Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Don’t miss your chance to elevate your brand, explore new business opportunities and build professional bonds. Register now for the DeKalb Chamber’s multi-chambers networking mixer on March 5.  The DeKalb Chamber will be joined by the Greater Perimeter Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Black Chambers, and Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce at the event.  Event Details: Date: Thursday, March 5  Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.  Location:  Distillery of Modern Art 2197 Irvingdale Way, Chamblee, GA  Admission: $30 for members | $50 for non-members  What’s Included With Registration: One complementary beer or wine drink ticket Heavy appetizers Excellent networking opportunities  Agenda: 5:30 – 6:20 p.m. Registration & Networking 6:30…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Two men are behind bars after Gwinnett County Police officers responded to a robbery and uncovered an online human trafficking operation.  Changze Li, 28, of Buford, GA has been charged with Pimping and Keeping a Place of Prostitution.   Dominique Gray, 40, of Winder,GA  has been charged with Reckless Conduct, Pandering, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, False Imprisonment and Kidnapping.     Officers initially responded to the robbery call on Jan. 20 at 2000 Satellite Pointe in unincorporated Duluth.  When officers arrived at the apartment, Changze Li let them in, saying there was a…

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County will present its 42nd Annual MLK celebration, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while celebrating the contributions of DeKalb leaders and others who have been involved in the fight for civil and human rights across the nation. The event takes place on March 5. The celebration will bring together community leaders, residents, elected officials, and local partners for a  program celebrating the spirit of service, justice, and unity that defines both Dr. King’s legacy and Black History Month. The program will be hosted by WSB-TV morning news anchor Lori Wilson and will feature a conversation with civil…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—An obsolete extended-stay hotel in Peachtree Corners soon will be transformed into long-term, affordable housing for homeless youths, youths aging out of foster care, vulnerable seniors and other at-risk populations.   The Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC), county officials and community partners are hosting a ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday, Feb. 25, to officially kick off the project.  The county has acquired the Spring Swallow Lodge at 7065 Jimmy CarterBlvd. for theconversion.  The total development cost is $14.5M, with Praxis 3 operating as architect and Aapco as General Contractor of the housing development, which will be called The Lodge. In addition to more than half of…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will partner with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and the Happy Helping Program to provide meals that service youths ages 18 and under during the summer. The program will run June 8 – July 17.  The Department is encouraging agencies to apply now to participate as a distribution site. To qualify as a site, 50 percent of children served must meet the income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are members of households that receive food stamp benefits…

ATLANTA—The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Georgia staff recently recognized 21 state legislators who are also family caregivers.    Rep. Sandy Donatucci (R-105), who cares for her mother, led the recognition from the Georgia House of Representatives floor during the Feb. 19 morning session.  She presented an AARP Georgia poster containing the legislators’ photos and highlighted key statistics about caregiving in Georgia. The list of state legislators recognized include: Arlene Beckles Rhonda Burnough Park Cannon Lisa Campbell Terry Cummings Viola Davis Robert Dawson Sandy Donabucci Demetrius Douglas Lydia Glaze Anissa Jones Jan Jones Todd Jones Karen Mathias Billy Mitchell Angie O’Steen…

By GA Reps. Viola Davis, Sandra G. Scott ATLANTA–More than 6million veterans currently receive disability compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Many rely on medication to manage service-connected injuries and illnesses ranging from PTSD and traumatic brain injury to hypertension, joint damage and chronic pain. Recently, a federal rule change concerning those benefits created alarm across the veteran community. On Feb. 17, the VA published an interim final rule amending its interpretation of 38 C.F.R. § 4.10—the regulation governing how functional impairment is evaluated for disability ratings. The rule stated that VA examiners should evaluate veterans based…

DULUTH, GA — The Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will present 28 debutantes and beaus to society at its 9th Biennial “Crème de la Crème: Visions of Elegance and Excellence” Cotillion-Beautillion Ball on Saturday, March 14. The ball will be held at the Thomas P. Hughes Ballroom inside the Gas South Convention Center. The Cotillion-Beautillion Program is a transformative initiative designed to introduceteens to the principles of poise, leadership, and social responsibility. Through structured instruction and mentorship, participants receive comprehensive training in social etiquette, ballroom dancing, dining protocol, and respectful, face-to-face communication. The program places a…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Allyssa Amos, wanted on aggravated assault charges in connection with a drive-by shooting on a restaurant in October 2025, is in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail.   The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive and K-9 Units arrested Amoson on Feb.  20 in Duluth, GA. According to police reports, Amos,36, drove the getaway car. Leamon Carter, 48, opened fire with a MAC-11 submachine gun on Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar restaurant after a dispute over paying his bill.   Police said Carter shot several rounds through the glass door and windows of the restaurant after the restaurant closed around 2:30 a.m.…