Illinois quick hits: Foreign national indicted for fraud; Chicago Public Schools budget approved
August 29, 2025/
Foreign national indicted for fraud
A foreign national has been indicted in U.S. District Court in Chicago for allegedly defrauding numerous individuals out of at least $2.6 million and willfully evading income taxes.
Jawad Fakroune, 45, also known by “Angelino Escobar” and other names, is facing 15 federal counts of wire fraud and tax-related charges.
Chicago Public Schools budget approved
The Chicago Board of Education has adopted a $10.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
The board voted 12-7 to approve the spending plan, which did not include a high-interest loan favored by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union.
Former chancellor dies
Former University of Illinois Chancellor Michael Aiken has died at the age of 93.
Aiken served as the school’s sixth chancellor from 1993 to 2001. U of I officials said he died Monday in Cody, Wyoming.
Fri Jun 5
86° 65°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Lincoln-Way East Boys Outpace West and Stagg to Claim SWSC Triangular Victory
The Lincoln-Way East Griffins showcased their formidable depth Tuesday afternoon, securing a first-place finish at the boys SouthWest Suburban Conference (SWSC) triangular meet hosted by Lincoln-Way West. The Griffins compiled...
Lincoln-Way East Girls Track Dominates Triangular Meet Against West and Stagg
The Lincoln-Way East Griffins girls track and field team delivered a commanding performance on their home turf Tuesday, April 14, 2026, easily outdistancing Lincoln-Way West and Stagg in a triangular...
Illinois Quick Hits: Two of ComEd four released; new trial expected
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...
Five Home Runs Power Lincoln-Way West Past Bradley-Bourbonnais 9-1
The Lincoln-Way West varsity softball team put on an absolute power clinic on Tuesday afternoon, launching a staggering five home runs en route to a dominant 9-1 conference victory over...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees for April 7, 2026
Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees Meeting | April 7, 2026 The Manhattan Village Board meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, focused heavily on transparent financial planning and community enhancement....
Will County Treasurer Seeks Policy on Cash Payments as U.S. Mint Discontinues the Penny
Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: With the U.S. Mint ceasing production of the penny, the Will County Treasurer's Office is asking the...
Lend a hand this spring at Volunteer Morning programs
Volunteers are being sought for spring programs that help spruce up the preserves by removing invasive species, controlling brush and planting native plants. Here are the spring Volunteer Morning programs....
Proposed State Legislation Sparks Debate Over Will County Veterans Assistance Commission Budget Control
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: State legislation aimed at granting county boards ultimate approval power over Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) budgets sparked debate...
Chicago suit vs oil cos. may yet survive SCOTUS ruling, judge hints
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Even as the Supreme Court considers a Colorado case that oil companies believe will decide if city and state governments can sue...
Two of ComEd Four released. new trial pending
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...
GOP candidate Bailey urges Trump to apologize to pope; bishop calls for dialogue
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After President Donald Trump refused to apologize for his social media criticism of Pope Leo XIV, a...
Senator says taxpayers fleeced by corrections department
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections is facing questions over its failure to comply with state law while...
Illinois Quick Hits: CTU-backed senator launches ‘tax the rich’ campaign
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator backed by the Chicago Teachers Union is renewing her call to tax the rich...
