Good morning, Decatur.

Decatur will host WatchFest’26 next summer (34 days) to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta.

The free festival will show games at local pubs, restaurants and public spaces and feature live music for soccer fans.

DeKalb County police arrested 41-year-old Brian Bacon after he called 911 to report a shooting at a home on the 4500 block of Rowland Court but was found to have shot his ex-girlfriend during an argument—she died after medics rushed her to a local hospital.

Quavion Hale, 20, and Stantavis Reese, 18, were sentenced to life in prison for the January 10, 2023 murder and armed robbery of 20-year-old Akhir Muhammad at a Decatur gas station—Hale received life without parole with an extra 25-year sentence while Reese got life with the possibility of parole and an extra 25-year sentence.

The Avondale Estates Downtown Development Authority is set to host its annual Wine and Art Walk on May 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the downtown business district—featuring wine tastings, art demonstrations, and live music at more than 20 local shops and restaurants.

An Atlanta-area photographer is offering free 10-minute headshots to laid-off CDC workers so they can update their job pictures for new applications.

More than 120 former employees have signed up and can message her on Facebook — a local effort to help workers during job cuts.

Georgia faces a reading crisis as decades of teaching practices left many children behind; a 2025 state assessment shows that only one in three fourth graders reads proficiently.

Critics blame failed teaching methods, lack of teacher preparation & ineffective early interventions for the low results.

Decatur leaders including Mayor Patti Garrett, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and City Commissioner Kelly Walsh announced plans for local events to complement the 2026 FIFA World Cup; Atlanta News First livestreamed their remarks at 10 a.m. Tuesday as the city gears up for the international event.

Decatur City Commission approved a resolution in a recent meeting to form a Reparations Task Force that will compile records of Black land and property loss and propose community measures— the city also issued a public apology for its historic role in racial discrimination.

The task force will appoint 11 members recommended by community groups within the next 60 days.

Michelle Malone's Birthday Celebration

7-11 p.m. — Napoleon's Grill — Price TBA — Enjoy live performances from Canyonland with special guests in a festive birthday celebration.

David Robert King and The Darlings Live Performance

7 PM - 1 AM — Eddie's Attic — Tickets available — Experience the soulful melodies of David Robert King and his storytelling prowess live on stage.

Adamah ATL Interfaith Shabbat Bird Walk

9-11:30 a.m. — Legacy Park — Free entry — Experience a tranquil morning of birding and reflection during an interfaith Shabbat service.

Concert by Hunter Root in Decatur

4:45 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Tickets required — Experience the genre-fluid sounds of Hunter Root as he shares his personal musical journey.

Butterfly Whirl Contra Dance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Decatur Recreation Center — $15 — Enjoy an evening of lively contra dancing with local and regional talent at this community favorite.

Eddie's Attic Songwriters Open Mic Night

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $11.12 — Experience the best of Atlanta’s songwriters at a vibrant open mic night.