Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Thursday, May 16, unveiled its newly-revamped CDC.gov website, marking a significant step forward in the agency’s commitment to better communicate with the public. Internal and external reviews of agency operations were conducted after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The result was the CDC Moving Forward effort, which launched numerous initiatives to strengthen the speed and clarity of agency communications. The newly streamlined website is the culmination of extensive user testing and feedback, ensuring that vital health information is more accessible and easier to find for all audiences. CDC’s experts help protect lives and livelihoods…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and the Gwinnett County Health Department advise residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways. On Thursday, May 9, a cat near the block of King Stream Way in Snellville tested positive for rabies. Vet staff were exposed to the feline through saliva. No bites or injuries were reported. Diseases like rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals such as foxes and raccoons. All pet owners should ensure that their pets are current on rabies vaccination. According to the National…

By Valerie J. Morgan STONECREST, GA–National Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump presented new evidence today ( May 16), telling news media that the Florida deputy was at the wrong apartment when he confronted and fatally shot U.S. Air Force airman Roger Fortson in the doorway of his Fort Walton Beach, FL apartment. Fortson, who was on active duty, is from DeKalb County, GA. The press conference was held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the city of Stonecrest, where Fortson’s funeral will be held on Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. The airman’s mother, Meka Fortson, is a…

DECATUR, GA–A peace rally and call for justice will be held for Xavia Tyree McClary on Saturday, May 18, 2 to 5 p.m., at the CarStar Auto Body Repair Experts, 2946 S. Rainbow Drive, Decatur. McClary, 30, was shot and killed on March 24 after he reportedly tried to defend a female friend who was being harassed by a man while they were at the Push Club, 2946 S. Rainbow Drive, Decatur on March 24. The woman told police that the suspect became angry after she rejected his advances and McClary tied to defend her. According to the DeKalb County…

LITHONIA, GA—The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce honored two Arabia Mountain High School school students as its 2024 book scholarship recipients during the Chamber’s Third Wednesday luncheon on May 15. Brooklynn Armstrong and Jordan Johnson, who are both graduating seniors at Arabia Mountain High, each received a $500 scholarship to be used for books at the colleges they will attend in the fall. They were chosen for the scholarships after writing winning essays. The students had a chance to share  their plans for the future during the meeting. The students were congratulated at the meeting by State Rep. Billy Mitchell, who served…

DECATUR, GA–Registration is under way for the third annual Academy of the Arts summer day camp, open to aspiring youths who are interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts. The camp is open to youths ages 10-18. The How Big is Your Dream Foundation, whose founder and CEO is the renowned drummer Jorel “JFly” Flynn , in partnership with the DeKalb County Parks + Recreation  Department., will host the camp on June 3-21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the  Porter Sanford, III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive Decatur. The academy is designed to encourage youths who  aspire…

ATLANTA — National civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and the family of U.S. Senior Airman Roger Fortson will hold a news conference on Thursday(May 16) to provide updates on the case.  Crump, who is representing the family, will be  joined  family members, to discuss the case.  The family will announce  funeral arrangements and address how they and Fortson’s beloved dog, Chloe, are doing. Chloe was with  Fortson in his off-base apartment in Florida when deputies shot and killed him on May 3. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office stated that a deputy was responding to a disturbance in progress…

By Mark Brock Athletics Specialist for DeKalb County School District The Druid Hills Lady Red Devils finished second in the GHSA Class 4A Girl’s State Track and Field Championships for the second consecutive season to lead a group of five Top 10 finishes by DeKalb County teams. Druid Hills collected six gold medals, two silver and one bronze medal on the way to compiling 90 points in coming up just three points shy of Westminster’s 93 at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany. Sanaa Frederick became one of the most decorated girls’ track athletes in DeKalb history as she completed a…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—A man was arrested Thursday for the carjacking of a woman at an assisted living facility. Following the incident, the suspect returned to the very same scene, only to be met by police. On Thursday May 9, at 9:30 p.m, officers assigned to the Bay Creek Precinct responded to a carjacking call at a an assisted living facility located at 1466 Grayson Highway in unincorporated Lawrenceville. Officers met with the victim and learned she had parked her vehicle in a parking spot and while walking to her apartment, was approached from behind by a male pointing a firearm…

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