Illinois quick hits: Collinsville man pleads guilty to sex abuse of children
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.
Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis
Acting, Consulting Superintendents to Lead Peotone Schools During Owens’ Absence
Peotone School Board Rejects Mandating Live-Streaming in 4-3 Vote
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education for August 18, 2025
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Facing Budget Crisis, Peotone Committee Questions Athletic Field Project
Committee Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education Committee of the Whole
