Hi Decatur! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Decatur father's child pornography conviction reversed by appellate court (wcia.com) — An Illinois appellate court has overturned a Decatur man's child pornography conviction, ruling that photos and videos of his daughters did not meet the state's legal definition of lewd content. The decision vacates his prison sentence and lifetime sex offender registration, though a separate Macon County sexual assault case against him is still moving forward.
2. Decatur man sentenced to prison for involuntary manslaughter connected to roommate's death (wcia.com) — A 23-year-old Decatur man has been sentenced to eight years in state prison for the December 2025 shooting death of his roommate at Sportsman Park. The victim, an 18-year-old from nearby Mt. Zion, died at Decatur Memorial Hospital, and his family expressed disappointment that the judge did not impose the maximum possible sentence.
3. New Heritage Trail Marker Honors Decatur Black Entrepreneur Samuel Houston Singleton (nowdecatur.com) — A new African American Heritage Trail marker in downtown Decatur now honors Black entrepreneur Samuel Houston Singleton and the wider legacy of Black-owned businesses in the city. Local groups hosted a ribbon-cutting at Merchant and Main Streets, and residents can explore more trail sites and stories highlighting African Americans' impact on Decatur and Macon County.
4. Decatur mural designed to encourage, inspire (herald-review.com) — Public art is flourishing across Decatur, with a new mural on the Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy building joining a growing collection of colorful works downtown and along East Eldorado. Local artists and the Decatur Area Arts Council have spent years transforming building walls with images celebrating advocacy, music, local history, and even the origins of the Chicago Bears.
5. New law gives police tools to enforce e-bike, scooter safety (wandtv.com) — Decatur police are preparing to enforce a new Illinois law starting Jan. 1 that sets age limits, licensing, and where e-bikes and e-scooters can be ridden. Chief Brad Allen says officers are educating riders now, but citations will follow once the rules take effect, so parents and teens should double-check what devices are allowed for their age.
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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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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