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.
Today Jun 12
87° 61°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500...
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use Committee approved special use permits for two businesses in Frankfort and...
District 210 Reports Insurance Deficit Amid National Healthcare Cost Spikes; Finances Remain Stable
Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: Assistant Superintendent Michael Duback reported a $630,000 deficit in the District’s medical plan performance for the 2025...
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval for a new 5-megawatt commercial solar farm...
Mokena 159 Moves Forward with Over $1 Million in Summer Capital Project Plans
Mokena School District 159 Meeting | February 18, 2026 Article Summary: The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education authorized the administration to seek bids for major summer facility improvements, including...
Joliet Junior College Board Approves $2 Tuition Increase Amidst Heated Debate Over Enrollment and Spending
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | February 18, 2026 Article Summary: The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted to increase tuition by $2 per...
Lincoln-Way Board Ratifies Three-Year Support Staff Contract with Significant Hourly Raises
Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement...
State of the College: Local Legislators Bolster Student Support Services
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: Joliet Junior College recognized state legislators for their direct support of the Wolves Essential Pantry, which aids...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for February 5, 2026
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee met on Tuesday, February 5, 2026, to review departmental reports...
State of the College: Dual Credit Program Enrollment Hits 6,000 Students
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: The "12x12x12" dual credit initiative has driven a surge in high school participation, with nearly half of...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Finance Committee for February 3, 2026
Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Finance Committee met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to address critical facility needs and review the county's financial standing. The...
Fairmont Neighborhood Plan Update Prioritizes Infrastructure and Beautification Following Demographic Shift
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved an update to the Fairmont Neighborhood Plan, addressing significant demographic...
Health & Safety Committee: Monee Church Kitchen Project Highlighted in County Health Impact Report
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County MAPP Collaborative presented its impact report, highlighting ARPA-funded community kitchen projects in Monee and Joliet...