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 Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: Governor announces green tax credits for film and TV
‘Plaintiffs’ lawyer paradise:’ IL lawsuit-friendly courts jack up costs, report says
AG candidate seeks to reform SAFE-T Act
Op-Ed: Senate Bill 3070 provides sensible solution for students, manufacturers
Illinois millionaire’s tax moves closer to November ballot
Oldest preserve expansion pushes acreage past 24,000 milestone
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for April 9, 2026
On the road to 100 years: How the Forest Preserve District expanded
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for April 14, 2026
Executive Committee Advances Sweeping Updates to Adult Entertainment and Wireless Facilities Ordinances
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Lowers Air Rifle Age to 13, Finds Airsoft Guns Beyond Local Regulatory Reach
Executive Committee Approves Local Fire District Appointments, Faces Pushback Over Delayed Elwood Seat
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for April 7, 2026