Farrah Anderson
Before killing Sonya Massey, Sean Grayson had a case thrown out after bringing charges with no evidence. Departments kept hiring him
Sean Grayson had a history of credibility issues. It didn’t stop him from being hired at police departments in Central Illinois.
Sangamon County Sheriff defends hiring of Sean Grayson. Experts say he was negligent and missed red flags
This story was originally published by Invisible Institute, IPM Newsroom and Illinois Times The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office hired now former deputy Sean Grayson despite
Deputy who killed Sonya Massey joined Sangamon County Sheriff after past employers questioned his integrity and conduct
Sean Grayson, the former sheriff’s deputy facing murder charges for killing Sonya Massey in Sangamon County, Illinois, left a previous agency after complaints were filed
Deputy who killed Sonya Massey in Springfield was discharged from Army for serious misconduct
Updated with additional reporting about Grayson’s claims to have been discharged honorably and the circumstances of his hire at the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. Sean
Urbana activists want more police oversight. But local laws hold the civilian review board hostage
This story is part of a partnership focusing on police misconduct in Champaign County between the Champaign-Urbana Civic Police Data Project of Invisible Institute, a
Amid pushback to requests for more police, Urbana City Council votes to fund only two positions
The Urbana City Council moved to approve its budget for the next fiscal year at a council meeting Tuesday. The Urbana Police Department had asked
217 Today: The new FAFSA rollout has been a mess. Here’s how many Illinois high school students are doing
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Today’s headlines: A new lawsuit says that child sexual abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers was pervasive and systemic for decades.
217 Today: Palestinian NIU graduate student adds voice to call for ceasefire in war in Gaza
Monday, May 6, 2024 Today’s headlines: A coalition of organizations is suing the City of Chicago for denying a permit to march downtown during this
217 Today: 15 migrant couples got married in Chicago: See the prep, ceremony and wedding party
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 Today’s headlines: A protester arrested at pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the University of Illinois was released Monday after about 60 hours in
217 Today: Pro-Palestine groups reconstruct encampment, dispute UIUC officials’ account of protest negotiations
Monday, April 29, 2024 Today’s headlines: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators camped out overnight at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. They’re back to demand the campus divest
217 Today: Freeport High School students help fill in the gaps in local news
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 Today’s headlines: For the first time since the 19th century, a Native American tribe has sovereign authority over land in the
217 Today: The ancient farming practice that’s getting a new life — and reducing emissions
Monday, April 22, 2024 Today’s headlines: Illinois is, once again, home to a federally recognized tribal nation. Young adults incarcerated in Illinois prisons could soon
217 Today: Citing the mental health crisis, some hope to see Illinois legalize psilocybin
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Today’s headlines: The U.S. Supreme Court seems ready to narrow a federal bribery law used in some big Chicago corruption cases.
217 Today: Newspapers in rural areas are folding, leaving vast news deserts. But there are bright spots
Monday, April 15, 2024 Today’s headlines: Illinois lawmakers are moving to update the state’s biometric privacy law. The major theme for a service celebrating the
217 Today: People travel to southern Illinois and Missouri from across the U.S. to view solar eclipse
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 Today’s headlines: For a few minutes in the middle of the day, millions around Illinois experienced darkness as part of a
217 Today: Heart screenings can detect teens’ abnormalities. But what about their problems?
Monday, April 8, 2024 Today’s headlines: Southern Illinois towns along the line of totality are holding events and celebrations for Monday’s solar eclipse. Thousands of eclipse
217 Today: Chicago slowly starts evicting migrants from shelters
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Today’s headlines: Tuesday is primary election day across Illinois, and voters in the Chicago area have choices to make for president,
217 Today: University of Illinois student journalists travel to Sierra Leone to document ‘period poverty’
Monday, March 5, 2024 Today’s headlines: The U.S. Supreme Court is putting an end to an Illinois challenge to knock Donald Trump off the ballot.
217 Today: How Peoria’s used bookstores thrive in the digital age and build community
Monday, March 4, 2024 Today’s headlines: Reproductive rights advocates and Illinois lawmakers say a recent ruling from Alabama’s high court is an opportunity for the
A new Illinois re-entry guide includes resources for LGBTQ+ people after incarceration
CHAMPAIGN — Stephanie Zarate is both transgender and formerly incarcerated. Zarate says being transgender makes it difficult to find resources after incarceration — especially housing.
217 Today: Nadirah Shakoor talks Arrested Development, Jimmy Buffet and her musical career
Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Today’s headlines: The federal and state of Illinois environmental protection agencies signed a landmark agreement to overhaul the state’s permitting process
217 Today: Most veterinarians are women, but they still face sexism in rural areas where they’re most needed
Monday, February 26, 2024 Today’s headlines: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is proposing a new plan to fully fund the state’s pension systems. A new report
217 Today: Illinois requires public schools to teach LGBTQ+, Asian American and pre-enslavement Black history. Are teachers ready?
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Today’s headlines: Illinois lawmakers are back in Springfield Tuesday with some potential fireworks overspending on the horizon. A new Illinois law
217 Today: One man’s re-entry charts a path for more formerly incarcerated people to buy homes
Monday, February 19, 2024 Today’s headlines: Police have reclassified the shooting of Brandon Hardway as a homicide, following his death over the weekend. The federal
One man’s re-entry charts a path for more formerly incarcerated people to buy homes
CHAMPAIGN — Anthony spent about half of his life in prison and just got out last year. It was a huge adjustment because so much
217 Today: How the U-46 school district is trying to help newcomer migrant students
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 Today’s headlines: The longtime chief of staff to ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.
217 Today: Over one-third of Illinois fourth graders don’t have basic reading skills. The state plans to change that
Monday, February 12, 2024 Today’s headlines: Black health advocacy groups are calling on the state to properly fund Black-led HIV and AIDS treatment providers. There’s
Rantoul community honors Azaan Lee one year after he was killed by police
RANTOUL — Community members met Wednesday night in Rantoul to commemorate the life of 21-year-old Azaan Lee after he was shot and killed by police
217 Today: Northern Illinois juvenile detention centers non-compliant in education and discipline
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Today’s headlines: After taking a two-week break, Illinois lawmakers are back in Springfield Tuesday – with some unfinished business to attend
After fatal shootings, Rantoul police recommended more training. They just sent one officer to a gun range
This story is part of a partnership focusing on police misconduct in Champaign County between the Champaign-Urbana Civic Police Data Project of the Invisible Institute,
217 Today: After fatal shootings, Rantoul police recommended more training. They just sent one officer to a gun range
Monday, February 5, 2024 Today’s headlines: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is promoting federal legislation to crack down on social media companies that allow online abuse
217 Today: Parents say student found dead on University of Illinois campus was a “happy-go-lucky kid”
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Today’s headlines: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker won’t support a ceasefire in Gaza until all the hostages being held by Hamas are
Champaign hired Police Chief Timothy Tyler despite disciplinary past and allegations of misconduct
This story is part of a partnership focusing on police misconduct in Champaign County between the Champaign-Urbana Civic Police Data Project of the Invisible Institute, a Chicago-based nonprofit
217 Today: Champaign hired Police Chief Timothy Tyler despite disciplinary past
Monday, January 29, 2024 Today’s headlines: The parents of a University of Illinois student who was found dead outside in Urbana during sub-zero weather have
Champaign County is short 300 nursing home beds. Health officials want input on how to help
National data shows that beds are disappearing while the need for senior care is growing. This problem will only multiply because of the rapid projected growth of U.S. residents ages 65 and older — from 56 million in 2020 to 81 million by 2040.
217 Today: Pro-Palestinian students want universities to stop investing in companies with ties to Israel
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Today’s headlines: A proposed tax cut for Illinois families would reduce child poverty by eight percent, according to research from the
217 Today: How a National Music Museum made its home in the Midwest
Monday, January 22, 2024 Today’s headlines: A federal judge has ruled in favor of Illini basketball star Terrence Shannon, Jr, who has been accused of
217 Today: Books Illinois students loved most in 2023
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Today’s headlines: Illinois lawmakers will try again Tuesday to approve the final rules governing the state’s assault weapons ban. Illinois state
217 Today: He used education to escape a violent childhood. Today, he wants to help kids in similar
Tuesday, January 9, 2023 Today’s headlines: Planned Parenthood of Illinois’ Carbondale Health Center has been up and running for two weeks now… and staff there
217 Today: How the Jan. 6 insurrection could impact the next presidential election
Monday, January 8, 2024 Today’s headlines: For decades, Illinois political candidates have routinely signed a loyalty pledge not to overthrow the government. But Republican Donald
217 Today: Chicago-area teens attend COP28, return with ideas to fight climate change
Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Today’s headlines: Men’s basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr remains suspended by the University of Illinois after being charged with rape for
217 Today: Colleges hand out scholarships to attract top students — at the expense of kids in need
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Today’s headlines: West suburban Oak Park has told migrants temporarily living in two locations that they must move out by the
217 Today: Western Illinois University getting outside perspective on addressing challenges
Monday, December 18, 2023 Today’s headlines: The Chicago City Council blocked a resolution last week for voters to weigh in on the city’s sanctuary city
217 Today: Many families struggle to find in-patient mental health care for children
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois State Police are increasingly using “clear and present danger” reports to prevent people who may be a threat
217 Today: Children need mental health support more than ever. But services can be hard to find
Monday, December 11, 2023 Today’s headlines: Chicago alderpersons continue to lay blame over the failed construction of a migrant base camp in Brighton Park. A
Urbana City Council delays decision to hire more police officers, facing resident pushback
URBANA — Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone asked the Urbana City Council Monday night to amend the budget to hire four additional police officers. The
217 Today: Report finds Logan, Pontiac and Stateville prisons nearly inoperable
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Today’s headlines: The deadline has passed for Republican and Democratic candidates to submit nominating petitions to get on the ballot for
217 Today: Former Saturday Night Live cast member fuses comedy, music for Krannert performance
Monday, December 4, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois State Police launched an online portal that lets residents submit anonymous tips about local, county or state officials
217 Today: Midwest weather experts want to talk about climate change, but they face pushback
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is commending the city of Chicago for handling what he calls an “unmanageable” influx of
217 Today: The University of Illinois SHIELD saliva test company is winding down
Monday, November 27, 2023 Today’s headlines: A new report from Northwestern University is documenting Illinois’ news deserts. Even thousands of miles away from ongoing wars
People incarcerated at Champaign County Jail will get two free phone calls a day, starting next year
CHAMPAIGN — The Champaign County Sheriff has selected a new company to offer phone and video calls at the Champaign County Jail. The new company
217 Today: The rich history behind pumpkin and sweet potato pies
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 Today’s headlines: Holiday shopping season is well underway, and child safety advocates are warning of the dangers of certain gifts. Plans
217 Today: As Chicago struggles to shelter migrants, neighboring Oak Park steps in
Monday, November 20, 2023 Today’s headlines: The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a more than $300 million dollar rate hike for Peoples Gas. Not all
Urbana Police will consider hiring non-police staff for mental health, domestic violence calls
URBANA — The Urbana Police Department hired a national consulting firm this year to evaluate how the department works, including how — and if —
217 Today: One trans Catholic reckons with his faith as the church shifts
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Today’s headlines: The Cook County Health Department is teaming up with a statewide healthcare non-profit group to improve access to reproductive
217 Today: How does Illinois compare to other states on transgender rights?
Monday, November 13, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois lawmakers have approved a measure to give the people who transport cannabis from growers to sellers some breathing
New documents show Rantoul Police Department cleared main officers of wrongdoing in 2023 fatal shootings
This story is part of a partnership focusing on police misconduct in Champaign County between the Champaign-Urbana Civic Police Data Project of the Invisible Institute,
Emails reveal UIPD’s plan to use surveillance to monitor campus crime in real time
CHAMPAIGN — The University of Illinois Police Department has requested nearly a million dollars in federal funding to open a real-time crime center. The center
217 Today: Small school districts want to offer their students as much as possible. To do that, many have to share
November 7, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois lawmakers head back to Springfield this week to finish up their fall veto session with several big issues still
217 Today: Federal bill aims to enhance school bus safety, but local districts worry about costs
Monday, November 6, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois Democrats are applauding yesterday’s federal appeals court ruling… upholding a state law banning assault-style firearms and high-capacity magazines.
217 Today: At this 124-year-old livestock show, kids steal the spotlight with their prize animals
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 Today’s headlines: The state’s annual public school report card shows students have largely caught up to where they were before the
217 Today: Rockford Art Gallery Showcases African American Women’s History
Monday, October 30, 2023 Today’s headlines: A sheriff in northwest Illinois is defending a cop who joined an anti-government extremist group. A consortium of businesses,
217 Today: St. Louis groups seek to resettle Chicago migrants to boost workforce and population
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois lawmakers are heading back to Springfield Tuesday to address the governor’s vetoes. Lawmakers in Washington D.C. have a little
217 Today: Native American tribe fights for clean drinking water
Monday, October 23, 2023 Today’s headlines: One Republican from Illinois’ congressional delegation is frustrated at his party’s inability to elect a new House speaker. Some
217 Today: How the Israel-Hamas war affected one University of Illinois student
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Today’s headlines: The killing of the 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy in the Southwest suburbs is sparking widespread condemnation among elected officials across
217 Today: Schools invest in security and technology in case of shootings
Monday, October 16, 2023 Today’s headlines: The state of Illinois is investing an additional $10 million in Israeli government Bonds. New legislation in Springfield could
217 Today: Illinois colleges are reforming developmental education
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 Today’s headlines: Some Illinois state lawmakers are calling for a de-escalation in the war happening in the Middle East. The Urbana
217 Today: Champaign Police investigate ‘agency culture’ of not following domestic violence reporting laws
Monday, October 9, 2023 Today’s headlines: House Republicans are threatening to deny further aid to Ukraine, and Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin warns that could
Champaign Police investigate ‘agency culture’ of not following domestic violence reporting laws
This story is part of a partnership focusing on police misconduct in Champaign County between the Champaign-Urbana Civic Police Data Project of the Invisible Institute,
217 Today: The loss of Champaign-Urbana’s last gay bar leaves a gap for the queer community
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Today’s headlines: The City of Chicago is receiving about $30 million from the Illinois state government to help support asylum seekers.
217 Today: Champaign Urbana queer community seeks specific spaces
Monday, October 2, 2023 Today’s headlines: Decatur Public Schools is breaking ground on a new school building that’s being named after one of Illinois’ Tuskegee Airmen. Large
217 Today: U.S. expands Temporary Protected Status to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Today’s headlines: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin joined members of the United Auto Workers on the picket line Monday at the General
217 Today: Decatur school closure exposes gaps in state-required inspections
Monday, September 25, 2023 Today’s headlines: The Biden administration’s move to expand work permits for some seeking asylum in the U.S. is welcome news to
Activists say Champaign County Jail phone calls cost too much. Here’s what they propose
CHAMPAIGN — Local activists are urging the Champaign County Board to lower the costs of phone calls at the Champaign County Jail. Tamika Davis,
217 Today: Illinois no longer has cash bail. Are courts ready?
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Today’s headlines: Monday was supposed to be Illinois’ first day without cash bail. But judges in some counties were still setting
217 Today: Downstate leaders say they will need help handling the historic end to cash bail
Monday, September 18, 2023 Today’s headlines: Advocates for survivors of sex crimes and domestic violence are cheering the end of cash bail in Illinois on
217 Today: Serving farm fresh food in schools is getting big federal support — but will ‘farm to school’ stick?
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois state representative Maura Hirschauer is enlisting gun control advocates to help revive a bill targeting domestic violence. A
217 Today: ‘Greener Pastures’ explores farming, climate change and mental health
Monday, September 11, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth is reintroducing a bill to require seat belts on school buses nationwide. An attorney nationally known
217 Today: Corn has deep roots in Mexico. Now efforts to ban GMO corn place culture and trade at odd
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois officials plan to hold a public hearing Tuesday about controversial cuts to state-funded health insurance for low-income immigrants. As
217 Today: Medicare will begin historic negotiations with pharma to reduce drug prices.
Tuesday, August 29, 2023 Today’s headlines: A Lake County, Illinois judge is denying motions to dismiss the criminal case against the father of the alleged
217 Today: Ex-top aide to Michael Madigan found guilty of perjury and attempted obstruction of justi
Monday, August 28, 2023 Today’s headlines: A lot of Illinois employers will have to start posting salary and benefits information in job listings thanks to
217 Today: How Illinois schools are trying to make truancy less punitive
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 Today’s headlines: Governor J.B. Pritzker welcomed the fall class at the University of Illinois’s Urbana campus Monday, with optimistic words about
217 Today: New permanent program helps farmers donate to food banks
Monday, August 21, 2023 Today’s headlines: The last class of freshmen where race was factored into admissions is starting classes Monday at the University of Illinois.
217 Today: Simone Biles ends a competition break in Chicago
Friday, August 11, 2023 Today’s headlines: Following the deaths of two young Black men in police-involved shootings this year, Rantoul Police are engaging in community
217 Today: Champaign Clippers embrace retro baseball by ditching modern gear
Thursday, August 10, 2023 Today’s headlines: A new state law allowing certain non-citizens to become police officers is being criticized by Republicans and the public.
217 Today: New Northwestern football coach fends off hazing allegation questions
Friday, July 28, 2023 Today’s headlines: This month could be the hottest to date globally. And researchers find the effects of climate change go beyond
217 Today: The Music Man is back in the Virginia Theater
Thursday, July 27, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois’ largest state workers’ union has ratified a new contract that includes an 18 percent pay raise over the
217 Today: Sinfonia da Camera hosts piano institute, announces season 40
Friday, July 21, 2023 Today’s headlines: Football players are filing lawsuits against Northwestern University and their coach for hazing. Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is opening
217 Today: Illinois Supreme Court becomes the first state to end cash bail system
Thursday, July 20, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois will eliminate cash bail in September after the state supreme court upheld a law that made it so
217 Today: Tax credits jump start Midwest carbon capture projects
Friday, July 14, 2023 Today’s headlines: Iowa’s Republican-led legislature passed a bill this week banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Two recruits to Northwestern’s
217 Today: Chicago State University’s president is on a mission to enroll more Black students in college
Thursday, July 13, 2023 Today’s headlines: Cleanup is underway after multiple tornadoes touched down in the Chicago area Wednesday night. The Urban League Club of Chicago
217 Today: Despite horror stories and deaths, will Illinois keep its prison health care company?
Friday, July 7, 2023 Today’s headlines: Rockford is back on track to bring passenger rail to the city. The Illinois State Museum’s curator is traveling
217 Today: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts announces upcoming season
Thursday, July 6, 2023 Today’s headlines: Landlords in Illinois can no longer require their tenants to pay rent online. A group based in central Illinois
217 Today: NASCAR race will shut down the streets of Chicago this weekend
Friday, June 30, 2023 Today’s headlines: Widespread damage is reported after severe storms blew across Central Illinois on Thursday. Illinois officials reacted to the U.S.
217 Today: Champaign Police Department revitalizes engagement program after halting for pandemic
Thursday, June 29, 2023 Today’s headlines: Wildfire smoke from Canada continues to worsen Illinois’ air quality. A panel of Cook County commissioners green-lit a proposal
217 Today: Catholic abortion doulas say their faith doesn’t contradict their work
Friday, June 23, 2023 Today’s headlines: As pandemic-era policies around Medicaid renewals end, Illinois providers are working to make sure no one gets left behind.
217 Today: Trees climb up cities’ priority lists after a boost in federal climate funding
Thursday, June 22, 2023 Today’s headlines: Advocates are taking to the streets, urging Illinois officials not to freeze enrollment in a healthcare coverage program for
217 Today: The complex landscape of Juneteenth emotions within the Black community
Friday, June 16, 2023 Today’s headlines: Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a law limiting constitutional challenges to Cook or Sangamon County. Indigenous farmers in the Midwest are
217 Today: Illinois continues to enact abortion protections a year after Roe v. Wade reversal
Thursday, June 15, 2023 Today’s headlines: An Illinois lawmaker wants to tax and regulate a popular hemp derivative that’s already widely sold in stores. The
Danville abortion clinic plans to open despite city ban and two attacks
Abortion clinic owner in Danville plans to open despite two attacks on building.