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.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Grand jury declines to re-indict Letitia James
U.S. Supreme Court upholds Texas’ new congressional maps
In last four years, five northern states saw most illegal crossings
Report: Hegseth violated multiple protocols and federal law in ‘Signalgate’
Illinois quick hits: Another attack on CTA passenger; plaintiffs move to dismiss their ICE use of force case
Some push for FDA approval of psychedelic treatments for veterans
WATCH: Pritzker: ‘No’ to state taxpayer-funded guaranteed income
WATCH: IL congresswoman willing to withhold highway dollars over CDL issues
Disability group, coroners press governor ahead of assisted suicide decision
Mokena Library Board Approves Tax Levy Determination with 1.76% Increase
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for November 20, 2025
WATCH: U.S. Rep. Miller live; Heated rhetoric in Congress; SNAP, ‘basic income’ debate
