Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago reports increased visitor spending

June 26, 2026/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(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.

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