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217 Today: In the wake of Sonya Massey’s death, Springfield will test a new way to handle mental health calls

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Sontae Massey (right) consoles a teary Donna Massey during a vigil for their loved one, Sonya Massey, Aug. 6 in Sonya’s front yard in Springfield. Sonya Massey was shot and killed by former Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson. Her death has prompted calls from the community for changes to how emergency mental health calls are handled.
  • Photo: Mawa Iqbal / WBEZ

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Today’s headlines:

  • Krannert Center for the Performing Arts will host the 10th annual Champaign-Urbana Jazz Festival kickoff today. 
  • A new poll from the state’s largest teachers’ union finds that roughly 60 percent of Illinois educators are considering leaving the profession.
  • This week, the Decatur City Council voted to approve a 4-year contract with the Decatur Police Benevolent and Protective Association.
  • States across the Midwest and Great Plains are grappling with what to do with old wind turbines.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how Sonya Massey’s death at the hands of law enforcement has sparked calls for changes to how emergency mental health calls are handled.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Adelyn Mui, Anna Savchenko, Anulika Ochuba, Anna Pope and Mawa Iqbal.

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Stephanie Mosqueda

Stephanie Mosqueda is a senior majoring in journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in Spanish and public relations. She is the 217 Today producer and a reporter for the Illinois Student Newsroom.