August 26, 2025/

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

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

SBL Hospice Binga set for September 9
SBL Hospice Binga set for September 9
9 Sep 25
76th Annual Clark Couty 4-H BBQ
76th Annual Clark Couty 4-H BBQ
13 Sep 25
The Quiver and Bow
The Quiver and Bow
4 Oct 25
06 Oct
Casey City Council Board Meeting
6 Oct 25
Grissom Family Orchard AppleFest
Grissom Family Orchard AppleFest
11 Oct 25
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
13 Oct 25
2025 Clark County Shrine Pagent
2025 Clark County Shrine Pagent
26 Oct 25
03 Nov
Casey City Council Board Meeting
3 Nov 25
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
10 Nov 25
01 Dec
Casey City Council Board Meeting
1 Dec 25
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
8 Dec 25
05 Jan
Casey City Council Board Meeting
5 Jan 26

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Chicago residents: 'We need help' from feds to fight crime

WATCH: Chicago residents: ‘We need help’ from feds to fight crime

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the Illinois Freedom Caucus and Chicago Flips Red join forces to invite President Donald Trump’s crime...

WATCH: Pritzker touts education spending as potential challenger focuses on literacy

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says increased K-12 spending during his administration is producing results. A potential competitor...
Congress returns, but Trump's 'pocket rescissions' snarls govt funding process

Congress returns, but Trump’s ‘pocket rescissions’ snarls govt funding process

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square It’s Congress’ first day back in session, but President Donald Trump’s clawback of nearly $5 billion in congressionally-approved spending has alienated Democrats, whose cooperation is...
Judge rules against Trump on National Guard, Marines in California

Judge rules against Trump on National Guard, Marines in California

By Dave MasonThe Center Square A federal judge Tuesday ruled against President Donald Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles. U.S. District Court Judge Charles...
Permian Basin producers reduce methane intensity by 50% as production increases

Permian Basin producers reduce methane intensity by 50% as production increases

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Methane emissions intensity for upstream oil and natural gas operations in the Permian Basin declined by more than 50% in two years, according to an...
FDA pushes nicotine pouch makers to use child-resistant packaging

FDA pushes nicotine pouch makers to use child-resistant packaging

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Food and Drug Administration is pushing nicotine pouch manufacturers to use child-resistant packaging in response to an increase in accidental exposures among children. All...
Banning AI instruction in college could stifle innovation, IL lawmaker says

Banning AI instruction in college could stifle innovation, IL lawmaker says

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of a new law prohibiting artificial intelligence being the sole instructor in community college say...
WATCH: Chicago braces for federal law enforcement; Dabrowski on public safety, education

WATCH: Chicago braces for federal law enforcement; Dabrowski on public safety, education

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 gets to the...
Illinois quick hits: Eight dead after weekend violence; Mexican national's extradition sought

Illinois quick hits: Eight dead after weekend violence; Mexican national’s extradition sought

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Eight dead after weekend violence Chicago Police say more than 55 people were shot, at least eight fatally, in the city...
Chinese networks use U.S. to launder billions for Mexican cartels

Chinese networks use U.S. to launder billions for Mexican cartels

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Chinese networks are laundering billions of dollars in drug cartel cash through the U.S. financial system, according to a new report from the Treasury Department....
Alternative tax-hike ideas emerge to fund Illinois public transit

Alternative tax-hike ideas emerge to fund Illinois public transit

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are proposing more options to address a $770 million fiscal cliff for public transit. After...
Kamala Harris pro-union X post inspires major Labor Day backlash

Kamala Harris pro-union X post inspires major Labor Day backlash

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square An X post from former Vice President Kamala Harris on this Labor Day has generated hundreds of mostly critical comments. “When unions are strong, our...
Speaker Mike Johnson says Shreveport 'Democratic DA' is to blame for high crime

Speaker Mike Johnson says Shreveport ‘Democratic DA’ is to blame for high crime

By Emilee CalamettiThe Center Square When asked about crime in Caddo Parish, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the "Democratic DA" is not prosecuting as he should. Johnson appeared on...
Trump says he will sign executive order ending mail-in voting

Trump says he will sign executive order ending mail-in voting

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square President Donald Trump said he will be signing an executive order ending mail-in voting and requiring voter ID. “Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every...
Everyday Economics: Jobs report takes center stage in week ahead

Everyday Economics: Jobs report takes center stage in week ahead

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The economy finds itself in an uncomfortable position where growth is cooling while inflation pressures intensify. The Fed's preferred inflation measure (PCE) shows core inflation...