Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Isaiah Reid, 19, has been arrested in connection with a shooting that took place at a Miller Grove High School football game in February. His mother, Michelle Reid, also was arrested in connection with the incident, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 2.    Reid was taken into custody without incident at an apartment complex in the 4300 block of Satellite Boulevard in Duluth, Georgia. He was arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Gwinnett Fugitive Task Force. Reid is charged with multiple felonies, including Aggravated Assault…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive, Conyers, will host its monthly Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Saturday, April 11.   Free groceries will be provided from 9 a.m. until noon (while they last) to individuals and families in need throughout the community. This outreach is open to all, and no registration is required.  Event Details: Springfield Baptist Church Drive-Thru Food Pantry Saturday, April 11 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers, GA

DECATUR, GA –– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Clayton County Police Department, has arrested a suspect wanted on a series of criminal warrants extending from an alleged drive-by shooting incident two years ago in Lithonia, Georgia. Davion Jermarie Knox, 21, of Atlanta, was taken into custody on March 31 without incident at a Richardson Parkway residence in Clayton County.  Knox is charged with 31 felonies that include multiple counts of Aggravated Assault with Intent to Murder, Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and Criminal Damage to Property…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—Women of Voices of Faith and First Lady Pamela Hawkins will present their annual fashion show and luncheon on April 18, 11 a.m., at 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W., the church’s Stone Mountain campus.   Under the 2026 theme, Step Up & Stand Firm, the event promises to be a beautiful and joyous celebration for sisters—for both young and young at heart.  Tickets are on sale now for the celebration. Get yours before they sell out. For more information, call 770-498-5850.  

LILBURN, GA—Get ready to dance, eat and celebrate. The City of Lilburn will host its Fiesta in the Park, a vibrant, family-friendly community celebration bringing the energy, color and traditions of Cinco de Mayo right to Lilburn City Park.   City officials say this exciting new event promises a celebration filled with music, movement, delicious food and unforgettable entertainment for all ages. Set your calendars for Saturday, May 2, from 4 to 7 p.m., as Lilburn City Park transforms into a lively fiesta. The event kicks off at the bandshell with Alma Mexicana Folk Dance, followed by a lively Mariachi Band…

MACON, GA—Check out the “First Friday Art Crawl” in downtown Macon, beginning in April. Enjoy an array of works by featured artists in galleries that will be open late evenings.   Here’s a look at the opening lineup for April  Macon Arts Alliance (486 1st Street), 4-7 PM Macon Arts Alliance is excited to present their April show, “reSISTERS”, featuring works by mixed media artist She Keene. In “reSISTERS”, Keene creates abstract and figurative mixed media pieces that collage historic photographs of early suffragists, layered with both bold and fading text; words that reflect the rights and freedoms people are still fighting…

ATLANTA – Today, House Speaker (R-Newington) applauded the final passage of a priority for the 2026 Legislative Session, House Bill 1344, the Georgia Insurance Affordability and Claims Integrity Act. HB 1344 was drafted based on the findings and recommendations of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Insurance Rates appointed by Speaker Jon Burns and chaired by Rep. Matt Reeves (R-Duluth). “Georgia’s families, homeowners, drivers and businesses depend on their insurers to help them face life’s most difficult moments with confidence and security,” said House Speaker Jon Burns. “The passage of the Insurance Affordability and Claims Integrity Act is a direct…

ATLANTA—DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson joined metro county leaders and members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus on Tuesday, March 31, on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol to voice strong opposition to the Senate Substitute to House Bill 369 (HB 369), calling on Gov. Brian Kemp to veto the legislation. The joint press conference brought together leadership from DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties to raise concerns about what they described as a targeted and inequitable policy that undermines voter transparency and local governance. Speaking on behalf of DeKalb County and as part of a unified regional coalition, Cochran-Johnson emphasized the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, in partnership with the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and WorkSource DeKalb, announces the return of the DeKalb Summer Youth Employment Program (DSYEP) for 2026. The program will run from June 1–July 10, 2026, providing 450 youth interns across DeKalb with work experience and professional development opportunities in industries such as healthcare, education, technology, retail, and government. DSYEP is designed to prepare young residents for the workforce by offering hands-on experience, skill development, and exposure to career pathways that support long-term success. Program Highlights: Program Dates: June 1–July 10 Participants: 450 interns Compensation: $15…