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

WATCH: Chicago reacts to Trump’s public safety push; AI in schools; rural health care

WATCH: Chicago reacts to Trump’s public safety push; AI in schools; rural health care

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 delves into the...
Will County Recorder Graphic.1

Will County Board Approves New Fee Schedule for Recorder of Deeds

Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a revised fee schedule for the Recorder of Deeds office, which will take effect on October 1, 2025. The changes, based on...
Illinois expands campus abortion access, shields doctors from legal risk

Illinois expands campus abortion access, shields doctors from legal risk

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed new laws expanding abortion access on public college campuses while vowing to...
Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking enforcement; health care fraud division announced

Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking enforcement; health care fraud division announced

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Human trafficking enforcement Illinois State Police arrested five individuals during a human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Forsyth area of...
Nonprofit files complaints against Trump attorneys but almost no public discipline

Nonprofit files complaints against Trump attorneys but almost no public discipline

By Arthur KaneThe Center Square Two nonprofits run by an attorney with long-time Democratic connections have been filing ethics complaints against lawyers who represented Trump officials or issues, seeking to...
jackson township graphic.2

Jackson Township to Hear Proposal for Manure-to-Gas Energy Facility

Article Summary: A proposal for an anaerobic digester facility that would convert hog manure into natural gas was brought to the attention of the Jackson Township Board. The project manager...
Everyday Economics: Softer tape, PCE in focus, and the Fed’s next move

Everyday Economics: Softer tape, PCE in focus, and the Fed’s next move

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This summer, economic signals leaned softer. Hiring looks frozen, retail sales volumes are flat to slightly negative, and existing-home sales are essentially unchanged from a...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education for August 13, 2025

The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education’s August meeting marked a major milestone, as the board gave its final approval to a new collective bargaining agreement with the district's...
Marine's mother takes on troop transport duties for family visits

Marine’s mother takes on troop transport duties for family visits

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square When Army Specialist Dakota Barnes considered flying home to California for Christmas last year, she knew she couldn't afford it without giving up her yearly...
Trump plans to clean up Democrat-run cities over local objections

Trump plans to clean up Democrat-run cities over local objections

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump plans to clean up major U.S. cities that he says are plagued by crime. Democrats see his plans to use military troops...
WCO Board Aug 21.3

Will County Board Formally Opposes Heavier, Longer Trucks on National Roadways

Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on the nation's roadways. The...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Park Board for July 2025

Manhattan Park Board Meeting | July 2025 The Manhattan Park Board took a major step forward on its signature Round Barn Farm restoration project at its meeting on Thursday, July...
manhattan school district 114.3

School Board Debates Governance Structure, Tables Decision Until November

Article Summary: The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education held a discussion on whether to overhaul its committee structure but opted to delay any decision until November, allowing time...
Energy advocate applauds oil and gas commingling updates

Energy advocate applauds oil and gas commingling updates

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Oil and gas commingling rules have been updated in accordance with the Big Beautiful Bill in order to strengthen energy production and safety, with energy...
will county board meeting graphic.5

Will County Board Approves Permits for Landscaping Business and Restaurant Liquor Service in Frankfort Area

Article SummaryThe Will County Board unanimously approved three separate special use permits for businesses in the Frankfort area, allowing a landscaping operation in Green Garden Township to continue and two...