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

State Senator, ‘angel parent’ want to let police work with ICE

State Senator, ‘angel parent’ want to let police work with ICE

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Democrat legislators have moved legislation to restrict U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations within Illinois, one...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield Board of Education for April 20, 2026

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 The Casey-Westfield Board of Education met for a regular session on Monday, April 20, 2026. The board accelerated major HVAC replacements...
U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allows mail-order abortion pills

U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allows mail-order abortion pills

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will temporarily allow women to obtain abortion pills through the mail, without visiting an in-person doctor. Justices on the court blocked...
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Washington COVID-19 speech case

U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Washington COVID-19 speech case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case over whether the government can discipline doctors for what they say publicly. The case, Stockton v....
'Project Freedom' begins, two ships safely transit Strait of Hormuz

‘Project Freedom’ begins, two ships safely transit Strait of Hormuz

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The United States launched “Project Freedom” Monday morning in an effort to safely escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump announced...
Supreme Court declines hearing Chicago gun sales case

Supreme Court declines hearing Chicago gun sales case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court declined hearing a case that alleged an Indiana gun shop fueled gun violence in Chicago. The case, Westforth Sports v. Chicago,...
Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG

Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he is pleased that a federal court stated it will approve...
Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren't cooperating

Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren’t cooperating

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- Illinois has failed to broaden access to state contract money for businesses owned by racial minorities, women...
U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday

U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Ohio will head to polls on Tuesday to select their respective party nominees after the state legislature conducted a mid-decade redistricting effort to...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Late Seventh-Inning Rally Lifts Casey-Westfield Baseball Over GCMS, 11-9

A dramatic four-run surge in the top of the seventh inning propelled the Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team to a thrilling 11-9 comeback victory over Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley (GCMS) on Saturday afternoon...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Westville Baseball Rallies for Dramatic 5-3 Extra-Inning Walk-Off Over Casey-Westfield

The Westville varsity baseball team engineered a thrilling late-game comeback to defeat visiting Casey-Westfield 5-3 in extra innings during a Saturday morning non-conference matchup. Down to their final outs, the...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Offense Erupts, Bonds Shines as Casey-Westfield Dominates Seeger 15-3

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team unleashed a relentless offensive assault and rode a dominant strikeout performance from sophomore Arhianna Bonds to a commanding 15-3 non-conference road victory over Seeger on...
Illinois lawmaker warns medical records bill could delay care

Illinois lawmaker warns medical records bill could delay care

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers are clashing over an Illinois proposal that would restrict how certain sensitive medical information...
‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action

‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action

By Sean ReedThe Center Square Many farm-focused organizations say they support a GOP-led legislative package on agriculture that narrowly passed through the U.S. House. The Illinois Farm Bureau has urged...
Indiana voters to decide compeititive congressional primary races Tuesday

Indiana voters to decide compeititive congressional primary races Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Indiana voters head to the polls Tuesday to elect party representatives in several competitive primary races. Across the Hoosier state, local political figures are seeking...