Illinois quick hits: Foreign national indicted for fraud; Chicago Public Schools budget approved

Illinois quick hits: Foreign national indicted for fraud; Chicago Public Schools budget approved

August 29, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Lawmakers tussle over impacts of ‘equitable’ school funding in Illinois

Lawmakers tussle over impacts of ‘equitable’ school funding in Illinois

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The evidence-based funding formula for public schools in Illinois, signed into law in 2017, was under the...
Illinois Quick Hits: $42.6M UIS student library on schedule

Illinois Quick Hits: $42.6M UIS student library on schedule

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Capital Development Board says a $42.6 million state taxpayer-funded library project is on schedule at...
An 'arms race' for pay at elite, tax-exempt colleges

An ‘arms race’ for pay at elite, tax-exempt colleges

By Jared StrongThe Center Square Top private nonprofit universities that receive government funding pay some of their top leaders millions of dollars and one even received a $20 million longevity...
An 'arms race' for pay at elite, tax-exempt colleges

An ‘arms race’ for pay at elite, tax-exempt colleges

By Jared StrongThe Center Square Top private nonprofit universities that receive government funding pay some of their top leaders millions of dollars and one even received a $20 million longevity...
Inflation rises to 3.8%, driven by energy prices

Inflation rises to 3.8%, driven by energy prices

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Inflation increased 0.6% in April, with an overall rate of 3.8% over the last 12 months, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of...
Inflation rises to 3.8%, driven by energy prices

Inflation rises to 3.8%, driven by energy prices

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Inflation increased 0.6% in April, with an overall rate of 3.8% over the last 12 months, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of...
New congressional map expected for Alabama in wake of high court ruling

New congressional map expected for Alabama in wake of high court ruling

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Alabama could soon have a congressional map in place that would offer the chance for a Republican gain of seat in the U.S. House of...
New congressional map expected for Alabama in wake of high court ruling

New congressional map expected for Alabama in wake of high court ruling

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Alabama could soon have a congressional map in place that would offer the chance for a Republican gain of seat in the U.S. House of...
Will County Board Graphic.04

State Legislative Update: Housing Mandates, Mega Projects, and Data Centers Prompt Local Control Concerns

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryState lobbyists from Mac Strategies briefed the Will County Board Legislative Committee on the final push of the spring...
Mastriano nominated to serve as Ambassador to Slovakia

Mastriano nominated to serve as Ambassador to Slovakia

By John ColeThe Center Square State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg, has been nominated by President Donald Trump’s administration to serve as the United States Ambassador to Slovakia. “I am deeply...
Trump seeks rare suspension of the federal gas tax

Trump seeks rare suspension of the federal gas tax

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Monday he will move to suspend the federal gasoline tax as the national average price of a gallon remains above $4.50...
Trump seeks rare suspension of the federal gas tax

Trump seeks rare suspension of the federal gas tax

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Monday he will move to suspend the federal gasoline tax as the national average price of a gallon remains above $4.50...
Trump asks court to freeze tariff ruling amid import surge fears

Trump asks court to freeze tariff ruling amid import surge fears

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Trump administration asked the U.S. Court of International Trade on Monday to pause its ruling blocking the president's Section 122 tariffs, warning that even...
Data center regs proposed as $20 billion, 795-acre Joliet project advances

Data center regs proposed as $20 billion, 795-acre Joliet project advances

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Opponents of a planned $20 billion data center project in Joliet say big tech money arrived before...
Labor stats offer mixed bag for Illinoi]s

Labor stats offer mixed bag for Illinoi]s

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Trump administration says the United States saw smashing job growth in April, but Illinois’ story is...