January 29, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: Grayson gets 20 years for murder

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting Sonya Massey at her Springfield home in July 2024.

After a jury convicted Sean Grayson of second-degree murder Oct. 29, Judge Ryan Cadigan handed down the maximum allowed sentence Thursday.

Sonya Massey’s cousin, Sontae Massey, said her cousin’s death is a permanent reminder of what happens when power is exercised without humanity.

AG APPLAUDS RULING ON EV INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he applauds a federal judge’s decision that the U.S. Department of Transportation illegally withheld around $1 billion in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program funding from Illinois, 19 other states and the District of Columbia.

The ruling follows a lawsuit filed in May 2025. Raoul said the decision ensures that Illinois can continue its transition to a clean energy future by investing in electric vehicle infrastructure using funding approved by Congress.

MICROMOBILE SAFETY INITIATIVE

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a new campaign to address the rise of electric bikes, scooters, skateboards and unicycles on streets and sidewalks.

Giannoulias said the “Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready” campaign combines public education, updated driver training and a push for modernized safety laws.

The secretary cited a 300% increase in crashes involving micromobility devices from 2019 to 2022.

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