Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) two book mobiles and van— called Pow, Explore, and Quest—hit the road today, May 27, to bring a summer of reading to the Gwinnett community. The two mobile libraries will travel routes that will take them to 90 stops in four clusters every week this summer. The colorful converted school buses will make nine stops per day, checking out books to students who may not have easy access to the public library. The book mobiles will travel routes in the Berkmar, Central Gwinnett, Meadowcreek, and Norcross clusters. These libraries on wheels are stocked with books for all ages—Pre-K to 12th grade. The weekly schedule (11…

ATLANTA — Emory Healthcare has announced the transformation of Emory Hillandale Hospital as the first hospital in the U.S. fully powered by Apple products and integrated with Epic, the leading electronic health record system. This digital transformation of the ‘hospital of the future’ reimagines the inpatient experience—enhancing care delivery, streamlining clinician workflows and empowering patients with seamless access to secure information about their health. Across the hospital, Apple products are making workflows for clinicians more efficient, while making interactions with patients more connected. Clinicians can quickly access Epic through Mac computers, and iPhone and Apple Watch allow them to stay…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A former deputy director in Gwinnett County’s Department of Information Technology has been arrested following an investigation into the attempted diversion of county funds through altered financial documents. On May 15, the Gwinnett County Treasury Division identified suspicious activity related to a vendor payment and promptly notified the Gwinnett County Police Department. An investigation was launched, focusing on James Smith, the Deputy Director of Infrastructure and Operations within the Department of Information Technology. Investigators determined that Smith allegedly altered financial documents in an attempt to redirect county funds. As a result, probable cause was established to charge…

Post updated: 5.28.2025

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—As graduation nears, the DeKalb County School District is honoring 20 student athletes exiting their high school eras as standouts— valedictorians/salutatorians in the Class of 2025.  Eleven of the 20 athletes are graduating as valedictorians and nine as salutatorians.  Miller Grove High’s valedictorian, Saniya Francis, is a softball and track star. During the fall, Francis was part of the Wolverine softball team that made history for the school by reaching the Elite Eight of the Class 2A State Softball Tournament. Francis finished her track career at the Class 2A State Track and Field Championships by capturing the gold medal…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is reminding voters about the upcoming special election for the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Early voting runs from May 27 through June 13, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend advance voting also will be available on Saturdays, May 31 ,and June 7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays, June 1 and June 8, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. During the June 1, Special Primary Election, all voters will see District 2 and District 3 contests for the PSC on their ballots, regardless of where they live…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) announced today, May 21, that the application period for the HEARTS (Housing Emergency Assistance and Recovery Through Sheltering) Georgia program will officially close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. While new applications will no longer be accepted after that date, the program will continue to assist approved participants through September 2025. The HEARTS Georgia program was established in response to the historic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. As a state-run, first-of-its-kind initiative, the program provided temporary, non-congregate sheltering options including hotels, motels, travel trailers, and RVs, for survivors whose primary residences were significantly…