Good morning, Decatur.

Growing Strong is hosting its annual Take Back the Night event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Decatur Public Library to provide a safe space for survivors and build community support.

The event offers a welcoming environment where survivors can connect and feel empowered.

On April 14, Dale Colee spoke with Byers and Co about growing uncertainty in the pharmaceutical industry and previewed Pharmacy Facts with Friends, which features The Brass Horn and Decatur Bean Ballers — the podcast is now available to listeners.

Monty Mittleman discussed his upcoming poetry book Recalibrations at Byers & Co on April 14 and explained how writing it helped him overcome personal loss.

Listeners can now tune into the podcast for this candid conversation.

Decatur Area Arts Council announced the return of the Decatur Craft Beer Festival with a VIP tasting (May 1, 6 to 8 p.m.) at GK9 Wine & Spirits and the main event (May 2, noon to 4 p.m.) at Central Park.

The spring event will feature craft brews, artisan vendors and live music to support local arts.

Martin Atkins discussed plans for the upcoming 9th Midwest Music Expo with Byers & Co on April 14 at the Oakwood Business District, stating the event will bring diverse local music to the area.

Students are preparing for end-of-year exams as the school year winds down and many face test anxiety while learning new coping techniques.

Lisa Lawrence of OSF Healthcare advises deep breathing and paced study sessions (using short breaks to ease nerves) ahead of tests.

Decatur third graders learned about plant life cycles on Plant Day at Andreas Ag Academy and took home a plant specimen.

Teachers guided the students in hands-on activities to boost curiosity about how plants grow.

Ellen Wiker of Athens earned the Girl Scout Gold Award by building six outdoor shelters that ease cat overcrowding at Menard County Animal Control Shelter and by boosting adoptions with a social media drive; she will be honored on April 19 (1-4 p.m.) at Erin’s Pavilion in Springfield.

Illinois House passed a bill Tuesday requiring insurance to cover heart scans for adults 40 and older exempting state employee plans — a measure headed to the Senate as heart disease remains the top killer.

Kyle May from Fleet Feet joined Byers & Co on April 14 to discuss new running events, training programs, and Spring product launches while sharing industry fashion trends with local runners through a podcast.

Decatur Bean Ballers need host families for their inaugural season.

Each host family gets a free commemorative yearbook, two free tickets per player, and is celebrated during an appreciation night (contact the team via email for details) as they open on May 26 against Lafayette Aviators.

Yesterday, April 14, Mark Tupper explained on his podcast that star quarterback recruit Kamden Lopati decommitted from the Illini and also shared thoughts on the early MLB season.

His remarks highlighted a shift in local sports dynamics.

Dixon's Violin Performance

6:50-10:50 p.m. — Decatur Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience the world’s premier visionary violinist like never before.