Illinois quick hits: Collinsville man pleads guilty to sex abuse of children

Illinois quick hits: Collinsville man pleads guilty to sex abuse of children

Spread the love

DCFS honors scholarship recipients

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services honored 317 youth in care with a scholarship luncheon at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare in Rosemont on Friday.

This year, 317 current or former youth in care received scholarships provided by the taxpayer-funded Illinois DCFS Scholarship Program, including up to five consecutive years of tuition and mandatory fee waivers at Illinois public universities, community colleges and vocational schools.

The program also provides financial assistance for books and school supplies, a monthly grant payment to supplement other expenses and an Illinois Medicaid card.

Collinsville man pleads guilty to sex abuse of children

A Collinsville man has pleaded guilty in federal court to engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in Nepal.

According to court documents, Kenneth Joseph Coombs, 58, traveled to Nepal and sexually abused eight different children while staying at a hotel in that country during August and September of 2016.

Upon his return to the United States, Coombs was arrested by U.S. law enforcement in September 2025.

Farm Bureau supports year-round daylight savings time

According to a spokesperson, the Illinois Farm Bureau fully supports the American Farm Bureau Federation’s policy in favor of year-round daylight savings time.

The Illinois Farm Bureau spokesperson provided The Center Square with a statement after the U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act last week.

The measure to implement daylight savings time year-round is now headed to the U.S. Senate.

Sec. of State warns of ‘Mr. Finance’ solicitations

The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has issued a new Temporary Order of Prohibition and Cease and Desist Order for an individual who was the subject of prior state securities enforcement actions.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said Brandon “Mr. Finance” Ellington has allegedly resurfaced with a new fragrance venture.

Anyone who has been contacted by Ellington about investing in Rich Kats Designer Fragrances or any other business or investment opportunity is urged to immediately contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s Securities Department by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-628-7937.

Today Jul 22
Mostly Sunny
78° 58°

Mostly Sunny

💨 0 to 5 mph 💧 0%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran's benefits challenge

U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran’s benefits challenge

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear an Army veteran's challenge over reduced disability benefits. The court agreed to hear Johnson v. United...
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban

Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to decide whether individuals can carry firearms on public transportation. The court declined to take up Schoenthal v....
Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center 'taxed out of business'

Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center ‘taxed out of business’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Sunset Lanes in Pekin is set to close later this month as the bowling center’s owner says it is being “taxed...
Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

By Jon StyfThe Center Square Wisconsin congressman and candidate for governor Tom Tiffany said that he will “end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin” if he becomes governor. Tiffany was...
Screenshot 2026-05-05 at 1.39.16 PM

JJC Trustee Alleges Board Exclusion, Discriminatory Policies During Tense Meeting

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | March 11, 2026 Article Summary: Deep divisions on the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees spilled into public view as Trustee Maureen Broderick...
Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposed Illinois bill aimed at addressing firefighter shortages by lowering the minimum hiring age has...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.3

County Board Members Pitch “Granny Flats,” Hobby Farm Zoning, and Farmland Mitigation in LRMP Brainstorm

Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: During a brainstorming workshop for the county's new Land Resource Management Plan, Will County Board...
Hyundai Translead

Will County Board Approves Tax Abatement for $345 Million Hyundai Translead Project

Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board has authorized an agreement of intent to abate taxes for a massive $345 million manufacturing project...
lincoln way school district 210 logo.2

Lincoln-Way 210 Advances Summer Site Improvements and Asbestos Abatement Projects

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved an asbestos abatement contract and initial site improvement bids to prepare for...
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal aimed at helping local governments manage retiree health care costs is drawing differing views...
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A few days after agreeing to let them proceed with their class action against one of America's most prominent charities under labor...
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As homeownership may be growing out of reach for many young residents, Illinois lawmakers are split between...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet...
Screenshot 2026-05-05 at 1.39.16 PM

JJC Board Prepares for 2028 Bond Expiration, Advances Grundy Campus Despite Objections

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | March 11, 2026 Article Summary: Joliet Junior College is laying the groundwork for a potential future referendum and advancing its Grundy County expansion...
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois’ ban on conversion therapy may be challenged in the near future. Last week, the U.S. Supreme...