Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois Tourist spending rises to $50.2B

(The Center Square) – According to data provided by Tourism Economics, visitor spending in Illinois grew 3.5% to $50.2 billion in 2025.

A statement from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office cited the numbers and said the economic impact of tourist spending and visits last year amounted to $88 billion and produced $4.9 billion in direct state and local tax revenue.

The state gave out more than $3.3 million in travel and tourism-related grants in fiscal year 2025.

FSA MAKES LOANS AVAILABLE FOR FARMERS IMPACTED BY MARCH STORMS

Farmers and producers in Kankakee County and the contiguous counties of Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Livingston and Will can apply for low-interest loans from the USDA after severe storms swept through the area on March 10 and 11.

Farm Service Agency emergency loans can be used to meet recovery needs like the replacement of equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation and refinancing of certain debts.

Farmers in the eligible counties have until April 2027 to apply.

OFFICIALS URGE SAFE DRIVING OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

State and local officials say law enforcement agencies will be ramping up their efforts to get impaired drivers off the roads during Labor Day weekend travel.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police said seat belt laws will also be enforced as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” programs, which are funded by federal taxpayers and administered by IDOT.

According to IDOT data, there were nine fatalities on Illinois roads during the Labor Day weekend in 2025. Three of the nine fatal crashes were alcohol-related, resulting in three of the nine fatalities.

This story originally appeared on thecentersquare.com.