Illinois quick hits: Pritzker wants better background screenings for police; Big Lots closings

Pritzker wants better background screenings for police

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is condemning a central Illinois sheriff’s department for hiring the deputy who killed a Springfield woman. Now former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson shot and killed Sonya Massey in her home July 6 after she called 911 to report a prowler.

According to state law enforcement records, Grayson had been employed by a half-dozen police agencies since 2020. Pritzker said his background should have been taken into account when he was hired.

Grayson has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

Big Lots closings

Discount retail chain Big Lots has announced the closure of hundreds of stores, including in Illinois.

The company, which operates nearly 1,400 stores nationwide, announced that it is closing 315 locations in a cost-cutting move. Nine Illinois locations will be shuttered, including stores in Centralia, Crest Hill, Elgin and Lockport.

EPA at State Fair

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is announcing this year’s exhibit for the 2024 Illinois State Fair, which is themed “Slash Your Trash!”

Located in Conservation World, the exhibit will have interactive games and educational information for young visitors. Adults will find guidance for households on recycling, composting, limiting food waste and household hazardous waste collections.

The state fair begins Thursday.