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 Fire Protection District graphic.4

Beecher Public Bodies Renew Joint Fuel Purchasing Agreement to Save Taxpayer Money

Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District has renewed an intergovernmental agreement with four other local public bodies to continue purchasing fuel in bulk, a strategy designed to reduce costs...

Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.2

Beecher Fire District Invests Over $91,000 in New Protective Gear and Helmets

Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District will purchase new turnout gear and helmets for its firefighters after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved two proposals totaling more than $91,000....

beecher illinois public library graphic.1

Beecher Library Board Installs New Trustees, Elects Officers for Two-Year Term

Article Summary: Following the certification of the April 1 election, the Beecher Community Library Board seated three trustees for six-year terms and unanimously re-elected Shirley R. Biery as president. The...

Beecher Library Board Streamlines Bill Payments Between Meetings

Article Summary: The Beecher Community Library Board approved a new policy to allow for the payment of routine bills that arrive after its monthly meetings, a move designed to improve...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Community Library Board for May 20, 2025

The Beecher Community Library Board seated three newly elected trustees and appointed its officers for the next two years at its May 20 meeting. Shirley R. Biery was re-elected as...

Will County Board Rejects Two Solar Farm Projects After Heated Public Opposition

New Lenox area residents cite safety concerns, property values in opposing commercial solar facilities The Will County Board voted decisively against two proposed commercial solar energy facilities during its May...

County Approves $15 Million Water System Takeover for Southeast Joliet Area

700 homes to receive upgraded service as Joliet takes control of failing sanitary district The Will County Board voted 20-1 to support dissolving the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District and transferring...

Board Postpones County Purchasing Code Overhaul Amid Union Contractor Debate

Members seek clarification on requirements that could favor unionized businesses The Will County Board postponed action on proposed changes to county purchasing ordinances after members raised concerns about language that...

Animal Permit Hearing Reveals Neighborhood Disputes Over Horses, Roosters in Crete Township

Board postpones decision on Torres family request pending barn variance appeal A contentious hearing over Fernando Torres' request to keep horses on his Crete Township property exposed deep neighborhood divisions...

Transportation Projects Advance as Board Approves Vision Zero, Road Improvements

County adopts traffic safety initiative while funding major infrastructure upgrades The Will County Board approved a comprehensive transportation agenda including adoption of Vision Zero principles and multiple road improvement projects...

Health Department Receives Budget Boost, Sunny Hill Admission Policy Updated

Board approves funding increases and policy changes for county health services The Will County Board approved budget appropriations for the health department and updated admission policies for Sunny Hill Nursing...

Will County Board Meeting Briefs Package

COUNTY APPOINTMENTS Fire Protection District: Board approved county executive appointments to Manhattan Fire Protection District board. Agricultural Committee: Approved appointment to Agricultural Area Committee with Member Judy Ogala abstaining due...

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...

« Previous
1
…
222
223
224
225
226
…
228
Next »