Bread, Salt, and Big Top Magic: The Atlanta Morning Briefing for January 22

The Mood: Bracing for the Big Freeze

Today, Thursday, January 22, 2026, the mood in Atlanta is one of nervous preparation. While the morning sky may look deceptive, the city is eyeing a major winter storm forecast to arrive this weekend. Governor Brian Kemp has scheduled a press conference for this morning to provide a critical weather update and detail the state’s emergency readiness. The familiar ritual of the 'bread and milk run' is already in full swing; in Marietta, grocery store shelves are beginning to empty, and local hardware staples like Bates Ace Hardware reported selling out of their entire stock of ice-thwarting salt in a single morning. With meteorologists warning that this storm could rival a major hurricane in its potential for damage and power outages, Atlantans are spending their Thursday stocking up on batteries and 'ice melt' to stay ahead of the freezing rain and sleet expected to hit the region.

Key Talking Point: A $380 Million Financial Reckoning

Beyond the weather, the city is buzzing with the news of a massive legal victory for victims of financial fraud. Todd Burkhalter, the 54-year-old founder and CEO of Drive Planning LLC, pleaded guilty in an Atlanta federal court yesterday to orchestrating a staggering $380 million Ponzi scheme. The scheme, which promised high returns on real estate investments, bilked more than 2,000 people out of their life savings and retirement funds. Federal authorities detailed how the stolen money was used to fund a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of a $2 million yacht and a luxury condo in Mexico. With prosecutors recommending a sentence of more than 17 years, the plea marks a significant milestone for the FBI’s Atlanta office and a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities of local investors.

Feel-Good Story: Escaping the Chill at Atlantic Station

In spite of the looming clouds, there is still plenty of magic and optimism to be found in the city. For those looking to escape the winter anxiety, the Atlanta Camping & RV Show kicks off today at 11:00 AM at the Atlanta Expo Center. It is a local favorite that serves as a vibrant reminder that summer adventures and the open road are just around the corner. If you prefer indoor wonder, Cirque du Soleil’s spectacular production 'Luzia' is currently performing 'Under the Big White Top' at Atlantic Station. The show offers a dreamlike escape into a 'waking dream' of Mexico, featuring incredible acrobatics and artistry. Additionally, as the city prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, construction on Centennial Yards is reaching major milestones, with the new Hotel Phoenix now standing on the historic ground where the city first began, signaling a bright future for downtown revitalisation.