Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reported on Monday, Sept. 22, that another inmate has died while in custody at the DeKalb County Jail. The death is the jail’s seventh inmate death reported this year. Authorities say that 27-year-old Decatur resident Larynz Redd was found unresponsive in the jail on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Immediate emergency medical services were provided by on-site health services and DeKalb EMS, but Redd was pronounced deceased, the Sheriff’s Office stated. Redd had been in custody since May 2024. The cause of his death is under investigation. Officials say, however,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office announced a guilty plea in the 2023 death of a child who was shot with his father’s unattended firearm. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Dante Lamar Daugherty, 44, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, and two counts of Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree in connection with the death of his son, Z’ayre Daugherty, 7, on Sept. 4, 2023.  According to the investigation, officers with the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) responded around 6:10 p.m. to a call of a person shot at a gas station in the 1800 block of…

DORAVILLE, GA – The City of Doraville is preparing to celebrate a historic milestone with the upcoming demolition of its City Hall and municipal buildings complex, located in the heart of Downtown Doraville. The demolition marks a significant step in redeveloping Doraville City Center into a vibrant, walkable, and connected gathering place for the community.  “This site has been the center of Doraville’s civic life for 150 years. As we take down these buildings, we are making way for a reinvigorated downtown that will remain the heart of our city for decades to come.” said Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman.  To commemorate…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Government’s Communications Department has been recognized nationally with multiple Savvy Awards from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association or 3CMA, highlighting excellence in storytelling, education and community engagement. The Savvy Awards honor the most creative, effective and community-focused communications efforts from cities and counties across the United States. Gwinnett County stood out in several categories among large jurisdictions nationwide: Savvy Winner (First Place):Gwinnett County Glass Recycling – Go Green Communication Program Efforts Savvy Winner (First Place):Upfront Gwinnett: The Hidden Homeless – Interview/Talk Show/News Programming Silver Circle (Second Place):Transit Referendum Social Media Campaign – Best Use of Social Media …

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is announced on Monday, Sept. 22, that eight of its schools have been named 2025 Title I Reward Schools—the largest share recognized in Georgia this year.   Avondale Elementary School, Barack H. Obama Magnet School of Technology, Cedar Grove Elementary School, Chestnut Elementary School, Evansdale Elementary School, Margaret Harris Comprehensive School, McNair Middle School, and Robert Shaw Theme School were among 69 schools statewide to earn this distinction. DCSD also saw an increase in Title I Reward Schools from six last year to eight. Title I Reward Schools are identified as the…

ATLANTA – The next phase of MARTA’s Five Points Transformation project begins Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, with the closure of the Peachtree Street station entrance and the federal tunnel for employees. Beginning Oct. 13, 2025, MARTA customers must use Forsyth Streetto access Five Points Station. The Forsyth Street entrancewill be the only access point for Five Pointsdue to construction. Closing the Peachtree entrance and federal tunnel is a necessary next step for the demolition and safe removal of the existing concrete canopy. The following service impacts remain in effect at Five Points: Alabama Street and Broad Street Plaza entrances remain closed. Restrooms remain closed. Customer service offices have…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the launch of the $28.9 million Candler Crossing development, a transformative project set to restore vitality to the Candler Road corridor, deliver essential services, and spark new opportunities for the community. The project will feature a full-service Publix grocery store, multi-tenant retail space, and public amenities designed to create a walkable, family-friendly destination. It was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners. The development will be in District 3 represented by Nicole Massiah, and Super District 7, represented by Dr. Ladena Bolton.  Venture South Investments was first engaged in 2019 by Cochran-Johnson, then…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against an Atlanta man accused of multiple sexual assaults nearly 40 years ago.  On Friday, Sept.19, jurors found Jeffrey Briney, now 61, guilty of two counts of Rape, five counts of Kidnapping, five counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery, five counts of Aggravated Assault and two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with an incident on March 28, 1986.  The jury also convicted Briney on two counts of Rape, two counts of Kidnapping,…