Savings and losses
Tuesday, June 9 — The gas tax suspension that ended on June 2 saved Georgia drivers nearly $200 million. However, motor fuel tax collections fell by $199.6 million, or 99.5%, compared to a year ago, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue.
☔ Scattered thunderstorms with a high of 82° today.
🔎 The GBI is investigating after a DeKalb County police officer was stabbed and a suspect was shot during an incident in North Decatur on Monday morning.
🚨 Atlanta’s own red tape is holding back the Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative (PAD) from providing mental health services, respite housing, healthcare, and legal services, according to the director.
🎖️ Norcross police officer Gabriel Veras Jr. received national recognition for saving the life of a three-year-old who was in cardiac arrest.
🐦⬛ The State of Georgia is updating its protected species list for the first time in two decades and is seeking public input.
📣 Tucker residents voiced their opinions about what amenities they want at Henderson Park during a recent two-day open house.
🐶 The owners of Summerhill’s Little Bear are planning on opening a new wine bar in East Atlanta Village.
ELSEWHERE
🇺🇸🇮🇱🇮🇷A U.S. military Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz overnight, with President Donald Trump saying both pilots were safe. Israel launched airstrikes on the Lebanese city of Tyre, as fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah intensified. Trump said a nuclear deal with Iran could be signed within days.
⚖️ President Trump nominated Todd Blanche as attorney general, a position Blanche has held in an acting capacity since Trump fired Pam Bondi in April.
🗳️ Voters in Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, and North Dakota head to the polls today in primary contests with Maine’s U.S. Senate seat and South Carolina’s GOP gubernatorial race in the spotlight.
➡ Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will face City Council member Nithya Raman in a November runoff after Raman edged out former reality TV star Spencer Pratt in the primary.
⛹️ The Spurs beat the Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 last night, cutting New York’s NBA Finals lead to 2-1. Game 4 is tomorrow night in New York.
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• 2026 vals and sals
• TrustDALE
• Gregg Allman documentary
• Rough Draft DNNR Club
AND
• Volunteer Opportunities
🖼️ Ahlers & Ogletree presents a 600-lot Modern & Contemporary Art & Design Auction featuring Picasso, Dalí, Chagall, and more. Explore fine art, furniture, and sculpture. Preview June 15-16; reception June 16. Register and start bidding today. SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. This year’s valedictorians and salutatorians
🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Metro Atlanta families recently gathered to celebrate this year’s graduating class. Each year, we honor the top students for the public and private schools in Rough Draft’s coverage area, congratulating each school’s valedictorian and salutatorian.
🎉 Check out the full list here.
Atlanta’s Trusted Source for Orthopedic Care
SPONSORED BY PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDICS
🏀 The last thing anybody has time for is an injury that disrupts their week. But, Peachtree Orthopedics is here to make life easier.
For 70 years, we’ve been committed to helping Atlantans return to the activities they love. At our 11 convenient locations, we have 42 leading physicians, all of whom are fellowship-trained, with specialties in every body part.
Injured in the evening or on the weekend? Skip the ER. Our UrgentORTHO clinic offers same-day, evening, and Saturday hours.
➞ It’s time to get back to doing what you love. Peachtree Orthopedics is here to help you Get Better.
2. The home walkaround every owner should do before summer
TOGETHER WITH TRUSTDALE
🏡 Summer has a way of finding the small weak spots around a house. The AC that felt fine in April suddenly struggles in July, the gutter that held a few leaves starts spilling water over the edge, and the back door that closed easily in spring begins dragging against the frame after a stretch of heat and humidity.
The good news is that many of these problems give homeowners a little warning before they become a bigger nuisance.
A simple walkaround, done before summer fully settles in, can help you notice weak airflow, clogged drainage, outdoor plumbing leaks, dryer vent buildup, sticky doors, and crawl space moisture while there’s still time to handle them calmly. And the folks at TrustDALE can help you learn exactly where to start.
🔧 Check out the full blog post here.
3. New Gregg Allman documentary explores rock legend’s complexities
🎸 Members of the Allman Brothers Band spent decades making music in Georgia, and the group’s legacy has influenced generations of performers across the globe.
The group was known for its sophisticated guitar and organ riffs and its players’ fluency in rock and blues textures, especially on early songs such as “Whipping Post,” “Midnight Rider,” and “Melissa.”
A new documentary, “Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul,” captures the tragedies and triumphs that shaped Allman’s life and career, with commentary from the people who knew him best.
➡ Read more in this story from GPB.
4. Ditch the screens, break bread with other RD fans
🍽️ We are taking Rough Draft off your screen and into local restaurants with Atlanta’s first newsletter dinner club on Tues., June 16.
We’ve partnered with DNNR to host IRL dinners where you’ll be matched with five like-minded readers for thoughtful conversations and real community building.
And, your ticket directly supports local journalism.
🎫 Think of it as your favorite newsletter, but with better food and actual eye contact. Book your seat today for our inaugural dinners in Sandy Springs and Poncey-Highland.
🖼️ Ahlers & Ogletree presents a 600-lot Modern & Contemporary Art & Design Auction featuring Picasso, Dalí, Chagall, and more. Explore fine art, furniture, and sculpture. Preview June 15-16; reception June 16. Register and start bidding today. SPONSOR MESSAGE
5. Volunteer Opportunities
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HANDS ON ATLANTA
🫐 The Black Lotus Project (pictured) is looking for volunteers to assist with meal packing for their summer food program on Thursday morning in Atlanta. Duties include organizing food items, packing meal bags and boxes, and more.
🔬 Artportunity Knocks needs youth summer mentors on Friday mornings and afternoons to help with STEM activities. Expect to support students with hands-on projects, organize materials, encourage participation, assist with special events, and serve as a positive role model.
🗑️ The Launch Pad Foundation seeks volunteers for its Keep Our Community Clean initiative on Saturday morning in Atlanta. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early and will be provided with trash pickers, bags, and gloves before starting cleanup in assigned destinations.
☀️ It’s patio season, y’all! Support Wholesome Wave Georgia at El Ponce tomorrow, Wed., June 10 from 5-7 p.m. Tickets come with a welcome drink and light bites. Sangria, cocktails, and beer for purchase. Get tickets here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
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💡 Help support independent local media by becoming a Rough Draft member today. Pick up some cool swag, including our new, limited-edition LOCAL hoodie.
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