News Releases

Local News Releases
Local News Releases
A family busy with social media
New family resource helps tackle digital challenges at home
URBANA, Ill. — The advent of smartphones, social media platforms, streaming video sites, and numerous other technological advancements has led to unprecedented changes throughout society, including changes in daily life at home. This rapid change has raised multiple questions and concerns among...
Lessons for Living
Discover practical tools for a healthy, inspiring life
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and...
hands hoding boxes of foods to donate
Make Your Food Donations Count This Holiday Season
MILAN, Ill. – The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving. But in 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. With the federal government shutdown now entering its fifth week, SNAP benefits for nearly 1.9 million Illinois residents are set to end on November 1. Food pantries...
three sisters soup
A Thanksgiving Table Reimagined
Across Illinois, the spirit of Thanksgiving is alive—not in the form of a golden turkey, but in the warmth of community and creativity. With rising food costs and reduced SNAP benefits, many families are turning to local food pantries for support. But this year, turkeys are scarce, and vouchers...
plate of uneaten food being thrown out
Make Food Waste One Tradition You Leave Behind
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate abundance, gratitude, and togetherness. It’s also a perfect moment to reflect on how we can make the most of our food—not just on the holiday, but all year long. Did you know the average family loses $1,500 annually to wasted food?...
Looking into the canopy of a poplar tree showing early fall color changing from green to yellow
Water trees wisely to beat winter woes
URBANA, Ill. — As autumn colors emerge, it may seem that trees are preparing for rest. However, when fall brings dry conditions instead of seasonal rains, trees can enter winter under stress. Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and...
open air hous for indoor air quality
Breathe Easier This October: 7 Steps to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
October is Healthy Lung Month, a timely reminder to prioritize lung health and early detection. With most people spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, the air inside our homes plays a critical role in overall well-being. Children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or heart disease...
a group of people stand in a wetland
Study: 72% of Illinois wetlands no longer protected by federal Clean Water Act
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois once harbored more than 8 million acres of wetlands. By the 1980s, all but 1.2 million wetland acres had been lost, filled in for development or drained to make way for agriculture. Now, thanks to a 2023 Supreme Court decision, roughly 72% of the remaining 981,000...
woman in chair on deck on her laptop surrounded by potted flowers
Grow Smarter—Virtually! Join Gardening in the Air
(MILAN, Ill) Get ready to dig into inspiration! University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are once again teaming up to present Gardening in the Air, a free virtual symposium designed for plant lovers of all levels. This interactive online event brings...