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Delta Air Lines says it is offering $30,000 to passengers who were aboard a flight that crashed and flipped upside down while landing in Toronto.
The airline made the offer two days after the plane crash-landed a flipped over on the tarmac at Toronto’s airport, injuring more than 20 people.
Offering cash or compensation helps to alleviate customer dissatisfaction due to events like this, including delays, cancellations, or service disruptions. Satisfied customers are more likely to continue using the airline in the future. Will they in this case? Time will tell.
Delta’s CEO is defending the airline as calls grow stronger for him to reveal the experience level of the pilots.
“There is one level of safety at Delta. All these pilots train for these conditions,” said CEO Ed Bastian. “This is what we train for. We train for this continuously.”
How Did the Delta Plane Flip Over?
Federal aviation officials are still investigating what happened when Delta Flight 4819 departed Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on February 17, 2025, carrying 80 passengers and crew.
The Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jet was flying under the Endeavor Air brand as part of a Delta Connection partnership. The jet approached Toronto Pearson International Airport shortly before 3 p.m. local time.
As the plane began its descent, it was alerted air traffic controllers that current wind gusts in the area were up to 40 mph. The pilots responded that their was turbulence in the glide path.
As the plane headed for the runway, the pilots encountered intense crosswinds impacting the jet from the side.
The gusts we’re so strong that the pilots struggled to steady the jet upon descent. Right before touchdown, the plane was walloped with a powerful blast of wind, which tilted the jet sharply to the right.
The aircraft’s right wing bent, causing the plane’s belly to make contact with the runway, creating a stream of sparks.
The impact of the landing ripped the jet’s right wing off, causing the jet to skid out of control and violently flip upside down it’s it came to a stop.
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If you hail a cab north of Atlanta, don’t be surprised if there’s potentially no one in the driver’s seat. As we previously reported, driverless taxis have arrived in metro Atlanta.
May Mobility, a leading autonomous vehicle technology company, has launched its first commercial driverless transportation service in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, just outside Atlanta.
This marks the company’s third driverless deployment in the United States, following successful trials in Sun City, Arizona, and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
May Mobility Driverless Rides Launch In Peachtree Corners
In partnership with Curiosity Lab, T-Mobile, and the City of Peachtree Corners, May Mobility has transitioned its service to fully driverless operations, providing public rides in its autonomous Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles.
The service operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering on-demand rides along Technology Parkway. Passengers can book trips through the May Mobility app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
Edwin Olson, CEO and founder of May Mobility, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “Peachtree Corners will be our third driverless operation, and we are excited to debut our first publicly available driverless service in the City of Peachtree Corners.”
He emphasized the importance of collaborating with cities and communities to address real transportation challenges.
Final Word
Looking ahead, May Mobility is working with the City of Peachtree Corners on future expansions and plans to introduce autonomous vehicles in metro Atlanta in partnership with Lyft later this year. Additional driverless operations in the U.S. are expected to be announced throughout 2025.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
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Southwest Airlines Co. is cutting approximately 1,750 leadership positions in a historic move to reduce expenses, marking the first layoffs in the company’s history.
While it’s too early to tell how many employees at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport will be affected, there is certain to be some.
The reductions, affecting 15% of corporate roles—including senior leadership and directors—will begin in late April and are expected to be largely completed by the end of June, the airline announced Sunday.
“This is a very difficult and monumental shift,” CEO Bob Jordan wrote in a letter to employees. “With the best intentions, the growth of our leadership and noncontract functions have outpaced our operation’s growth for many years.”
The job cuts are part of Southwest’s broader strategy to streamline operations and cut costs, aiming to become a “leaner, faster, and more agile organization,” Jordan said.
The announcement comes just a day before Southwest launches redeye flights, a key component of its Southwest. Even Better. initiative. The new overnight flights are designed to provide customers with more travel options, improve aircraft utilization, and strengthen the airline’s financial standing.
By optimizing fleet efficiency, redeye flights will help free up the equivalent of 18 aircraft, supporting modest capacity growth without requiring additional planes.
Final Thought
Few things can beat traveling with your significant other. Not only is there a sense of safety, but sharing beautiful sights and sounds can bring you closer together.
Traveling with your significant other is the best way to go. Looking for a destination? There are some great cities that you can vacation in for cheap right now.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlantathat are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
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Another stellar hotel is opening its doors in metro Atlanta. The Bell Hotel in downtown Athens, Georgia, recently announced its grand opening on February 11, 2025, following a comprehensive two-year renovation.
Originally built in 1916 for the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Co., this historic building has been transformed into a boutique hotel offering modern luxury while preserving its historic charm.
New Hotel Re-Opening in Athens: The Bell Hotel
The Bell Hotel features eight uniquely designed guest rooms, an expansive four-bedroom suite, elegant common areas, and a panoramic rooftop terrace.
The restoration was led by Atlanta-based developer Brad Foster, philanthropist Marie Brumley Foster, and their sons Nicholas, Drayton, and Ben, in collaboration with Athens-based architectural firm Arcollab.
The project meticulously preserved original architectural elements, including the cast iron stair carriage and balustrade, interior stair handrail, and steel-framed windows. The building’s yellow brick façade with intricate white glazed terra cotta details has been restored to its former glory. A notable addition is the rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of Athens and serving as an ideal space for intimate gatherings and events.
“By pairing the charm of historical architecture with contemporary amenities, The Bell will offer guests a distinctive stay that honors the past and embraces the future,” says Roman Pedan, Founder and CEO of Kasa. “At Kasa, our mission goes beyond providing a place to stay—we aim to curate unique experiences that make guests feel at home anywhere. This project perfectly embodies our commitment to ‘unleash the potential of livable space,’ seamlessly blending the building’s storied past with our proven approach to modern hospitality. We’re excited to welcome The Bell into Kasa’s portfolio and look forward to crafting a destination unlike anything else in Athens.”
The interior design, led by Stacey Kirby of Atlanta-based Seiber Design and Claudia O. Stimmel of Simplicity: A Southern Lifestyle, introduces a vibrant, mid-century modern aesthetic that complements the building’s neoclassical roots. The designers employed a bold color palette, chic furnishings, curated art installations, and statement lighting to create a dynamic interplay of elegance and personality throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guest accommodations.
Where Is the Bell Hotel in Athens?
The Bell Hotel is located at located at 183 West Clayton St. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Upon entering the parlor-style lobby, guests are greeted by black-and-white marble flooring, a polished wood bar, and vibrant banquette seating, creating a warm and inviting communal area. The restored grand staircase, enhanced with a striking black-and-white striped runner, serves as a centerpiece. Artistic touches, including displays of ephemera uncovered during the building’s renovation and a hand-painted vintage telephone mural, offer glimpses into the building’s storied past. An Andy Warhol-inspired elevator interior adds a pop-art twist that surprises and delights guests.
The guest rooms and the third-floor suite exemplify bespoke luxury, blending rich colors, intricate patterned ceilings, modern sculptural lighting, and textural accents to evoke both comfort and sophistication. The bathrooms feature state-of-the-art fixtures and custom high-contrast tilework, enhancing the guest experience.
Final Word
To further enrich The Bell’s narrative, Atlanta-raised and Brooklyn-based illustrator Alex Robitaille was commissioned to create a series of hand-painted gouache-on-gesso portraits. These imaginative artworks bring to life fictional Jazz Age personalities for each room, infusing the property with a sense of whimsy and storytelling that captures the spirit of both its past and present.
Aside the hotels, metro Atlanta has plenty of nice places to stay and numerous cool things to do.
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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The Gathering Spot is planning a second Atlanta location, AtlantaFi.com has confirmed.
The Gathering Spot is opening a new location at The Interlock in West Midtown, Atlanta. The new location will include a rooftop pool, workspaces, and private event spaces.
The space became available after LOA closed down last year atop The Interlock after opening in 2022.
The Gathering Spot, a private membership club with locations in cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., serves as a space for collaboration, networking, and community building.
Features:
- Event space: A flexible space for events like panel discussions, networking events, screenings, shows, corporate functions, and wedding receptions
- Co-working space: A 24/7 space with conference rooms, phone rooms, and private offices
- Restaurant and bar: A full-service restaurant and bar with a chef-curated menu
- Membership perks: Members can bring up to three guests and receive discounts on space bookings
History
The Gathering Spot was founded in Atlanta in 2016 by entrepreneurs Ryan Wilson and T’Keel “TK” Petersen.
The club has since expanded to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Final Word
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 walking along the Beltline or in a local park.
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 thetop 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.
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.
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When considering home renovations, it’s important to recognize that some improvements can significantly enhance your home’s value, while others may not. For instance, installing a swimming pool in a flood-prone area could be detrimental.
Conversely, strategic upgrades like kitchen remodels, bathroom enhancements, or adding energy-efficient features can boost your home’s worth. Thoughtful planning ensures that your investments yield positive returns.
5 Of The Best Home Renovations You Can Make
This article will tell about some of the best home renovations you can make. These renovations come from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
If you’re putting in manufactured stone veneer, you could get just about all of your money back. For other projects, your return will be in the 60-70% range.
Project Job Cost Resale Value Cost Recouped Master Suite Addition (Upscale) $136,739 $80,029 58.5% Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange) $23,452 $18,206 77.6% Siding Replacement (Vinyl) $14,359 $10,731 74.7% Deck Addition (Wood) $14,360 $10,355 72.1% Entry Door Replacement (Steel) $1,881 $1,294 68.8% Check out the whole list from Remodeling Magazine.
Some other ways you can improve the resale value of your home are to do some do-it-yourself projects that don’t take much time and money.
Here are some DIY projects that will improve your home:
- Try some lawn landscaping
- Update your bathroom fixtures
- Update your kitchen fixtures
If you’re still looking for other DIY ideas, look for more Atlantafi.com articles.
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As a major city in the Southeast, Atlanta has benefited from an influx of new employment opportunities, additional residents, and all of that has led to heightened competition for housing.
This increased demand in metro Atlanta has elevated home prices in a competitive real estate market.
A recent report from Realtor.com indicates that Atlanta is among the top real estate markets in America.
To come up with the list of hottest markets, Zillow analyzed the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for the following:
- home value growth
- projected change in owner-occupied households
- job growth compared to new construction
- the speed at which homes are sold
Top Real Estate Markets in America
Based on recent forecasts and analyses, here are the top 25 real estate markets in the United States for 2025:
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL
- Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- El Paso, TX
- Richmond, VA
- Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
- McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
- Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA
- Greensboro-High Point, NC
- Tucson, AZ
- Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX
- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Jacksonville, FL
- Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
- Columbia, SC
- Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Greenville-Anderson, SC
Why Is Atlanta a Top Real Estate Market?
Atlanta is considered a top real estate market due to several factors that have been at play for the last few decades:
Economic Growth: The city’s robust economy, driven by sectors such as information technology, film and television production, and a growing tech industry, attracts businesses and professionals alike. This economic vitality fuels demand for both residential and commercial properties.
Population Influx: Atlanta continues to experience significant population growth, with many individuals relocating to the city for its employment opportunities and vibrant culture. This influx contributes to a strong demand in the housing market.
Affordability: Despite rising home prices, Atlanta maintains a more manageable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities. This relative affordability makes it attractive to both homebuyers and investors.
Rental Market Strength: The city boasts a robust rental market, driven by a transient population and a consistent influx of students and professionals. This dynamic supports strong rental demand, benefiting property investors.
Market Resilience: Atlanta’s housing market has demonstrated resilience, with home prices appreciating at a normalized rate of about 3-6% annually. This steady growth indicates a healthy and stable market.
Final Word
Atlanta has always been a region known for the best real estate markets, with relatively cheap housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
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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Do you love flaky meat pies that are as deliciously authentic as they are irresistible? You need to stop by Heaps Pies in Decatur, a New Zealand-owned business that recently opened its first brick-and-mortar establishment in the Southeast.
Heaps Pies comes to us from the restaurateur Jake Harvey, a New Zealander who moved to New York City in 2018 and delivered his hometown cuisine to the masses. Now, since its opening on January 9, 2025, Atlanta’s has been tasting the goodness.
What’s On the Menu at Heaps Pies?
At Heaps Pies, you’ll find such classics as savory meat pies (try the Beef Brisket Pie or the Chicken Curry) as well as an assortment of thick sandwiches. You can also get a side of fries (try the Brisket and Fries for a filling dish).
Where Is Heaps Pies Located?
Heaps Pies is located at 2752 E Ponce de Leon Ave suite A1, Decatur, GA 30030. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Heaps Pies: “Had a sneak peak of Heaps first physical shop! They are serving up their meat pies and sausage rolls in their own restaurant. I’ve been eating them at farmers markets for years and it’s been incredible to watch them grow. The space is perfect, the staff is lovely, and there’s even benches outside to enjoy the weather with your four-legged friends. I had the brisket jalapeño and the beef and cheddar, both excellent. Love the sweet chili sauce as well! They officially open on the 9th!”
Final Bite
If you’re a fan of crab cakes or even fried fish, Atlanta’s diverse dining scene has just what you need and more. And you can find a new food spot just about every weekend in Atlanta.
Aside from dining at the best new Atlanta restaurants, there are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
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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Boqueria, a new Spain-inspired eatery, recently opened its doors in Midtown Atlanta. The restaurant follows the Spanish tradition of the top tapas bars in Barcelona.
The brand has a foothold in the Northeast, but the Midtown location is the eatery’s first in Georgia.
“We are so excited to have a home in Atlanta and can’t wait to open our doors,” said Restaurateur and founder Yann de Rochefort in a written statement. “The Midtown neighborhood has such great energy that I know will only amplify the Boqueria dining experience. We’re also looking forward to being a part of the Colony Square community and its renowned group of restaurants.”
What’s On the Menu at Boqueria?
Boqueria’s menus include lunch, dinner and brunch as well as an expansive dessert menu. There’s charcuterie as well as the Chef’s Menu, which can feed 39 or as many as 59 people.
Boqueria’s beverage program, curated by Certified Sommelier Lynne White, showcases an all-Spanish wine list with items like Rioja and Albariño and Mencía from Galicia.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Boqueria: “My experience was amazing from the moment I walked in the door! So excited for Boqueria to be open! It was definitely worth the wait. The food was phenomenal and the flavor profiles were top notch!! I can’t wait to gather some friends and return!”
Where Is Boqueria Located?
Boqueria is located at 1221 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30361. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
The best restaurants in Atlanta all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
But 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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Families in Georgia can explore a wide range of K–12 education options at the Atlanta School Choice Expo, hosted by GeorgiaCAN.
This free, family-friendly event will connect parents with representatives from 75 traditional public, public charter, magnet, and private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling options, to help them find the best place for their unique child’s education.
The event will take place on Saturday, January 25, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Loudermilk Conference Center.
Throughout the Loudermilk Conference Center, families will connect with school representatives, ask questions about their programs, and gather information to help make informed decisions about their children’s education for the upcoming school year.
This year, Georgia families have even more options thanks to the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, which introduces a $6,500 scholarship for eligible students starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative expands access to private schools, tutoring, and other specialized programs, making the Atlanta School Choice Expo an excellent opportunity for families to explore these new possibilities and connect directly with educational providers.
“The Atlanta School Choice Expo creates an opportunity for families to explore all their educational options in one place,” said Steven Quinn, state outreach director of GeorgiaCAN. “By bringing together diverse learning providers under one roof, we’re helping ensure every family can find the educational environment that best serves their children.”
The family-friendly event will feature complimentary snacks and activities including photo booths, balloon artists, and music from a DJ.
GeorgiaCAN seeks to identify and advance common-sense policies that put the needs of students first, engaging local stakeholders—from community members to policy makers—to advocate for student success throughout the entire public education system.
The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week 2025, which will feature more than 27,000 events nationwide celebrating educational opportunities from Jan. 26 to Feb.1. The Atlanta School Choice Expo represents one of Georgia’s largest school choice celebrations.
Location Details: The Loudermilk Conference Center is located at 40 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Families can learn more and RSVP for this free event at HERE or HERE.
The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical.
Final Word
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.
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.
