Atlanta Morning Local Briefing

Food hall to transform former CNN Center downtown

A large new food hall is set to open this May in the atrium of the former CNN Center, now renamed The Center, in downtown Atlanta. The project, led by owner CP Group, will bring a 24,000-square-foot dining space with a dozen food stalls and what is billed as the city’s largest bar. An upscale steak and seafood restaurant, Mastro’s Ocean Club, is slated to anchor the ground floor.

The redevelopment is part of a broader effort to energize downtown ahead of Atlanta hosting eight World Cup matches in 2026. With millions invested in renovations and nearby projects like the Centennial Yards redevelopment advancing, local officials hope the food hall will draw residents and visitors deeper into the city core.

Report highlights more than 144,000 metro Atlanta eviction filings

New data compiled by researchers at The Eviction Lab and reported this week shows just how unstable housing remains for many metro Atlanta renters. Over the past year, the region recorded more than 144,000 eviction filings. While not all filings end in displacement, the volume underscores persistent affordability and income challenges as rents have climbed faster than wages in many neighborhoods.

Advocates say the data should spur local leaders to expand legal aid, rental assistance, and the supply of affordable units. The findings also arrive as some pandemic-era tenant protections have long expired, leaving lower income households particularly exposed to sudden job losses or medical bills.

$250,000 reward in killing of metro Atlanta postal worker

Federal authorities and local law enforcement have dramatically increased the reward for information in the killing of a metro Atlanta postal worker who was shot while on duty. The reward now stands at $250,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Investigators say they are still seeking additional witnesses and video from the area. Residents are being urged to come forward with any details, even if they seem minor, as officials emphasize the seriousness of attacks on federal employees performing essential public services.

City partners with startup to expand AI-powered career support

The City of Atlanta is teaming up with a career-tech company called WriteSea to bring AI-powered job search tools to more local residents. The partnership aims to make it easier for job seekers to build resumes, practice interview skills and explore career paths, with a particular focus on people who are unemployed, underemployed or changing fields.

City leaders say the program will be integrated into existing workforce and training initiatives, giving residents access to digital coaching and feedback at no cost. Supporters argue that better career readiness tools can help Atlantans compete for higher-wage roles as the region continues to attract new employers and investment.

Culture spotlight: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival under way

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival opened this week for its 26th year, bringing nearly 50 feature films and more than a dozen shorts from around the world to screens across the metro area. Organizers say this year’s lineup focuses on stories of identity, family and resilience, with films that connect Jewish experiences to broader social and historical themes.

In addition to screenings, the festival is hosting a series of free in-person conversations with filmmakers, scholars and community voices. The events run through early March, giving residents multiple chances to take in films and discussions at venues throughout the city.

Sources

https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/20/former-cnn-center-atlanta-food-hall
https://www.georgiatrend.com/2026/02/20/georgia-trend-daily-feb-20-2026
https://www.wabe.org/metro-atlanta-sees-over-144000-eviction-filings-in-year-long-data-collection
https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/reward-increased-metro-atlanta-postal-worker-killed/85
https://www.azcentral.com/press-release/story/34736/writesea-partners-with-the-city-of-atlanta-to-expand-ai-powered-career-rea
https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/18/2026-atlanta-jewish-film-festival