News

 Governor Pritzker recently suggested that local governments and school boards are responsible for Illinois’ high property taxes. However, that explanation overlooks the significant role the ruling parties’ policies in Springfield have played in the rise of property taxes. Local school funding continues to be the largest portion of your property tax bill. The state both underfunds local school districts and

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has relaunched the Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience (I-COVER) program, which offers financial incentives to farmers adopting new or earlier cover crop techniques for 2026–2028. I-COVER is a three-year initiative funded by a $7 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to promote the use of cover crops and improve soil health. Applications for the program opened April 15. IDOA

Hazardous Materials Awareness Month highlights the importance of understanding and safely managing hazardous chemicals in local communities. Illinois agencies, like the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, work with partners to monitor hazardous materials, train first responders, and ensure proper reporting and storage of chemicals. Facilities must report their chemical inventories to help emergency planners prepare for