🌱 Former Tech Star Dies + Morehouse Video + Strangers' Kindness

Atlanta GA

10 December, 2021

5:32 PM

Description

Good day, people of Atlanta! It's me again, Kathy Cioffi, your host of the Atlanta Daily. First, today's weather: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 72 Low: 39. Rent this space! Are you a local business owner or marketer in Atlanta? We love showcasing trusted businesses who can solve problems for our amazing local readers. Click here to learn how it works. Here are the 5 top stories in Atlanta today: Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech standout, retired NFL star and Georgia native, died Thursday night in his Roswell home, according to authorities. The two-time All-Pro receiver, who earned five straight Pro Bowl honors and a Super Bowl ring during his career, would have turned 34 on Christmas Day. "Preliminary information is that his death stems from a medical issue," said Roswell police spokesman Tim Lupo in a statement Friday. "Our investigators currently have no reason to believe otherwise." (Atlanta Patch)Surveillance video of two men suspected in the fatal shooting of a Morehouse College student last month has been released by Atlanta police. Tyrone W. Holmes, 25, a decorated senior studying psychology, was found shot dead Nov. 3 at his home on Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard. Anyone with information can submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-T8477, online at crimestoppersatlanta.org or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000. (Free: 11Alive.com; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)Thanks to a customer's glowing Facebook post, generous strangers have made one metro Atlanta waitress's holidays festive indeed. Dec. 2, Rita Williams was dining at a busy IHOP in Morrow when she noticed waitress Jazmine Castillo remaining kind, patient and professional despite being stretched thin. After chatting with Castillo and asking for her Cash App information, Williams sent the waitress $500, then posted about her experience on Facebook, encouraging others to contribute. Within a week, about $10,000 had been donated to Castillo through Cash App. Castillo calls Williams her angel. As for Williams, she said, "I don't think it could've happened to a better person." (WRCB-TV)An Atlanta man was arrested, police said, after becoming so furious at his rideshare driver for not giving him cigarettes that he drew two guns and hijacked the car on Nov. 27. Once the driver was able to pull over and escape in the 200 block of Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, he called 911. Atlanta officers chased down 34-year-old Keith Long, discovering a variety of illegal drugs in his backpack as well as an active warrant for his arrest on, among other charges, attempted murder. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)A motel near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was evacuated by fire crews Thursday evening after a fire broke out in the laundry room. Around 7 p.m., firefighters responded to a motel in the 4900 block of Old National Highway, adjacent to the Interstate 85-285 corridor. Although the motel is located about a mile and a half west of the airport's fifth runway, the FAA has not reported delays due to smoke, though traffic nearby was slowed while crews were on the scene. No injuries have been reported and the Red Cross is helping those displaced. (FOX 5 Atlanta) Today in Atlanta: YMCA of Metro Atlanta to Host Doubles Pickleball Tournament (7:00 AM)Celebrate Las Posadas at the Children's Museum of Atlanta (9:00 AM)Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market at Wild Heaven West End (1:00 PM)Don't Miss a Meet-And-Greet With Atlanta United Player Brad Guzan at gusto! (3:00 PM)Celebrate Christmas with the Atlanta Master Chorale At Schwartz Center For Performing Arts (8:00 PM) From my notebook: Take a look at this sunrise shot from Buckhead. Beautiful! (Instagram) After helping to make Christmas merry for five generations, the original Rich's twin pig monorails ride has been officially retired, but The Pink Pig lives on in the permanent collection at the Atlanta History Center. (Instagram) The Carver High School Panthers are headed to the GHSA AAA State Championship game! Catch them at noon today at Georgia State University's Center Parc Stadium. (Facebook) The Atlanta Humane Society is hiring for several positions across the organization, including animal welfare specialist, supervisor, and manager. Learn more about the job openings at atlantahumane.org/join-our-team. Full-time, part-time and seasonal/temporary opportunities are available. (Facebook)Thank you to everyone who volunteers to help tidy up the Atlanta BeltLine. Your time is definitely appreciated. (Facebook) From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Events: Are Looking For Venue To Host Holiday Event/ Party? (December 11) French Wine Tasting with Food Pairing (December 11) Drive Thru Christmas Pageant (December 12) Resource connection meeting (December 12) Atlanta New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance Party (Latin dance & Top 40s room) (December 31) Add your event Gigs & services: Tax Preparation (Details) Add your gig or service Loving the Atlanta Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved: Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe Get your local business showcased in front of readers Send me a news tip or suggestion at [email protected] You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update! — Kathy Cioffi