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

California lawmakers talk about impacts of H.R. 1 for food aid

California lawmakers talk about impacts of H.R. 1 for food aid

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square Members of a California Assembly budget subcommittee heard from state officials who are often the first point of contact for residents who rely on state-run...
Surgeon general appointee advocates for a new vision for American health care

Surgeon general appointee advocates for a new vision for American health care

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Surgeon General appointee Casey Means fielded pointed questions from both parties during her confirmation hearing Wednesday, while outlining a vision for American health that emphasizes...
FBI searches Los Angeles schools superintendent's home

FBI searches Los Angeles schools superintendent’s home

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square FBI agents on Wednesday searched the home and office of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. The reason hasn't been revealed. An LAUSD...
Illinois quick hits: Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid

Illinois quick hits: Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid Chicago Democrats have introduced legislation that would provide guaranteed income for new and expectant mothers...
Trump administration halts $259M in Medicaid funds to Minnesota

Trump administration halts $259M in Medicaid funds to Minnesota

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration will halt approximately $259 million in federal funds from Medicaid in Minnesota, Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday. Vance, alongside Administrator for...
State of Union criticized by Southwest Dems, praised by GOP

State of Union criticized by Southwest Dems, praised by GOP

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Members of Congress from the Southwest reacted along party lines to this year’s State of the Union. President Donald Trump spent much of his Tuesday...
IL can gag charter school operators over teacher unionization, judge says

IL can gag charter school operators over teacher unionization, judge says

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois Democratic state lawmakers can constitutionally force charter school operators into silence when Democratic-allied teachers unions attempt to organize their workforces, under...
Consumer advocates, Illinois lawmakers target 'unnecessary' utility costs

Consumer advocates, Illinois lawmakers target ‘unnecessary’ utility costs

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Energy consumer advocates are urging support for legislation they say will save Illinoisans from paying for hidden...
Large taxpayer costs coming to Indiana or Illinois for new Bears stadium

Large taxpayer costs coming to Indiana or Illinois for new Bears stadium

By Jon Styf | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Lawmakers in both Indiana and Illinois continue to jockey for position as the Chicago Bears request a...
Trump's tariffs set to rise to 15% for some countries, Greer says

Trump’s tariffs set to rise to 15% for some countries, Greer says

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Trump administration signaled a possible climb in some U.S. tariffs above 10%, but provided few specifics. Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, said Wednesday...
Clintons to face questions from lawmakers this week over Epstein ties

Clintons to face questions from lawmakers this week over Epstein ties

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square After six months of stalling, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, will appear before lawmakers for their depositions....
Auditor general nomination approved unanimously in Illinois

Auditor general nomination approved unanimously in Illinois

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers will soon have a new watchdog approved unanimously by the state Senate. Illinois Auditor General...
Supreme Court blocks ICE contractor immunity appeal

Supreme Court blocks ICE contractor immunity appeal

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, ruled that prison contractors cannot immediately appeal a trial court's decision, despite several claims to federal immunity....
Report: Patchwork state food laws could raise grocery prices 12% nationwide

Report: Patchwork state food laws could raise grocery prices 12% nationwide

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Differing state laws banning certain food ingredients or requiring new warning labels could raise grocery prices by about 12% in affected states and, potentially, nationwide...
Trump calls out Minnesota in State of the Union, prompting Democrat protests

Trump calls out Minnesota in State of the Union, prompting Democrat protests

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota Democrats faced off against President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address Tuesday night. Throughout the nearly two-hour speech, Democrats like U.S....