Illinois quick hits: Armed sex offender sentenced; most are family farms

Illinois quick hits: Armed sex offender sentenced; most are family farms

December 5, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Data shows more violent retail thefts, lost sales tax revenue.

Data shows more violent retail thefts, lost sales tax revenue.

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New data shows that violent retail crime is on the rise, and taxpayers can be counted among...
Arizona GOP considers suing to redraw congressional map

Arizona GOP considers suing to redraw congressional map

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square The Republican majority in the Arizona Legislature is contemplating legal options to redraw the state’s congressional map in time for the 2028 elections. Senate President...
Pro-life org releases updated pregnancy resource confirming life begins at conception

Pro-life org releases updated pregnancy resource confirming life begins at conception

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square In time for Mother’s Day, the Charlotte Lozier Institute on Thursday released an updated version of its Voyage of Life pregnancy resource that is packed...
Illinois Quick Hits: Congressman's aide indicted on fraud allegations

Illinois Quick Hits: Congressman’s aide indicted on fraud allegations

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Danny Davis’ deputy director has been indicted on federal fraud charges. Prosecutors say Gerard C....
Social Security’s trust funds: asset, accounting tool or debt?

Social Security’s trust funds: asset, accounting tool or debt?

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square While many policy experts agree Social Security faces long-term financing challenges, they often disagree on a core part of the program’s funding, as discussed by...
Fitzpatrick says pro-union bill dealing with contracts will pass U.S. House

Fitzpatrick says pro-union bill dealing with contracts will pass U.S. House

By John ColeThe Center Square During a speech to the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters Convention in Hershey last week, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-1st District, guaranteed its members that a...
Feds investigate LA schools for sexual misconduct allegations

Feds investigate LA schools for sexual misconduct allegations

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Education has opened a Title IX investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District over sexual misconduct allegations. The department contends...
Advocates criticize bipartisan housing bill

Advocates criticize bipartisan housing bill

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Advocates warned the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act could create affordability concerns, and reduce competition in the marketplace. In March, the U.S. Senate...
Johnson, municipal leaders statewide clash with Pritzker over local funding cuts

Johnson, municipal leaders statewide clash with Pritzker over local funding cuts

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Mayors and municipalities across Illinois have called on Gov. JB Pritzker to reverse course on local government...

WATCH: Report: Washington high schools rank near bottom in personal finance literacy

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square A new report finds Washington state ranks near the bottom in the nation when it comes to financial literacy education for high school students. WalletHub...
Citizen Voting Amendment may avoid partisan SAVE Act pitfalls

Citizen Voting Amendment may avoid partisan SAVE Act pitfalls

By Chris Dickerson | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Despite public support and majorities in both houses, Republicans have been unable to pass the SAVE Act because of Democratic objections in...
Democrats 'Red to Blue' targets 18 seats in 12 states in November

Democrats ‘Red to Blue’ targets 18 seats in 12 states in November

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is targeting multiple seats in Congress to take back the Democratic majority in November. Its “2026 Red to Blue”...
Illinois bill would force employers to pay employees regular wages for jury duty

Illinois bill would force employers to pay employees regular wages for jury duty

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate is considering legislation that would force employers to pay employees regular wages while they...
VA suicide screening doubles after watchdog found mass failures

VA suicide screening doubles after watchdog found mass failures

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has improved suicide risk screening and follow-up care among veterans in its system after a December 2024 federal watchdog...
Trump says Iran agrees to no nuclear weapon, claims deal is close

Trump says Iran agrees to no nuclear weapon, claims deal is close

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A breakthrough deal may be on the horizon between the U.S. and Iran, according to President Donald Trump. During a Wednesday afternoon news conference in...