Traveling is one of the most refreshing activities you can do right now and the Peach State’s largest city is the place to be. Atlanta has many things to do if you’re coming into town.

This article will show you everything you need to know about traveling to Atlanta and:

• What To Do
• Where To Eat
• Where To Party

Atlanta Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go

The first thing you should do when visiting Atlanta is to dress the part. Being located in the Southeast, it can get quite humid in the warmer months. Check our our Atlanta Style Guide on some pointers on what to wear to the ATL.

After you get your threads in order, it’s time hit the big city!

In Atlanta, you’ll notice a lot of trees, hills and beautiful structures. Much of Atlanta’s forward-looking design is due to that relatively recent reconstruction. In the mid-19th Century, superstar architect John C. Portman Jr. was commissioned to design much of the city’s downtown facade.

Portman’s neofuturistic designs are evident on such downtown Atlanta structures as Peachtree Center, -designed Hyatt, Westin, and Marriott hotels.

How To Travel Around Atlanta

If you’re going to the city for any number of days, you’re going to want to know how to get around. There are several options to do that: automobile, MARTA, Uber/Lyft and even via scooter. Let’s go over the most popular transit to and fro Atlanta:

Ride MARTA

MARTA is not only a means of transportation, but it is a destination itself. Numerous stations around the city feature installation art and cool features you won’t find anywhere else. There are also some great restaurants near MARTA.

How To Ride The MARTA Trains System

Ride Around Atlanta Via Scooter

Atlanta’s scooter movement is up and rolling, but local ordinances are still being worked out. When those laws are finalized, many of the scooters are going to be prohibited from certain districts and safety protocols are going to be in place. For now, here are the scooter companies operating in Atlanta:

• Bird Scooters: Perhaps the most dominant electric scooter in Atlanta is Bird. How much does it cost to ride a Bird scooter? A flat fee of $1 to ride the scooter plus 15 cents per minute.
• Lyft Scooters: The ridesharing service began to mobilize its scooters around Atlanta in late 2018. You can especially find them in Midtown Atlanta. How much does it cost to ride a Lyft scooter? One dollar to unlock and 15 cents for each minute you ride.

How To Rent A Bike In Atlanta

If you want to help reduce your carbon footprint, riding a bike around Atlanta is the way to go. The city is serious about bicycles as a major transportation option, too. Atlanta is one of the few cities with a “chief bicycle officer.”

Interested in seeing Atlanta via bike? Here’s where you can rent a bicycle:

• Relay Bike Share: The city of Atlanta’s Bike Share program has three price tiers: $3.50 for pay as you go, $15 for monthly plan and $10 for annual pass.
• Atlanta Bicycle Barn: Located on the Eastside Beltline, this bike shop rents and repairs bikes as well.
• Aztec Cycles: Located in Stone Mountain, Aztec Cycles rents, sells and fixes bikes.
• Cafe+Velo: This local company offfers dutch-style bicycles for daily and weekly rental.
• Caravan: Located at Paris on Ponce, Caravan offers bike rentals at Paris On Ponce.
• Catalyst Sports: This company lets you rent specially designed bikes for the physically challenged.
• Mountain High Outfitters: Located in Ponce City Market, MHO has rentals available for BeltLine riders.

Read our guide on how to explore Atlanta via bicycle.

Take The Atlanta Streetcar

The Streetcar takes riders around downtown Atlanta’s main corridors. It is operated by MARTA and adjusts its running schedule depending on city events. To plan your trip go online or call 404-848-5000 for help and the latest schedule updates.

Ride Uber Or Lyft Around Atlanta

Another easy way to get around the city is to take a Lyft or Uber, which are very popular here.

Haven’t tried ridesharing in Atlanta? Sign up for your first Uber ride in Atlanta.

Uber’s not the only game in town. Sign up for your first Lyft ride in Atlanta.

Atlanta is the state capital of Georgia, so it has tons of monuments and landmarks illustrating its rich history, including its Civil War past, the civil rights movement and more. You’ll get an education as well as fun time at the World of Coke, the Atlanta History Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and massive Georgia Aquarium as these buildings represent what’s best about the city and region.

What Are The Best Times To Travel Through Atlanta?

To avoid the crush of traffic, weekends are generally the best times to travel through the city. However, you need to be aware of big weekend events. If there’s a big football game, festival or concert, traffic could grow to a standstill.

• March-May: Spring activities begin to take off
• June-August: Water sports, summer activities and more
• September-November: Fall events, football season and basketball season begins
• December-February: Winter sports, indoor activities

What To Do In Atlanta

As the “city in the forest,” Atlanta’s canopy may hide its many natural treasures, from beautiful parks to cool landmarks and attractions scattered about. If you want adventure, Atlanta’s got that too! But let’s focus on entertainment.

If the weather is nice, check out our Atlanta Festival Guide for the latest outdoor events.

Apache Cafe

If you want to enjoy one of the city’s musical gems, Apache Cafe is the place to go. Aside from being the venue where India Irie was discovered, patrons will enjoy the daily happy hour, food and drinks. With a weekly schedule of events that features Pangea’s Afrosocial, spoken word, karaoke, art, live music and more, this place is a must-visit.

Red Light Cafe has become a favorite Midtown haunt for those looking for a cool establishment with nightly entertainment, including music, creative dance performances and more. Red Light Cafe is located at 553-1 Amsterdam Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306.

All of the things mentioned here are free, cheap or affordable, which is a necessity down here in the South. Check out all these cool things to get into in Atlanta, Georgia, the city too busy to hate:

Atlanta Botanical Garden

One of the most naturally beautiful spaces in the city, the Atlanta Botanical Garden features 30 acres of plants, statues & fountains with with a conservatory.  High society events like concerts, parties and more take place right here, giving the building a fun, aristocratic flair for the old and new moneyed alike. 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. 

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Atlanta History Center

Housing the city’s preeminent historical archive, the Atlanta History Center sits on 33 acres in the heart of Buckhead. The center features one of the state’s most storied antebellum homes, as well as exhibits, grounds & gardens. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Centennial Olympic Park

The largest park in downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park was birthed for the 1996 Olympics. The park now hosts private events, concerts and is full of serene walking paths and water gardens. During the warm months, bring the kids out to enjoy the Fountain of Rings. Come out at night or on the weekends to see the stars illuminate the site.  265 Park Avenue West, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Got children? Then you’ll love the Children’s Museum of Atlanta in downtown Atlanta. Among the fun things to do here are tons of rides, interactive activities for the whole family and more. The museum features 30,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, including an indoor playground, sand table and more. The museum is appropriate for children ages 2 to 8. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Check out cool things for kids to do in Atlanta.

College Football Hall of Fame

Downtown Atlanta houses the storied halls of the College Football Hall of Fame, which features historical exhibits on famous college football players and coaches. You’ll love the big screen TVs and the indoor football field. Come on out on Saturdays before the big games and indulge in collegiate gridiron greatness. 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Where To Eat In Atlanta

If you pass through Atlanta even for one night, come on an empty stomach. That way, the city’s dining scene will truly fill you up with its diverse culinary cuisine that pays tribute to the South as well as its diverse population.

The best Atlanta restaurants are all conveniently located around downtown or Midtown, so you won’t have to travel far.

Atlanta Has New Orleans-Style Food As Well

You don’t have to go to the bayou to find Cajun-Creole fare every bit as good as Louisiana. Try these eateries on for size. You’ll be back for more.

Try the best Cajun restaurants in Atlanta.

Where Are The Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta?

Collard greens, mashed potatoes, black eye peas, need we continue?

Atlanta has a long tradition of soul food rooted in its antebellum past. Now the city has the most black-owned restaurants of any major city.

Explore the best soul food restaurants in Atlanta.

Looking For The Best Brunches In Atlanta?

Atlanta is many things but one of them is a brunch town. There are several restaurants you should experience for the ambiance, delicious food and exemplary customer service. And don’t forget about the bottomless Mimosas.

Check Out These Brunch Spots In Atlanta.

Atlanta Nightlife

Where To Party

In addition to these everyday spots in Atlanta, the city’s promoters and other organizers are throwing all kinds of parties.

Tongue & Groove, Club Compound, Sutra, Revel, etc. Atlanta is a club town every day of the week, especially on the weekends. But where should you got? Here are the best spots to shake your tailfeather.

Here Are The Best Nightclubs In Atlanta

Atlanta has some of the most notable nightspots in the Southeast. For a good time, you can enjoy music at the city’s top lounges from 5 to 9 p.m. then venture to a club that plays all of the hot tracks from trap music to Afrobeat.

Revel

1778 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, (404) 355-6800

Revel is one of Atlanta’s hottest clubs, catering to the young millennials looking for a respite from the professional world on the weekends. Every Friday and Saturday, it’s ladies free til 12 am with open bar til midnight as well. Come and see Big Tigger x V103 Dj Pnut on the ones and twos.

One Google reviewer says: “This is a world-class first-class venue with an excellent light show and definitely an upscale feel I love the fact that you can run into any and everybody from celebrities athletes to your neighbor.”

Truth Lounge

1100 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (404) 262-7112

Truth Lounge is another club on the well-known party strip Crescent Avenue in Midtown. Known for “Krave Saturdays,” Truth Lounge is also a great happy hour option afterwork.

One Google reviewer says: “Cool spot. Really loud music, maybe too loud. Cool place to bring your friends to dance & smoke a few hookahs(if you’re into that kinda stuff). It can also be a bit crowded.”

Whiskey Blue

3377 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30326, (678) 500-3190Whiskey Blue located in the W Hotel in Buckhead is a cool, hip place for young professionals to gather for an afterwork drink. The rooftop lounge allows you to enjoy a cocktail looking out on the Buckhead skyline. One Google reviewer says: “The staff is always nice. Really good drinks. Beautiful views. It’s a very small lounge so it gets crowded fast. They recently redesigned the interior. This is a great place to visit for a weekend cocktail or beer after work.”

Gold Room

2416 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, (404) 400-5062The Gold Room is a favorite spot for visitors looking to experience some authentic Atlanta nightlife. The place can be a bit smokey at times, but the music is on point.One Google reviewer says: “he DJ was freaking awesome! I wouldn’t go again without a section. You could barely even make way to the bar. Hookah was great. That “body to body” stuff is not the wave anymore. Other than that, two thumbs up!”

Club LaCura Atl

1919 Metropolitan Pkwy SW A, Atlanta, GA 30315, (404) 749-7898

Club LaCura is a vibrant “neighborhood” club catering to Zone 6 on Metropolitan Parkway. The club that brings a lot of med-level rappers and entertainers to rock the crowd. If you’re a fan of underground rappers, LaCura often books those types of artists.One Google reviewer says: “I am from Jacksonville FL was visiting for my Birthday July 7. This place was the Best they showed so much love to a sister in there. I will definitely recommend anyone to celebrate their whatever in Lacura. Thank you to the Beautifull bar tenders, The DJ you sir who had on the black pants and black n white shirt you yeah you with the dreads omg I can’t stop thinking of you and More importantly thank you Mr. Peewee… Love from DUVALLL Baby.” 

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Mansion Elan

 3595 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30319, (404) 997-6901

 Mansion Elan is a relatively new addition to Atlanta’s nightlife, but you should definitely add it to your things to do in Atlanta list. Although they advertise a “free with text” option, it may make you wait in line, but that’s OK. Once inside, you’ll enjoy the vibe.One Google reviewer says: “Music Great !!!!! A mix of sounds Grade equipment you can breathe not a smoke-filled environment….. yeah. The renovations are spectacularly beautiful to any clubs from Vegas to Miami recommend this spots.”

Does Atlanta Have A Good Nightlife?

Atlanta’s nightlife is one of the best you’ll find in the Southeast. With so many clubs to choose from, you’ll no doubt find entertainment you’ll enjoy on a regular basis. Atlanta clubs are popping from Monday through Sunday night, with a variety of artists and themes to satisfy the most casual of night-goers. Here are the best clubs to party at in Atlanta.

Don’t forget to check out the city’s thriving restaurant scene. Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.

Final Word

If you plan to go to a club tonight, remember not to drink and drive. And always be COVID-safe.

Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: 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.

Do you love a good ale or beer? You also may want to visit to a craft brewery in the city. 

Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

• Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
• Really Fun Things To Do With Children In Atlanta
• Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL

It’s been said that searching for jobs can be a full-time job in itself. One way to slim back much of your time and make money is to consider a side hustle.

This article is going to break down some hobbies to turn into side hustles so that you can earn extra income. All you need is a little confidence in yourself and you can make it happen!

How To Turn Your Hobbies Into Side Hustles

Now I want to make this perfectly clear: Nobody’s saying you’ll get rich. And you certainly won’t get rich quick. These hobbies are just ways to earn supplemental income.

What Is A Side Hustle?

First of all, a side hustle is a job that is usually done in your spare time and outside of the traditional 9 to 5 working hours of corporate America.

Many people do side hustles at night or on the weekend. Still, others do side hustles online in their spare time.

1. Drive For Uber or Lyft

One of the easiest ways to make some easy money on the side is to become an Uber and Lyft driver. All you need is a clean driving record and dependable car.

Here is the Uber signup | Here is the Lyft signup

There are other rideshare companies you can work for to like…

• Curb
• Flywheel
• Waave (New York only)
• Wingz

2. Resell Your Clothes On Poshmark

Poshmark is one of the best sites to resell your clothes online. Poshmark takes 20% of your cut though. Watch this Poshmark review to learn more.

In addition to Poshmark, you can sell your items on:

• ThredUp
• Craigslist
• eBay
• Tradesy

Here are some other places you can sell your clothes.

3. Start Blogging

One of the most popular things to do today is blog, so you might as well make some money doing it. All you need to do is come up with a domain name, register it and pick a blogging platform.

The two best blogging platforms are:

1. WordPress
2. Blogger

4. Sell Your Crafts On Etsy

I know you’ve heard of Etsy makers pulling in $30,000 a month selling knitted monkey caps and it sounds easy, but it’s not. You’re going to have to dedicate yourself to spending a lot of time crafting things that people want to buy.

Etsy is just a marketing platform at the end of the day. If you have great product, the sales will come.

Here are some other places you can sell your wares.

5. Rent Your Home On Airbnb

I know, I know. No way, right? There are many people who rent their homes on Airbnb only when they’re going out of town. That way, they make money while they’re enjoying a getaway somewhere spending money.

Before you begin, you’ll need to make sure of a few things like:

• Confirm that your neighborhood allows Airbnb rentals
• Make sure to screen the person before you agree to rent
• Always create a set of house rules to protect your property and the peace of your neighbors

Airbnb is easy to sign up and you can choose the available dates. What’s not to like?

6. Start Babysitting Or Petsitting

If you love babies, perhaps you’re the perfect person to start a small babysitting business. Child care runs into the hundreds of dollars per week for most families.

If you like dogs or cats, you could become a petsitter on the weekends.

Here are the best petsetting sites to get business:

• Rover.com
• DogVacay
• PetSitters.Org
• Fetch Pet Care

7. Become A House Sitter

It may sound strange, but people will pay you good money for you to stay in their homes for an extended weekend. The home sitting market is ripe for more workers.

All you need are some stellar references and some time on your hands. You can advertise on Nextdoor or at your local church.

8. Become A Movie Extra

If you live in a movie city like Atlanta, Charlotte or New Orleans, it’s pretty easy to show up for a casting call. All you have to do is meet the needs of certain films and TV shows and you’re in.

Here are some national databases that hire extras:

• Backstage.com
• AuditionsFree.com
• CentralCasting

Here’s more on how to become a movie or TV extra in Atlanta.

9. Rent Your Home To A Film Production

It’s easier than ever today to rent your home to a movie or TV production. In Atlanta, they use real people’s homes and they let you negotiate what it’s worth to you.

This can work out especially well if you plan on leaving your home for an extended period of time.

10. Become A Virtual Assistant

Working with small companies remotely as a virtual assistant may be the way to go for you. All the terms and payscale is up to you.

These one-person virtual assistant companies make good money by doing clerical or administrative work on a flexible schedule.

Here’s the ultimate guide to becoming a virtual assistant.

11. Do Social Media For A Company

If you’re always on IG or Twitter, you might as well get paid for it. Approach a company and see if they need any “marketing” help on social media.

Before you know it, you could be handling thousand-dollar campaigns and making some of that money for yourself.

Some great social media management platforms include:

• HootSuite
• Loomly
• Buffer
• Monday.com
• Social Pilot

12. Open A Kitchen Pop-up

One Saturday or Sunday, run an ad on Nextdoor or Craigslist that you’re baking pies or making your favorite recipe. This kitchen pop-up can be a one-time thing that people will come to try.

You can charge $10 a plate and sell until you run out. Who knows? You might be the next Paula Deen!

13. Become A Photographer

Shooting for a living takes great training, expensive equipment and a lot of time and money. I’m not talking about shooting weddings or documentaries.

I’m talking about approaching real estate companies and asking to shoot homes and commercial properties. These companies need great photos to advertise real estate.

Here’s how to turn your old photos into cash money.

14. Become An English Tutor

One job that you can do online is to teach English to foreign students. There are many websites that facilitate this by means of education programs.

All you really need is a computer, a firm grasp of the English language — and a lot of patience!

Here are some of the top online companies to work for that specialize in hiring English tutors:

1. Skooli
2. PrePly
3. VIPKid
4. Cambly
5. DaDa
6. QKids
7. iTutorGroup

15. Delivery Food & Groceries

If you have a car and a phone, you can sign up to work for Instacart, Grubhub or DoorDash to deliver food to homes and businesses.

You can work for one of them are all three, if you have the time. The best thing about these types of jobs is that they’re flexible.

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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.

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.

All eyes were on a Fulton County courtroom on Thursday, Feb. 16, as a judge is commenced a hearing to determine whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be removed from the election interference indictment case.

Willis took the stand after Nathan Wade, whom she hired and admitted to having a personal relationship with, detailed his spending when the two were together on trips here and abroad.

Willie also testified under oath, openly sparring with defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant.

At one point, Willis said that she couldn’t wait to testify, “so I ran to the courtroom.”

Willis: ‘You Think I’m on Trial’

She also scolded Merchant on several occasions, telling her at one point, “You think I’m on trial. These people are on trial for trying to steal an election in 2020,” she said, gesturing toward the attorneys representing defendants in the criminal case. “I’m not on trial, no matter how hard you try to put me on trial.”

She later accused Merchant of being “intrusive.”

Political pundits are watching the case closely as Willis has had to defend her name more than once from allegations of impropriety after taking on presumptive Republican candidate for president.

In 2021, shortly after assuming office as district attorney, Willis launched an investigation into former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants for potential election interference.

A year later, in 2022, Willis successfully petitioned for the impaneling of a special purpose grand jury to further investigate the matter. The grand jury’s proceedings commenced in May and concluded in December of the same year.

Thursday’s hearing has been extended into Friday and will determine whether Willis and her office can continue to prosecute the case. Co-defendant Michael Roman and his legal team have claimed in court filings that Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade had an inappropriate relationship before Wade was hired.

In response, Willis and Wade acknowledged a personal relationship but stated that there is no conflict of interest and it began after he was hired and did not lead to any financial advantages.

Willis stuck to her story that the hiring of Wade was done because he is a consummate professional and nothing else.

Earlier in the day, when Wade was on the stand,

Nathan Wade said his romantic relationship with Willis ended around June 2023 but that they remain friends. “We’re very good friends,” Wade said under questioning from a Trump attorney. “Probably closer than ever because of these attacks.”

That statement and timeline was contradicted by Robin Yeartie, a former friend and employee of Willis, who said that the DA and Wade began their romantic relationship in 2019.

Final Word

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.

Last fall, she wrote a scathing letter to GOP Rep. Jim Jordan in response to his attacks.