Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy now charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, was previously discharged from the U.S. Army for serious misconduct, military records show.
Grayson, who is white, was indicted by a grand jury in the July 6 death of Massey, who is Black. Ben Crump, the family’s attorney, said the U.S. Department of Justice has also opened an investigation into the incident, but the agency said in a statement that it is “assessing the circumstances” and following the criminal case.
Documents obtained from the Kincaid Police Department, where Grayson previously worked, note that he was discharged in 2016 for “Misconduct (Serious Offense)” at the Fort Riley Army installation in Kansas. Army officials confirmed Grayson was a wheeled vehicle mechanic from May 2014 to February 2016, but declined to provide further details about his discharge.
“The Privacy Act and (Department of Defense) policy prevent us from releasing information relating to the misconduct of low-level employees or characterization of service at discharge,” Army spokesman Bryce S. Dubee wrote in an email. Officials at Fort Riley did not return voicemails seeking comment.
The terminated Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office deputy involved in the shooting death of a woman who called for 911 assistance worked at six different law enforcement agencies in the last four years, state records obtained by WGN’s Nexstar sister station show.
Since August of 2020, Sean Grayson worked less than one year at the Auburn (Ill.) Police Department, one year at the Logan County (Ill.) Sheriff’s Office, and then just over a year with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the records obtained by WCIA show. He was also employed with police departments in Virden, Kincaid and Pawnee.
Grayson was arrested twice for Class A misdemeanor DUIs, once in 2015 and once in 2016.
.@DemConvention's rules committee is meeting to decide next steps, with turnover at the top of the ticket ~a month before the DNC making things murky. Party chair @jaimeharrison says "delegates are free to support who they choose" as democracy works best when people believe in it
Illinois and 29 other states reached a settlement with Cameo for potential violations of consumer-protection laws related to its business of providing paid celebrity video endorsements.
Cameo appeared to run afoul of consumer-protection laws by not providing “appropriate disclosures to consumers who purchased personalized video business messages that an endorsement of a product is a paid endorsement,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a statement. The company also failed to refund users who paid for the business Cameo feature but mistakenly signed up for the less-expensive personal message Cameo, Raoul said. […]
It’s not clear if there is a financial component to the settlement. It appears the investigation may be related to a product Cameo offered specifically for businesses for advertising. Cameo’s core business involves consumers paying celebrities, ranging from actors and pro athletes to people such as former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to record video messages, often as gags or birthday greetings.
Under terms of the deal, Cameo will implement programs and policies to help ensure its website and mobile applications users comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including the FTC’s Endorsement Guides, Raoul’s office said. Cameo will also implement a watermark system for paid advertisements, implement a system for legal disclosures to and acknowledgements from all celebrities and consumers and monitor paid advertisements for compliance and establish reporting mechanisms for non-compliant Cameo videos.
*** Statewide ***
* SJ-R | Here are 2 ways Illinois is trying to combat maternal mortality rates: Debra Tisckos, the director of maternal child health services at the Sangamon County Department of Public Health said that the rates of maternal mortality were high due to lack of prenatal and postnatal care, plus lack of education and access to proper care. “Things like hypertension, diabetes and just lack of prenatal and postnatal care are contributing factors,” Tisckos said in April during an interview with The State Journal-Register. “There needs to be more education out there on getting these things done, and more support and help for women that don’t know.”
* WCSJ | Illinois treasurer’s office launches Spanish I-CASH website: Treasurer Michael Frerichs says that there are many Spanish speakers in Illinois who could benefit from the new site. Frerichs says unclaimed property can come in many forms, such as forgotten items in a deposit box or a forgotten bank account. He says in many cases, it’s simple to reunite the property with its rightful owner.
* Tribune | A new north DuSable Lake Shore Drive? Long running idea takes step forward with a concept that leaves out bus lanes, includes more park space: That vision includes changes to the sharp curves and bottleneck-inducing traffic lights as the Drive enters downtown, and priority for CTA buses on exit and entrance ramps. It calls for adding lakefill in some places downtown and separating pedestrians from cyclists along the Lakefront Trail. It includes eliminating one lane of traffic north of Irving Park road. Missing from the concept are lanes on Lake Shore Drive that would prioritize the many CTA express buses that use the route. Transit priority lanes had been a key element of each of the other options that had been finalists for consideration.
* Tribune | Authorities investigating break-in at Cook County state’s attorney’s office: Authorities are investigating a break-in at the administrative offices of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, officials said. Staff with the state’s attorney’s office contacted the Cook County sheriff’s office on Tuesday to report that several computers were missing at their offices at the main courthouse in the George Leighton Criminal Court Building, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. Police opened an investigation, which is ongoing.
* ABC Chicago | South Side churches’ reading camp for Black boys getting national attention: Salem and Progressive Baptist churches started a pilot program to help improve the reading skills of young Black boys. It’s called Black Boy Literacy. The program was so successful last summer that the churches brought the reading camp back this year to prepare Black boys for the upcoming school year. What started as a pilot program– has become a model for other Black churches across the country.
* Block Club | More Than $400,000 Raised So Far In Chicago’s 2024 School Board Elections: The money is a mix of small donations from candidates’ friends and family, sizable personal loans and in-kind and financial support from existing political and labor groups, according to a Chalkbeat analysis of state campaign finance records. The political fundraising arms of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, which has $3 million on hand, and the Chicago Teachers Union, which has around $175,000, are holding their fire for now, putting off making major donations to candidates. That’s not surprising: Many candidates are still sorting out challenges to their petitions to get on the ballot, and spending is likely to pick up once a clearer picture of the most competitive races and candidates emerges.
* The Triibe | Black businesses are looking to benefit from the DNC in Chicago: Stephanie Hart, owner of Brown Sugar Bakery in Greater Grand Crossing, said she is already reaping benefits from the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC), which is scheduled to come to Chicago on Aug. 19-22. In May, she catered a welcome party for delegates and people working the DNC. She said she reached out to convention organizers with hopes to become a vendor during the event.
* Tribune | As new Foxtrot owner plans to reopen stores, a former undocumented worker recounts his struggle to find a job and collect back pay: As a co-founder of Foxtrot and new investors plan to reopen about a dozen stores this fall, Mancera and most of the other 50 former immigrant workers who worked at the commissary continue to struggle to find new jobs to make ends meet. Mancera said that his quest for employment has been stymied by few opportunities, with competition from newly arrived migrants who are willing to work for extremely low wages and those who have legal work permits. Unlike former workers at the storefronts who qualified for unemployment, most of those who worked at the commissary are ineligible for unemployment benefits due to their immigration status.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Daily Herald | ‘A game changer’: New pumping station promises to ease Des Plaines River flooding: A new $4.1 million pump station along the Des Plaines River in Mount Prospect will help neighborhoods that have been battered by flooding for decades, officials said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday. “This project is simply a game changer,” Mount Prospect Mayor Paul Hoefert said of the station on River Road north of Camp McDonald Road. “It will help provide an unprecedented level of flood protection for hundreds, if not thousands, of homes in Mount Prospect on the west side of River Road.”
* Tribune | County to consider $7.25 million settlement for wrongfully convicted ‘Marquette Park Four’ member: On the heels of the Chicago City Council approving a record $50 million settlement to a group of men once known as the “Marquette Park Four,” the Cook County Board will consider a $7.25 million settlement for one of those men who accused county prosecutors of wrongful incarceration and detention. The Charles Johnson deal is one of several costly settlements the county’s Finance Committee approved unanimously Wednesday, the others related to county-run Stroger Hospital. All of them, totaling $24 million, will be considered by the full board Thursday.
* WAND | Eastern Illinois Food Banks’s “Food Mobile” is hitting the road: The Eastern Illinois Food Bank serves over 18 counties, distributing food to over 100 people every day. […] “Our priority is definitely to provide as much inclusive, nutritious food to people as possible. We really want to be growing those stronger communities. Getting out into these communities and making it as simple as possible for people to receive food assistance. There’s no donation to small no, no way to get involved that doesn’t make too much of an impact.”
* WCIA | Danville company fined $200k by OSHA for two labor accidents: Inspectors from the DOL’s Occupation Safety and Health Administration responded to two incidents earlier this year at Viscofan USA Inc.’s Danville facility. One employee suffered broken bones and lacerations on Jan. 25 when their arm was caught in a roller machine. On Feb. 1, another employee suffered chemical burns while cleaning a pump. In both incidents, OSHA determined that the company “lacked adequate procedures for energy control and failed to have them in place before the workers began their tasks.” The agency also said Viscofan failed to train its workers on machine safety procedures and on use of hazardous chemicals
*** National ***
* AP | Experts say a twice-yearly injection that offers 100% protection against HIV is ‘stunning’: The shots made by U.S. drugmaker Gilead and sold as Sunlenca are approved in the U.S., Canada, Europe and elsewhere, but only as a treatment for HIV. The company said it is waiting for results of testing in men before seeking permission to use it to protect against infection. […] The prospect of a twice-a-year shot is “quite revolutionary news” for our patients, said Thandeka Nkosi, who helped run the Gilead research at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Masiphumelele, South Africa. “It gives participants a choice and it just eliminates the whole stigma around taking pills” to prevent HIV.
* The Athletic | Simone Biles is back at the Olympics, and no one is telling her what to do anymore: The Paris Games are being billed as a rebirth for gymnastics, the culmination of that long and painful process. The change, however, started even before this Olympic cycle. It began in Tokyo when Simone Biles said she couldn’t go on and no one told her she’d better go anyway. […] “My ‘why’ is nobody is forcing me to do it,” she said. “I wake up every morning and choose to grind in the gym and come out to perform for myself.”
* ProPublica | He Was Convicted of Killing His Baby. The DA’s Office Says He’s Innocent, but That Might Not Be Enough.: Eaton read the journal knowing that in the years since the infant was taken to the emergency room, shaken baby syndrome has come under increasing scrutiny. A growing body of research has demonstrated that the triad of symptoms doctors traditionally used to diagnose the syndrome — brain swelling and bleeding around the brain and behind the eyes — are not necessarily produced by shaking; a range of natural and accidental causes can generate the same symptoms. Nevertheless, shaken baby syndrome and its presumption of abuse have served, and continue to serve, as the rationale for separating children from their parents and for sending mothers, fathers and caretakers to prison. It’s impossible to quantify the total number of Americans convicted on the basis of the diagnosis — only the slim fraction of cases that meet the legal bar to appeal and lead to a published appellate decision. Still, an analysis of these rulings from 2008 to 2018 found 1,431 such criminal convictions.
* Remember this funny little kerfuffle from 2019?…
Major media organizations have been using those periods on the name of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. But that’s not how the governor has been spelling it — at least not lately — though his name has appeared with periods in the past, as when he ran for Congress in 1998.
Long story short, Pritzker told Brian Mackey that he doesn’t use periods in his name.
Many of us rely on the Associated Press to settle these questions, so I emailed the corporate office in New York. Spokeswoman Lauren Easton wrote back after broadcast: “AP is considering how to handle the styling of the governor’s initials but hasn’t yet resolved it.” But the AP Stylebook says when someone uses initials instead of a first name, periods should be used
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance used his first solo campaign rallies Monday to throw fresh barbs at Vice President Kamala Harris a day after President Joe Biden threw the presidential election into upheaval by dropping out and endorsing his second-in-command to lead Democrats against Donald Trump.
Sen. Vance’s full name is James David Vance. But no periods for the A.P.
Odd.
* The Tribune and the Sun-Times are also using Vance’s preferred spelling, while continuing to spell Pritzker’s name with periods. Same for N.P.R.
USA Today, which also doesn’t put periods in its own abbreviation, spells their names “J.B. Pritzker” and “JD Vance.”
The Washington Post is being consistent, however. The paper spells both Pritzker’s and Vance’s names with periods.
* And, yes, of course this is a trivial matter. But these news outlets are all about words. The AP Stylebook is 524 pages long, for crying out loud.
On the off chance that Pritzker is chosen as a vice presidential candidate and faces Vance, we’ll probably see a revisiting of this oddly contradictory policy. Until then, inconsistency will likely prevail.
Lawyers for the former AT&T Illinois boss accused of trying to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan argue in a new filing that the prosecution’s case has been “significantly undermined” by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling walking back a federal bribery statute.
Paul La Schiazza, 66, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiring to pay former state Rep. Edward Acevedo $2,500 a month in consulting fees as part of a plan to win Madigan’s backing of several pending pieces of legislation in Springfield. His trial is scheduled to kick off in September.
In a flurry of motions filed late Tuesday, however, La Schiazza’s attorneys asked the judge to toss key bribery and conspiracy counts in the indictment, order the government to turn over grand jury minutes, and limit the statements of alleged co-conspirators that can be introduced at trial.
The motions were the latest fallout from the high court’s ruling last month in the case of former Portage, Indiana Mayor James Snyder that held the federal bribery statute commonly known as “666” applies only to bribes, not gratuities, and that there must be a quid pro quo agreement to accept something of value in exchange for an official act.
In defending its decision to bring these charges, the government argued for years that 18 U.S.C. § 666 criminalized both gratuities and bribes and did not require proof of a quid pro quo. After the government indicted this case—the Seventh Circuit made clear that “[a] bribe requires a quid pro quo—an agreement to exchange this for that, to exchange money or something else of value for influence in the future.” United States v. Snyder, 71 F. 4th 555, 579 (7th Cir. 2023). Yet the government continued to press its position that no proof of a quid pro quo was required to convict under Section 666. Ultimately, in Snyder v. United States, the Supreme Court rejected the government’s interpretation of Section 666, holding that the statute applies only to bribes, and that bribery “requires that the official have a corrupt state of mind and accept (or agree to accept) the payment intending to be influenced in the official act. ” Snyder v. United States, 144 S. Ct. 1947, 1955 (2024). The Court also held that Section 666 was modeled on the federal bribery statute, 18 U.S.C. § 201, and shared the same “defining characteristics.” Id.; United States v. Sun-Diamond Growers of California, 526 U.S. 398, 404-05 (1999) (holding that bribery requires a “quid pro quo – a specific intent to give or receive something of value in exchange for an official act.”). In other words, the government must plead and prove a quid pro quo, which it did not do. […]
The indictment does not allege facts establishing a causal connection between the legislative actions undertaken by Madigan and the benefits he allegedly received from AT&T, much less an express agreement by Madigan to undertake these acts in exchange for Mr. La Schiazza having AT&T offer Acevedo a consulting job. […]
The government has not alleged AT&T hired Acevedo in exchange for a specific official act, i.e., that Mr. La Schiazza bribed Madigan. Indeed, the Indictment does not allege that Madigan even knew of AT&T’s hiring of Acevedo or AT&T’s desire to “get credit” for the hiring. Without any factual allegations supporting the existence of a quid pro quo or that Mr. La Schiazza understood that he was acting unlawfully in offering an exchange to Madigan, the Indictment violates Mr. La Schiazza’s rights to indictment by a grand jury and protection against double jeopardy, as well as his Sixth Amendment right to be informed of the nature of the accusations against him. Therefore, this Court should dismiss Courts One and Two in full.
* Some background is here if you need it. Press release from the Chicago Abortion Fund and the Iowa Abortion Access Fund…
Yesterday, the Iowa District Court for Polk County issued an order for dissolving the temporary injunction on Iowa’s 6-week abortion ban. The ban is scheduled to take effect on Monday, July 29, 2024, marking a devastating setback for abortion access in the Midwest and forcing Iowans to travel out of state for necessary healthcare.
Qudsiyyah Shariyf, Deputy Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF), issued the following statement:
“This ban is a severe setback for the Midwest. We are heartbroken for our neighbors in Iowa. These decisions, like all abortion bans and restrictions, disproportionately harm systemically oppressed communities, including people of color, people with low incomes, and those living in rural areas. The Chicago Abortion Fund, in partnership with the Iowa Abortion Access Fund, is dedicated to ensuring that anyone forced to leave the state of Iowa for abortion care receives the comprehensive support and resources they need.”
“In 2023, CAF received support requests from over 12,000 people from over 40 states, including over 360 people requiring hospital-based complex care through our CARLA program. This ruling in Iowa will continue to increase the number of people forced to travel for abortion care – both due to the devastating impacts of the ban as a whole, and due to the lack of guidance on exceptions and when doctors can act to provide emergency abortion care. We remain steadfast in our commitment to guarantee that all people have access to the abortion care they want, need, and deserve – regardless of who they are, their situation, or their zip code,” Shariyf added.
Leah Vanden Bosch, Development and Outreach Director of the Iowa Abortion Access Fund, issued the following statement:
“The upholding of this abortion ban in Iowa is an absolute devastation and violation of human rights, depriving Iowans of their bodily autonomy. Abortion is essential health care that needs to be accessible to all. This ban will harm marginalized communities and puts the lives of all pregnant people at risk. We know a ban will not stop the need for abortions. As one of the oldest abortion funds in the nation, we remain committed to providing abortion care for all Iowans. We are partnering with CAF to ensure that we will continue to do that work. We will not stop. Please continue to stay engaged and support people who need abortion care. By working together, we will continue to take care of one another.”
Overview of Abortion Access in Iowa:
- An estimated 4,150 abortions took place in Iowa in 2023 (Guttmacher Institute).
- In 2023, 390 Iowans traveled to Minnesota, 370 traveled to Illinois, and 180 traveled to Nebraska to seek abortion care (Guttmacher Institute).
- Prior to the 6-week ban, Iowans drove an average of 53 minutes to their nearest clinic. Travel times are expected to increase significantly, similar to trends observed by the Center for American Progress, in Indiana after their complete abortion ban.
CAF’s Partnership with Iowa Abortion Access Fund:
- The CAF Helpline is ready to support Iowans. Following the ruling in June, we deepened our partnership with the Iowa Abortion Access Fund to stretch resources to support more people needing to leave the state. Visit the CAF Helpline to complete an intake and receive support.
- Since the Dobbs decision, CAF has heard from 465 Iowans, a number expected to rise due to the 6-week ban.
- In just the first three weeks of July 2024, as many anticipated the impending enforcement of the ban, we received over 60 support requests from Iowans. This marked a 165% increase in support requests from previous months, despite abortion still being legal in Iowa. We anticipate these numbers will continue to grow following the implementation of the 6-week ban.
- CAF has fielded over 20,000 support requests and distributed almost $7 million in direct assistance since the Dobbs decision.
No Increase in Wait Times for Abortion at Illinois Clinics:
- In 2023, there were 37,300 people who traveled to Illinois for abortion care (The New York Times).
- Independent abortion clinics like Hope Clinic, Family Planning Associates (FPA), Women’s Aid Center, Choices, and Equity Clinic have not experienced increased wait times due to proactive hiring and operational adjustments, unlike East Coast clinics facing over two-week wait times (The Washington Post).
Infrastructure and Support Systems:
- Illinois clinics are equipped to manage increased patient volume and can triage care to Chicago hospitals for those requiring hospital-based abortion care.
- CAF’s Complex Abortion Regional Line for Access (CARLA) program, in partnership with four Chicago hospitals, supports patients needing hospital-based care.
Though only law in Iowa, it will impact Illinois as more patients will turn to the state for abortion care. Illinois has some of the most permissive abortion laws in the U.S.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) Abortion Expansion Program Manager Julie Uhal said the organization is ready for a potential influx of patients. She said the ground has constantly been shifting since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, and PPIL is prepared for this latest development.
“We have done enough capacity expansion work and we are ready to see patients from where ever they are coming from. We’re ready to support them with travel support funding, financial assistance,” Uhal said. “Yeah, we’re here and we’re not backing down anytime soon.”
This new law will ban most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, which is before most women even know they are pregnant. Once a heartbeat is detected, an abortion will no longer be permitted in the state.
However, the Rockford Family Planning Center, which offers only abortion pills, said they are already seeing an uptick in women from Iowa crossing state lines for services. The center noted that even making the choice to take the abortion pill can be a tough decision.
Meg Larkin, an administrator with Rockford Family Planning Center, said, “If you knew that I could fill up my ultrasound room with all the tears that we have shed in there…See, nobody wakes up and goes ‘Oh i think I’m gonna have an abortion today.’ It’s a difficult, challenging decision for most people.”
Larkin also said that they expect more people to come in once the Iowa law is officially in effect. The abortion pill can only be taken up to 10 weeks and 5 days into a pregnancy.
Business and real estate interests spent millions to tank Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to raise Chicago’s real estate transfer tax on high-end home sales to create a dedicated revenue source to combat homelessness.
They also bankrolled a $2 million independent expenditure committee to help elect moderate City Council members they hoped would be “part of the solution, not lob bombs from the sideline.”
Now, influential business leaders are forming yet another nonprofit group, with an affiliated political action committee, to advance their “long-term, systemic civic priorities” for the city and state.
They’re calling it “One Future Illinois,” and its leadership roster of business heavyweights includes some who have held prominent positions in city and state government.
Among them: investment banker Steve Koch, who served as deputy mayor under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel; Derek Douglas, president of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club; and Jesse Ruiz, former deputy governor for education in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. Ruiz also served as interim CEO of Chicago Public Schools, chair of the Illinois State Board of Education and board president of the Chicago Park District.
Their PAC’s statement of organization describes its mission as “To advance common sense solutions to meet the most significant challenges and opportunities of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago.” No contributions have yet been reported.
Mike Ruemmler, who was one of Rahm Emanuel’s top go-to people, will run both the c4 and the PAC, Fran reports. Go read the rest.
In a call with Crain’s, the group’s leaders wouldn’t disclose how much they expect to raise, but the money should start flowing soon and is expected to take in at least seven figures.
The group will “be involved” in the mayor’s race and next City Council election, said Michael Ruemmler, a former advisor to both Emanuel and President Barack Obama. He wouldn’t disclose if they’d take on Johnson.
Asked if the PAC will spend money opposing elected school board candidates supported by the Chicago Teachers Union, Ruemmler would only say “we’ll take a look at all the candidates.”
* Sun-Times | Domestic violence deaths spiked in Illinois last year, adding to calls for passage of Karina’s Bill: Domestic violence deaths rose by 110% across the state last year, according to a coalition of advocacy groups who said the sharp spike is a somber reminder why lawmakers must crack down on abusers who own guns. “This increase really shows that we have to step up our efforts here in Illinois to reduce these preventable homicides,” said Vickie Smith, former executive director and consultant for the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Because if they’re increasing that much just over one year, then what are we looking at over the next few years?”
* AP | Survivors sue Illinois over decades of sexual abuse at Chicago youth detention center: Temarkus Washington says the sexual abuse he experienced as a teenager at a troubled Chicago youth detention center still gives him nightmares. […] “It’s actually not something that I like to talk about or even think about. I did what I had to do to survive in there,” said Washington, speaking at a Chicago news conference with other survivors. “I am here because I want to feel confident in myself again. For so long I doubted myself and felt so scared.”
* Nik Hunder | Despite scrutiny, the CTA’s president rode the system only 58 times in 2023: Since data showing his 2022 riding habits was made public, Carter had eight months left in 2023 to improve how frequently he rode the system in 2022 (23 times). He did not meaningfully or consistently increase that figure in 2023. Fifty-eight times in 2023 is barely more than once per week. Looking more closely, 52%, or 30, of those trips came in June and July, with 34% (20) being taken in July alone, according to ridership data I received from a Freedom of Information Act request.
*** Statehouse News ***
* WAND | Illinois lawmakers, insurance leaders discuss challenges with pharmacy benefit managers: “The healthcare conglomerates appear to be driving growth by generating increasing levels of revenue from their vertically integrated affiliates,” said Ann Gillespie, acting director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. “Said another way, these corporations are growing by paying their own companies more and more.” Gillespie said she will not tolerate consumers receiving less than the value of the benefits they pay for through insurance plans.
*** Chicago ***
* Tribune | Chicago leaders brace for as many as 25,000 new migrants ahead of DNC: ‘We just need to be prepared’: In the event of a surge before and during the convention, which starts Aug. 19, the city would first house new arrivals with its roughly 5,000 available beds, Ponce de León said. If that’s not enough, a mix of city, county, state and federal funding would open several “just-in-time” shelters,” she added. “Everything to be able to open these beds very quickly is beginning to fall into place,” Ponce de León said.
* Active Transportation Alliance | Coalition calls for halting NDLSD redesign project: We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only reimagine our lakefront, but also to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our city and region. Despite this window of opportunity, the current proposal, called ‘The Essential,’ will largely rebuild the highway as it currently exists.
* Sun-Times | Phillips fires state championship coach Paris Martin two weeks after he filed a lawsuit against CPS: Martin, Phillips’ boys basketball coach for the last two seasons, claims that Chicago Public Schools never has paid him and that he never officially has been cleared to coach by CPS. The school district requires that all coaches pass a background test. Martin filed a lawsuit July 8 against CPS, Phillips, Talley, Phillips athletic director James Daniels IV, Phillips operations manager Shelonda Mackey and Phillips girls basketball coach Larry Stokes in the Northern District of Illinois’ Eastern Division. Early Tuesday, Martin started a Go Fund Me page to raise money for state championship rings for Phillips’ boys basketball players. As of Tuesday afternoon, $200 of the $14,300 goal had been donated.
* WBEZ | CPS is counting on hundreds of positions going unfilled to balance its budget: Faced with a budget deficit of more than $500 million, the school district is counting on vacancies to provide $220 million in savings in the spending plan being voted on Thursday. The district says it calculated these savings by looking at natural attrition, turnover, and the time it takes to hire and staff positions.
* Chalkbeat | State ends scrutiny of Chicago Public Schools over long bus rides for students with disabilities: The state notified the district in April that it was ending a corrective action that required the district to “make every effort” to keep commute times for students with disabilities to less than an hour. The state imposed the monitoring in fall 2022, after district leaders acknowledged that roughly 3,000 students with disabilities had longer bus trips than that, with 365 of those students on trips longer than 90 minutes. In its effort to comply with the state plan and deal with a bus driver shortage, the district cut busing for general education students at the start of last school year, and reserved seats for students with disabilities, as well students who are homeless — groups that are entitled to transportation under federal law. It offered free Ventra transit cards to general education students who would have previously been eligible for bus service, largely those attending selective enrollment and magnet programs.
* Tribune | ‘Titanique the Musical’ parody show is headed to Chicago: “Titanique the Musical,” a critically acclaimed and highly successful off-Broadway parody of the famous 1997 movie “Titanic,” 1990s pop culture and the song stylings of Céline Dion, is sailing to the Broadway Playhouse (175 E. Chestnut St.) for an eight-week run next spring, from March 25 to May 18, 2025. The campy, comedic attraction will appear on the subscription seasons of both Broadway in Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago. This will be, in essence, a Porchlight production developed for Chicago.
* Chicago Records | Bridgeport Records builds on its blowout opening weekend: Chicago’s newest independent vinyl shop, Bridgeport Records, opened its doors on July 12 at 3336 S. Halsted. The store is the brainchild of veteran deep-house DJ and producer Vick Lavender and former union leader Jerry Morrison, who’ve both spent decades in the house-music scene but connected for the first time only a few years ago. Lavender founded Sophisticado Recordings in the mid-2000s, and Morrison spent 22 years with the Service Employees International Union, where he played a major role building labor power in Illinois.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Daily Herald | How will suburbs respond to SCOTUS decision allowing cities to fine, arrest homeless people?: Arlington Heights officials are reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision, Village Manager Randall Recklaus said via email. In the past, police were called about people living in the parking garage located below the Arlington Town Square shopping center. In response, the village introduced an ordinance prohibiting “the use of village parking facilities for activities other than parking a vehicle or walking to and from that vehicle,” Recklaus wrote, adding that officers issue citations “when appropriate.”
*** Downstate ***
* WCIA | Newly released dispatch records detail confusion following shooting of Sonya Massey: James Wilburn spent days not knowing how his daughter Sonya Massey died. […] “I was under the impression that a prowler had broke in and killed my baby,” Wilburn said Monday. “Never did they say it was a deputy-involved shooting until my brother read it on the internet.”
* WCIA | Sonya Massey’s family wasn’t immediately told her death was deputy-involved: Massey’s family is also calling for Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign for hiring Grayson in the first place. State records obtained by WCIA show that Grayson worked at six different law enforcement agencies within a four-year period and that he has two misdemeanor DUIs in his background. County officials said they were aware of the DUIs due to required background checks but added that according to their knowledge, Grayson had not been terminated from any previous jobs.
* SJ-R | Massey family meets with Pritzker; DOJ opens investigation into fatal shooting: The high-profile attorney who has been retained by the Massey family confirmed at a press conference at the Springfield NAACP Building that Massey’s mother and father and Massey’s two children were among those who met in private with Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Tuesday. It was open “but emotional at times,” Crump admitted. […] Wilburn also pushed the governor, Crump said, to consider legislation that prevents law enforcement officers with blemishes on their records to be able to resign without having any findings and then go to the next law enforcement agency.
* WGLT | Bloomington pawn shops raided by Illinois Attorney General’s Office: “Investigators from the Illinois Attorney General’s organized retail crime task force executed a number of search warrants today as part of an ongoing investigation,” said AG Deputy Press Secretary April McLaren. […] The AG’s office declined further comment, including whether there are more business locations affected. McLaren only noted that there were a number of warrants in play.
217 BREAKING: - Heavy police presence at both Monster Pawn locations in Springfield. pic.twitter.com/yh0b7PpNwx
* WCIA | Local filmmakers bring Central Illinois to movie screens: Central Illinois is working towards its Hollywood moment. One Danville filmmaker is ready to share his movie that features local actors and locations. He said they created this film independently and the mission was to keep it within the community.
* EFfingham Daily News | 17th annual Effingham Artisan Fair provides oasis for area artists: In total, 35 artists participated in the fair which is five more than last year. This included both experienced and emerging artists. “I think this is one of the best years for novice artists that we’ve ever had,” said Kim Stanfield, one of the lead organizers of the event.
*** National ***
* WaPo | Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, scientists say: The results from the Copernicus Climate Change Service show the planet’s average temperature on July 21 was 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit) — breaking a record set only last year. The historic day comes on the heels of 13 straight months of unprecedented temperatures and the hottest year scientists have ever seen.
* TND | FCC head seeks new protections against AI-generated robocalls: The head of the Federal Communications Commission wants to require callers to disclose their use of artificial intelligence. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said it’s the latest effort from her agency to protect Americans from misleading uses of AI. “Bad actors are already using AI technology in robocalls to mislead consumers and misinform the public,” Rosenworcel said in a news release. “That’s why we want to put in place rules that empower consumers to avoid this junk and make informed decisions.”
* 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.
