Keith Pepper

🏞️ Sorry folks, park’s closed Dream Thursday May 22 — Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones make their Atlanta debuts tonight as the Dream host Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena in the team's home opener. Atlanta is 1-1 and beat Indiana by one point on Tuesday night. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available here. ☀️ Sunny with a high of 84° today.

🏞️ Sorry folks, park’s closed

Dream Thursday May 22 — Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones make their Atlanta debuts tonight as the Dream host Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena in the team's home opener. Atlanta is 1-1 and beat Indiana by one point on Tuesday night. Tipoff is…

4.1 magnitude earthquake in Tennessee rattles Metro Atlanta The United States Geological Survey released this map showing the epicenter of the May 10, 2025 earthquake near Greenback, TN. Did you feel the earth move this morning? The United States Geological Survey confirmed the 4.1 magnitude quake occurred at 9:04 a.m. and was centered near Greenback, TN, and rattled North Georgia and Metro Atlanta. There haven't been any reports of injury or damage.

4.1 magnitude earthquake in Tennessee rattles Metro Atlanta

The United States Geological Survey released this map showing the epicenter of the May 10, 2025 earthquake near Greenback, TN. Did you feel the earth move this morning? The United States Geological Survey confirmed the 4.1 magnitude quake…

4.1 magnitude earthquake in Tennessee rattles Metro Atlanta USGS confirms 4.1 magnitude earthquake on May 10, 2025 near Greenback, TN. Earthquake felt throughout North Georgia and Metro Atlanta.

4.1 magnitude earthquake in Tennessee rattles Metro Atlanta roughdraftatlanta.com/2025/05/10/q...

Screenshot of a Rough Draft Atlanta newsletter titled “First win.” The update, dated April 5, highlights Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach throwing eight shutout innings with 10 strikeouts in a 10-0 win over the Marlins. The next game is at 7:15 p.m. at Truist Park. A link is provided to a food guide for the stadium’s new food hall featuring NFA Burger and Pepper's Hotdogs. At the bottom, a weather forecast notes slightly cloudy conditions with a high of 86°F today and rain with 76°F tomorrow.

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Top advisor talks $40M estate that redefines high-end living Chase Mizell ranked No. 2 for volume sold and No. 7 for homes sold at the recent Atlanta REALTORS® Association Top Producers Gala, representing the city’s top-performing agents. Image provided by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty One of Chase’s defining 2024 moments was launching Entelechy II, a $40 million Sea Island, Georgia masterpiece designed by the late John Portman, the iconic Atlanta-based architect renowned for transforming skylines with his visionary work.

Top advisor talks $40M estate that redefines high-end living

Chase Mizell ranked No. 2 for volume sold and No. 7 for homes sold at the recent Atlanta REALTORS® Association Top Producers Gala, representing the city’s top-performing agents. Image provided by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's…

Atlanta Fine Homes Award Winners We are the ones in the know. Discover local real estate market trends in your area. Discover the one for you. Explore our exclusive listings available across Metro Atlanta. Let our local experts open ...

Congratulations to all of the 2024 Top Producers from Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty! Visit our Real Estate Spotlight page: roughdraftatlanta.com/afh24/

Inside the $35M listing that sold after weeks of negotiation The Bayne Battleson Group achieved the No. 3 spot for team volume at the recent Atlanta REALTORS® Association Top Producers Gala. Led by Sam Bayne and Ashley Battleson, their standout 2024 included two record-breaking sales. Image provided by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty First, they brought the buyer for Georgia's largest publicly listed home sold last year — a $35 million estate.

Inside the $35M listing that sold after weeks of negotiation

The Bayne Battleson Group achieved the No. 3 spot for team volume at the recent Atlanta REALTORS® Association Top Producers Gala. Led by Sam Bayne and Ashley Battleson, their standout 2024 included two record-breaking sales. Image…

How one real estate sale made a final goodbye possible Bonnie Majher took the No. 6 spot for volume sold at this year’s Atlanta REALTORS® Association Gala. Bonnie’s remarkable success is driven by her dedication to delivering not only exceptional results but also unwavering compassion for her clients. Bonnie Majher One of the most meaningful transactions of her year was helping a client sell their Roswell property during an emotionally challenging time.

How one real estate sale made a final goodbye possible

Bonnie Majher took the No. 6 spot for volume sold at this year’s Atlanta REALTORS® Association Gala. Bonnie’s remarkable success is driven by her dedication to delivering not only exceptional results but also unwavering compassion for her…

Alfred Uhry on ‘Parade’ and growing up Jewish in Atlanta Left to right: Alfred Uhry, Barbara Balser, Morgan Freeman, and Ron Balser. Morgan Freeman and Alfred Uhry were in town being presented with the Anti-Defamation League's Abe Goldstein Human Relations Award for their work on the 1989 film "Driving Miss Daisy." (Photo provided by The Breman Museum) The trial of Leo Frank, and his subsequent lynching, is a story that has lingered on in the Atlanta consciousness for more than a century.

Alfred Uhry on ‘Parade’ and growing up Jewish in Atlanta

Left to right: Alfred Uhry, Barbara Balser, Morgan Freeman, and Ron Balser. Morgan Freeman and Alfred Uhry were in town being presented with the Anti-Defamation League's Abe Goldstein Human Relations Award for their work on the 1989 film…

There’s an automat on the Eastside Beltline serving hot bagel sandwiches Emerald City Bagels debuted an automat vending machine on the Eastside Beltline, serving hot bagel sandwiches like BECs and special seasonal bagel sandwiches all at the touch of a button.

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

Emerald City Bagels debuted an automat vending machine on the Eastside Beltline, serving hot bagel sandwiches like BECs and special seasonal bagel sandwiches all at the touch of a button.

Atlanta catering powerhouse Dennis Retzleff dies at 63 Culinary pioneer and Atlanta native Dennis Retzleff has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 63. The mind behind Dennis Dean Catering, Retzleff was well-known in the city for his passion for food and vibrant personality. “Dennis’ impact was immeasurable, and while he will be deeply missed by all, he will never be forgotten,” Dennis Dean Catering wrote on…

Atlanta catering powerhouse Dennis Retzleff dies at 63

Culinary pioneer and Atlanta native Dennis Retzleff has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 63. The mind behind Dennis Dean Catering, Retzleff was well-known in the city for his passion for food and vibrant personality. “Dennis’…

Update: Wisconsin-based dive crew finds missing teacher's body at Lake Oconee Investigation for missing Westminster coach Gary Jones in Lake Oconee are suspended due to poor weather conditions.

The body of Westminster coach Gary Jones has been found in Lake Oconee.

roughdraftatlanta.com/2025/03/06/w...

‘Privilege of a lifetime’: Lois Reitzes announces retirement from WABE Lois Reitzes (Courtesy WABE) After nearly 46 years as the iconic voice of WABE, "City Lights" host Lois Reitzes announced at the end of her March 6 broadcast that she would retire in June. "It's been the privilege of a lifetime to work at WABE," Reitzes said, noting that her last broadcast would be June 26. Reitzes said she wouldn't disappear from WABE, as she plans to contribute occasional interview segments.

‘Privilege of a lifetime’: Lois Reitzes announces retirement from WABE

Lois Reitzes (Courtesy WABE) After nearly 46 years as the iconic voice of WABE, "City Lights" host Lois Reitzes announced at the end of her March 6 broadcast that she would retire in June. "It's been the privilege of a lifetime…

National Center for Civil and Human Rights to name new wing for former Mayor Shirley Franklin  A rendering of the Shirley Clarke Franklin Pavilion at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. (Courtesy CCHR) The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will name one of its two new wings for its visionary founder, former Mayor Shirley Clarke Franklin. The Center surprised the former mayor with this announcement on Thursday, Feb. 27, as part of the annual Power to Inspire Celebration, where Franklin was honored for her lifetime of leadership.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights to name new wing for former Mayor Shirley Franklin 

A rendering of the Shirley Clarke Franklin Pavilion at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. (Courtesy CCHR) The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will name one of its two new wings…

👑 Bella of the Ball Bella of the Ball Feb. 26 — Hi, y'all. We made it to Wednesday. 📍A landmark 2016 theme study highlighting the history of the LGBTQ community has been pulled from the National Park Service website. The study's removal comes after NPS received instructions to remove the “T” and “Q” from “LGBTQ” from all internal and external communications, triggering an uproar when trans people were…

👑 Bella of the Ball

Bella of the Ball Feb. 26 — Hi, y'all. We made it to Wednesday. 📍A landmark 2016 theme study highlighting the history of the LGBTQ community has been pulled from the National Park Service website. The study's removal comes after NPS received instructions to remove the “T” and…

A sweet Atlanta politics connection to Roberta Flack's amazing life. Read about it in today's Rough Draft newsletter.

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If you're looking for more than openings and closings in your #Atlanta dining newsletter, Family Meal is for you!

@bethmckibben.bsky.social goes deep in this week's issue "Chef Outtakes and Banana Pudding."

Read here and subscribe for free! mailchi.mp/roughdraftat...

YouTube video by Mitch Leff Leff & Associates "4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" with Sammie Purcell, Rough Draft (Part 1)

Something different! Now you can enjoy our 4 Questions Journalist Spotlight in 2 short videos! This week, we talk w/Sammie Purcell, Assoc. Editor covering entertainment for Rough Draft Atlanta.

Part 1: youtu.be/1UUw1N1V6M4
Part 2: youtu.be/_vCRSfcmTg0

@roughdraftatlanta.com @keithpepper.com

📢 Speak up, stand firm, stay strong Speak up, stand firm, stay strong Feb. 12 — Hi, y'all. There has been a lot of cruelty and chaos taking place in the Georgia General Assembly and in Washington, D.C. Lawmakers keep pushing anti-LGBTQ+ bills, especially aimed at transgender people, and the news can be quite dreary, like today's weather. 🕊️ But there is always hope. 🏳️‍🌈 Last weekend, I attended the…

📢 Speak up, stand firm, stay strong

Speak up, stand firm, stay strong Feb. 12 — Hi, y'all. There has been a lot of cruelty and chaos taking place in the Georgia General Assembly and in Washington, D.C. Lawmakers keep pushing anti-LGBTQ+ bills, especially aimed at transgender people, and the news…

Meet the regulars of Poor Hendrix in East Lake Meet the regulars of Poor Hendrix, a neighborhood restaurant in East Lake known for its laid-back vibe and top-notch bar food and cocktails and as an Atlanta restaurant that has become a favorite among locals.

Meet the regulars of Poor Hendrix in East Lake

Meet the regulars of Poor Hendrix, a neighborhood restaurant in East Lake known for its laid-back vibe and top-notch bar food and cocktails and as an Atlanta restaurant that has become a favorite among locals.

Help us break 23k followers on IG! www.instagram.com/roughdraftatl/

Coming today at 5 p.m.: "Family Meal," a new newsletter from @bethmckibben.bsky.social @sarrasedghi.bsky.social and team! Subscribe for free!!

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Your Voice Matters! Cobb County Needs Assessment

Cobb County is conducting a Needs Assessment to determine priorities for the 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan and the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI). The Consolidated Plan outlines the community needs and establishes Cobb County’s…

Atlanta restaurant openings, January 2025 Several new restaurants have opened in the Atlanta area, including Heaps, a New Zealand hand pies and snacks restaurant in Decatur, and SKOL Brewing, a Viking-themed brewery and restaurant in Downtown Atlanta.

Atlanta restaurant openings, January 2025

Several new restaurants have opened in the Atlanta area, including Heaps, a New Zealand hand pies and snacks restaurant in Decatur, and SKOL Brewing, a Viking-themed brewery and restaurant in Downtown Atlanta.

Hear @bethmckibben.bsky.social on @wabe.org "City Lights" on Tues., Jan. 28 for an audio version of this fantastic piece about @atlantacoffeeshops.bsky.social.

Your DeKalb Farmers Market: a metro Atlanta go-to for ingredients since 1977 Your DeKalb Farmers Market, which opened in 1977 in Decatur, is a beloved shopping destination for fresh produce, meat and seafood, and ingredients from around the world, speaking to the cultural dive...

A fun Sunday read from @sarrasedghi.bsky.social - "Your DeKalb Farmers Market: a metro Atlanta go-to for ingredients since 1977" roughdraftatlanta.com/2025/01/24/h...

Dangerously cold temps move into Georgia, snow possible this week

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Cold Watch for Georgia through Jan. 23, 2025. This map shows low temperatures for Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Credit: NWS According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City,…

Celebrated Jewish rabbi, teacher Alvin Marx Sugarman dies at 86 Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman, a beloved leader of The Temple in Atlanta, dies surrounded by family. Remembered for his teachings, kindness, and humor.

Legendary Atlanta rabbi dies at 86.

roughdraftatlanta.com/2025/01/17/r...

We have added Bluesky to the sharing options on each of our posts! Looking forward to engaging with folks on this platform. #Atlanta #LocalJournalism #AtlantaNews

A guide to MLK Jr. Day events and activities around Metro Atlanta A guide to Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, activities and celebrations around Metro Atlanta, including the annual Ebenezer Church event.

A guide to MLK Jr. Day events and activities around Metro Atlanta. roughdraftatlanta.com/2025/01/13/a...