Gov. Brian Kemp signed three bills Wednesday aimed at human trafficking in Georgia. “We are taking three important steps forward to make sure Georgia is a safe haven for survivors … turning Georgia into a national leader for victims’ rights and putting criminals behind bars,” Kemp said during a bill signing ceremony at the state […] The post Kemp signs bills to combat human trafficking appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Ree de la Vega has always loved music and the energy produced when people collectively move to rhythm and beats. She’s been a professional DJ for nearly 15 years and a fierce advocate for the city’s vibrant nightlife scene and the LGBTQ community.  DJ gigs led to her becoming a party promoter, founding the weekly […] The post Atlanta DJ Ree de la Vega opening music-driven restaurant Pisces in The Sound Table space this summer appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

The Atlanta Opera and The Temple present “Identity and Conflict,” a concert and panel discussion in honor of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, at 6:30 pm. on Wednesday, May 1.  The evening features a performance of “Another Sunrise” for soprano and chamber ensemble by composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer. Soloist Esther Tonea is […] The post Atlanta Opera to perform ‘Another Sunrise’ at The Temple appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a suite of education-related bills into law Tuesday, including a controversial measure that will allow parents of children in low-performing schools to claim $6,500 in state education funds to pull their children out of the public system and enroll them in private school or teach them at home. Supporters say expanding […] The post Georgia governor signs school voucher bill to provide $6,500 toward private tuition appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s President & CEO Clyde Higgs announced today at a press conference that 17.9 miles of the 22-mile trail are expected to be complete for the 2026 World Cup matches. Dickens said construction will start earlier on two Southside Trail segments helping to move up the completion timeline. […] The post 17.9 miles of BeltLine trail to be completed in time for 2026 World Cup appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Dutch masterpieces from the 17th and 18th century are on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The post The High Museum of Art presents showcase of Dutch masterpieces appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Diving into Wednesday April 24 — Congratulations to the Atlanta-based School of Humans for their podcast “Unreformed: the Story of the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children,” which won a Webby Award and received a Peabody nomination. Atlanta News First also earned a Peabody nom for “The Sixth,” a series highlighting defendants awaiting trial under prolonged detention. 🌤️ Mostly sunny and 75° today.  🩺 Piedmont […] The post 🥇 Welcoming an Olympic swimmer appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

After a year of restoration, the Memorial to the Six Million will reopen in time for Yom HaShoah, the commemoration of the Holocaust. Sen. Jon Ossoff, the first Jewish senator from Georgia, will speak at the event. The memorial was built, designed and paid for by Atlanta area Holocaust survivors in 1964. Built by Georgia […] The post Sen. Jon Ossoff to speak at Atlanta Holocaust memorial on Yom HaShoah appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has named Bob Weis as its newest Executive in Residence. Weis is the global entertainment lead for the design and architecture film Gensler, and is the former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, the arm of the Walt Disney Company responsible for Disney’s theme parks and attractions.. According […] The post Former Disney Imagineering president named SCAD Executive in Residence appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Access from North Druid Hills Road to Buford Highway and I-85 is taking a major turn this week as the Peachtree Creek bridge closes on Friday, April 26, for 90 days, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. The bridge replacement is part of the larger Interstate 85 at SR 42/North Druid Hills Road interchange […] The post 90-day detour at North Druid Hills and I-85 begins April 26 appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Piedmont Healthcare will soon have its name splashed across a trophy office tower in Atlantic Station, where it will shift hundreds of executive and administrative support workers from other Atlanta-area offices. Piedmont has signed a lease to occupy nearly 165,000 square feet in the tower at 271 17th Street NW overlooking the Downtown Connector, according […] The post Piedmont Healthcare to relocate office staff, HQ to Midtown tower appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Gov. Brian Kemp has signed controversial legislation prohibiting businesses seeking state economic development incentives from voluntarily recognizing unions if a secret-ballot election option is available. Senate Bill 362, which cleared the General Assembly’s Republican majorities largely along party lines, was part of Kemp’s agenda for the 2024 legislative session and was backed by the Georgia […] The post Critics brand newly signed bill as anti-union appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

The third annual Bodacious Blooms Flower Festival returns to Buckhead Village from Thursday, May 2 through Saturday, May 4. Stacked with design heavy hitters including Zoe Bradley and Canaan Marshall, the event invites visitors to take part in a weekend of floral installations, hands-on workshops, and in-store events. Designer Zoe Bradley will be showcasing her world-renowned paper sculptures. She is […] The post Buckhead Village announces third annual Bodacious Blooms festival appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Tuesday reads April 23 — Today is World Book Day, which is the perfect opportunity to support your local bookshop, check something out from the library, or load up a page-turner on your Kindle. Read on for details about the upcoming Decatur Children’s Book Festival.  🌞 Sunny and 74° today.  🎓 President Joe Biden will give the commencement […] The post 🏈 Matt Ryan retires appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Eleventh-grader Destyni Cohen, who is a student at North Springs High School’s Performing Arts Magnet Program, won a spot in the DC NEXT 2024 Summer Choreographic Intensive Program. “Destyni is the perfect recipient for the DC Next summer scholarship,” said Denise M. Kent, one of North Springs High School’s two dance teachers, along with Monica […] The post North Springs student wins spot in summer choreography program appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Eight-time Olympic medal winner Jason Lezak will conduct a stroke clinic May 5 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center that will focus on in-water drills. He will also share his thoughts on his Olympic journey, and the challenges he overcame to reach his dream to compete at the highest level.  The three-hour clinic, which is […] The post Swimmer known for ‘greatest relay in Olympic history’ to teach clinic at Marcus Jewish Community Center appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center has raised almost $7 million of the funds necessary to to increase capacity and expand programming that supports veteran, senior, and underserved youth populations. Callanwolde is now launching the public phase of its Build. Inspire. Grow. capital campaign. The Build. Inspire. Grow. campaign requires $8,563,012 in philanthropic support over five years […] The post Callanwolde raises $7M to grow arts education, community programs appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Activities promoting environmental protection will be held across Georgia on Monday to celebrate Earth Day. However, for many conservationists the day of recognition is met with lingering concerns about decision makers who support plans they argue could have long-term detrimental effects on Georgia’s ecosystem. Georgia environmental policy has taken center stage over the last few […] The post Earth Day report card: Georgians battle threats to state’s natural wonders year round appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Chef Hugh Acheson has sold his remaining Georgia restaurant, Five and Ten, to Athens chef and restaurateur Peter Dale. Dale first met Acheson in 2002 while working in the kitchen at Five and Ten and would help the “Top Chef” judge open a second Athens restaurant, The National, in 2007. Dale also co-owns Condor Chocolates […] The post Hugh Acheson sells remaining Georgia restaurant Five and Ten to Athens restaurateur Peter Dale appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Brookhaven is currently reviewing and updating the comprehensive plan that will shape the city’s future growth. The city released up-to-date documents on Friday, April 19, after polling residents for feedback.  The heart of the plan details future land use for character areas, including Ashford Park-Drew Valley, Buford Highway, Gateway South, Historic Brookhaven, Lakes District, Lavista […] The post Brookhaven revising comprehensive plan to guide city’s future growth appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.