The Decaturish Download

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners District 3 election between Democrat Keyanna Jones Moore and Republican Andrea Smith will be decided Nov. 3. The two recently met to make their cases to voters.

Appen Media and Decaturish Executive Editor Dan Whisenhunt moderated the online debate.

District 3 represents Kirkwood, East Lake and unincorporated southwest DeKalb. The seat is open this year after incumbent Nicole Messiah lost in the Democratic primary to Moore. Smith faced no opponent in the Republican primary.

Matthew Lee, head of the Tucker Northlake Community Improvement District, joins Dan Whisenhunt to explain what CIDs do and how Northlake is changing. They talk about Emory Healthcare's move into Northlake Mall, how Northlake stacks up against the Lulah Hills redevelopment, and how becoming a city has helped Tucker's businesses. Lee also shares early results from the One Northlake survey, which will be presented at Tucker City Hall on October 1. They close with the CID's police feasibility study and whether Tucker should start its own police department before its policing agreement with DeKalb County ends in 2028.

On this episode of the Decaturish Download, host Dan Whisenhunt sits down with Commissioner Ted Terry for a wide‑ranging conversation about some of the most consequential issues facing DeKalb County.

Decatur Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Mayer-Fronk joined Dan Whisenhunt to recap Watch Fest 2026, hear about Decatur's pursuit of "10‑minute neighborhoods," and debate what's behind the rise of the opposition against Flock Safety cameras.

City Schools of Decatur has long enjoyed a reputation as a high-performing, drama-free school district. Over the last year, that image has cracked. In this episode of the Decaturish Download, host Dan Whisenhunt sits down with Andisheh "Andy" Nouraee—Decatur parent, former journalist, and co-author of "Americapedia"—to unpack the growing controversy over the district's proposed Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC).

In this episode of the Decaturish Download, Executive Editor Dan Whisenhunt sits down with Jackie Killings, president of the League of Women Voters of Georgia, and Melissa Manrow, president of the DeKalb County League of Women Voters. They discuss the challenge of being a nonpartisan organization in a polarized political climate, how the League evaluates voting legislation without taking sides, and the definition of "good government."

If you've read about a real estate transaction in the metro Atlanta area, chances are Steven Josovitz has been a part of it. Josovitz is President and Qualified Managing Broker of the Schumacher Group. He spoke to the Decaturish Download about his career and some recent developments in the Decatur restaurant scene.

This week on the Decaturish Download: DeKalb County's Alexis D. Williams recently earned the title of Miss Southeast U.S. International 2026. Williams runs the nonprofit Lilly's Hands, has founded a skincare line, and has written a book, all centered on her personal fight with eczema. She joined us to talk about turning a health struggle into a mission, what pageant life actually looks like behind the scenes, and what representing the Southeast region means to her.

Dr. Stan Sonu, a local pediatrician, joined the Decaturish Download podcast to discuss the best way to help your kids adjust to the new school year. He offered advice on reducing screen time and the things pediatricians look for during well visits before the school year begins.

Joshua Wilson has joined Appen Media Group as our new executive editor. In this episode, we chatted with him about his role in our newsroom and what that means for Appen Media and Decaturish moving forward.