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As Atlantans gear up for holiday shopping, Chef Hector Santiago’s beloved Poncey-Highland gem La Metro is making gifting easy (and delicious) with a new lineup of Spanish-inspired gift baskets packed with premium tinned seafood, pantry staples, and everything needed for an authentic paella night at home.
Starting Friday, November 28, guests can stop by the restaurant at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue to browse and purchase the beautifully curated baskets in person.
Each one showcases Chef Santiago’s personal favorites from Spain and beyond – perfect for the food lover or home cook on your list.
Here are the three gifting options now available:
Tinned Goods & Pantry Basket – $85
A Spanish essentials collection featuring Marcona almonds, cornichons, fig jam, two varieties of crackers, extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, and a trio of premium tinned seafood.Paella Kit Gift Basket – Large $95 | Small $65
Everything needed to host paella night at home. Both sizes include authentic paella rice, house-made paella broth, a traditional paella pan, and tinned octopus. The large version adds gourmet crackers, seaweed tartar, and tuna pâté for extra indulgence.Build-Your-Own Gift Basket – Items $5–$30 each
Create a fully customized gift by mixing and matching from La Metro’s Iberian retail selection, including tinned seafood from acclaimed brands like La Narval, Fishwife, and Porto-Muiños, plus olive oil, olives, crackers, Marcona almonds, cured meats, fruit preserves, and paella kits.“These baskets are a love letter to Spanish cuisine and the products I’m most passionate about,” said Chef Hector Santiago. “Whether you’re treating a paella enthusiast or someone who just loves great tinned fish and snacks, there’s something here that feels special.”
The gift baskets will be on display inside the restaurant and available for purchase during regular business hours starting Black Friday, November 28.
No pre-orders are required – just swing by, pick your favorite (or build your own), and check a few names off your holiday list.
La Metro is located at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, inside Ponce City Market.
Final Word
Atlanta has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year. The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers.
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.
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In a stunning conclusion to one of the most high-profile legal battles ever to grip Fulton County, a state prosecutor has formally dismissed the racketeering charges against former President Donald Trump and his allies for their alleged efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results.
The decision, announced Wednesday, marks the end of a saga that began in Atlanta’s courthouses and jails, drawing national attention while straining local resources and spotlighting the city’s role at the heart of American democracy.
The case, which centered on Trump’s infamous January 2020 phone call pressuring Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” enough votes to secure the state’s electoral votes, was spearheaded by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
Filed on August 14, 2023, the sweeping indictment accused Trump and 18 co-defendants—including former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and attorney Rudy Giuliani—of orchestrating a criminal conspiracy under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to unlawfully alter the election outcome in the Peach State.
End of Trump Case Concludes 2020 Election Legal Saga
For Atlantans, the case became a symbol of the city’s pivotal place in national politics.
Trump himself surrendered at the Fulton County Jail in downtown Atlanta in August 2023, enduring a brief but historic booking process that produced the first-ever mug shot of a U.S. president.
The image, snapped in the very facility that houses thousands of local inmates, went viral and underscored the gritty, real-world implications of federal-level drama playing out in Atlanta’s justice system.
The downfall of the prosecution traces back to turmoil within Willis’s office.
In early 2024, a motion filed by co-defendant Michael Roman exposed Willis’s romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to lead the investigation.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March 2024 that Willis could remain on the case only if Wade resigned—a move he made shortly after.
But the controversy escalated, with a Georgia appeals court disqualifying Willis entirely in December 2024 over the relationship and questions about her prosecutorial conduct.
The Georgia Supreme Court declined to intervene in September, leaving the case in limbo.
Enter Peter Skandalakis, director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, who stepped in as the interim overseer.
In a detailed order released Wednesday, Skandalakis cited a litany of insurmountable hurdles—including constitutional challenges, presidential immunity claims, jurisdictional disputes, and the sheer timeline of a potential trial stretching into 2029 or beyond—as reasons to pull the plug.
“Given the complexity of the legal issues at hand… bringing this case before a jury in 2029, 2030, or even 2031 would be nothing short of a remarkable feat,” Skandalakis wrote.
He emphasized that continuing would impose “undue burden and cost” on the state and specifically on Fulton County taxpayers, whose courts and staff have been tied up in the proceedings for years.
Skandalakis, a former elected official who has run as both a Democrat and Republican, framed his decision as apolitical.
“As a former elected official… this decision is not guided by a desire to advance an agenda but is based on my beliefs and understanding of the law,” he stated. He likened the case to a patient on “life support,” opting against prolonging what he called an unviable path forward. Four defendants, including three attorneys tied to Trump’s post-election efforts, had already pleaded guilty to lesser felony charges in plea deals, but the core RICO allegations against Trump and the remaining co-defendants now evaporate without a trial.
Trump’s lead defense attorney in Georgia, Steve Sadow, hailed the outcome as a victory over “lawfare.”
“This case should never have been brought. A fair and impartial prosecutor has put an end to this political persecution,” Sadow said in a statement.
The dismissal also aligns with the earlier dropping of federal election interference and classified documents cases brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith, leaving Trump free of criminal accountability for his 2020 election challenges.
Locally, the news reverberates through Atlanta’s legal and political circles. Willis, a Democrat elected in 2020 on a promise to tackle high-profile corruption, saw her career trajectory altered by the scandal.
Her removal from the case has fueled debates about prosecutorial ethics and the pressures on Atlanta’s district attorneys, who often juggle national headlines with everyday local crime.
Community advocates worry about the precedent: Does this embolden future election meddling in a battleground state like Georgia, where Atlanta’s diverse electorate played a decisive role in Biden’s narrow 2020 victory?
Fulton County officials have yet to comment on potential resource reallocations, but the end of the case frees up courtrooms and personnel long dedicated to what was once touted as the strongest state-level threat to Trump’s return to power.
As Trump prepares for his second term, Atlantans are left reflecting on a chapter that put their city on the map—and in the mug shot books—forever.
This story will be updated as reactions pour in from local leaders and the Fulton County community.
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The percentage of consumers leaning on restaurants for their Thanksgiving feasts continues to rise year over year, but economic unease has them cutting back on spend whether they are ordering out or cooking at home.
More than half of U.S. consumers (53%) plan to order takeout or delivery from restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, up from 37% in 2024 and 32% in 2023.
Another 5% expect to dine in person at a restaurant on Thanksgiving, on par with last year and below a high of 17% in 2023 as more consumers opt for comforts of home.
Thanksgiving Dinner: Dine In or Out?
That is according to a nationwide study of U.S. consumers, conducted from November 16 to November 17, 2025, by restaurant tech leader Popmenu.
A majority of consumers (59%) plan to reduce their spend on Thanksgiving dinner this year compared to 2024. On average, they expect to spend $165.
What’s behind the shift from home-cooked to restaurant-made?
When asked why they were turning to restaurants for all or part of their Thanksgiving meal, consumers said they want to spend more time celebrating the day, avoid headaches and manage costs.
- 63% want to enjoy the holiday and not worry about cooking
- 40% believe it’s cheaper or costs about the same to buy all the ingredients and cook at home
- 35% don’t want the hassle of buying the ingredients and cooking themselves
- 26% would rather have a professionally cooked meal
- 19% are too busy to prepare a meal or dish
Where are consumers cutting back?
Consumers say they are decreasing their spend on Thanksgiving this year because groceries have become too expensive (69%), their household budget is tighter (58%) or they are being more conservative with finances due to inflation and concerns over the economy (31%).
To manage Thanksgiving expenses, consumers say they are taking the following actions:
- 39% plan to reduce the number of side dishes and desserts they serve
- 33% are celebrating the holiday with fewer people
- 31% are buying less expensive brands of food and beverages
- 29% are asking guests to bring a dish
- 26% are choosing recipes with fewer or cheaper ingredients
- 19% are serving a less expensive main dish
Consumers also say they are eliminating the following to make their Thanksgiving meal more affordable:
- 31% – Mac ‘n cheese
- 28% – Cranberries
- 26% – Sweet potatoes
- 23% – Pumpkin pie
- 22% – Corn
- 19% – Green beans
- 15% – Turkey
What are consumers serving?
Turkey will continue to be the star of the show with 84% of consumers planning to serve it, followed by ham (46%) and chicken (19%). Other dishes guests can expect to see on some tables include lasagna or another pasta dish (15%) and even pizza, tacos and chili or stew. Nearly 1 in 5 consumers (19%) expect to have a fast food dish on the table this year.
“What we hear from Thanksgiving hosts every year is a growing desire to spend more time visiting with guests and enjoying the holiday than sweating in the kitchen,” said Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu. “This year’s study also shows elevated concern over household economics—causing consumers to cut back on some holiday favorites, hunt for special deals from restaurants and adopt other strategies to keep expenses in check.”
Popmenu offers the following tips for consumers still finalizing dinner plans:
- Align your menu and budget. Use grocery store apps to total the prices of ingredients you need to buy and compare that to what a ready-made meal from a restaurant may cost. The professionally cooked meal may be easier on your budget and stress level.
- Order directly from the restaurant’s website. Not only will you find full menus and limited-time Thanksgiving specials, you can set a preferred pickup time for your meal and skip third-party fees. You can also see dish photos, portion details, allergens and more.
- Set up an alert. Use platforms like OpenTable to view openings nearby. Automated alerts make it easy to snag a table as soon as one becomes available.
Popmenu conducted an anonymous, nationwide study of 1,000 U.S. consumers, ages 18 and older, from November 16 to November 17, 2025.
Where To Eat in Atlanta for Thanksgiving
Read our guide on Atlanta restaurants serving Thanksgiving meals.
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The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced Thursday that the GWCC/Georgia Dome/CNN Center/Philips Arena/Omni Station – long one of the rail system’s most confusingly named stops – will officially become Sports, Entertainment, and Convention District Station, with the shortened nickname “SEC District Station.”
Loading … MARTA’s Sports, Entertainment, and Convention District Station
The change, effective immediately on all signage, maps, apps, and train announcements, is intended to better reflect the cluster of major venues within walking distance of the station and to help first-time riders and tourists more easily identify the stop.
MARTA made the announcement with a clever social media video that commemorated the eighth anniversary of the implosion of the old Georgia Dome, which has since been replaced by Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“Visitors arriving in Atlanta shouldn’t have to memorize a 30-year history of arena sponsorships to figure out which station serves Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “This new name instantly tells you exactly what this area is all about – sports, entertainment, and conventions.”
The station, located on the Red and Gold lines just west of Downtown Atlanta, is a primary transit hub for:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, major concerts, 2025 College Football Playoff events)
- State Farm Arena (Atlanta Hawks, concerts)
- Georgia World Congress Center (major conventions, trade shows, Fan Expo, Dragon Con)
- Centennial Olympic Park
- World of Coca-Cola
- Georgia Aquarium
- College Football Hall of Fame
- CNN Center (studio tours)
The old name, GWCC/CNN Center, had become increasingly outdated as Philips Arena became State Farm Arena in 2018, the Georgia Dome was demolished in 2017, and the Omni Coliseum closed in 1997.
“SEC District” is already being embraced by fans and event organizers. The abbreviation conveniently mirrors the Southeastern Conference (SEC) whose championship football game is played annually at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, though MARTA officials stress the letters officially stand for Sports, Entertainment, and Convention.
New permanent signage is expected to be fully installed by early 2026, with temporary signage and digital updates already in place.
MARTA says the rename is part of a broader effort to make station names more intuitive across the system, especially ahead of Atlanta’s hosting of multiple 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
For more information and updated system maps, visit itsmarta.com.
MARTA is not just for transit, but its name is now associated with several great Atlanta restaurants near stations.
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In a move that sends ripples through the nation’s quick-service dining landscape, Wendy’s has revealed plans to shutter hundreds of underperforming restaurants across the United States, with closures slated to begin later this year and extend into 2026.
The announcement, made during the company’s third-quarter earnings call on Friday, Nov. 7, underscores broader challenges facing fast-food chains as consumer spending tightens and competition intensifies.
Wendy’s Closing Hundreds of Restaurants
Interim CEO Ken Cook described the initiative as a “mid single-digit percentage” of Wendy’s approximately 6,000 U.S. locations, translating to roughly 200 to 350 closures.
This strategic pruning is part of the company’s “Project Fresh” turnaround plan, launched in October, aimed at revitalizing the brand by focusing resources on high-performing sites and modernizing operations.
“Wendy’s is committed to strengthening our system and enabling franchisees to invest more in their restaurants,” Cook stated in the call, emphasizing that the closures target locations that no longer meet performance benchmarks.
The decision comes amid a reported dip in third-quarter revenue, as inflation-weary diners opt for fewer restaurant visits.
For Atlanta’s vibrant fast-food ecosystem, the news hits close to home. Georgia is home to 291 Wendy’s outlets, including 18 within the city limits, making it one of the chain’s strongest regional footprints.
While specific Atlanta-area closures haven’t been detailed in the latest announcement, recent months have seen the quiet shuttering of beloved spots, signaling potential vulnerability.
In January, the Wendy’s at 5621 Peachtree Boulevard in Chamblee—a metro Atlanta staple for nearly 40 years—closed its doors abruptly, leaving locals mourning the loss of a go-to for late-night Frostys and square burgers.
More recently, the downtown location inside CNN Center has been marked as permanently closed, further thinning the herd in high-traffic urban zones.
Industry watchers say these moves reflect a post-pandemic recalibration. “Fast-casual chains like Wendy’s are under pressure to adapt to value-driven menus and delivery dominance,” said Dr. Marcus Hale, a retail analyst at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business. “In Atlanta, where traffic and real estate costs are sky-high, underperformers in strip malls or older plazas are prime targets. But it could open doors for innovative concepts to fill the voids.”
The closures aren’t all doom and gloom for Wendy’s faithful. The company plans to offset some losses by opening new locations in promising markets, with a focus on drive-thru enhancements and digital ordering upgrades.
Still, the human toll is real: Each shuttered site could displace dozens of employees, from grill cooks to cashiers, in a city already grappling with service-sector job flux.
Final Word
Atlanta diners, ever resilient, are already buzzing on social media about alternatives.
Threads of recommendations for Zaxby’s spicy tenders or local gems like Slutty Vegan are gaining traction, highlighting the city’s diverse burger scene. As Wendy’s refines its playbook, one thing’s clear: The Peach State’s fast-food faithful won’t go hungry.For updates on local impacts, including any confirmed Atlanta closures, stay tuned to Atlanta Retail & Food Insider. Have a Wendy’s story? Email us at cjohnson@atlantafi.com.
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Travelers heading through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are bracing for a turbulent start to the weekend as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces a sweeping 10% reduction in flight capacity at 40 major U.S. airports, including the world’s busiest hub.
The mandate, set to take effect at 5 a.m. on Friday, November 7, stems from severe air traffic controller staffing shortages exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown, leaving airlines scrambling and passengers in limbo.
FAA Cuts Spur Wave of Cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Delta Air Lines, which operates its global headquarters and primary hub at Hartsfield-Jackson, announced it anticipates canceling approximately 170 flights on Friday alone across its mainline and Delta Connection services.
This comes on top of broader schedule adjustments, with the carrier urging customers to check flight statuses frequently via its app or website.
“We are working around the clock to minimize disruptions, but the FAA’s capacity limits leave us with no choice but to proactively cancel select flights,” a Delta spokesperson said in a statement released Thursday afternoon.
American Airlines, another major player at ATL with hundreds of daily departures, has preemptively slashed its schedule by about 4% through the weekend, resulting in roughly 220 cancellations per day systemwide at affected airports.
At Hartsfield-Jackson specifically, this could mean dozens of grounded flights to key destinations like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, compounding the ripple effects on connecting itineraries.
The FAA’s directive affects high-volume markets nationwide, but Atlanta – which handled over 104 million passengers in 2024 – stands to feel the pinch hardest. Airport officials estimate that up to 300 flights could be axed or severely delayed on Friday, with knock-on effects potentially delaying thousands more as planes and crews are repositioned.
“We’re seeing early signs of congestion building, even before the cuts hit,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran, who oversees the airport. “Our teams are prepared to assist, but we urge passengers to arrive early and stay flexible.”
Eyewitness accounts from Thursday evening already paint a picture of mounting frustration.
Long lines snaked through the Maynard Jackson Jr. International Terminal as harried families rebooked trips, while business travelers huddled over phones, searching for alternative routes.
Social media buzzed with complaints, including one Atlanta resident posting, “Stuck at ATL for hours already – and tomorrow’s the big day? Thanks, shutdown.”
The root cause traces back to more than 400 unfilled air traffic controller positions nationwide, a crisis that’s lingered since the shutdown began earlier this week. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the cuts during a press briefing, stating, “Safety comes first.
A 10% reduction at these 40 locations will prevent the kind of cascading delays we’ve seen in recent days.” Critics, however, including the Air Line Pilots Association, argue the move punishes passengers for congressional gridlock.
For Atlanta’s traveling public, the advice is clear: Plan ahead. The FAA recommends checking with airlines for waivers on change fees, and Hartsfield-Jackson’s website lists resources for ground transportation alternatives.
Amtrak and Greyhound report a surge in bookings out of the city, while ride-sharing services like Uber warn of premium pricing during peak hours.
Final Word
As the sun sets on a tense Thursday, one thing is certain – the skies over Atlanta will look a little emptier come morning. Local officials are calling on Congress to resolve the shutdown swiftly, lest the holiday travel season – just weeks away – grind to a halt.
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.
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In a move that’s sending shockwaves through Georgia’s aviation community, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Wednesday, Nov. 5 that it will slash flight capacity by 10% at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and 39 other high-traffic U.S. hubs, effective as early as Friday.
The decision, driven by severe air traffic controller shortages stemming from the protracted government shutdown, threatens to ground thousands of flights daily and disrupt travel for millions—none more so than at Delta Air Lines’ crown jewel, ATL.
For the record, Delta has laid out pre-emptive plans on dealing with the 10% cuts.
Hartsfield-Jackson Among Airports With 10% Flight Capacity
As the world’s busiest airport and Delta’s global headquarters, Hartsfield-Jackson handles over 260,000 passengers a day under normal conditions.
A 10% cut could translate to roughly 1,000 fewer flights per day at ATL alone, experts estimate, hammering Delta’s schedule and rippling out to its extensive domestic and international routes.
“This is a gut punch to Atlanta’s economy and our travelers,” said Atlanta traveler John Simpson, who is planning to travel out of the country on Friday. “Hartsfield-Jackson isn’t just an airport—it’s the heartbeat of our city, pumping $62 billion into the region annually. Congress needs to end this shutdown now.”
Here Is the List of Airports Cutting 10% of Their Flight Capacity
Travelers are advised to check with airlines for real-time updates, as the FAA expects to issue a formal order Thursday detailing exact slots. While ATL takes center stage in Georgia, the cuts extend to dozens of other major airports, underscoring the shutdown’s nationwide toll. Here’s the full list of affected facilities, as obtained by meda reports:
Airport City/State Key Notes Anchorage International Anchorage, AK Major Alaska hub Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Atlanta, GA World’s busiest; Delta HQ Boston Logan International Boston, MA Northeast gateway Baltimore/Washington International Baltimore, MD BWI’s regional focus Charlotte Douglas International Charlotte, NC American Airlines hub Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Cincinnati, OH Delta focus city Dallas Love Dallas, TX Southwest stronghold Ronald Reagan Washington National Washington, DC Slot-controlled Denver International Denver, CO United hub Dallas/Fort Worth International Dallas/Fort Worth, TX American mega-hub Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Detroit, MI Delta hub Newark Liberty International Newark, NJ United hub Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Fort Lauderdale, FL Leisure travel heavy Honolulu International Honolulu, HI Pacific gateway Houston Hobby Houston, TX Southwest base Washington Dulles International Washington, DC International focus George Bush Houston Intercontinental Houston, TX United hub Indianapolis International Indianapolis, IN Regional connector New York John F. Kennedy International New York, NY Global transatlantic hub Harry Reid International (formerly McCarran) Las Vegas, NV Entertainment epicenter Los Angeles International Los Angeles, CA West Coast mega-hub New York LaGuardia New York, NY Domestic focus Orlando International Orlando, FL Theme park gateway Chicago Midway Chicago, IL Southwest hub Memphis International Memphis, TN FedEx and Delta Miami International Miami, FL Latin America portal Minneapolis/St. Paul International Minneapolis, MN Delta hub Oakland International Oakland, CA Bay Area alternative Ontario International Ontario, CA Inland Empire hub Chicago O’Hare International Chicago, IL United and American hub Portland International Portland, OR Pacific Northwest key Philadelphia International Philadelphia, PA American hub Phoenix Sky Harbor International Phoenix, AZ Southwest base San Diego International San Diego, CA Military and leisure Louisville Muhammad Ali International Louisville, KY UPS hub Seattle/Tacoma International Seattle, WA Alaska Airlines HQ San Francisco International San Francisco, CA Tech and international Salt Lake City International Salt Lake City, UT Delta hub Teterboro Teterboro, NJ Private jet haven Tampa International Tampa, FL Florida leisure spot These reductions could collectively idle up to 4,000 flights a day across the U.S., affecting not just commercial carriers like Delta but also private jets and even space launches from Florida’s Space Coast.
Shutdown Now Longest in U.S. History
The FAA’s directive comes as the federal government shutdown enters its third week, marking it as one of the longest in U.S. history. With thousands of air traffic controllers furloughed or working without pay, the agency cited “unprecedented staffing pressures” as the catalyst for the reductions.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, speaking alongside FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford at a Washington press conference, emphasized that the cuts are a “proactive safety measure” to prevent airspace overload and potential delays or cancellations that could cascade nationwide.”While we regret the inconvenience, our top priority is keeping the skies safe,” Duffy said. “These reductions will be proportionate across airlines, but they’ll ease the burden on our overworked controllers.”
For Delta, the impact is particularly acute. The airline operates more than 1,000 daily departures from ATL, accounting for about 75% of the airport’s traffic. Industry analysts predict the carrier will bear the brunt, potentially rescheduling or canceling hundreds of flights weekly.
10% Cuts To Begin Friday
The phased rollout begins Friday with a 4% initial cut, ramping up to the full 10% by next week. Restrictions apply to domestic flights between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time, sparing international routes to minimize global disruptions.
Local leaders, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, has called for swift federal action, but to no avail. “Whether it’s one of the left’s largest unions or one of Georgia’s largest job creators, every day more and more people are calling on Democrats to vote to reopen the government,” Kemp tweeted recently.
As the situation unfolds, Atlanta travelers should brace for longer lines, rebooked itineraries, and potential ripple effects through the holiday season. Delta loyalists, in particular, may want to monitor the SkyMiles app closely. For the latest updates, stay tuned to Atlanta Aviation Watch.
AtlantaFi.com is your source for Delta Air Lines news and Georgia skies coverage. Reach me at tjohnson@atlantafi.com.
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Lester T. Jones Jr., a 46-year-old Atlanta resident and former senior vice president of financial planning and analysis for the Atlanta Hawks, has been hit with federal wire fraud charges for allegedly siphoning $3.8 million from the NBA franchise over nearly eight years to bankroll an extravagant personal lifestyle.
Prosecutors accuse him of exploiting his trusted position in the team’s finance department to fund luxury vacations abroad, high-end vehicles like a Porsche, designer goods, jewelry, premium event tickets, and lavish gifts—highlighting the vulnerabilities that can arise when insiders wield unchecked access to organizational funds.
Trusted Insider’s Rise and Fall
Jones joined the Hawks in 2016 and quickly ascended to become the team’s most senior accounting executive under the chief financial officer, a role he held for nearly a decade until his departure earlier this year.
In this capacity, he oversaw critical financial operations, including budget management, expense approvals, and control over the franchise’s American Express corporate card account—a position that granted him broad authority to issue multiple cards to himself and authorize reimbursements.
During his tenure, Jones was also romantically involved with another Hawks employee, who has since left the organization; some of the alleged expenditures reportedly included extravagant gifts for this partner.
This insider status made Jones an unlikely suspect, but federal investigators now portray him as a methodical fraudster who capitalized on systemic gaps. Prior to a July 2024 upgrade, the Hawks’ reimbursement processing system did not display corporate credit card transactions, allowing Jones to obscure personal charges by rerouting them to team operations.
The Mechanics of the Alleged Fraud
According to the indictment unsealed last week by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Jones’s scheme unfolded from at least May 2017 through June 2025.
He allegedly submitted or directed the submission of fraudulent expense reports backed by fabricated or altered invoices, manipulated financial records to conceal his tracks, and doctored emails to fabricate legitimacy for bogus transactions, according to the New York Times.
A stark example cited in court documents involves a January 2025 stay at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, unrelated to any team business, which Jones billed to the Hawks for $229,968.76.
To justify it, he allegedly forged an American Express email, recharacterizing the charge as expenses for the “NBA Emirates Cup, Tickets, Credentials, Logistics, Room”—complete with a wry, self-incriminating note in the altered message: “At least I know the Wynn’s number is right.”
Such tactics enabled him to blend personal extravagances seamlessly into legitimate team spending, prosecutors say.
Lavish Spending on the Hawks’ Dime
The pilfered funds fueled a globe-trotting, high-roller existence far removed from the grind of NBA front-office work. Jones reportedly treated himself and his partner to opulent trips to destinations including the Bahamas, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Switzerland.
Closer to home, he splurged on a Porsche, Louis Vuitton accessories, fine jewelry, and premium seats to concerts and sporting events.
These indulgences, prosecutors argue, came at the direct expense of the Hawks’ resources, underscoring a betrayal of fiduciary duty in one of the league’s marquee markets.
Unraveling, Arrest, and Road Ahead
The house of cards began to collapse earlier this year when an internal audit, commissioned by the Hawks, unearthed discrepancies in financial records—prompting a referral to federal authorities.
Jones was arrested in October 2025 and charged with a single count of wire fraud, a felony carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and mandatory forfeiture of any ill-gotten gains or related property.
Appearing in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, he entered a not guilty plea and was released on a $10,000 bond.
His next court date has not been publicly scheduled.The Hawks organization, now owned by a consortium including Grant Hill and Tony Ressler, has remained tight-lipped, with a spokesman declining to comment on the matter.
The scandal arrives amid broader scrutiny of NBA team finances, including recent league-wide pushes for enhanced internal controls following high-profile betting and misconduct cases. For Jones, once a fixture in the Hawks’ fiscal machinery, the allegations serve as a stark reminder of how proximity to power can tempt—and ensnare—even the most embedded professionals.
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When it comes to Georgia state parks, Stone Mountain stands tall as a beautiful landmark. Along with all that beauty is quite a bit of history, some of it pretty incredible.
Here are five fascinating and lesser-known facts or stories about Stone Mountain, Georgia, that highlight its complex history and unique characteristics.
1. The Confederate Carving’s Controversial Creation
The massive bas-relief carving on Stone Mountain, depicting Confederate leaders Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson, is the largest of its kind in the world, spanning three acres.
Initiated in 1916 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the project faced decades of delays, funding issues, and sculptor disputes. Gutzon Borglum, who later carved Mount Rushmore, started the work but abandoned it after clashing with organizers.
The carving wasn’t completed until 1972, amid civil rights tensions, making it a lightning rod for debates about Confederate symbolism. Its prominence has sparked ongoing calls for removal or reinterpretation, with some suggesting adding figures like Martin Luther King Jr. to recontextualize the site.
2. Birthplace of the Second Ku Klux Klan
In 1915, Stone Mountain was the site of the infamous revival of the Ku Klux Klan. William J. Simmons, inspired by the film Birth of a Nation, organized a cross-burning ceremony atop the mountain on Thanksgiving night, marking the rebirth of the KKK.
This event cemented Stone Mountain’s association with white supremacist history, as the group later held meetings and rituals there.
The mountain’s granite was even quarried for the steps of the U.S. Capitol, creating an ironic contrast between its natural beauty and its darker historical ties.
3. Stone Mountain Is a Geological Marvel
Stone Mountain is a geological anomaly known as a monadnock, a massive granite dome rising 825 feet above the surrounding area and covering 583 acres.
Formed 300 million years ago from magma cooling beneath the Earth’s surface, it’s one of the largest exposed granite formations in the world.
Its unique quartz monzonite composition has made it a quarry source for centuries, and its durability is why it was chosen for the Confederate carving.
The mountain’s summit also features rare plant species, like the endemic Stone Mountain daisy, thriving in its harsh, rocky environment.
4. Theme Park with a Complicated Past
Stone Mountain Park, now a popular family destination with attractions like a laser show and skyride, was explicitly developed to celebrate Confederate heritage. In the 1950s, the state of Georgia purchased the mountain, partly to preserve the carving project as a “shrine to the South.”
Over time, the park evolved to include more inclusive attractions, but its Confederate-themed elements, like the carving and street names honoring Confederate figures, remain contentious.
In 2021, the park’s leadership began re-evaluating its historical displays, removing some Confederate flags and adding educational exhibits to address the site’s complex legacy.
5. The Lost Village of Stone Mountain
Before the mountain became a tourist destination, it was home to a small, self-sufficient community in the 19th century.
The village of Stone Mountain, located at the base, thrived on granite quarrying and farming. However, during the Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman’s troops burned parts of the village during their March to the Sea in 1864, targeting its railroad and industrial resources.
Remnants of this community, including old quarry sites and historical markers, are still visible in the park, offering a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of the area’s history.
These stories reflect Stone Mountain’s layered past, from its geological uniqueness to its role as a flashpoint in cultural and historical debates.
Final Word
There continues to be ongoing local sentiment about the mountain’s symbolism, with some calling for its preservation as history and others advocating for change to reflect modern values.
How do you feel about Stone Mountain? Let me know in the comments.
Looking for some fun in Georgia? First, to find all the cool things happening in Atlanta this weekend, all you have to do is take a look at downtown area. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown Atlanta often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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With a federal government shutdown looming large, DoorDash recently announced a sweeping emergency food response to combat the impending cutoff of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Starting November 1, SNAP payments will be suspended nationwide, affecting over 40 million Americans and putting immense pressure on local food systems already stretched thin.
Door Dash Steps Up for SNAP Beneficiaries
Here at home, the government shutdown could leave nearly 1.4 million Georgians — including thousands in metro Atlanta — scrambling for their next meal.
DoorDash’s response, dubbed the Emergency Food Response, aims to deliver immediate relief through a multi-pronged effort tailored to communities like Atlanta.
The company plans to waive merchant fees for over 300 Project DASH partners nationwide, including Atlanta-area food banks and pantries, enabling the free delivery of an estimated 1 million meals in November alone.
Locally, this builds on longstanding collaborations, such as the City of Atlanta’s 2022 partnership with DoorDash to expand food access via Project DASH, which has since powered millions of deliveries equivalent to 135 million meals across the U.S. 4
In a direct boon for Atlanta SNAP users, DoorDash is partnering with major grocers to cover delivery and service fees on up to 300,000 orders nationwide.
Eligible customers in the Peach State — those with a linked SNAP/EBT card — can shop fee-free at stores like Dollar General (with dozens of locations across metro Atlanta), Sprouts Farmers Market (including spots in Alpharetta and Sandy Springs), and the expanding Wegmans in the North Druid Hills area.
The promo, valid from November 1 through 30, requires a simple code and applies to one order per person, helping families stretch whatever benefits remain on their EBT cards before the full freeze hits. 0
Additionally, DoorDash will donate fresh produce, shelf-stable goods, and essentials from its DashMart warehouses directly to local food banks, targeting high-need Atlanta neighborhoods like those served by the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Feeding America partners.
“No one should go hungry in America — period,” said Max Rettig, DoorDash’s Vice President and Global Head of Public Policy. “Millions of families are worried right now about how they’ll put food on the table. Fighting hunger is core to our mission at DoorDash, and we’re stepping up alongside leading grocers and retailers to help bridge the gap. We know this is a stopgap, not a solution. But doing nothing simply isn’t an option.”
Eric Mitchell, President of the Alliance to End Hunger, echoed the urgency: “The food security of millions of people who rely on SNAP is at dire risk. We know that the only viable solution is to ensure SNAP benefits are being delivered in full to those in need of food assistance as soon as possible. We are thankful for the part that companies and organizations across the country like DoorDash can do to try to fill the gap.”
While the initiative offers a critical buffer, experts warn it’s no substitute for federal action. Atlanta’s SNAP households can still redeem pre-November benefits at authorized retailers until funds run dry, but advocates are urging Congress to restore funding swiftly. 11 DoorDash is calling on Atlantans to join the fight: Donate to the Feeding America network or volunteer at local pantries like the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Final Word
In Georgia alone, more than 687,000 households relied on SNAP last month, with over $272 million in benefits issued to help families afford groceries.
For Atlanta’s working families, seniors, and children — who make up a significant portion of the state’s recipients — the funding cliff represents a dire threat.
For those interested in partnering with Project DASH, reach out to [email protected]. SNAP users can link their EBT cards in the DoorDash app now to prepare — full terms available at help.doordash.com.
As the shutdown drags on, Atlanta’s resilience will be tested, but efforts like DoorDash’s highlight a community unwilling to let hunger win. Stay tuned for updates on local impacts and how you can help.
AtlantaFi.com is committed to covering stories that matter to our city. Have a tip? Email us at tjohnson@atlantafi.com.
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