(Don’t) phone it in
Jan. 27 — Georgia lawmakers said they will consider legislation for a “bell-to-bell” ban on cell phones at high schools. The bipartisan effort would also come with stronger parental consent laws, AI restrictions, and limits on targeted advertising.
After a frigid morning, it will be sunny with a high of 40° today.
Power is mostly restored this morning after thousands of customers lost power in Midtown last night after reported explosions and an underground fire near 11th Street and Crescent Avenue.
Atlanta Public Schools, City Schools of Decatur, DeKalb County Schools, and Fulton County Schools all return to in-person learning today. Bundle up!
Senators Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) say they will not support DHS funding in the wake of a second fatal shooting in Minnesota.
The DeKalb County School District launched “In the Know,” a new podcast intended for parents and families to connect with the district.
After being invited to play in Mobile, AL during Mardi Gras week, the Cross Keys High School Pride of Brookhaven Marching Band is raising funds to finance the trip.
Atlanta Pride appointed three new members to its Board of Directors.
Midtown Alliance is hosting “Design Lab: 14th St. Future Public Space,” a free, public input session for its new four-acre public space, today from 3 to 6 p.m. at MODA.
A GoFundMe has been established for “The Blind Side” actor Quinton Aaron, who is on life support after collapsing at his Atlanta home.
ELSEWHERE
The latest from Minnesota:
- Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino and some agents will leave Minneapolis, and President Donald Trump is sending border czar Tom Homan to the city.
- President Trump and Gov. Tim Walz spoke by phone Monday, and both indicated it was a productive call.
- Attorneys for Minnesota argued for a temporary restraining order against the federal immigration operation in the state.
Israel recovered the remains of the last captive held in Gaza.
Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the 1945 liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Kanye West took out a full-page Wall Street Journal ad apologizing for his myriad antisemitic outbursts, blaming a prolonged manic episode.
Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• ‘BLKS’ at Out Front
• TrustDALE
• Nuttopia burglary
• Around the State: GPB
AND
• Volunteer Opportunities
The Southeast’s largest artists market opens today at Trinity School with extended hours (8 a.m.-9 p.m.) and an Opening Day Celebration tonight from 6-9 p.m., featuring complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Free entry all week. Details here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. Director Robby Myles talks staging ‘BLKS’ at Out Front Theatre Company
“BLKS,” a play from Aziza Barnes, will play at Out Front Theatre Company from Jan. 29-Feb. 14.
“BLKS” follows a group of Black women in New York City over a period of 24 hours as they navigate intimacy, health, and more. The play explores what it takes to be a queer Black woman, navigating that experience with humor and humanity. The production stars Taylor Pasqualetti-Campbell, Kierra Danielle, and Tatyana Mack.
The production is directed by Robby Myles, a Chicago native who moved to Atlanta about seven years ago and has worked with local theater companies such as True Colors and 7 Stages. This is the first show that Myles has directed for Out Front, but he previously worked with the company as an assistant director.
Check out Sammie Purcell’s conversation with Myles about the production here.
Orthopedic issues? This is how you Get Better.
SPONSORED BY PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDICS
Peachtree Orthopedics has 43 leading physicians, with specialists in every body part – providing expert, focused care that is designed for the quickest recovery and the best outcome.
Our UrgentORTHO Clinics offer same-day, evening, or even Saturday hours. So come when it works for you, get seen quicker, incur less cost, and avoid the E.R.!
New patients can use our AskORTHO feature – a free online resource where you can chat with a live Peachtree clinician.
Peachtree Orthopedics has served Atlanta for over 70 years with a commitment to helping you return to the things you love. No matter your orthopedic challenge – they’ll help you Get Better too.
➞ Learn more or book an appointment here.
2. Why the area under your deck needs a second look
TOGETHER WITH TRUSTDALE
Most homeowners think of a deck as an upper-level feature, a place for grilling, seating, and maybe a few potted plants.
What sits beneath it often gets ignored entirely, written off as a dark zone for runoff, mud, and storage that never quite works. That assumption leaves usable square footage untouched, even though the structure above already exists.
Underdeck systems change how that space functions, turning it into a dry, sheltered extension of the home. When installed correctly, the area below can support seating, storage, or everyday use without constant cleanup or water damage, which is where professional design and installation matter more than many homeowners realize.
Learn more from the experts at TrustDALE.
3. Nuttopia owner devastated after second burglary in Tucker
In the midst of icy conditions, Nuttopia has been faced with the cold, harsh reality of a break-in for the second time in a matter of months.
On Jan. 26, Nuttopia owner Shantell Reid tearfully shared on the candy store’s social media platforms that she was awakened by the news that her store on Hugh Howell Road had been broken into and vandalized around 5 a.m. The store, which offers gourmet candies and a variety of nuts, was last burglarized almost four months to the date, on Sept. 27.
Reid’s video of the break-in shows a dark Audi backing up to the entrance, and a trio of masked and hooded individuals throwing bricks and rocks at the store’s windows and door continuously before entering and looting the property.
More on this story from Stephanie Toone here.
4. A behind-the-scenes look at the state Capitol’s summer restoration
When Georgia lawmakers arrived at the beginning of the session, they entered freshly restored chambers.
Over the summer, dozens of workers updated technology, restored woodwork, and brought historic details back to life, including shining Georgia gold. GPB got a behind-the-scenes look, including going to great heights.
Read more in this story from GPB.
The Southeast’s largest artists market opens today at Trinity School with extended hours (8 a.m.-9 p.m.) and an Opening Day Celebration tonight, 6-9 p.m., featuring complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Free entry all week. Details here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
5. Volunteer Opportunities
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HANDS ON ATLANTA
Piedmont Park Conservancy (pictured) is seeking volunteers to help pick up trash on Thursday morning in Atlanta. Grabbers, gloves, and trash bags will be provided.
Lifecycle Building Center of Greater Atlanta needs volunteers on Saturday morning in Atlanta to sort and process donations for their warehouse inventory.
Kate’s Club is looking for volunteers on Sunday afternoon in Atlanta to support children participating in grief-centered activities. Plan to co-facilitate crafts and assist activity leaders.
The Southeast’s largest artists market opens today at Trinity School with extended hours (8 a.m.-9 p.m.) and an Opening Day Celebration tonight, 6-9 p.m., featuring complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Free entry all week. Details here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Don’t miss News Word Atlanta, our daily word game.
Have a friend or colleague who would enjoy getting this newsletter? Forward them this link to subscribe.
The post 📵 School cell phone ban appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
