Good morning, Decatur.

St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, a nonprofit from DeKalb County, received a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund to help families facing homelessness + expand services statewide over the next five years; it is the largest gift in its history.

Our Community Salutes celebrated new military enlistees yesterday at the Yaarab Shriners temple on Ponce de Leon Ave, where Director Ryan Bauman highlighted the importance of recognizing young service members.

Atlanta native Priah Ferguson appeared on ATL Live to share her journey from local theatre to global fame in Stranger Things' final season streaming on Netflix, offering behind-the-scenes details and hints about her future projects.

On Thu, Dec. 18, a free outdoor movie screening will run from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Decatur, where families can bring blankets to watch family-friendly films (popcorn is available while supplies last) as organized by Visit Decatur GA and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority.

Residents at a town hall on Dec.

10 said they wanted a ban on data centers instead of new regulations. The meeting at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts (Community Center in south DeKalb) came as officials considered a new power supply deal from Georgia Power and Public Service Commission staff.

Georgia lawmakers at the State Capitol are considering a state fix to counter steep health premium increases if federal ACA subsidies expire, as nearly 1.4 million marketplace enrollees may soon see their payments more than double and small business owners brace for rising costs.

Residents on ACA plans face higher monthly premiums if enhanced tax credits expire at year’s end, forcing many to consider downgrading to bronze plans with higher out-of-pocket costs.

Health advocates say that many are evaluating insurance options as open enrollment winds down & preparing for changes.

A Decatur renter, Tiarra Logan, discovered her heater was blowing fecal matter into her home after a year-long sewage back-up dispute with her landlord, raising serious health concerns (as her living conditions remain unsafe).

On Dec. 9 at Marist High School, the Southwest DeKalb Panthers beat the Marist War Eagles 62-44 after a 12-3 run in the fourth quarter, while the Lady War Eagles secured a 52-45 win with Kate Harpring (24 points) to improve to 5-0.

Natural Hair Fest Atlanta

10 AM – 6 PM — Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory — Free entry — Celebrate and empower the beauty of natural hair with vendors, discussions, and demonstrations.

Eddie's Attic Songwriters Open Mic Night

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Tickets from $11.12 — Experience the best of local songwriting talent in a cozy venue.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Concert

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $28.92 — Celebrate the holidays with timeless music from A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by The Kyle Bryant Trio.

Candlelight Concert: Neo-Soul Favorites

4:15-5:14 p.m. — The Chapel on Sycamore — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of legends like Prince and Childish Gambino illuminated by candlelight.

Urban Nutcracker 2025

3-5 p.m. — Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center — Tickets available — Experience a unique urban interpretation of the classic Nutcracker ballet by Ballethnic Dance Company.

Cece Benz and Stratton James Trio Concert

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $20.03 — Experience an evening of indie pop as Cece Benz shares her heartfelt storytelling and music.