Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago reports increased visitor spending
(The Center Square) – Chicago’s destination marketing organization says the city welcomed 56.8 million visitors in 2025 and generated a record-setting $21.5 billion in visitor spending.
The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association said the data from Choose Chicago shows modest growth, but the city’s numbers lag pre-pandemic levels.
IHLS President & CEO Michael Jacobson said Chicago hotels face challenges in the form of higher operating costs, growing property taxes and overburdensome regulations.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR INDICTED
An Illinois investment advisor has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly swindling clients in a Ponzi scheme.
Prosecutors say Paaris Kopsaftis, 42, of Charlotte, North Carolina, fraudulently solicited and obtained money from victims when he operated Illinois-based Blackwater Assets, Inc. from 2020 to 2025.
A status hearing is set for July 15.
MORE AMERICA 250 EVENTS ANNOUNCED
A new state government website and social media channels are dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the new America 250 web page lists a schedule of events taking place at the Capitol Complex in Springfield.
The Illinois State Archives launched social media channels to bring the state’s history to new audiences and engage residents in the commemoration.
WIZ KHALIFA TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR BOTH ILLINOIS STATE FAIRS
Wiz Khalifa is scheduled to take the stage at both the Illinois State Fair and the Du Quoin State Fair in August.
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale Saturday for the hip hop performer’s show at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Aug. 19. Tickets are already on sale via Ticketmaster for Wiz Khalifa’s performance at the Du Quoin State Fair on Aug. 29.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: Raoul says office shorted about $10M
Competency evaluation delays federal case against suspect in Zarutska’s death
Framework of new Bears, megaprojects legislation announced
Fort Bragg soldier’s trial Dec. 7; dismissal motion expected next month
From California to New Jersey, Muslim men are being arrested for supporting ISIS
Bus driver in I-95 quintuple fatal exits hospital, goes to jail
The U.S. will ‘respond’ to Iran downing Army chopper; ceasefire in question
Vance refers Minnesota fraud allegations to DOJ for investigation
No state charges for Cities Church protesters, federal charges pending
State officials prepared to drop Housing First grant criteria before HUD notice
Independent candidate blasts election measure
Investigation underway following downed Army chopper near Strait of Hormuz
