Good morning, Decatur.

A DeKalb law firm is launching its Summer Giving Express initiative later this month to visit five motels & hotels in DeKalb County on May 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to distribute food, toiletries and toys to families facing housing insecurity; organizers are asking for volunteers, donated goods and financial contributions to support the effort.

Investigators in DeKalb County have used a nearly $500,000 federal grant to work on 17 cold cases and identify 12 sets of remains in a push to give names to the unidentified dead; they will host a Missing Persons & DNA Event (May 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Legacy Park’s Cochran Building on S. Columbia Drive) to help families add new reports and submit DNA samples.

The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education approved the final fiscal year 2026 budget in a 3-1 vote with a tentative millage rate of 20.3, $111.9 million in spending, and $108.7 million in revenues; the budget takes effect July 1 and includes public millage hearings on June 12 and 20—when a final rate will be set. The board also named new student representative Nia Batra, a junior at Decatur High, and said goodbye to outgoing representative Sophia D’Elena, who will graduate May 16—marking a change in the district’s student voice.

DeKalb County officials held a press conference on May 14 to explain water billing issues and assure residents there would be no mass disconnections but only targeted shutoffs for long-delinquent accounts—stronger collection measures including approved payment plans and customer calls will begin June 1—while urging those needing help to contact the Watershed Department.

Atlanta native Usher will be celebrated by the Braves with a custom bobblehead giveaway on June 18 at Truist Park when the team faces the New York Mets.

The first 15,000 fans to enter will receive a limited-edition bobblehead that Usher helped design featuring his Peace Up, A-Town Down hand gesture & a co-branded merchandise collection available exclusively at the Braves Clubhouse Store and Threads in The Battery Atlanta.

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.