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City of Decatur and Surrounding Area News

Clarkston City Council ‘to consider action’ on city manager’s employment

Clarkston, GA — The Clarkston City Council will discuss City Manager Shawanna Qawiy’s employment with the city at a special called city council meeting on Monday, Aug. 7. The meeting will be held on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Clarkston Women’s Club, located at 3913 Church Street. To see the full agenda for the Aug. […]

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New road closures outside Fulton County courthouse could indicate indictments are close

By Doug Reardon, Atlanta News First ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – In another possible sign that an indictment announcement could be coming – and with it a large crowd and media presence in downtown Atlanta – Fulton County announced a road closure outside the courthouse Thursday. Beginning Monday, August 7 at 5 a.m. and […]

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Clarkston council member un-resigns; council plans to increase budget for police salaries

Clarkston, GA — Clarkston Councilmember Susan Hood returned to the Clarkston city council after abruptly resigning last week. “I want to apologize to the community and to my city council colleagues for the disruption I caused last week when I announced my resignation…I reflected on why I had run for council to begin with and […]

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Students celebrate dress code reform in DeKalb Schools

By Jaedon Mason, contributor  DeKalb County, GA — On Aug. 2, the DeKalb County School district sent out a letter to parents informing them of the updated dress code for the 2023-2024 School year.  It was the culmination of months of activism by students – including Anna Katz, Hannah Choi, and Troy Butler – who argued […]

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Plight of single mom, 4 kids show need for affordable housing

By Rachel Polansky, Atlanta News First ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A Decatur mother and her four children are still living in a shelter after a fire tore through their federally subsidized apartment in April. Four months later, they’re still waiting for the Decatur Housing Authority to make repairs. The family’s plight highlights metro […]

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DeKalb County School District demonstrates new safety systems ready new school year

DeKalb County, GA — DeKalb Schools Police Chief Brad Gober along with other officers and Principal Dr. Derrica Boochee-Davis offered a demonstration of new safety systems at Columbia High School on Aug. 3. An emergency alert system, CINTEGIX Crisis Alert, is already active in all schools, while a weapons detection system EVOLV Express is installed […]

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Clarkston Finance Director threatens to sue city; City councilmember rescinds resignation

This story has been updated. Clarkston, GA — The drama in Clarkston continues to unfold as the council plans to meet this evening, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. Records obtained by Decaturish show that Finance Director Dan Defnall recently threatened legal action against the city following a confrontation with City Manager Shawanna Qawiy over the availability […]

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Atlanta Public Schools names interim superintendent, pending school board approval

This story has been updated. Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta School Board announced on Aug. 3 that Dr. Danielle Battle has been selected to serve as interim superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools. The school board is expected to approve the appointment on Aug. 7. Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring will transition from her role by the […]

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Stone Mountain man arrested a month after allegedly shooting, killing brother, sheriff’s office says

By Hope Dean, Atlanta News First ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A Stone Mountain man has been arrested after the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said he shot and killed his brother about a month ago. Ahmed Kawah, 37, was arrested on a MARTA bus in Decatur on Wednesday. Kawah faces a charge of felony […]

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Avondale Estates raises starting salary for police officers to $60,000

Avondale Estates, GA — The city of Avondale Estates is offering police officers a starting salary of $60,000, an increase from $50,000. The city previously did not have a designated beginning salary for officers. The salary is within the city’s current salary range of $50,600 – $70,840, a spokesperson for the city said. “The city values […]

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