Georgia Schools Get $16.5M in Aid | Patch PM

Stories to talk about tonight:

Georgia Schools Receive $16.5 Million to Improve Student Performance

Georgia is being given more $16 million by the United States Department of Education to improve student performance.

The grants are part of the department's School Improvement Grants Program, which the department says targets: "the greatest need for the funds and the strongest commitment to provide adequate resources to substantially raise student achievement in their lowest-performing schools." >>> Read more.

4th of July Weather in Georgia: Rain Chances in Forecast

Fireworks displays in Georgia may be dodging storms this holiday weekend. The latest forecast notes chances for an afternoon or evening thunderstorm each day between Saturday and the 4th of July.

If storms do appear, a few could be strong with gusty winds, frequent lightning and locally heavy rain. The best chance for bad weather will be in north Georgia.>>> Read more.

Atlanta's Smog Alerts Have Already Doubled From 2015

• New EPA standards mean more smog alerts are on the way, as the city enters the very, very hazy days of summer.

Kennesaw Student a Finalist for America's Top Young Scientist

• Sara Makboul attends Palmer Middle School.

Sweetwater Brewery Recovers Most of its Stolen Beer

• But every single bottle will have to be destroyed.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Georgia network. The Patch community platform covers communities across the state.