Good morning, Decatur.

Several downtown Decatur retail shops received commercial grants from the Decatur Downtown Development Authority that will help improve safety and appeal.

The awards totaled about $73,000 for 11 businesses—covering up to 75% of project costs—and require projects to start within six months and finish within 18 months per city guidelines.

Several new businesses have opened in Decatur—Cat Eye Creative, an art gallery that opened between March 1 and 31, and creative studio Monkey Arm—with ribbon cuttings planned for 104 and Seamless Recovery this month.

The Decatur Downtown Development Authority update on April 4 also outlined a Square renovation project that will begin later this month and complete in April 2026, with a new website to guide pedestrians during construction.

23-year-old Yamir Paul Thomas was sentenced on April 3 to two life sentences—plus five consecutive years—for murdering his boss, Donald Crenshaw, at a Church's Chicken restaurant in Lithonia after a work argument in September 2023.

Yamir Paul Thomas, 23, was sentenced to two life sentences+five additional years after he shot and killed his boss, Donald Crenshaw, during an altercation at Crenshaw’s Lithonia home on Sept.

4, 2023, the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office said.

An evicted man was accused of terrorizing former neighbors—one even received threatening letters taped to her mailbox.

Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson announced the Bridging the Dream Scholarship programs for high school seniors and graduate students that will offer up to $10,000 for college, technical school, or job training.

The applications will be accepted until April 25 and include free tools to help families plan for school.

Two Carolina Wrens freed from a glue trap by Wild Nest Bird Rehab on Monday night have flown again—officials warn local residents not to use glue traps for pest control to protect birds.

Gov. Brian Kemp now has 40 days to sign or veto key bills—including measures on religious freedom, tort reform and school safety—after the legislative session ended early on April 7th.

Rocco Gorelik Live

9 PM — Eddie's Attic — From $16.68 — Experience the soulful sounds of 14-year-old guitar prodigy Rocco Gorelik in a lively performance.

The Fever Dreams and Hot Rod Walt and The Psycho DeVilles

6-10 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Check venue for entry details — Experience high-energy rock from Southampton's The Fever Dreams and more.

Kevn Kinney Live at Eddie's Attic

7-10 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $26.70 — Experience the captivating performance of acclaimed singer-songwriter Kevn Kinney, founder of Drivin-N-Cryin.

Billy Pilgrim Concert

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of dynamic country music with multi-platinum artist Kristian Bush of Sugarland fame.

The Girlfriend's Society Annual Prayer Breakfast

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. — 4650 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur, GA — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Enjoy a morning of prayer, breakfast, and uplifting fellowship with a supportive community of women.

The Art of Nature Exhibition

4-6 p.m. — Blue Heron Nature Preserve — Free entry — Explore site-specific art installations in a beautiful natural setting.

Songwriters Open Mic Night at Eddie's Attic

7:30-11 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Tickets from $11.12 — Celebrate over 20 years of local and national songwriting talent at Atlanta's premier open mic night.

Comfort Club Live Concert

9 PM – 3 AM — Eddie's Attic — From $16.68 — Experience a night of heartfelt indie pop from Adeline Hill and Comfort Club.

Puma Blue Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Ticket information TBA — Experience the enchanting lo-fi sounds of Puma Blue, the South London artist known for his captivating falsetto and romantic melodies.

Great Wide Nothing Album Release Party

8 p.m. — Thinking Man Tavern — Ticket prices not listed — Experience Great Wide Nothing performing their new album alongside local acts for an unforgettable night.