacy spans decades, rooted in a history of discrimination and unyielding perseverance. After the Civil War and throughout Reconstruction, Southern states enacted laws designed to curtail the voting rights of newly freed Black citizens. Chief among these barriers was the poll tax—a fee that, though small, effectively barred countless Black and poor White citizens from the ballot box.
The tax, ranging from $1 to $2 (roughly $20 to $40 today), was required annually, and voters often had to show proof of past payments to remain eligible. This and other discriminatory tactics sought to undermine the Fifteenth Amendment’s promise of voting rights, carefully crafted to avoid federal intervention while systematically disenfranchising African Americans.
This unjust barrier persisted until the mid-20th century when the civil rights movement brought national attention to voting rights. Although the Supreme Court initially upheld poll taxes in Breedlove v. Suttles in 1937, the tide turned with ratifying the 24th Amendment in 1964, which abolished poll taxes in federal elections. Two years later, the Supreme Court further ruled in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections that poll taxes in all elections, state and local, were unconstitutional—ushering in an era of more inclusive democracy.
Ms. Green has attended countless voter rallies over the years, proudly displaying her poll tax exemption certificate as a reminder of past obstacles and the progress achieved. For Green, this certificate is a powerful symbol of the struggle and the triumph in the long fight for equal voting rights. She continues to inspire her community this Election Day, sharing her story as a reminder of the sacrifices made to secure the right to vote for all Americans.
Early voting ended on Friday, November 1st, in the battleground state of Georgia. Four million four thousand five hundred eighty-eight voters had cast ballots either by voting early or absentee by mail. With 55.3% turnout, Georgians cast 3,761,968 ballots during Early Voting and 242,620 ballots by mail.
As of Saturday morning, 92 Georgia counties have exceeded 50% turnout. This is unprecedented in Georgia’s history.
During Early Voting in 2018, 1,890,364 voters cast ballots. 2,697,822 cast ballots in 2020, and 2,289,933 cast ballots in 2022.
“This was the most successful early voting period in Georgia’s history because voters trusted the process,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “Four years of progress brought us here. We’re battle-tested and ready, regardless of what the critics say. And we’re going to hold those who interfere in our elections accountable.”
Statewide, reports of long lines were minimal. However, there were some reports of voters waiting in line for more than 30 minutes from a few popular voting locations in metro Atlanta areas. Now that early voting has ended, voters who have not yet cast their ballot should confirm their polling location on My Voter Page and cast a ballot on Tuesday, November 5th.
According to TargetSmart, 76,183,090 votes have been cast as early in-person or mail-in. 41% of those votes cast were by registered democrats, 39% registered republicans and 20% other.
As Election Day nears, millions of voters have already cast their ballots nationwide.
According to data from the University of Florida’s Election Lab, whether through mail-in ballots or early in-person polling stations, more than 70 million Americans, roughly 44% of the 2020 turnout, had voted against standing in line on Election Day as of Friday afternoon.
Academic experts, reporters, and pundits have been going through basic and limited data gleaned from the early voting numbers, trying to get clues about tomorrow’s outcome.
A flip in the ways people vote early
Voting trends have shown that more people have been choosing to cast their ballots before Election Day, and this has increased in numbers over the last 30 years, but 2020 turned out to be a major outlier.
In the last presidential election, 69% of the 158 million total votes were cast before Election Day either through the mail, which included mail ballots dropped off in person, or at early voting poll sites, according to data from the Michigan Institute of Technology.
According to the data, some 43% of the 2020 early votes came from mail ballots.
The shift in voting patterns is apparent in Georgia, which has seen record early voting numbers, with over 4 million ballots cast as of Saturday. According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, roughly 92% of those were cast at in-person polling places and the rest via mail.
Some states, including swing states Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Arizona, only offer early voting through in-person absentee options. Under this option, a voter must request an absentee ballot, fill it out, and deposit it in a ballot box or at a designated location. They are counted as a mail ballot voter.
US News has labeled seven states as Swing States during the 2024 election cycle.
Those states are listed below with their respective electoral votes:
Arizona 11, Georgia 16, Michigan 15, Nevada 6, North Carolina 16, Pennsylvania 19, and Wisconsin 10.
A total of 17,882,174 votes have been cast in these seven swing states. Of which, registered democrats have cast 40% or 7,179,095. Thirty-nine percent or 6,938,594 have been cast by registered republicans. The most astonishing fact in these swing states is that 21% of the votes cast were by other voters. They reinforce that the 2024 presidential election will be decided by independent voters and the candidates’ ability to connect with and convince those independent voters that their plan and road map for the country is the best direction in which to go.
Zoo Atlanta’s beloved giant pandas will soon return to China, marking the end of a 25-year program. In mid-October 2024, giant pandas Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun will depart for China as the zoo’s agreement with China comes to an end.
The giant panda program at Zoo Atlanta began in 1999 with the arrival of Lun Lun and Yang Yang, who became symbols of international collaboration for the conservation of this endangered species. Their first offspring, Mei Lan, was born on September 6, 2006. In 2013, twin females Mei Lun and Mei Huan followed, captivating the hearts of visitors.
Photo by Milton Kirby Giant Panda Zoo Atlanta
Ahead of their departure, these iconic animals will remain on display at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center at the zoo. Their exit signals the conclusion of a significant chapter for Zoo Atlanta, which has contributed over $10 million toward giant panda conservation in China over the years, supporting projects in eight nature reserves.
Giant pandas are shy and don’t venture into areas where people live, restricting them to very limited areas. Their popularity around the world has helped the giant panda become the focus of successful conservation programs, such as that at Zoo Atlanta, for the last 25 years.
Giant pandas primarily feed on bamboo, a low-nutrient plant, which explains their slow metabolism and frequent need for sleep. Though they are members of the bear family and have a digestive system similar to carnivorous bears, their diet is predominantly vegetarian. They rely on specialized jaw muscles and a unique wrist bone that functions as a thumb to process bamboo.
The population of giant pandas in the wild is critically low, with only around 1,500 remaining due to habitat loss, human activity, and reproduction difficulties. Pandas once roamed more widely across China and parts of Myanmar and Vietnam. Still, today, they are confined to six mountainous areas in Sichuan, Gansu, and Shanxi provinces. Efforts to conserve their habitat are crucial as infrastructure development and human activities continue to fragment their living spaces.
Giant pandas communicate with one another in dense bamboo forests primarily by scent. Males regularly scent-mark the margins of their territories by adopting a “headstand” position to mark a bamboo stalk with their anogenital glands. Research at Zoo Atlanta has demonstrated that although seemingly subtle, vocalizations are crucially important communicative tools, especially during the reproductive season. Research done at Zoo Atlanta has also shown that giant pandas have color vision.
While other herbivorous animals, such as antelope, zebras, or rabbits, have very long digestive tracts, the giant panda retains an essentially bear-like digestive tract. Thus, the digestive efficiency of the bamboo they consume is quite low. Examination of the feces demonstrates that their food has been only partially digested. The low nutrient value of their food and their low digestive efficiency result in an animal that is constrained to a low metabolism. This lifestyle explains why giant pandas sleep so often and why they eat such enormous amounts of bamboo.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Pandas at play
Adult females average about 230 pounds, with males sometimes reaching 350 pounds. Their hair is very dense, conserving their body heat in their cold habitats. Their iconic coloration remains a mystery to scientists but may aid with camouflage.
The Chinese government has established more than 50 panda reserves. Still, only around 67% of the wild panda population lives in reserves. Zoos and panda reserves are also working to keep pandas from becoming extinct.
Zoo Atlanta’s partnership with China was crucial in giant panda conservation efforts. Under the agreement, the zoo paid an annual loan fee to host the pandas, and these funds were directed to conservation initiatives in China. The panda program at Zoo Atlanta stands as one of the zoo’s most significant contributions to wildlife conservation.
The departure of Zoo Atlanta’s pandas mirrors the trend seen at other U.S. zoos. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee have hosted pandas through similar agreements with China. However, as of 2024, Memphis Zoo no longer houses pandas following Le Le’s death and Ya Ya’s return to China.
In contrast to Zoo Atlanta, The Smithsonian National Zoo and the Memphis Zoo, the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, CA welcomed the first giant pandas into the United States in 21 years earlier this year. The pandas reside in the zoo’s Panda Ridge a new habitat.
While the giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta will soon return to their native country, their legacy in the U.S. will live on, thanks to decades of public engagement and successful conservation efforts to save these magnificent creatures from extinction.
On September 27, 2024, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hosted a private ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its new $1.5 billion Arthur M. Blank Hospital. The state-of-the-art, 19-story facility, located on a 76-acre campus, is designed to meet the healthcare needs of children across Georgia with cutting-edge technology.
The event highlighted the journey of three former patients who served as honorary construction managers for the hospital project: 15-year-old Lex Stolle, a survivor of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated at Children’s Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center; 11-year-old Ariella-Faith Damisa, who underwent a life-saving liver transplant at Children’s in 2017; and 11-year-old Jojo Alonge, who is receiving ongoing physical therapy following treatment for a spinal tumor.
Photo courtesy of Arthur M Blank Hospital
The new Arthur M. Blank Hospital officially opened its doors at 7 a.m. on Sunday, September 29, coinciding with the closure of Egleston Hospital. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., patients from Egleston were transferred via ambulance to the new facility. A fleet of 65 ambulances transported the patients along a planned route from Clifton Road to North Druid Hills Road. More than 1,000 volunteers, including child life specialists, hospital chaplains, and interpreters, were on-site to assist families during the transition.
The new hospital offers 446 licensed beds and a wide array of pediatric specialty care services. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, consistently ranked among the nation’s top pediatric healthcare systems, operates more than 60 locations across Georgia, with services ranging from asthma treatment to sports medicine.
The hospital’s opening also marked a personal milestone for Arthur M. Blank, who celebrated his 82nd birthday on the same day. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and a prominent philanthropist, donated $200 million toward the construction of the facility. Blank is also the owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, further solidifying his deep ties to the city of Atlanta.
The invitation-only event was attended by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who, despite working through the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, acknowledged the significance of the hospital in advancing pediatric healthcare for Georgia families.
Photo by Milton Kirby
Asthma is one of the most critical conditions treated at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. According to the hospital, 1 in 10 children under the age of 18 in Georgia has asthma, one of the highest rates in the country. Asthma also leads to more than half a million missed school days each year in the state and is the leading cause of hospital admissions at Children’s. The hospital emphasizes the importance of understanding asthma triggers, early warning signs, medication management, and creating effective action plans to keep children healthy.
In addition to medical services, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta provides comprehensive support for the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of its young patients and their families.
Children’s Healthcare has a strong history of delivering advanced and compassionate care to children and teenagers. As one of the largest multispecialty healthcare providers in the Southeast, their pediatric specialists cover over 60 different areas of expertise.
To assist medical professionals, Children’s offers various training and educational resources, along with online networks and referral tools, aimed at enhancing knowledge and productivity.
The Arthur M. Blank Hospital is poised to help keep the Children’s Network at the forefront of healthcare and healthcare research for years to come.
Hurricane Helene killed and destroyed far and wide — from Tampa to Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina, its high winds, heavy rains and sheer size created a perfect mix for devastation.
The storm made landfall late Thursday along a largely undeveloped expanse of pine trees and salt marshes on Florida’s Big Bend coast, but it immediately displayed its far-reaching power several hundred miles away. As of Sunday morning, at least 64 people were confirmed killed.
Tampa Bay was inundated with a massive storm surge that sent water up to people’s attics. Atlanta got more than 11 inches of rain, more than any 48-hour period in recorded history. So many trees were toppled in South Carolina that at one point more than 40 percent of the state lost electricity. In North Carolina, dams were in jeopardy of failing and entire communities are cut off by floods. Floodwaters submerged a hospital in Tennessee so quickly that more than 50 patients had to be rescued from the roof via helicopter.
How did a single storm unleash destruction so far away?
Dan Brown, a specialist at the National Hurricane Center near Miami, said Helene had all the attributes that make a storm widely destructive.
Discarded items from homes in the Shore Acres neighborhood St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson
It was large, about 350 miles (560 kilometers) wide. It was strong, with winds reaching 140 mph (225 kph) when it made landfall late Thursday, creating widespread storm surge. It carried heavy rains. And it was fast, speeding north at up to 24 mph (39 kph) offshore and 30 mph (48 kph) inland.
He compared the geographic scale of Helene’s destruction to 1972’s Hurricane Agnes, 1989’s Hurricane Hugo and 2004’s Hurricane Ivan.
“Systems that get very powerful, large and fast moving unfortunately do bring the potential for impact and damage well inland,” Brown said Saturday.
Here is a look at the many deadly tentacles of Helene.
FLORIDA
Helene’s devastation began Thursday, hours before it made landfall, as it swept through the Gulf of Mexico. Its then-120-mph (193-kph) winds created storm surge that pushed 6-to-15-feet (2-to-4.5 meters) of water into island and coastal neighborhoods all along Florida’s west coast.
Nine people who drowned were residents who stayed behind after their Tampa Bay area neighborhoods were ordered evacuated.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri expressed his frustration — issuing evacuation orders isn’t a decision that’s made lightly, he said. Many who ignored officials then called for help as some sought refuge in their attics from the rising waters. Deputies tried to help, using boats and high-profile vehicles, but they couldn’t reach many neighborhoods.
“We made our case, we told people what they needed to do and they chose otherwise,” Gualtieri said at a Friday press conference.
Late Thursday, Helene’s eye slammed into the northwest Florida coast in the Big Bend area, the spot where the Panhandle makes its westward jut from the peninsula — Hurricanes Idalia and Debby had previously hit the area within the last 13 months.
Susan Sauls Hartway had evacuated her seaside home — it was gone and when she returned Friday.
“I knew it would be bad, but I had no idea it was going to be this bad,” Hartway said. “This is unbelievable.”
GEORGIA
After making landfall, Helene sped into Georgia. Among more than 20 dead were a 27-year-old mother and her 1-month old twins died Friday when trees fell on their house in Thomson, just west of Augusta. An 89-year-old woman was killed when trees fell on her house nearby.
Rhonda Bell and her husband were spending a sleepless night in the downstairs bedroom of their century-old home just outside Valdosta, where Helene’s center passed shortly after midnight.
The winds broke off limbs, tore away neighbors’ roof shingles and knocked down fence panels in the neighborhood with train tracks along one edge. Then a towering oak tree crashed through the roof of an upstairs bedroom.
“I just felt the whole house shake,” Bell said. “Thank God we’re both alive to tell about it.”
Atlanta was hit with 11 inches (28 centimeters) of rain, the heaviest 48-hour downfall since the city began keeping records in 1878. Streets flooded, submerging cars. Firefighters rescued at least 20 people.
NORTH CAROLINA
Helene’s heavy rains in the state’s western mountains caused massive flooding and mudslides in the Asheville region, cutting off most communication and making the roads impassable.
Video posted online shows large portions of the city underwater.
More than 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) away in Texas, Jessica Drye Turner begged on Facebook on Friday for someone to rescue her family members stranded on their Asheville rooftop.
But in a follow-up message Saturday, Turner said the roof had collapsed before help arrived and her parents, both in their 70s, and her 6-year-old nephew had drowned.
“I cannot convey in words the sorrow, heartbreak and devastation my sisters and I are going through,” she wrote.
eff Muenstermann and his wife, Lisa, friends of Turner’s, told The Associated Press on Saturday they had spoken to Turner after she posted the initial plea for help. At her request, they messaged members of The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, where they all attend, to pray for the family’s safety back in North Carolina.
“I just thought they were going to be rescued,” Jeff Muenstermann said. “I asked everybody to pray and they did. And then a couple hours later, her husband called me, completely distraught and said … we lost them. They all drowned.”
SOUTH CAROLINA
The storm was especially deadly in South Carolina. The biggest impact appears to be falling trees. The storm also produced tornadoes in the state.
In Saluda County, two firefighters were killed when a tree fell on their truck while they were answering a call. In Greenville County, four people were killed by falling trees. Four people were also killed in Aiken County by trees falling on homes, including a 78-year-old husband and his 74-year-old wife.
TENNESSEE
Helene’s heavy rains caused the state’s eastern rivers to overflow their banks and threatened to break dams, endangering those living nearby and forcing them to flee.
Patients and others at a hospital near the North Carolina border had to be evacuated to the roof Friday when torrents from the overflowing Nolichucky River rushed into the building.
Unicoi County Hospital tried to evacuate 11 patients and dozens of others, but the water was too treacherous for boats sent by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to navigate.
Helicopters were flown in to help rescue them. Eventually, everyone was evacuated.
Round Top, Texas: A small town with a big presence, hosting the biannual Round Top Antiques Fair, a world-renowned music institute, and historic landmarks, attracting over 500,000 visitors during its major events.
By Milton Kirby – Round Top, TX – September 8, 2024
Tucked away in Fayette County, Texas, halfway between Austin and Houston, lies Round Top; one of the smallest incorporated towns in the state, with a population of just 87. Despite its size, Round Top is a powerhouse, drawing visitors worldwide for its famous biannual antiques fair.
Since its inception in 1968, the Round Top Antiques Fair has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind in the United States. Held every spring and fall, the fair transforms this tiny town into a bustling hub, with the population surging to over 500,000.
The Fall 2024 show, set to run from October 5th to 19th, promises to be another spectacular event. Among the many exhibitors are Brian and Tammie Wilson, owners of French Bleu, who have participated in the Round Top shows for over 15 years.
The Wilsons, who recently relocated their business from Atlanta, GA, will showcase their collection in a brand-new, fully enclosed facility – a significant upgrade from their previous open-air space that required constant setup and teardown. The Wilson’s say that “Round Top has been a lot of work, a lot of fun and it is still a viable event even-though the number of vendors has increased significantly since our first show.” Set up time for their two-week show is approximately 30 days.
Photo by Milton Kirby
Round Top is more than just an antiques destination. Its Main Street exudes small-town Texas charm, with historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and locally owned restaurants. Iconic landmarks like The Round Top Mercantile Company, The Big Red Barn, and the Blue Hills Complex provide a unique flavor to the town. Established in 1884, the Mercantile serves as both a general store and café, while the Big Red Barn, built in 1981 by Emma Lee Turney—the founder of the antiques fair—stands as a central venue and a symbol of Round Top’s passion for antiques, art, and history.
Round Top’s cultural offerings extend beyond antiques. The town is also home to the Round Top Festival Institute, a world-renowned music institute founded in 1971 by concert pianist James Dick. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Festival Hill, this institute hosts a summer music festival featuring young talents from across the globe. It offers concerts, training, and events throughout the year. Its intensive six-week program helps young musicians transition from academia to professional careers.
History is preserved in every corner of Round Top. For example, the Round Top Children’s Library occupies a former church that was relocated and repurposed after being used as a hay barn.
Round Top Children’s Library
Nearby, the Winedale Historical Complex, showcases Texas history with its collection of historic homes, barns, and buildings and hosts the annual Winedale Shakespeare Festival. The Complex is managed by the University of Texas at Austin.
The magic of Round Top lies in its ability to blend a welcoming, small-town atmosphere with world-class events. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality make it a unique destination that continues to attract visitors year after year.
Following the Fall 2024 antiques fair, the town will prepare for its next big event: the Spring 2025 show, scheduled for March 20th to April 6th. Round Top is again ready to welcome an influx of visitors eager to experience its charm and excitement.
From a population of just 87 to over half a million during its major fairs, Round Top may be small, but it has a mighty presence that continues to leave a lasting impression.
Decatur, GA Unveils New Statue Honoring Civil Rights Legend John Lewis: A new monument dedicated to John Robert Lewis has been unveiled in Decatur Square, celebrating his extraordinary journey and lasting impact on civil rights.
Decatur, GA – August 28, 2024
On Saturday, August 24, a very large crowd witnessed the Decatur Square unveiling of a new statue honoring civil rights legend John Robert Lewis. This monument, crafted by renowned artist Basil Watson, replaces the Confederate obelisk that was removed from the square in 2020.
This monument was part of a broader national trend where such structures became focal points for demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice, especially after George Floyd’s death in May of 2020 at the hands of Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin who now serving a twenty-one year prison sentence . Consequently, the city of Decatur requested a Georgia judge to mandate the monument’s removal, citing frequent vandalism and graffiti that had turned it into a public safety concern.
The new statue in Decatur Square is a tribute to John Lewis, the “Conscience of Congress,” celebrating his extraordinary journey and his lasting change in pursuing civil rights.
The statue pays tribute to Lewis’ enduring legacy of seeking “good trouble” and his lifelong dedication to freedom, justice, and equality. The unveiling ceremony was marked by speeches from prominent figures, including Georgia’s US Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock,Congresswoman Nikema Williams, civil rights activist Xernona Clayton, and Ambassador Andrew Young. Dr. Rashad Richey, an award-winning talk radio personality, was master of ceremony for the event.
L to R DeKalb County Georgia CEO, Michael Thurmond, US Congressman, Sanford Bishop, US Senator, Reverend Raphael Warnock, US Congresswoman, Nikema Williams
The monument resulted from four years of planning by the John Lewis Commemorative Task Force, which conducted a global search to find the right artist. Watson’s design reflects Lewis’ significant role in the civil rights movement, symbolizing his profound impact on the pursuit of equality.
John Lewis, born to Alabama sharecroppers, faced the harsh realities of segregation in the Jim Crow South. Inspired by figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., he rose to prominence through his courageous activism. Notably, on Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965, Lewis just twenty-five years old, played a pivotal role in the Selma to Montgomery marches, where he sustained a skull fracture during a brutal confrontation with law enforcement.
Despite these challenges, Lewis remained steadfast in his advocacy for civil rights, serving diligently in the U.S. Congress for Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020. His leadership extended beyond the Selma marches, encompassing participation in the Nashville sit-ins, the Freedom Rides, and the 1963 March on Washington. Lewis was a crucial figure in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and one of the historic march’s “Big Six” organizers.
Unidentified audience listening to the speakers
Lewis’s legacy is a testament to his perseverance and unwavering commitment to justice. His humble beginnings did not hint at the global impact he would achieve, yet his efforts have inspired countless individuals to confront and overcome adversity. In recognition of his contributions, President Barack Obama, the first African American President, awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, signing a commemorative photo with the words: “Because of you, John. Barack Obama.”
