10 Shocking Stories & The Power Players Behind FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA-TV) In 2025

FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA-TV) stands as a cornerstone of news coverage in the metropolitan area, providing essential breaking news, in-depth weather analysis, and investigative journalism that directly impacts the lives of North Georgians. As of December 10, 2025, the station continues its commitment to delivering hyper-local and state-wide updates, often being the first source for critical developments ranging from political shifts to public safety crises.

The station’s blend of veteran journalists and rising stars ensures a comprehensive look at the region, from the traffic snarls on I-285 to the latest legislative battles at the State Capitol. This deep dive explores the current landscape of FOX 5 Atlanta, highlighting the major stories they are covering and the key personalities bringing the news to your screen every day.

The Powerhouse Team: FOX 5 Atlanta Anchors, Reporters, and Meteorologists

FOX 5 Atlanta's strong topical authority is built on the expertise of its on-air personnel, who cover everything from local politics and crime to consumer issues and severe weather. The team includes a mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic new talent, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all dayparts, including the flagship morning program, *Good Day Atlanta*.

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• Alyse Eady: Anchor, often seen on *Good Day Atlanta*.
• Buck Lanford: Anchor/Reporter, known for his versatility.
• Ron Gant: Anchor, a familiar face in the Atlanta news scene.
• Natalie McCann: Anchor and Multimedia Journalist, frequently handling traffic reports on *Good Day Atlanta*.
• Russ Spencer: Veteran Anchor, bringing decades of experience to evening newscasts.
• Courtney Bryant: Anchor, a key figure in the station's evening coverage.
• Tom Haynes: Anchor/Reporter, providing critical updates from the field and the desk.
• Christine Sperow: Anchor, a trusted source for daily news.
• Deidra Dukes: Reporter and Anchor, known for her strong reporting on crime and community issues.
• Alex Whittler: Emmy award-winning Journalist and Anchor, co-host of *Good Day Atlanta* and the station's Black History Month special.
• Paul Milliken: Emmy-winning Feature Reporter for *Good Day Atlanta*, famous for showcasing unique Georgia people and places.

The FOX 5 Storm Team: Essential Weather Coverage

Given Georgia's vulnerability to severe weather, the FOX 5 Storm Team is an indispensable resource, providing real-time forecasts and critical warnings. Their expertise is crucial for viewers facing everything from summer thunderstorms to potential winter ice storms.

• David Chandley: Chief Meteorologist, a beloved figure who has tracked Georgia's weather for over 35 years.
• Joanne Feldman: Emmy Award-winning and AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, a long-time fixture on *Good Day Atlanta*.
• Jonathan Stacey: Meteorologist, joining the team in 2021 after working across the Southeastern U.S.
• Alex Forbes: AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, a local who grew up in Forsyth County.

The 5 Most Shocking & Critical Stories Covered by FOX 5 Atlanta in 2025

The news cycle in 2025 has been particularly intense across metro Atlanta and North Georgia. FOX 5 Atlanta has been at the forefront of breaking these major stories, demonstrating their commitment to impactful local journalism. These stories often drive intense public debate and policy changes across the state.

1. Car Crash Deaths Eclipse Homicide Rates: A stark and alarming report found that car crash fatalities have officially surpassed the number of homicides in the metro Atlanta area, highlighting a severe public safety crisis on Georgia's roadways. FOX 5's coverage drove a significant public discussion on infrastructure and reckless driving enforcement.

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2. The Ellenwood Data Center "Wasteland" Debate: Activists raised serious warnings about a proposed data center in Ellenwood, arguing it could transform the area into an environmental "wasteland." The station provided a platform for both community concerns and developer responses, focusing on environmental impact and local zoning battles.

3. Deadly I-285 Crash and Braselton Police Chief Arrest: A series of high-profile public safety incidents rocked the region, including a deadly crash on I-285 and the shocking arrest of the Braselton police chief. These stories dominated headlines, bringing attention to law enforcement accountability and highway safety.

4. Thieves Cause Gas Explosion at Apartment Complex: In a bizarre and dangerous crime, thieves attempting a break-in caused a gas explosion at a local apartment complex. FOX 5’s immediate reporting on the incident detailed the damage and the subsequent investigation into the unusual crime.

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5. The CDC Shooting Incident: Coverage of a major security breach at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 150 windows were pierced by bullets. The incident raised serious concerns among employees and the public about security protocols at the critical federal facility.

WAGA-TV: From CBS Affiliate to FOX Powerhouse

The station known today as FOX 5 Atlanta has a rich and complex history under its call sign, WAGA-TV. Operating on channel 5, it serves as the Fox network's outlet for the Atlanta market. Its history is an interesting one, marking a significant shift in the city's broadcast landscape.

Originally, WAGA was Atlanta's second television station and was a long-time CBS affiliate until a major network realignment in the 1990s. This change cemented its role as the local Fox station, focusing heavily on local news programming, especially the morning show *Good Day Atlanta*, which has become a staple for many commuters.

The station is currently located in the Druid Hills neighborhood, specifically on Briarcliff Road, although its historical locations have included prominent spots like West Peachtree Street NW. This physical presence in the heart of the metro area underscores its commitment to local news.

Beyond the Headlines: FOX 5 Atlanta's Commitment to the Community

FOX 5 Atlanta's influence extends beyond its newscasts through several community-focused initiatives and partnerships. These efforts provide direct assistance to viewers and help address systemic issues across North Georgia.

The "Call for Action" Partnership: One of the station's longest-running and most impactful community services is its partnership with Call for Action. This non-profit network operates consumer hotlines designed to help viewers mediate complaints and solve problems with businesses, scams, and government agencies. WAGA-TV actively recruits volunteers to keep this vital service running, positioning the station as a true problem-solver for its audience.

Supporting Local Non-Profits: The station consistently uses its platform to raise awareness and support for local charitable organizations. For example, they have highlighted the critical work of MUST Ministries, a volunteer organization dedicated to helping homeless and struggling individuals and families with food, clothing, housing, and employment services.

Driving Public Dialogue: FOX 5 also plays a crucial role in public health and political discourse. Recent coverage included educating Atlantans about the increased rate of HIV across the metro area, where the city ranked third nationally for new cases. They also used their platform for a live poll, allowing viewers to become part of the daily conversation on important topics.

In an ever-evolving media landscape, FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA-TV) remains a vital, dynamic, and authoritative source for news, weather, and community engagement, continually adapting to the needs of the Atlanta and North Georgia region.