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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Murphy, Dhillon go to bat for players in baseball's Pride Night black eye

Murphy, Dhillon go to bat for players in baseball’s Pride Night black eye

By Alan WootenThe Center Square How Major League Baseball can force one viewpoint upon players and “attack” them for expressing another is a puzzler to a North Carolina congressman. Three...
Republicans compete to face Neguse in congressional race

Republicans compete to face Neguse in congressional race

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes the city of Boulder, will elect partisan candidates in the U.S. House during the June 30 primary....
Vance says 'progress' made in talks with Iran

Vance says ‘progress’ made in talks with Iran

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following what appeared to be a bumpy weekend between the U.S. and Iran, Vice President J.D. Vance said progress is being made. Vance, leading a...
Report: Eight Michigan counties among most vulnerable to Social Security cuts

Report: Eight Michigan counties among most vulnerable to Social Security cuts

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square More than one in five Michigan residents could see their Social Security benefits reduced by 2032 if Congress fails to address the program's looming insolvency....
Los Angeles schools superintendent resigns after FBI probe

Los Angeles schools superintendent resigns after FBI probe

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has resigned from the Los Angeles Unified School District following an FBI investigation. Carvalho announced his resignation Sunday night via a letter...
Illinois Quick Hits: Tornado kills 2 in Jefferson County

Illinois Quick Hits: Tornado kills 2 in Jefferson County

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two people are dead and at least five are injured after a tornado touched down in the...
Although 95% lower than Biden era, illegal entries, apprehension up in May

Although 95% lower than Biden era, illegal entries, apprehension up in May

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Illegal entries and apprehensions were slightly up in May compared to April but remain at historic lows and 95% lower than they were under the...
‘Half-baked’ Illinois social media tax poised to tee up court challenges

‘Half-baked’ Illinois social media tax poised to tee up court challenges

By Jonathan Bilyk | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois is poised to be headed back into court to defend another constitutionally questionable law, as tech companies and internet freedom...
DHS thwarts Iranian terrorist threats at the northern border, World Cup ties

DHS thwarts Iranian terrorist threats at the northern border, World Cup ties

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Iranian terrorist threats continue at the northern border, this time the threat also is connected to the World Cup and the Iranian National Guard Corps....
Minnesota man ordered to pay $2.5M in fraud case, faces no criminal charges

Minnesota man ordered to pay $2.5M in fraud case, faces no criminal charges

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A Minnesota court has ordered a man to pay nearly $2.5 million in damages, penalties and legal fees after a jury found he submitted nearly...
Everyday Economics: A new chair, a shorter statement, a Fed that stopped talking cuts

Everyday Economics: A new chair, a shorter statement, a Fed that stopped talking cuts

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The Federal Reserve left interest rates alone last Wednesday, holding its benchmark in the 3.50%–3.75% range for a fourth straight meeting – after standing pat...
Illinois congressmen worry as DHS Secretary seeks to ‘protect election integrity’

Illinois congressmen worry as DHS Secretary seeks to ‘protect election integrity’

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A potential plan to deploy federal immigration agents to polling places this fall is illegal and would...
Poll: 70% of Americans 'concerned' AI will take jobs

Poll: 70% of Americans ‘concerned’ AI will take jobs

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Roughly 70% of Americans said they were at least "somewhat concerned" that artificial intelligence could replace their jobs, according to a new poll. The Center...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for June 11, 2026

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 The Will County Board Executive Committee met Thursday, June 11, 2026, in Joliet, advancing a slate of items to the...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Will County Mental Health Board Touts Crisis Program in Quarterly Report

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Community Mental Health Board's quarterly report to the Executive Committee on Thursday, June 11, 2026,...