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Christmas tree sales fund student scholarships across metro Atlanta

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Christmas tree sales fund student scholarships across metro Atlanta


A holiday tradition that began as a small side project for two Atlanta teenagers a decade ago has grown into a major scholarship program helping local students pursue college dreams — all through the sale and delivery of Christmas trees.

What we know:

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The effort, called Trees for Tuition, started in 2015 when founders Jack and Will decided to use a pickup truck to deliver a few Fraser firs to neighbors. That first year, they sold about 30 trees. Last season, the business expanded dramatically, with nearly 4,000 trees delivered across metro Atlanta and more than $50,000 donated to support scholarships and local nonprofits.

Trees for Tuition now operates seven locations across the metro area. Customers can visit in person to select a tree or schedule a delivery online as early as the next day. The group sources most of its Fraser firs from North Carolina, with additional Noble firs shipped in from Oregon.

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The founders say their goal is simple: make buying a Christmas tree easier for families while giving Atlanta teens and young adults a financial boost toward their education. 

What you can do:

Tree lots are open from noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, including Friday. More information is available at treesfortuition.com.

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Atlanta, GA

Update on travel conditions at Hartsfield-Jackson airport

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Update on travel conditions at Hartsfield-Jackson airport


It’s a busy day of travel at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. And although there are a few delays, there have not been any cancelations as of noon. We also now have more info about what happened to the flight to Amsterdam that was canceled on Tuesday night.



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Atlanta, GA

Man killed in northwest Atlanta shooting, police say

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Man killed in northwest Atlanta shooting, police say


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A man was shot to death at a northwest Atlanta apartment building on Tuesday night, according to police.

Atlanta police said they responded to a person shot at an apartment building located at 361 Oliver Street NW, near the Vine City neighborhood.

Officers reportedly found a man with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have not released further details, including the victim’s name or if they’ve identified suspects.

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This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.



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Atlanta, GA

Westside residents push back on APS plan, call for inclusion in decisions

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Westside residents push back on APS plan, call for inclusion in decisions


Concerned residents on Atlanta’s Westside gathered Monday night for an emergency community meeting in Vine City, saying a proposed Atlanta Public Schools plan to repurpose 16 schools will disproportionately impact their neighborhoods — and deepen what they call decades of disinvestment.

‘A crisis’ for Westside

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What they’re saying:

The meeting, held at Live Life Tabernacle, drew a small but passionate group of residents who said they’re tired of being overlooked when it comes to city funding and educational resources.

“We have a crisis,” one speaker said, as community members nodded in agreement.

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Under the APS proposal, a majority of the 16 schools slated for closure or repurposing are located in Atlanta’s western neighborhoods, including Vine City and nearby communities.

Alton Peterson, a longtime resident and small business owner, voiced frustration over what he described as another blow to struggling families.

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“They closing down schools. What can kids going to do?” he said. “They probably have to travel farther — and parents can’t do that because they’re struggling to pay rent and other bills.”

Concerns over city spending and gentrification

What they’re saying:

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Residents also pointed to what they view as a longstanding disparity in how Atlanta’s tax allocation district (TAD) funding is distributed. The program was designed to spur development and improve infrastructure in underserved areas — but locals say the benefits haven’t reached them.

“We need oversight,” one attendee said. “We need to make sure it actually goes toward projects that actually help the people.”

Last month, Mayor Andre Dickens proposed using $5 billion in TAD funds to expand access to jobs, education, and food, while extending the program through 2055. But residents worry that the plan won’t arrive soon enough to slow gentrification and prevent more long-time families from being displaced.

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Ann Breedlove, a Westside business owner, said her community has watched property values rise while Black residents have been forced out.

“The property owners and investors that have taken our properties in these neighborhoods — they have studied, pushed out African American people,” she said.

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Calls for inclusion and accountability

What they’re saying:

For Peterson and others, the solution begins with inclusion — ensuring Westside residents have a voice in how development dollars are spent.

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“My concern is just that the money’s going into the right places,” Peterson said. “Up the street, you’ll see folks laying on the sidewalk, folks asking you, ‘Can I get a quarter?’ It shouldn’t be that.”

Those who attended Monday’s meeting said this was just the beginning. They hope to strengthen dialogue not only within the neighborhood but also with city leaders and APS officials.

The Source: Information in this article came from FOX 5’s Rob DiRienzo attending the meeting and listening to speakers.

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