Good morning, Decatur.

The Decatur Planning Commission approved site plans for a new Chase Bank at 1104 Beltline Road — the bank will be built in the near future.

Community members gathered at The Church at Stone River on Thursday to honor John Scott, who died following his arrest by Decatur Police and a jail medical episode — his family demands answers as state and federal agencies now lead the investigation and friends urge increased mental health support.

Priceville police arrested three Indiana men—35-year-old William Bradley Ellis, 42-year-old Jason Edward Marcum, and 60-year-old Roger Lee Weaver—after stopping a vehicle on Interstate 65 near the 334 mile marker at about 9:35 p.m. Wednesday when a K-9 alert led officers to find methamphetamine, a meth-fentanyl blend, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

The family of John Scott, a Decatur man who died after he was taken to the hospital following his arrest for refusing to be detained, has hired civil rights attorney Lee Merritt to file a lawsuit against the city—Merritt stated his team is investigating alleged constitutional violations and policy breaches as they await the medical examiner's autopsy.

Decatur accountant Katye Coats plans to run for the District 3 seat on the Decatur City Schools board and aims to bring her financial expertise to the role.

On April 24th, the Alabama House of Representatives passed the Education Trust Fund Budget and its supplemental appropriation for fiscal year 26, increasing funds for teacher leave, summer programs, and math initiatives — the budget now awaits Senate concurrence.

Local football players are chasing NFL dreams as the NFL Draft starts tonight — long snapper Kneeland Hibbett from Florence High, defensive end Jamil Muhammad from James Clemens, Bob Jones grad Jaydon Hill, and Sparkman High’s Caleb Ransaw all aim to secure a spot in the league.

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.

Rotary Rowers Dragon Boat Races

8 AM – 4 PM — Point Mallard Park — Cost info not provided — Experience the thrill of dynamic dragon boat racing in Decatur's scenic park.