Staying Informed: Your Guide to Atlanta Local News

Keeping up with Atlanta local news helps you understand what’s happening in your neighborhood, your commute, your schools, and your city government. Whether you live in Atlanta, commute in from the suburbs, or are visiting and want to stay in the know, there are many reliable ways to follow news that’s specific to the metro area.

This guide walks through where to find Atlanta news, how to follow neighborhood-level updates, and how to stay informed about weather, traffic, public safety, and city services.

Major Atlanta Local News Sources

Atlanta has a mix of TV, print, radio, and digital outlets that focus on the city and the broader metro region.

Local TV News Stations

Local television stations are one of the most common ways Atlanta residents get daily news, weather, and traffic.

Well-known Atlanta TV news outlets include:

• WSB-TV (Channel 2) – Focuses heavily on breaking news, weather, traffic, and local government issues.
• WXIA-TV (11Alive / Channel 11) – Covers metro-wide news, human interest stories, and investigative reporting.
• CBS 46 (WANF) – Offers general local news, consumer-focused segments, and community stories.
• FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA-TV) – Known for traffic, weather, sports, and local investigations.
• Atlanta News First (branding sometimes used for WANF) – A local news operation with an emphasis on metro Atlanta coverage.

If you live in the city or nearby suburbs, these stations typically provide:

• Morning and evening newscasts with traffic, weather, and breaking stories
• Severe weather coverage, especially important during spring and summer storms
• Coverage of Atlanta City Hall and Fulton/DeKalb County governments

Most stations also have mobile apps and streaming options that allow you to watch live or catch clips on demand.

Newspapers and Digital News Outlets

While many readers access news online, Atlanta still has strong newspaper and digital news traditions.

Commonly used sources include:

• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC)
  Atlanta’s major daily newspaper, covering city politics, regional development, sports, local business, and neighborhoods across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and beyond.

• Creative Loafing (Atlanta)
  An alternative news and culture outlet that often focuses on arts, food, events, and local commentary.

• Local neighborhood papers and newsletters
  Many areas, such as Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, East Atlanta, and Westside, have community-oriented publications or email newsletters that dig into hyperlocal issues like zoning changes, neighborhood events, and school updates.

Digital-only outlets and blogs may also cover:

• Development and real estate (new apartments, mixed-use projects, BeltLine expansions)
• Food and entertainment (restaurant openings, festivals, concert venues)
• Local government decisions that affect specific areas (property taxes, transportation projects, school board actions)

Radio and Public Media

Radio is especially helpful for commuting Atlantans, who spend significant time in traffic on I‑285, I‑75/85, GA‑400, and I‑20.

Key radio and public media sources include:

• Local FM and AM news/talk stations – Often provide news briefs, traffic reports, and statewide updates.
• Public radio – Focuses on deeper coverage of civic issues, education, environment, arts, and statewide politics, with regular Atlanta segments.
• Traffic-focused reports – Many stations offer frequent traffic updates during rush hour tailored to major Atlanta arteries and surface streets.

Public media outlets generally provide:

• In-depth interviews with Atlanta city officials, community leaders, and advocates
• Coverage of equity, housing affordability, transportation, and education in the Atlanta region
• Arts and culture programming spotlighting Atlanta’s museums, theaters, and music venues

Types of Atlanta Local News You’ll Commonly See

Atlanta’s local news coverage tends to cluster around several recurring themes that matter to residents and visitors.

1. City Government and Local Politics

Local news regularly covers:

• Atlanta City Council meetings and votes
• Decisions by the Mayor’s Office on public safety, infrastructure, and budgeting
• Policy changes affecting:
  • Zoning and development projects
  • Short-term rentals
  • Public transportation
  • Homelessness and housing
• Elections for:
  • Mayor
  • City Council
  • Fulton and DeKalb County officials
  • Atlanta Board of Education

If you live in the city, these stories help you track:

• How property taxes may change
• Where new developments, parks, or bike lanes are planned
• Changes to trash pickup, code enforcement, or city services

2. Crime and Public Safety

Many Atlantans watch local news to understand crime trends and safety concerns in their area.

Coverage commonly includes:

• Incidents reported by Atlanta Police Department (APD) and surrounding county agencies
• Updates on investigations, arrests, and court proceedings
• Public safety initiatives, youth programs, and community policing efforts
• Crime prevention tips and information on neighborhood watch groups

Key public safety contact points include:

• Atlanta Police Department Headquarters
  226 Peachtree St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone (non-emergency): typically listed through city channels
• Emergency: Dial 911 within Atlanta and the metro area
• Non-emergency: Many residents use county-specific non-emergency lines for issues that are not urgent but still need attention.

Local news often highlights police-community meetings, town halls, and APD updates so residents know where to raise concerns or get information.

3. Traffic, Transit, and Infrastructure

Atlanta’s transportation network is a major part of daily life, and local news regularly reports on:

• Major crashes and delays on I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, I‑20, GA‑400, and the Downtown Connector
• Road construction and lane closures
• Long-term projects—such as bridge repairs, interchange redesigns, and BeltLine expansions
• MARTA service changes, delays, or expansions (rail, bus, and Atlanta Streetcar)

Useful local agencies to know:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – Oversees state highways and major interstates in the Atlanta region.
• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
  Headquarters:
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service lines and station information are commonly listed on official materials and are frequently referenced in local news when service changes occur.

News reports often help commuters adjust their routes, understand why certain corridors are congested, and anticipate long-term changes, such as new express lanes or transit station upgrades.

4. Weather and Severe Storm Coverage

Atlanta local news outlets provide daily forecasts and special coverage during severe weather, especially:

• Thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, and high winds
• Tornado watches and warnings
• Winter weather events (ice, occasional snow) that can shut down roads
• Extreme heat or cold advisories

Local TV stations typically maintain weather centers staffed with meteorologists who:

• Track radar and storm paths across the metro area
• Provide county-by-county alerts (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.)
• Explain when to stay off certain roads or be prepared for power outages

Severe weather coverage is often simulcast on TV, radio, and digital platforms so people across Atlanta can keep up even if they’re not at home.

5. Schools and Education

For families in Atlanta, local news about schools is essential.

Coverage often touches on:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) decisions on:
  • School calendars
  • Redistricting and zoning
  • Facility upgrades and new school construction
  • Safety procedures and security
• Charter schools and specialty programs in the city
• College and university news from institutions such as:
  • Georgia State University (Downtown Atlanta)
  • Georgia Tech (Midtown)
  • Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta University Center)
  • Other metro-area campuses and technical colleges

These stories can help parents and students understand:

• Changes in bus routes or drop‑off procedures
• New programs (STEM, arts, magnet tracks)
• Impacts of state and local policy on classroom sizes and funding

6. Development, Housing, and the Atlanta BeltLine

Atlanta is constantly changing, and local news keeps residents updated on:

• New apartment and condo buildings
• Mixed-use developments with shops, restaurants, and offices
• BeltLine segments being completed or expanded
• Debates over zoning, density, and historic preservation
• Housing affordability, eviction trends, and support services

Coverage often includes input from:

• City planners and councilmembers
• Developers and neighborhood associations
• Housing advocates and nonprofits

If you’re moving to Atlanta or changing neighborhoods, these stories provide insight into:

• Where new growth is happening
• How property values and rents are changing
• What long-term projects may impact your commute or quality of life

7. Arts, Culture, Events, and Sports

Beyond hard news, Atlanta outlets highlight:

• Local festivals and parades (such as those in Piedmont Park, Downtown, and along the BeltLine)
• Concerts at major venues: State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Fox Theatre, Tabernacle, and others
• Museum and gallery exhibits at places like High Museum of Art and Atlanta History Center
• Community events and neighborhood festivals in areas like Little Five Points, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and West End

Sports coverage commonly includes:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) at Truist Park in nearby Cobb County
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) at State Farm Arena
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Local college sports, including games at Georgia Tech and Georgia State

Local news outlets usually provide schedules, game recaps, and fan information, as well as traffic and security details for big events.

How to Follow Neighborhood-Level Atlanta News

Citywide news is helpful, but many Atlantans also want updates that focus on their specific neighborhood.

Neighborhood Associations and NPUs

Atlanta has a system of Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) that give residents a voice in zoning, land use, and local issues.

Through NPUs and neighborhood associations, you can:

• Learn about proposed developments near you
• Hear directly from city officials and developers
• See crime and safety updates from APD zone commanders
• Ask questions about sidewalks, traffic calming, and park improvements

Where to start:

• Identify your NPU letter based on your home address. Atlanta is divided into multiple NPUs, each covering groups of neighborhoods.
• Check for monthly NPU or neighborhood meetings, often publicized through community boards, emails, and local news calendars.

Local news will sometimes reference NPUs in stories about development or zoning, so knowing yours makes it easier to understand how changes may affect your area.

Community Centers and Public Libraries

Public spaces often host or share local news and community information, including:

• Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches across the city
• City of Atlanta recreation centers and community centers

You may find:

• Printed community newsletters
• Bulletin boards with meeting notices, events, and local services
• Flyers from neighborhood associations and local nonprofits

These are practical options if you:

• Don’t rely heavily on social media
• Prefer in-person or printed updates
• Want to meet neighbors and local leaders directly

Official Government Sources for City Updates

While traditional media reports on city decisions, official government channels publish direct information and alerts.

Common types of updates include:

• Boil water advisories or service interruptions from watershed management
• Trash and recycling schedule changes
• Road closures or detours for city projects
• Public hearings on zoning or city budgeting
• Parks and recreation program announcements

Key government offices frequently mentioned in local Atlanta news include:

• City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office
  City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Atlanta City Council (also based at City Hall)
  Handles ordinances, budgets, and district-specific legislation.

• Fulton County Government (for much of Atlanta north of the airport)
  141 Pryor St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• DeKalb County Government (for parts of Atlanta on the east side)
  1300 Commerce Dr
  Decatur, GA 30030

When watching or reading local news, you’ll often see references to these offices when major policies or projects are discussed.

Using Local News During an Atlanta Visit

If you’re visiting Atlanta, local news can help you:

• Track traffic around the airport, Downtown Connector, and major event venues
• Stay updated on large events that affect parking and street closures (conventions, football games, marathons, concerts)
• Monitor severe weather if storms or tropical remnants are moving through Georgia
• Find things to do, such as festivals, exhibits, and neighborhood events

Helpful habits during a visit:

• Turn on local TV news in your hotel in the morning to see weather and traffic.
• Listen to Atlanta radio for live traffic updates while driving rental cars.
• Check local event segments for ideas on where to go in the city.

Quick Reference: Main Types of Atlanta Local News & Where to Find Them

Practical Tips for Staying on Top of Atlanta Local News

To keep your Atlanta news intake manageable and useful:

• Pick 2–3 primary sources
  For example: a TV station, a major newspaper site, and one public radio outlet.

• Add a neighborhood source
  Join your NPU or neighborhood association email list or follow their public channels.

• Check traffic and weather daily
  Especially if you commute, rely on MARTA, or are planning outdoor activities.

• Pay attention to city announcements
  News outlets often reference City Hall, APD, MARTA, and county governments when major changes are coming.

With a few reliable sources and a regular habit of checking them, you can stay well informed about Atlanta local news—from big decisions at City Hall to small changes on your block.