Friday snow day
Jan. 10 — Snow is falling, temperatures are dropping, and schools, businesses, and most attractions are closed across metro Atlanta. We’ve got ongoing weather updates, a list of what’s closed, and updates on what local restaurants are doing today. And, of course, please stay off the roads so we can avoid another SNL parody.
❄️ Snow is falling as we hit send this morning, and a wintry mix is expected throughout the day with an eventual high of 34°.
💰 The Georgia Department of Corrections and Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled a plan to spend an additional $600 million on state prison upgrades.
🍴Once the weather clears, here are nine food and drink events not to miss in January.
🏳️🌈 Malik Brown, the founding director of the City of Atlanta’s LGBTQ Affairs office, has stepped down from his role.
✊🏾 Sandy Springs has announced its MLK Day activities and educational experiences for Jan. 20.
🎒 Totes to Tots is hosting its annual Backpack, Suitcase & Essential Care Items Drive to support children experiencing foster care in Georgia on Jan. 17.
ELSEWHERE
🔥 Firefighters continue to battle a series of wildfires around Los Angeles that have forced more than 180,000 people to be evacuated, with damage estimates topping $135 billion.
⚖️ With a potential nationwide ban starting Jan. 19, the Supreme Court will hear arguments today on TikTok’s future in the U.S.
➡ President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced today in his New York hush-money case after the Supreme Court denied his request to block it.
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Jimmy Carter’s final journey
• Film Review: ‘Babygirl’
• The Sports Section
AND
• Top Stories of the Week
Stay safe & warm today,
Collin
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1. Jimmy Carter makes his final journey
🇺🇸 Former President Jimmy Carter made his final journey on Thursday, with a funeral service at Washington National Cathedral before returning to Georgia for a private burial in Plains.
In D.C., Carter was remembered as a man ahead of his time who leaves his country and the world better off for his service. He was eulogized by President Joe Biden; four living ex-presidents were in attendance.
Carter’s grandson, former Sen. Jason Carter (pictured), offered a humorous and moving tribute. “He had the courage and strength to stick to his beliefs and principles even when they were politically unpopular,” Carter said.
“He preached an end to racial discrimination and an end to mass incarceration….He protected more land than any other president in history….He was a climate warrior,” Carter continued. “By the way, he cut the deficit, wanted to decriminalize marijuana, and deregulated so many industries that he gave us cheap flights and craft beer. Basically, all of those years ago, he was the first millennial and he could make great playlists.”
➳ Read more about Carter’s funeral service here.
New year, new resolutions for your pup
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🐾 As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect and set goals for your furry friend.
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2. In ‘Babygirl,’ the ugly truth will set you free
WEEKLY FILM REVIEW | BY SAMMIE PURCELL
🎞️ At its core, “Babygirl” is about “ugly” truths – what we present to the world and even to our loved ones versus what we wouldn’t dare to show anyone – and what happens when someone comes along who not only sees that hidden part, but encourages it.
Romy (Nicole Kidman) is the CEO of a tech company where she exercises total control in her professional life, but is ashamed of her distaste for her husband’s gentle, loving demeanor in bed.
When she becomes infatuated with a young male intern named Samuel (Harris Dickinson), who seems interested in dominating her, Romy’s inner truths are brought to the surface.
🎥 Click here to read Sammie’s review.
🍿 Stay in the picture with Scene by Rough Draft, our weekly newsletter about Georgia’s film industry. Subscribe for free.
3. Tech women lose first game; NFL Playoffs
BY: JIM BASS
♂️ The Sports Section is Sponsored by Gameday Men’s Health Buckhead, offering testosterone, weight loss, peptide, and ED therapies so you can get back in the game. Learn more today!
🏈 No. 5 Texas faces No. 8 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl Classic tonight at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) The winner will face No. 7 Notre Dame in the National Championship in Atlanta after they defeated Penn State on a last-minute field goal in the Orange Bowl in Miami last night.
🏀 No. 13 Georgia Tech women’s basketball suffered its first loss of the season, falling to Virginia Tech 105-94 in double overtime despite Kara Dunn’s 33 points and Tonie Morgan reaching 1,000 career points.
🏀 After beating the Jazz with a Trae Young buzzer-beater from behind half-court earlier this week, the Hawks lost to the Suns last night.
🎾 The first round of the Australian Open begins on Sunday in Melbourne. The two-week open is the first of four “Grand Slam” tournaments in 2025 with the men’s and women’s finals taking place on Jan. 25-26.
➡ Georgia quarterback Carson Beck will skip the NFL draft and enter the transfer portal.
🏈 The NFL playoffs start tomorrow. Here is the wild-card weekend schedule:
No. 4 Rams are scheduled to play the No. 5 Vikings on Monday at 8 p.m. (ABC) Due to the wildfires in Los Angeles, the NFL is moving the game to Glendale, AZ.
In the AFC, the No. 4 Texans host the No. 5 Chargers tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. (CBS)
No. 3 Ravens are home against division-rival No. 6 Steelers tomorrow at 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
No. 2 Bills host the No. 7 Broncos on Sunday at 1 p.m. (CBS)
In the NFC, the No. 2 Eagles and the No. 7 Packers play in Philly on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. (FOX)
No. 3 Buccaneers host the No. 6 Commanders on Sunday at 8 p.m. (NBC)
🩺 Need orthopedic care? Peachtree Orthopedics offers 38 specialists, same-day visits, and convenient UrgentORTHO clinics – open evenings and weekends. Skip the ER and get the care you need faster. Serving Atlanta for 70 years. Schedule your appointment now! SPONSOR MESSAGE
4. 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 Souper Jenny to open new location in Chamblee, leaving Brookhaven behind
② Third suspect arrested in murder of MARTA bus driver
③ Meet our 20 Under 20 honorees for 2025 (pictured)
④ Chamblee’s Regal Hollywood 24 quietly exits stage left
⑤ President Carter lies in repose at The Carter Center
💭 Test your knowledge of the week’s news in tomorrow’s News Quiz. Keep an eye out for our email at 8 a.m. or bookmark this page!
📧 Today’s newsletter was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
🔤 Don’t miss News Word Atlanta, our new, daily word game – Presented by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta’s premiere undergraduate learning experience.
🦋 Connect with us on Bluesky.
