Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes
(The Center Square) – According to a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, property taxes in the county increased at twice the rate of inflation and well above the rate of wage growth from 1995 to 2024.
The report says local officials took advantage of loopholes in a state law designed to limit tax increases to 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.
School districts, which accounted for nearly 55% of the county’s property taxes in 2024, hiked taxes by 189.4% during the past 30 years.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CEO TO REMAIN
The Chicago Board of Education has chosen Macquline King to lead Chicago Public Schools for the next three years.
King has served as interim superintendent/CEO since last June.
When her new three-year contract takes effect on July 1, King will receive a taxpayer-funded salary of $380,000 per year.
O’FALLON POLICE CAPTURE ALLEGED BANK ROBBER
Federal authorities are crediting O’Fallon police for nabbing a bank robbery suspect.
George E. Habermehl Jr., 62, is accused of robbing a bank on Highway 50 on March 20.
Prosecutors say the O’Fallon Police Department released still images on social media and received tips identifying Habermehl, who was on probation for bank robbery and recently absconded.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Green Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
Library Board Proposes Land-for-Services Swap with Village of Elwood for Mississippi Lot
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board for January 14, 2026
Winter Benchmark Data Highlights Growth in Reading and Math Across Manhattan District 114
Board Approves $479,000 Wireless Network Overhaul to Replace Aging Tech
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Stripped of Power to Regulate Motor Races, Must Drop Solicitor Fees Due to State Statutes
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Manhattan-Elwood Library Board Approves Over $21,000 for Playroom Renovation and Picture Book Shelving
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Township for January 13, 2026
Jackson Township Board Approves Elwood Baseball Donation, Reviews Food Pantry Transition
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Manhattan Board for February 17, 2026
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections