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 has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Macon County woman says justice denied in trafficking case (wandtv.com) — A Decatur woman is speaking out after her ex-boyfriend received a plea deal that could see him paroled in 2027 despite multiple abuse and trafficking-related charges. She describes months of escalating violence in a Decatur neighborhood and says the Macon County State's Attorney's Office failed to fully honor her rights as a crime victim. The Illinois Attorney General is now reviewing her complaint.
2. Citizens Voluntary Advisory Committee on Data Centers recommends allowing them (herald-review.com) — Decatur's Citizens Voluntary Advisory Committee on Data Centers has formally recommended allowing data centers in the community, a key step that could shape future development and infrastructure. The article also compares how nearby cities and counties, including Bloomington, Normal, McLean, Logan, and Pekin, are using moratoriums and new regulations as they weigh water, power, and transparency concerns.
3. Double homicide suspect found dead in Decatur (newschannel20.com) — Decatur police and U.S. Marshals searching for a Missouri double-homicide suspect found him dead Wednesday in an RV on the 700 block of North 33rd Street. Authorities say Ryan Munson, wanted in Carroll County, Missouri, apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as officers tried to contact him. Decatur police are investigating his death while Missouri officials continue the homicide case.
4. New 'Advocate' Mural Celebrates Voice, Community and the Power of Advocacy (nowdecatur.com) — A new mural called "Advocate" now brightens Webster-Cantrell Youth Advocacy in Decatur, celebrating how residents can use their voices to stand up for others. Created by artist Antonio Burton, who has long ties to Webster-Cantrell and the Decatur community, the artwork emphasizes seeing people beyond labels and encourages locals to champion those who struggle to be heard.
5. Affordability challenges continue to impact housing market (homenewsnow.com) — Decatur stands out nationally as the least cost-burdened housing market, with typical families needing only about 16% of their income for a mortgage on an existing home. A new national index shows many cities where buyers must spend more than half their income on housing, but Decatur, along with Peoria and Springfield, remains comparatively affordable. Experts still warn that low-income families here can feel squeezed by other bills.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Decatur Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.