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
WATCH: Gun ban cases and the Supreme Court; English and CDLs; Don Tracy eyes Senate
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the status...
Illinois quick hits: Madigan disbarred; taxpayers subsidize medical debt relief
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Madigan disbarred Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is no longer licensed to practice law in the Land of Lincoln. The...
Will County Executive Committee to Hash Out Budget Cuts Following Levy Reduction
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: Following a Finance Committee vote to reduce the proposed 2026 property tax levy increase, Will County Board leaders on...
Inflation-adjusted teacher salaries drop despite record spending on public education
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new report says structural problems have led to record-high spending on public education in Illinois and...
Illinois quick hits: CDC’s autism and vaccines website criticized by IDPH
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square CDC's autism and vaccines website criticized The Illinois Department of Public Health is criticizing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and...
IL GOP U.S. Senate candidate says state needs balanced representation
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite having to push through a potentially crowded primary field, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy says...
Wheat price drop brings notable Thanksgiving savings for Illinois families
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois families will see some relief at the Thanksgiving table this year, with the average cost...
Illinois lawmaker calls FDA hormone therapy reversal ‘overdue’
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker and practicing physician weighs said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F....
IL Rep on congressmen trading: ‘We’re not going to take a pile of money to hell’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congresswoman says the public is right to be alarmed about elected officials enriching themselves through...
Illinois quick hits: Officer shot report numbers down; Thanksgiving meal costs down
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Officer shot report numbers down The National Fraternal Order of Police reports, through Oct. 31, 285 police officers have been shot...
WATCH: Chicago activist testifies; Quinn’s millionaire surcharge; High SNAP error rate
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares highlights from...
GE Appliances announces $150 million partnerships
By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - GE Appliances announced Thursday it is investing more than $150 million into contracts for suppliers in the...
Frankfort, Will County Partner on Wildlife Rabies Control
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee recommended approval of an intergovernmental agreement on Thursday, November 13, 2025, that allows...
Executive Committee Approves Appointments for Washington Township, Emergency Telephone Boards
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee on Thursday, November 13, 2025, recommended the approval of two key appointments, filling...
