Maria Chen

Reporter · Decatur, IL

With a degree in Community Development from the University of Illinois, Maria has dedicated her 4 years of reporting to local grassroots movements and community engagement. Previously at the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette, she brings a deep knowledge of local cultures and neighborhoods.

14 stories from Maria Chen in Decatur

NewCommunity•1h

Danny Lee Luka

```json { "content": " In the heart of Decatur, a community finds itself reflecting on the extraordinary life of Danny Lee Luka, a beloved figure whose warmth and kindness were as familiar as the autumn breeze that rustles the leaves in his neighborhood. This profound reflection comes as the...

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LISTEN: Brett Zerfowski, Central Cremation, joined Pharmacy Facts with Friends to talk about the upcoming Veterans Breakfast

Brett Zerfowski, Central Cremation, joined Pharmacy Facts with Friends to talk about their upcoming Veterans Breakfast. Listen to the podcast now!

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Community•6h

Officials Share Halloween Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters, Drivers and Families

October 27, 2026 With Halloween just days away, officials are reminding families, drivers and partygoers to take precautions to keep the holiday safe for everyone. From choosing visible costumes to watching for children on the road, a few simple steps can help prevent accidents during one of the...

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Families smashing pumpkins at a community event in Decatur, Illinois

Community•6h

University of Illinois Extension to Host Free Pumpkin Smash in Decatur

As the crisp autumn air settles over Decatur, families are gearing up for a unique tradition that breathes new life into their Halloween festivities. Next month, the community will gather to transform their discarded pumpkins into valuable compost, all while enjoying a day of fun and creativity....

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Community•10h

NASA is on track to launch Artemis III astronauts in summer 2027

Artemis III is considered a key proving-ground mission before NASA sends astronauts to land on the moon's harsh surface during Artemis IV in 2028.

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Useful financial advice for stay-at-home moms

Intuit TurboTax reports useful financial advice for stay-at-home moms on budgeting, saving, and side gigs to manage rising costs while raising children effectively.

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Community•13h

How to stop deodorant clumps

AXE reports how to avoid deodorant clumps, advising on proper application, product type, and cleaning methods to prevent residue on skin and clothes.

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Community•13h

How body wash and shower gel differ

Dove Men + Care reports that body wash and shower gel differ mainly in texture and formulation, adding that you should choose based on your skin's needs rather than product labels.

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Community•14h

Fresh out of the shower, but still smell? Here's why

Degree Deodorant reports that showering does not always eliminate body odor due to bacteria and clothing.

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Technology•14h

More than an AI copilot: Navigating the 5 stages to autonomous data engineering

Snowflake reports on the evolution to autonomous data engineering, emphasizing a shift from manual pipeline management to focusing on data products for business outcomes.

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Community•14h

Inside Tiger Woods’ potential comeback: What Golfweek has learned about his return

It's become an annual autumn ritual. No, not taking free relief from a pile of leaves, but speculating about when, or if, Tiger Woods will play competitive golf again.

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Community•14h

The Fed raised rates for the first time since 2023. What it means for car loans

Caribou reports that the Fed's recent rate hike may influence car loan rates, but individual lenders set rates based on various factors.

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Community•15h

How to navigate a depressive episode

Rula reports that depression differs from temporary low moods and that major depressive disorder (MDD) involves prolonged depressive episodes impacting daily life.

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Time to 'fall back' on Nov. 1: How to adjust your body clock

You may get an extra hour of sleep, but the end of daylight saving time remains one of the least popular weekends on the U.S. calendar.

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