Saturday night storms

March 15 — A powerful storm system unleashed multiple tornadoes across the Midwest and South, killing at least three people in Missouri last night. Forecasters issued a rare level 5 risk for Alabama and Mississippi as the system moves toward Georgia today, and is expected to hit metro Atlanta late tonight into Sunday morning. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for severe storms.

☁️  Before the severe weather hits, today will be cloudy, warm, and windy, with a high of 78°.

MARKET UPDATE

📈 Major indices rallied Friday with the S&P 500 climbing 2.13%, though all three benchmarks still posted their fourth consecutive losing week amid ongoing tariff uncertainty. The Dow had its worst week since 2023. 

Local stocks were down for the week, too, with Delta Air Lines losing almost 9.5% and Home Depot slipping almost 6%. 

😟 A closely watched measure of consumer confidence plunged to its lowest level since November 2022.

LOCAL NEWS

🏛️ Emory University is among more than 50 universities that the U.S. Department of Education is investigating for “racial preferences” violations.

🏞️ Eastside Beltline mainstay Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall announced a second location on Howell Mill Road, bringing its national parks-themed aesthetic to the Westside.

🦖 Fernbank’s Sips & Science on April 3 features craft cocktails, live music, dinosaur exhibits, and a diamond necklace raffle. Proceeds support educational programs at the museum.

📧 If you missed any of our newsletters this week, you can catch up here.

ELSEWHERE

🏛️ Ten Senate Democrats joined Republicans to advance a seven-month funding bill, averting a shutdown despite $13 billion in non-defense cuts that had divided the Democratic caucus.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

☘️ The 141st annual Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to Midtown today at noon. It travels from Peachtree Street and 15th Street to 5th Street.

⚽  Atlanta United hosts Inter Miami tomorrow at 7:00 p.m., although it’s unclear if Messi will play (Apple TV+; 92.9 FM).  

💚 Team Hidi, Giving Kitchen’s annual fundraiser is tomorrow at Truist Park.

➞ Here are some concerts to check out:

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!

Tarta Relena Live at SCADshow

SPONSORED BY SCAD

🎤 Catalan folk duo Tarta Relena makes their Atlanta debut at SCADshow on Saturday, March 29.

Blending Mediterranean influences with haunting harmonies, they reimagine a cappella traditions. Renowned for performances at Sónar, Big Ears, and Primavera Sound, they present És pregunta, an album exploring fate, knowledge, and the unknown.

✨ Through voice alone, Tarta Relena crafts a spellbinding journey that transcends time and tradition. Don’t miss this captivating performance!

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 Wisconsin-based search crew finds missing teacher’s body (pictured)

② There’s an automat on the Eastside Trail serving hot bagel sandwiches

③ Sandy Springs will allow longer on-street parking at City Springs, but it will cost you

④ Emory University plans to curb spending, staffing as fed research cuts loom

⑤ The Battery announces major renovations ahead of MLB All-Star Game

❤️ Join The Breman Museum for Bearing Witness, featuring Manuela Bornstein’s powerful Holocaust survival story. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to hear her firsthand account of resilience and courage. Sun., March 16 at 2 p.m. Reserve your FREE spot today! SPONSOR MESSAGE

This report was compiled and written by Rough Draft Atlanta's staff.