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/

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.

Events

27 Aug
Elwood Senior Social Hour
27 Aug 25
28 Aug
TIME TBD- SOCCER-V Boys @ Windy City Ram Classic (Game)
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
TENNIS-JV Girls - VS Plainfield South High School (Game)
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
TENNIS-V Girls @ Plainfield South High School (Game)
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
SOCCER-F/S Boys - VS Joliet Central High School (Game)
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
SOCCER-JV Boys @ Bloom High School (Game)
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
FOOTBALL-S Boys - VS Eisenhower High School (Game)
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
SWIMMING-JV Girls - VS Joliet Township (Game)
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
SWIMMING-V Girls - VS Joliet Township (Game)
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
VOLLEYBALL-FA Girls - VS Lyons Twp High School (Game)
28 Aug 25

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