Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—Longtime U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Democrat who represented Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80. A cause of death was not disclosed.  Scott served 12 consecutive terms in Congress, first elected in 2002, and taking office in 2003. At the time of his death, Scott was seeking re-election with early voting set to begin April 27 ahead of the May 19 primary. Scott’s campaign signs were visible across the 13th District, which spans portions of Clayton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton and Rockdale counties after redistricting in 2012.  A staunch advocate for education, healthcare, veterans and farmers,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) has arrested two suspects in connection with a series of break-ins that occurred in Decatur on Tuesday night(April 21).  Investigators released a video showing one of the suspects rummaging through one of the vehicles. Corey Biggs and Malachi Campbell, both 20, were captured after a police chase and are now facing multiple charges including Aggravated Assault, Entering Auto, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property (Felony), and Fleeing and Eluding.  The chase began on Tuesday, April 21, after police responded around 8 p.m. to reports of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the death of Olaolukitan Adon Abel, the suspected gunman who was facing multiple felony charges in connection with the fatal shooting spree that claimed the lives of two women and a homeless man in separate early morning attacks on April 13 in DeKalb County..   DeKalb County Jail officials said  that Abel was found unresponsive in his cell on today, April 21, at approximately 6:48 p.m. Detention staff immediately notified medical personnel, and lifesaving measures were initiated. Despite those efforts, Abel was pronounced deceased at the jail at 7:17 p.m., officials stated in…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County mourns the loss of Gwinnett Superior Court Judge Deborah Fluker, who passed away Saturday, April 18, following a courageous battle with cancer. Fluker remained on the bench even as she fought cancer, and was admired for her remarkable strength by peers and others who knew her. Judge Fluker, elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, made history as the first African American Superior Court Judge in the county. Throughout her distinguished legal career, she was known for her fairness, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice. Before taking the bench, Judge Fluker served in multiple prosecutorial roles,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Kevin Grier, 35, will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the death of Ian Hagerty,17, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today, April 20.   Greer was convicted by jury trial in the case accused of a shooting and killing the teen during a candlelight vigil. Grier was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon or First Offender Probationer, in connection with Hagerty’s death.  DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie, who…

By Mark Brock DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Donald Sellers, Sr., who has coached track for more than two decades at Stephenson High School, has been inducted into Georgia’s 2026 Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Sellers, who has served as track coach since 2000,  has compiled an extensive resume that includes two state championships (2002, 2021), 10 DeKalb County track titles and a pair of Coach of the Year honors (2002, 2021). Those kinds of accomplishments catch the attention of track fans and coaches and led to his being elected to the Hall of Fame. “A…

DECATUR, GA —DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is reminding residents of key dates to put on their radar and important information to know before heading to vote in the May 19 Primary Election.  Key Election Dates to Know DeKalb VRE encourages voters to make a plan now by noting the following important dates: Early (Advance in-Person) Voting Period: April 27 – May 15 (Visit www.DeKalbVotes.comfor locations) Election Day: May 19 (Polls open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.) Absentee Voting Information Registered voters may also choose to vote by absentee ballot. Request an Absentee Ballot: Now Deadline to Request an…

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council on Monday, April 20, approved two resolutions addressing federal immigration activities within the City.  The first declares the Council’s opposition to the acquisition, renovation, expansion and operation of warehouses or other facilities with the City for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities (26-R-3361).  The second establishes procedures for the City and Atlanta Police Department regarding documentation, accountability, and public transparency in connection with federal immigration enforcement activities. (26-R-3363). Other items approved by Council include: An ordinance declaring a certain area of Downtown Atlanta as a temporary “public entertainment district” during FIFA World Cup 26, June 11…

DECATUR, GA– Constituents are invited to learn about key legislation that passed during the 2026 Legislative Session at an upcoming town this month.  DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation Chair Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Vice Chair Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Secretary Long Tran (D-Dunwoody), along with members of the DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation, will host the post-session town hall meeting on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Church ATL, 1561 McClendon Ave. N.E., Decatur.