News releases

Conditions are perfect for 'pop up' storms
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When hail freezes over
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Know what's true and what's not about tornadoes
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Find nature in your backyard with environmental webinar series
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Nature adapts when heat waves hit
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Reduce your risk of diabetes with proper nutrition
URBANA, Ill. – More than one in three adults have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and many don’t know it. People with prediabetes have higher than normal blood glucose levels, which raise the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as type 2 diabetes. ...

Illinois Master Gardeners announce new volunteer website
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners donated 189,392 hours across the state in 2019, answering questions, leading programs, and volunteering at community garden projects. These 2,719 garden enthusiasts of all ages volunteer at local Illinois Extension offices to...

Showy Annabelle hydrangea has historic roots in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. - The ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea has been a mainstay of the ornamental shrub world since its release in the 1960s. This showy shrub is filled with beautiful snowball-like flowers that adorn its spindly branches each summer. The blooms begin as pretty green puffs that turn white at...

Take small steps to improve financial stability
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Here's why 'feels like' temperatures matter
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COVID-19 expense relief available for local governments
URBANA, Ill. - The Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency Support Program, CURE, is federally funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund and reimburses local governments for costs specifically related to the COVID-19 public health emergency incurred since March 1, not previously budgeted...

Rural communities learn ways to recognize, manage stress
URBANA, Ill. - Volatile crop prices, global markets, and natural disasters create stress for rural residents, farmers, and ranchers. Even before the current health crisis, rural communities across the Midwest were dealing with additional economic stressors, such as the closing of coal-fired...

Learn safe food handling, prep methods
URBANA, Ill. - Approximately one in six Americans gets a foodborne illness each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Foodborne illnesses are not a minor inconvenience. In fact, the CDC estimates...

Extension expands programming, continues virtual 4-H shows in August
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension will allow staff and volunteers to resume limited in-person gatherings in August, consistent with the public health and safety guidelines outlined in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois...

Downed power lines can kill
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Extension announces inaugural class of Illini Science Policy Fellows
URBANA, Ill. – Five graduates from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are embarking on a year of public service as the inaugural class of the Illini Science Policy Fellowship program. Offered by University of Illinois Extension, the fellowship...

Be a bee spotter during National Pollinator Week
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Local governments encouraged to expand racial equity policies
University of Illinois Extension is facilitating discussion on racial equity in local governments during a free, online webinar on July 16. ...

Project learning never stops in 4-H
The Illinois 4-H youth development program empowers and prepares youth for success by providing opportunities for youth to learn, practice, and demonstrate skills needed for home, career, and global citizenship. Youth, organized in clubs,...

Flavor summer with backyard basil
URBANA, Ill. – Nothing says summer like enjoying freshly harvested herbs from your garden or patio. “One of the easiest, most prolific, and flavorful herbs to grow is basil,” says Brittnay Haag, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. While there are many...