???? In your ears

DNC diss Friday, Aug. 21 — MARTA is increasing its long-term parking rates by $2 a day and reducing the free period in its paid parking facilities from 24 hours to 14 hours beginning Sept. 14. The move affects all paid long-term parking locations in the system, but not MARTA’s existing free daily parking locations. ????️ Light rain with a […] The post ???? In your ears appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Aug 21, 2026 - 20:00
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???? In your ears
Rough Draft Sponsorship via High Museum of Art
Credit: High Museum

DNC diss

Friday, Aug. 21 — MARTA is increasing its long-term parking rates by $2 a day and reducing the free period in its paid parking facilities from 24 hours to 14 hours beginning Sept. 14. The move affects all paid long-term parking locations in the system, but not MARTA’s existing free daily parking locations.

???? Light rain with a high of 89° today, with sun and temperatures in the low 90s over the weekend. 

???? Atlanta was not on the list of finalists to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, and Mayor Andre Dickens expressed his dissatisfaction on social media.

???? Charter Communications closed its $34.5 billion acquisition of Atlanta-based Cox Communications, creating a cable giant serving 37 million customers in 45 states. It will adopt the Cox name within a year.

???? Kroger settled a federal lawsuit alleging it failed to accommodate an employee with a disability at its Edgewood Retail District location.

⚖ Lawyers are calling for protections for military families after the wife of an active-duty U.S. Army soldier was detained by ICE and almost deported

???? Developers are planning a 19-acre mixed-use redevelopment in Norcross along Holcomb Bridge Road between Peachtree Industrial and Atlantic boulevards.

???? The City of Tucker is seeking feedback from residents as it develops its Americans with Disabilities Act strategy

???? A group of Georgia Tech students completed a 10-day simulated mission to Mars.

????️‍???? The Out on Film Festival announced the lineup for its annual 2026 event, including films like “La Bola Negra” and “Before I Do.” 

???? A memorial service for LGBTQ+ advocate and lobbyist Larry Pellegrini will be held today from noon to 3 p.m. at The Trolley Barn in Inman Park.

???? Rev. Dr. Joanna Moseley Adams, a trailblazing pastor and activist who left a legacy of justice in Atlanta, died at 81. 

ELSEWHERE

???? Federal prosecutors charged a woman with plotting an ISIS-inspired bombing at the New York State Capitol in Albany, alleging she surveilled the building and bought bomb-making materials. 

???? IndyCar’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix takes over Washington this weekend, part of the White House’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

???? We are giving ourselves a yellow card for a mistake in Thursday’s newsletter: the English Premier League season starts today (not yesterday) with defending champion Arsenal hosting Coventry City at 3 p.m. (USA Network). 

???? Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he will return to the U.S. Open after a four-month absence from tournaments due to a wrist injury. 

???? Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:

• From the Paper to the Pod
• Film review: ‘Tony’
• Upcoming Events
AND
• Top Stories of the Week 


???? See Amy Sherald: American Sublime after hours! VIP Nights bring a more intimate experience and a cash bar every Friday, 5 to 9 p.m. Take in the exhibition and bring home an exclusive poster featuring Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama, included in your purchase. Get your tickets today. SPONSOR MESSAGE


1. Rough Draft in your ears


???? We launched our first podcast today.

“From the Paper to the Pod,” hosted by Summer Evans, is a behind-the-scenes look at the stories that appear in print, online, and in our daily newsletters.

In 30-minute episodes, Evans will speak with Rough Draft journalists and editors about what drives their work, and what gets cut from stories during the editing process.

???? Here’s what’s in Ep. No. 1:

  • What does an editor-in-chief do?
  • The issue dividing Ansley Park neighbors
  • A four-year-old Atlanta boy’s big wish
  • What to watch, see, and listen to with Sammie Purcell


???? Learn more about our podcast and listen wherever you get your podcasts, including YouTubeApple, and Spotify.

WANT EVEN MORE RD IRL?

???? Close your laptop and join the next Rough Draft Dinner Club on Tue., Aug. 25. Register today!


Amy Sherald: American Sublime

SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

???? You’ve seen Amy Sherald’s iconic portrait of Michelle Obama. Now, her largest exhibition to date is here in Atlanta, featuring rarely seen paintings and monumental portraits spanning nearly two decades.

Amy Sherald: American Sublime is in its final weeks, marking the last chance to see one of the leading artists of her generation on view in her home state. Get your tickets before the show wraps.

Can only make it in the evening? We’ve got you covered. The show stays open after hours every Friday. Grab a drink, snag an exclusive exhibition poster, and explore the galleries at your leisure.

➞ Get tickets here.


Photo courtesy of A24

2. Coming-of-age drama ‘Tony’ depicts Anthony Bourdain’s formative summer

WEEKLY FILM REVIEW | BY SAMMIE PURCELL

????‍???? At its core, Matt Johnson’s new film “Tony” is a coming-of-age story – and, to its credit, one that works fairly well even if you don’t know that its subject goes on to be one of the most beloved media figures of the 21st century (or maybe, ever).

Since Anthony Bourdain’s death in 2018, there have been numerous attempts to reckon with the tragedy of his loss. But “Tony” is more successful than most because it doesn’t attempt to psychoanalyze that loss, or the man himself.

That’s not to say it doesn’t engage with the myth of Bourdain – it certainly does. But its ability to lean into and deftly execute coming-of-age story tropes maps Tony’s (Dominic Sessa) summer in the Cape onto a desire we’re all familiar with – the desire to be the coolest person in the room. And “Tony” hypothesizes that cool is more than a vibe – it’s passion, it’s hard work, and it’s care. 

???? 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.


???? Ready for a game of I Spy? Opening Aug. 28, the High’s newest exhibition turns the puzzles that hooked you as a kid – cluttered desks, toy chests, cloud-filled skies – into galleries built for a slower, closer look. I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders pairs Walter Wick’s photographs with the elaborate sets built to create them. Learn more here. SPONSOR MESSAGE


3. Upcoming Events

???? My Sister’s Room (MSR) will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a birthday bash tomorrow.

⚽ Atlanta United hosts Sporting KC on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

???? Jon Batiste is playing with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra on Sunday at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park.

???? Dungeons and Taverns, a live tabletop role-playing event, takes center stage at the Shakespeare Tavern on Aug. 26.


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 My Sister’s Room co-owner arrested after noise complaint

② City of Atlanta will preserve 30 acres of wooded forest in Buckhead

③ Sandy Springs leaders debate car-centric vs. walkable city future

④ Sandy Springs to host three evening farmers markets at River Springs Shopping Center

⑤ Waffle House is testing out tacos on the menu at locations around Metro Atlanta (Pictured)


???? The High stays open late on Friday nights for art, music, and community. Catch Atlanta’s favorite DJs and dance the night away at HIGH Frequency Friday, or settle into live jazz, a docent tour, and light bites at Friday Jazz. See what’s on. SPONSOR MESSAGE


???? 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! 


???? Play News Word Atlanta, our daily word game.

???? Help support independent local media by becoming a Rough Draft member today. Pick up some cool swag, including our new, limited-edition LOCAL hoodie.

???? Have a friend or colleague who would enjoy getting this newsletter? Forward them this link to subscribe.

The post ???? In your ears appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

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