Good morning, Decatur.

The Macon County Conservation District is inviting local residents and families to serve as trail monitors at Rock Springs to report issues like fallen trees and eroded paths.

Interested volunteers must attend a free training session on Saturday, August 2 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Rock Springs Nature Center—registration is required by July 31—so they can help improve trail safety.

Michaelangelo Douglas, 34, was arrested on July 24 near North 22nd Street and East Prairie Avenue and denied pre-trial release after he allegedly kidnapped a woman at gunpoint and shot near 17th Street—he faces charges including aggravated discharge, kidnapping, and unlawful firearm possession with a preliminary hearing set for Aug. 13.

Decatur Public Schools District 61 updated policies on July 28 for the 2025-26 school year to address marijuana odors and cell phone use.

The new policy instructs students with strong smells to call home for a change and asks parents or visitors with similar odors to leave campus—measures aimed at keeping schools safe and focused.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal urges local residents to use grill safety practices this summer as grill fires peak in July, with gas grills involved in over 9,287 fires annually.

The office recommends keeping grills outdoors & checking gas tanks for leaks & keeping children and pets away from the area.

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski led a roundtable today with union leaders, postal workers, and community groups to discuss problems with delayed mail delivery and the risk of privatizing the Postal Service in Central and Southern Illinois.

She said the service must stay public and noted that steps such as a new legislative act may be taken to protect postal jobs and improve delivery.

Illinois State Police received a $10 million grant+ additional $677,000 and $637,500 to boost their efforts against vehicle theft and hijacking statewide.

From April through June, their missions recovered 225 vehicles+ seized 15 firearms to confront related violent crimes.

Founding Females® Meet Up

10:00 – 11:30 AM — Cass Concepts — Free entry — Engage in a supportive community of female entrepreneurs tackling business challenges together.

The Phil Collins Experience

7-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket info not specified — Relive the iconic music of Phil Collins in an electrifying tribute performance.

Re-Scheduled Rodeo

6-10 p.m. — Macon County Fairgrounds — Free entry and parking — Enjoy thrilling rodeo events including bull riding and barrel racing.

Farm Progress Show

8 AM - 2 PM — Progress City USA — Free entry — Experience the largest outdoor farm event with vehicle demos and expert advice.