Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Southeast Fugitive Task Force has arrested Stone Mountain, Georgia resident Raphael Sims, who is charged with fatally shooting his cousin. According to the arrest warrant, Sims, 38, shot his cousin, Geremy Sims, 25, of Decatur, multiple times on Nov. 3, 2025, on North Hairston Road in Stone Mountain. No motive was given for the shooting. Sims was charged with Malice Murder and taken into custody at a residence in Chamblee, and transported without incident to the DeKalb County Jail, where he is being held without…

ATLANTA – Based on new federal directives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture following the Nov. 12 final passage and signing of the federal government funding package, the Georgia Department of Human Services will issue full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November.  SNAP recipients whose distribution dates have already passed and who received partial benefits will receive the remainder of their allotment by Tuesday, November 18. All other SNAP benefits will be issued in full according to the normal issuance schedule for the remainder of the month.    SNAP recipients are advised to continue to lock their EBT cards between purchases to prevent…

CONYERS, GA – State Representatives Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), and State Sen. Emmanuel Jones (D-Decatur), will host a pre-legislative listening session on Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Conyers-Rockdale Library, 864 Green St. S.W. “These listening sessions are where democracy starts,” said Rep. Taylor. “Before we introduce or debate a single bill, we want to hear directly from the people we represent. Your voices guide our priorities and ensure we are addressing the real challenges families face across the East Corridor.” The event will feature a panel discussion and open dialogue with Reps. Taylor…

UPDATED: 11.20.2025

ATLANTA – State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) will serve as a moderator during a panel discussion at the National Foundation for Women Legislators’ Conference from Nov. 16 – 20in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rep. Kendrick will moderate the “Women in Business Using TikTok” session on Nov. 17, 2025. “Video is one of the most effective ways to communicate, and I use TikTok both as a legislator and as a lawyer,” said Rep. Kendrick. “It’s not as daunting as it might seem, and I hope attendees leave with new excitement and strategies to enhance their messaging. I look forward to engaging with…

CONYERS, GA—Following public discussion at the city-hosted Nov. 5 town hall meeting, proposed modifications to the city of Conyers charter have been put on hold until 2026, city officials announced on Wednesday, Nov. 12. “After months of revisions and thoughtful deliberation among council and staff regarding basic changes and clarifications to the city’s charter and having meaningful dialogue with concerned citizens and members of our state delegation, we’ve decided to put the charter revisions on hold until the city council planning retreat in 2026,” said Mayor Vince Evans. The 2026 retreat will provide an opportunity for the incoming city council, which…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–The annual Lighting of the Tree kicks off the holiday season on Thursday, Nov. 27, 5:30 to 8 p.m.,  at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville. Following Santa’s official tree lighting duties, visitors are invited to explore Santa’s headquarters with self-guided tours of the Courthouse, offering plenty of photo opportunities. Learn more at GwinnettParks.com.

GWINNNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County is allocating $250,000 to help families access essential food and hygiene products.  The county is using existing annual contracts to purchase a large supply of shelf-stable food, hygiene products, and household goods identified by local food cooperative partners as items most in demand. Anyone who is in need may visit the Food Resources page for assistance. The county also is hosting a collection drive of most-needed items to help stock the shelves at Gwinnett’s local food pantries through the holiday season. Learn more about donating food and hygiene products.

CONYERS, GA–The inaugural Festive Night of Lights, a brand-new holiday celebration in the city featuring a drone show, takes place in historic Olde Town Conyers on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. To kick off the holiday season, families are invited to join in on festive fun, food, entertainment and sparkling lights. Guests will enjoy free trackless train rides and other children’s activities, take selfies with Santa, and savor delicious bites from local food vendors or dine at one of Olde Town’s charming restaurants. Adding to the magic of the evening, carolers dressed in Victorian-styled costumes, The Christmas Carolers,…