Illinois quick hits: Armed sex offender sentenced; most are family farms
Armed sex offender sentenced
A Southern Illinois man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after he admitted to distributing child pornography and obscene material to a minor.
Edward J. Bates, 57, most recently of Olney, Illinois, pleaded guilty to felony possession of a firearm, distribution of child pornography, attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, and offense by a registered sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said the sentence underscores his office’s commitment to seeking the most significant sentences possible for those who endanger kids.
Most are family farms
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 93.2% of all Illinois farms are family owned, ranking Illinois 39th in the U.S. for family-owned farm share.
Farm Flavor researchers found that the state’s 66,296 family-owned farms collectively generate more than $25 billion of the nation’s nearly $600 billion in total agricultural output each year.
Gold Star Christmas tree lighting
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2025 Gold Star Christmas tree lighting is set to take place Monday afternoon at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library in Springfield.
The tree, dedicated to Illinois heroes who lost their lives in combat, will be decorated by Gold Star families attending the event.
The program featuring IDVA Director Terry Prince and Major General Rodney Boyd, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
$750 million facility to protect Texas cattle, wildlife from screwworm threat
Chicago posts fewest homicides since 2016, arrests rate also declines
Three years later, Inflation Reduction Act blamed for higher Medicare costs
Illinois quick hits: Prosecutors charge two more in Tren de Aragua case; Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee meets today; Illinois Little League team loses in World Series
Report: Human Rights Campaign pressures transgender procedures on minors
Everyday Economics: Housing market and Fed policy in focus in the week ahead
Executive Committee Considers $12,000 Strategic Planning Initiative with University of St. Francis
Mokena Fire Board Appoints Surdel as Commissioner, Increases Office Coordinator Hours
Businesses brace for new tax challenges amid global tariff focus
Illinois takes over health insurance marketplace in 2026 amid skepticism
WATCH: IL state reps challenge IEMA-OHS responses to local agencies
Judge expands restraining order against ‘Beto’ O’Rourke, adds ActBlue
Executive Committee Members Decry Roadside Litter, Call for Action Against Garbage Haulers
