August 29, 2025/
Illinois quick hits: Foreign national indicted for fraud; Chicago Public Schools budget approved
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.
Events
Latest News Stories
Economic Development Initiatives Gain Momentum in Casey
Casey's economic development efforts are expanding with multiple new programs and partnerships designed to boost the city's growth prospects, Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced during Monday's council meeting. Daughhetee...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Founder's Day Parade Planned: A Founder's Day Parade is being organized for May 10th following a request by Patty Richards during the public forum. A resolution authorizing the parade will...
Casey-Westfield Board Holds Hearing on $4.5 Million Safety Bond Issue
The Casey-Westfield School Board conducted a public hearing on a proposed $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention and safety improvements, while also approving 4% administrative salary increases and addressing...
Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service
Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic, artistic, and community service activities, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Monroe Elementary students celebrated multiple milestones, including the 100th...
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS
Bond Issue Under Review: The $4.5 million fire prevention and safety bond proposal remains under consideration following public hearing input about property tax concerns and district bonding capacity. State Funding...
Casey Moves Forward with Utility Rate Study as Resident Questions City Processes
The City of Casey took the next step toward addressing its utility rate issues during Monday's council meeting, while a resident raised concerns about city transparency and bidding processes. Utility...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Utility Rate Study Advances: Water and sewer rate study information is ready for submission to the Illinois Rural Water Association for professional review, moving the city closer to addressing identified...
Casey-Westfield Schools Earn Perfect Financial Rating, Approve Major Purchases
The Casey-Westfield School District received the highest possible financial profile rating and a clean audit for fiscal year 2024, while also approving significant equipment purchases and personnel changes during Monday's...
Casey-Westfield Schools Focus on Student Activities and Community Engagement
Casey-Westfield schools are emphasizing hands-on learning and community connections through diverse programs spanning elementary through high school levels, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Elementary students at...
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS
Waiver Renewal Approved: The board authorized renewal of the full-day School Improvement waiver, allowing continued use of four full professional development days instead of six half-days, based on staff and...
Casey Council Considers Utility Rate Increases After Audit Reveals Losses
The Casey City Council is moving toward potential utility rate increases after a recent audit revealed the city is losing money on its water and sewer operations, officials announced during...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Executive Session Held: The city council met in closed session for 23 minutes to discuss litigation matters, following proper legal procedures for confidential discussions. No action was announced following the...
Police Report Pharmacy Break-In Resolution
Casey Police Chief Adam Henderson announced that federal authorities have resolved the investigation into a break-in at the local Pharmacie Shoppe that occurred several months ago. Henderson reported during the...
