Illinois quick hits: Ag incentives announced; Cook County announces increased budget
Ag incentives announced
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Agriculture have announced $67 million in funding to offer cost-share/financial incentives to producers and landowners who implement no-till or strip-till starting in the fall of 2025.
The program intends to promote the implementation of no-till and strip-till via the Partners for Conservation Program and the State of Illinois Priority Climate Action Plan.
CWD testing results by phone
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will use a new automated notification system to relay chronic wasting disease test results to deer hunters, starting with the current deer season.
Hunters who provide provide a mobile phone number with their CWD sample and have a valid email address linked to their “ExploreMoreIL” account will receive text and email notifications of test results.
The check CWD test results website is still available to hunters regardless of whether they receive text or email notifications.
Cook County announces increased budget
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has unveiled a proposed $10 billion budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2026.
Preckwinkle said the budget does not include layoffs, tax increases or cuts to essential services.
Cook County’s budget increased from $5.2 billion in fiscal year 2018 to $9.94 billion for 2025.
Latest News Stories
Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for August 14, 2025
Peotone Schools Face ‘Fiscal Cliff,’ Board Considers School Closures and New Construction
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
Facing Budget Crisis, Peotone Committee Questions Athletic Field Project
Committee Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education Committee of the Whole
Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards