Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago reports increased visitor spending

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago reports increased visitor spending

June 26, 2026/
Spread the love

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Marilyn Monroe's home becomes a monument; owners sue

Marilyn Monroe’s home becomes a monument; owners sue

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Marilyn Monroe's home is the subject of a federal lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles. Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank purchased the property in...
Abbott lauds Supreme Court's second ruling upholding Texas' new congressional maps

Abbott lauds Supreme Court’s second ruling upholding Texas’ new congressional maps

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled for a second and final time in favor of Texas’ redistricting law, effectively ending all challenges to the...
Illinois quick hits: Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction

Illinois quick hits: Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s...
Special session for congressional maps set to convene

Special session for congressional maps set to convene

By David BeasleyThe Center Square Florida's Legislature reconvenes Tuesday for a special called session that will consider new congressional maps. Republicans could gain as many as four congressional seats in...
Trump officials explain assassination attempt charges on alleged attacker

Trump officials explain assassination attempt charges on alleged attacker

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Trump administration officials on Monday detailed charges against the suspected attacker of the White House Correspondents' Association's Dinner in Washington, D.C. Cole Tomas Allen faced...
Virginia Supreme Court questions redistricting process

Virginia Supreme Court questions redistricting process

By Shirleen GuerraThe Center Square Virginia Supreme Court justices zeroed in Monday on one question: Did lawmakers follow the rules when they put a redistricting amendment on the ballot? The...
Tillis affirms support of Warsh ahead of Wednesday vote

Tillis affirms support of Warsh ahead of Wednesday vote

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Kevin Warsh’s path to succeed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has the support of U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, the North Carolina Republican said multiple times...
Jack Daniel’s maker faces foreign takeover push

Jack Daniel’s maker faces foreign takeover push

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square The company that makes one of America’s most popular whiskey brands is receiving interest from both foreign and domestic buyers. Louisville-based Brown-Forman, which makes Jack...
Pritzker pushes housing plan described as 'all stick,' no carrot

Pritzker pushes housing plan described as ‘all stick,’ no carrot

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pushing to prevent local communities from restricting housing development, but local leaders say...
Alleged attacker charged with attempted assassination of Trump

Alleged attacker charged with attempted assassination of Trump

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The man accused of storming the White House Correspondents' Associations Dinner has been charged with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. Cole Tomas Allen...
Republican lawmakers say shooting proves need for Trump ballroom

Republican lawmakers say shooting proves need for Trump ballroom

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square In light of the Saturday shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, congressional Republicans are calling for an end to the Department of Homeland...
White House calls for DHS funding after correspondents incident

White House calls for DHS funding after correspondents incident

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The White House on Monday called on Congress to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents'...
Report: $186 billion in federal payment errors likely an undercount

Report: $186 billion in federal payment errors likely an undercount

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Federal agencies made an estimated $186 billion in improper payments in fiscal year 2025, a $24 billion increase from the prior year, according to a...
Convenience store advocate: Swipe fee ruling is 'one step' in the process

Convenience store advocate: Swipe fee ruling is ‘one step’ in the process

By Jim TalamontiThe Center Square *The Center Square) – The federal government has moved to partially block an Illinois law banning electronic processing fees on the tax and tip portions...
Report: Sharp ideological divide in Minnesota congressional delegation

Report: Sharp ideological divide in Minnesota congressional delegation

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A new report analyzing congressional voting records shows a clear ideological divide between Minnesota’s Republican and Democratic delegations. In its idealogical rankings, the Institute for...