The Rules About Leap Years

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•January 24, 2024• It’s widely accepted that a year is 365 days long. However, that statement is not entirely accurate. In fact, it takes Earth a little more than 365 days  (365.24223 days to be precise) to orbit the sun. A calendar cannot accommodate that small distinction every year. In order to ensure that seasons do not start drifting from the difference between the Earth’s rotation and the time it takes to get around the sun, leap years were established to keep the calendar more consistent and working like clockwork. The first modern leap year took place in 1752. … Read More

Learn tips for a Healthy Pregnancy and Toddler Nutrition

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•January 24, 2024• Cheri Burcham Extension Educator University of Illinois Extension I want to share an article written by Illinois Extension Media Communications Coordinator Herbert Chavez about an upcoming opportunity starting in February called Nurturing Foundations. Herbert writes: The 1,000 days between a person’s pregnancy and their child’s second birthday offer a unique opportunity to build a healthier and more prosperous future, so knowing how to care for mother and baby during this period is vital. The University of Illinois Extension Integrated Health Disparities team, in collaboration with Carle Illinois College of Medicine and Avicenna, offers the Nurturing Foundations series, … Read More

Capitol Briefs: State Police Report Fewer Deaths on Illinois Highways in 2023

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•January 24, 2024• By Jennifer Fuller Capitol News Illinois jfuller @ capitolnewsillinois.com  Fatal crashes on interstates and expressways in Illinois fell by 7 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, and shootings were down more than 30 percent. Illinois State Police report the declines came at the same time troopers were beefing up their enforcement on the state’s transportation arteries. Arrests were up 3 percent, gun recoveries up 12 percent, and vehicle recoveries were up 7 percent. … Read More

Seasonal Respiratory Viruses Continue to Impact Illinois Following the Holidays

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•January 24, 2024• While more than half of the counties in Illinois remain at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospitalizations according to CDC data, the state’s overall respiratory illness level has decreased in recent weeks and is at Low in the most recent available data, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced. The CDC’s latest update of its COVID Data Tracker indicates that as of the week ending January 13, the state of Illinois is at Medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations for a fourth straight week with a total of 1,393 hospitalizations reported during the week. A total of … Read More

IDNR seeking Summer Instructors for 2024 Urban Fishing Program Clinics

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•January 24, 2024• SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications now for instructors for 2024 summer fishing clinics through the department’s Urban Fishing Program. Fishing instructors are the department’s boots on the ground at free clinics hosted in communities throughout Illinois. These are temporary positions not to exceed six months, making them perfect for teachers, retirees, students, and others who are eager to help people learn about fishing skills and ecology. … Read More

2024 Conservation Cropping Seminar

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•January 24, 2024• Attention Illinois Farmers: the annual Conservation Cropping Seminar will take place Jan. 31, 2024 with virtual attendance available for a $15 registration fee. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and soil and water CEUs will be available. This event will cover how to improve soil health, cover crops, adopt new technologies, improve root health, manage nutrients and provide the latest agronomic research. A question-and-answer session with an Illinois farmer panel will be offered, as well as access to helpful resources. Topics and speakers for this year include: Alternative Farming Methods   Greg … Read More

Master Gardener Spring into Gardening Event Offers Guest Presenters, a Silent Auction, Sales Booth, and More

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•January 24, 2024• Gardeners across the community can get excited about the 2024 growing season at the 14th annual Spring into Gardening event. The mini-conference offers expert presentations on industry-relevant topics, a silent auction, and a sales booth to get gardeners excited to “Spring” into gardening. This year’s event will be held from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, March 2 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 4th Street, in Charleston. Check-in will begin at 8 am. The cost of the event is $25 for those who pre-register and $30 at the door. Cost includes door prizes, resources, and … Read More

State of Illinois Combats Human Trafficking and Supports Survivors

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•January 24, 2024• On Thursday, January 11, the State of Illinois recognized Human Trafficking Awareness Day, part of the larger Human Trafficking Awareness Month, in an effort to raise awareness about one of the most under-reported and under-identified crimes. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for labor or commercial sex act purposes.  Every year millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide, including in the United States and in Illinois. … Read More

Know Your Osteoporosis Risk

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•January 24, 2024• Bone is living, growing tissue that changes as a person ages. Although healthy bone can naturally diminish as a person gets older, seniors in particular are at elevated risk of osteoporosis, a bone disease marked by rapid bone deterioration.  Osteoporosis occurs when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, or when the strength and structure of bone changes, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Bone is constantly being broken down and replaced. When a person has osteoporosis, creation of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of old bone. … Read More