Illinois quick hits: COVID fraud indictments issued; man sentenced for mailing fentanyl
August 21, 2025/
COVID fraud indictments issued
A federal grand jury has indicted four Chicago-area individuals accused of fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in small business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Prosecutors say Dexter M. Crawford, Jr., Timika Royston, Orlando Patrick and Jermie Miller submitted numerous fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program funds from 2020 to 2022.
Man sentenced for mailing fentanyl
A Tempe, Arizona, man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release for attempted distribution of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
Prosecutors say Terence Michael Carroll, 38, mailed a parcel with more than 11,700 tablets from Tempe to an address in Peoria, Illinois.
NASCAR to race Chicagoland Speedway
NASCAR has announced it will return to Joliet in 2026.
Chicagoland Speedway has sat mostly dormant since the stock-car series last raced there in 2019.
The NASCAR calendar released Wednesday includes a Cup Series race at Chicagoland next July 5.
Community Events
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
WednesdayDecember 10, 2025
Pajama Storytime with Santa (Session #1)12:30 amPajama Storytime with Santa (Session #2)1:00 amPajama Storytime with Santa (Session #3)3:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime4:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime10:00 pmHigh School: Winter Reindeer Decoration10:15 pm(Gr. 3rd-5th) Bluestem Book Club - "Nell of Gumbling"
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
12:30 amClassroom Kitchen with Chef Kristyn - Virtual Program4:00 pmChildren's Finger Painting4:30 pmChildren's Finger Painting5:15 pmPilates - In Person with Nancy Richmond - MCPLD card holder priority6:30 pmOpen MahJong9:00 pmFamily History Exploration: A One-on-One Taster Session9:30 pm(Gr. 4th-8th): After School Bingo
FridayDecember 12, 2025
Latest News Stories
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,...
Mokena 159 Board Approves Tentative $22.5 Million Tax Levy, Increase Triggers Public Hearing
Mokena School District 159 Meeting | November 19, 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education has given initial approval to a tentative 2025 property tax levy...
‘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...
Lincoln-Way 210 Board Approves Tentative 2025 Tax Levy with 4.57% Increase
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education unanimously approved a tentative property tax levy for...
Texas authorities arrest men for violent crimes after illegally entering as minors
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Authorities in Texas continue to arrest violent men in major cities years after they illegally entered the country as unaccompanied minors. They’re also continuing to...
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...
