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 23
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
79° 61°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy

💨 0 to 5 mph 💧 10%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Will County Logo Graphic

Will County Committee Adds Path to Citizenship Support to Federal Agenda

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Legislative Committee voted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to amend its federal legislative agenda...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Health Department Outlines Major Reduction in Consensus Vaccine Schedule

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: Will County Health Department Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta clarified changes to the childhood immunization schedule,...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Public Works Committee Forwards Condemnation Proceedings for Francis and Marley Road Improvements

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The committee authorized the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases to acquire...
Will County Finance Logo

Finance Committee: Scholarship Tax Credit Discussion Halts

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A heated procedural debate erupted at the Will County Board Finance Committee meeting when a member attempted to...
norovirus

Will County Health Department Reports Rise in Respiratory Illnesses, Updates on Facility Issues

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: At the January 7, 2026, meeting, Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta reported a spike in respiratory...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Public Works Committee Delays Vote on State Police License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee voted to postpone a decision on an...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort School District 157-C for Nov. 2025

Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | Nov. 2025 The Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, to review academic performance data, set the annual...
Gilbert Bernal Sr

Flint Man Charged with 1988 Murder of Wife Joan Bernal Following Cold Case Breakthrough

Article Summary: Gilbert Bernal Sr., 82, appeared in Will County court facing first-degree murder charges connected to the 1988 disappearance of his wife, Joan Bernal, following a sealed indictment returned...
Frankfort School District 157-C.1

District Secures Lower Electricity Rates and Plans Capital Improvements

Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The district has locked in a new electricity rate through a reverse auction and is moving forward with a five-year...
Frankfort School District 157-C.3

Board Honors Late Hickory Creek Teacher David Wonder

Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The School Board passed a formal resolution honoring the memory of Hickory Creek Middle School music teacher David "Dave" Wonder,...

Everyday Economics: Why this week’s labor data matters more than the headlines

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week’s economic calendar brings familiar names – the ISM Manufacturing and Services indices – but the real focus is the return of government labor...
Costly refugee funding on the table as they rake in over a dozen taxpayer benefits

Costly refugee funding on the table as they rake in over a dozen taxpayer benefits

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As American taxpayers are plagued with high housing costs, rising medical expenses and other costs, many refugees continue to qualify for over a dozen costly...
IL U.S. Senate candidates differ on Affordable Care Act tax credits

IL U.S. Senate candidates differ on Affordable Care Act tax credits

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois Democrats call for an extension of federal tax credits to address higher Affordable Care Act...
Protesters mobilize in wake of Maduro capture

Protesters mobilize in wake of Maduro capture

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square A number of groups held protests across the country Saturday in the wake of the U.S. capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The...
Pritzker: Trump’s military action in Venezuela is 'unconstitutional'

Pritzker: Trump’s military action in Venezuela is ‘unconstitutional’

By Jim TalamontiThe Center Square President Donald Trump is praising the United States military for capturing Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, but Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the president’s action is...