Good morning, Decatur.

The family of 16-year-old Jaiden DeJarnett, who died during a 2023 police chase, has filed a wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit against Decatur officials including Mayor Tab Bowling and former officers Todd Pinion and Mac Marquette.

The complaint says the chase began because the teen did not use headlights and taillights and seeks both compensatory and punitive damages—alleging excessive force and municipal liability.

Morgan County man Reaford Williams, sentenced to 30 years in May for the drunk driving death of 19-year-old Troy Howard in 2019 when he drove on the wrong side of I-565, asked for a new trial as his attorneys argued that prejudicial evidence tainted the jury’s view—Limestone County Judge Chad Wise will decide his request.

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is asking for a donation of around 110 acres of usable, rolling farmland in North Alabama to create a new state veterans cemetery following meetings with state legislators and local officials in Madison, Morgan, and Limestone counties.

The project will offer an easier-to-reach place for veterans and their families and aims to expand services beyond the Spanish Fort facility (a 120-acre cemetery dedicated in 2012).

Decatur municipal election candidates met with 250 voters at a Know Before You Vote event hosted by the Young Professionals (of Decatur) and the Chamber of Commerce to discuss unity, economic growth, and transparency ahead of the August 26 election.

Voters asked how the candidates would work to heal the city after the Steve Perkins incident in September 2023.

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs seeks help finding 110 acres of rolling farmland with low traffic and no noise pollution in north Alabama for a new state veterans cemetery—Commissioner Jeff Newton has met with lawmakers in Madison, Morgan, and Limestone counties to advance the project.

Cross-town football rivals Austin & Decatur are preparing for the 2025 season after Austin won the Class 7 Region 4 championship in 2024 with a 9-2 record and will host Hartselle in a rematch of last year's double overtime game.

Decatur's coach John Ritter said over 80 players joined offseason workouts as the team works to improve on a 2-8 record and face a challenging schedule.

Brothers for Life 5k

8-10 a.m. — Jack Allen Soccer Complex — Registration fee applies — Support local heroes in this exciting community run.