Good morning, Decatur.

On Saturday, authorities said inmate Earl Eugene Bates Jr. attacked two Morgan County Jail corrections officers using a shank—striking their faces and necks and causing non-life-threatening injuries, and the officers have since returned to work while Bates, already charged with murder in Lawrence County, was taken back into custody.

Grammy Award-winning musician Jason Isbell said ShoalsFest will return to North Alabama after two years+ the two-day event will be held on Oct.

11 and Oct. 12 at McFarland Park. Tickets will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

Alabama’s CHOOSE Act closed its signup on April 7 and got 36,873 student applications from all 67 counties—showing strong interest in school choice.

Families will hear in May and students can use their funds in July—applications came from public, private, homeschooling and other schools.

Alabama lawmakers are considering the FOCUS Act — a bill that would ban students from using or carrying phones on school grounds by requiring phones to be turned off and stored in lockers, backpacks, or cars.

The bill will be voted on before reaching Governor Ivey and could take effect for the 2026-2027 school year if passed.

The House unanimously passed SB 252 to restrict fees charged by pharmacy benefit managers — aiming to protect independent pharmacies from lower Medicaid reimbursements and unfair practices — and the Senate fully concurred before sending the bill to Gov. Kay Ivey.

Samantha Fish Live Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Princess Theatre - Center For The Performing Arts — Tickets from $43 — Experience an electrifying night of blues rock with Samantha Fish in Decatur, AL.

Do The '80s Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — The Poppy and Parliament — 25% off with code RAD25 — Dress in your best '80s gear for a night of nostalgia, contests, and socializing.

Brunch & Brushes

2-5 p.m. — Kimmie's Kitchen and Social House — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful brunch while unleashing your creativity through painting.

Decatur Pop Tab Party

11 AM – 3 PM — McDonald's — Donation welcomed — Gather your pop tabs, enjoy lunch, and win giveaways at this community recycling event.