Author: On Common Ground News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today, Feb. 5,  that more than $11 million in Community Project Funding he secured for Georgia’s 4th District is in the final FY2026 spending bills approved by Congress and signed into law by the president this week. The funding will directly address some of the most pressing needs across the district, which encompasses most of DeKalb County and parts of Gwinnett County. Cities within the Fourth District include Stonecrest, Lithonia, Stone Mountain, Clarkston, Tucker, Doraville, Chamblee and Dunwoody in DeKalb County and Peachtree Corners, Norcross, and Duluth in Gwinnett County.  “Taking care…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA —The suspect connected to a shooting that occurred inside the Decatur Library on Monday, February. 2, afternoon has been taken into custody, ccording to the Decatur Police Department. Medicus Brown, 44, has been taken into custody and faces charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Authorities located Brown at the Live Long Hotel, located near Memorial Drive and Rockbridge Road. Brown was wanted on charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is currently being…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new Teen Tech Center on Thursday, Feb.19, at 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Recreation Center, 3262 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA. The Teen Tech Center is designed to provide teens with hands-on access to technology creative tools that support academic success, career exploration, and digital literacy. Programming at the center will include coding, 3D printing, music production, and podcasting, along with opportunities for digital media creation. “This center gives teens a platform to create, innovate, and express themselves”, said Paige…

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Board of Registration & Elections (DeKalb BRE) will hold its scheduled meeting on Thursday, Feb., 12, at 4:30 p.m. for the purpose of conducting normal business. This meeting will be conducted in person at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. Public comments may be made in person or submitted by sending an email of one printed page or less at a minimum font of 12 to electionspubliccmnt@dekalbcountyga.gov . The e-mail must be received between 35 and 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the meeting. The body of the email must include your first and last name.

DECATUR, GA – On Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is holding his 7th Annual Unsung Heroes Awards program, honoring 16 residents for their positive contributions to Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. Since 2019, Congressman Johnson has recognized nearly 120 constituents who go above and beyond to volunteer their time and energy in service to their community.  The honorees include community leaders in five categories: Diamond of the District: Individuals, entities and/or organizations that serve the district through advocating on behalf of faith-based organizations, schools, municipalities or disadvantaged communities. Ms. Nadine Ali is the founder and executive director of…

BROOKHAVEN, GA — A Compassionate Police Department Award is on the way to the Brookhaven Police Department from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA).  The nonprofit organization is honoring Brookhaven police officers for their swift action in rescuing a 3-month-old puppy that reportedly was beaten on a livestream social media post by rapper Aspen Easternling.  In the video, the 19-year-old Easterling, a Twitch streamer also known as Aspen Kartier, appears to strike the wailing puppy repeatedly and then grabs the pup by the skin on its back. After receiving information from PETA, the police department searched Easterling’s home on Jan. 30 and booked…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –  DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, alongside the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, will host a drive-thru food distribution starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, reinforcing the County’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting families in need. No registration is required. Participation is open to DeKalb County residents only. “Food insecurity remains a nationwide challenge,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “This work is only possible through collaboration. With the support of our Board of Commissioners, faith leaders, volunteers, and community partners, we are meeting families where they are and delivering help when it matters most.” The countywide distribution will…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—The Celebration of Life service for Officer Pradeep Tamang will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 12Stone Church, 1322 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville Those who are planning to attend are asked to be seated by 9:30 a.m. The service will begin at10 a.m. Officer Tamang, 25, was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, Feb. 1, while responding to a credit card fraud call at the Holiday Inn Express, 1799 East Park Place Blvd., in Stone Mountain. Master Police Officer David M. Reed,  who arrived on the scene with Tamang, was critically injured during the shootout that occurred.  Officer…