June 26, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago reports increased visitor spending

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

Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Newton Shuts Out Casey-Westfield in Conference Clash

CASEY, IL – A stellar pitching performance by C. Barthelme led Newton to a 3-0 victory over Casey-Westfield in Monday’s conference baseball matchup. Barthelme was nearly untouchable on the mound, tossing...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Baseball Powers Past Lawrenceville in 13-3 Road Win

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team secured a decisive 13-3 conference victory over Lawrenceville on Thursday. The Warriors’ offense set the tone early and surged late to pull away from the...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Warriors Shut Out Danville in 9-0 Victory

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team put together a complete performance on Thursday, shutting out Danville for a commanding 9-0 non-conference victory. The Warriors broke the game open early, scoring five...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Late-Inning Rally Propels Casey-Westfield Past Paris in Conference Clash

The Paris Tigers varsity baseball team dropped a hard-fought 6-4 conference matchup against Casey-Westfield on Monday. Despite a commanding offensive showing from M. Hutchings and a solid start on the...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Goble Stars in the Circle and at the Plate as Casey-Westfield Powers Past Paris, 10-3

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team utilized three home runs and a dominant pitching performance from senior Ava Goble to secure a commanding 10-3 conference victory on the road against Paris...
Chicago mayor to push for local funding, keeping Bears

Chicago mayor to push for local funding, keeping Bears

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As he travels to Springfield to lobby for state funding of local governments, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson...
Senate Republicans unveil $72 billion budget package to fund ICE, CBP

Senate Republicans unveil $72 billion budget package to fund ICE, CBP

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Republicans are forging ahead with legislation to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and U.S. Border Patrol along party lines. The two Senate committees...
Illinois AI regulations have mild industry support, could draw federal ire

Illinois AI regulations have mild industry support, could draw federal ire

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Experts in artificial intelligence spoke to state lawmakers recently, providing guidance on four bills introduced in the...
DOJ files complaint to block Minnesota climate lawsuit

DOJ files complaint to block Minnesota climate lawsuit

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a complaint against Minnesota, seeking to block the state from continuing to pursue a lawsuit against energy companies...
Hegseth: Ceasefire holds despite Iranian aggression

Hegseth: Ceasefire holds despite Iranian aggression

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Despite Iranian forces opening fire on American warships in the Strait of Hormuz Monday, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said the ceasefire still holds and the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Mayors to visit capitol urge protection of local funding

Illinois Quick Hits: Mayors to visit capitol urge protection of local funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to reverse his proposed budget cut to local...
Despite tax revolt, Lower Merion keeps administrator pay high

Despite tax revolt, Lower Merion keeps administrator pay high

By Mark StricherzThe Center Square Despite a $27 million settlement with taxpayers in 2022, Lower Merion School District continues to pay top-tier salaries to administrators.Assistant high school principals in the...
Supreme Court allows Louisiana to immediately move on drawing new map

Supreme Court allows Louisiana to immediately move on drawing new map

By Nolan MckendryThe Center Square Louisiana lawmakers can immediately begin drawing a new congressional map after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday night put into effect its ruling striking down...
After Fifth Circuit ruling on TX border security law, ACLU sues to stop it from going into effect

After Fifth Circuit ruling on TX border security law, ACLU sues to stop it from going into effect

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Roughly one week after the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals handed Texas a win on its border security law, SB 4, the law is...
Colorado legislators back psychedelic drug research

Colorado legislators back psychedelic drug research

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Psychedelic drugs are experiencing an unprecedented wave of support across the U.S. for their potential therapeutic benefits. President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to research...