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

Lincoln Way West Warriors Softball

Lincoln-Way West Pitching Throws Perfect Three Innings in 15-0 Rout of Joliet West

The Lincoln-Way West varsity softball team delivered a flawless performance on Friday afternoon, combining a perfect game in the circle with a relentless offensive attack to defeat host Joliet West...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township Residents, Officials Mobilize Against Proposed EarthRise Solar Farm

Manhattan Township Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: Manhattan Township residents and the Green Garden Watershed Committee are organizing opposition to a massive proposed EarthRise solar farm, prompting the...
Lincoln Way West Warriors Softball

Six-Run Third Inning Propels Lincoln-Way West Softball Past Downers Grove South, 12-7

Downers Grove South jumped out to a quick four-run lead in the top of the first inning, but the Lincoln-Way West varsity softball team answered with a relentless offensive attack...
Lincoln Way West Warriors Baseball

Pettit Homers, Four Pitchers Combine for Shutout as Lincoln-Way West Blanks Riverside-Brookfield, 9-0

The Lincoln-Way West varsity baseball team put together a complete performance on Thursday, pairing an explosive offense with a stifling combined shutout to roll past visiting Riverside-Brookfield, 9-0, in non-conference...
Committee-Ad-Hoc.Graphic

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for March 10, 2026

Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | March 10, 2026 The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee met on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to review a backlog...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Ad-Hoc Committee: Will County Sheriff’s Office to Acquire Decibel Meters for Noise Complaints

Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | March 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Sheriff's Office plans to purchase a fleet of certified decibel meters to accurately...
Will County Public Works Committee

Will County Public Works Approves Access for 56-Acre Truck Services Hub on Manhattan-Monee Road

Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee on Tuesday approved a request to allow commercial ingress...
Will County P&Z Logo Planning Zoning

Crest Hill Homeowner Granted Side Yard Setback Variance for Accessible Addition

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a side yard setback variance for a Crest Hill...
will county Committee-Legislative.Graphic

State Update: County Officials Raise Alarms Over Pritzker’s ADU Zoning Push and Data Center Tax Breaks

Legislative Committee Meeting | March 2026 Article Summary: During a state legislative update, Will County Board members expressed deep concerns over Governor J.B. Pritzker's continued push to mandate Accessory Dwelling Units...
Will County Public Works Committee

Committee Approves $317K Guardrail Maintenance Contract Amid Discussion on Installation Dangers

Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: Will County officials approved an annual guardrail maintenance contract Tuesday while addressing national concerns over improperly installed...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Will County Approves Diamond Enterprise Zone Expansion to Support $355 Million Energy Investment

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee unanimously approved ordinances expanding the Diamond Enterprise Zone to include the Village of Braceville. The...
will county Committee-Legislative.Graphic

Federal Update: DHS Shutdown, War Powers, and Housing Legislation Dominate Washington

Legislative Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: Will County's federal lobbyists briefed the Legislative Committee on a turbulent week in Washington, D.C., highlighting the passage of a major bipartisan...
Will County Finance Logo

Will County Corporate Revenues Surpass Expectations, Igniting Debate Over Delinquent Tax Sales

Will County Finance Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: A routine review of the county’s year-end corporate fund revealed that revenues exceeded budgeted expectations by millions, largely driven by...
Will County Public Works Committee

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee for March 3, 2026

Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, March 3, advancing millions of dollars in...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Will County Grants Extensions for Seven Solar and Commercial Projects Amid Permitting Delays

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved a slate of extensions for seven previously authorized...