According to current data and census records, the state of Illinois has experienced a momentous increase in its population.

Illinois is a state that fosters diverse identities, professional growth, educational experiences, and scenic environments. Additionally, Illinois has seen six bond rating upgrades from the nation’s three leading credit rating agencies. Because of these attractive qualities, more people are calling Illinois home.

Even through the difficulties provoked by the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois has continued to emerge as a thriving state. The recently released data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau corroborates that Illinois is flourishing as it unremittingly welcomes innovation and growth in all aspects. Now, Illinois’ population includes more than 13 million people who all call this state home.

Learn more about the population make-up of Illinois on the U.S. Census Bureau website.

Unlike many colleges and universities across the country that are seeing increased absences and decreased enrollment, the University of Illinois Chicago has set a record for the largest enrollment in its history for the seventh consecutive year.

UIC is the second largest university in Illinois and is the largest university in the Chicago metropolitan area. It is also the city’s only public research institution and has 16 academic colleges that serve more than 34,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

The 2021 Fall Trout Fishing Season kicked off Oct. 16 at 59 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. Of these many fishing locations, eight of them were recognized by FishingBooker, the world’s largest online service for finding and booking fishing trips, as top trout fishing spots.

FishingBooker boasts over 20,000 fishing experiences worldwide, ranging from Marlin fishing in the Maldives to trout fishing in Illinois, home to Kickapoo State Recreation Area, which ranks among the top honored fishing sites.

Located near Danville in Vermilion County, Kickapoo is a testament to the versatility of nature. In addition to its breathtaking scenery and trout fishing, Kickapoo offers boating, camping, trails and more. Canoes, bait, and bicycles are available to patrons to indulge in the many park activities.

National Dog Day is a day that celebrates all breeds, pure and mixed, and is meant to remind the public of the number of dogs that need to be rescued.

This national day was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an animal behaviorist who wanted to show appreciation for all dogs and to honor those who work in the community to help save lives, keeping us safe and out of harm’s way.

There are many ways to celebrate this holiday with your furry friend. You can take them to the dog park to play with other dogs, buy them a new toy or take them to the dog spa for a day of relaxation. If you aren’t a dog owner, you can still celebrate by volunteering at your local shelter and taking some of the dogs on walks or assisting with cleaning the animal’s cages.

Consider ways you can help animals in our society and remember the importance of dogs in our lives.

Click here to find out how you can help dogs in Illinois.

In 2008, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) launched the Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign to provide pork products to food banks throughout Illinois.

Farmweld, a hog raising equipment manufacturer and strong supporter of both the Pork Power Program and IPPA, donated $1,000 to Pork Power to feed struggling families during the COVID-19 crisis. The company’s president, Frank Brummer, matched Farmweld’s contribution.