Rough Draft

🤲 Made together Come together March 11 — Collaboration isn't the exception in Atlanta's creative culture. It's common practice. This week's Sketchbook looks at two recent moments when artists working together produced creative experiences neither could have crafted alone. At Spruill Gallery, Shannon Morris paired two artists with disparate but complementary styles for a deep dive into memory in “Night Swim.” The result is an exhibition that brings viewers into a creative conversation that is both personal and communal. Along the Atlanta Beltline, the Business Façade pARTnership Grant continues to transform storefronts from Southwest Atlanta to Inman Park into vibrant public art projects in collaboration with local businesses and artists.

🤲 Made together

Come together March 11 — Collaboration isn't the exception in Atlanta's creative culture. It's common practice. This week's Sketchbook looks at two recent moments when artists working together produced creative experiences neither could have crafted alone. At Spruill Gallery,…

Big changes coming to Georgia General Assembly in 2026 elections as lawmakers leave office With legislators running for higher office, longtime lawmakers retiring, and many challenges to incumbents, the Georgia General Assembly is set for high turnover after this year’s elections. Control of the state House and Senate is at stake as Republicans are defending the majorities they’ve held in both chambers for over 20 years. Eighteen senators and representatives signed up to run for higher offices before candidate qualifying ended last week, leaving behind districts where they would have been incumbents seeking reelection. In the contest for lieutenant governor alone, five senators are competing against each other.

Big changes coming to Georgia General Assembly in 2026 elections as lawmakers leave office

With legislators running for higher office, longtime lawmakers retiring, and many challenges to incumbents, the Georgia General Assembly is set for high turnover after this year’s elections. Control of the…

Brookhaven approves $375,000 settlement from contractors for collapsed pavilion The Brookhaven City Council approved a $375,000 settlement agreement with four companies regarding a collapsed pavilion at a city park, with Tri Scapes, Jacobs Engineering Group, Lose & Associates, Matrix Engineering Group, and Crown Service Contractors each paying a portion of the settlement.

Brookhaven approves $375,000 settlement from contractors for collapsed pavilion

The Brookhaven City Council approved a $375,000 settlement agreement with four companies regarding a collapsed pavilion at a city park, with Tri Scapes, Jacobs Engineering Group, Lose & Associates, Matrix Engineering…

👨🏻‍🎤 A colorful celebration Colors everywhere March 11 — It's Cathy from Rough Draft with my weekly newsletter on Dunwoody. Welcome to summer, I guess. I don't know much about gardening, but my cold-loving pansies were finally looking perky, and will now go into a drama-filled, fainting, withering, collapse that makes me so very sad. ✏️ Before we get to the week's stories, here are a few items of interest coming up: 💬 On March 18, Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch will provide two opportunities for citizens to learn about the state of the city. The first event is March 18 at the Crowne Plaza, presented by the…

👨🏻‍🎤 A colorful celebration

Colors everywhere March 11 — It's Cathy from Rough Draft with my weekly newsletter on Dunwoody. Welcome to summer, I guess. I don't know much about gardening, but my cold-loving pansies were finally looking perky, and will now go into a drama-filled, fainting,…

Atlanta Braves’ new streaming platform offers 140 games for $99.99 The Atlanta Braves have launched BravesVision, a multimedia platform offering live and on-demand streaming of over 140 regular-season games for $99.99, with a monthly subscription package to be announced before Opening Day.

Atlanta Braves’ new streaming platform offers 140 games for $99.99

The Atlanta Braves have launched BravesVision, a multimedia platform offering live and on-demand streaming of over 140 regular-season games for $99.99, with a monthly subscription package to be announced before Opening Day.

🏳️‍🌈 Advocacy & art

Advocacy and art Mar. 11 — In case you missed it, the March issue of Georgia Voice is out now, and you can read the entire issue online or pick up a print copy in Atlanta. The issue features our cover story on Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar’s Executive Chef Liv Hurst, along with…

5 things to know about the Beltline’s Business Façade pARTnership One Source Affiliates at 1530 Ralph David Abernathy Ave. SW on Atlanta's Westside, after a façade mural by Sway Jones. (Credit: Erin Sintos/Atlanta Beltline) The Atlanta Beltline is best known for its trails. But since 2019, it has been quietly building something else along the 22-mile corridor. The Beltline’s Business Façade pARTnership Grant puts local artists to work on the storefronts of small businesses, making both more visible, more viable, and more connected to the neighborhoods around them. Now in its third cycle, the program has invested $538,838 across five businesses and seven artists.

5 things to know about the Beltline’s Business Façade pARTnership

One Source Affiliates at 1530 Ralph David Abernathy Ave. SW on Atlanta's Westside, after a façade mural by Sway Jones. (Credit: Erin Sintos/Atlanta Beltline) The Atlanta Beltline is best known for its trails. But since 2019, it has…

Director Justin Kalin talks bringing ‘Which Way to the Stage’ to Out Front Theatre (L-R) Matthew Busch and Caty Bergmark star in "Which Way to the Stage" at Out Front Theatre (Photo by Sydney Lee). Justin Kalin first heard about “Which Way to the Stage,” a play by Ana Nogueira, right after it premiered Off-Broadway in 2022, when a normally measured friend in New York posted his thoughts about the show on social media.  “He posted a story the night he saw it – just like, the most effusive, lavish praise,” Kalin, who is the associate artistic director at Out Front Theatre, said. “He really loved the production, the script – everything.” …

Director Justin Kalin talks bringing ‘Which Way to the Stage’ to Out Front Theatre

(L-R) Matthew Busch and Caty Bergmark star in "Which Way to the Stage" at Out Front Theatre (Photo by Sydney Lee). Justin Kalin first heard about “Which Way to the Stage,” a play by Ana Nogueira, right after it…

Trump will refuse to sign voting bill without anti-trans provisions President Donald Trump said he will refuse to sign any legislation into law unless Congress passes the “SAVE Act,” pressuring lawmakers to move forward with the controversial voting bill. In posts on Truth Social and other social media platforms, the 47th president emphasized the importance of Republican lawmakers pushing the legislation through while also using the opportunity to denounce gender-affirming care. “I, as President, will not sign other Bills until this is passed, AND NOT THE WATERED DOWN VERSION — GO FOR THE GOLD,” Trump posted. “MUST SHOW VOTER I.D. & PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: NO MAIL-IN BALLOTS EXCEPT FOR MILITARY — ILLNESS, DISABILITY, TRAVEL: NO MEN IN WOMEN’S SPORTS: NO TRANSGENDER MUTILIZATION FOR CHILDREN!

Trump will refuse to sign voting bill without anti-trans provisions

President Donald Trump said he will refuse to sign any legislation into law unless Congress passes the “SAVE Act,” pressuring lawmakers to move forward with the controversial voting bill. In posts on Truth Social and other social…

Applications open for Rome Pride festival vendors Rome Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ Pride organization in northwest Georgia, is looking for vendors for its fifth annual festival on June 27.

Applications open for Rome Pride festival vendors

Rome Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ Pride organization in northwest Georgia, is looking for vendors for its fifth annual festival on June 27.

🏆 GHSA Basketball Championships Wednesday vroom! March 11 — Yamaha Motor Co. said it will move its U.S. headquarters to Kennesaw. The Japanese company employs more than 2,000 people in Georgia at its manufacturing plant in Newnan and its marine division in Kennesaw. ⛅ Partly cloudy with a high of 82° today. 🗳️ A crowded special election in Georgia's 14th Congressional District is headed to an April 7 runoff, with Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller advancing after neither cleared 50%. 🛂 Global Entry is open again, after a roughly three-week suspension caused by a partial government shutdown.

🏆 GHSA Basketball Championships

Wednesday vroom! March 11 — Yamaha Motor Co. said it will move its U.S. headquarters to Kennesaw. The Japanese company employs more than 2,000 people in Georgia at its manufacturing plant in Newnan and its marine division in Kennesaw. ⛅ Partly cloudy with a high of…

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happening around Atlanta Atlanta will soon be awash in green as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations return across the city, bringing parades, pub crawls, live music, and family-friendly festivities to Midtown and beyond. Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade (Photo by Jonathan Phillips) Atlanta St. Patrick’s ParadeThe parade, a tradition for the past 142 years, will step off at 12 p.m. on March 14 at the intersection of Peachtree and15th Streets and continue down Peachtree to 5th Street. Presented by Irish Network Atlanta, the parade celebrates Irish culture and Atlanta’s Irish history. Just before the parade begins, the St.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happening around Atlanta

Atlanta will soon be awash in green as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations return across the city, bringing parades, pub crawls, live music, and family-friendly festivities to Midtown and beyond. Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade (Photo by Jonathan…

🌷 Botanical Garden in bloom Transformation Tuesday  March 10 — This week brings news of transformations and celebrations. The Georgia Senate recently recognized Meals on Wheels Atlanta for 60 years of service, and Atlanta Botanical Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary with SUPER Blooms! – a display of more than 200,000 spring flowers that will blanket the Great Lawn in March and April. More details are below. 🌳 And, after 30 years of service in municipalities across Metro Atlanta, Tucker Parks and Recreation Director Rip Robertson will retire later this month. Learn more about Robertson's legacy – and plans for Tucker's parks – in Katie Burkholder's report.

🌷 Botanical Garden in bloom

Transformation Tuesday  March 10 — This week brings news of transformations and celebrations. The Georgia Senate recently recognized Meals on Wheels Atlanta for 60 years of service, and Atlanta Botanical Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary with SUPER Blooms! – a…

😳 Bye Beltline BrewDog Table Talk: A closure, a cookbook, a Nikkei dish March 10— Happy Tuesday! Welcome to the table. Dining news abounds in "Family Meal" this week, which includes an update on the BrewDog sale I reported on last Tuesday. The Atlanta location closed yesterday. Read more about that below. Dining reporter Sarra Sedghi brings you a profile on Lazy Betty chef Ron Hsu. Read how Hsu's Atlanta childhood, growing up with restaurateur parents, and being Chinese-American influenced his debut cookbook, "Down South + East," publishing March 17. For "The Move," I tell you why you shouldn't sleep on Casa Coya, a new steakhouse and Peruvian restaurant serving Nikkei dishes in Reynoldstown.

😳 Bye Beltline BrewDog

Table Talk: A closure, a cookbook, a Nikkei dish March 10— Happy Tuesday! Welcome to the table. Dining news abounds in "Family Meal" this week, which includes an update on the BrewDog sale I reported on last Tuesday. The Atlanta location closed yesterday. Read more about…

Harris, Fuller advance to a runoff in race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller will face each other in an April 7 runoff to replace former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned in January after a public feud with Trump.

Harris, Fuller advance to a runoff in race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress

Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller will face each other in an April 7 runoff to replace former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned in January after a public feud with Trump.

LGBTQ+ Georgians rally for freedom at Pride to the Capitol event On March 10, LGBTQ+ Georgians and their allies gathered in downtown Atlanta for Pride to the Capitol, a day of advocacy organized by the Human Rights Campaign, Atlanta Pride, Georgia Equality, and more than 30 advocacy groups, to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for freedom for all Georgians.

LGBTQ+ Georgians rally for freedom at Pride to the Capitol event

On March 10, LGBTQ+ Georgians and their allies gathered in downtown Atlanta for Pride to the Capitol, a day of advocacy organized by the Human Rights Campaign, Atlanta Pride, Georgia Equality, and more than 30 advocacy groups, to…

Norcross Police Department to host first-ever Torch Run for Special Olympics The Norcross Police Department is hosting its first Law Enforcement Torch Run on March 28, inviting the public to join officers in a 5K run or 1.4-mile walk to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Georgia.

Norcross Police Department to host first-ever Torch Run for Special Olympics

The Norcross Police Department is hosting its first Law Enforcement Torch Run on March 28, inviting the public to join officers in a 5K run or 1.4-mile walk to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Georgia.

Roger and James Deakins to host cinematography masterclass on March 18 Cinematographer Roger Deakins and his wife and collaborator James Deakins will host a masterclass for Georgia State University students on March 18. The masterclass will take place while the couple is in town celebrating the release of Roger’s new book, “Reflections on Cinematography,” and for a series of screenings taking place at the Plaza and Tara Theatres March 17-19.  According to an email blast from the Atlanta Film Society, the masterclass is exclusively for Georgia State students, but the organizers have set aside four seats for Atlanta Film Society members. …

Roger and James Deakins to host cinematography masterclass on March 18

Cinematographer Roger Deakins and his wife and collaborator James Deakins will host a masterclass for Georgia State University students on March 18. The masterclass will take place while the couple is in town celebrating the…

Tucker approves new loitering ordinance in partnership with DeKalb County police The Tucker City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending the city's loitering code while also discussing establishing a Loitering Enforcement Authorization Program with DeKalb County Police Department and the potential impact on unhoused residents and approving contracts for city development projects.

Tucker approves new loitering ordinance in partnership with DeKalb County police

The Tucker City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending the city's loitering code while also discussing establishing a Loitering Enforcement Authorization Program with DeKalb County Police Department and…

Yamaha moving U.S. headquarters to Kennesaw Yamaha Motor Co. will move its U.S. headquarters to Kennesaw after more than 50 years in California. According to a press release from Gov. Brian Kemp's office, Yamaha's move comes after a meeting between the governor and Yamaha executives last October at the Southeast U.S./Japan (SEUS-Japan) annual gathering in Tokyo. A manufacturer of ATVs, boat engines, personal watercraft, and other motorized products, Yamaha Motor Co. already has a strong presence in Georgia, employing over 2,300 Georgians.  The relocation of Yamaha's headquarters will begin this year and is expected to continue through 2028, according to the press release.

Yamaha moving U.S. headquarters to Kennesaw

Yamaha Motor Co. will move its U.S. headquarters to Kennesaw after more than 50 years in California. According to a press release from Gov. Brian Kemp's office, Yamaha's move comes after a meeting between the governor and Yamaha executives last October…

Dunwoody City Council discusses reducing speeds on Ashford Dunwoody, other streets The Dunwoody City Council authorized the renewal of its permit to enforce speed limits with the Georgia Department of Transportation, which includes a 10-mile-an-hour reduction for Ashford Dunwoody Road, and discussed several other additions to the list, including designating streets as school zones and adding pedestrian lights.

Dunwoody City Council discusses reducing speeds on Ashford Dunwoody, other streets

The Dunwoody City Council authorized the renewal of its permit to enforce speed limits with the Georgia Department of Transportation, which includes a 10-mile-an-hour reduction for Ashford Dunwoody Road, and…

Lazy Betty chef Ron Hsu’s metro Atlanta childhood shapes the tone of his debut cookbook Lazy Betty chef Ron Hsu's debut cookbook "Down South + East" is an homage to his parents' welcoming Southern hospitality at their Chinese restaurants and a reflection of his multicultural upbringing and dining experiences in 1980s metro Atlanta.

Lazy Betty chef Ron Hsu’s metro Atlanta childhood shapes the tone of his debut cookbook

Lazy Betty chef Ron Hsu's debut cookbook "Down South + East" is an homage to his parents' welcoming Southern hospitality at their Chinese restaurants and a reflection of his multicultural upbringing and dining…

Judge blocks Fulton County DA from intervening in attorney fees case brought by Trump Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled Monday to block intervention by District Attorney Fani Willis in the legal battle over paying attorneys' fees related to the indictment of President Donald Trump. The president, some of his co-defendants and their attorneys are in the midst of seeking more than $16 million, collectively, in legal fee recovery due to the dismissal of the indictment. In her role as DA, Willis was seeking to prevent the payment of the $16 million citing, among other reasons, how it would impact the office’s budget and subsequent ability to perform its duties.

Judge blocks Fulton County DA from intervening in attorney fees case brought by Trump

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled Monday to block intervention by District Attorney Fani Willis in the legal battle over paying attorneys' fees related to the indictment of President Donald…

‘Joyful’ Holi celebration in Dunwoody draws 1,000 More than 1,000 people attended the third annual Create Dunwoody Holi celebration, a vibrant Indian tradition that marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season.

‘Joyful’ Holi celebration in Dunwoody draws 1,000

More than 1,000 people attended the third annual Create Dunwoody Holi celebration, a vibrant Indian tradition that marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season.

Recipe: KR Steakbar’s cacio e pepe Earlier this year, a Rough Draft reader requested the recipe for the cacio e pepe from Kevin Rathbun's KR Steakbar in Peachtree Hills. This week, we're honoring that request by sharing the pasta recipe with our readers.

Recipe: KR Steakbar’s cacio e pepe

Earlier this year, a Rough Draft reader requested the recipe for the cacio e pepe from Kevin Rathbun's KR Steakbar in Peachtree Hills. This week, we're honoring that request by sharing the pasta recipe with our readers.

Georgia House and Senate Republicans on parallel course to reduce state income tax rate One thing that Georgia’s House and Senate can agree on after finishing the first round of this year’s legislative session is that the state income tax rate should continue falling. Friday was the deadline for lawmakers to vote out the bills they were most serious about, moving them from the House to the Senate and vice versa. The Senate had already sent legislation to the House last month that would cut the income tax rate to 3.99%. On Friday, the House kicked a bill to the Senate with the same tax rate reduction and with an increase to the standard deduction that was similar to what was in the Senate bill.

Georgia House and Senate Republicans on parallel course to reduce state income tax rate

One thing that Georgia’s House and Senate can agree on after finishing the first round of this year’s legislative session is that the state income tax rate should continue falling. Friday was the deadline for…

Performance artist Tim Miller brings ‘A Body in the O’ to 7 Stages “I climbed up into the enormous letter “O” on the Hollywood sign high in the hills above Los Angeles. This was in 1984 when you could still scamper up the Hollywood Hills goat paths and get close to the huge, world-famous landmark. If you were brave enough to confront the scary precarity and climb up one of the several stories tall letters, you had a perfect moment in time and space that must be recorded. I seem to be wearing hot pants and a crop top, a young gay boy’s uniform of the time when returning home to hot L.A.

Performance artist Tim Miller brings ‘A Body in the O’ to 7 Stages

“I climbed up into the enormous letter “O” on the Hollywood sign high in the hills above Los Angeles. This was in 1984 when you could still scamper up the Hollywood Hills goat paths and get close to the huge, world-famous landmark.…

❌ NBA nixes Magic City Tuesday in bloom March 10 — The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned Magic City Night promotion, citing widespread concern from across the league about the event's ties to the iconic strip club. A halftime performance by T.I. and lemon pepper wings are still on for the March 16 game against Orlando. ☁️ After last night's storms, expect clouds and a high of 78° today. 🗳️ Voters in Georgia's 14th Congressional District head to the polls today to choose a successor to former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. 🚗 Lane and shoulder closures have begun for the…

❌ NBA nixes Magic City

Tuesday in bloom March 10 — The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned Magic City Night promotion, citing widespread concern from across the league about the event's ties to the iconic strip club. A halftime performance by T.I. and lemon pepper wings are still on for the…

NBA shuts down Hawks’ Magic City Night after league backlash The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned Magic City Night promotion due to widespread concern from across the league about the event's ties to the city's well-known strip club.

NBA shuts down Hawks’ Magic City Night after league backlash

The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned Magic City Night promotion due to widespread concern from across the league about the event's ties to the city's well-known strip club.

North Fulton cities gear up for crucial service delivery negotiations with Fulton County The North Fulton Municipal Association is preparing for negotiations with Fulton County to determine how the local governments will share responsibility for service delivery and its cost, with topics including the county's main jail, animal control, and the City of Atlanta's water rates.

North Fulton cities gear up for crucial service delivery negotiations with Fulton County

The North Fulton Municipal Association is preparing for negotiations with Fulton County to determine how the local governments will share responsibility for service delivery and its cost, with topics including…