Illinois quick hits: Chicago businesses at 10-year low; school admin survey closes soon

Illinois quick hits: Chicago businesses at 10-year low; school admin survey closes soon

August 26, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Chicago businesses at 10-year low

The number of businesses operating in Chicago has reached a 10-year low.

Citing city license data, the Illinois Policy Institute said Chicago had 44,840 businesses operating in the city last year, down from 54,135 in 2015.

The Magnificent Mile area saw the largest decline with a 51% drop over the past decade.

School admin survey closes soon

The Illinois State Board of Education is asking school district administrators to complete the board’s Modernization District Survey this week.

ISBE says the request is part of an effort to modernize data systems, reduce duplication and build secure, user-friendly tools.

The survey closes on Friday, Aug. 29.

Increased U of I football security

The University of Illinois Division of Public Safety and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics have added walk-through metal-detection systems for home football games at Memorial Stadium.

Officials say Fighting Illini fans will have a similar entry experience to those at other major sports venues around the country.

The Illini home opener is scheduled this Friday evening against the Leathernecks of Western Illinois.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Trump says tariffs may cost Americans ‘something’ but keep U.S. safe

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Thursday Americans should be thankful for his tariffs, which he said he has used to end wars that Americans would otherwise...
Chicago mayor: IL legislature has 'more work to do' on tax increases

Chicago mayor: IL legislature has ‘more work to do’ on tax increases

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to see more tax increases from the Illinois General Assembly, but a...
will county board graphic

Commission Grants Green Garden Solar Farm Project Variance Extension

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission granted a 180-day extension for two variances related to a commercial...
Chicago pension, debt services costs among highest in country

Chicago pension, debt services costs among highest in country

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago’s budget has grown by nearly 40% since 2019 with the biggest increased expenditure going toward...
Illinois quick hits: DHS ordered to address ICE facility conditions; Garcia explains retirement decision

Illinois quick hits: DHS ordered to address ICE facility conditions; Garcia explains retirement decision

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS ordered to address ICE facility conditions A U.S. District Court judge in Chicago has issued a temporary restraining order directing...
WATCH: DCFS still looking for missing children numbers; Pritzker on elections results

WATCH: DCFS still looking for missing children numbers; Pritzker on elections results

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop continues his coverage...
Congressional Perks: Luxury cars and mileage result in big costs for taxpayers

Congressional Perks: Luxury cars and mileage result in big costs for taxpayers

By Arthur KaneThe Center Square U.S. Reps Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and David Scott, D-Ga., have each had taxpayers pay as much as $1,000 every month to Lexus financial so they...
New-Lenox-Sharons-Bay-Park

Playground Equipment Installation Begins at Sharon’s Bay Park

Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Community Park District Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: The major redevelopment of Sharon's Bay Park is entering its final and most visible stage,...
Report says Pennsylvanians face highest costs for colleges

Report says Pennsylvanians face highest costs for colleges

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Pennsylvania residents face the nation's steepest college affordability crisis, according to a WalletHub report that looked at states that spend the most and least on...
Republican congressmen react to Prop. 50 passage

Republican congressmen react to Prop. 50 passage

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square In the hours after California’s Proposition 50 passed by a wide margin, Republican congressional members at risk of losing their seats expressed dismay and disappointment...
Dems: Long federal government shutdown hurts health care

Dems: Long federal government shutdown hurts health care

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square As the federal government shutdown becomes America's longest one on its 37th day, many are worried health care is going to become too expensive to...
Illinois quick hits: $20 million for Alton housing project; alleged migrant assaults reported

Illinois quick hits: $20 million for Alton housing project; alleged migrant assaults reported

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square $20 million for Alton housing project Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority announced the opening of a $20...

WATCH: Illinois DCFS can’t locate documents showing number of missing children

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Documents to show the number of missing youth in care from the Department of Children and Family...

WATCH: Pritzker: ‘Government isn’t always the best option’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says government is not always the best option when it comes to private...
FAA announces flight reductions due to government shutdown

FAA announces flight reductions due to government shutdown

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday there would be a 10% reduction of air traffic in 40 locations across the country due to the ongoing...