Good morning, Decatur.

A 40-year-old man, Marieo Terrell Kearney, was sentenced to life without parole—plus five extra years—to be served consecutively by Judge Nora Polk after a jury convicted him on March 12 of rape, aggravated sodomy, kidnapping, aggravated assault and firearm possession in connection with a violent 2019 assault that linked him to three other attacks.

DeKalb County police arrested Antonio Watson, 37, after he fatally shot 30-year-old Shelileah Alford at the Studio Motel 6 on Crescent Centre Boulevard in Tucker on April 15 when officers arrived at 7:45 a.m. following reports of gunfire and found her later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

DeKalb County Police launched Operation Safe Streets to deter crime and reduce traffic fatalities in high-crime areas.

On April 11, officers set up a two-hour checkpoint on Memorial Drive near Candler Road where they made six arrests, issued 60 traffic citations and recovered 1.5 pounds of marijuana—steps taken to prevent future tragedies.

Arabia Alliance announced a free reading series that will host interactive events at several locations (Stonecrest, Lithonia and Decatur) where local authors and artists will share their work.

The events include book talks and walks and are part of a yearlong effort that will also lead to a history book on Arabia Mountain scheduled for publication in 2026.

City Schools of Decatur’s Board of Education voted on April 15 to rescind and amend several DEI policies after an audience member was removed by police during a heated meeting—board members said the changes were needed to follow federal rules and protect over $3 million in funding. Some community members and staff voiced their concerns while board chair Carmen Sulton stressed that meeting federal mandates was essential for keeping the funds.

Decatur attorney Dan DeWoskin has battled for over a year to keep a persistent sinkhole on Ponce de Leon Avenue from swallowing his mailbox despite sending 30 to 50 emails to GDOT; a crew of 11 workers will repair the sinkhole and fix the granite curb on Wednesday.

He resorted to a makeshift mobile mailbox after the postal service warned that mail delivery could be suspended if the mailbox was not secure.

Atlanta United players Derrick Williams and Jay Fortune held a free soccer clinic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for metro Atlanta kids on April 18—teaching key soccer skills and inspiring future players.

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.

Clarkston to Stone Mountain Fun Ride

2-4 p.m. — 1011 Rowland St, Clarkston — Free entry — Enjoy an easy social ride from Clarkston to Stone Mountain, exploring scenic PATH trails.

Ally Venable Live Performance

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Ticket info not provided — Texas-born Ally delivers a soulful rock and blues performance with her guitar skills and powerful voice.