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.

Latest News Stories

Beecher High School Slated for Over $88,000 in Major Plumbing Repairs

Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education unanimously approved two separate, significant plumbing projects for the high school totaling over $88,000 during its May 14 meeting. The board awarded both...

Beecher School Board Issues Suspension, Formal Notice to Remedy to Employee

Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education has taken formal disciplinary action against district employee Jessica Carter, unanimously approving a resolution for an unpaid suspension and a "Third Issuance of...

Dr. Marie Hansel Appointed to Fill Vacancy on Beecher School Board

Article Summary: Dr. Marie Hansel has been appointed to the Beecher Board of Education, filling a vacant seat on the seven-member board. Hansel took the official oath of office during...

Beecher School Board Approves Amended Budget, New Staff Hires

Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2025 amended budget following a brief public hearing with no comment from the public. The board also approved...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for May 14, 2025

The Beecher Board of Education appointed a new member, approved over $88,000 in major infrastructure repairs for the high school, and took formal disciplinary action against an employee during its...

Washington Township Tables Decision on $11,000+ Security Upgrade, Seeks More Details

Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees has deferred a decision on a significant security system overhaul, citing the need to clarify key differences between two bids from TK...

Washington Township Approves $2,500 in Sponsorships for Beecher EMS, July 4th Celebration

Article Summary: The Washington Township Board unanimously approved two community sponsorships totaling $2,500, continuing its financial support for the Village of Beecher's Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the annual 4th...

Washington Township to Continue Annual Senior Breakfast Amid Post-COVID Attendance Changes

Article Summary: Following a discussion about lower-than-historic attendance at its recent Senior Breakfast, the Washington Township Board decided to maintain one breakfast event per year. The board concluded that the...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Washington Township Board of Trustees for May 5, 2025

The Washington Township Board of Trustees paused a decision on a major security upgrade, approved community sponsorships, and discussed the future of its senior events at its meeting on Monday,...

County Approves $4.3 Million Purchase of Wetland Banking Credits for Highway Projects

The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has approved an agreement to purchase wetland banking site credits for $4,324,550 from V3 Wetland Restoration LLC to support future county highway...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for March 20, 2025

The Beecher Fire Protection District is preparing for changes in its leadership and staffing after the Board of Trustees on March 20 approved the creation of a new Lieutenant position....

Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.1

Beecher Fire District to Hire New Lieutenant, Approves Updated Appointment Process

Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has authorized the creation of a new Lieutenant position and will begin accepting applications at the end of March. The...

Labor Representative Addresses County Committee on Public Transportation Reform Efforts

JOLIET — A labor representative warned Will County officials Thursday that proposed reforms to regional public transportation governance could diminish the county's voice in transit decisions during a presentation to...

Committee Advances $1.7 Million Upgrade Plan for River Valley Juvenile Detention Center

JOLIET — The Will County Executive Committee voted Thursday to advance a $1.7 million proposal to upgrade the River Valley Juvenile Detention Center rather than pursuing costlier alternatives to house...

County Executive Committee Briefs: Transportation Program Expands, Ordinances Updated

Mobility Management Program Expands to Three Townships: The Executive Committee approved an intergovernmental agreement to expand the Will County Mobility Management Program to include Channahon, Manhattan, and Plainfield townships. The...

« Previous
1
…
178
179
180
181
182
183
Next »