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.
Latest News Stories
Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin
Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing
Casey Adopts Business District Redevelopment Program Alongside Local Grant Initiatives
Tri-Valley Outlasts Casey-Westfield 11-9 in High-Scoring Tournament Clash
Clark County Sheriff’s Office Issues Warning Over Fake Parking Violation Text Scam
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill
Calumet Christian Uses Late Surge to Defeat Casey-Westfield 5-3
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Clark County Board for February 20, 2026
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban