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ATLANTA — Morehouse College has announced that 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul will serve as the keynote speaker for its 142nd Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 9 a.m. on the College’s Century Campus.
Paul, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and HBCU graduate, will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the ceremony.
Chris Paul To Give Morehouse 2026 Commencement Address
The selection of Paul, who retired from the NBA in February 2026 after a storied 21-season career, marks a historic moment for the institution.
He is believed to be the first recently active or retired NBA player to deliver the commencement keynote at Morehouse, bringing the perspective of a global sports icon who has consistently championed education, leadership, and community empowerment—values at the core of the Morehouse legacy.
Paul’s basketball résumé is legendary. A point guard known for his elite playmaking, defensive prowess, and leadership, he ranks second on the NBA’s all-time career assists and steals lists. In 2021, he became the first player in league history to reach 20,000 career points and 10,000 assists.
He was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team as one of the greatest players in league history and served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021, where he helped negotiate the 2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement and launched innovative player development initiatives.
Beyond the court, Paul’s commitment to higher education and HBCUs runs deep. Though he initially attended Wake Forest University, he completed his bachelor’s degree in mass communications at Winston-Salem State University—an HBCU—in December 2022, proudly identifying as an HBCU alumnus.
Through the Chris Paul Family Foundation, he has created pipelines for HBCU students into sports, entertainment, and media industries, offering accredited courses at institutions like North Carolina A&T and Southern University, summer internships via the HBCU in LA program, and national exposure for HBCU basketball through the annual Chris Paul HBCU Classic. He has also co-launched the Social Change Fund United and previously served on the Biden administration’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
In a statement released with the announcement, Paul expressed his deep respect for Morehouse’s mission. “It is a profound honor and privilege to speak at Morehouse College’s Commencement this year,” he said. “I have a deep respect for Morehouse’s legacy and impact on our community, especially on generations of young Black men. To follow in the footsteps of previous speakers who were presidents, civil activists, and learned shows that greatness is not defined solely by performance, but by character, consistency, and commitment to one’s community. My hope is to encourage the Class of 2026 to carry these principles forward as they enter the next chapter of their lives.”
Paul will be joined by two other distinguished honorary degree recipients whose careers embody stewardship, ethical leadership, and public service: Chris Womack, chairman, president, and CEO of Southern Company, and the Rev. Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., the founding dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, who is retiring this summer after 47 years of service to the College.
The commencement caps a week of celebrations for the Class of 2026, including undergraduate and alumni reunion events honoring milestone classes and notable alumni such as U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock ’91 and Grammy-winning producer Khalil “DJ Khalil” Abdul-Rahman ’96.
The Baccalaureate service will feature the Rev. Dr. Winford Kennadean “Kenny” Rice Jr. ’14, a Morehouse alumnus, senior pastor, and adjunct professor at the College.
Morehouse College President David A. Thomas and the institution’s leadership praised Paul’s selection as an embodiment of the College’s emphasis on principled leadership and community impact. As the Class of 2026 prepares to step into the world, Paul’s address is expected to inspire graduates to blend excellence in their chosen fields with a lifelong commitment to service—mirroring the example set by Morehouse men for generations.
For more details on the 2026 Commencement, visit morehouse.edu/commencement.
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A new virus has emerged in Georgia and it’s causing concern. Hantavirus refers to a family of viruses primarily transmitted by rodents, capable of causing serious, sometimes fatal illnesses in humans. In the Americas, it often leads to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory condition.
While rare in the southeastern U.S., recent events have drawn attention to hantavirus in Georgia (the U.S. state).
Recent Developments: Monitoring in Georgia
As of early May 2026, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is monitoring two Georgia residents who returned from the MV Hondius cruise ship, linked to a hantavirus outbreak. The ship, on an Atlantic Odyssey voyage, reported at least three deaths and several confirmed or suspected cases, involving the Andes virus strain (the only known hantavirus with documented person-to-person transmission, though usually limited to close contacts).
- The two Georgians (one reported in the Brunswick area) are healthy and show no symptoms.
- They are under monitoring per CDC guidelines, with no immediate public risk.
- Health officials in other states (e.g., California, Arizona, Virginia) are similarly watching returned passengers.
This outbreak likely originated from rodent exposure during a pre-boarding excursion in Argentina (possibly Ushuaia), not widespread community spread.
Background on Hantavirus in Georgia and the U.S.
Hantavirus is not endemic in Georgia. Most U.S. cases occur west of the Mississippi River, often tied to deer mice. From 1993 through 2023, the CDC reported about 890 laboratory-confirmed U.S. cases of hantavirus disease (including HPS), with a case fatality rate around 35-38% for HPS. Georgia has seen very few, if any, locally acquired cases historically.
A separate 2009 report noted a lab-confirmed case in the Republic of Georgia (the country), but that is unrelated to the current U.S. context.
How It Spreads
Humans typically contract hantavirus by inhaling aerosolized particles from infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Less common routes include direct contact with contaminated materials (then touching the face) or rodent bites. It does not spread easily between people, except in rare cases with the Andes strain.
Rodents like deer mice carry it without getting sick, shedding the virus in their waste. Cleaning infested areas without precautions (e.g., dry sweeping) can aerosolize particles.
Symptoms
HPS symptoms appear 1–8 weeks after exposure and progress in phases:
- Early phase (flu-like): Fatigue, fever, muscle aches (especially large muscles like thighs, hips, back), headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
- Later phase (4–10 days after early symptoms): Coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness as lungs fill with fluid, leading to respiratory distress and potential shock.
Seek immediate medical care if you have flu-like symptoms after possible rodent exposure—early intervention improves outcomes.Treatment and PrognosisNo specific antiviral cure exists for HPS. Treatment is supportive, often in an ICU, and may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, fluid management, or ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) in severe cases. Recovery can be slow, with lingering fatigue. Prompt care significantly boosts survival chances.
Prevention Tips
Prevention focuses on rodent control—key in homes, cabins, or campsites:
- Seal entry points in buildings.
- Store food in rodent-proof containers and maintain cleanliness.
- Use traps; avoid live rodents.
- When cleaning droppings: Ventilate the area, wear gloves and an N95 mask, wet-clean with disinfectant (e.g., bleach solution), and avoid vacuuming or sweeping dry material.
- For campers or hikers: Use tents with floors, elevate food, and check for rodent signs.
Outlook for Georgia
The risk remains very low for most Georgians. The current monitoring reflects standard public health vigilance rather than local transmission. Stay informed via the Georgia DPH or CDC websites, especially if traveling to rodent-prone areas or on international trips.
Hantavirus serves as a reminder of the importance of rodent control and awareness of zoonotic diseases. If you suspect exposure or symptoms, contact a healthcare provider and mention any rodent contact. For questions, reach Georgia DPH Epidemiology at (404) 657-2588 or the 24/7 line at 1-866-PUB-HLTH.
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The bitter divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Drew Sidora and her estranged husband, Ralph Pittman, has taken yet another ugly turn.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Drew is accusing Ralph of failing to make court-ordered mortgage payments on their shared Georgia home, leaving it dangerously close to foreclosure with a past-due balance of $25,251.07.
Drew Sidora Claims Ex-Husband Ralph Pittman Home Near Foreclosure in Ongoing Divorce War
In her latest filing, Drew is asking the court to hold Ralph in contempt, claiming his failure to pay was “intentional and willful” and that he has shown “no respect for the court order.” She is seeking a $1,000 fine as punishment.
Ralph has pushed back hard. He denies being behind on the payments and insists the home is not in danger of foreclosure. In court papers, he has asked the judge to deny Drew’s request for sanctions entirely.
The Latest Chapter in a Messy Split
This financial showdown is only the newest salvo in a divorce battle that has been raging since 2023. The couple shares children, and their split has played out publicly both on RHOA and in the courtroom, with accusations involving custody, finances, and more.
Just weeks ago, a judge ordered Drew to vacate the marital home by the end of May 2026. Drew pleaded with the court to reconsider, saying she lacked the funds to find a new place for herself and the kids. The judge denied her request.16
Drew’s latest motion appears to be an attempt to force accountability on the mortgage while she is still in the home and facing an imminent move-out deadline.
Fans React to the Drama
The news has sparked heated discussion among RHOA viewers. Many are frustrated that the couple’s ongoing legal fights are affecting their children’s stability. Others question why the pair hasn’t simply sold the house and divided the equity to move on cleanly. Some fans side with Drew, pointing to Ralph’s alleged pattern of financial irresponsibility, while others accuse her of prolonging the drama through repeated court motions.
One thing is clear: this divorce shows no signs of wrapping up anytime soon. With foreclosure threats, eviction deadlines, and contempt requests flying back and forth, the once-glamorous Housewives couple is now embroiled in a very real, very public financial and legal nightmare.
As the case continues in court, all eyes remain on whether the judge will side with Drew’s contempt request or accept Ralph’s denial. For now, the mortgage battle has only added more fuel to an already explosive split.
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ATLANTA, Ga. – May 8, 2026 – The Atlanta Dream officially unveiled their 12-player roster for the 2026 WNBA season on Thursday, setting the stage for what promises to be another competitive campaign following a franchise-record 30-win season in 2025.
The roster, headlined by a rock-solid core of returning stars and bolstered by high-impact offseason acquisitions, reflects the organization’s commitment to building a championship contender under second-year head coach Karl Smesko.
Atlanta Dream Announce 2026 WNBA Roster: Core Veterans Anchor Championship Push with Star Additions
The move comes just days before the Dream open their regular season on the road against the Minnesota Lynx on May 9.
Check out the Atlanta Dream’s 2026 schedule.
A Proven Core Returns
At the heart of the roster are five key holdovers who powered Atlanta’s breakout 2025 campaign:
- Allisha Gray
- Brionna Jones
- Jordin Canada
- Naz Hillmon
- Rhyne Howard
Collectively, this group helped the Dream post a .682 winning percentage and establish themselves as one of the league’s most efficient and dynamic teams. Their return provides continuity and veteran leadership as Atlanta looks to take the next step in pursuit of its first WNBA title.
Star Power and Fresh Talent Join the Fold
The Dream made a major splash in the offseason by acquiring two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese, whose elite rebounding, physicality, and championship pedigree immediately elevate the frontcourt. Reese joins a frontcourt that already features Jones, Hillmon, and the versatile Sika Koné.
Also making their mark on the opening-night roster are:
- Te-Hina Paopao, the dynamic guard coming off an impressive rookie season and continuing to develop within Smesko’s up-tempo system.
- Isobel Borlase, the WNBL MVP from Australia, who brings international scoring punch and versatility to the backcourt.
- 2026 draftees Madina Okot (6-6 center) and Indya Nivar (guard), both of whom impressed during training camp with their size, athleticism, and defensive intensity.
Rounding out the group is rookie guard Holly Winterburn, who earned her spot on the roster with strong play in camp.
Full 2026 Atlanta Dream Roster
# Player Position Height Experience College / Country 15 Allisha Gray G 6-0 9 South Carolina 5 Angel Reese F 6-4 2 LSU 42 Brionna Jones F 6-3 9 Maryland 7 Holly Winterburn G 5-11 Rookie England 21 Indya Nivar G 5-10 Rookie North Carolina 20 Isobel Borlase G 5-11 Rookie Australia 3 Jordin Canada G 5-6 8 UCLA 11 Madina Okot C 6-6 Rookie South Carolina 00 Naz Hillmon F 6-2 4 Michigan 10 Rhyne Howard G 6-2 4 Kentucky 23 Sika Koné F 6-3 3 Spain / Mali 2 Te-Hina Paopao G 5-9 1 South Carolina Early Buzz and Sharp Predictions
The roster announcement generated immediate buzz across Atlanta sports circles. Local outlet ATL Sports Zone accurately forecasted several of the final cuts and additions, including the inclusion of Holly Winterburn over fellow training-camp standout Taylor Thierry — a call the site made earlier this week as the final roster spots came down to the wire.
With training camp now complete, the Dream enter the 2026 season with a deep, balanced roster featuring 12 All-Star selections across the group and a clear identity on both ends of the floor.
2026 Season Outlook
Atlanta will open its home schedule on May 17 against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena. After a historic 2025 that saw the franchise take major strides, expectations are higher than ever in 2026.
The blend of veteran continuity, star talent in Reese, international flair in Borlase, and promising young pieces has Atlanta fans optimistic that this could be the year the Dream finally break through.
Stay locked in with ATL Sports Zone for full season coverage, in-depth analysis, and more as the 2026 WNBA season tips off.
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The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs has revealed the official artwork for the 49th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, and it’s a vibrant, motion-filled tribute to the city’s rhythmic soul.
Created by Atlanta-based illustrator and designer George F. Baker III (known as GFB3), the piece titled Spirit of Atlanta will appear on the festival poster and commemorative T-shirts, available for sale at the event.
George F. Baker’s Spirit of Atlanta Chosen for Jazz Fest
Baker’s design bursts with golden yellow tones that draw the eye across a lively tapestry of musicians, instruments, speakers, and Atlanta cityscapes. Every character appears caught mid-motion—inviting viewers to mentally complete the swing, step, or riff.
One striking detail shows a woman treating the skyline as her drum kit, while the central figure is modeled after Atlanta creative Plewto Smith, whose boundless energy and inclusive vibe embody what makes the city special.
“I wanted to showcase the dynamic of how a combination of people, music and energy can uplift the SPIRIT of the city of Atlanta,” Baker said. “What makes Atlanta interesting is the varied tapestry of cultures that come together to create a special sauce you can’t get anywhere else!” He noted that the piece feels “pulsating with the energy of the city,” and he tied its improvisational flow directly to jazz itself: “Jazz as a whole teaches you to keep playing, and you’ll find your rhythm. A lesson I try to take into the art I create every day.”
Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, praised the work as a perfect representation of the festival’s heart: “This piece represents the heartbeat of Atlanta. It captures the spirit of the festival and the cultural legacy that makes this city a global center for music and creativity.”
The free, public Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25, 2026.
Founded in 1978 by Mayor Maynard Jackson as the “Atlanta Free Jazz Festival,” the event has long championed jazz as America’s original art form while ensuring broad access to world-class music and culture for residents and visitors alike.
A Tradition of Powerful Visual Storytelling
This year’s commission continues a cherished Atlanta Jazz Festival tradition: each year the Mayor’s Office selects a distinctive artist—often a local or Black artist with deep ties to the city or jazz—to create signature artwork that becomes the visual identity for posters, T-shirts, and promotional materials.
The goal is to capture not just the sound of jazz but the lived spirit of Atlanta through visual art.
Recent examples include:
- 2025 (48th Annual): Vernicia Respres’ colorful Streetlight Jazz, which spotlighted a saxophonist bathed in dramatic light to evoke the electric energy of live performances. Respres, founder of the inclusive BRUSHED art studio and gallery, has long used her work to expand access to the arts in underserved communities.
- 2024 (47th Annual): Najee Dorsey’s mixed-media collage Two Generations, showing a father and son sharing a quiet, meaningful moment. Dorsey, known for chronicling African American life in the South through nostalgic and historical scenes, described his practice as preserving “stories untold” that might otherwise be forgotten.
- 2014 (37th Annual): The festival honored legendary artist Romare Bearden with his jazz-inspired collage Bopping at Birdland (also known as Walking Bass). Bearden’s improvisational photomontage technique—layering fragments of paper, fabric, and photos—mirrored the spontaneous spirit of jazz, a connection he explored deeply in both his art and writings.
From Bearden’s historic collages to the vibrant, community-rooted works of recent Atlanta artists, the festival’s signature artworks have consistently celebrated Black creativity, cultural fusion, intergenerational bonds, and the city’s unique “special sauce.
Baker’s Spirit of Atlanta carries that legacy forward, reminding everyone why the Atlanta Jazz Festival remains one of the city’s most beloved summer traditions.
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The Historic Sweet Auburn District pulsed with energy this Mother’s Day weekend as the 40th Annual Sweet Auburn Springfest drew thousands of families, music fans, and community supporters for two days of free, vibrant celebration.
Sweet Auburn Springfest 2026 promises to be one of the best festivals in Atlanta this year.
When Is the 2026 Sweet Auburn Springfest?
Held May 9–10, 2026, along John Wesley Dobbs Avenue and surrounding streets in the Sweet Auburn Historic District, the milestone event solidified its place as Atlanta’s largest free multicultural outdoor festival.
Organizers from the Spirit of Sweet Auburn (SOSA) transformed the historic corridor — famously tied to the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s upbringing — into a vibrant celebration of Black culture, entrepreneurship, and community pride.
Event Highlights and Festivities
Attendees enjoyed continuous live music across multiple stages featuring everything from hip-hop and R&B to jazz and gospel. Local and regional artists kept the energy high, while dance battles — including the popular “New vs. Old” showdown — had crowds cheering and participating.
Family-friendly activities were a major draw. A dedicated kids’ zone offered games and interactive experiences, while history tours, art showcases, and cultural performances highlighted the district’s rich legacy. Vendors lined the streets with Southern classics, international flavors, handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry, and more.
Special touches honored mothers in attendance, including rose giveaways and community-focused surprises. Organizers also teased larger giveaways and social media challenges to keep the festive spirit engaging throughout the weekend.
The event ran:
- Saturday, May 10: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday, May 11: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Admission was free, with street closures in place and MARTA access encouraged for easy arrival.
A Legacy of Community and Revitalization
Sweet Auburn Springfest continues to play a key role in shining a spotlight on the historic district, aiming to restore Auburn Avenue’s prominence as a world-class destination. The festival supports local small businesses, vendors, and artists while fostering a sense of reunion — often described by participants as “the largest family reunion in the world.”
This year’s gathering built on nearly four decades of tradition, drawing diverse crowds from across Atlanta and beyond to celebrate resilience, creativity, and shared heritage in one of the city’s most significant neighborhoods.
Want more outdoor fun? Read our Best Atlanta Festival Guide.
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Reality TV icon Nene Leakes is back in familiar territory when it comes to her love life. According to a new report from TMZ, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star has ended her brief romance with Memphis attorney Arthur Horne III and has rekindled her relationship with longtime love interest Nyonisela Sioh.
Nene Leakes’ On-Again, Off-Again Romance Heats Up Again — Memphis Lawyer Fling Officially Over
The news comes just weeks after Nene was spotted out with the attorney, sparking headlines and fan speculation about a new chapter. That sighting — which included a now-viral video of the pair looking cozy — appears to have been short-lived.
Nene Leakes and Nyonisela Sioh Are Back
Sources close to the situation told TMZ that Nene and Arthur only went on a handful of dates over a two- to three-week period. Arthur himself confirmed the fling was casual, describing Nene as “a phenomenal, fantastic woman” and “a lot of fun to be around,” but stressing they were never in a serious relationship.
Meanwhile, insiders say Nene has quietly circled back to Nyonisela Sioh — the man she has dated on and off since 2021. The pair were last publicly linked in fall 2025, and according to TMZ’s sources, they never fully broke up in the first place. Their relationship has reportedly remained complicated, with no exclusive label ever placed on it.
The rekindling shouldn’t come as a total surprise to longtime RHOA fans. Nene and Nyonisela’s romance has been a roller coaster for years, filled with public ups and downs that often played out both on and off the show. Now, it seems the spring season has brought them back together once more.
TMZ reached out to representatives for both Nene and Nyonisela but had not received comment at the time of publication.
The update was first highlighted by reality TV commentator @JaysRealityBlog, who shared the TMZ story alongside a photo and a callback to the earlier sighting of Nene with her short-term flame. The post quickly drew reactions from fans, with many commenting on the “exhausting” back-and-forth and joking that Nyonisela must be tired of the cycle.
For now, it looks like Nene is choosing the path she knows best — returning to the man who’s been part of her story for half a decade. Whether this round sticks or becomes another chapter in their long-running saga remains to be seen.
Stay tuned — with RHOA always lurking in the background, this love story could be headed for the small screen next.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Bravo makes space for the queen who helped put Atlanta on the reality TV map.
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Institutional investors own about 72,000 single-family homes in metro Atlanta—more than double any other U.S. metropolitan area.
A recent report from the Washington, D.C.-based American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), titled “The New Rent Seekers: How Atlanta Became Ground Zero for Wall Street Single-Family Rentals, and What to Do About It,” details how metro Atlanta became the epicenter of corporate ownership of single-family homes and examines its effects on housing affordability, homeownership rates, and communities.
Corporate-Owned Homes: Why Atlanta Became Ground Zero’
The report traces the trend back to the aftermath of the 2008 Great Financial Crisis.
Atlanta was hit particularly hard: home prices dropped sharply (17.7% in 2012, the largest decline nationally), leading to widespread foreclosures. Banks seized more homes in the Atlanta area than anywhere else in the country at one point.
Federal policies played a key role in enabling institutional investors:
- Support for bulk purchases of foreclosed homes by large firms rather than widespread mortgage modifications.
- Tightened lending standards that limited competition from individual buyers.
- Weak local tenant protections in Georgia, including swift evictions and limited habitability standards (updated only recently), which lowered risks for absentee corporate landlords.
Institutional investors snapped up homes at discounts, often paying cash, and turned them into rentals.
Three major corporations now control nearly 20,000 homes in the metro area, and seven firms own over 51,000 using various corporate aliases. In some neighborhoods and counties, large investors own a majority or up to 80% of single-family rentals.
Institutional ownership accounts for roughly 30% of metro Atlanta’s single-family rental stock—about 10 times the national average.
Build-to-Rent: The Next Frontier
The trend has evolved beyond buying existing homes. Atlanta has become a testing ground for “build-to-rent” (BTR) communities, where homes are constructed specifically as investor-owned rentals and never intended for individual purchase.
The region saw over 3,000 BTR units delivered in 2024 and ranks high nationally in BTR construction.
Entire neighborhoods, such as parts of McDonough and South Fulton’s Parkview Estates, now feature blocks of rental homes owned by large firms.
Impacts on Families and Housing
The AELP report argues that this shift has:
- Raised home prices and reduced homeownership — Contributing to as much as 25% of the decline in homeownership rates in Atlanta post-crisis. It estimates Georgia families lost about $5 billion in home equity, with Black homebuyers bearing roughly $3.5 billion of that loss.
- Affected tenants — With reports of rent hikes, poorer maintenance, and higher eviction rates compared to smaller landlords.
- Worsened affordability — Even as Atlanta’s prices look moderate nationally, they have outpaced local income growth more than in peer regions.
Proponents, including the National Rental Home Council, counter that these homes add needed supply and that restricting investor activity could reduce new housing construction. They emphasize that most single-family rentals (over 90%) remain owned by “mom-and-pop” landlords.
Policy Responses
The report comes amid federal debates over housing legislation.
The bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which recently passed the Senate, includes provisions to limit large-scale institutional ownership of single-family homes, including build-to-rent models. Georgia Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff have supported efforts to curb corporate ownership.
Earlier executive actions and proposals under President Trump also addressed investor-owned homes.
Laurel Kilgour, the report’s author and AELP research manager, described Atlanta as a “guinea pig” for a model Wall Street hopes to scale nationwide. She warned that without intervention, more families could face a rental-only American Dream.
As housing shortages persist nationally, Atlanta’s experience offers a cautionary case study on the long-term effects of large-scale financialization of single-family housing.
The debate continues on balancing investment, supply, and accessibility for ordinary families.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
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In a recent interview, Real Housewives mastermind Andy Cohen addressed the buzz surrounding NeNe Leakes’ surprise appearance on Ultimate Girls Trip and whether it signals a potential return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
NeNe, a founding cast member and one of the most iconic figures in the Housewives franchise, has had a complicated history with Bravo in recent years, including a high-profile lawsuit against the network. During the conversation, Cohen was asked why the network would bring her back for the Ultimate Girls Trip special despite the past legal drama.
Nene Leakes’ return to RHOA: What Andy Says
“We are celebrating 20 years of the Housewives,” Cohen explained. “I can’t speak to that lawsuit, but it’s in the past. She was integral to the show and its success. As we looked back on 20 years, it felt like doing something with her would be really nice for the fans, and she really wanted to do it. It was very positive.”
The appearance has naturally sparked speculation among fans about whether this is a stepping stone to a full-time return to RHOA. Cohen was direct when asked if the special was a “foot in the door” for NeNe’s comeback.
“You know what? We’ve worked so hard to get a cast on Atlanta that is cohesive and makes sense and that we love and the fans love,” he said. “We want to be at the level that Atlanta used to be, and we are finally there. That’s what I’m focusing on right now.”
Cohen’s comments strike a careful balance—celebrating NeNe’s contributions to the franchise’s legacy while emphasizing the current focus on the existing RHOA cast. The 20th anniversary celebrations appear to be about honoring history and giving fans nostalgic moments without committing to major cast shake-ups.
NeNe Leakes helped put Real Housewives of Atlanta on the map with her larger-than-life personality, memorable one-liners, and unfiltered drama during her many seasons on the show. Her departure and subsequent legal battles created headlines, but her influence on the series remains undeniable.
Whether this Ultimate Girls Trip appearance remains a one-off celebration or plants the seeds for something more, fans are sure to be watching closely. For now, Andy Cohen seems content keeping the current Atlanta ensemble intact while tipping his hat to the franchise’s trailblazers.
Only time will tell if NeNe will once again be “gone with the wind… fabulous” on RHOA.
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Atlanta teachers, it’s your week! National Teacher Appreciation Week runs May 4–8, 2026, and local restaurants and national chains with plenty of Atlanta locations are rolling out discounts, free meals, and specials to say thank you.
Always bring a valid school ID, check with specific locations (participation can vary by franchise), and call ahead to confirm details. For larger and longer deals, check out our Atlanta Food Specials Guide.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2026: Atlanta Deals & Freebies
Here’s a roundup of standout food deals available this week in the Atlanta area:
Chick-fil-A (Atlanta HQ favorite)
Many participating Chick-fil-A locations are offering teachers a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich or similar item (like Chick-n-Minis or 8-count Nuggets) on Tuesday, May 5 (or throughout the week—varies by store). Show your school ID. Check your nearest location via their social media or by calling, as offers are franchise-specific.
Applebee’s
From May 4–8, enjoy a free appetizer or dessert (up to $12 value) with the purchase of an entrée at participating locations. Flynn-operated spots in Georgia often participate. A BOGO entrée voucher for later use may also be available at select spots.
Buffalo Wild Wings
20% off dine-in orders for teachers and school staff showing a valid school ID, available through May 10 at Atlanta-area locations.
McAlister’s Deli
Free 32 oz tea (sweet or unsweet) with educator ID at participating locations from May 4–8. Perfect for those long planning periods.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
On May 6, get a free Bagel & Shmear of your choice with any purchase when you show your teacher or nurse ID.
Chipotle
Enter for a chance to win one of 100,000 free burrito e-gift cards through May 12 via Chipotle’s Teacher Thanks site. Winners are selected randomly—worth a quick entry!
More Notable Deals Across Atlanta Chains
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: 15% off all orders May 4–8 with valid school ID (nationwide, including Atlanta spots).
- Capriotti’s: 20% off in-store orders through May 12.
- Potbelly: Free cookie or regular fountain drink with any entrée purchase (May 4–12).
- Whataburger: Free breakfast menu item (e.g., Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit) on Thursday, May 7, from 5–9 a.m. with school ID.
- Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and similar spots: Often 15% off—check local listings.
Local favorites and independents may have unlisted specials—follow Atlanta spots on social media or check apps like Atlanta on the Cheap for updates.65
Pro Tips for Atlanta Teachers:
- Deals are first-come, first-served and often limited to one per teacher.
- Some require dine-in; others work for takeout.
- Verify via restaurant apps/websites, as offers can change.
A huge thank you to all Atlanta educators for shaping the next generation. Grab a well-deserved meal this week—you’ve earned it! If your favorite spot has a deal we missed, drop it in the comments.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for more local events and savings.
