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.
Partly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
Trump commemorates America’s British heritage during rare royal visit
Congressional progressives introduce $25 federal minimum wage plan
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices rise again
UAE quits OPEC as gas prices hit $4.19 a gallon nationwide
Feds raid more than 20 sites in Minneapolis in fraud probe
State legislative investigation: Camp Mystic created ‘complacent flood culture’
Illinois Senate to consider megaprojects after Pritzker calls out amusement tax
EXCLUSIVE: SPLC called on to remove parental rights groups from its ‘hate map’
Illinois Quick Hits: Driver killed in reported shootout with police on I-88
Beecher to Fund $32,000 for Kankakee Area Career Center Roof Amid Severe CTE Teacher Shortages
Historic Joseph Perry House in Crete Granted Landmark Status
U.S. House to vote on five-year Farm Bill this week
Constitutional tests await IL Dems’ race-based district plan
State House OKs access to abortion medication at colleges
