(Springfield-jm) -- The owner of Illinois’ nuclear power plants said it could face criminal charges and other penalties in connection with a federal investigation involving the company's lobbying practices in Springfield, but Exelon officials said they don't know how any of those things could play out or what they could mean for the company's bottom line. Utilities like Exelon are required to disclose certain issues in an annual report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In its 2019 report released earlier this month, the company disclosed that the federal investigation into ComEd, its utility service company, could face challenges. 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Reactions are coming in to President Donald Trump’s commutation of former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s prison sentence. Governor J-B Pritzker says the move sends the wrong message at the wrong time. House Republican Leader Jim Durkin says he also disagrees with Trump’s decision…

 

 

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin. Former federal prosecutors are weighing in as well, saying while the President has the right to reduce Blagojevich’s sentence, /the former Governor was convicted of very serious crimes.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is set to give his annual budget address today at the state capitol. The Governor will address both chambers of the statehouse at noon. You can hear more about his address tonight at our news at 4 and 5 pm.

(Springfield-jm) -- The sponsor of leaf blowing legislation says she doesn’t expect it to pass this session, but hopes it educates the public. The bill bans gas powered leaf blowers because of environmental and noise pollution concerns. It’s sponsored by Senator Laura Fine of Glenview, who says people in her district asked for the change…

 

State Senator Laura Fine of Glenview. Fine says the gas blowers can cause hearing loss and emit high levels of pollutants. She hopes people will explore healthier and more environmentally friendly alternatives.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Two area men are among 15 arrested following a child sex sting in Kankakee County. 27 year old Joshua Koenig of Buckley and 50 year old Robert Shawn Anderson of Paxton are both charged with attempted enticement of a minor. If convicted both face a minimum of 10 years in prison.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau is hosting two Viewpoint Breakfast meetings. The first breakfast will take place on Thursday at Happy Days Diner in Roberts. The second breakfast will take place on March 3rd at the farm bureau office in Gilman. Both breakfasts start at 7:30 am. For more information or to sign up, call the farm bureau.

 

 

(Paxton-jc)-- WPXN’s business of the day is Ryan Vance of Stine Seeds.With the 2020 planting season right around the corner Ryan Vance tells WPXN that there is a prediction for a wetter spring this year, and how there have been some restrictions on the dicamba herbicide… 

 

Ryan Vance of Stine Seeds.WPXN’s Business of the Day. 

 

 

Democratic candidates for the March 17th primary will hold a meet and greet at the Rantoul Public Library tonight from 5:30-7:30 pm.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Other states are looking to copy Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act, but an innovation expert warned about a potential pitfall of the state law. Illinois’ law protecting biometric privacy – such as fingerprints and face shape – allows citizens to file a lawsuit, something unique to the state. Since Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act was enacted in 2008, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against companies large and small. Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act requires an entity to get express consent from a person before obtaining, storing, or using any of that person’s physical characteristics. 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois taxpayers will find out how Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to balance the state's budget today. Ahead of the governor's budget address, leaders from both parties laid out what they hope to hear talk about. House Majority Leader Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said his caucus wants the governor to focus on education spending and funding for state agencies. House Republicans say they want to be included in budget negotiation to get to a balanced budget without tax and fee increases or new spending.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- New legislation aims to reduce the amount of plastic being used in Illinois. One measure prohibits restaurants and bars from providing plastic straws, unless a customer requests one. Another imposes a 10 cent plastic bag fee says Representative Ann Williams of Chicago…

 

State Representative Ann Williams of Chicago. A third proposal establishes a container deposit program. Supporters say these changes are needed to reduce pollution and protect Illinois waterways.

 

 

(Fisher-jm) -- The village of Fisher will spend $6,000 to rebuild or replace the engine on their oldest police vehicle. The village board voted to go that route instead of replacing the 2011 vehicle saying it was too soon to replace the vehicle after buying a new one late in 2018. The village hopes the vehicle will last another 3 to 4 years.

 

 

(Monticello, IN-jm) -- A popular regional tourist attraction is closing after 94 years. The owners of Indiana Beach in Monticello Indiana have closed the amusement park citing financial struggles.

 

 

(Rantoul-cf)-- Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Rantoul will be holding their annual Bowl for Kids Sake on Feb. 29. Kristian Hopkins, Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Rantoul gives us a little background on the event, and that it’s held every year at Country Tyme Lanes in Rantoul, and that this is the 5th year of the Bowl for Kids Sake…. 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters Rantoul Directory Kristian Hopkins.

 

 

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Lunch and Learn today at noon at Cobblestone Hotel.