Illinois quick hits: Chicago businesses at 10-year low; school admin survey closes soon
August 26, 2025/
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.
⚠️ Tornado Watch issued June 11 at 2:02PM CDT until June 11 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 11 at 12:39PM CDT until June 11 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 10
85° 58°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Ad-Hoc Committee: Bath House Regulations Updated; Removes 60-Day Licensing Window
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to the regulations governing bath houses and...
Land Use Committee Rejects Shorewood Solar Farm Despite 25-Year Lease Offer
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted against recommending a controversial solar farm proposal...
Trustees Renew Federal Lobbyist Contract Following $800,000 Funding Win
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | February 18, 2026 Article Summary: The JJC Board voted to renew its contract for federal lobbyist services on Wednesday. Administration and supporting...
Executive Committee Advances $28.7 Million BNSF Bridge Project for Lorenzo Road
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Executive Committee approved an agreement with BNSF Railway to construct a grade separation bridge on Lorenzo Road in...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox School District 122 for January 20, 2026
New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | January 20, 2026 The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education advanced several routine but critical operational items during its January 20,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for January 19, 2026
New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees Meeting | January 19, 2026 The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees advanced several capital improvements and administrative appointments during...
Land Use Committee: ‘Clean Fill’ Proposal Stalls After Unauthorized Tree Removal Sparks Environmental Concerns
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: A request to rezone land for a "clean fill" operation in Joliet Township stalled in committee...
Contracts Approved for New West Principal and District Technology Director
Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board appointed Dr. Jennifer Killeen as the new Principal of Lincoln-Way West High School and Kyle...
New Lenox Village Board Approves $250,000 Digital Marketing Agreement to Promote Key Brands
New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | February 23, 2026 Article Summary: The Village of New Lenox has contracted Q1 Media to execute a comprehensive, $250,000 digital advertising campaign....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for February 17, 2026
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 JOLIET, IL – The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with Acting Chairman John...
Ad-Hoc Committee: Liquor Ordinance Stalls Over Drafting Errors; Debates License Cap Policy
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee postponed a vote on the comprehensive update to the...
Board Approves New Chief of Staff and Dean Roles; Trustees Clash Over Hiring Transparency
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | February 18, 2026 Article Summary: The JJC Board approved the appointments of a new Chief of Staff and a Dean of Workforce...
Green Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: Residents of Green Garden Township warned county officials they are moving to incorporate as a village to gain zoning...
New Lenox 122 Celebrates Art Program’s 20th Anniversary, Honors VFW Award Winners
New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: District 122 leadership utilized its "Notables" presentation to honor high-achieving students and staff, highlighting local winners of the VFW...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners for January 21, 2026
New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting | January 21, 2026 The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners managed a highly active agenda regarding municipal finances...