Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA, GA – Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest black church in Atlanta, has appointed Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine as its new senior pastor.  A nationally recognized pastor, civil rights attorney and scholar,  Augustine brings a dynamic blend of theological depth, legal expertise, and a lifelong commitment to community empowerment to this legendary pulpit on Auburn Avenue. With its roots as the “City Hall of Sweet Auburn,” Big Bethel has stood as a beacon of faith, education, and activism in Atlanta and beyond.  In his new role, Augustine plans to honor and revive this trajectory by leaning into the church’s historic commitment to community…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Arabia Mountain High School is mourning the death of one of its football team members, Mikah King. The rising sophomore reportedly became ill during football practice on Tuesday and was rushed to the hospital, according to sources. King reportedly passed away around midnight.   EMT arrived at the scene on Tuesday around 9:30 a.m. as the football team was going through practice drills on the field. King, an offensive lineman for the Rams, was sidelined after expressing some level of stress or illness. He reportedly was placed on an IV and transported by ambulance to the hospital.  The DeKalb…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and fired a detention officer on felony charges for assaulting an inmate at the DeKalb County Jail. Martin Douglas, 50, was arrested on July 21 on felony charges of Aggravated Assault with a Weapon in connection with the July 4 incident.  Douglas was terminated following his arrest  for Violation of Oath of Office by a Public Officer, also a felony offense. Douglas had been employed with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office since March 4, 2024. He was released on July 21 on a $20,000 bond.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Animal Services has announced a limited-time Free Dog Spay Program for Rockdale County residents. The program will be offered, Aug. 1-31.  The program is made possible through a grant from the Georgia Department of Agriculture and aims to spay 100 dogs at no cost to the pet owner. Rockdale residents must sign up in person at Rockdale County Animal Services, 1506 Rockbridge Road NW, Conyers, during one of the following first-come, first-served registration windows: Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Monday, July 28…

LILBURN, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department has arrested a suspect responsible for nine burglaries in the apartment complex where he lived.   Investigators, working in coordination with the Central Precinct Community Response Team, utilized various forensic tools and investigative methods to identify a suspect: Darrius Stokes, 28, of Lilburn. Between June 2 and July 7, officers responded to nine reported burglaries at the Brentwood Downs Apartments, located at 500 Pleasant Hill Road in unincorporated Lilburn. In at least two of these incidents, the victim was inside the residence when the suspect forced entry into the home.  Officers were able to…

DECATUR, GA– In a bold and unanimous vote, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has approved the $8 million investment required to secure 60 units within Park 500 —that will serve unhoused and housing insecure families, many of which are currently living in extended stay motels throughout the County.  The project marks a historic moment in DeKalb’s approach to housing and social support, representing the County’s first direct investment and ownership interest in a transitional housing development. With approval now secured, families could begin moving in December around the holiday season. “This is not just about housing — it’s about changing lives,” said DeKalb…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County will host its 5th Annual “Stuff the Bus” School Supply Drive on Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., led by CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson.  The initiative aims to equip students with the tools they need to succeed by providing essential school supplies to families across DeKalb County. Community members are encouraged to donate backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, crayons, glue sticks, and other school supplies at one of three convenient locations: South DeKalb Mall – 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034 Northlake Mall – 4800 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30345 Dunwoody City Hall – 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road,…

DECATUR, GA– With property tax bills expected to be mailed later in August, representatives from the DeKalb County tax commissioner’s office are available year-round to speak to community groups and help homeowners understand their tax bills. “Since 2016, my office has conducted in-person and online community presentations to help homeowners understand their property tax bills and the importance of homestead exemptions,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “We continue to offer presentations to groups such as real estate professionals, homeowner associations and senior centers that are interested in learning more about the services at the tax office.” The tax office regularly…

The New York Stock Exchange welcomed Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT),on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to the podium. To honor the occasion, Veronica Obianwa, Vice President & Controller of Finance, Flipkart, joined by Lynn Martin, President, NYSE Group, rings the Opening Bell®. Photo Credit: NYSE

DECATUR, GA—A Gilmer County man has been indicted on additional charges for allegedly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manipulate ordinary children’s  photographs into child sex abuse material (CSAM).  A Gilmer County Grand Jury iindicted Ronald Richardson, 47, on 120 counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children charges on July 8.  The indictment was filed on July 11, 2025.   Richardson initially was indicted on April 16  on 76 counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children.  As a result of the ongoing investigation, the Office of the DeKalb County District Attorney presented new evidence to the Grand Jury to support 44 additional charges.  The updated indictment represents…