North Fulton’s unusual-tasting water leads today’s briefing, followed by a same-day SAT deadline, a new school-security pilot and two school board work sessions. Here are the 10 developments worth knowing across North Atlanta.

1. Fulton County says North Fulton’s tap water remains safe

Residents north of the Chattahoochee River have reported an earthy or musty taste and smell in their tap water. Fulton County attributes the change to seasonal turnover in the Lake Lanier–Chattahoochee River system, which has increased naturally occurring compounds called MIB and geosmin.

The county says the compounds are harmless and the water continues to meet state and federal standards. The Tom Lowe water treatment plant in Johns Creek is adjusting activated-carbon levels, while crews flush parts of the distribution system. Officials caution that the taste and odor could take several weeks to clear. A carbon-filter pitcher may improve the taste in the meantime.

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2. Today is the late-registration deadline for the August SAT

Students hoping to take the Aug. 22 SAT have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern today to register. College Board says an additional late fee may apply, and students will select an available testing location during registration.

The next nearby college-testing deadline follows quickly: Regular registration for the Sept. 19 ACT closes Friday, Aug. 14. SAT registration details and ACT dates and deadlines

3. Gwinnett is testing weapons-detection systems in elementary schools

Gwinnett County Public Schools has begun a first-semester pilot of Evolv weapons-detection systems at five elementary schools, including Ivy Creek Elementary. The scanners are being used during morning arrival and when visitors enter school buildings.

Dedicated school safety officers will operate the equipment after arrival, allowing school resource officers to retain broader responsibility for campus security. The district plans to use the pilot to determine how the technology performs with younger students and whether it should be expanded. GCPS pilot information

4. Storm chances ease, but the heat builds

North Atlanta should see more sun and fewer storms today, though an isolated afternoon thunderstorm remains possible. The National Weather Service expects a high near 91 in Cumming, with a heat index around 97 and a 20% chance of rain.

Wednesday’s heat index could approach 99. Forecast highs then rise from about 93 Thursday to 95 Saturday, making heat precautions increasingly important for practices, outdoor work and afternoon events. National Weather Service forecast

5. Fulton’s school board returns to North Fulton today

The Fulton County Board of Education holds a work session today at the North Learning Center, 450 Northridge Parkway in Sandy Springs. The detailed district schedule lists a 3:30 p.m. work session, followed by recognitions and public comment beginning at 6 p.m.

The meeting comes during the district’s second week of classes and will be streamed on the Fulton Schools homepage. A regular board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20. Fulton County Schools meeting information

6. Forsyth’s school board also meets this evening

The Forsyth County Board of Education begins its August work session at 5 p.m. today at 1120 Dahlonega Highway in Cumming. Work sessions give members an opportunity to review district business before the board’s monthly regular meeting, which is scheduled for Aug. 18.

The district provides live and archived meeting video through its YouTube channel. Forsyth County Schools meeting schedule

7. Fulton students posted gains across every reported Milestones subject

Newly released Georgia Milestones results show Fulton County Schools improved in every subject reported so far for the 2025–26 year. Districtwide mathematics proficiency rose 2.5 percentage points to 57.5%. Science proficiency reached 55.8%, while social studies rose to 49.4%.

English language arts results were not included because Georgia introduced a new assessment; those scores are expected later this fall. District leaders say the results will help shape school-improvement and instructional plans. Fulton Schools Milestones report

8. Georgia’s absentee-ballot request window opens Monday

Georgia voters may begin requesting absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 general election on Monday, Aug. 17. The state permits no-excuse absentee voting, although county registrars cannot begin mailing ballots until Oct. 5.

State officials advise allowing up to two weeks for a requested ballot to arrive and another two weeks if returning it by mail. Completed ballots must reach the county registrar by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Georgia absentee-voting timeline

9. Forsyth Environmental Health has moved

Forsyth County residents seeking septic-system services, restaurant inspection information, rabies assistance or other Environmental Health programs now need to visit 2435 Freedom Parkway, Suite 2400, in Cumming.

The previous office at 514 West Maple Street has permanently closed. The new office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and closes from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.

10. Barry Manilow plays his rescheduled Duluth concert tonight

Barry Manilow’s rescheduled Gas South Arena concert begins at 7 p.m. today, with doors opening at 6. Tickets purchased for the original April 29 date will be honored.

Tickets start at $37.66. The arena is cashless, has a clear-bag policy and charges $15 for parking. Gas South Arena concert information