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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

—Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock

Forest Preserve District Advances Major Extensions and Repairs on Plum Creek Greenway Trail in Crete Township

Article Summary: The Forest Preserve District is currently undertaking dual construction projects on the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, initiating a massive 1.5-mile southern extension through Plum Valley Preserve and commencing...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Will County Approves $2.9 Million Engineering Contract for Bluff Road Reconstruction in Channahon

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The county is advancing a massive overhaul of Bluff Road in Channahon, approving a nearly $3...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Implements Enhanced Infection Control and Safety Measures

Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 Article Summary: Sunny Hill Nursing Home has rolled out "enhanced barrier precautions" to prevent the spread of multi-drug...
Will County Finance Logo

Consultant Updates Finance Committee on Homer Glen Police Cost Study

Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: A consultant hired to evaluate the financial implications of the Village of Homer Glen launching its own...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for March 19, 2026

Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 The Will County Board met on Thursday, March 19, 2026, to handle a diverse agenda that included heavy infrastructure spending, large-scale tax...
Lincoln Way Central Softball Graphic

Four Home Runs Power Glenwood Past Lincoln-Way Central 15-5

The Glenwood varsity softball team put on an absolute offensive clinic on Saturday, hammering four home runs and racking up 18 hits to secure a dominant 15-5 non-conference road victory...
Lincoln Way Central Baseball Graphic

Bandstra’s Strong Start, Flawless Defense Guide Illiana Christian Past Lincoln-Way Central 3-1

The Illiana Christian varsity baseball team bounced back in the back half of its Saturday schedule, combining timely hitting with flawless defense to defeat host Lincoln-Way Central 3-1 in a...
Lincoln Way Central Baseball Graphic

Lincoln-Way Central Uses Mid-Game Surge to Defeat Illiana Christian 5-2

The Lincoln-Way Central varsity baseball team capitalized on aggressive baserunning and a decisive mid-game scoring surge to secure a 5-2 non-conference victory over visiting Illiana Christian on Saturday. In a...
Lincoln Way Central Baseball Graphic

McCabe’s Three-Hit Day, Panos’ Steady Start Power Lincoln-Way Central Past Stagg 5-2

The Lincoln-Way Central varsity baseball team utilized a consistent offensive attack and a steady performance on the mound to defeat Stagg 5-2 in a Friday road conference matchup. Senior Conor...
—Photo courtesy of Laurie Lasseter

Fish fight: action-packed eagle pic wins March photo contest

Laurie Lasseter of Woodridge snapped a photo of an eagle and herring gull locked in battle recently, and the shot was picked as the March winner in the District's Preserve...
Police Crime

Illinois State Police Investigating Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Bradley

Article Summary: The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred after Bradley Police officers encountered an armed man during a mid-day well-being check. Bradley Officer-Involved Shooting...
Monee Car Fire

Fire Department Responds to Monee Car Fire

Monee firefighters responded to a car fire on Manhattan-Monee Road April 10th. No injuries were reported.
NL Fire

New Lenox Firefighters Extinguish Garage Fire, Rescue Pets on Somerset Court

Article Summary: The New Lenox Fire Protection District quickly contained a Friday morning garage fire on Somerset Court, preventing the blaze from spreading to the home's main living area and...
will county board meeting.6

Will County Partners with LNS Development for Laraway Road Drainage Improvements in New Lenox

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The county approved a cost-sharing agreement with a private developer to build shared stormwater management facilities...
Will County Finance Logo

Will County Finalizes 2025 Tax Levy at $159.5 Million, Limiting Rate Drops

Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee reviewed the final 2025 tax levy extension numbers, which came in slightly...