Lawmakers Hear How Greenhouse Gas Emissions Are Being Cut
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois state senators heard testimony Thursday from environmental groups and power companies on how to curb future greenhouse gas emissions and what’s being done to do that right now. Utilities like Commonwealth Edison say they are meeting clean energy goals set out by agreements like the Paris Climate Accord with existing nuclear technology. Some environmental advocates, though, say a measure called the Clean Energy Jobs Act would do more to reduce CO-2 emissions by increasing state investment in the clean energy sector. Governor JB Pritzker says approving some form of energy legislation is a priority for his administration. Data from the federal government shows Illinois utilities give off the sixth highest amount of carbon dioxide in the nation. – Sam Dunklau, NPR Illinois
R. Kelly Pleads Not Guilty; Feds Say New Charges Planned
CHICAGO — R&B singer R Kelly has pleaded not guilty to a 13-count federal indictment that includes child pornography charges and allegations involving a new accuser. An attorney for the 53-year-old musician entered the plea on his behalf in Chicago federal court on Thursday. Kelly stood silently beside his attorney in orange jail garb. The superseding indictment unsealed last month includes multiple counts of child pornography. Prosecutors say another superseding indictment is expected in the coming weeks, but provided no details. Kelly faces several dozen counts of state and federal sexual misconduct charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York. He has denied abusing anyone. – Associated Press
Correctional Officers Charged With Sexual Misconduct
MARION — Two southern Illinois correctional officers have been charged with custodial sexual misconduct for an alleged assault on several women in their custody. Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick announced Thursday that in addition to the custodial sexual misconduct charges, officers Russel Herzog and Brandon Elam have been charged with official misconduct. Elam is alleged to have offered special treatment to three women in exchange for them “fondling their sex organs” in front of him. Herzog allegedly made the same offer to two women. The prosecution of the men is being handled by Union County State’s Attorney Dan Klingemann. – Associated Press
Body Of Former ‘Jane Doe’ Reburied In Illinois Next To Kin
BELVIDERE — The body of a woman whose identity was unknown for 20 years following her 1999 death has been moved from a cemetery in Wisconsin and reburied next to her family in Illinois. Peggy Lynn Johnson was known as “Jane Doe” until last November when investigators were able to identify her and arrested 64-year-old Linda La Roche in connection to Johnson’s death. According to WDJT-TV, investigators say she was 23 when she was killed. Her body was found in a Wisconsin cornfield. Her burial was held Wednesday in Belvidere. – Associated Press