MARTA’s new app
Wednesday, June 10 — Ahead of the World Cup, MARTA launched its new, redesigned mobile app and web-based tools to provide riders with real-time transit information, trip planning assistance, and safety reporting. The free mobile app is available for Apple and Android devices.
⛅ Partly sunny with a high of 88° today.
🚇 The victim in the Midtown MARTA station shooting was identified as J’Von Easterling, a 17-year-old rising senior and star student-athlete at KIPP Atlanta. The suspect is now facing federal charges.
🗳 Voters in Georgia’s 7th Senate District, which includes most of Norcross north of Buford Highway, might find ballots for the primary runoffs confusing. Reporter Hayden Sumlin has an explainer.
💰 The Tucker City Council approved its 2027 budget with an amendment that puts future funds toward the South Fork Peachtree Creek Greenway to prioritize its completion of phase one by 2029.
🏡 Real estate experts in North Metro Atlanta say it’s a buyer’s market, with homes staying on the market longer due to economic uncertainty, high mortgage rates, and inventory levels.
🧹 “Drag Race” stars Ginger Minj and Jujubee are bringing their “Wicked” drag parody show to Out Front Theatre from June 11-28.
ELSEWHERE
🗳️ In primaries around the country:
- Maine: Democrat Graham Platner won the Senate primary and will face incumbent Susan Collins.
- California: Former Fox News host Steve Hilton advanced to the November governor’s race, where he’ll face Democrat Xavier Becerra.
🇮🇷🇺🇸 The U.S. military began striking Iran yesterday, calling it a proportional response to Monday’s downing of an American Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign minister vowed retaliation.
🏛️ The House passed a $70 billion immigration funding package for ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
⚡ Rivian launched customer deliveries of its R2 SUV, with prices from $45,000. The EV maker also moved up its entry-level model to next summer, a year ahead of schedule.
🏒 The Carolina Hurricanes evened the Stanley Cup Final at 2-2 with a 5-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Game 5 is Thursday in Raleigh.
PICTURE THIS: Artist Nick Benson’s new mural, “ATL Nighthawks at the Diner,” is located at the Waffle House at 135 Andrew Young International Blvd. Sponsored by Downtown Atlanta in preparation for the World Cup, Benson reimagines Edward Hopper’s iconic painting “Nighthawks” with a more local and familiar flair. (Photo courtesy @atlanta_street_art_map)
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• The regulars at Poor Calvin’s
• The Reset: Social book clubs
• Rough Draft DNNR Club
• Rhythm Roll with the Beltline
AND
• Concert Picks
🏫 Ben Franklin Academy is a learning community that activates mastery. How? By offering 47 AP and Honors-level courses, individualized instruction and demonstrated proficiency with subject matter before moving on! And it’s not too late to enroll for next school year. At Ben Franklin Academy, the learning is built to last. Learn more here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. Meet the longtime regulars of Poor Calvin’s in Midtown
❤️ In 2012, one of Jamilah and Isaac Washington’s first dates was a leisurely weekday lunch at Poor Calvin’s, an Asian-meets-Southern restaurant on the edge of Midtown in Atlanta.
Their courtship continued at Poor Calvin’s, where the duo bonded over platters of lobster fried rice (Jamilah’s favorite) in the intimate dining room. They married in 2014 and have been regulars at the Piedmont Avenue restaurant ever since. Despite living in Stone Mountain, they stop by once or twice a week to sample chef-owner Calvin Phan’s daily specials or to grab a quick nightcap at the bar.
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. Social book clubs; free qigong + yoga 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 is a weekly, Wednesday newsletter 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.
📚 While book clubs have roots in 18th-century salons and reading circles, modern-day book groups represent a new generation of readers who seek to replace solo doomscrolling with intentional, community-focused events fostering connections and friendships. Read Laura’s story here.
🚲 The Beltline’s Southside Trail Segments 2 and 3 open on June 12. Stretching from McDaniel Street at University Avenue to Boulevard, the 1.9-mile segment connects the Southside, Eastside, and Westside Trails, creating 16.7 miles of continuous pathway in the city – just in time for the FIFA World Cup.
🪷 The free Wednesday Wellness Series at Farm Chastain continues today with Qigong, the traditional Chinese medicine practice that combines intentional movement with meditation and rhythmic breathing. Next up: restorative yoga and meditation on June 17.
👟 Join West Stride for Saturday Stride Club, featuring a 7:30 a.m. community run followed by a coffee bar, doughnuts from The Salty, and shopping for new Tracksmith styles with custom, on-site heat pressing. Stay for a 9:30 a.m. panel discussion with Erica Stanley-Dottin and Tori Hood about “The List,” a historical record of American-born Black women who have broken three hours in marathon races.
🏃🏽♀️➡️ Lace up for Atlanta Run Club (ARC)’s second annual Atlanta Mile race on June 13. The event starts and finishes at Ambient + Studio and wraps up with ARC’s anniversary celebration.
🧘🏼 Bring a mat for a free, community flow class at CorePower Yoga at Ponce City Market on June 14 at 11 a.m. Reserve your spot for the full-body heated yoga session here.
⚽ FIFA World Cup Atlanta action kicks off on June 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the Spain vs. Cabo Verde match at noon.
❤️ 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 on Tues., 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 Sandy Springs and Poncey-Highland.
4. Rhythm Roll
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ATLANTA BELTLINE
🛼 Rhythm Roll is coming to Westside Paper today, Wed., June 10, and it might be the most fun workout you’ll do all week!
It’s a free skate class on the Beltline, beginner-friendly, and built around movement that actually feels good. Bring your skates, water, and protective gear and show up ready to groove.
Spots are limited. Register now and we’ll see you on wheels.
📍 Westside Paper | 6:30-7:30 p.m. |Free to register.
🖼️ Ahlers & Ogletree presents a 600-lot Modern & Contemporary Art & Design Auction featuring Picasso, Dalí, Chagall, and more. Explore fine art, furniture, and sculpture. Preview June 15-16; reception June 16. Register and start bidding today. SPONSOR MESSAGE
5. Concert Picks
Wed., June 10
🌕 Kali Uchis @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
✌️ Youngbloodz + Tela @ Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre
🔮 Nick Jonas @ Tabernacle🇦🇷 CA7RIEL + Paco Amoroso @ Coca-Cola Roxy
Thurs., June 11
🥬 Lettuce @ Atlanta Symphony Hall
🕴️ Kokoroko @ Buckhead Theatre
🪷 Wale + Smino @ Coca-Cola Roxy
🎥 A$AP Rocky @ State Farm Arena
Fri., June 12
☀️ Summer Walker @ State Farm Arena
⚖️ Audrey Hobert @ Tabernacle
💜 Rick Ross @ Fox Theatre
🏊♀️ Holly Humberstone @ Variety Playhouse
🐦 Corinne Bailey Rae @ Buckhead Theatre
Sat., June 13
⚾ Braves Country Fest feat. Cody Johnson + Ella Langley @ Truist Park
🎹 AGMC + Yacht Rock Schooner @ Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre
🐺 Wolfmother @ Buckhead Theatre
🔥 YUNGBLUD @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
🥂 The Last Dinner Party @ The Eastern
Sun., June 14
🎸 Evanescence @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
⛰️ Kevin Morby @ Variety Playhouse
Mon., June 15
🕺 Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio + Vincen García @ Terminal West
Tues., June 16
🤠 Cowboy Junkies @ Variety Playhouse
🇦🇺 5 Seconds of Summer @ State Farm Arena
Wed., June 17
🌃 Alejandro Aranda @ Vinyl
🎼 Josh Groban + Jennifer Hudson (pictured) @ Gas South Arena
☀️ It’s patio season, y’all! Support Wholesome Wave Georgia at El Ponce tonight, June 10, from 5-7 p.m. Tickets come with a welcome drink and light bites. Sangria, cocktails, and beer for purchase. Get tickets here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
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