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

Poll: Voters more likely to support GOP over Trump

Poll: Voters more likely to support GOP over Trump

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Republican voters are more likely to identify themselves as supporters of the party itself rather than supporters of President Donald Trump, results of a new...
Report: Texas and Florida are leading in tort reform, Boom Belt success

Report: Texas and Florida are leading in tort reform, Boom Belt success

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas and Florida are leading in tort reform, bringing more business and economic growth to southern Boom Belt states, the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute...
Poll: 96% want Senate candidates to address Social Security cuts

Poll: 96% want Senate candidates to address Social Security cuts

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Ninety-six percent of voters want Senate candidates to explain how they'll prevent an automatic 22% Social Security benefit cut for 70 million Americans, a new...
Energy group praises bill curbing EPA regulatory 'abuses'

Energy group praises bill curbing EPA regulatory ‘abuses’

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Recently introduced legislation that would rein in certain regulatory powers of the Environmental Protection Agency has drawn praise from dozens of energy industry groups. The...
Taxpayer cost questions surround push for suicide prevention measures on I-74 Bridge

Taxpayer cost questions surround push for suicide prevention measures on I-74 Bridge

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Suicide prevention advocates are renewing calls for safety measures on the Interstate 74 Bridge, arguing that...
America 250: Celebrating the first attorneys general who fought for freedom

America 250: Celebrating the first attorneys general who fought for freedom

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of independence, they are also celebrating the first attorneys general who helped establish the justice system. Among the first...
Texas becomes first state to make Bible required reading

Texas becomes first state to make Bible required reading

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After several days of hearings and votes, the Texas State Board of Education voted late Friday to require a reading list for every grade level...
Colorado gubernatorial candidates debate economic issues

Colorado gubernatorial candidates debate economic issues

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Two Democrats and three Republicans have pulled ahead in Colorado's crowded race for the soon-to-be vacant Governor’s Office. Following Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ term limit,...
U.S. launches retaliatory strikes against Iran

U.S. launches retaliatory strikes against Iran

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square United States military strikes were launched in retaliation against Iran on Friday. President Donald Trump said the Islamic Republic targeted a cargo ship with drones...
Illinois sued over prediction market law imposing new taxes, regulations

Illinois sued over prediction market law imposing new taxes, regulations

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A lawsuit against a new Illinois law taxing prediction markets has been filed in federal court, presenting...
Epstein's billionaire associate subpoenaed after refusing to answer oversight committee

Epstein’s billionaire associate subpoenaed after refusing to answer oversight committee

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee appeared stunned after billionaire Leon Black, a close associate of the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, walked...
Energy institute launches website criticizing use of 'extreme' climate scenario

Energy institute launches website criticizing use of ‘extreme’ climate scenario

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square The American Energy Institute launched a new website that argues governments, researchers, and other institutions relied on an extreme climate scenario long after scientists questioned...
Trump threatens 100% tariff over European digital services taxes

Trump threatens 100% tariff over European digital services taxes

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump threatened Friday to impose a 100% tariff on any country that implements a digital services tax on U.S. technology companies, a move...
Trump teases 'you'll find out' on U.S. response to Iranian drone attack

Trump teases ‘you’ll find out’ on U.S. response to Iranian drone attack

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following drone attacks by Iranian forces on a ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump told reporters that they will find out if...
Military responds swiftly to devastating Venezuelan earthquakes

Military responds swiftly to devastating Venezuelan earthquakes

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. has already begun deploying several civilian and military assets to Venezuela following two massive earthquakes. The South American country was struck by a...