Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Anderson-Livsey Elementary School has been named the recipient of the Phi Beta Sigma (PBS) Impact Foundation’s 2025 National Adopt-A-School Grant.  At a recent celebration, members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. presented Anderson-Livsey Elementary Principal Christopher Jackson with a check for $10,000. “Receiving this generous $10,000 grant from Phi Beta Sigma means the world to our school community. It’s more than just funding—it’s a powerful investment in equity, inclusion, and joy,” says Jackson.  The Adopt-A-School initiative is designed to get fraternity members into their local school communities, working with teachers and administrators to assist students in improving their academic performance, social development, and leadership skills.  “We…

CONYERS, GA—Connie Alsobrook made history again–this time as the first black  elected mayor of the City of Conyers on Tuesday, Nov. 4.  Alsobrook secured a decisive victory over challenger Brad Smith earning 68.4% (1,403 votes) to Smith’s 31.6% (647 votes,) according to unofficial results. Alsobrook’s victory follows her historic 2019 win when she and Valyncia Smith became the first two black women elected to the Conyers City Council in the city’s 165-year history at that time.    © On Common Ground News, Inc.Use of our logo, photos, or stories for commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission from On Common Ground News, Inc.This includes…

STONECREST, GA—Voters decisively re-elected incumbent City Council member Alicia Washington to the District 3 City Council seat on Tuesday night, giving her a solid victory in a three-way race.  Washington secured 64.57% (893 votes), outpacing Kevin Edwards, who received 25.31% (350 votes), and Herbert Woods, who received 10.12% (140 votes ), according to unofficial results.  In the city’s other contested race, incumbent Tammy Grimes appeared headed for a runoff for the District 5 seat, earning 48.24% (1,136 votes). Karmesha Smith followed with 34.65% (816 votes), while Diane Adoma came in third with 17.11% (403 votes). Since no candidate received more…

DECATUR, GA — DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) announces the unofficial and incomplete Municipal General/Special Election results. DeKalb Board of Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb BRE) will hold the pre-certification meeting on Friday, Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m. and will vote to certify election results on Monday, Nov. 10, at noon. Both meetings will take place at the DeKalb VRE Office located at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300 in Decatur. To view the unofficial and incomplete election summary report, click here. The Election Runoff will be held on Dec. 2, if necessary. DeKalb BRE will vote on early voting…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett County Police Department has identified the bodies of two people who died in a domestic-related homicide-suicide on Oct. 31.   Police announced today, Nov. 3, that Caprice Hudson, 23, fatally shot Elajia Whitley, 21, then fled the scene in Gwinnett. Authorities said Hudson later shot himself after a police chase In Columbia County. Investigators said Hudson was previously in a relationship with Whitley and the shooting was domestic-related.   The incident unfolded when police responded to a “person shot “call around 3 p.m. on Halloween at The Promenade at Pleasant Hill Shopping Center,1625 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Duluth, the…

CONYERS, GA- Residents who live within the city limits of Conyers are urged to attend a town hall meeting where proposed changes to the city’s charter will be discussed. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m., at City Hall, 901 O’Kelly St., Conyers. The town hall is being held to give residents the opportunity to learn more about the City Council’s proposed charter changes, ask questions, and weigh in on the matter.  A group of local legislators, led by State Representatives Doreen Carter and Rhonda Taylor, pushed for the town hall after learning there was no…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson is reminding property owners of the final installment deadline for property taxes, including City of Atlanta properties in DeKalb. Nearly 265,000 tax bills have been mailed to property owners. “If you are a property owner who has not received a bill, please contact the tax office to avoid delays and late fees. The non-receipt of a bill does not relieve the owner of the responsibility to meet payment due dates,” said Tax Commissioner Johnson. “The deadline for the second installment and City of Atlanta properties in DeKalb is November 17.” In-person…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County is helping families access food and essential hygiene products through collaborations with civil organizations, partner groups, and dedicated volunteers. Residents in need of food can find a food pantry near home by using the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s interactive Food Pantry Map. Gwinnett’s community navigators are also available 24/7 to help connect residents to local resources. Call 770.822.8850. Mobile Food Distribution Gwinnett also offers convenient and flexible mobile food distribution twice a month at select park locations throughout the year. Additionally, each distribution site is a contactless drive-thru, and we do not require identification. Through these efforts,…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is organizing a continuum of care to ensure housing and food security as lingering uncertainty over SNAP and future HUD Section 8 fundings continues. Cochran-Johnson is joining metro leaders in urging immediate federal action to prevent a suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding that could disrupt food access for more than 54,000* DeKalb County households, representing approximately 127,000 residents. According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, federal funding for SNAP is scheduled to end on November 1, 2025, unless Congress acts to extend it. Under Georgia’s SNAP issuance schedule, benefit interruptions…