Atlanta, GA
Flight delays, cancellations continue to pile up at Atlanta airport during government shutdown
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Flight delays and cancellations continue to pile up at the world’s busiest airport.
There were at least 128 reported on Monday, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.
It prompted travelers to sound off about the government shutdown, which is to blame.
“So far, I haven’t experienced any personal delays, but anybody that works should get paid, and the frustration that these people must have has to be astronomic. How do you support your families, how do you buy groceries and that what not,” traveler John Nichols said.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a surge in air traffic controllers calling out last Friday strained staffing at many airports and led to flight delays nationwide.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discussed the issue during a nationally televised interview.
“I think it’s only going to get worse,” Duffy said. “We have controllers who – some of them are new controllers. We have trainee controllers who are very helpful in the tower. They don’t make a lot of money.”
Duffy said some controllers have called in sick in protest, while others are taking time off to work other jobs while not getting paid.
Atlanta News First spoke with two flight attendants on Monday about the ongoing issue.
“How long is it fair to expect them to show up at a job that they’re not getting paid for? How long is it reasonable for them to start looking for compensation elsewhere? And I think that it’s something that we are feeling as air crew every single day,” Delta flight attendant Kara Wargo said.
RELATED COVERAGE: Some Delta flight attendants once again pushing to unionize
“What’s happening right now must stop,” said Keturah Johnson, vice president of the Association of Flight Attendants International. “And for those people who are frustrated when they’re waiting in line in TSA, you know what, call your congresspeople.”
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Atlanta, GA
Atlanta sisters win big on Family Feud — and say the real prize was being together
The Norman sisters definitely have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving: they just won big on Family Feud.
The five sisters — four living in metro Atlanta and one in California — brought their energy, humor, and unmistakable charisma to the popular Steve Harvey-hosted game show. Their episodes, filmed back in March, finally aired this month.
As soon as they hit the stage, their enthusiasm was impossible to miss.
“We’re the Normans! Wooooo!” they cheered in their opening moment on screen.
Even Steve Harvey couldn’t help hyping them up: “From Atlanta, Georgia… It’s the Norman Family!”
A dream come true for a lifelong Family Feud fan
For sister Liz Knipe, who lives in Atlanta, appearing on the show was a bucket-list moment more than a decade in the making.
“I’ve wanted to be on Family Feud forever. My first audition was in 2014,” she said.
The sisters say their chemistry — and very different personalities — helped them stand out during the audition process.
“Seeing us all together, I think it just resonated with people,” said Ericka Grant, who lives in Buford.
Their big win: $60,000 and a luxury Las Vegas trip
And their on-screen charm paid off.
The Norman sisters walked away with $60,000 and a trip for all of them — plus a guest each — to the Bellagio in Las Vegas for a six-day, five-night getaway.
“Bam,” Liz said with a laugh. “Not just a vacation for us but a plus-one for each of us.”
Each sister has her own plan for how to spend her share of the prize money:
- Liz Knipe (Atlanta): “Praise the Lord, I’m going to be able to pay all my bills.”
- Ericka Grant (Buford): “I’m going to use it to have some fun with my boys and my husband.”
- Michelle Norman (Atlanta): “A nice down payment.”
- Alex Norman (Marietta): “I’m going to spend a little on myself. And my kids. And then some bills. But I’m paying myself first.”
Winning together meant more than the money
Despite the big payout, the sisters say the real reward was the time spent with each other.
“It’s a great bonding moment,” said Alex Norman. “We don’t always get a chance to do stuff together — all five of us.”
They say family and friends were thrilled to see them on national TV, laughing and playing as a team.
“It was nice for our family to see us together on TV, winning and having fun,” said Ericka.
Could the Norman sisters return to CBS on another show?
The sisters aren’t ruling out more TV in their future. In fact, they already have their eyes on other CBS competition shows.
“I’m trying to get my sister on The Amazing Race with me,” said Michelle. “But the goal is Survivor! That’s the goal.”
Where to watch their episode
The Norman sisters’ Family Feud episodes are now streaming.
You can catch them on Paramount+.
Atlanta, GA
Christmas tree sales fund student scholarships across metro Atlanta
Trees for Tuition raises money for scholarships
A holiday tradition that began as a small side project for two Atlanta teenagers a decade ago has grown into a major scholarship program helping local students pursue college dreams — all through the sale and delivery of Christmas trees.
ATLANTA – A holiday tradition that began as a small side project for two Atlanta teenagers a decade ago has grown into a major scholarship program helping local students pursue college dreams — all through the sale and delivery of Christmas trees.
What we know:
The effort, called Trees for Tuition, started in 2015 when founders Jack and Will decided to use a pickup truck to deliver a few Fraser firs to neighbors. That first year, they sold about 30 trees. Last season, the business expanded dramatically, with nearly 4,000 trees delivered across metro Atlanta and more than $50,000 donated to support scholarships and local nonprofits.
Trees for Tuition now operates seven locations across the metro area. Customers can visit in person to select a tree or schedule a delivery online as early as the next day. The group sources most of its Fraser firs from North Carolina, with additional Noble firs shipped in from Oregon.
The founders say their goal is simple: make buying a Christmas tree easier for families while giving Atlanta teens and young adults a financial boost toward their education.
What you can do:
Tree lots are open from noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, including Friday. More information is available at treesfortuition.com.
Atlanta, GA
Update on travel conditions at Hartsfield-Jackson airport
It’s a busy day of travel at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. And although there are a few delays, there have not been any cancelations as of noon. We also now have more info about what happened to the flight to Amsterdam that was canceled on Tuesday night.
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