Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA –State Representatives Sandra G. Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) are calling on the Georgia General Assembly to approve a $500 million investment to better support students living in poverty through House Bill 27, the Investing in Every Student Act. The legislation was introduced by Reps. Scott, Davis and Schofield during the 2025 legislative session. “This is not about politics—this is about children,” said Rep. Scott, sponsor of HB 27. “Students living in poverty face challenges that extend far beyond the classroom, yet Georgia’s funding formula has never fully acknowledged that reality. A $500 million investment…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Due to predicted winter weather conditions and the declaration of a State of Emergency, upcoming DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and committee meetings will be conducted via teleconference (Zoom) to ensure public safety and continuity of government operations. Simultaneous public access to all meetings will be available via live stream on DCTV’s webpage at www.DCTVChannel23.TV, via Zoom, or by telephone. Members of the public should note that individuals who join meetings by telephone may have their phone numbers displayed to other meeting participants and viewers. Scheduled Meetings Special Called Finance, Audit, and Budget (FAB) Committee Meeting Date: Monday, Jan. 26…

ATLANTA – Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced a delay in Candidate Qualifying for State House Districts 94 and 130, supporting Gov. Brian Kemp’s declaration of a State of Emergency in anticipation of severe winter weather across the state.  Due to the closure of state offices in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 26, qualifying for special elections for State House Districts 94 and 130 will now begin on Tuesday, Jan. 27, barring further developments. Adjusted hours for qualifying to State House Districts 94 and 130 special elections are now Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, from…

ATLANTA–Due to inclement weather conditions, all Tax Commissioner’s offices, including all DMV offices, will be closed on Monday, January 26,2026. This closure is in response to guidance from County Emergency Management, which is urging residents to stay off the roads for safety reasons. While in-person services will be unavailable, online services will remain accessible during the closure. Customers are encouraged to utilize online options for transactions and information. Normal operations are expected to resume once conditions improve and it is safe to do so. Updates will be provided as needed. For additional information and online services, please visit gwinnetttaxcommissioner.com  Digital Learning Day for Gwinnett County students on…

DECATUR GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction by jury trial of two men accused in a deadly gas station shootout. A third suspect is still at large. On Nov. 7, 2025, jurors found Jeremy Collins, 29, guilty of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with the shooting death of Keng Wilson, 20. Jurors also found Joshua Ontario Simpson, 29, guilty of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by First Offender Probationer, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. DeKalb County Superior Court…

DEKALB COUNTY DeKalb County government closings DEKALB COUNTY GA–All DeKalb County government buildings, events, and county-sponsored programming will be closed this weekend, including recreation centers, libraries, and non-essential in-person services. Closures are being implemented out of an abundance of caution to protect residents and employees. County officials will continue to evaluate conditions and provide updates, including whether closures will be extended into next week. To further support residents, CJ Avery, director of the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), released a public safety video outlining steps individuals and families can take to prepare for winter weather, including guidance on protecting people, pets, plants,…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson has issued a declaration of local emergency in advance of the major winter storm forecasted by the National Weather Service.  Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order on Thursday, Jan. 22, declaring a state of emergency across Georgia due to the storm’s projected impact. The order makes available all resources of the state of Georgia to assist in preparation, response and recovery activities associated with the winter storm across the state.  Similarly, the local declaration activates certain emergency powers under the Gwinnett County Emergency Management Ordinance. The declaration allows for the use of all…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The NAACP DeKalb County Branch is hosting a Community Engagement Forum on Feb. 10. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center.   The forum will provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about the 2026 Mid-Term and upcoming special elections; to hear community engagement strategies; and learn more about the value of community partnerships.  Citizens will be able to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate on shaping the future of DeKalb County.  “This is an opportunity for everyone to have a voice in the decisions that affect our daily lives,” said NAACP DeKalb County Branch President Edwina Clanton.…

ATLANTA –Georgia Power teams are making final preparations to respond to damage and power outages caused by Winter Storm Fern, which is bringing the potential for significant snow and ice this weekend followed by winds and subfreezing temperatures. More than 10,000 personnel including Georgia Power, contracting companies and partner utilities in Florida and other states, are engaged and ready to support the company’s response effort.  The current forecast predicts freezing rain and subfreezing temperatures, which have the potential to cause power outages. Ice adds weight to tree branches, increasing the chances they will snap and fall onto power lines. Small…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police(DKPD) welcome the community to a series of upcoming Town Hall meetings.  DKPD Chief Greg Padrick and other Department leaders will talk about how crimes and crimefighting initiatives in 2025, as well as look ahead to how we plan to keep the people of DeKalb County safe in 2026.  The public is encouraged to attend the Town Hall for the precinct where they live:  ·      East: Jan. 28, 6-8pm, Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road ·      Tucker: Feb. 2, 6-8pm, Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 Lavista Road ·      North Central: Feb. 4, 6-8pm, Tobie Grant Rec Center, 593 Parkdale Driv…