A heartfelt Saturday
Feb. 14 — Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’re looking for something to do with your partner or looking to celebrate your singledom, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of dining events and specials worth your time here.
🌧️ It’ll be 61° and cloudy today, with light rain on the horizon for tomorrow.
MARKET UPDATE
📉 The S&P 500 slipped 1.4% for the week as growing fears that AI could disrupt industries from real estate to financial services overshadowed a cooler-than-expected January inflation report. The Dow fell 1.2%, and the Nasdaq dropped 2.1%. The markets and banks will be closed on Monday for Presidents’ Day.
LOCAL NEWS
🚇 Advocates for extending light rail along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail are accusing transit leaders of sidelining a key project without public input.
🏡 Georgia Senate Republicans have approved an income tax cut plan that calls for no income tax on the first $50,000 in annual earnings by an individual and $100,000 for a married couple.
🚨 The Norcross Police Department reported a more than 25 percent reduction in overall crime in 2025, with nearly all major categories now well below 10- and 15-year averages. (Subscribe to our new Norcross newsletter.)
⚽ Atlanta officials said Thursday that the Atlanta airport and MARTA are ready to handle the influx of soccer fans this summer during the FIFA World Cup matches.
AT THE WINTER OLYMPICS
🇺🇸 American figure skater Ilia Malinin, who was undefeated since 2023 and the overwhelming favorite to win gold, finished eighth after falling multiple times in his free skate. Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov won gold.
- Norway – 19
- Italy – 18
- U.S.A. – 18
ELSEWHERE
🏛️ Homeland Security funding lapsed early this morning as the White House and Senate Democrats continue to negotiate immigration enforcement reforms. Here’s what to know about the partial government shutdown.
⚖️ A federal judge in Illinois ruled that the Trump administration cannot rescind $600 million in public health grants that were allocated to four Democratic-led states.
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKENDIN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ATLANTA BELTLINE
✨ In Two Weeks! Kick off 2026 with intention at this hands-on goal-setting workshop designed to help you clarify priorities and turn your vision into action. Whether you are focused on financial stability, homeownership, or long-term planning, this event sets the foundation for success.
🎊 Stone Mountain’s Lunar New Year Festival starts today, and will run each Saturday and Sunday through March. 1.
🩰 The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater is back at the Fox Theatre this weekend, with performances tonight at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 3 p.m.
💐 The exhibit “Orchid Daze: Living Canvas” returns to the Atlanta Botanical Garden today and continues through April 12.
➡ Here are some concerts to check out:
🎸 The REMakes & Smithsonian @ Variety Playhouse (tonight)
🦅 Ian Munsick @ Tabernacle (tonight)
☠️ Teenage Bottlerocket @ Center Stage Theater (tonight)
🎸 Andy Browne @ Thinking Man’s Tavern (tonight)
🎷 Stokley Williams @ Londzell Theatre (tonight)
💋 Say She She @ Terminal West (tonight)
🎶 R&B Live @ State Farm Arena (tomorrow)
❤️ Heart @ Gas South Arena (tomorrow)
⛰️ Noah Rinker @ The Loft (tomorrow)
🙏 Tyler Braden @ Terminal West (tomorrow)
IT’S TIME TO PLAY THE QUIZ
🧠 Click here to play, and please let us know how you do by replying to this email or sharing on Instagram, Facebook, or Bluesky @RoughDraftATL.Enjoy your Saturday!
Party like it’s 1985 at our 40th Artistic Affair!
SPONSORED BY SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS
✨ Dust off your cassettes and tease your hair, we’re having a FUNdraiser – so be there or be square!
Join us on March 28 as Spruill Center for the Arts kicks off the 40th year of Artistic Affair! Get ready for full-on 1980s fun, complete with an open bar, arcade games, costume contests, a live auction, and more.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now – get yours today for an early bird discount (good for purchase through Feb. 15).
Top stories of the week
A look back at this week’s most-read stories from our website. Follow @RoughDraftATL on Instagram for regular updates.
① Perimeter Mall submits plan to relocate food court to Macy’s wing
② Former Chamblee City Hall will become Spruill Studios in June
③ Tucker to install city’s first roundabouts to ease traffic and improve safety (pictured)
④ Sandy Springs leaders grill GDOT on SR 400 Express Lanes project
⑤ Trump administration ordered to produce information that led to Fulton elections raid
🎭 Gather your kiddos and celebrate Purim with Or Hadash at our beloved Purim Carnival and Puppet Show! Join us March 1 at 10 a.m. for games, face painting, prizes, snacks, and make-your-own hamantaschen in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Costumes encouraged! Details and RSVP. SPONSOR MESSAGE
🔤 Don’t miss News Word Atlanta, our daily word game.
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