Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – The July 18 meeting of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors will be held in-person at MARTA headquarters and virtually on YouTube on beginning with a work session at noon and board meeting at 1:30 p.m.  WHAT:   July meeting of the MARTA Board of Directors        Agendas: https://www.itsmarta.com/board-documents.aspx WHAT:   Thursday, July. 18 Work session – noon                 Board meeting – 1:30 p.m. WHERE:  MARTA Headquarters 2424 Piedmont Rd. NE Atlanta, Ga. 30324 6th floor board room  VIRTUAL:  YouTube livestream: https://bit.ly/MARTAPublicStream

ATLANTA—Gov. Brian P. Kemp today announced that the HOPE Scholarship Program has awarded over $15 billion to more than 2.1 million Georgia students since its inception in 1993. “After three straight years of record-breaking economic development, Georgians have more opportunity than ever before,” said Gov. BrianKemp. “The HOPE Scholarship has been essential to that growth by preparing a generation of students for success. This milestone reminds us of that incredible impact and the lasting legacy of former Governor Zell Miller.” The nationally-recognized HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) Scholarship Program is funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education and administered by the Georgia…

GWINNETT COUNTY—The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday(July 16) adopted the same general fund millage rate as last year, 6.95 mills. Before the vote, the commissioners received public comments at three public hearings and via an online comment form. “Inflation has impacted everybody, including local government,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “Holding the rate steady means we’re able to continue delivering the superior government services residents rely on without homeowners who benefit from the value offset exemption paying more this year.” Property taxes are based on millage rates set by county government, the school and the cities. One mill…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA — The City of Stone Mountain will begin Phase 1 of its Main Street paving project on Monday, July 22. The project will include milling, repaving, and striping to improve road safety and maintain infrastructure integrity throughout the area, city officials said. Project Overview: ●  Phase 1: The initial phase will encompass James B. Rivers Memorial Drive to East/West Mountain Street. During this phase, this section will be completely closed, with clearly marked detour routes to facilitate smooth traffic flow. ●  Phase 2: Following Phase 1, the project will progress from East/West Mountain Street to Poole Street. Like Phase 1,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – Gwinnett County Police detectives have identified the victim and charged the suspect in connection with a deadly domestic incident that took place on July 11 at a residence on Glen Summit Lane in Snellville. Johnita Weaver, 61, has been identified as the victim, GCPD announced on Tuesday, July 17. According to a preliminary investigation, Weaver and Dumas lived together in the residence where her body was found on Summit Lane. Allen Dumas, 52, has been charged with Weaver’s murder. In addition to Murder, Dumas is facing charges of Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Detectives have arrested Ernesto Garcia-Bailon, 20, of Norcross, in connection with a deadly shooting that happened behind a plaza on Sunday, July 14. The shooting occurred just after 9 p.m. in a wooded area behind a plaza located at 4840 Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Norcross, Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) said. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers attempted to render lifesaving first aid, but the victim died from his injuries, authorities said. Garcia-Bailon is charged with aggravated assault, felony murder, and malice murder. He is currently being held at the…

20-year-old man shot dead in assassination attempt on Trump at Bethel Park, Pennsylvania rally DECATUR, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), the U.S. House of Representatives’ leading legislator on court reform, released the following statement after U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed former President Trump’s classified documents case in Florida. Cannon dismissed the case against former President Donald Trump on today, July 15, in agreement with defense attorneys who said that special counsel, Jack Smith, was illegally appointed by the Justice Department. Defense lawyers said Attorney Merrick Garland violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause because it did not go through Congress…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A mother accused of stabbing her 5-year-old son to death then setting their Peachtree Corners apartment on fire will serve a life sentence in prison plus five years.  Azaria Shante Burton, 23, pleaded guilty to malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault family violence, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, first-degree arson, criminal attempt to commit a felony, and misdemeanor tampering with evidence in connection with the October 2023 death of 5-year-old Jayveon Pruitt.  “This is not motherhood as it should be,” Gwin County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “Mothers generally protect their young. This was…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA –Walter Hester has been charged with the murder of his wife, Clordette Hester, in connection with a domestic dispute, the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office said today, July 15. On Sunday, July 14, at approximately 1:29 p.m., Rockdale deputies responded to a call of a woman screaming and gunshots fired on Griffin Mountain Tail. Deputies found a deceased woman lying in the driveway when they arrived. Hester was rrested and charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Firearm or Knife During Commission of or attempt to Commit Certain Felonies in connection with the murder of his wife. He…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its regular meeting on Thursday, July 18, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Maloof Auditorium, located at 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.  Agenda Callto Order Adoptionof Agenda III. Administrative Items Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of June 18, 2024 Ethics Officer’s Monthly Report Preliminary Cases 2024-8: Monique N. v. DeKalb County Sanitation Department 2024-9: Gwendolyn Farris v. Alesia Brooks Public Comments Comments from the Board of Ethics VII. Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation and Personnel Issues Motion to Convene an Executive…