🏀 WNBA Finals

by Rough Draft Staff

Dream on

Saturday, Oct. 17 — The WNBA Finals start today, with the Atlanta Dream taking on the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center in San Francisco. Tip-off is at 3:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock. There are also many watch parties happening across metro Atlanta.

Sunny and crisp this weekend, with highs in the low 60s.

MARKET UPDATE

Stocks fell Friday as investors sold tech and AI shares while oil topped $100 a barrel. The Nasdaq lost 2.1% to close its worst week since June, while the S&P 500 dropped 1.1%. The Dow slipped 0.3% but finished the week up 0.7%.

LOCAL NEWS

President Donald Trump repeated false claims that he won the 2020 election and urged Republicans to “pretend I’m on the ballot” at a Dalton rally yesterday. Democrats said they welcomed the visit, predicting it would backfire.

An AJC investigation found Georgia let 350 daycares keep their quality star ratings in the past decade after state regulators cited them for seriously harming or endangering children. [Read the five key takeaways.]

Channel 2 Action News reports that Milton’s 2025 Officer of the Year was fired for using the city’s Flock cameras to check on his wife during diabetic emergencies.

Ranger, the Dunwoody Police Department’s first K-9 officer, died after he escaped from an Alabama training facility this week.

Register today for the next Rough Draft Dinner Club — it’s on Tue., Oct. 20.

In local college football action today:

Georgia State at James Madison at noon (88.5 FM; ESPNU)
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech at 3:30 p.m. (93.7 FM; ACC Network)
Auburn at No. 1 Georgia at 3:30 p.m. (95.5 FM; ESPN)
Morehouse at Howard at 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Mercer at Samford at 7 p.m.

The College Football Playoff reached a “handshake agreement” with ESPN to expand to a 24-team field starting in 2027, which is expected to eliminate Power 4 title games such as the SEC Championship in Atlanta.

ELSEWHERE

President Donald Trump signed an executive order last night exempting Russia from a sanctions law named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Democrats said the move enabled the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.

About 80 masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in the West Bank yesterday, burning olive trees and injuring at least two people, including a Washington Post photojournalist.

Katie Zacharia is out as White House press secretary after just five days on the job.

A hundred years of art in Atlanta calls for more than one party. Expect special exhibitions, collection favorites returning to the galleries, music, family programs, and one-of-a-kind events that honor the past and look toward the next 100 years. See what’s planned at the High. SPONSOR MESSAGE

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

High winds have forced the Cumberland Art Festival to cancel this weekend’s event.

“Like Father”; today and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., continuing through Nov. 15 at the Alliance Theatre.

The Trees Atlanta Annual Tree Sale; today, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m., at The Carter Center.

The Art of Caring: Workshop and Author Talk; today, 3 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Atlanta United hosts Lionel Messi and Inter Miami tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Five Stripes must win to keep their already-faint playoff hopes alive (92.9 FM; Apple TV).

Boo at the Zoo; today and tomorrow, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., continuing on various dates through Oct. 31 at Zoo Atlanta.

Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade; today and tomorrow in Little 5 Points.

Atlanta Streets Alive; tomorrow, 2-6 p.m. along Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard and Georgia Avenue.

High Museum Centennial Block Party; tomorrow, noon-5 p.m.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Spooktacular; tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Halloween Spooktacular; tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Dad’s Garage.

Here are some concerts to check out:
Don Omar @ State Farm Arena (tonight)
Nine Vicious @ Coca-Cola Roxy (tonight)
Silverada @ Terminal West (tonight)
Whethan @ The Eastern (tonight)
Abbie Gamboa @ Center Stage (tomorrow)
Cavetown @ Tabernacle Presented by iTHINK Financial (tomorrow)
Afterlife @ Smith’s Olde Bar (tomorrow)

The High Centennial Block Party

SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM

Happening this weekend! Join the High Museum tomorrow, Sun. Oct. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. for the celebration of a lifetime. Giveaways, immersive experiences, the custom beer we made with Wild Heaven, and exciting photo moments are all in the works. This is one you don’t want to miss! Learn more here.

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Enjoy your Saturday!

Free museum entry on Oct. 21! Access for All Day is Centennial-themed this month. Join the High for fun conversations in the gallery, a collection story you probably haven’t heard before, and postcard-making. Register for your free day of art. SPONSOR MESSAGE

Refer friends, see Yacht Rock Revue

Win 2 tickets to see Yacht Rock Revue on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Stave Room!

Share your personal referral link below with friends, and if at least 3 new subscribers sign up for Rough Draft by Monday, Oct. 19, you’ll be entered to win a pair of tickets!

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