In this final episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Go Atlanta podcast, AJC’s Bo Emerson catches up with riverkeeper Sally Bethea as she reflects on her 20 years of river conservation stories. You’ll also hear how new laws have put a damper on drag shows across the country and what drag performers in Atlanta are doing about it.   As expected in last week’s episode, SAG-AFTRA union members are walking the picket lines, largely shutting down film and TV production in the United States. Shane Harrison talks about the strike rally held by hundreds of Atlanta actors at a Forest Park union hall.   Ligaya Figueras talks about the Michelin rating system adding Atlanta to its coverage list and what it means for local restaurants and diners. Plus, hear about a butter breakthrough, as Ligaya tells you about a woman who preaches the gospel of butter and has invented the best-selling butter dish in the United States. She also shares all the latest restaurant openings and a look at what’s to come.   Thanks for joining us on Go Atlanta. It’s been a pleasure.     Links to today’s topics: Keeping the Chattahoochee: Reviving and Defending a Great Southern River Hundreds of Atlanta actors hold strike rally For good or bad, Atlanta is about to become a Michelin city America’s #1 selling butter dish Anti-drag backlash: ‘Things are going backwards’ Lil Baby opens seafood restaurant Higher Taste opens in Little Five Points Breaker Breaker opening on Eastside BeltLine Atlanta restaurant bog Atlanta Open Atlanta Ice Cream Festival Tomato Feast at La Tavola Great Tasting Westside Meet our pet of the week at Fulton County Animal Services     Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s newest podcast, Go Atlanta, The AJC’s Olivia Wakim talks about the audience’s reaction when Tom Cruise greeted the audience at Tuesday night’s “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” screening. Meanwhile, a possible historic double strike is looming. Hear how the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike could effectively shut down the U.S. television and film industries and what kind of impact this could have on Georgia’s movie and TV industry. Rodney Ho has news about a pillar of 99X who is back on the air, completing the radio station’s new lineup. And Rodney meets with two comedians, Leanne Morgan who was in town to film a movie with Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, and Lisa Ann Walter who stars in the ABC show “Abbott Elementary.” Ligaya Figueras talks about the prestigious restaurant rating system that will now include Atlanta. She also tells you about this week’s restaurant reviews, new openings, and recent closures. Links to today’s topics: Tom Cruise surprises Atlanta fans at ‘Mission: Impossible 7′ screening What to know about the looming SAG-AFTRA strike, its impact on Hollywood Steve Craig joins 99X after 15-year absence as mid-day host Lisa Ann Walter almost moved to Atlanta, then ‘Abbott Elementary’ happened Kim Zolciak, Kroy Biermann call off divorce proceedings Leanne Morgan on selling out the Fox, shooting her first movie in Atlanta Michelin guide restaurant rating system arrives in Atlanta Atlanta Restaurant Scene Tomato Feast at La Tavola Melissa Villasenor of SNL fame at City Winery Boy George & Culture Club - The Letting It Go Show Meet Luna, Go Atlanta’s pet of the week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you grew up in Atlanta, you may remember the children’s TV show, “Officer Don and The Popeye Club”. In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s newest podcast, Go Atlanta, we remember the iconic host, Don Kennedy, who passed away at the age of 93.   Rodney Ho has the latest on the changes at Turner Classic Movies and the commitment Warner Bros. Discovery are making to the network. Plus, hear about the CNN show, "See It Loud: The History of Black Television" featuring AJC’s Ernie Suggs and Rodney Ho.   Ligaya Figueras has new restaurant openings, including the plant-based restaurant Planta, now open in Krog Street Market and the Formula One-themed Dryver Bar in Buckhead.  Ligaya will also introduce you to Aaron Harris, the owner of Molino Tortilleria which specializes in heirloom and organic corn products.     Links to today’s topics: Molino Tortilleria ‘Officer Don’ Kennedy, Atlanta children’s show host, dies at 93 TCM bosses promise commitment to the network after big cutbacks Plant-based restaurant Planta now open in Krog Street Market Formula One-themed Dryver Bar opens in Buckhead Mother-and-daughter Rita and Brittany Campos have opened The Dirty Tea See It Loud: The History of Black Television “Wicked” at the Fox Theatre Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Revs & Riff with Andy Grammer Jollof Festival AJC: July food and drink events Fulton County Animal Services Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and follow the new Go Atlanta podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not too early to start thinking about your Independence Day plans. In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s newest podcast, Go Atlanta, hear about events, parades, and celebrations starting as early as this weekend.   Hear about the amazing career of ‘The Migrant Chef’ who is famous in Mexico after being deported from Atlanta.   Rodney Ho talks about Dunwoody’s own Ryan Seacrest being named successor to Pat Sajak as host of Wheel of Fortune. Plus, hear why Disney Immersive abruptly shut down after nearly a month of operation. And with all the management cuts at Turner Classic Movies, is it a sign a bad things to come?   Americans will consume 150-million hotdogs on the 4th of July. Since we’re in the heart of hot dog season, Ligaya Figueras has put together her hot dog roundup which you can find on AJC.com. She also has a list of new restaurant openings that you’ll want to check out this week.      Links to today’s topics:   Atlanta’s Ryan Seacrest takes over for Pat Sajak as ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Deported from Atlanta, ‘The Migrant Chef’ now famous in Mexico Disney Immersive in Atlanta abruptly shuts down Are management cuts at Turner Classic Movies a sign of bad things to come? Atlanta Restaurant Scene INTERVIEW: Barenaked Ladies’ Tyler Stewart on sex appeal, the Beatles, more 50 Years of Hip-Hop: The maturation of Atlanta ‘Mayor’ Jermaine Dupri Shawn Mullins Benefit Concert for Hero Dog Rescue Belinda Carlisle at The Fred Circus Vazquez at Plaza Fiesta LifeLine Animal Project      Go Atlanta is supported by SMARTBOX Moving and Storage. Use promo code SBXATL20 to get 20 dollars off your booking.    Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Listen and follow the new Go Atlanta podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Go Atlanta podcast, Ligaya Figueras takes you to Georgia’s newest luxury hotel, which is in a town most people have never heard of.  AJC reporter Bo Emerson will discuss the changes coming to the leadership of the Alliance Theater.  And Yvonne Zusel will introduce you to Buckhead’s newest Japanese Steakhouse.  Go Atlanta is supported by SMARTBOX Moving and Storage. Use promo code SBXATL20 to get 20 dollars off your booking.  Links to today’s topics: Alliance Theatre makes historic announcement with two artistic directors The gift of a grandfather’s mandolin brings happiness and trouble EXCLUSIVE: Staplehouse team partners with ranch owners for luxury retreat in rural Georgia Prefecture Japanese Steakhouse to open next week in Buckhead Sip Restaurant to take over former Babette’s Cafe space in Virginia-Highland Doc Chey’s in Grant Park to be replaced by Chef Wang’s  Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.  Listen and subscribe to the new Go Atlanta podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s newest podcast, Go Atlanta, Ligaya Figueras has the news about who will soon be occupying the former Cold Beer space on the Eastside BeltLine. Yvonne Zusel has a ton of beer news this week, including the opening of a new brewery in Atlanta coming later this year.   Atlanta’s own Killer Mike has a new album coming out this week. It’s his first solo album in over a decade.   Plus, hear a review of Best Sandwich Shop, the latest takeout review from AJC’s Bob Townsend. And, a new taco concept opening in East Atlanta’s Southern Feedstore.    Links to today’s topics: Veteran broadcaster Monica Pearson joins AJC with new video program Former Cold Beer space on the Beltline to become the Baxter Anderby Brewing and Distilling closing in Peachtree Corners Butaco opens tomorrow as a stall in East Atlanta’s Southern Feedstore Forum Cocktail Co. opens at The Works Duran Duran at State Farm Arena Real Life with Nedra Rhone Taste On the Square Atlanta Summer Beer Festival LifeLine Animal Project     Go Atlanta is supported by SMARTBOX Moving and Storage. Use promo code SBXATL20 to get 20 dollars off your booking.    Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Listen and subscribe to the new Go Atlanta podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s newest podcast, Go Atlanta, Entertainment reporter Rodney Ho explains the ouster of CNN chief Chris Licht after a brief and rocky run at the 24-hour news network. Plus, and update on the recently vandalized Jurassic World’s planned reopening, and where things stand with the writers strike. Rodney also sits down with two actors and the director for the upcoming “Transformers” sequel.   Food, dining, and living editor Ligaya Figueras talks about Atlanta’s own James Beard Award winner, chef Terry Koval of Decatur restaurants the Deer and the Dove and B-Side. Plus, something new coming soon to Pullman Yards, as well as all the food, dining, and restaurant news of the week.   Yvonne Zusel from the food and dining team fills in for Shane Harrison and has the latest news and insight into the Atlanta dining scene as well as an event that mixes art and music in Virginia-Highland.     Links to today’s topics:   Chris Licht stepping down as CNN chief after rocky tenure Atlanta’s ‘Jurassic’ exhibit temporarily closes after being damaged by vandals Atlanta chef Terry Koval wins 2023 James Beard Award Lazy Betty to relocate from Candler Park to former Empire State South space Peachtree City’s Rutledge Wood hosts NBC’s ‘Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge’ Virginia-Highland Summerfest Red Bull BC One Atlanta Cypher Midnight Market ATL LifeLine Community Animal Center     Go Atlanta is supported by SMARTBOX Moving and Storage. Use promo code SBXATL20 to get 20 dollars off your booking.    Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Listen and subscribe to the new Go Atlanta podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The timeless music of Atlanta's Baby Rose charts a course for the future. In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s newest podcast, Go Atlanta, AJC culture reporter DeAsia Paige tells the story of acclaimed up-and-coming Atlanta musician, Baby Rose. DeAsia talks about her newest album and her upcoming show at Terminal West on June 4th.   Atlanta’s newest exhibition, Jurassic World Exhibition, is forced to close due to vandalism. Entertainment reporter Rodney Ho talks about the extent of damage and when the exhibition is expected to reopen. And find out why you’ll see a huge crowd in front of CNN Center Thursday afternoon. Plus, hear Rodney’s interview with T-Boz and Chilli of TLC to talk about their new documentary, “TLC Forever” on Lifetime which chronicles the group’s journey from its humble roots in the early 1990s to current day nostalgia-based touring mode.   Ligaya Figueras has all the latest restaurant and dining news including the opening of Leftie Lee’s in Avondale Estates and Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles in Midtown. How about a 24/7 automated pizza kiosk? Ligaya tells you about her experience at PIzzaForno in Buckhead. Hear about the charcuterie concept, Graze Craze. Plus, a take-out review of Rreal Tacos.   Entertainment editor Shane Harrison checks out The Milk and Cookies Festival, in partnership with RenderATL at Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward on Friday, June 2nd. Plus, he’ll introduce you to Greenie, Go Atlanta’s pet of the week.     Links to today’s topics: The timeless blues of Atlanta’s Baby Rose charts a course for the future Atlanta’s ‘Jurassic’ exhibit temporarily closes after being damaged by vandals Rreal Tacos restaurant review PizzaForno, a 24/7 automated pizza kiosk, is now open in Buckhead Leftie Lee’s opens in Avondale Estates Frazie’s Meat & Market Opens in Atlanta’s Riverside neighborhood Barrio ATL opens in the Cascade Heights neighborhood Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles is set to open in June in Midtown Illycaffe set to open its first Atlanta location at Ford Factory Lofts Tim Hortons is opening a location in Midtown At home with Atlanta chefs series TLC recounts crazy, sexy, cool journey in new Lifetime doc Milk + Cookies Festival Butterfly Festival at the Chattahoochee Nature Center Greenie, our pet of the week   Go Atlanta is supported by SMARTBOX Moving and Storage. Use promo code SBXATL20 to get 20 dollars off your booking.    Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Listen and subscribe to the new Go Atlanta podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s newest podcast, Go Atlanta, we are gearing up for the unofficial start of summer with ways to mark Memorial Day weekend in and around metro Atlanta. We’ll also help you find places to cool off in metro Atlanta pools, water parks, and splash pads. You’ll also hear some great staycation ideas for a a fun summer break.   Entertainment reporter Rodney Ho checks out the all-ages geek culture convention, MomoCon 2023, which is happening now through May 28th. He’ll also talk about the 38-year veteran TV reporter who is retiring from the Atlanta airwaves.   Food and dining editor Ligaya Figueras has a list of food festivals that celebrate the flavors of the South. She has a review of Marcus Bar & Grille and a list of upcoming openings as well as who will be closing their doors. Plus, ideas for fun in the sun along the Georgia coast.   Arts and entertainment editor Shane Harrison has details on The Wurst Weenie Hoedown Ever, and he wants you to meet the playful and friendly Quico, our pet of the week who wants to be your friend for life.   Links to today’s topics: How to mark the Memorial Day weekend in and around metro Atlanta  Cool off in metro Atlanta at pools, water parks, splash pads and more Atlanta Jazz Fest brings classic and soulful sounds to Piedmont Park 20 ways to have fun on your metro Atlanta staycation Dale Russell retiring from Fox 5 I-Team after 38 years EXCLUSIVE: Tara Theatre rises again on May 25 MomoCon 2023 Marcus Bar & Grille opens in Old Fourth Ward Solar-powered bar opens along Westside Beltline Atlanta R&B Wine Food & Music Fest Food festivals celebrate the flavors of the South The Wurst Weenie Hoedown Ever Fundraiser LifeLine Animal Project     Go Atlanta is supported by SMARTBOX Moving and Storage. Use promo code SBXATL20 to get 20 dollars off your booking.    Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Listen and subscribe to the new Go Atlanta podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s newest podcast, Go Atlanta, entertainment reporter Rodney Ho has the latest on the two radio personalities returning to the Atlanta airwaves. He’ll also tell you about Museum of Illusions coming to Atlantic Station this weekend. Plus, the two TV shows airing on TBS that is shot here in Atlanta.   Food, dining, and living editor Ligaya Figueras has a number of new restaurant openings and new additions to the drinking scene for you to check out. She also introduces you to Max Hines, chef and founder of Atlanta pop-up collective Stolen Goods, and Quianah Upton, founder of Nourish Botanica, to talk about Nourish Botanica hosting the Stolen Goods chef collective residency this month.   Editor Shane Harrison looks forward to the return of Music Midtown this fall and Paws Fest this weekend at The Avenue West Cobb. Speaking of paws, Shane will introduce you to Magic Midnight, our pet of the week.   Links to today’s topics:  EXCLUSIVE: Music Midtown returns with Pink, Billie Eilish, Guns N’ Roses Kim ‘The Kimmer’ Peterson gets afternoon gig at Xtra 106.3 99X brings back a name from the early days: Will Pendarvis Nourish Botanica to host Stolen Goods chef collective residency this month Museum of Illusions opens this weekend at Atlantic Station La Panarda opens in Cascade Heights Gocha’s Tapas Bar opens on Campbellton Road Capital Tacos opens brick-and-mortar in Johns Creek A 13-concept food hall is coming to the Mall at Stonecrest Ticonderoga Club reopens in Krog Street Market Melanie Styles to open brewery and taproom in East Point Paws Fest at Avenues at West Cobb Virginia Highland Porchfest   Go Atlanta is supported by SMARTBOX Moving and Storage. Use promo code SBXATL20 to get 20 dollars off your booking.    Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Listen and subscribe to the new Go Atlanta podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices