Illinois is home to a wide variety of fish species. At present, 34 families of fishes are represented in the state's waters.

Illinois’ official state fish is the bluegill. Illinois school children selected the bluegill as the state fish in 1986. The bluegill is a very common fish throughout Illinois. It is the most common member of the sunfish family and is recognized by its stripy olive to yellow colors and its distinctive black spot behind the gills. It grows to about nine inches in length. Bluegill are most abundant in clear lakes with large amounts of aquatic vegetation, but they also occur in a variety of habitats, such as pools, overflow ponds, oxbows, swamps and man-made impoundments. In the summer bluegills build nests in water less than about two feet deep.

Midway Village Museum in Rockford is hosting its 21st Sock Monkey Madness, which will include a Make-a-Monkey Workshop, sock monkey-themed crafts and games, and tours of The Missing Link Sock Monkey History Exhibit. Don’t worry if your sock monkey needs repair: the Sockford General Hospital can fix it up for you.

Believe it or not, the sock monkey’s creation can be traced to Rockford. John Nelson, a Swedish immigrant, patented an automatic knitting machine in 1868 that could mass-produce socks, which had not been done before. He then started the Nelson Knitting Company in 1880 and introduced “Nelson Socks,” which were brown socks and also called “Celebrated Rockford Hosiery.”

Attention all Illinois foodies, this week is Chicago’s 19^th annual restaurant week! Between now and Feb. 28, over 500 restaurants across the city are participating in the event.

Highlighting international and local cuisine, participating restaurants are offering prix fixe (fixed price) menus to give diners a curated experience. These fixed menus will be available for brunch and lunch at a $30 price points, and dinner offerings at $45 or $60. With over 500 restaurants participating there is a very broad range of cuisines including; Italian, Mexican, Indian, American steakhouses, and much more. You can view the full list here.

Choose Chicago is hosting Chicago Restaurant Week as a, “celebration of the city’s award-winning culinary scene.” Whether you are taking lunch on Wednesday or going out for a night on the city Friday, make sure to take advantage of this culinary event. Chicago is full of flavor, and the Chicago Restaurant Week is a great way to get a taste of the city.

Illinois now ranks as the number one state for workforce development in the Midwest and number three in the country for 2026, according to a new report by Site Selection magazine.

The report highlights Illinois’ continued job and economic growth, innovative workforce programs and employment services. The state’s ranking improved from number two regionally and number four nationally.

Illinois’ public universities have reached their highest enrollment rate over the past 10 years, with 190,000 students enrolled this past fall, signaling renewed confidence in higher education across the state. According to recently released data, total enrollment at Illinois’ 12 public universities increased this fall, continuing a positive trend from last year's numbers, which reflects growing student interest in Illinois institutions.

The enrollment growth spans undergraduate and transfer students, with all public universities reporting gains. Undergraduate enrollment, in particular, increased, driven by higher numbers of first-time, full-time freshmen and transfer students choosing to attend college in Illinois. These gains highlight the success of outreach efforts to keep Illinois students in-state while also attracting learners from beyond its borders.

One of the most notable aspects of the enrollment increase is the growth among students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The data shows higher participation from Black, Latino and first-generation college students, reinforcing efforts to make higher education more accessible and inclusive statewide. At the same time, graduate and professional program enrollment rose, reflecting sustained interest in advanced degrees tied to workforce needs.

Universities across Illinois play a vital role in their communities, serving as major employers, research hubs and cultural centers. Increased enrollment strengthens campus life while supporting local economies, from housing and dining to jobs and regional development. These institutions also contribute to Illinois’ long-term workforce pipeline by preparing students for careers in education, healthcare, technology, agriculture and public service.

For students and families considering college options, the enrollment surge underscores the broad appeal and value of Illinois’ public universities. From large research institutions to regional campuses, the state offers diverse academic opportunities rooted in community engagement and practical career pathways.

As Illinois’ public universities continue to grow, these enrollment milestones point to a stronger future for higher education across the state—one where opportunity and academic excellence remain central to the Illinois experience.