Author: On Common Ground News

The Atlanta City Council will join Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on a conference call Thursday, June 4, 3:30 p.m., to discuss updates related to the city’s response to COVID-19. The conference call will begin at 3:30 p.m. The public can tune into the meeting by dialing (877) 579-6743 and entering Conference ID: 8315991256. The call will be simulcast on the Council’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook and Twitter pages at @atlcouncil, and on Channel 26.

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council approved legislation during Monday’s(June 1) remote meeting to create the Airport CARES Act Grant Fund and receive $338.5 million to assist Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. the funding will provide support for continuing operations nd replace lost revenue at the airport. The CARES Act was created on the federal level to include $10 billion in funds to support eligible airports impacted by COVID-19. Other items approved at the Council’s meeting include: An ordinance to authorize the City to forgive rent payments by tenants who lease space at the City of Atlanta Neighborhood Centers (Legislative Reference No.…

In a moment of brilliance, famed NCAA Division I Basketball Coach Pat Summit once declared that “life is what it is, but it will be what you make it.” In the weeks and months that we all have been dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, those words have resonated deeply with me as I consider what to say to our students; my colleagues in higher education and the high school graduating class of 2020. Indeed, there have been moments of personal and professional frustration for everyone. No one enjoys having their routine totally and irreparably disrupted,…

Photos & Video By Glenn L. Morgan Hundreds of protestors rallied in Rockdale County on June 2  for George Floyd, the unarmed black man who was killed by Minneapolis, Minnesota police as he begged for his life. Floyd’s death on May 25 has touched off demonstrations across the country, some of them resulting into violence and looting. The demonstration in Rockdale, however, was peaceful and well organized. The protesters were escorted by Conyers Police, who blocked off streets to ensure the demonstrators’ safety. Several elected officials participated in the peaceful demonstration including Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Commissioner Sherri Washington, Conyers…

The DeKalb County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a suspect wanted for double hit-and-run incidents, which include a man who was fatally struck and a critically injured 4-year-old boy on Sunday, May 31. Police released images of the black male who is wanted. Anyone with any information is asked to use caution if coming into contact with him. Dial 911 or call the DeKalb County Police Homicide Assault Unit at 770-724-7850, Police spokeswoman Michaela Vincent said. According to police, the first hit-and-run occurred on May 31 around 10:45 a.m. Police responded to a person down call…

DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw addressed the Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole meeting on today, June 2: Welcome to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole Meeting for June 2, 2020. My name is Steve Bradshaw and I have the honor of serving at the Presiding Officer for this year. At this point I will ask for the indulgence of my colleagues and the viewing public as I offer a few thoughts on what we have witnessed over the past few days. It is sobering and it saddens me to sit here today to once…

In keeping with Georgia’s Open Meetings Act, this notification is to advise that members of the DeKalb Board of Education will participate in a Virtual Called Meeting, 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2020.  The called meeting will adjourn to an executive session for the purpose of discussing permitted matters regarding personnel.  The virtual meeting can be viewed at the following link on DeKalb Schools TV (DSTV) by going to: www.dekalbschoolsga.org/communications/dstv, or Comcast channel 24 for Comcast subscribers in DeKalb County.

“We’re in this fight together – the fight against COVID-19, the fight to revive our economy, and the fight to ensure liberty and justice for all.” ATLANTA—Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp gave the following remarks today, June 1, during a media briefing at the State Operations Center: “Good afternoon, everyone. Today, I’m joined by Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Kathleen Toomey, GEMA Director Homer Bryson, Adjutant General Tom Carden, Colonel Gary Vowell, Lt. Colonel Chris Wright, Captain Nikki Renfroe, Department of Corrections Commissioner Tim Ward, Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Holt, Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams,…

DECATUR — The June 9, 2020, election will include both the Presidential Preference Primary/Special Election that was originally scheduled for March 24, and the General Primary/Nonpartisan/Special Election that was originally scheduled for May 19. If a voter cast a ballot in the Presidential Preference Primary/Special Election during the advance voting period prior to the postponement of the March 24, 2020, election date, he or she still will receive a ballot containing the issues and races for the General Primary/Nonpartisan/Special Election. If a voter did not cast a ballot in the Presidential Preference Primary/Special Election during the advance voting period prior…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) plans to offer an array of services to help reduce social isolation for older adults and people with disabilities that have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to a $1.7 million federal CARES Act grant, the state will provide a range of new services that incorporate assistive technology, telehealth and virtual social opportunities. “This grant gives us the opportunity to help older and disabled Georgians stay connected virtually by providing training for services like Zoom and Skype, and access to tablets, internet and data plans,” said Abby Cox, director of the…