* The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence…
The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) has released its annual Domestic Violence Homicide Report for 2023, noting a dramatic increase in the number of deaths resulting from domestic violence in the state. ICADV reports 120 people died in 94 separate incidents, an increase of 121% over 2022. Of the 120 deaths in 2023, 56% of victims were female. Victims range in age from under one year to 86 years.
Firearms were the means of death in 68% of the incidents indicating that removal of firearms is a life-saving effort. 13 deaths were individuals who killed and then turned the guns on themselves taking their own life.
On June 21, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling in the United States V Rahimi case, upholding a decades old law that prohibits respondents subject to protection orders from possessing firearms. This prohibition is an extremely important tool in efforts to save lives where domestic violence is occurring. The ruling in the Rahimi case illustrates that reducing access to guns where domestic violence is occurring is universally recognized as homicide prevention.
Sarah Conlon, Interim President and CEO of ICADV said, “A homicide is the most devastating and tragic end to a domestic violence situation, causing harm not only to the victims themselves, but threatening the safety and security of entire communities. Domestic violence homicides are preventable. Through education and awareness, we can come together to be the voice of change here in Illinois, ensuring a strong safety net is in place for survivors and their children when they seek help.”
ICADV will continue to advocate for the means to reduce preventable homicides. We will continue to support efforts here in Illinois to pass legislation which would give the courts express permission to issue warrants for the removal of firearms when protection orders are issued. ICADV applauds the ruling in the Rahimi case and encourages others to join us in working to eliminate domestic violence in Illinois communities.
Today, Intersect Illinois announced Preeti Chalsani, PhD as its inaugural Chief Quantum Officer, a new position created to reflect the state’s commitment to cementing Illinois as the capital for quantum technologies. As Chief Quantum Officer, Chalsani will be responsible for working closely with leaders within Illinois’ science, technology, innovation, government and economic development ecosystem to lead all business development efforts related to quantum. She will assume the role on August 14, 2024.
“Governor JB Pritzker’s historic investments in quantum information science and technology, coupled with Illinois’ strong existing ecosystem to support the industry’s growth, have led to our state being at the forefront of this transformative new industry,” said John Atkinson, Intersect Illinois Chairman. “With the addition of Preeti Chalsani to our team as our first-ever Chief Quantum Officer, Intersect Illinois will be well-positioned to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide strategy to further enhance Illinois’ position as the global quantum leader.”
Chalsani brings over 20 years of experience in industry-academic relations, technology commercialization, intellectual property, research and education in academic, government and corporate environments. Most recently, she served as the Director of Industry Partnerships for the Chicago Quantum Exchange in a joint position with the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She also served as the Deputy Director of Duality, the first accelerator program in the US focused exclusively on quantum and enabling technology startups. In these roles, she built strong relationships with industry partners, quantum startups, researchers and other stakeholders that will be an asset to her work at Intersect Illinois.
“This is a critical moment for our state’s quantum industry and I look forward to working with our stakeholders and partners to further establish Illinois’ footprint as a global leader in all things quantum. It’s been an absolute privilege to have worked at the Chicago Quantum Exchange, the University of Chicago and the Polsky Center on efforts that helped advance QIST in Illinois, building it into a global quantum hub,” said Preeti Chalsani. “Intersect Illinois has played a crucial role in boosting economic development initiatives that have landed Illinois at the center of the quantum industry, and I am thrilled to join their team as Chief Quantum Officer.”
Chalsani earned a BS in applied physics from Yale and a PhD in applied physics from Cornell University.
As the state’s business attraction organization, Intersect Illinois generates new jobs and investment by showcasing the state’s assets, collaborating with partners and helping companies find a site to call home. Intersect Illinois works with industry, academic, civic and government partners to make it easier for companies to expand in Illinois and provides a range of services that help companies navigate the site selection process.
City Hall expanded its high-profile lawsuit against firearm maker Glock this week by naming two Chicago-area firearms dealers as defendants and labeling them as among “the most irresponsible gun stores in the country.”
Lawyers for the city and the gun safety group Everytown Law filed the updated lawsuit Monday in Cook County Circuit Court, according to the mayor’s office. That’s where the original complaint was filed in March before Glock’s lawyers removed it to federal court.
The city voluntarily dismissed the complaint that had been pending in federal court Monday.
The case revolves around the use of an auto sear, described in the new complaint as “a simple, quarter-sized device.” It can be used to essentially turn a Glock into a machine gun, the lawsuit alleges.
*** Chicago ***
* Tribune | A Supreme Court decision largely seen as anti-environment may help protect the Southeast Side: But in Chicago, the Environmental Law and Policy Center plans to leverage the ruling, commonly referred to as the Loper decision, to protect neighborhoods on the Southeast Side and the Lake Michigan shoreline. “This is not a good decision by the court. It is ideologically driven to hamstring sensible environmental regulations and agencies that protect public health. However, there’s an opportunity to turn lemons into lemonade,” said Executive Director Howard Learner.
* Crain’s | This app wants to arm rideshare drivers in Chicago: The BlackWolf app launched in Atlanta in 2023 with the stated goal of making ride-hailing safer. Not only are drivers armed, they are also all former military, police or private security with at least four years of protective experience. Founder Kerry KingBrown said the guns are meant to emit the perception of safety, but drivers’ backgrounds in those protective professions are what should give passengers peace of mind.
* Triibe | It Takes a Village: Chicago’s systems of healing post-gun violence: In Chicago, dedicated individuals and groups work tirelessly to support victims and survivors of gun violence, addressing both immediate needs and long-term healing. Some survivors face the battle of regaining their livelihood and independence alone. Others rely on a network of support. According to the University of Chicago’s Crime Lab, there are about 600 homicides and 2,800 shootings each year in Chicago, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive support systems. Cook County, where Chicago is located, has a gun death rate of 18.2 per 100,000 people. In comparison, counties like St. Clair and Vermilion in Illinois have higher gun death rates, with 24.3 and 22.3 per 100,000 people, respectively.
* Block Club | Pigeon-Racing Season Is Here. Here Is How You Can Help Exhausted, Confused Birds: Natalie Quist, a board member of the Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue, said many pigeon races occur in Indiana, and the birds have to pass through the Chicago area to get home. The Chicago Pigeon Society Facebook group has seen an uptick in reports of banded birds in the area. For many bird lovers, pigeon racing is thought to be a cruel form of entertainment that involves bird owners taking advantage of pigeons’ ability to fly home from hundreds of miles away, Quist said.
* Crain’s | Ex-NBA owner in talks to buy distressed former Groupon HQ: Arizona-based 3Edgewood, a venture launched last year by former Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver, is negotiating a deal to buy the 1.6 million-square-foot office building at 600 W. Chicago Ave., according to people familiar with the talks. The purchase price was not immediately clear, and sources said the discussions could still fall apart amid tenuous times for office demand and financing for commercial property deals. But the historic Montgomery Ward catalog building is likely worth far less than the balance of a $374 million senior mortgage that lender Morgan Stanley provided to finance Chicago developer Sterling Bay’s $510 million purchase of the building in 2018.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Tribune | More than 10,000 Cook County residents to receive property tax refunds: The treasurer plans to send out more than $22 million in refunds by Aug. 9. Over half of the 10,099 property owners will have the funds directly deposited back into their accounts, while the remainder will receive paper checks in the mail. Most of the overpayments were due to property tax exemptions that many homeowners are entitled to, which include exemptions due to disabilities or senior citizen status, Pappas said.
* Daily Southtown | Southland homeowners aim property tax frustration at Cook County assessor during Calumet City forum: Residents packed the auditorium at Thornton Fraction North High School demanding answers at the prompting of Calumet City Mayor and Illinois State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who has blamed Kaegi for jumps in people’s assessed values that translated into massive tax increases for many. “Residents are pissed off because these assessments are going on — we didn’t get notice, we didn’t get communicated,” Jones told reporters before the meeting. “So we want to make sure that the assessor starts communicating.”
* Patch | Prosecutors Drop Charges Northwestern Filed Against Own Staff, Student: Prosecutors have dropped all charges against Northwestern University staffers accused of obstructing the school’s security forces during skirmishes surrounding the establishment of an on-campus encampment in April. Assistant professors Alithia Zamantakis and Steven Thrasher, librarian Josh Honn and an unnamed graduate student had been facing class A misdemeanors, a conviction for which is punishable by a maximum of a year in jail and $2,500 in fines.
* Shaw Local | McHenry County Sheriff seeks police social worker: The Police Social Worker Division serves 16 police departments throughout McHenry County in a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between law enforcement and social services, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. Police social workers connect citizens with mental health resources.
* The Southern | Logan museum to host Simon, Bryant for ‘Women in Politics’: The General John A. Logan Museum will host the first ever “Brunch with Mary: Women in Politics” event, featuring Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) and former Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon at 10 a.m. Aug. 17 on the museum grounds. Laura Varner, curator of the museum said the board would like to see “Brunch with Mary” recur every year to highlight the overlooked women in history. “We want to make sure that the people around John A Logan are not forgotten either, especially the women, because I don’t think that we get a fair shake in history,” Varner said.
* WTTW | Bears Have Been Spotted in Southern Illinois. Officials Say Northerners Should Also Be Prepared for Furry Visitors: “With established (black bear) populations in the adjacent states of Missouri and Wisconsin, occasional summer movements by bears into Illinois are anticipated,” the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said in a statement. During early summer months, yearling bears leave their birth ranges to look for food and to find a permanent home range, officials explained. Adult males travel in search of mates, and nursing females venture further afield for food.
* WAND | Illinois State Fair offers extended box office hours, discounts on passes: The Illinois State Fair Grandstand Box office will be open extended hours for in-person ticket purchases on Thursday, July 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Regular box office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are also available online using www.ticketmaster.com, but you can avoid additional ticket fees when you purchase at the box office.
* Press Release | WWII Airman from Metropolis finally laid to rest: In February 2024 the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that U.S. Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. William L. Leukering, 28, of Metropolis, Illinois, killed during World War II, was “accounted for” eight decades after his bomber was shot out of the sky. His remains were identified on March 20, 2023. Luekering was buried with full military honors exactly 80 years after his death.
*** National ***
* Popular Information | Top Sinclair anchor resigned over concerns about biased and inaccurate content: Eugene Ramirez, the lead anchor of Sinclair’s national evening news broadcast, resigned in January over concerns about the accuracy and right-wing bias of the content he was required to present on air, three sources told Popular Information. The sources — one current and two former Sinclair employees — spoke to Popular Information on the condition of anonymity, citing concerns about the potential professional repercussions of speaking out about Sinclair’s editorial processes. Ramirez’s show, which continues to air with a new host, appears on at least 70 of the hundreds of local television affiliates owned by Sinclair.
Bodycam video of the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey was released by Illinois State Police Monday afternoon, showing a chaotic scene after a sheriff’s deputy shot Massey in the face during a tense moment over a pot of water in her home.
Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He is being held in the Sangamon County Jail while he awaits trial. […]
Massey’s oldest son, Malachi, said no one from law enforcement ever told the family who actually shot Massey. He didn’t learn until he saw it on the news the next day. […]
The family and [civil rights attorney Ben Crump] met with Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday, and Crump said the governor assured him “This is going to be a fair and transparent investigation and process at every level.”
Crump said the family wants a full investigation not just into the shooting itself, but the aftermath, including what the family was told.
The family met in private Tuesday with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton at the Union Baptist Church in Springfield. Crump said it was a good meeting and the governor was receptive to legislation to improve policing.
Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. When we call for help, all of us as Americans – regardless of who we are or where we live – should be able to do so without fearing for our lives. Sonya’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.
Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.
I commend the swift actions that were taken by the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office. While we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort the grieving. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake.
* Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser…
On behalf of Sangamon County State’s Attorney John C. Milhiser, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is posting the body worn camera (BWC) video from the officer-involved shooting of Ms. Sonya Massey on July 6, 2024. The release of this video is occurring after consultation with the family of Sonya Massey.
“My prayers are with the family of Sonya Massey, and I commend the Illinois State Police for conducting an expedited investigation into her tragic death,” said State’s Attorney Milhiser. “The State’s Attorney’s Office is dedicated to pursuing justice through the prosecution of this case.”
On July 6, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield. Former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy made contact with the caller, Sonya Massey, at her residence. During the interaction inside the home of Ms. Massey, former Deputy Grayson discharged his firearm striking Ms. Massey and killing her. The Illinois State Police were contacted to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting. The investigation was conducted in an expedited timeframe and was first evaluated under Illinois law for the use of deadly force. After a review of the ISP investigation, the State’s Attorney determined the evidence did not support a finding that former Deputy Sean Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force, and the case was presented to a Sangamon County Grand Jury. On July 17, 2024, the Grand Jury returned a five-count indictment including three counts of First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and Official Misconduct. On July 17, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued, and Grayson was taken into custody. He remains in custody.
In accordance with the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office’s and ISP’s commitment to integrity and public transparency, and pursuant to the Illinois FOIA, the BWC footage of the shooting is being made available to the public and can be found by clicking Google Drive link or Rumble link.
— IllinoisStatePolice (@ILStatePolice) July 23, 2024
* Attorney General Kwame Raoul…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement regarding the release of officer-worn body camera footage showing the fatal July 6 shooting of Sonya Massey by a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy.
“The body camera footage is horrific, and I offer my deepest sympathy to Sonya Massey’s family as they relive a moment no family should experience. As the community reacts to the release of the footage, I urge calm as this matter works its way through the criminal justice system.
“In Illinois we have made sure that the law mandates independent investigations after officer involved shootings. In this matter it appears that the investigation by the Illinois State Police and the subsequent referral to the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s office have complied with the letter and spirit of the law by providing the appropriate transparency and moving toward accountability.”
Sonya Massey should be alive today. Her tragic death underscores the ongoing fear and injustice faced by Black Americans. Our deepest condolences go out to Sonya’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/6UY1P98dG5
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) July 22, 2024
* Rep. Kam Buckner…
State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, issued this statement following the release of body camera footage showing the murder of Sonya Massey by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson:
“The tragic and senseless death of Sonya Massey at the hands of Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson on July 6, 2024, is a devastating blow to her family, friends and the entire Springfield community. Ms. Massey, a 36-year-old mother, called 911 in fear that her home was being broken into—a call that should have brought her protection, not death.
“The body camera footage released to the public shows multiple infractions of the SAFE-T Act that the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus worked tirelessly to pass with advocates and law enforcement alike. The officer did not have his body-worn camera on, and what happened to Ms. Massey was tantamount to an execution at the hands of law enforcement. Sonya should be here today. The officer snatched a precious life from this earth and this community; they took a doting mother from her children, Summer and Malachi. The troubling history of this officer is the reason why we addressed officer decertification in the SAFE-T Act. Records show he has worked with six law enforcement agencies in Illinois since 2020.
“The return of a five-count indictment on Deputy Grayson by a Sangamon County grand jury on July 17 is a step toward accountability, but it is far from enough. We demand total accountability from top to bottom for this heinous miscarriage of justice. Those sworn to protect and serve must be held to the highest standards of conduct and accountability. It is a bastardization of our public safety and criminal justice systems when adhering to “if you see something, say something” leads to death at the hands of those who are supposed to protect us.
“We cannot avoid uncomfortable conversations about racial issues in policing. It is imperative that we commit to creating an atmosphere where such tragedies do not continue to happen. We must confront and address the systemic biases and injustices within our law enforcement agencies to ensure equality and justice for all. The community has every right to be angry. This anger is justified, and it is a natural response to such a heinous act. I stand with you in this righteous anger.
“However, we must channel our anger into constructive action. Let us call for complete accountability and systemic change through peaceful means. Our voices must be loud, clear, and united in demanding justice for Sonya Massey and ensuring that no other family has to endure such a tragedy. We owe it to Sonya Massey, her family, and the entire Springfield community to fight for a system where calling 911 does not result in death. My heart goes out to the Massey family during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with you in your grief and in your demand for justice. Let us honor Sonya Massey’s memory by working tirelessly to create a safer and more just community for all.”
* Sen. Doris Turner…
State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement in response to the body camera footage being released in the shooting of Sonya Massey:
“Nothing could prepare our community to see such a blatant disregard for human life. Sonya deserved so much more.
“We need to come together to seek justice and do all we can to prevent another Black man or woman from being unjustly killed.
“I stand with the Massey family in their calls for justice and peace.”
My heart breaks for Ms. Massey, her friends and family, and the entire Springfield community. In this time of tragedy and outrage, I offer my full support to my colleagues in their call for answers, accountability and justice. https://t.co/t3gKyAORcj
— Senate President Don Harmon (@DonHarmonIL) July 23, 2024
* Senate Republican Leader John Curran…
“I can only imagine how devastating it must be for the family of Sonya Massey to not only deal with her loss, but also to go through the pain of the tragic circumstances of her killing being shared publicly. I commend them for their unwavering courage as they seek justice. I’m also appreciative of the State’s Attorney for bringing charges swiftly and for all members of the community supporting her loved ones during this time of grief.”
* Illinois Legislative Black Caucus…
State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the body camera footage which led to the indictment of the ex-deputy who shot and killed Sonya Massey in her home:
“This video is sickening. It is despicable and disgusting to see such brutal violence towards an innocent Black woman. How did this person ever become a law enforcement officer?”
“This is why we fought for increased transparency.”
“This is why we fought for body camera requirements.”
“This is why we fought to end cash bail to keep dangerous people detained.”
“But arresting and detaining the perpetrator isn’t the end. Justice demands answers and accountability. We need to know how and why someone capable of such a horrible act was given a badge and a gun in the first place.”
“The repeated murders of unarmed Black people across the country is sickening and emotionally traumatizing. Sonya Massey is dead because she called 911 for help. Our communities deserve better. We stand with the Springfield community and the Massey family.”
“May Sonya Massey’s memory be a blessing and bring comfort to those who knew her.”
* Sen. Elgie Sims…
State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. – the lead sponsor of some of the state’s most comprehensive criminal justice reforms – released the following statement upon reviewing the body camera footage of the shooting of Sonya Massey by a Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy:
“I am angry, frustrated, disgusted and disheartened that another innocent Black life was taken unjustly. As I watched this very painful exchange my heart ached for Ms. Massey’s family, friends, and the entire Springfield community, particularly its Black residents who simply want to be treated fairly and equitably. No person should ever have to fear that calling for help will end in death.
“We have taken steps to increase transparency, require body cameras to be worn and ensure dangerous individuals remain detained – all steps which have swiftly led us toward the first steps of justice for Sonya Massey. Nothing we do will bring Ms. Massey back, but we must take steps to find justice for her and her family. We must hold the former officer accountable as we push for answers to find out why he was hired in the first place, so it doesn’t happen again.
“I stand with Sonya Massey’s family, friends and the entire Springfield community as they mourn this tremendous loss and call for justice.”
* Sen. Adriane Johnson…
In response to the tragic murder of Sonya Massey, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove) issued the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the shooting captured on the body camera footage showing the tragic murder of Sonya Massey. It is extremely unsettling to consider the number of unarmed Black people who have been murdered by those sworn to protect us.
“This clear act of dominant aggression shown by the officer, against Sonya Massey, was gut wrenching. I cannot understand how Sonya’s 911 call, asking for help, turned into such a tragic act.
“The fight for increased transparency, body camera requirements, and the end of cash bail; key reforms in the criminal justice system that are vital for the protection of our communities.
“I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and community of Sonya Massey during this difficult time. May Sonya Massey rest in peace.”
* Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias…
The killing of Sonya Massey is inexcusable, disgraceful and an abhorrent disregard of basic humanity. Sonya’s murder is a heartbreaking injustice against her, her loved ones and all who see themselves represented in her story. She was a mother, daughter and a human being whose memory will not be forgotten.
As a society, we must come together to demand accountability and justice, and to ensure that tragic and senseless acts of violence at the hands of those who are charged with serving and protecting no longer take place.
* US Rep. Nikki Budzinski…
Tonight, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) spoke from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to call for justice following the death of Sonya Massey at the hands of a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department Deputy.
“On July 6th, Sonya Massey dialed 911 seeking safety. But instead of receiving help, she was met with fatal gunfire from an officer of the law.
“Like everyone who has seen the body camera footage of her final moments, I am shocked, horrified and heartbroken. This was an appalling act of senseless violence that strikes at the core of our humanity.
“I stand here today, echoing the voices of my constituents in Springfield and Americans nationwide, demanding justice and accountability. We must confront and end the use of excessive force against unarmed people of color in this country.
“My heart goes out to Sonya’s children, her family, and all who loved her. They deserve answers, and they deserve to see an end to this systemic issue.
“Sonya Massey should be alive today. We owe it to her memory to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
* US Senator Tammy Duckworth…
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement today in response to the release of body cam footage of Springfield resident Sonya Massey’s death at the hands of a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department Deputy:
“The needless violence depicted in the body cam footage released today is painful and horrifying. Sonya Massey feared for her safety and trusted law enforcement to protect her—and that trust never should have cost Sonya her life.
“This sort of tragedy at the hands of law enforcement is all too common for Black Americans, and it is completely unacceptable and unjustifiable. While it will not bring Sonya back, state authorities bringing appropriate charges in this case was the right thing to do. My thoughts are with Sonya’s family, friends and the Springfield community during this difficult time.”
* ACLU of Illinois…
Earlier this morning, video footage of the shooting death of Sonya Massey in her home on July 6th by a Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy was released to the public. The Deputy has been charged with murder and is being detained pending trial. In response to the release of the footage, the ACLU of Illinois and the ACLU of Illinois Springfield Chapter issued the following statement:
The video made public is shocking, gut-wrenching and underscores the senselessness of Sonya Massey’s death. We offer the family our deepest condolences to the Massey family and we stand with all those engaged in peaceful protest demanding justice for Ms. Massey.
We also applaud officials for moving quickly to investigate and bring charges against the Deputy responsible for this shooting. If the details contained in the complaint last week are accurate, this case needs to be prosecuted.
This tragedy, however, demands more than words; it demands deep reflection and change. Sonya’s death – and too many similar, sad events – are the result of the bias that permeates much of our society – bias that too often associates danger with someone being Black or Brown. We all must examine our own hearts and commit to rooting out such preconceptions.
This self-examination is essential for law enforcement in the Springfield area and across Illinois. It is imperative that law enforcement leaders seek to address the deep-seated bias experienced by too many people of color at the hands of police. Put simply, discrimination by police must end before we see further tragedies like Ms. Massey’s killing.
* Bloomington/Normal Branch of the NAACP…
The Bloomington-Normal Branch of the NAACP mourns the death of Ms. Sonya Massey of Springfield, Illinois. On Monday, July 22, 2024, the horrific video of Massey’s killing was released to the public. On July 6, 2024, Massey called law enforcement for assistance, but instead, she was murdered in her own home. President Linda Foster said, “The gruesome killing of Ms. Massey is a sad reminder of biases and racism in our
communities. Grayson’s actions do not align with the adopted Ten Shared Principles, specifically that ‘human life should be taken as a last resort.’” The Ten Shared Principles specify how law enforcement should interact
with citizens to minimize excessive force. The Ten Shared Principles are:
1. We value the life of every person and consider life to be the highest value.
2. All persons should be treated with dignity and respect. This is another foundational value.
3. We reject discrimination toward any person that is based on race, ethnicity, religion, color, nationality, immigrant status, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or familial status,
4. We endorse the six pillars in the report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The first pillar is to build and rebuild trust through procedural justice, transparency, accountability, and honest recognition of past and present obstacles.
5. We endorse the four pillars of procedural justice, which are fairness, voice (i.e., an opportunity for citizens and police to believe they are heard), transparency, and impartiality.
6. We endorse the values inherent in community policing, which includes community partnerships involving law enforcement, engagement of police officers with residents outside of interaction specific to enforcement of laws, and problem-solving that is collaborative, not one-sided.
7. We believe that developing strong ongoing relationships between law enforcement and communities of color at the leadership level and street level will be the keys to diminishing and eliminating racial tension.
8. We believe that law enforcement and community leaders have a mutual responsibility to encourage all citizens to gain a better understanding and knowledge of the law to assist them in their interactions with law enforcement officers.
9. We support diversity in police departments and in the law enforcement profession. Law enforcement and communities have a mutual responsibility and should work together to make a concerted effort to recruit diverse police departments.
10. We believe de-escalation training should be required to ensure the safety of community members and officers. We endorse using de-escalation tactics to reduce the potential for confrontations that endanger law enforcement officers and community members; and the principle that human life should be taken on as a last resort.
NAACP Vice-President Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson said, “The senseless killing of another African American is indicative of impaired relationships between law enforcement and citizens. The sanctity of all lives must be valued and respected.” The Bloomington-Normal Adult Branch has offered their assistance to the grieving family and to the Springfield Adult Branch.
* NAACP Illinois State Conference Youth and College Division…
Today our communities and social media feeds will once again be flooded with the brutal depiction of yet another innocent Black person being murdered at the hands of the police. Since the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2012 the feeling of being desensitized has increased significantly when it comes to the murders of Black and Brown people. In this moment it is pertinent to remember we can not forget or ignore, however, we highly recommend exercising discretion before reviewing the video. We must face the issue head on in order to end the cycle of brutalization, while also protecting our mental health to continue serving our communities.
Sonya Massey is not just a name or a stand alone incident, she joins hundreds if not thousands of other names of lives cut short. We will continue to #SAYHERNAME and advocate for accountability when it comes to the police force. Black and Brown people deserve to live their lives without the fear of a police interaction leading to their deaths. The police are here to protect and serve, however, Massey called law enforcement for assistance, and instead she was killed in her own home.
The NAACP Illinois State Conference Youth and College Division offer our condolences and support to the Massey family during this troubling time. However, we know that our condolences come nowhere near to getting justice for the loss of their family member. We recognize that an event such as this will impact local communities and the ongoing relationships they have with law enforcement. It is essential that we come together as a community to support one another towards healing and positive change. We commend the Prosecutor and the Sheriffs Department for taking swift action in an attempt to bring justice to the Massey family and reassure the public that unnecessary force will not be tolerated. However, we know that the work does not stop there. We are cognizant that the justice system does not always work in the favor of Black and Brown people, however we are hopeful that this time will be different and set a precedent for a just system.
To keep up with the latest press releases click here.
…Adding… Illinois Sheriffs’ Association…
The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association would first like to offer our prayers and sympathies to the Massey Family and all those impacted by this tragic event. Sheriffs and all members of law enforcement have a duty to serve and protect all of our citizens. We work every call, every shift, every day to work to keep our communities safe and be responsible to the public that puts its trust in us. This video does not depict how we are taught and trained to handle encounters of this nature. There is no disputing this tragic event, but when anyone, including members of law enforcement, takes such egregious action they must be held accountable. We have already seen decisive action taken by our criminal justice system to bring charges against the deputy. We pledge to continued collaboration with our communities and achieving strategies that reflect those partnerships and bring safer communities for all neighborhoods.
I appreciate the Sangamon County State’s Attorney and the Illinois State Police moving quickly to rightfully hold this officer to account. While this will never take away the pain, Sonya Massey’s family deserves swift justice. pic.twitter.com/CtJYjBaeHh
— Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (@SpeakerWelchIL) July 22, 2024
An Illinois lawmaker heading a child welfare committee said the state must strengthen its laws and policies to protect homeschooled children facing inadequate education, abuse and neglect.
Rep. Terra Costa Howard, the chair of the Adoption and Child Welfare Committee in the Illinois House, called for action following a Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica investigation, which revealed little accountability for parents who pull their kids from school and then fail to ensure they receive an education. In the worst cases, the investigation found, parents isolated and mistreated their children. […]
While regulations on homeschooling are minimal across the nation, Illinois is among a small number of states with virtually no rules about homeschooling: state authorities can’t compel proof of teaching methods, attendance, curriculum or testing outcomes; homeschool teachers don’t need a high school diploma or GED; and parents aren’t required to notify anyone if they remove their kids from school.
The Democrat from suburban Glen Ellyn said that “at a bare minimum” the state should mandate that parents must notify a school district or other governmental entity when they choose to homeschool. This is a requirement in 39 states and Washington, D.C., but is entirely optional for parents in Illinois. “We need to know these kids exist,” Costa Howard said.
Past efforts in Illinois to implement regulations on homeschools have faced strong resistance, including against a bill in 2011 to require registration and another in 2019 to enact inspections and curriculum reviews of homeschools. In both instances, the outcry was so intense that Illinois lawmakers swiftly withdrew the bills from consideration.
Last Week Tonight host John Oliver did a segment on homeschooling and why legislation gets so much pushback. You can view it by clicking here.
* Meanwhile, in Michigan, a legislator is trying to implement similar homeschooling reform. Chalkbeat Detroit’s report from April…
As a House Education Committee meeting ended last month, a group of home-schooling parents and community members began shouting at the lawmakers who wouldn’t allow them to speak.
“Coward,” they yelled out repeatedly at members of the committee.
They weren’t there to talk about shortages of mental health staff in schools, the topic of the meeting. Instead, they wanted to speak out against the possibility that Michigan might one day require home-school parents to register with the state.
Rep. Matt Koleszar, a Democrat from Plymouth and chairman of the House committee, has rankled home-schooling advocates by saying Michigan should require a registry. State Superintendent Michael Rice, who oversees the Michigan Department of Education and is the state’s lead educator, has said the same and is urging lawmakers to act.
Their comments have inflamed fears among home-schooling parents that their freedom to educate their kids at home might be taken away, and that a registry might be just the first step to do that. That’s despite Koleszar saying he has no plans to introduce legislation, and so far no other lawmakers have done so. Parents have vowed to resist calls for reforms and are showing up at meetings like the hearing this month and during the public comment period of State Board of Education meetings.
Rep. Kolezsar’s legislation is in response to the abuse of nearly 30 children in foster care by two families. Attorney General Dana Nessel believes the abuse was undetected for so long because the children were homeschooled. (Warning: language)
* In West Virginia, where assessments are required, a third of families remain non-compliant. West Virginia Watch…
Only about a third of families homeschooling their children in West Virginia turned in the required assessments to show student progress, according to data from the state department of education. […]
The issue of missing homeschool assessments has become a focal point this summer for the governor and top lawmakers following the death of 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller.
The girl, who lived in Boone County, was homeschooled prior to her death. Her mother, who is facing child neglect charges related to Kyneddi’s death, hadn’t turned in the required assessments to her local school district.
Under state law, school districts aren’t required to follow up on students who have not turned in the assessments, prompting some lawmakers to examine if it should now be a mandate in an effort to protect children.
* Earlier this year, Louisiana legislators defeated a proposal that would roll back oversight to homeschooling programs…
Louisiana lawmakers narrowly rejected a proposal Wednesday to remove the state’s authority to approve homeschool programs after critics said the measure would have left students who are educated at home with little state oversight.
Under current law, homeschool families must apply for state approval for their children to qualify for state scholarships and earn diplomas recognized by state universities. But House Bill 550 by Rep. Beryl Amedée, R-Houma, would require families simply to notify the state if they plan to homeschool.
On Wednesday, the Louisiana House voted 51-43 against the measure.
Some lawmakers questioned why homeschool students should receive a state-recognized diploma like their public and private school counterparts if there were no checks on what they learn.
Tuesday, Jul 23, 2024 - Posted by Advertising Department
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Harris' campaign has requested vetting materials from potential VPs, including Cooper (NC), Kelly (AZ), Shapiro (PA), Whitmer (MI), Walz (MN) + Pritzker (IL), according to a person familiar. Beshear told CNN he hasn't been asked to submit info at this point.
* The governor’s team refuted this last night. Pritzker did the same on Morning Joe…
"I love being the governor of the State of Illinois, and I've been out on the campaign trail fighting hard for Democrats to win… I'm very interested in making sure that Kamala Harris becomes the next president of the United States."
Governor Pritzker you, of course, endorsed Vice-President Harris yesterday. Have you received any vetting materials from her campaign about possibly being her running mate?
Governor JB Pritzker: No
And if you do, would you be interested in the job?
Pritzker: Look, I love being the governor of the state of Illinois and l’ve been out on the campaign trail of fighting hard for Democrats to win i was in Indiana and Ohio last week. I’m going to be in Tennessee and Arizona. As you know, started an organization called Think Big America that’s fighting for reproductive rights. We did it in Ohio. We’re doing it in Arizona, in Nevada. You know, it’s important to me that we win across the board and all across the United States. So I’m going to continue to do that. And I’m very interested in making sure that Kamala Harris becomes the next president of the United of the United States.
* ICYMI: Springfield community gathers at peace rally in support of Massey family. WAND…
- Just an hour after the body camera footage of Sonya Massey’s shooting death was released to the public, hundreds took to the streets in support of her family.
- The rally provided a space for the community to lean on each other for support and to remember Sonya’s legacy.
-Protester and 13-year-old Alfred Dixon said that he had played with Sonya’s children and had the pleasure of meeting her. “She was the nicest person I knew. She was just very loving, inviting me to her home.” said Dixon “She loved everyone. In [just] a short amount of time, she loved you already.”
Systemic Sexual Abuse of Children in the Cook County, Illinois Juvenile Court System: Bailey & Glasser LLP and Levy Konigsberg LLP File Lawsuits on Behalf of Nearly 200 Sexual Assault Survivors
What: A press conference with attorneys and numerous survivors of alleged sexual abuse to announce the filing of lawsuits on behalf of 37 female and 156 male survivors of sexual violence who were sexually abused while confined at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (formerly known as the Arthur J. Audy Home). Attorneys and survivors will speak out about the physical, psychological, and emotional injuries suffered as a direct result of childhood sexual abuse as detailed
in the lawsuits filed on July 22nd in the Court of Claims of the State of Illinois and in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
All sexual assault survivors were between 9 and 17 years old at the time of the abuse with the assaults taking place between 1995 and 2022. The perpetrators of the sexual abuse were male and female Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center staff. Nearly 400 cases have now been filed involving child sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers in Illinois, with over 200 cases previously filed in May and June of this year arising from state-operated Illinois Youth Centers (IYC).
When: Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024 at 11:30am CST
The event will also be livestreamed here.
Who:
* Daily Chronicle | DeKalb man charged in assassination threat to Rep. Jeff Keicher jailed ahead of trial: A DeKalb County judge on Monday decided to keep jailed a DeKalb man accused of threatening to assassinate state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, citing in part the man’s criminal history of making false 911 calls to police. Forrest R. Brandon, 58, will remain in custody at the DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore without release pending trial. He appeared for a second court hearing Monday in front of Circuit Court Judge Joseph Pedersen. Brandon is expected to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 15 on a charge of threatening a public official, a Class 3 felony. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
* Crain’s | Lurie to expand mental health training for primary care docs: Lurie Children’s Hospital will receive nearly $1 million from Cook County Health to train and support primary care providers at federally qualified health centers serving under-resourced neighborhoods in Chicago.
* CBS | Oscar Mayer Wienermobile rolls on its side in crash on Chicago-area expressway: No one was injured in the crash. The right northbound lane of I-294 was shut down for more than an hour while police investigated the crash, but all lanes were open by 12:30 p.m. According to the website for Oscar Mayer, there are six different official Wienermobiles that tour the country. The next scheduled stop in the Chicago area is on July 27 at Tony’s Fresh Market in Round Lake Beach.
*** Statehouse News ***
* Advantage News | Illinois Comptroller addresses the state’s pension challenges: Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza recently made the first pension prepayment as allowed under a new law. The change allows Mendoza to pay more into state pensions earlier in the year. “The pre-payment of monthly state contributions allows the retirement systems to keep assets working to generate investment returns longer, improving the financial condition of the systems and potentially reducing required state contributions in the future.,” said Mendoza.
* WCIA | New IL bill requires weather radios installed in recently built mobile homes: Ed Shimon, the warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln, knows this is a crucial step, especially after the damage across Central Illinois last week. “I’ve seen a lot of mobile home parks get hit just by chance. It’s very devastating,” Shimon said.
* WAND | Illinois law will expand mental health coverage for patients following miscarriage, stillbirth: Illinois currently requires insurance coverage for mental, emotional, nervous and substance use treatments for pregnant people through delivery, postpartum and neonatal care. “But there is no requirement to provide those services in the case of miscarriage or stillbirth,” said Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). “House Bill 5282 adds coverage for individuals needing those services as a result of a miscarriage or stillbirth.”
* WCIA | Pritzker signs several auto, medical service-related bills: Legislation like House Bills 4255 and 5370 were put forth to improve safety around emergency scenes. HB4255 will soon allow tow trucks and other specified vehicles to use green oscillating flashing lights at the scene of a crash or disablement. HB5370 amends Illinois’ “Scott’s Law” by requiring drivers to slow down around such accidents. These will all go into effect at the top of 2025.
* WAND | New Illinois law expands family counseling services for first responders: The plan requires every self-insured county and municipality cover marriage and couples counseling for police and firefighters. This change will apply to local first responders, Illinois State Police, university law enforcement and their families.
*** Chicago ***
* Crain’s | United Center owners plan $7 billion Near West Side campus: The next-generation owners of the United Center are proposing a $7 billion transformation of the property around the Near West Side arena, a plan to redraw 55 acres surrounding the venue with a megaproject that includes a new 6,000-seat music hall, hotel and retail buildings, public open space and thousands of apartments.
* Sun-Times | United Center owners planning massive $7 billion mixed-use campus around the arena: The United Center is the second busiest arena in America, according to the development team, hosting 3 million guests annually. The arena was built thirty years ago with no government funding — and the same would hold true for The 1901 Project. Spearheaded by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, the ownership group said there’s no plan to request city funding or tax increment financing assistance.
* WGN | ‘The person knows they hit me’: Chicago newspaper columnist suffers broken hip after Pilsen hit-and-run: Perez, 32, was struck by the unidentified vehicle Tuesday evening, just a block away from his home. Perez said the car hit him while in the middle of the crosswalk on 18th Street moments after he left a nearby store. […] “The doctors did their part, and I just hope the police also find this person because I wouldn’t feel safe with someone who feels it’s OK to just drive off after this,” Perez said.
* Sun-Times | AKA sorority sisters filled with pride as Kamala Harris steps in for Joe Biden weeks before DNC: “In this geopolitical environment, and sometimes (with) the views of people of color, and especially a woman leading, I honestly did not think that Kamala Harris would even get a nod,” AKA Central Regional Director Kiahna Davis told the Sun-Times. “To hear that, it made me proud as a woman, and it made me proud as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.” […] AKA was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908, making it the country’s oldest historically Black sorority. The organization, which is headquartered on the South Side of Chicago, now has more than 300,000 initiated members worldwide. […] AKA will not officially endorse any political candidate, but it along with fellow Black Greek-letter organizations — known as the “Divine Nine” — have launched a massive voter mobilization campaign.
* Sun-Times | McCormick Place installs bird-safe film to deter migrating birds from hitting its windows: The lakefront building’s glass windows are currently being covered with a bird-safe film, which is meant to deter birds from flying into the glass. The $1.2 million project began in early June and will take three months to complete, just in time for the beginning of the fall migration, according to a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which manages McCormick Place.
* WBEZ | What’s That Building? Muddy Waters house and Mojo Museum: McKinley Morganfield (stage name Muddy Waters) and his wife, Geneva, bought their Kenwood house in 1954 and the home has remained the family ever since. Today, the building is owned by a nonprofit run by one of the singer’s great-granddaughters and is a city landmark. It was turned into the Muddy Waters MOJO Museum by his great-granddaughter, Chandra Cooper.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Daily Herald | Suburban delegates lining up behind Harris: “It appears everyone is coming together,” said DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy, who was a Harris delegate before she ended her campaign in 2020. “It’s refreshing to see everyone standing behind our candidate and moving in the right direction. The most important thing is that we defeat Trump.”
* WGN | NWS confirms record 27 tornadoes from July 15th storms: On Monday, the National Wheater Service (NWS) updated the total tornado count from the storms to include three more twisters that touched down in the NWS Chicago forecast area. According to the NWS, the newly confirmed tornadoes hit the ground in Maple Park, Country Club Hills and at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
* Daily Herald | President of Hoffman Estates company dies from injuries suffered in accident that also killed CEO: The president of Hoffman Estates-based international software firm Vistex died Friday from complications of injuries suffered in a Jan. 18 fall in India that also killed the company’s founder and CEO. The death of Raju Datla, 54, of Barrington had secondary causes from carotid stenosis, or narrowing of a carotid artery, as well as a prior stroke, a records review by the Cook County medical examiner’s office determined Saturday.
*** Downstate ***
* WSIL | Black Bear Confirmed Spotted in Jackson County, Officials Offer Safety Tips: The Jackson County Animal and Rabies Control (JCARC) announced on Monday morning there has been a confirmed sighting of a black bear. This comes after multiple reports of a black bear sighting starting in Carrier Mills on July 11, to multiple reports of black bear sightings last week in Williamson County.
* WCIA | U of I Archives detail story of Illini Olympian 100 years after gold medal wins: — The 2024 Summer Olympics kick off this week in Paris, exactly 100 years after the city last hosted the games. The United States won 45 gold medals in 1924, and two of them were won by a Fighting Illini. Harold Osborn was a member of the Illinois track and field team from 1920 to 1922, setting six world records and helping the Illini to Big Ten team championships all three years of his collegiate career. He individually won 17 national championships and his world record in the standing high jump still stands today.
* KFVS | SIU Grad Deanna Price prepares for Olympics: Former SIU Athletic Standout Deanna Price is headed to the Olympics to compete in the hammer throw. Not for the first time but her third. “For me, the Olympics are something I’ve been dreaming about. I didn’t think it was gonna be a reality,” said Price. Deanna first gained national attention when she went to the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil and placed 8th. She says she would have never made it to those first games or beyond without the support of SIU.
