• ISP investigating Watseka Police

It appears multiple officers with the Watseka Police Department are being investigated by the Illinois State Police. WCIA in Champaign says Watseka Police Chief Eric Starkey confirmed to them Wednesday an investigation was underway, but was unable to confirm the identities of the officers under investigation, or how many are being investigated. Starkey did confirm the officers under investigation have been on leave since July. The State Police haven't commented on the investigation

• Grayson Guilty

A jury is convicting a former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy of second-degree murder in the death of Sonya Massey.  Sean Grayson shot and killed the unarmed Black woman in July 2024 after she called 9-1-1 over a potential intruder at her Springfield home.  Massey's father, James Wilburn, expressed anger over the verdict, saying the second-degree conviction wasn't enough.  Sentencing is scheduled for January 29th.  

• State Officials urge fire safety this Halloween

The Illinois State Fire Marshal is urging everyone to practice fire safety while celebrating Halloween.  The National Fire Protection Association says from 2019-2023, there was an average of 832 home fires that began with decorations per year.  These fires resulted in an average of three deaths per year.  Officials are offering a few tips, including using a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns and avoiding costumers with long trailing fabric.

• Rensselaer Fire

Rensselaer Fire reports an explosion and fire at a processing plant northwest of Rensselaer Wednesday afternoon. Reports say firefighters were called to the scene just after four Wednesday afternoon and help was called in from surrounding communities. No injuries were reported and few other details were made available. 

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