August 26, 2025/

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

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

Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield School District to Save Over $52,000 on Insurance Premiums

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a new insurance package for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that will save the district more than $52,000 compared to the current year's...
Casey City Council 07.21.25

Casey Proposes Electric Rate Hike to Stave Off Deficits; Gas Rates Next Under Review

Casey residents may soon see an increase in their electricity bills as the City Council considers raising rates for the first time in years to combat significant financial losses in...
Casey City Council 07.21.25

Casey’s Proposed Budget Jumps 53% to $31 Million, Driven by Grant Opportunities

The Casey City Council has moved forward with a proposed fiscal year 2026 appropriations ordinance totaling over $31.1 million, a staggering 53.5% increase from the previous year. City officials, however,...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for July 21, 2025

Police Department to Upgrade Radios: The City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 10 new portable radios for the police department at a cost of $13,355 from Commercial Radio. Police Chief...
Patrick-Simpson-1752666343

Patrick Randel Simpson

Patrick Randel Simpson Jr, 67, of Casey, Illinois, passed peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 25, 1957, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Pat was the...
Roy-Hock-1752681748

Roy Lee Hock

Roy Lee Hock, age 68, of Casey, IL, passed away at 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Twin Lakes Extended Care Facility in Paris, IL. He was born...
The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting at Richards Farm. Pictured (l to r) in front of the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle are Chris Snedeker, Jay Marwell, Teresa Winnett, Jeff Winnett, Marcy Mumford, Megan Peavler, Sharon Durham, Kurt Squires, Tom Daughhetee, and Brian Hancock.

Casey Rotary Club Meeting Held

The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary...
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 10.53.38 AM

Council Increases Popcorn Festival Funding to $25,000 After Heated Budget Debate

Casey City Council approved a $25,000 donation to the annual Popcorn Festival Monday night after a lengthy and sometimes tense discussion about the city's financial priorities and the festival's growing...
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 10.53.13 AM

Casey Moves Forward with Hotel Feasibility Study and TIF District Analysis

Casey City Council approved two economic development initiatives Monday night aimed at increasing tourism revenue and expanding development opportunities in the community. Council members unanimously approved a hotel feasibility study...
Meeting Briefs

Casey City Council July 7 Meeting Briefs

Police Vehicle Purchase: Casey City Council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe squad car for $54,864 from Mike Chevrolet. The vehicle was budgeted in last year's appropriations but...
Donna-Wilson

Donna K. Wilson

Donna K. Wilson, age 82, of Martinsville, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Casey Health Care Center, Casey, IL. She was born on...
cooling

Cooling Centers Available

When temperatures exceed 90°F, individuals beyond the senior demographic face potential risks if their cooling mechanisms malfunction. The Township, Senior Center, and Emergency Management Agency (E.M.A.) offer a cooling center...
no carts

No Carts in Fairview Park Walking Paths

The Casey Police Department wants to remind residents that no golf carts, ATVs, or motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed on the walking and biking path in Fairview Park,...
Rocking Chair.2

Beauty around the Rocking Chair

The Rocking Chair was looking beautiful for visitors this Fourth of July weekend.
The Marketing Team of Downstate Illinois was present at Tuesday’s Rotary Club weekly meeting at Richards Farm. They were the guests of new member Tom Daughhetee, Economic Development Director for the City of Casey. Pictured (l to right) are Christine Orr, Sales & Marketing Director; Abbie Hernandez, Sales & Marketing Specialist; Jordan Jackovich, Communications Manager; and Daughhetee. Photo by Sharon Durham

Rotary Hosts Discover Downstate Illinois Marketing Team

Discover Downstate Illinois Marketing Team takes care of everything from the planning, designing, placing, and even paying some of the bills for members. They can assist with various marketing projects,...