Atlanta, GA

The Real Housewives of Atlanta Recap: Grenades in Grenada

Published

7 months ago

June 1, 2025

The Real Housewives of Atlanta Recap: Grenades in Grenada

For the first time in ages, the RHOA cast trip feels reminiscent of the show we fell in love with ages ago, achieving the ladies’ goal of resetting after a turbulent yet triumphant few months of filming. Even the worst part of the season has produced some entertainment, as dragging Brit Eady every Sunday is now a communal experience, with her “event” last week giving fans and critics alike plenty of fodder for reaction memes. Tonight, she shows up with another sad cardboard box, this time with her sparse donation for the people of Grenada after their hurricane. Brit claims the three packs of toilet paper were all she could fit in her car, and someone else would be dropping more off later (we’ll wait for that receipt at the reunion), though I’m just happy she stayed within her budget this time.

But before the women head to the island with their charity and their “reset, renew, and rebirth” mantra, there are a few loose strings to tie up in Atlanta. Most pertinently is a long overdue one-on-one conversation between Drew and Porsha. Like Brit, Porsha has become a problem cast member, hindering the success of the soft reboot. While Brit’s fatal flaw is her lack of Housewife-making traits, Porsha’s issue is ironically the opposite. We’ve known for years she has an amazing personality for Bravo — she’s fabulous, funny, contradictory, and confrontational — but she refuses to put it to use on-screen this season, telling Shamea she doesn’t get paid enough. Girl, they’re not going to pay you at all if you keep giving us nothing!

Although Porsha will never admit it, Drew is actually her greatest asset, practically handing her a storyline and a chance to resurrect the activated Porsha of seasons past. Drew isn’t dumb — she knew playing around with Dennis would elicit a reaction from Porsha. However, Porsha believes remaining unbothered is proof of maturity, which can be true in real life, but this is reality TV, and without a house to film in, Porsha should take whatever she can get. But instead, she keeps up her on-camera facade while her more conniving nature is at work behind the scenes. Porsha’s mask slips continuously, as we saw with her after-hours comments about Charles and with her poorly disguised revenge plan to film with Ralph. The charade is especially hard to maintain with an opponent like Drew, who will keep prodding as long as cameras continue rolling, so Porsha sets up a coffee date to clear the air before Grenada.

This conversation should’ve happened weeks ago, and I know Drew would’ve been receptive … if not only for an opportunity to film and be messy, because, even at her most insufferable, she understands the assignment. As much as I’ve joked about Drew using her scenes with the women as an opportunity to practice her improv techniques, a lot of that is what makes her a strong cast member. Her entire storyline with Dennis (and passive-aggressively tagging Shamea on Instagram about their fight) is proof of Drew’s keen ability to manufacture drama — whether the viewers believe filming with Dennis is right or wrong ultimately doesn’t matter. What’s important is that she’s creating opportunities for drama with her castmates; yes, hanging out with Dennis is weird, but it’s also passing the ball to Porsha, in the hopes of producing a reaction and thus putting on a show for us watching behind the fourth wall.

Drew finally gets that reaction out of Porsha, bringing the energy we needed ten weeks ago (she does admit later that she avoided the conversation because she needed time to cool off). During their meeting, Porsha spills tea she got from Dennis about Drew allegedly dating a mystery man named Black while doubling down on her lie about not intentionally filming with Ralph. In a perfectly produced world, Porsha would’ve admitted to her vengeful behavior, telling Drew to her face the hypocrisy of Drew lashing out once the tables are turned, but Porsha can’t risk looking like a villain.

Porsha’s feigned innocence doesn’t deter Drew, who still happily plays ball, denying that she’s dating anyone before bringing up one of the off-season rumors I was hoping Porsha would have to address about an alleged fling with Future. The rapper’s name is censored, but any amateur lip reader can tell they were referencing the infamous playboy. Right as the sparring gets good, with Drew accusing her opponent of deflecting because of a toxic divorce, Porsha walks away from yet another conversation. But that’s okay, because the conversation carries over to Grenada, where the entire cast throws their grievances at Drew like grenades, giving the drama queen the spotlight she loves so much.

Their journey to the island is formulaic, sticking to the same familiar Housewives travel schticks. This includes lost luggage, a corny game for the rooms, one unlucky wife (Drew, of course) having to sleep in twin beds, and plenty of Sprinter van gossip. It’s trope-y, but RHOA needs that right now to return to form. We even get a surprise appearance from Bolo! Just kidding — although that would certainly get a reaction from Porsha — but there was a mysterious naked man seen from a nearby villa (??). No one clutches their pearls at this sighting as the women are in the mood for some frisky fun, with Angela making sure to install braids for the vacation so she won’t have to worry about her wig slipping.

Angela continues her reign as rookie of the year, gracefully rooming with Porsha, proving her ability as a team player. But that doesn’t stop the shade from flowing — she says in her confessional, “I have no problem sharing a room with Porsha because Charles is safe at home.” Besides, Angela already got her lick back from Porsha’s comments about Charles by instigating the already precarious relationship between Porsha and her bestie and bringing Drew the news that Porsha filmed with Dennis. Angela is so clocked into her role as a Housewife that she doesn’t let her eighth anniversary with Charles keep her from her first international cast trip.

Instead of hanging out with her husband, Angela is stirring the pot at a dinner in Grenada, and we love her for it! Who cares about these men, anyway! He’ll be there when she gets home, and he’s probably welcoming the break from the cameras. Angela foreshadows the grenades Drew encounters at dinner in the van from the airport when Phaedra asks “where the beef is” in the group, and Angela replies by pointing to Drew. Now, at dinner, Kelli first asks Shamea and Drew to squash the discord (it was great to see Porsha finally defend her friend and put the lapdog fight to rest), which quickly leads to everyone else piling on with their individual issues with the actress. Kelli points out that Drew has a problem with everyone at the table, excluding Cynthia, and Drew performs her perfectly practiced facial expressions with a Razzie-worthy delivery of the word “what?”

The inquisition of Drew continues, circling back to Porsha and Drew’s everlasting squabble. Porsha acknowledges how poorly she handled the situation in the premiere episode, and Drew, eager to finally work together with her scene partner, thanks her. Since stonewalling has been Porsha’s strategy of choice all season, it was a surprise when, instead of using this as an opportunity to cease fire, she picks right back up from where their conversation in Atlanta ended. She says she has no expectations of friendship from Drew, a decision validated by Drew’s choice to bring up the Future rumor. The other women collectively gag first at the mention of the Atlanta celebrity and again when Porsha tries to expose Drew for dating Black.

Under the guise of trying to help Drew clear her name about trying to sleep with Dennis, Porsha urges Drew to admit to a relationship with Black, but it’s obvious Porsha just wants Drew’s dirty laundry on the table. It’s all a continuation of her revenge plan that started with filming with Ralph (which she maintains was merely coincidental). Drew, who knows that dating someone wouldn’t look good in her divorce, especially when Ralph will do anything to sully her reputation, asserts that what Porsha is saying about Black is a rumor. She then asks Porsha how she would feel if people assumed, based on the fact that they filmed together, that she was sleeping with Ralph. It’s a weak argument, but she pushes exactly the right button within Porsha, who starts to let out all the unsaid words she’s held in over the past few months.

Kelli, intent on sticking to their goal of resetting, takes control by waving a rose quartz crystal in the air. From there, she gets everyone to agree that filming with baby daddies and husbands doesn’t feel good for anyone. Drew, satisfied that she got her moment with Porsha, reiterates that nothing untoward happened with Dennis and apologizes for not asking for Porsha’s blessing. Porsha accepts and receives the olive branch, hopefully marking the last time we need to talk about any of this.

Before the dinner ends, Brit takes the last minutes of the episode to give us some comic relief with another cringeworthy moment. She says that while they’re on the topic of exes, she needs to address Phaedra. Right when I thought she was going to say she slept with Apollo, she delivers the most anticlimactic tea ever, telling Phaedra that Mike invited Apollo and his wife to the Bare and Naked event. No one gives a fuck — the table was literally holding in laughter — but thanks for the chuckle. In her confessional, Shamea says what we’re all thinking: “Brit, read the room. Ain’t nobody talking about that. But we are still talking about how we left your event hungry.” And we’ll still be talking about it for years to come!

• Kelli’s vulnerability balances out her campiness so well. Her struggle to get her ex to show up for his children is, unfortunately, too common. Angela is also opening up about sensitive topics — like being millions of dollars in debt over these houses?? — and this willingness to share their authentic lives brings a realness to the show that was missing in past newbies.

• Phaedra’s tagline is definitely a choice; I knew her smidge of remorse was to save face and appease production, who knew the topic of her season 9 antics needed to be addressed. She’s technically full-time, yet we haven’t seen a single solo scene or heard anything about her life. Her commentary is funny enough, so like Porsha, I think she would do better in a friend role to give the newbies room to shine, though her presence wins Shamea best line of the episode with, “If we someone needs to be bailed out of jail, she gone be there to do it. And if somebody needs to be framed for something, she’ll be there to do it.”

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Atlanta, GA

College football player found dead in Atlanta house fire

Published

1 hour ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

College football player found dead in Atlanta house fire

A college football player from Georgia was found dead in a house fire in suburban Atlanta, authorities confirmed earlier this week.

Izaiah Taylor, an offensive lineman for Georgia Military College, was staying at his grandfather’s house in Stone Mountain when the home erupted into flames around 1 p.m. EST on Monday, per WAGA-TV.

Taylor’s grandfather, Gregory Edwards, said that he was not at the home when he was notified about the blaze.

“Well, I got a call from my neighbor. Said there was smoke coming out of the home, and I immediately left work and headed to the house,” Edwards said.

According to WXIA-TV, flames had already engulfed the residence by the time first responders arrived, and Taylor, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“There was no hesitation in going in and searching for the victim,” DeKalb County Fire Captain Jaeson Daniels said. “We got here, and we were able to establish a water supply. And again, receiving that information from one of the nearby residents stating that there was some water inside, we actually went right in and performed a search and luckily found him pretty quick, but unfortunately he was deceased. Once we found him.”

Taylor transferred to the junior college, located in Milledgeville, ahead of this past season after playing for Liberty University in 2024.

“Georgia Military College is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, Izaiah Taylor,” the college said in a statement on Tuesday. “Our hearts are with Izaiah’s family, friends, classmates, and all those who knew and loved him.”

Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire, WRDW-TV reported.

Edwards got emotional when talking about his grandson, calling him “a gentle giant.”

“He was one of the kindest people you would have ever known. He wasn’t a bully,” Edwards said. “He was a good boy. He didn’t deserve this.”

“What can I say? I mean, that’s not an easy pill to swallow. You know, you don’t bury your grandchildren,” he added.

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Atlanta, GA

Christmas 2025 Best Spent In This GA Town, Analysts Say

Published

14 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Christmas 2025 Best Spent In This GA Town, Analysts Say

ATLANTA, GA — Metro Atlanta residents may have a merry time celebrating Christmas this year as a new survey has named the Georgia town the best place to observe the jolly holiday across the U.S.

WalletHub awarded Atlanta with the moniker in a ranking released Tuesday after analysts examined 100 cities to determine the best places to celebrate Christmas.

With an overall score of 63.36, Atlanta beat out major national cities, including Las Vegas and New York City.

At No. 1, here’s how Atlanta’s ranking broke down:

Traditions and Fun: 8
Observance: 30
Generosity: 16
Shopping: 6
Costs: 39

No other Georgia cities made the U.S. ranking.

“Atlanta is the best city for Christmas celebrations this year, with plenty of stores to help you prepare for the holiday, including an extremely high number of bakeries, holiday decoration shops and card shops per capita,” WalletHub experts said.

“Atlanta is also one of the best cities when it comes to the prevalence of affordable restaurants rated at least 4.5 stars if you want to eat out for the holiday (or want a break from cooking afterward). It has the 10th-most Christmas tree farms per capita, too. In addition, Atlanta residents get very excited about Christmas, searching Google for terms relating to the holiday more frequently than people in most other cities. The giving spirit can also be felt by Atlanta residents and visitors alike, as the city has the ninth-highest percentage of people who donate clothing to charity, along with the 13th-most online donations per capita.”

There are a plethora of options in Atlanta to celebrate Christmas, which is observed annually on Dec. 25.

Patch has compiled a few you may want to add to your calendar:

Here are the top 10 best Christmas towns, per WalletHub:

Atlanta, Georgia
San Francisco, California
Seattle, Washington
Orlando, Florida
Las Vegas, Nevada
St. Louis, Missouri
Miami, Florida
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
New Orleans, Louisiana
Cincinnati, Ohio

See WalletHub’s full methodology.

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Atlanta, GA

Reporter’s Notebook: Atlanta cancer survivor in Rose Bowl Parade, Forge Atlanta forging ahead, Give a toy, get a bagel at Goldburgs – SaportaReport

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Reporter’s Notebook: Atlanta cancer survivor in Rose Bowl Parade, Forge Atlanta forging ahead, Give a toy, get a bagel at Goldburgs – SaportaReport

Atlanta veteran and cancer survivor to ride on City Of Hope Rose Parade float

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

Atlanta resident and U.S. Army veteran Tyler Blue, 63, will ride on City of Hope’s 2026 Rose Parade float as a cancer survivor representing City of Hope Atlanta.

Blue was a successful corporate salesperson when hoarseness in his throat led to a diagnosis of stage 4 throat and thyroid cancer in 2016, a shock for a nonsmoker who prided himself on healthy living. His treatment included 25 radiation sessions, multiple surgeries and the removal of his voice box, which ended his career and left him searching for a new sense of purpose.

After difficult experiences at several hospitals, Blue began receiving care at City of Hope Atlanta in 2018. He credits surgeon Dr. Beomjune Kim and a speech-language pathologist with helping him learn to communicate again using an electrolarynx and with restoring his hope.

Now nearly eight years cancer-free and retired, Blue has partnered with City of Hope Atlanta to create the Total Laryngectomy Support Group, a monthly gathering where patients share experiences and practical strategies for daily life.

Blue is one of six survivors and transplant recipients riding City of Hope’s 2026 Rose Parade float, “Overcoming Cancer and Diabetes Together,” which highlights the organization’s nationwide cancer care and research network.

— Derek Prall

Webstar Technology Group closes on downtown site for Forge Atlanta mixed-use project

Webstar Technology Group and its development subsidiary, Forge Atlanta Asset Management, have closed on a 10-acre parcel at Ted Turner Drive SW and Whitehall Street SW, clearing the way for Forge Atlanta, a multi-phase mixed-use district next to the Garnett MARTA station.

Phase I plans call for a 300-room hotel with meeting and event space, about 600 luxury condominiums and roughly 60,500 square feet of retail and entertainment space. Independent analyses for the Development Authority of Fulton County project about 2,100 construction jobs and 900 permanent jobs from the first phase, with the full buildout expected to generate around 3,000 jobs and an estimated $7.37 billion economic impact.

The project will be financed through a combination of Development Authority inducement, institutional loans and equity, and bond issuance. Webstar, a publicly traded company, says it will disclose material financings through securities filings and investor updates. The developer also plans an optional regulated token program on the Torch RWA platform, designed to broaden participation and help offset future condominium HOA fees.

Design and development partners include Turner & Townsend, Nelson Worldwide, Kimley-Horn, Skyline Engineering and Skanska, which has been involved in pre-construction planning. A groundbreaking is anticipated in 2026, with condominium presales expected to begin the same year.

— Derek Prall

Holiday theater at Horizon Theatre

Families can enjoy the adventures of Madeline and friends in Madeline’s Christmas through Dec. 31. This musical play is adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans’ delightful book. This holiday season will be unlike any other for Madeline and her friends. While on their morning walk with Miss Clavel, the girls come down with the flu, and as they take to their bed, many wonder if they will be able to go home for Christmas. With the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Madeline and the other girls get a holiday adventure beyond their wildest dreams.

For older teens and adults, the new holiday comedy revue Too Fast, Too Festivus might be a little more their speed. Through Dec. 31 Dad’s Garage and Horizon Theatre’s latest zany holiday collaboration will take the stage (nearly) nightly. If you loved Y’allmark Christmas or The Santaland Diaries at Horizon, you won’t want to miss this. Dad’s Garage’s award-winning ensemble members have handmade this fast-paced comedy that lovingly pokes fun at the holidays in Atlanta and serves up the city’s quirks with a festive twist. With sharp writing, big characters, and plenty of local flavor, it’s the perfect way to get into the spirit — ATL style.

— Megan Anderson

SweetWater Brewing’s 420 Fest to return at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park

Presented by Rival Entertainment, SweetWater Brewing’s iconic 420 Fest, one of Atlanta’s most beloved music festivals, is back for its 21st year in a brand new location — Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, the city’s largest greenspace and a vibrant hub connected to the Beltline. The two day event, which will take place on April 17-18, will feature two stages and up to 20 artists which will be announced in early 2026.

Previously hosted at Pullman Yards, the new location will offer increased capacity for a bigger, greener and more accessible 420 Fest experience for attendees.

“Sweetwater 420 Festival is an iconic Atlanta event. As a producer and fan who has experienced its long history at Candler Park, Centennial Olympic Park & Pullman Yards, I am excited to team up with SweetWater Brewing this year to reimagine the music festival in its 21st year and for its future. With a beautiful new Westside ATL location, the 2026 festival will be uniquely Atlanta and true to its Sweetwater roots.” said Josh Antenucci, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Rival Entertainment.

Click here for more information.

— Megan Anderson

The Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta is accepting applications for 2026

City of Atlanta residents or employees looking to learn how to be more effective at making meaningful changes in their neighborhoods can apply to the Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta (CLIA) until Jan. 5, 2026. Over the course of six weekly sessions from February to May, the CLIA program teaches participants how to navigate Atlanta’s Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) system and other local government processes as well as how to build inclusive coalitions and other lessons from the city’s history of activism. The program for community leaders is offered by the Department of City Planning in partnership with Clark Atlanta University.

— Grace Donnelly

The annual Food Well Alliance fruit tree sale is live online

Online orders are open this month for Food Well Alliance’s annual fruit tree sale. If you’re still looking for holiday gifts, especially for plant-lovers, Food Well Alliance has more than 80 varieties of fruit trees, vines, and berry bushes available — all well-suited to Georgia’s growing climate. Proceeds from this annual sale go toward the organization’s programs and operations, including The Orchard Project, which helps plant community orchards around metro Atlanta to help improve access to local produce. Pick up for orders will be in-person during the weekend of Feb. 14, 2026.

— Grace Donnelly

Woodruff Arts Center welcomes five new members to board of trustees

The Woodruff Arts Center — home to the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and High Museum of Art — welcomed five new members to itsBoard of Trustees during their last board meeting.

Valeda Dent – Inaugural Vice Provost for the Libraries, Michael C. Carlos Museum, and the Center for Digital Scholarship at Emory University
Somia Farid Silber – Chief Executive Officer, Edible Brands
Jim Irwin – President, New City Properties
Melody Lee – Chief Marketing Officer, Mercedes-Benz USA
David Wagner – Chief Executive Officer, SureCost

“We are privileged to welcome these distinguished leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center. “Each brings a distinctive perspective that will strengthen and guide the Woodruff Arts Center. They join an extraordinary group whose insight and dedication are invaluable to our mission, and I am honored to work alongside such visionary leaders committed to elevating the arts and arts education in our community.”

The new Trustees join an influential and diverse group representing all sectors of Atlanta, including leaders in the business, nonprofit, entertainment and education. Since 1968, the Board of Trustees has worked to expand access to the Woodruff Arts Center’s educational programming and ensure the Arts Center is a place for everyone to experience the transformative power of the arts.

— Megan Anderson

Goldbergs Fine Foods Holiday Toy Drive to support foster care families returns

Goldbergs Fine Foods is holding its third annual holiday toy drive to support the Foster Care Support Foundation, a Georgia nonprofit that provides free clothing, infant equipment and developmental toys to children in foster and relative care.

Through Saturday, Dec. 20, participating Goldbergs locations in metro Atlanta, excluding the airport, will collect new, unwrapped toys, games and art supplies for local children in foster and relative care. Donors will receive a free bagel with cream cheese as a thank-you.

Organizers say the greatest need is for items suitable for children 8 and older, including building sets such as Legos and craft kits. The Foster Care Support Foundation has served tens of thousands of children since 2000.

— Derek Prall

Atlanta Opera Opens Applications For 2026 96-Hour Opera Project

The Atlanta Opera is relaunching its annual 96-Hour Opera Festival under a new name in 2026, rebranding it as the NOW Festival (New Opera Works) to reflect an expanded focus on contemporary storytelling and emerging creators.

As part of the festival, applications are now open for the 2026 96-Hour Opera Project, a composition competition for composer–librettist teams across the United States. Winners receive a $10,000 prize as part of a $25,000 commission. A panel of industry experts will review applications and select five teams, which will have three months to write a new 10-minute opera. The process culminates in a four-day residency at Morehouse College in Atlanta, June 10-13, 2026, and a public showcase competition.

The company has also named director, librettist and playwright Tazewell Thompson as artistic advisor for the NOW Festival. He will help guide the festival’s artistic direction and mentor participating artists.

The 2026 NOW Festival will feature public events over three days in June, including the world premiere of “Water Memory (Jala Smirti)” by composer Kitty Brazelton and librettist Vaibu Mohan at Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center for the Arts, along with the 96-Hour Opera Project Competition and Showcase at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College.

Applications are available here.

— Derek Prall

Registration opens for 2026 Noonday Shanty 5K/10K and race poster contest

Registration is open for Town Center Community’s fifth annual Noonday Shanty 5K/10K, presented by Avonlea Apartments, set for Saturday, March 28, 2026, along the Noonday Creek Trail.

The Peachtree Road Race qualifier is a USA Track and Field-certified event managed by Start2Finish. The course takes runners past bird habitats, greenspace and wetlands, as well as landmarks such as Aviation Park, Cobb International Airport, Fifth Third Stadium and public art installations, including Tiny Doors ATL and the Chimney Swift Tower. The 10K route also features views of new murals in the district.

Local artists are invited to submit up to three digitally created or hand-drawn designs for the event’s annual race poster contest. The winning artwork will be featured on the official event poster and in promotional materials, and runners will receive a copy during packet pickup. Cash prizes will be awarded for first and second place. Submissions are due Feb. 12, 2026, with full contest rules available on the Town Center Community website.

The 2026 event will debut a community-designed race shirt, with community members voting through Jan. 13, 2026, on a design inspired by past winning race posters.

— Derek Prall

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