Tonight’s sky, new trail funding and the start of high school football lead Wednesday’s briefing. Also worth watching: dangerous heat, a convincing permitting scam and several approaching civic deadlines.

1. The Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight

North Atlanta gets its best meteor-viewing opportunity of the summer overnight Wednesday into Thursday. The Perseids are expected to peak before dawn Aug. 13, when observers in ideal dark conditions could see dozens of meteors an hour. A nearly moonless sky should improve visibility. NASA lists Aug. 12–13 as the shower’s peak.

No telescope is needed. Find the darkest safe location available, turn away from streetlights and give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust. The best window should arrive after midnight and continue toward dawn. North Atlanta’s light pollution will reduce the count, but brighter fireballs can still be visible from suburban backyards.

2. Nearly $6.9 million is moving four Gwinnett-area trail projects forward

Four projects in and near the North Atlanta Star coverage area have received a combined $5.5 million in federal Livable Centers Initiative grants, matched with nearly $1.4 million locally.

The packages include $2.25 million for the Buford Multiuse Trail Extension, $2.19 million for the Gwinnett County Loop Trail, $1.45 million for the Suwanee Loop Trail and $1 million for the Peachtree Corners Innovation District Multiuse Trail.

One important distinction: these awards largely fund right-of-way acquisition, not immediate construction. Still, securing property is a meaningful step between a trail plan and work residents can eventually see on the ground.

3. Local high school football officially starts tonight

The Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic opens its 35th season Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Lanier plays South Gwinnett at 5 p.m., followed by North Gwinnett against Grayson at 8.

North Fulton joins the schedule Thursday. Cambridge faces Brookwood at 5 p.m., and Roswell plays Walton at 8. West Forsyth’s appearance comes Aug. 21 against Houston County. The official schedule includes times, venues and the full slate.

Beyond the showcase itself, the opening brings Friday-night traffic, marching bands and crowded stadium parking back into the weekly routine across North Fulton, Forsyth and Gwinnett.

4. Thursday could feel hotter than 100 degrees

North Atlanta is heading into the sharpest part of this week’s heat. As of Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service projected a high near 91 in Cumming today, followed by 93 Thursday with a heat index potentially reaching 102. Friday’s high is forecast near 95, with mid-90s continuing through the weekend. Check the latest NWS point forecast.

A chance of afternoon storms remains, but scattered rain will not cool every neighborhood. Outdoor practices, construction work and after-school activities deserve extra water and shaded breaks, especially Thursday afternoon.

5. Gwinnett’s planning-payment scam is still active

Gwinnett County says it has received multiple reports of scammers impersonating Planning and Development employees. The emails can include real staff names, titles and application information, making the invoices and approval letters look unusually convincing.

The county does not request planning payments by wire transfer, money order or an unfamiliar payment link. Legitimate online payments go through GwinnettZIP. Anyone receiving a questionable demand should pause and verify it at 678-518-6000 or P&D-PlanningZoning@GwinnettCounty.com.

6. Fulton’s opioid-prevention proposal deadline is today

Organizations seeking Fulton County funding for opioid education, prevention and recovery support must submit their PREPARE program proposals today.

The county is looking for programs serving residents at risk of opioid-use disorder, people already living with the disorder and those facing additional substance-use or mental-health challenges. Selected organizations are expected to combine prevention work with practical recovery support, including education and employment opportunities. Fulton County’s announcement directs applicants to BidNet Direct.

Applicants should check the complete solicitation for the precise submission cutoff and required documents rather than relying only on the date in the county announcement.

7. Milton’s Legacy Park remains closed for a major upgrade

Legacy Park at Cox and Arnold Mill roads is expected to remain closed through the end of August while Milton rebuilds and expands the property’s supporting infrastructure.

The project is roughly doubling available parking, paving the lot and adding lighting, stormwater improvements, septic work and a seating wall. The park’s rural character is a major part of its appeal, but the previous parking and drainage setup was not designed for heavier public use.

Visitors should choose another city park for now rather than assuming portions of the site are accessible during construction.

8. Milton’s Citizens Police Academy begins Thursday

Milton Police Department’s fall Citizens Police Academy starts Aug. 13 and runs for six Thursday evenings through Sept. 17, generally from 6 to 8 p.m.

The course introduces residents to investigations, crime analysis, special operations and police command responsibilities. Demonstrations may include SWAT operations and a use-of-force simulator. Registration and a background check are required, so it is not a walk-in program. Program details are available from Milton Police.

People already enrolled should confirm opening-night instructions. Anyone hoping for a late opening should contact the department before arriving.

9. Milton households should watch for an important survey card

Milton has mailed National Community Survey invitations to 4,000 randomly selected households. Each postcard contains a household-specific link, allowing the results to be weighted scientifically by geography and demographics.

Questions cover police, parks, quality of life, sidewalks, trails and economic development. Responses are due Sept. 16. Residents who were not selected will be able to complete a separate open survey near the end of August, although those results will not carry the same statistical weight.

In short: if one of the postcards arrives, it is legitimate and worth keeping.

10. “Quilters” opens Friday in Roswell

Roswell Cultural Arts Center opens its production of Quilters at 7 p.m. Friday. The Tony-nominated musical uses songs, storytelling and traditional quilt patterns to portray the lives of pioneer women, with a natural connection to Roswell’s textile and mill history.

Performances continue through Aug. 23, with Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday matinee options. Tickets begin at $36.75.

The show is part of Roswell’s America250 programming and follows recently completed upgrades to the theater’s lighting, dimmer and rigging systems.