Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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Fulton County Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade has dropped out of the election subversion case involving former President Trump and co-defendants.
The development comes after Fulton County Judge McAfee ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had to either recuse herself or remove her lover, Wade, from the Trump case.
Wade released a statement, resigning from the case, saying that, “Seeking justice for the people of Georgia and the United States, and being part of the effort to ensure that the rule of law and democracy are preserved, has been the honor of a lifetime.”
Read the Nathan Wade Resignation Letter Here
Wade was under scrutiny for being a prosecuting attorney in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ case against Trump.
Willis, according to critics, has exposed herself to credible claims about her credibility now that other investigations are underway, including one launched by the Georgia Senate. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp can also step in and investigate Willis if he so desires.
Final Word
And so the case continues, albeit different than how it started.
Willis has inferred that she has had to do her job amid intense pressure on her personal life.
Speaking to a church in January, Willis said that she is far from perfect.
““You cannot expect black women to be perfect. We need to be allowed to stumble. We need grace. We are all sinners,” she said.“We need your prayers, We need to be allowed to stumble. We need grace. With that type of support, we will move mountains and do Jesus’s will — stumbling all of the way!”
We’ll see how the hearing unfolds, but it’s no doubt that Republicans will celebrate if Willis is taken down and Democrats will breathe a sigh of relief if she is found to stay
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The Atlanta housing market is perennially one of the hottest in the nation and this year is no exception. It’s also very expensive compared to the rest of the Southeast.
As you may know from our Atlanta housing market forecast, this year homeowners may face increased home prices, mirroring a national trend. Average home values in the metro Atlanta area are expected to rise by as much as 6%. However, not all locations will experience this trend; depending on the neighborhood, town, village, and subdivision, some homes may see price drops.
Despite this, there are signs of concern in the U.S. housing market, as noted by Realtor.com:
- The number of homes actively for sale has decreased by 2% compared to last year.
- Unsold homes have decreased by 3.7% compared to last year.
- The median price of homes for sale in October 2023 remained stable compared to the same time last year.
- Homes spent an average of 50 days on the market, which is one day shorter than last year and more than two weeks shorter than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why Is the Atlanta Housing Market So High?
There are several reasons why the Atlanta housing market is expensive. Let’s explore a few reasons why:
Low Inventory, High Housing Demand
High demand for housing, driven by factors such as population growth, job opportunities, and low mortgage rates, can lead to higher prices, especially in areas with limited housing supply.
In many parts of the country, there is a shortage of homes for sale, which can drive up prices as buyers compete for available properties.
There’s also the issue of land cost. The cost of land for new construction can be high, particularly in urban areas where space is limited, leading to higher home prices.
Construction Costs
The cost of building materials, labor, and regulatory requirements can make new construction expensive, which can contribute to higher home prices.
Government policies, such as zoning laws and building regulations, can restrict the supply of housing and drive up prices.
Low Interest Rates
When interest rates are low, it can make borrowing for a home more affordable, which can increase demand and lead to higher prices.
Economic factors, such as strong job markets and wage growth, can increase demand for housing and contribute to higher prices.
So what does a prospective homeowner do, knowing that the housing market has basically priced them out? You try to save money.
How To Save Up For a Home
Saving up money for a house requires careful planning and discipline. Here are some steps you can take to save up for your future home:
Set a Savings Goal: Determine how much money you need to save for a down payment and other homebuying costs. This will give you a target to work towards.
- Create a Budget: Review your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back and save more money. Allocate a portion of your income specifically for your house savings goal.
Read our guide on how to save up for a home.
Final Word
Real estate is often seen as a safe investment, leading to increased demand from investors, which can drive up prices.
Overall, a combination of factors, including supply and demand dynamics, construction costs, government policies, and economic factors, can contribute to the high cost of housing in the U.S.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
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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It’s back again! The music, great food and art once again join forces in Atlanta with the Summer Shade Festival at Grant Park. The two-day event is slated for Saturday, August 24th, and Sunday, August 25th, 2024.
The event is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
It will feature outdoor fun, activities for kids and live music and food for all. There will also be a 5K Run for the Park, food trucks and craft bee. This year, you can bike to the festival and park it for free with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Bike Valet.
So, bring your blanket, bring the whole family, but don’t bring any pets, and spend summer’s final weekend at the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival.
Some of the youngest visitors will be able to run and play with abandon at this year’s festival. An extensive lineup of performers, artists, storytellers and musicians will grace the kid’s stage. There will also be craft activities for those who like to keep their hands busy!
The Grant Park Summer Shade Festival will feature music some some of the most notable acts around the United States. While the lineup hasn’t been released just yet, stay with us and check back in this space soon.
Like every year, the festival will kick off early Saturday with the Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K. There will be a tot trot and a stroller race and runners will be awarded by age group. The funds raised will go to support the Grant Park Conservancy.
Explore Atlanta Like Never Before
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Midtown Atlanta often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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There’s a new sports bar in town: 42 Bar and Grill recently opened its doors in the eastside neighborhood of Grant Park in Atlanta.
The new Atlanta restaurant is owned by Belen Getachew, a local restaurateur who also opened an eatery called Vanity.
42 Bar and Grill: What’s On the Menu?
On the menu at 42 Bar and Grill, you’ll find the customary items like wings and steak, but you’ll also find delicious items such as:
- Jerk Salmon Philly
- Oxtail Pizza
- Rasta Pasta
- Lamb Chop Entrée
- Blackened Salmon
- Wings (6 Pieces)
- Salmon Bites
- Nashville Honey Hot Whole Wings (3 Pieces)
42 Bar and Grill boasts a happy hour as well, where customers can enjoy 50% off on appetizers, 50 cents wings and $5 drinks and $3 for domestic beer, to name a few items.
On Wednesdays, guests can get half off wine bottles as well.
Where is 42 Bar and Grill Located?
42 Bar and Grill is located at 327 Memorial Dr. SE Atlanta, Ga. 30312. Here are directions.
The hours for 42 Bar and Grill are:
Sunday 8:00 am – 3:59 am Monday 8:00 am – 3:59 am Tuesday 8:00 am – 3:59 am Wednesday 8:00 am – 3:59 am Thursday 8:00 am – 3:59 am Friday 8:00 am – 3:59 am Saturday 8:00 am – 3:59 Final Word
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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It’s International Women’s Month, which means it’s the perfect time to showcase how Atlanta’s best movers and shakers are women at the top of their games.
You already know that Atlanta is one of the best cities in America when it comes to women-led businesses, but do you know who’s who? To give you a hand, we’ve rounded up some movers and shakers that are doing their thing in Georgia’s largest city.
These Powerful Women Are Making It Happen In Atlanta
The common thread among them all is that they have a passion for what they do and they love them some Atlanta.
They are businesses owners, entrepreneurs, and more. We called them Our Top 5 Movers & Shakers. Let’s meet them.
Summer Jackson-Cole
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
As a Journalist, I’ve learned that everyone has a story! I love what I do because I get to use my creativity to share those stories, provide information to the community and witness historical moments up close. I was inspired to work in communications when I won my first district-wide speech contest at 8-years-old. At that moment, I realized the power of using your voice! When my high school classmates voted me as “Most Likely to Host a Talk Show,” I knew that my future would include lights, camera and action!Finally, What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
May I pick two things? Favorite thing about Atlanta #1: The synergy within the creative community.
Favorite thing about Atlanta #2: The Weather! As a Chicago Girl, I love experiencing all four seasons with milder winters here in the ATL!Keiarra McLean
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Occupation/gig: BloggerWhy do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
I run a rising media platform called FLURRY, which seeks to uplift and highlight POC voices in the creative community. We aim to be a safe space for underrepresented voices, to feel supported and beautiful, angry and sad, + every emotion in between. I was inspired by the talented creatives I started to come across the city of Atlanta.
Finally, What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
My favorite thing about Atlanta is the creative underground scene. Everyone is their own celebrity in Atlanta, and it is beautiful to see!
Make sure you check out flurrylifestyle.com!
Ronnika A. McFall
Hometown: Biloxi, Mississippi
Occupation/gig: Communications and Media Relations SpecialistWhy do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
My passion is very basic. My passion is to help someone else, but in my own special way. I help people through innovative campaigns, I help people by guiding them in their messaging and thoughts. I help people by listening and executing that thought.I think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to have it figured out. If your passion is not figured out, take a step back to notice what you like to do effortlessly. Take away the layers and look at the core thing you enjoy doing. If you like to help people, like me, figure out how you want to help them. I believe if you start there you can begin to develop your path towards success.
Finally, What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
The opportunities here. My journey started in Biloxi, Mississippi. I currently live in Atlanta with my husband of three years. I work as a communicator for the American Red Cross and I currently run my public relations agency part-time. I started my career in marketing and communications right out of college, and I noticed very early that Atlanta was a place full of networking and opportunities. I believe character is built in Atlanta. You learn who you really are, the good and the bad. I realized early in my career that personal branding was important, investing in myself was important, and treating my projects the way I would want my projects to be treated is important. My business grew because of word of mouth and because of that, the opportunities are endless.Jessica ‘Jess’ Davis
Hometown: Stone Mountain, GA
Occupation/gig: Owner/Founder of GameHer, Manager of Youth Basketball Operations, Cleveland CavaliersWhen did you first get into gaming and what was your favorite game?I first got into gaming at an early age with the Nintendo System. My favorite game was Mario Kart now probably NBA 2K
Why do you think women are underrepresented in gaming and what inspired you to create GameHer?I think women are underrepresented because the narrative that is out there is that only guys are into gaming, which is not obviously the case. Seeing the lack of women I played growing up, the creation of GameHer was to create a platform that connected women in gaming together, while also providing clothing that allowed them to be proud of their lifestyle.
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?I’m inspired and love what I do because I’m very passionate about gaming. GameHer allows me to empower other females in gaming and help change the narrative of being such a male dominated industry.
Finally, What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?The chicken wings. You will not find chicken wings anywhere else like you find in the A. I’ve traveled to many states/countries and I make a conscious effort to eat chicken wings everywhere I go. Nothing compares!Y’all, check out, GameHER!Danielle Coke
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Occupation/gig: Illustrator/Social Justice AdvocateWhy do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
I love creating illustrations about hope and justice because I feel the need for both in the world today. With equity, empathy, and anti-racism taking center stage this past year, it’s become important for me to create art that uplifts these ideals while keeping hope and optimism at the center of it all. It’s helped me to process and express myself, while also creating resources and inspiration for others!
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
My favorite thing about Atlanta would have to be the Beltline. It’s like it never ends- there’s always somewhere new to eat and somewhere different to bike!! I also love getting to grab juice from Lucky Lotus or a donut from Five Daughters Bakery at Ponce City Market.
Check out OhHappyDani.com!
How To Support Extraordinary Atlantans Doing Extraordinary Things
If you’re going to support local businesses in Atlanta, the main thing you may want to do is just get out in the community. Go to the maker’s events, drive around the cities and walk in a local park.
The people doing the most extraordinary things are out there being extraordin
If you’re interested in supporting some great places to eat in your local area, here are the best black-owned restaurants in Atlanta.
You also may be interested in the best black farms and farmers in Atlanta. And we can’t forget about the top grocery stores.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Know of a person or business doing it big? Contact CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Lazy Betty is set to open its doors in a newly refurbished place in Midtown Atlanta on March 16, AtlantaFi.com has learned.
Loyal customers have been looking forward to the new digs for the restaurant, which opened in Atlanta’s Candler Park neighborhood in 2019.
Lazy Betty owners Aaron Phillips and Ronald Hsu decided to move the eatery into the space formerly occupied by Empire State South, which closed in March 2023.
Lazy Betty Opening in Midtown
You can expect the same menu items and all the other stuff you love about Lazy Betty, according to a press release announcing the news. What will be new will be the bar menu along with some a la carte menu items.
“Empire State South saw some of the city’s best chefs pass through its kitchen, and we’re honored to carry the torch for such a great culinary space,” Hsu said in a written statement. “While our location will change, our ethos will continue to be the same. We’re excited to invite the community to come together, eat well and live unhurried in the heart of the city.”
The addition to Lazy Betty will give you one more thing to do in Midtown Atlanta.
Where Will Lazy Betty Be Located In Midtown Atlanta?
Lazy Betty is set to open at the location once known as Empire State South. The address is 999 Peachtree St NE Suite #140, Atlanta, GA 30309. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Lazy Betty is among the Midtown Atlanta’s best restaurants.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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BiteLines Atlanta Food Tours has returned to Atlanta’s food scene, having restarted operations on March 2. BiteLines offers interactive culinary tours along with the cutest dog crawl you’ve ever seen on the Atlanta BeltLine.
Since launching in 2019, BiteLines has hosted hundreds of tourists and locals eager to explore Atlanta’s acclaimed food and street art scenes.
When Are BiteLines Atlanta Food Tours?
BiteLines Food and Street Art Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine will take placde every Saturday, providing tour guests with an immersive experience that showcases Atlanta’s diverse food scene and celebrated street art along the Atlanta BeltLine.
Starting at Krog Street Market, tour guests will sample the diverse cuisines that make Atlanta a foodie town, while relaxing over fruit-infused margaritas.
Along the way, a BeltLine expert shares hidden gems and secrets behind the city’s street art, including ties to Hollywood, as well as an overview of the BeltLine and how it is transforming Atlanta.
“The Atlanta BeltLine is reshaping Atlanta, making it a more walkable and desirable city,” said Nicole Gustin, Founder & CEO of BiteLines Atlanta Food Tours. “We love showing off the trail to tourists and metro Atlanta residents by giving them a curated sampling of some of the city’s most popular restaurants, and sharing stories behind the creative street art that earns Atlanta a national reputation.”
What’s Changing
In addition to its flagship tour, BiteLines announces the expansion of Barks and Bites: Doggie Crawl on the Atlanta BeltLine. This one-of-a-kind restaurant crawl for dogs is entering its second year, and will expand to twice a month starting in March.On Barks and Bites, dog-friendly restaurants prepare a gourmet dish for canine customers, while their “paw-rents” get small bites and a craft beer. There is even a special “dog brew” for canines. Pups also go shopping at dog boutiques and take home giveaways from local and national dog brands, including: Piedmont Bark, Brutus Bone Broth, Dulces de Luna, Rubys Rootin Snootin Snuffles, Bees Bark Bar, Woofgang Bakery & Grooming, The Clean Dog and more.
With the expansion of the dog crawl, BiteLines is giving back to the community in 2024. A portion of the crawl’s proceeds each month will go to animal rescue organizations across metro Atlanta, as well as one national organization. Selected charities are:
· March: Paws Atlanta
· April: Furkids
· May: Atlanta Humane Society
· June: Atlanta Lab Rescue
· July: Angels Among Us
· August: none
· September: National Brittany Rescue & Adoption Network
· October: Rescue Me Georgia
· November: LifeLine Animal Project
“We are dog lovers, and that’s why we created this fun restaurant crawl for doggies,” Gustin said. “There is nothing more heartwarming than seeing happy pups bring smiles to the faces of their paw-rents. With the popularity of this event the past year, we are able to expand and give back to our community. We chose these animal rescue organizations because we see how their volunteers work tirelessly to help dogs and cats, and we cannot thank them enough.”
BiteLines Atlanta Food Tours launched in the fall of 2019, just months before the COVID pandemic largely shut down businesses in Atlanta. The company resumed its tours in June 2021. In March 2023, BiteLines rolled out Barks and Bites, a one-of-a-kind restaurant crawl for dogs.
Final Bite
Quiet is kept, some of the best restaurants are on the Beltline, the urban playground that connects many of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods.
Atlanta has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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If you’re ready for a “Sluttified” morning with breakfast, you’ll love the new offerings in store for Atlanta’s favorite vegan burger joint.
Slutty Vegan is launching a breakfast menu at one of its Atlanta locations very soon.
Owner Pinky Cole Hayes shared the news on social media, saying: “Y’all, so I’m about to start Slutty Vegan breakfast starting at my Edgewood location on March 1. Not a lot of vegan breakfast in the city so I’m excited and anxious because it’s a whole new world. Y’all think it’s gon do good? Scratch made vegan buttermilk biscuits is the selling point.”
Vegan buttermilk biscuits from scratch? We’re in?
Since its first brick-and-mortar restaurant opened in Atlanta’s Westview neighborhood opened in 2019, Slutty Vegan has become known for its risque menu items and good food.
The former TV producer made the leap into the food business in 2018 when she started a food truck that sold “vegan junk food.”
Now she’s a multi-millionaire with major expansion plans, including plans to open up scores of Slutty Vegan restaurant locations across the South and Northeast.
Final Word
There are multiple Slutty Vegans in the city, but only one will serve breakfast. If you want to know what’s cooking with Atlanta’s breakfast scene, check out our Atlanta Breakfast Guide.
Atlanta is a foodie paradise, and its festivals are no exception. Each event boasts a distinct culinary identity, from the authentic Mexican cuisine and birria tacos to delicacies you’ll find only along the Buford Highway corridor. Every bite is an explosion of flavor that complements the festive atmosphere.
We invite you to indulge in our Best of Atlanta’s New Restaurants Food E-Book to explore your personal food preferences without having to compromise with others, whether it’s choosing your favorite cuisine or treating yourself to a special meal.
Solo dining can also save you big money as you don’t have to splurge on another person.
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Do you want to eat like the locals eat in Sandy Springs. With the Dine Like a Local program, you can.
If you call yourself a foodie, it’s time to get with the (meal) plan and head to Sandy Springs..
What Is Dine Like a Local?
Dine Like a Local is program design to raise the profiles of some of the best restaurants in Sandy Springs.
Diners can join in on the “feastivities” by signing up online to receive a free Dine Like a Local digital passport which features signature dish recommendations from each participating restaurant
This is Year #2 for Dine Like a Local, which runs from January 2 through March 31.
As you stop by a participating restaurant, make sure you check in for a chance to win an assortment of prize, including weekly restaurant gift card giveaways.
“Sandy Springs has one of the best restaurant scenes in the Metro area,” said Jennifer Cruce, Executive Director at Visit Sandy Springs. “We hope residents and visitors will come out to experience all this great food this city has to offer. I guarantee you’ll be surprised by just how many amazing restaurants reside in Sandy Springs.”
What Are the Participating Restaurants?
Returning restaurants include:
- Banana Leaf Thai + Bar
- Big B’s Fish Joint
- Breadwinner Café
- Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café
- Cubanos ATL
- Food Terminal
- il Giallo Osteria & Bar
- Just Love Coffee Café
- McDaniel’s QN2
- O’Reilly’s Public House
- Sunnyside Pizzeria
- The General Muir
- The Select
- Tre Vele
- Under the Cork Tree
- Baraonda
- Cupanion’s
- Fuego Mundo
- Mutation Brewing Co
- Okiboru
- Ray’s on the River
- SabaRaba’s
- Strive Foods
- Zambawango
Final Bite
Up to 24 restaurants in Sandy Springs, Georgia, are participating in Dine Like a Local, the city’s culinary campaign to promote the best of its restaurants and chefs.
North Fulton County has some great spots to enjoy a meal, including at The Avalon in Alpharetta and in Johns Creek.
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is back in Atlanta from February 13 to 26 across five metro-Atlanta venues. The festival also features a total of 83 screenings in theaters, with select films available to stream from February 27 to March 7.
The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is an annual must-attend event for the city and continues to showcase an exciting and diverse lineup of international and independent cinema.
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2024: Everything You Need To Know
As a sample, here are just some of the films screening at the 2024 AJFF:
- The Plot Against Harry
- Breaking Home Ties
- Call Me Dancer
- Crown Heights
- Home To Come Alive With Norman Mailer
- Occupied City
- Paper Clips
- Rabbi on the Block
- This World Is Not My Own
The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival was founded in 2000 by the Atlanta Regional Office of American Jewish Committee (AJC), which is a nonprofit.
Now let’s get into the complete lineup of films for this year’s Atlanta Jewish Film Festival:
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Full Lineup
The full film lineup and official schedule will be announced i in the near future. For tickets, visit AJFF.org.
The festival has since produced year-round programming, including AJFF Selects, AJFF On Campus, Cinebash, the Icon Award and more.