Good morning, Decatur.

Decatur Public Schools updated their odor policy to require anyone smelling like marijuana or offensive odors to change clothes or leave campus—this step has sparked over 1,200 reactions and 500 comments on Facebook as community members share divided opinions.

The district says the policy aims to support a safe and focused learning environment, though some worry it may unfairly impact students from homes with limited resources.

Decatur got its first Buffalo Wild Wings Go on Tuesday when it opened a takeout-only restaurant at 1910 Mount Zion Road—serving a standard menu without alcohol and open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in honor of National Chicken Wing Day.

Union Pacific will buy Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion deal that will merge their rail networks—including Norfolk Southern’s 3.6-mile rail yard in Decatur, noted as the largest flat yard in North America—and create a system covering 50,000 miles across 43 states.

The companies expect antitrust review before aiming to complete the merger by early 2027.

On July 29th, 2025, the Governor Richard J.

Oglesby Mansion & Museum unveiled a free little library honoring the governor’s love of reading—great granddaughter Mrs. Carolyn Ogen donated most of his book collection and a grant from the Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations funded the project. The library now features period-appropriate topics and historical brochures.

Decatur Public Schools welcomed two international teachers from the Philippines who joined the district on Tuesday as part of an international program that fills teaching gaps and brings global learning (teachers may stay up to five years and lead cultural activities), which cut vacancy rates from 22% to 9% in one year.

A Macon County jury on Tuesday awarded Colton and Hannah Bayless $17.1 million after their son Oliver, who suffered injuries during childbirth in May 2018, died in May 2019—attorneys say the verdict comes after claims that medical care did not follow standard guidelines.

Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow urged residents on July 29 to inspect and maintain their grills to reduce fire hazards during the busy summer season.

The office noted that July is the peak month for grill fires and advised checking for leaks+ keeping grills safely away from homes and overhanging branches.

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.