5 Things to Know Today: July 23, 2012

Good morning, Decatur and Avondale Estates. Here are 5 Things to know about today.

1. Weather. High temp in the lower 90s, low in the lower 70s, 20-30 percent chance of rain. The forecast will be a lot like this the rest of the week.

2. Welcome, new teachers. An orientation session will be held at at 9 a.m. today at the for new teachers in the City Schools of Decatur. On Wednesday morning, an opening day ceremony will be held for all school staff members at the Decatur High Performing Arts Center.

3. If Lincoln had survived. Author Stephen Carter will talk about his new novel, "The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln," at 7:15 p.m. at . In the book, Lincoln doesn't die in 1865 and two years later is charged with overstepping his constitutional authority both during and after the Civil War. Free.

4. When history affects your neighborhood. If you want to know more about local historic districts (Decatur and Avondale Estates have several), plan to attend the 's lunch and learn program at noon Tuesday, July 24. Two experts will answer your questions. Free at the History Center, a.k.a. the old courthouse, at 101. E. Court Square.

5. Public meetings. The Avondale Estates Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. in city hall.