Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—The NAACP DeKalb branch is celebrating 66 years of being chartered. The branch is asking members and friends to join the celebration by purchasing Founders Day T-shirts to wear at the general membership meeting, which will be held on Saturday, May 22,10 a.m., 3011 Rainbow Drive, Suite 180A, Decatur. The T-shirts and other merchandise will be available for pur\chase Wednesday – Friday(May 19-21) noon to 6 p.m. You may pay ahead via cash app ($NAACPDeKalbGA) or credit card so that the merchandise will be ready for pick up. For more information, contact Stella Jones at the DeKalb NAACP office404-241-8006.

ATLANTA—Rideshare industry leader Uber is partnering with a local faith organization to steer Atlanta area drivers to 3,000 new opportunities. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church recently announced the collaborative endeavor with Uber that will bring a host of incentives to help fuel the rising demands on rideshare services and position Uber to expand transportation options in the metro area. Uber is incentivizing new drivers with guaranteed earnings and bonus opportunities for peak hour driving. “The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many people out of jobs and has increased the financial burden faced by many households,” said New Birth Senior Pastor Dr.…

ATLANTA–FanDuel Group, a leading sports-tech entertainment company, will invest more than $15 million in opening a technology campus in Atlanta, creating more than 900 jobs over the next five years, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced today (May 18). The new state-of-the-art facility will primarily focus on supporting the company’s product development, tech, and IT operations. “I’m proud to welcome FanDuel to the Peach State, and I look forward to seeing the countless opportunities this project creates for the hardworking Georgians across metro Atlanta,” said Kemp. “FanDuel’s decision to open a tech hub in Georgia is a testament to our …

CONYERS, GA—The Rockdale County Sheriff Office is seeking the public’s help in finding Travis Ramon Hamilton, 33, who is wanted in connection with an illegal chop shop operation in Conyers. The Sheriff’s Office issued the Wanted Person alert for Hamilton on May 17. On April 4, deputies responded to a GPS ping alert of a stolen 2016 Dodge Challenger Hellcat in the area of 3498 Deer Hollow Run. When deputies arrived, they found no such address but observed two vehicles hurriedly leaving 3421 Deer Hollow Run.  When units attempted to make contact at the residence, they found a Black Dodge…

Photo provided by Universal Studios ORLANDO, FL—Families can get set to enjoy a new feature at Universal Studios Florida beginning this spring. Universal Studios Florida announced today (May 18) that it will soon open an interactive character experience called DreamWorks, where guests can meet, greet and dance along with their favorite DreamWorks characters from films such as Trolls, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and others. DreamWorks Destination will debut in the Universal Florida’s KidsZone section. An exact opening date will be shared soon, officials stated. “Catchy tunes from various DreamWorks movies will fill the air as guests enter a bright,…

Business Expo After Hours Today, May 18, 2021 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm Corner Market – Meeting Room 1785 Parker Road Building D, Suite D220 Conyers, GA 30094(Please park in the lower parking area in the back) Enjoy the vendors and networkingThere is no charge to attend and the public is invited Make sure to tell your friends and coworkers For more information, please click here to register, or call Stephanie – (770) 483-7049

ATLANTA—AAA expects a significant rebound in the number of Americans planning to travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend. More than 37 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more between May 27 and May 31. That’s a 60% increase from last year, when only 23 million traveled, the lowest on record since AAA began recording in 2000. In Georgia, more than 1 million residents are forecast to take a trip during the holiday weekend. That’s a 62% increase from last year, when fewer than 720 thousand residents traveled, due to the pandemic. Georgia Memorial Day Travel Volumes Total Automobile…

DeKalb Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is scheduled to reopen all facilities and amenities for public usage, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced today. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines will be observed during nature programs and activities to ensure protocols are being practiced. “I know everyone is eager to get back to participating in recreational activities, so we are thrilled to provide these services,” said Thurmond. “The parks department is looking forward to providing opportunities for the public to explore, engage and connect with our nationally accredited park system once again.” Park users will be able to utilize…

Virtual public meetings May 17, 19 & 20           DeKalb County has launched an effort to develop its 2050 Unified Plan. This plan will combine two long-range strategic documents into one: a Comprehensive Transportation Plan which identifies priority transportation projects and policy recommendations, and a Comprehensive Land Use Plan which establishes the framework for future growth and development. The combined plan will create a more consistent, unified strategy for the county and also will address arts and culture, housing, health and wellness, public safety, sustainability, retail, and annexation policies. The planning process began in March 2021 with…