Sean Grayson Denied Medical Release From Prison
(Peoria Co, IL) — A former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey will remain in prison. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied a medical release for Sean Grayson on Friday. Grayson was sentenced to 20-years in prison after he was found guilty last October of second-degree murder. Authorities say the former deputy shot and killed the unarmed Black woman in July 2024 after she called 9-1-1 over a potential intruder at her Springfield home. Grayson petitioned for release after being diagnosed with cancer.
Illinois Federal Judge Rejects DOJ Lawsuit To Get Access To Voter Database
(Springfield, IL) — An Illinois federal judge is tossing a lawsuit by the Trump administration to obtain full access to Illinois’ voter registration database. The Justice Department requested access to assure Illinois’ compliance with federal law. The judge said the request isn’t a legitimate reason for demanding the data because it doesn’t relate to any suspected voter violations. The DOJ has filed lawsuits nationwide over the past year over what it calls an effort to ensure election integrity.
Giannoulias Joins Chicago Mayor’s Race
(Chicago, IL) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias [[ ah-LEX-ee jih-NEW-lee-us ]] is joining the crowded Chicago mayor’s race. Giannoulias announced his candidacy yesterday, confirming months of rumors. The Chicago native has served as Secretary of State since January 2023. He joins a list of other candidates running for mayor, including Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, Matt Brewer, Dr. Nisa Lee and George Cardenas.
Pritzker Signs Legislation to Protect Illinois Children on Social Media
(Chicago, IL) — Illinois is adding protection for children on social media. Governor Pritzker signed the Children’s Social Media Safety Act. The bill establishes safeguards for children against the most addictive social media platform features. Under the law, social media platforms in use in Illinois are required to strengthen their default privacy settings for users under 18 and limit the use of algorithms designed to keep young people scrolling. The law also includes provisions to shield the precise location of minors and provides further limits of digital currency transactions.