Good morning, Decatur.

The Buddhist monks on the Walk for Peace arrived in Decatur yesterday at about 3 p.m., prompting road closures on West Trinity Place and nearby streets.

They paused for lunch at a local community center (Porter Sanford III) before continuing north.

DeKalb County officials said nearly 60 families moved into Park 500 transitional housing on Dec.

25+ the fully furnished apartments offer case management, employment assistance and healthcare to help families build stable lives.

Decaturish.com completed its first Best of Decaturish contest with over 20,000 readers voting in 166 categories — a milestone that came after record fall fundraising and increased web traffic.

The event reflects growing local support managed by Appen Media Group.

Today, Buddhist monks on their 2,300-mile Walk For Peace visited Rainbow Park in Decatur, drawing hundreds as Venerable Monk Bhikku Pannakra urged the crowd to practice forgiveness (focusing on peace over celebrity), while police managed the gathering to keep the event orderly.

On Dec. 30, Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace visited Decatur, where thousands gathered at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center and Beacon Municipal Complex.

Local officials joined the event as the monks continued their journey from Texas toward Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, Dec. 30, thousands gathered at the Beacon Municipal Complex — where 19 Buddhist monks held a peace rally during their trek through DeKalb County.

Today, farm educator Daniel Parson leads New Year, Greener You to help students learn where food comes from — how it is grown and who grows it.

The program runs this winter.

Cherokee County fire officials warn residents to skip backyard fireworks this New Year's Eve because low humidity and high winds raise fire risks (suggesting safer options like community events).

The advice follows recent house fires in Waleska.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, DeKalb County pet owners must register new litters of dogs, cats, and rabbits to reduce shelter overcrowding (non-licensed owners have three weeks to report and are limited to one litter per 12-month period).

CDC and local pediatricians report increased flu cases, especially among children, as Georgia experiences unusually high influenza activity.

Health experts urge residents to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene (noting that new virus strains may contribute to the surge).

Livvy's Love Fun Run/Walk 2026

8-10 a.m. — Stone Mountain Park — Registration required — Participate in a fun-filled run or walk for a great cause supporting youth.

Dan Bern Live Performance

9-11 PM — Eddie's Attic — Tickets from $26.70 — Experience the captivating live performance of Dan Bern, known for his deeply moving and imaginative songs.

211 Miles From Nashville

9-11 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $14.46 — Experience an eclectic night of live music with talented artists in an intimate setting.

Jordan Thorne Live Concert

9-11 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Tickets from $14.46 — Experience Jordan Thorne's powerful vocals and unique blend of classic rock, pop, and country music.

Maple Street Band & The Haymakers Live Concert

10:15 PM-12:15 AM — Eddie's Attic — From $16.68 — Experience the vibrant sounds of electric rock and southern influences in an all-ages setting.

Dry January Zero-Proof Cocktail Class

4-6 p.m. — The Iberian Pig — Full zero-proof menu available for purchase — Craft three non-alcoholic cocktails while learning mixology techniques.

Tinsley Ellis Live

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Entry info not provided — Experience the electric blues-rock mastery of one of Atlanta's finest guitarists.