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

August 26, 2025/

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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.

Community Events

MondayDecember 8, 2025

3:45 pmSenior Social Hour 5:30 pmMystery Book Club 11:30 pmCrafting with Mandie

TuesdayDecember 9, 2025

4:00 pmStorytime Elwood 7:00 pmCreativity Connections: Mini Sled with Metal Stamp Tag 10:00 pmTeen Volunteering 11:00 pmGirl Scout Meetings 11:00 pmChess Club--Manhattan

WednesdayDecember 10, 2025

4:00 pmElwood Senior Social Hour 8:00 pmBingo

ThursdayDecember 11, 2025

9:30 pmCandy Cane Challenge Drop-In 11:00 pmTeen Volunteering

FridayDecember 12, 2025

4:00 pmStorytime 4:30 pmStay and Play 7:00 pmLights, Camera, Library! Christmas with the Kranks

SaturdayDecember 13, 2025

4:30 pmWinter Science with Mr. Steve 6:00 pmWinter Science with Mr. Steve Session 2 7:30 pmLincoln-Way West Madrigal Performance

MondayDecember 15, 2025

3:45 pmSenior Social Hour 10:00 pmPainting with Tracie: Holiday Axolotl 11:30 pmCookbook Club

TuesdayDecember 16, 2025

7:00 pmCreativity Connections: Holiday Faux Whipped Cream Mug Topper

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