Good morning Decatur! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Decatur Police responded to a traffic crash that occurred near the intersection of N. Woodford St. and E. Winnetka Ave. (decaturtribune.com) — Decatur Police are investigating a serious crash near N. Woodford Street and E. Winnetka Avenue that sent four Decatur residents to a local hospital, one with life-threatening injuries. Investigators say a Chevy Impala swerved to avoid a turning Ford F-150, then lost control and hit a utility pole, prompting the Fatal Accident Investigation Team's response.
2. Judge's ruling in Karyn Slover case could clear path for new trial (wandtv.com) — A Macon County judge in Decatur has refused to dismiss the Slover family's post-conviction petition, opening the door to an evidentiary hearing that could lead to a new trial in the 1996 Karyn Hearn Slover murder case. Defense attorneys, backed by the Illinois Innocence Project, say new DNA evidence deserves a full airing, while prosecutors continue to stand by the original convictions.
3. Housing affordability worsens on higher mortgage rates (tileletter.com) — Decatur stands out nationally as the least cost-burdened housing market, with typical families needing just 16% of their income for a mortgage on a median-priced existing home. While affordability is worsening across much of the country due to higher rates and prices, Decatur families—especially at median incomes—are still in a comparatively strong position when buying a house.
4. Missouri man found dead in Decatur from self-inflicted wound (herald-review.com) — Law enforcement say a Missouri man was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside an RV on North 33rd Street in Decatur. The piece also looks back at more than a century of Decatur Police Department history, from early 1900s group photos to evolving equipment and neighborhood patrols.
5. Catholic church obtains injunction against assisted suicide law (wandtv.com) — From Decatur, a federal judge has temporarily blocked Illinois' new physician-assisted suicide law just weeks before it was set to take effect, after a challenge led by Bishop Thomas Paprocki and several Catholic health providers. The order shields named doctors and facilities from being required to provide information or referrals that conflict with their religious beliefs, while the broader legal fight continues.
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Ok Decatur! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
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