Here’s our daily newsletter for Wed., June 3. You can subscribe via the Newsletters link at the top of this page.
Delay of train
Wednesday, June 3 — Gov. Brian Kemp’s office announced that he would not extend the gasoline tax suspension he originally approved in March and expired yesterday. Gas prices have been climbing for months due to the ongoing war in Iran, and motorists could see gas prices top $4 per gallon.
🌞 Sunny with a high of 78° today.
🚇 MARTA postponed the inaugural “first ride” on one of its new rail cars as testing and safety delays continue.
⚖️ The Georgia Supreme Court ended a pandemic-era agreement that had halted executions for nine death row inmates.
👣 The Atlanta City Council voted to fund an $8 million deal to build a .06-mile trail to connect the Westside Beltline Connector trail and the PATH Parkway trail.
🌳 Earlier this week, around 600 volunteers worked to clean up Downtown Atlanta before the FIFA World Cup.
🏳️🌈 While Atlanta Pride is in October, there’s still plenty to do around Georgia in June, which is officially Pride Month.
💭 “Anatomy of a Dream,” Dunwoody’s newest large-scale mural, debuted on Monday on a previously unadorned wall outside Stage Door Theatre.
📖 Savannah-native Bruce Feiler discusses his new book, “A Time to Gather,” at the Atlanta History Center on Tues., June 9. Feiler’s New York Times essay, “This Is the Antidote to a Lonely Life of Screens,” went viral last month.
🏈 The Falcons agreed to a four-year, $141 million extension with wide receiver Drake London, making him the NFL’s third-highest-paid receiver at $35.25 million per year.
🎗️ Atlanta resident and Grammy-winning R&B singer Peabo Bryson died yesterday after suffering a stroke over the weekend. He was 75.
ELSEWHERE
🗳 California’s gubernatorial primary remains too close to call this morning; Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advanced to a November runoff, with reality star Spencer Pratt currently in second place. Get live updates here.
🕵️ The White House named Bill Pulte, the Federal Housing Finance Agency director with no known intelligence experience, as acting Director of National Intelligence, drawing bipartisan skepticism, but delighting the MAGA base.
⏱ CBS News fired veteran “60 Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley after he publicly accused the show’s new leader, Nick Bilton, of lacking qualifications and charged that editor-in-chief Bari Weiss was “murdering” the show.
v🎤 President Donald Trump agreed to speak at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner on July 24, after the April event was cut short when an armed man breached a security checkpoint.
PICTURE THIS: The City of Atlanta has partnered with Throne Labs to install public restrooms along the Atlanta Beltline, with more coming to some city parks. Sensors alert local crews when it’s time to clean the facilities. The toilet pictured above is on the Westside Trail at 171 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. See where all the restrooms are located here (Photo by Laura Scholz).
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Intown real estate update
• The Reset: Atlanta running clubs
• Rough Draft Dinner Club
AND
• Concert Picks
❤️ Alan Mothner knows that making art helps in making a community. That’s why he’s the CEO of Spruill Center for the Arts, a nonprofit that’s connected people in Perimeter for over 50 years. Watch this video to see what’s bringing everyone together. SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. Mid-Year Report: ‘Real estate has always been hyperlocal’
🏡 Driving around Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods, it’s hard to miss the for-sale signs popping up like spring flowers.
We asked four seasoned real estate agents to weigh in on the Intown market: who’s selling and buying, how mortgage rates are affecting sales, and how last year compares to 2026.
“Real estate has always been hyperlocal, and there’s a real disconnect between the national narrative and what we’re experiencing across many of Atlanta’s Intown neighborhoods,” real estate agent Molly Carter Gaines said.
Amy Sherald: American Sublime
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM
🎨 You’ve seen Amy Sherald’s iconic portrait of Michelle Obama. Now, her largest exhibition to date comes to Atlanta, featuring rarely seen paintings and monumental portraits spanning nearly two decades.
Amy Sherald: American Sublime is now open, bringing one of the leading artists of her generation back to Georgia. Secure your tickets before it’s gone.
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.
2. Atlanta run clubs; Global Running Day events
THE RESET | SPONSORED BY INTOWN PSYCHOLOGY
“The Reset by Rough Draft” is edited by Laura Scholz, one of Atlanta’s most respected lifestyle journalists. The Reset weekly newsletter debuts today with even more content, and you can subscribe here with one click.
☀️ Make the most of summer with your family! From Atlanta museums and farmers markets to outdoor adventures, volunteer opportunities, and creative community events, there are countless ways to stay connected and engaged.
🏃🏼♀️ Atlanta has seen a surge in new running clubs, such as Los Corridos, Atlanta Run Club, and South Fulton Run Club, which are providing people with opportunities to connect with others and stay active. Read more about Atlanta’s social run club scene here.
🌎 Today is Global Running Day, and several local run clubs are hosting events to celebrate. Join Atlanta Run Club and Hills 4 ATL for three- and six-mile group runs that depart from Ponce City Market’s The Shed at 6 p.m., followed by an after-party with refreshments, giveaways, and more.
🍑 Big Peach Running Co. and the City of Dunwoody are hosting a free, all-levels community run at Brook Run Park tonight, starting at 6:30 p.m. The event will include gear demonstrations from running brands, raffle prizes from community partners, and a post-run social with complimentary popsicles from King of Pops.
❤️ Join the Atlanta Hawks and Kaiser Permanente on June 6 for “Real Talk, Real Strength: Men of Color Health Summit” at State Farm Arena, dedicated to dialogue about mental and physical health.
🪶 Lace up for the Atlanta Cancer Care Foundation’s Feathers 5K, held on June 6 at Oglethorpe University. The organization provides direct financial assistance to Metro Atlanta cancer patients, and this year’s event will honor the late Dara Metcalfe McCord, a fixture in the city’s wellness community.
🏳️🌈 Pride Run ATL returns on Jun. 7. The annual 5K takes place at Piedmont Park and proceeds benefit Front Runners Atlanta, a local nonprofit that provides year-round programming and services for the LGBTQ+ community.
🏋🏽♀️ Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Rainbow Deadlift Showdown on June 13. The Pride Month event is a fundraiser for El Refugio, the Trans Housing Atlanta Program, and Sol Underground.
❤️ Therapy that helps you feel seen, supported, and understood – while building practical skills to navigate life with confidence at Intown Psychology.
3. Ditch the screens, break bread with other RD fans
🍽️ We are taking Rough Draft off your screen and into local restaurants with Atlanta’s first newsletter dinner club onTues., June 16.
We’ve partnered with DNNR to host IRL dinners where you’ll be matched with five like-minded readers for thoughtful conversations and real community building.
And, your ticket directly supports local journalism.
🎫 Think of it as your favorite newsletter, but with better food and actual eye contact. Book your seat today for our inaugural dinners in Decatur, Sandy Springs, and Poncey-Highland.
❤️ Alan Mothner knows that making art helps in making a community. That’s why he’s the CEO of Spruill Center for the Arts, a nonprofit that’s connected people in Perimeter for over 50 years. Watch this video to see what’s bringing everyone together. SPONSOR MESSAGE
4. Concert Picks
Wed., June 3
🎹 Charlie Puth @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
🌴 Feng @ The Loft
Thurs., June 4
🎻 Stutzmann + Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony @ Atlanta Symphony Hall (also Sat. and Sun.)
☀️ Khalid @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
🌀 The Warped Band @ Vinyl
🖤 The Black Queen @ The Masquerade
Fri., June 5
💗 Sadie Jean @ The Masquerade
🎤 The Magic of Motown @ Center Stage
Sat., June 6
🌱 Young the Giant @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
🕺 Dance Gavin Dance @ Coca-Cola Roxy
🤡 Haute & Freddy @ Terminal West
🔊 Noise Complaints Presents The Late Night R&B Experience Tour @ Buckhead Theatre
🌆 Said The Sky @ The Eastern
Mon., June 8
☁️ Megan Moroney @ State Farm Arena (also Tues.)
🌊 Yebba @ Buckhead Theatre
Tues., June 9
✨ Jessica Baio @ Terminal West
💋 Kelsy Karter & The Heroines @ Vinyl
Wed., June 10
🎸 Nick Jonas @ Tabernacle
🎶 CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso @ Coca-Cola Roxy
🫂 Ike Dweck @ Aisle 5
📻 See Andy Browne Official & Acoustic Station around Atlanta every Sunday in June from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Free admission.
❤️ Alan Mothner knows that making art helps in making a community. That’s why he’s the CEO of Spruill Center for the Arts, a nonprofit that’s connected people in Perimeter for over 50 years. Watch this video to see what’s bringing everyone together. SPONSOR MESSAGE
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🙏 Thank you to our summer intern, Hannah Much, who is heading back to school!
