Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police Department’s Police Athletic League (PAL) announces the return of the After Dark Summer Basketball League. The free league begins on June 16 at the South DeKalb Family YMCA, 2565 Snapfinger Road, Decatur.  Organized basketball league play is held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. throughout the summer, and is designed for teens and young adults ages 16-22. The annual program serves more than 100 youths and young adults. In addition to organized basketball play with certified referees, the league also offers life skills workshops with motivational speakers, team uniforms and championship trophies, and free…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson on Thursday, June 11, hosted the County’s Fourth Annual Women Veterans Luncheon.   The event, which was held at Bethesda Park Senior Center in Lawrenceville, brought together women veterans from across the county and the region for an afternoon of reflection, recognition and connection.  This year’s luncheon, themed “Still Serving,” honored the lasting impact women veterans make through leadership, mentorship, advocacy and service to their communities long after their military service ends. The event coincides with the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act signed on June 12, 1948, which enabled women to become permanent members of the U.S. military.      “Women veterans have served our country with courage, resilience and leadership, and too…

ATLANTA– The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) will host Walmart’s Road to Open Call on Tuesday, June 23, bringing one of the nation’s leading opportunities for product-based entrepreneurs directly to Atlanta.  Walmart’s Road to Open Call is an 8-city tour across the U.S. that invites small business owners to pitch their products to Walmart executives for the opportunity to win “Fast Passes”–invitations to pitch at Walmart’s Open Call on Oct.6-7. Walmart executives and RICE coaches providing feedback to contestants at the 2025 Road to Open Call at the Russell Center.  Contestants at Road to Open Call showing off their Fast Passes, which serve as invitations…

DECATUR, GA- DeKalb County officials and development partners will celebrate the groundbreaking of a Publix grocery store and multi-tenant retail building on Thursday, June 11. The $28.9M Candler Crossing project, which will be located at 1842 Candler Road, is supported by a $3.82 million Tax Allocation District (TAD) grant approved by the Decide DeKalb Development Authority, in partnership with Venture South Investments (VSI),  DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said the groundbreaking represents a “full-circle moment,” after the project was delayed due to the global pandemic. “Six years ago, while serving as Commissioner for Super District 7, I initiated this project because I…

ATLANTA—The Atlanta Cultural Exchange invites residents and visitors alike to experience the city through the artists, storytellers, musicians, historians, and cultural visionaries who help shape Atlanta’s identity every day as the city welcomes the FIFA World Cup 2026. On June 14, from noon to 10 p.m., The Center(CTR) Atlanta, located at 190 Marietta St., will host its kickoff celebration as the 8th floor is  transformed into a cultural hub showcasing art, fashion, and immersive experiences. DJ Kicks will open the event with a high-energy 1-hour set  celebrating the sounds, culture, and musical influence of Atlanta. From classic hits to new generation records, this live set blends…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—Gwinnett County Police detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile. London Henville,15, was reported missing by her father on June 2. It was learned that she left her residence in Lawrenceville between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on that morning.  After police received the report, the teen was entered into the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases, allowing law enforcement agencies throughout Georgia and the United States to identify and locate missing persons. Investigators have learned that London traveled to residences in Atlanta, DeKalb County, and Clayton County since…

Conyers, GA—Celebration Park, the newly renovated park and gathering space in Olde Town Conyers will open with a ribbon cutting and fun for the family on Wednesday, June 24, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Mayor Connie Alsobrook, members of the Conyers City Council, and park contractors S.H. Creel Construction,  will be on hand for the official ribbon cutting and for  the festivities designed to showcase the new SPLOST-funded park. Formerly the Lewis Vaughn Botanical Garden, the designated park space has been a fixture in Olde Town Conyers since it was built and dedicated in 1994. The original garden was a result of…

ATLANTA—The Board of Directors, members, and staff of the Atlanta Business League(ABL) extend heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and countless admirers of Peabo Bryson. A two-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most celebrated voices in American music, the legendary R&B singer and two-time Grammy Award winner passed away on Tuesday, June 2, a hospital in Marietta, due to complications from a stroke he suffered several days prior. Mr. Bryson was surrounded by family when he passed away. He was 75. Mr. Bryson leaves behind a remarkable legacy of artistry, excellence, and inspiration. His timeless music touched generations, transcended boundaries, and brought joy…