Illinois Briefs - 12/7/11

Emotional Pleas On First Day Of Blagojevich Sentencing

(Chicago, IL)  --  It was a day of pleas for mercy and tough questions from the bench as both sides met in federal court for Tuesday's first day of Rod Blagojevich's sentencing hearing.  The former governor will find out Wednesday how many years he will have to serve for his corruption conviction.  Blagojevich's lawyers are asking for mercy, and less than a four-year sentence.  The government has asked for as many as 20-years behind bars.

Springfield Police:  Lincoln Tomb Sword Found

(Springfield, IL)  --  The missing copper sword from Lincoln's tomb has been found.  Springfield Police say a 16-year-old boy has been arrested, and will likely face charges of theft and criminal trespass.  Police say the teen told them he didn't steal the sword to sell for scrap. Instead the teen says he grabbed the

three-foot blade, and it fell, breaking in two.

Governor Grants Pardon, Clemencies

(Chicago, IL)  --  Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has acted on almost 200 clemency petitions.  The governor on Tuesday granted 75 clemencies, but rejected nearly 130 more.  Quinn is still trying to work down the backlog of clemency and pardon requests left behind by Rod Blagojevich.

Peoria Man Pleads Guilty To Double Shooting

(Peoria, IL)  --  A Peoria man is looking at more than 25-years behind bars after admitting that he pulled the trigger and shot two men during a restaurant robbery.  Tyshontis Campbell pleaded guilty Tuesday on two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the February robbery.  Prosecutors dropped armed robbery charges as part of the plea agreement.  Campbell will also have to testify against John Carter, the man police say was his partner in crime.

Illinois Lawmakers Looking To Come Back To Capitol

(Springfield, IL)  --  It looks like Illinois lawmakers will be back at the statehouse next week.  The Illinois House could not come to terms on a tax break package for CME and Sears.  Lawmakers say they're close to another deal, and hope to schedule a vote for next week.  CME and Sears have threatened to leave Illinois if they do not get some tax relief soon.

Peoria Police:  Man Came Back To Rob Store

(Peoria, IL)  --  He didn't have enough change to buy a pack of tissues, so Peoria police say a man came back to the store and robbed it.  The Peoria Journal Star reports that police are looking for a suspect who they say held a gun to a clerk's head at the Family Dollar store and took cash.  Investigators say the robbery began when the suspect tried to buy a pack of tissues.  He came back about ten minutes after being turned away, and pulled his gun.  Police say no one was hurt, they have a description of the suspect and are looking for him.