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.
Latest News Stories
Arizona attorney general to appeal ‘fake electors’ ruling
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Friday she will appeal a ruling in the “fake electors” case. She is asking the Arizona Supreme Court to...
Illinois quick hits: Small business grants announced; new Naperville DMV
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Small business grants announced Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have announced nearly $10 million...
Clintons ordered to testify on connections to Jeffrey Epstein in December
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square A powerful House committee is threatening to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress if the...
CBO says foreign companies could pick up some tariff costs
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Congressional Budget Office slashed its tariff revenue forecast to reflect new data on the highest import duties the U.S. has seen in nearly a...
Guidelines issued on how taxpayers can claim deductions on tips, overtime in 2025
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Millions of Americans who work overtime shifts or receive tips will be eligible to claim new deductions on their 2025 tax returns, the Trump administration...
GOP attorneys general back rail merger, splitting Republicans on deal
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Attorneys general in three states are asking federal regulators to approve the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Their letter comes one week...
WATCH: Trump admin moving ahead with dismantling the U.S. Dept. of Education
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square This week, President Donald Trump took another step toward fulfilling his promise to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Federal officials announced that “six new...
Debate persists over nation’s highest gas prices in California
By Madeline Shannon | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - A “mystery surcharge” at the pump costs Californians millions of dollars a year, according to a new...
Consensus for power supply solution still elusive
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Rapid expansion of data centers in the mid-Atlantic region has leaves its power grid’s operator, PJM,...
Digitization of aviation supply chain an opportunity to ascend out of 1950s
By Alan WootenThe Center Square Moving passengers and cargo through the air is heavily regulated and significantly ties efficiency to expense. “As currently postured,” says U.S. Rep. Brad Knott, R-N.C.,...
Zoning Cases in Crete and Manhattan Townships Postponed to December 16
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:Two zoning cases, one in Crete Township and another in Manhattan Township, were postponed by the Will County...
Will County Commission Approves New Lenox Variances, Overriding Staff’s Denial Recommendation
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved three variances for a 5.02-acre property in New Lenox Township,...
‘Classic impasse’ for Chicago aldermen debating proposed taxes, spending cuts
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing for state help in funding the city’s budget, but a city...
