🍌 Banana drink craze
Wednesday workout July 23 — Atlanta-based Coca-Cola finally confirmed President Donald Trump’s social media post – they will introduce a cane-sugar version of its trademark beverage this fall. Does this mean no more “Mexican Coke?” Showers and 87° today. A special committee of the state House of Representatives is poised to study high rates of absenteeism in Georgia schools, with the hope of creating laws to reverse the trend. Starting today, Fulton County will host a series of town halls for residents to learn about their 2025 property tax assessments. Georgia has the fourth-highest STD rate in the U.S., according to a new study from Invigor Medical. Channel 2 Action News reports that journalist Mario Guevara, arrested during the “No Kings” protests, is still in custody despite being granted bail. ELSEWHERE President Trump announced a “massive” trade deal with Japan that lowered auto tariffs from 25% to 15%, sending the Nikkei soaring 3.8% today. U.S. stocks are set to open higher. The House Speaker sent lawmakers home for August recess early, sidestepping GOP demands for transparency on the Jeffrey Epstein case. The DOJ said it plans to meet with jailed Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Ozzy Osbourne, the heavy metal rocker and lead singer of Black Sabbath, has passed away. He was 76 years old. PICTURE THIS: The entrance of MARTA’s Edgewood-Candler Park Station now sports a vibrant, beautiful mural, courtesy of the MILAGROS collective. Moving in the Spirit, the dance school next door, posted the station’s transformation on their Instagram. Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter: • Stacey Abrams’ new thriller• Banana drink craze• Wellness WednesdayAND• Concert Picks Eddiver Rodriguez discovered something through Georgia’s Work-Based Learning program that many adults never find: exactly what he wanted to do with his life. While classmates were filling out college applications, he was splicing underground power cables. Learn how WBL connected him with his career at Georgia Power before graduation. SPONSOR MESSAGE Photo courtesy of Stacey Abrams 1. Stacey Abrams talks new legal thriller novel, ‘Coded Justice’ Stacey Abrams may be best known for her work in politics, but she’s also quietly and impressively become a powerhouse in the world of fiction.A former Georgia House Minority Leader and a familiar name in national conversations, Abrams has built a second life writing smart, twisty legal thrillers that blend her deep knowledge of law and policy with a serious talent for storytelling.Her latest novel, “Coded Justice,” is no exception. This time, she brings back Avery Keene, the whip-smart protagonist from her previous bestsellers, and throws her into a tangled web of artificial intelligence, medical innovation, and a mysterious accident that may not be so accidental after all. Learn more about Abrams’ new book in contributor Megan Volpert’s interview. Final weeks: Data meets art at the High Museum! SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the data-verse! Get ready for a mind-bending experience – Ryoji Ikeda’s captivating light and sound installations are a must-see. ➞ On view through August 10. Photo by Chingyao Wang 2. Explore the buzz around banana-infused drinks on Atlanta’s summer menus The summer beverage repertoire has gone bananas, quite literally. The fruit that was once relegated to beachside drinks and smoothies now has a sophisticated twist that brings a subtle sweetness to coffee and cocktails alike. Although it sounds odd, banana’s mild flavor tames coffee’s bitterness and adds depth to spirits and liqueurs. From Finca to Filter in Old Fourth Ward to Minhwa Spirits in Dunwoody, our reporter Sarra Sedghi has the lowdown on where to get the best banana-infused drinks. Check out the list here. Photo via We Love Teachers 5K 3. Wellness Wednesday: 80s-themed pickleball; We Love Teachers 5K July is National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. Learn more about this condition that affects four in every 10,000 births in Atlanta. Sign up for RE:IMAGINE ATL’s ’80s-Themed Pickleball Fundraiser on Saturday evening at Dill Dinkers Pickleball in the West End. Play and dress up while raising money to support media mentorship for Atlanta youth. Also on Saturday, join the We Love Teachers 5K (pictured) at Westside Park to support educator wellness and celebrate the upcoming start of the school year. Head to Piedmont Park with your art supplies on Tuesday for Community Art Night to unwind with music, a beautiful setting, and good vibes. A Georgia Tech undergrad is developing an at-home cervical cancer screening test to make early detection more comfortable and accessible. Experience Buckhead Restaurant Week through July 26! Delight in Atlanta’s best cuisine with exclusive offerings. Perfect for foodies ready to explore and savor new flavors. Book your table today! SPONSOR MESSAGE Photo via howdoyouatlanta.com 4. Concert PicksVIA HOW DO YOU ATLANTA? Wed., July 23 Architects @ Buckhead Theatre Bear Ghost @ The Masquerade (Purgatory) Wilderado + Winyah @ Variety Playhouse William Beckmann @ Eddie’s Attic Thurs., July 24 Counting Crows + The Gaslight Anthem @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Ado @ Gas South Arena Whirr + Nothing @ The Masquerade (Heaven) Buckethead @ Variety Playhouse Rose City Band @ The Earl Fri., July 25 Outlaw Music Festival @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Primus @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park Orchid Mantis @ The Masquerade (Altar) Shawn Mullins (pictured) @ Red Clay Music Foundry Anthony Green @ The Masquerade (Hell) Sat., July 26 Mumford & Sons @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Russ + Big Sean + Sabrina Claudio @ Lakewood Amphitheatre EST Gee @ Buckhead Theatre Jeezy @ Fox Theatre Kevian Kraemer @ Vinyl Sun., July 27 Wiz Khalifa + Sean Paul + DaBaby @ Lakewood Amphitheatre Lord Huron @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park BBMAK + Jessica Carter Altman @ Eddie’s Attic KEY! @ Vinyl Kindred Valley @ Eddie’s Attic Tues., July 29 WesGhost @ The Masquerade (Purgatory) Cap’n Jazz @ The Earl (also Wed.) Wed., July 30 The Fray + The Strike @ Tabernacle Silversun Pickups @ Buckhead Theatre Flau’jae @ Aisle 5 Jess Ray @ Eddie’s Attic TUNE IN Don’t miss Sammie with the AJC’s Mike Jordan every Thursday at 9:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. as they preview the top events in town on WABE. Eddiver Rodriguez discovered something through Georgia’s Work-Based Learning program that many adults never find: exactly what he wanted to do with his life. While classmates were filling out college applications, he was splicing underground power cables. Learn how WBL connected him with his career at Georgia Power before graduation. SPONSOR MESSAGE Don’t miss News Word Atlanta, our new, daily word game. Connect with us on Bluesky. Have a friend or colleague who would enjoy getting this newsletter? Forward them this link to subscribe. The post 🍌 Banana drink craze appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.
