Midnight train

Saturday, Aug. 29 — Atlanta native and R&B legend Gladys Knight said she would ease into fewer performances to focus on “the next stage” of her life and career, following fan concern over her health during recent tour stops. Knight has recorded more than 38 albums and won seven Grammy Awards.

☁️ Cloudy this weekend with highs in the mid-80s.

MARKET UPDATE

📈 Stocks fell on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh expressed concern over inflation. For the week, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite rose by less than one percent.

LOCAL NEWS

🕵️‍♀️ According to a report in the AJC, the U.S. Department of Defense has ordered 30 universities, including Emory, to conduct a “research security audit” examining academic, financial, and research ties to foreign entities of concern.

🗣️ Calls for civil discourse were cast aside as a community meeting about the proposed Southern Connector Bridge over I-85 turned into a free-for-all, with attendees flinging accusations and shouting.

🚔 Athens-Clarke County police found no evidence to support a UGA student’s rape report from Aug. 20, though the probe led to financial fraud charges against two men.

🥩 Georgia cattle ranchers are pushing back on President Trump’s plan to import beef from other countries. 

⛳ Ryan Gerard and Viktor Hovland shared the 36-hole lead at 10-under at the Tour Championship at East Lake. Round three begins today at 11:55 a.m. (Golf Channel, CBS).

🏈 The Falcons beat the Dolphins in their final preseason game last night. Atlanta opens the NFL season on Sun., Sept. 13 at Pittsburgh. 

🏈 In Friday night high school football action, Lovett topped Pace 44-14, Dunwoody beat Riverwood 59-17, Blessed Trinity edged Milton 21-20, West Forsyth beat Norcross 23-13. See a full scoreboard at Score Atlanta.

🏀 The Dream lost to the Fire 101-83 last night. The WNBA rescinded Angel Reese’s technical foul, clearing her to play in tomorrow’s 3 p.m. home game against Minnesota. 

ELSEWHERE

🇳🇵 Nepal remains on high alert for more flooding as its foreign minister said the Himalayan border region had turned into “swampland,” with more than 600 dead and 2,426 still missing.

🛂 ICE arrested far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, saying the U.K. national overstayed his visa and skipped a July immigration hearing.

⚖️ A judge ruled that the Pentagon acted illegally by labeling Anthropic as a supply chain risk after the AI company criticized the Department of Defense’s views on AI use.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

🎭 “Purpose,” a new play at the Alliance Theatre, continues through Sept. 20.

🫦 After a sold-out screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” last night, the Plaza Theatre is hosting another screening of the film in honor of Tim Curry’s legacy tonight at 10:45 p.m. 

🎶 VinylCon!, a two-day celebration of vinyl culture, at the Yaarab Shrine Center, kicks off today and tomorrow. 

🏳️‍🌈 Drew Droege brings his show, “Theatre Idiot,” to Out Front Theatre tonight at 8 p.m. 

🤣 The Shakespeare Tavern’s August Threepeat series continues tonight and tomorrow with performances of “Twelfth Night” and “The Comedy of Errors.”

⛰️ The Atlanta Braves continue their home series against the Colorado Rockies this afternoon at 4:10 p.m. and tomorrow at 1:35 p.m.

⚽ Atlanta United and Charlotte FC face off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium tonight at 7:30 p.m. 

➡ Here are some concerts to check out: 
🔥 Max Bemis @ The Masquerade (tonight)
🍻 Emarosa @ The Loft (tonight) 
🏈 The Pastor Troy Pep Rally @ Center Stage (tonight)
⛵ Yacht Rock Revue @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park (tonight)
🪩 The Disco Biscuits @ Variety Playhouse (tonight)
🇲🇽 Eslabón Armado @ Tabernacle (tonight)
💏 The R&B Lovers Tour @ State Farm Arena (tonight)
🐮 Country Westerns @ The Earl (tonight) 
🏀 Blacktop Mojo @ Vinyl (tomorrow)
🇵🇷 Omar Courtz @ Gas South Arena (tomorrow)
🎂 Asake @ State Farm Arena (tomorrow)
👼 Anthony Crawford + Savana Lee @ Eddie’s Attic (tomorrow)


Bid on Modern & Contemporary Art

SPONSORED BY AHLERS & OGLETREE

🖼️ Ahlers & Ogletree presents its Modern & Contemporary Art & Design Auction on Sept. 2-3. A preview reception Sept. 1 from 5-8 p.m., featuring a talk by celebrated artist Philip Moulthrop.

Discover fine art by Alex Katz and Keith Haring; studio glass by Dale Chihuly, Mark Peiser, and Toots Zynsky; over 50 sculptural vessels by the Moulthrops; and important European and American furniture, lighting, and decorative arts from prominent estates.

➞ Register and start bidding today.


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Enjoy your Saturday!


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 Man dies in stabbing near Beltline Kroger

② New temporary exits opening on SR 400 starting Aug. 29

③ From TV shows, concerts, and movies, Dolly Parton was no stranger to Metro Atlanta

④ DeKalb Schools shift focus to overcrowding in six clusters

⑤ Blair wins race to finish late Georgia congressman’s term and makes history in the process (pictured)


🌱 Come spend a day on the farm! Love is Love’s Fall Plant Sale & Family Day is Sept. 12 in Mansfield. Shop certified organic plants, enjoy FREE gardening and foraging workshops, farm tours, local food, artisans, kids’ activities, and more. Pre-order plants by Sept. 6! Details here.



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