Good morning, Decatur.

Rock The South, an annual country and southern rock festival, is moving from Cullman to Decatur in 2026.

The event will take place at The Fields at Decatur from June 11-13 and will feature a new Fan Zone—bringing fans more music and better facilities.

Alabama College Application Week starts next week as several colleges will waive application fees from October 6 to 10.

Local high schools will host application celebrations for seniors to apply for free — nearly 30,000 students applied last year.

Alabama’s new 'show me your papers' law went into effect on October 1, requiring officers to check a person's documents during traffic stops if there is suspicion they are in the country illegally.

Individuals can give basic information and ask for an attorney while officers must call federal officials if proper papers are not shown—making human smuggling a state crime.

Last week, the Decatur City Council approved a $101.4 million budget for fiscal year 2025 but denied a $35,000 funding request from Hands Across Decatur; Executive Director Sue Terrell—who has pleaded for funds for nearly a decade—warned that the organization may close if the city does not act to address the growing need among the homeless. Terrell said that if HAD shuts down, Decatur will be left to handle its rising homelessness on its own.

Decatur City Engineer Carl Prewitt said the city will pave 26 roads with $1.2 million approved — some projects have been rolled over from past fiscal years and work is set to begin in fiscal 2026.

Andi Stewart, a 41-year-old skin-cancer survivor from Decatur, is working with local schools to add shade to outdoor areas—she first noticed a pink patch of dry skin in fall 2020 and now leads a project to help protect students from sun damage.

Ruthie Foster Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Princess Theatre - Center For The Performing Arts — Ticket prices may apply — Experience soulful music with Ruthie Foster as she delivers powerful performances.

Cupping with Silicone Cups Workshop

9 AM – 5 PM — Massage Therapy Institute — $200 — Master the art of silicone cupping and enhance your massage practice with new techniques.

Percussive Power: Unlocking the Benefits of Vibrational Therapy

9 AM – 3 PM — Massage Therapy Institute — $150 per person — Enhance your massage practice with masterful percussive therapy techniques.

River Clay Fine Arts Festival

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Decatur City Hall — Admission fees vary — Explore a vibrant artistic marketplace with live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages.