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.
Community Events
FridayDecember 12, 2025
SaturdayDecember 13, 2025
MondayDecember 15, 2025
TuesdayDecember 16, 2025
WednesdayDecember 17, 2025
ThursdayDecember 18, 2025
Latest News Stories
91% of U.S. veterans concerned about food assistance amid shutdown
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square About 91% of veterans said they were concerned about losing access to food assistance because of the federal government shutdown, with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...
Indiana state police working with ICE at Illinois border to secure interstates
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers continue to arrest hundreds of drivers on interstates who are in the country illegally and have criminal histories. As...
Trump’s former National Security Adviser criticizes Ireland for ‘cozying up to China’
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Former U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien sharply criticized Ireland’s growing political split from the United States and its deepening ties to China in a...
WATCH: IL lawmakers pass consequential bills early Halloween
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 powers through on...
Trump calls on Senate Republicans to nuke filibuster
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With the ongoing government shutdown now entering its second month, President Donald Trump has had enough: he wants Senate Republicans to end the filibuster. “Majority...
FBI: ‘Potential’ Halloween terror plot foiled; multiple subjects arrested in Michigan
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The FBI says it thwarted a possible terror attack, arresting several individuals in Michigan, according to Director Kash Patel. “This morning the FBI thwarted a...
WATCH: Trick or treat: IL legislators pass tax increase, decoupling bill early Friday
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers are waking up Halloween morning to tax increases after the conclusion of fall veto session...
Noem refuses Pritzker enforcement pause request, IL passes sanctuary enhancement
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Both the executive and legislative branches of Illinois government have made attempts to address federal immigration enforcement...
WATCH: Energy bill opponents say increases IL electric bills by $8 billion passes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers have passed wide-ranging energy legislation, but opponents say it will lead to higher electricity bills....
WA Dems blame GOP for government shutdown; 1 million in state could lose SNAP benefits
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer say it’s not Democrats, but Republicans, who are responsible for keeping the federal...
Officials react to allegations of civilians impersonating ICE
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square One San Diego County supervisor is concerned about civilians posing as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents using fake ICE clothing and tactical gear and...
Illinois quick hits: IL taxpayers have highest pension debt obligations in U.S.
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Report: Illinois taxpayers have highest pension debt obligations in U.S. According to a new Reason Foundation report reviewing over 300 public...
WATCH: Bonta visits food bank amid lawsuit over CalFresh
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Thursday he is continuing to push for federal emergency contingency funding to restore millions of Californians’ food benefits as...
