Good morning, Decatur.

Pedro Jose Zalazar-Chilel, 19, was arrested in April after police found 16-year-old Angelina Vargas-Lagunes dead on a couch in a Doraville apartment—he faced a bond hearing at 10:30 a.m. Friday and is charged with murder, concealing a death, using a minor for illicit transactions and drug charges.

A new LendingTree report showed that raising a small child in Georgia cost $19,162 a year—a 14% rise since last year—mainly due to increased day care, food and health care expenses.

The report compared Georgia to other states and noted that parents here spend a smaller share of their income on child costs.

The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host a free paper shredding event on May 17 from 8 a.m.—noon at the Central Transfer Station on Leroy Scott Drive in Decatur.

DeKalb County residents may dispose of up to 10 boxes of documents and must show proof of residency.

GDOT and Atlanta DOT are launching major repaving projects this summer, with work set to begin by the end of May and affecting key routes like I-285, downtown connector, I-20, 75, and 85 — work will peak in June through August and could last into September or October.

Drivers are encouraged to check updates on traffic conditions as construction may affect daily commutes.

On May 5, the Decatur City Commission approved a resolution by the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights to create a reparations task force.

The city will host WatchFest’26 next summer—an event celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will bring international soccer to Decatur.

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.

Michelle Malone Concert

9-11 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Ticket information not specified — Experience an evening of pure Georgia soul with Michelle Malone's acoustic songs and stories.

Wylde Center's Nature Summer Camps

4 PM — Wylde Center — Registration required — An immersive outdoor experience for children to explore and connect with nature.