🌱 Homicide Department Struggles + Affordable Housing Strike Force

Good morning, Atlanta! Let's get you all caught up to start this Thursday, May 12 off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and nice. High: 79 Low: 61.

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Here are the top three stories today in Atlanta:

1. Atlanta homicide detectives report staffing struggles during the recent murder rate increase. According to some homicide detectives, the issue has caused them to work without days off for months. The department is currently down six detectives. (WSB Atlanta)
2. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens reports that the city will be investing $58.7 million into developing affordable housing. The announcement was made after the first meeting of the mayor's new Affordable Housing Strike Force on Wednesday. The meeting brought governmental and nonprofit leaders together to address the recent rise of homelessness occurring in the area. (Reporter Newspapers)
3. The Atlanta Police Department arrested a man with a backpack of weapons. The department responded to a report of Gregory Keith Johnson, 42, wielding axes near the Piedmont Avenue NE area. The bodycam footage of the incident shows that the backpack contained two axes, a replica handgun, and a cleaver. Johnson had active warrants for aggravated assault and attempted robbery. (WSB Atlanta)

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Today in Atlanta:

• Magna Dance At Little Five Points Center for Arts and Community (10:30 AM)

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From my notebook:

• The Atlanta Police Department is raising awareness about the dangers of Fentanyl. The drug caused more than 107,000 deaths last year. (Facebook)
• Savannah Nights tickets are now on sale at ZooATL. The event will feature food and craft cocktails. (Twitter)
• ATL City Planning wants to help you achieve your dream of operating a food truck. Click to learn about the Street Eats Atlanta: Food Truck Program. (Twitter)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Powder Springs Seafood Festival May 13-15 (May 13)
• Rare & Unusual Garden Plant Sale in Eastlake! (May 14)
• La Feria ATLANTA (May 14)
• Introduction to TaiChi $20 (1-on-1 session) (May 16)
• "Natural Beauty" with artists Henry Asencio & Chad Awalt (May 21)
• Short Story Fest 2022 (May 22)
• Add your event

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon 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.