(The Center Square) – The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 0.8 point in September to 97.9, one-tenth of a point below the 52-year average of 98.0.
The Uncertainty Index rose 1 point to 90, remaining well above the historical average of 68.
Labor quality or availability remained the top reported issue for the third consecutive month.
NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said labor shortages and higher cost inputs continue to put pressure on small businesses.
“Even as the majority of small businesses continue to report good or excellent business health, these pressures are increasing market uncertainty and dampening Main Street investment,” Finley said.
Judge throws out case against candidates running for two offices
A Cook County judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by one candidate for Chicago mayor who claimed that three of his opponents were violating state law by running for two offices at the same time.
Bill Quinlan filed the suit against Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Judge Eve Reilly dismissed the case on Wednesday.
Independent left out of senate debate
Independent U.S. Senate candidate Whitfield Harrington says his exclusion from an upcoming debate is not only an attempt to silence his voice, but an attempt to silence the collective voices of Illinois citizens.
Harrington said in a statement issued on Wednesday that he disagrees with the actions of WTTW News to leave him out of the debate between Democrat Juliana Stratton and Republican Don Tracy.
The WTTW event can be seen via Blue Room Stream at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Young deer hunters set new state record
Illinois hunters set a new youth deer season harvest record with a preliminary total of 4,852 deer taken from Oct. 10 to Oct. 12. The total surpasses the previous record of 4,714 deer harvested in 2025.
The top harvest counties were Randolph with 278 deer, Jefferson with 166 and Pike with 150.
Chicago fed releases advance retail trade summary
The Chicago Fed Advance Retail Trade Summary has projected retail & food services sales, excluding motor vehicles & parts, to increase +0.4% in September on a seasonally adjusted basis and to decrease -0.6% when adjusted for inflation.
