Atlanta News: How to Stay Informed, Local, and Ahead of What’s Happening in the City

Atlanta moves fast. From transportation updates and major development projects to arts, sports, and politics, Atlanta news can affect how you commute, where you live, and what you do on the weekend.

Whether you live in the city, commute in from the suburbs, or are spending time here as a visitor, understanding how news works in Atlanta helps you stay informed and prepared.

The Big Picture: How Atlanta News Is Organized

Most Atlanta news falls into a few core areas:

• City government and politics – decisions that affect taxes, zoning, public safety, and city services.
• Transportation and traffic – MARTA changes, road projects, airport news, and I-285/I-75/I-85 updates.
• Neighborhood and development news – new housing, business openings, BeltLine projects, and gentrification issues.
• Crime and public safety – APD announcements, crime trends, and emergency alerts.
• Weather and severe storms – heat, flooding, hurricanes remnants, winter weather, and tornado risks.
• Business and economy – corporate headquarters, tech growth, film industry, and airport-related jobs.
• Culture, sports, and entertainment – events, festivals, arts, film productions, and major league sports.

Knowing which topics you care about most can help you choose where and how to follow Atlanta news every day.

Key Sources of Atlanta News

You can get local news in Atlanta through TV, radio, print, and digital sources. Many residents use a mix of several.

Major Local TV and Radio News

Local TV and radio stations focus on breaking news, traffic, and weather, which is especially helpful during severe weather or major incidents.

Common Atlanta-based outlets include:

• 11Alive (WXIA) – local TV news focused on metro-wide stories, investigations, and weather.
• WSB-TV (Channel 2) – heavy focus on breaking news, traffic, and weather in Atlanta and the suburbs.
• FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA) – local TV news with crime, politics, and community coverage.
• CBS46/Atlanta News First (WANF) – local TV news, investigations, and consumer stories.
• GPB Radio (Georgia Public Broadcasting) – statewide public radio with Atlanta-focused segments.
• 90.1 WABE – Atlanta’s NPR station, strong on local government, education, and culture coverage.

These outlets often provide live coverage during:

• Severe thunderstorms, tornado warnings, and ice storms
• Major freeway shutdowns or MARTA delays
• Large protests, major trials, and elections
• Significant public safety events

If you commute, keeping a local radio station on during morning and evening rush hour can help you adjust your route or departure time.

How Atlanta Government and Civic News Works

Atlanta’s local news often centers on City of Atlanta government, Fulton and DeKalb County decisions, and state-level policies that impact the metro.

City of Atlanta Government

You’ll frequently see news related to:

• Atlanta City Council meetings and votes
• Office of the Mayor announcements
• Budget decisions affecting parks, police, infrastructure, and housing
• Zoning and development approvals and disputes

Key civic locations you’ll often hear mentioned in news coverage:

• Atlanta City Hall
  • 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Atlanta City Council Chambers (inside City Hall)
• Fulton County Government Center
  • 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• DeKalb County Government / Clarkston & Decatur areas – often mentioned in county-related news.

Many council decisions directly affect parking rules, street changes, neighborhood rezonings, and public safety, so if you live in the city, following local government news can help you stay ahead of changes close to home.

Transportation and Traffic News in Atlanta

In Atlanta, transportation news is almost daily news. Freeway backups, construction, and MARTA service changes can reshape your day.

MARTA: Trains, Buses, and Service Alerts

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is central to transit news:

• Rail service changes – delays, system maintenance, expansions, and station renovations
• Bus route adjustments – new routes, schedule changes, or cuts
• Major projects – expansions along the BeltLine, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans, and airport connectivity

Key MARTA point of contact:

• MARTA Headquarters & Five Points Station
  • 2424 Piedmont Rd NE (HQ), Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Central transfer rail station: Five Points, downtown Atlanta

When big events (Falcons games, Atlanta United matches, concerts, or conventions) happen, local news will often highlight special MARTA service or traffic advisories.

Freeway and Road News

Expect regular coverage of:

• I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, and I‑20 lane closures and construction
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) projects, including bridge repairs and new express lanes
• Major wrecks or hazmat situations that close lanes for hours

Key agency mentioned in transportation news:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
  • Main Office: 600 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

If you drive daily, it’s helpful to check morning traffic updates from local stations or apps before leaving, especially when rain, fog, or events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena are expected.

Crime, Safety, and Emergency News

Atlanta news regularly includes crime and public safety updates. Staying informed can help you better understand what’s going on in your neighborhood and citywide.

Atlanta Police and Local Law Enforcement

News outlets often share:

• Atlanta Police Department (APD) press briefings and investigations
• Neighborhood crime trends or recurring issues
• Community meetings and safety initiatives

Key public safety contact points you’ll often see named:

• Atlanta Police Department Headquarters
  • 226 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Fulton County Sheriff’s Office – courts and jail-related news
  • 185 Central Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

For emergency situations, residents should use:

• 911 – for immediate threats, crimes in progress, fires, or medical emergencies
• 311 (ATL311) – for non-emergency city service requests (potholes, broken streetlights, trash issues, etc.)

APD and surrounding departments often share public alerts through local news when:

• A major investigation is underway
• Road closures are tied to law enforcement activity
• Community help or information is requested

Weather and Severe Storm News in Atlanta

Weather is a frequent driver of local news in Atlanta, especially during:

• Spring and summer thunderstorms and tornado risks
• Tropical storm/hurricane remnants that bring heavy rain and flooding
• Winter weather – rare, but sometimes disruptive ice, sleet, or snow

Local outlets and meteorologists typically provide:

• Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings
• School and government closures or delayed openings
• Travel advisories related to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Key weather-related institutions:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Peachtree City Office
  • Covers the Atlanta metro for official watches and warnings
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

If you live in Atlanta, it’s smart to follow local weather forecasts and know where your nearest interior room or shelter area is at home, work, or your hotel—especially during spring storm season.

Neighborhood and Development News: How Atlanta Is Changing

Atlanta is constantly changing. Local news frequently covers new development, housing trends, and neighborhood issues.

Common topics:

• BeltLine expansions and trail connectivity
• New apartment, condo, and mixed-use developments
• Historic preservation vs. new construction debates
• Gentrification and displacement concerns in long-standing neighborhoods
• Zoning updates affecting short-term rentals, nightlife, and density

Key recurring areas in the news:

• Old Fourth Ward, West End, West Midtown, Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, East Atlanta, Grant Park
• Neighborhoods along the Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside, Westside, Southside trails)

You may also see meetings and plans from:

• Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
  • 100 Peachtree St NW, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Atlanta Department of City Planning – involved in zoning and development decisions

If you’re a resident, keeping up with development news can help you understand property values, traffic changes, and community resources in your immediate area.

Business, Jobs, and Economic News in Atlanta

Atlanta is a major hub for corporate headquarters, logistics, tech, film, and aviation. Business news can impact job opportunities, commercial growth, and cost of living.

You’ll often see coverage around:

• Major companies with a strong Atlanta presence in Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter, and Buckhead
• Startups and tech growth along corridors like Midtown’s Tech Square
• Job market changes connected to Hartsfield-Jackson and the logistics sector
• The ongoing expansion of the film and television industry in metro Atlanta

A few major business-related locations often mentioned:

• Midtown business corridor – around Peachtree St NE and Tech Square
• Perimeter Center – near I‑285 and GA‑400 (Sandy Springs/Dunwoody)
• Atlanta Chamber / Metro Atlanta Chamber
  • 191 Peachtree St NE, Suite 3400, Atlanta, GA 30303

Following business news is especially useful if you’re job hunting, running a business, or considering moving to Atlanta.

Sports and Entertainment News in Atlanta

Sports and entertainment are big drivers of Atlanta news—often affecting traffic, transit, and downtown activity.

You’ll regularly see coverage about:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) at State Farm Arena
  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) at Truist Park in nearby Cobb County
• College sports, especially Georgia Tech and area universities

Entertainment news often includes:

• Major concerts at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Fox Theatre, and Tabernacle
• Film and TV productions shooting in and around Atlanta
• Major festivals and events in Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, and along the BeltLine

This kind of news is useful not just for fans but also for anyone who needs to plan around crowds, traffic, and MARTA demand.

Public Services and Official Information Channels

While TV and online media are good for stories and analysis, official agencies often share primary information that local news then amplifies.

Here are some of the most relevant official Atlanta contacts and what they’re typically used for:

When you see a story that impacts you directly—like a new zoning rule or a road project—checking the official agency’s announcements can give you more detail, timelines, and contact options.

Practical Tips for Following Atlanta News Everyday

You don’t need to monitor every source constantly. A few simple habits can keep you well-informed without feeling overwhelmed:

• Pick 1–2 primary outlets
  Choose one main TV or radio station and a digital news source you trust for day-to-day updates.

• Use local alerts wisely
  Opt in to severe weather, traffic, and emergency alerts. These are usually the most time-sensitive and practical.

• Check before you commute or go downtown
  Glance at Atlanta news or traffic updates before heading to work, the airport, a game, or a major event.

• Pay attention to neighborhood-level stories
  Zoning changes, development approvals, and city council votes often appear “small” but can significantly change your street, rent, or parking situation.

• Look for official sources in big stories
  When you hear about something major—like a water main break, storm impact, or policy change—check the relevant official city or state offices for detailed instructions.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta: Which News Matters Most?

Visitors don’t usually need every layer of local politics, but a few news areas are particularly helpful:

• Weather – thunderstorms, tornado watches, or winter weather that could alter travel plans.
• Traffic and MARTA – freeway closures, major events, or MARTA disruptions that might affect how you reach the airport, stadiums, or downtown attractions.
• Event and sports news – games and large concerts can change parking availability and travel time.
• Public safety updates in tourist areas – information related to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or where you’re staying.

Checking a local TV station, radio station, or news site once a day while you’re here can help you avoid headaches and stay safe.

Staying on top of Atlanta news means more than just headlines. It helps you navigate the city’s roads and transit, understand changes in your neighborhood, make informed decisions about housing and business, and plan your days around weather, events, and public safety. By choosing a few reliable sources and paying attention to the topics that affect your daily life, you can keep up with Atlanta in a way that’s practical, manageable, and tailored to how you live, work, or visit the city.