🌱 Atlanta Shootout Leaves 1 Dead + APD Offers $30,000 Reward Info

Hello, everybody! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Atlanta Daily. Let's get this weekend started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening around town. Today you'll learn about these stories and more:

• One dead and one injured in a large shootout in SE Atlanta
• Atlanta officials offer $30,000 reward for information on deceased deputy
• Atlanta PD step up security for New Year's events

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But first, today's weather:

Couple of thunderstorms. High: 63 Low: 48.

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Here are the top five stories in Atlanta today:

1. Atlanta police are investigating a Dec. 30 shootout that led to a death on the porch of a southeast Atlanta home. According to investigators, the shooting happened during a dispute between two groups at the 1100 block of Kipling Street SE near Moreland Avenue. One victim was deceased with multiple gunshot wounds and another was been taken to a local hospital. As of Dec. 30, the identities of the victims were not released. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. Yesterday, Dec. 30, Atlanta authorities announced a $30,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest in their hunt for the killer of a sheriff's deputy found shot inside his wrecked car. James Thomas, 24, was found in a damaged car in the middle of an Atlanta road dead from a single gunshot on Dec. 29. (Times Union News)
3. Due to two huge upcoming events that will draw tens of thousands to the city, Atlanta police have stepped up their security plans. Officials expect between 50,000-60,000 people to attend the Peach Drop party at Underground Atlanta tonight, Dec. 31. They expect about several thousand football fans to flock to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Peach Bowl on Jan. 1. Atlanta Police Special Operations Commander Eddie Smith, Jr. said the Atlanta police are working with other law enforcement agencies, including the Fulton County Sheriff's Office and MARTA Police to ensure maximum safety. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
4. Gov. Brian Kemp signed the "Remove Copays Act" into law, which means Georgia veterans can now receive help paying for mental health and substance abuse treatments. Sen. Kevin Cramer said, "Every veteran was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day. We should ensure they have access to care they need. It is a key way to support them as they adjust to civilian life." (WSB Atlanta)
5. Yesterday, Dec. 30, Ohio State University and the University of Georgia students, faculty, staff, and alumni worked together on a community service project to benefit food-insecure Atlanta area residents. The "Feed the Funnel party" measured, mixed, and packed more than 51,000 meals. (Ohio State News)

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Today in Atlanta:

• New Year's Eve & Day At Epicurean Atlanta (7:00 AM)
• Bubble Bash At Children's Museum of Atlanta (9:00 AM)
• Celebrate New Year's Eve 'Round the Clock At TWO Urban Licks (11:00 AM)
• Peach Drop At Underground Atlanta (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• On Jan. 3, the Atlanta City Council will consider legislation requesting the city develop a program to give free lock boxes to eligible residents to help reduce gun thefts and deter violence. (Atlanta City Council via Twitter)
• The City of Atlanta announced that the civil rights icon John Lewis will be honored with a U.S. postage stamp! The United States Postal Service said the stamp is slated to be released in 2023 and will celebrate the civil rights leader's life and legacy. (City of Atlanta Government via Facebook)
• MARTA reminds residents that all buses will be rerouted away from Five Points Station to make room for the Peach Drop crowd starting at 4:00 p.m. today, Dec. 31, through the end of service. Click here for more details about New Year's Eve MARTA service. (MARTA via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. Happy New Year!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O'Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.