News From Here And There

     Fairgoers are in for a rockin’ good time at the 2026 Illinois State Fair as legendary southern rock band 38 Special takes the Grandstand stage for a FREE concert on Monday, August 17.      “The Illinois State Fair is one of the best opportunities we have each year to bring people together from every corner of…

     The communities of Argenta, Cisco, and Oreana are proud to announce its upcoming America 250 Celebration, taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2026.      This special event will honor the 250th ann-iversary of the United States with a full day of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and patriotic celebration.      Residents and visitors alike are invited to join in…

     The Salvation Army is honored to announce the celebration of National Salvation Army Week from May 11 through May 17, 2026. This annual observance, first declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, recognizes the vital work and enduring impact of The Salvation Army across communities in the United States.      The Salvation Army has served Decatur…

     In an effort to curb program viewers’ discomfort and annoyance, State Senator Doris Turner led a measure through the Senate that would ban loud commercials on streaming services.      “It’s frustrating when you’re watching a show, and it cuts to a commercial that is much louder than the show you were watching,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This…

  CHAMPAIGN, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened her third roundtable discussion with local leaders and immigration nonprofit and advocacy organizations. The conversation focused on immigration enforcement activity across Central and Southern Illinois and how elected officials, community organizations, and local leaders can work together to better support affected residents.      “Today was an…

Average gasoline prices in Illinois have risen 62.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.92/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 4,378 stations in Illinois. Prices in Illinois are 64.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.58/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has…

     Applications for Macon County Fireworks permits, for locations outside of incorporated areas of Macon County, are available in the Macon County Clerk’s Office at the Macon County Office Building 141 S. Main, Room 104, Decatur. All county fireworks permits must be approved by a local fire protection district chief for the location where the fireworks…

     At approximately 12:08 p.m. on April 29, 2026, the Decatur Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire at 2790 E. Division St. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire conditions coming from the kitchen windows of the home.      Engine 4 initiated an aggressive interior fire attack to contain and extinguish the fire while Truck…

Attendees Honor IBEW Member Sam Ward Recently Killed on the Job      Decatur, Illinois — Fifty-five years ago, on April 28, 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) took effect. OSHA promised every worker the right to a safe job and was won because of the tireless efforts of the labor movement. This April 28,…

     Saturday, June 13, 2026 graduating classes “1979-1982+” will gather at the Mt Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt Zion Pkwy, Mt Zion, IL.      Other graduating classes are welcome. The social hour will be from 5-6pm, buffet dinner 6-7pm, and DJ Terrence “Tat” Taylor 7-11pm. There is a block of rooms available at the Hampton Inn, Mt…