🌱 Tractor Trailer Catches Fire On I-285 + Falcons Sign New QB

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Atlanta Patch newsletter. Follow along for everything you need to know about what's happening around town, including updates on:

• Cash buyers made up more than half of Atlanta house purchases.
• A tractor trailer caught fire on I-285 yesterday.
• The Falcons signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke.

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But first, today's weather:

Warmer; frost in the morning. High: 59 Low: 35.

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Here are the top five stories today in Atlanta:

1. More than half of the homes sold in Atlanta last year were bought by cash buyers. That number has more than doubled its share since 2021. The data, which comes from property data provider Attom, indicates that those home buyers tend to either be wealthy individuals or large investment firms. Reporting by the Atlanta Journal Constitution indicates that these kinds of purchases are part of what's pushing home prices out of attainability for many families. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. A tractor-trailer caught fire while hauling paint products on I-285 yesterday (Mar. 14) afternoon. According to officials, the fire happened around 2:35 p.m. near South Atlanta Road. Georgia DOT said that the rear brakes of the trailer caught fire. As of 4:00 p.m. yesterday, only one lane on that section of I-285 was open for traffic. (11Alive.com WXIA)
3. The Atlanta metro has been named one of the most obese cities in America. Obesity, which affects more than forty percent of U.S. adults, can have harmful effects on heart and vascular health, among others. According to the survey by WalletHub, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta area is the 50th most obese metro area in the country. Augusta-Richmond County checked in at number 13. (WSB Atlanta)
4. The Falcons have signed a new quarterback. The Falcons have finalized the terms of a $14 million, two-year contract with quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke will work alongside Desmond Ridder, who finished the Falcons' 2022 season. (Atlanta Patch)
5. They might not be on MTV's "Cribs," but these homes deserve a look. This list of homes for sale in and around Atlanta should catch your eye. A cute two-story home on Sims Street is listed at $345,000, with three beds and three baths. If you're on a budget, there's a spot on Fairburn Road SW listed for just $60,000. Click the link to see more. (Atlanta Patch)

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Today in Atlanta:

• Toddler Time at Dunwoody Library (10:30 AM)
• Namaste The Irish Way at The Atrium At Uptown (6:30 PM)
• Big Atlanta Comedy Show at Uptown Comedy Corner (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden's Azalea Walk in Storza Woods is nearly at its peak! The beautiful sight is ahead of schedule this year after a mild winter and warmer weather heading to Georgia. (Atlanta Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Atlanta Public Schools celebrated Pi Day! The Mar. 14 celebration is all about the Greek letter pi, which represents the constant ratio between a circle's diameter and its area. (Atlanta Public Schools via Facebook)
• Run like the Dickens! City of Atlanta Government's Mayor Andre Dickens helped start the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk Run. Food insecurity remains a major issue for children and adults in and around Atlanta. (City of Atlanta Government via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Saint Patricks Day Latin Night Atlanta - Ladies in free b4 midnight w/ FB check in (March 17)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp at HDC Studio + Evening Latin Night Tonys Johns Creek (March 18)
• March into Summer Party! (March 18)
• Rugby ATL's Bark In The Park (March 18)
• Music from Seven Continents (March 18)
• Saint Patrick's Weekend Latin Night @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat Mar 18th (March 18)
• Gent's Lunch - A Benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 22)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor's in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.