Illinois quick hits: $1.57B return on investments; solar-powered manufacturer cuts ribbon

Illinois quick hits: $1.57B return on investments; solar-powered manufacturer cuts ribbon

August 28, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

$1.57B return on investments

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs says his office made a record $1.57 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during fiscal year 2025.

Frerichs said his office also made $998 million in gross investment earnings for municipalities and school districts.

The treasurer said every dollar earned in interest is a dollar that lawmakers don’t have to raise in taxes.

Solar-powered manufacturer cuts ribbon

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other state and local officials have cut the ribbon on a new solar-powered manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon.

Manner Polymers received Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois tax credits for the electric vehicle and solar panel component factory.

The company’s incentive package also included $2.5 million for a new rail spur, funded by state taxpayers.

Illegal gambling warning

As college and professional football seasons get underway, the Sports Betting Alliance of Illinois is warning that the risks of illegal online gaming will rise as companies pass the state’s sports-betting tax onto customers.

The group says the per-wager tax will have the most impact on recreational bettors who place small-dollar wagers, with more than half the bets placed in Illinois at $5 or less.

Community Events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Watchdog: Special interest group paid legislators’ $25,000 resort bill

Watchdog: Special interest group paid legislators’ $25,000 resort bill

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A government watchdog group has filed ethics complaints against more than a dozen Democratic legislators in Colorado. Common Cause alleges the legislators had $25,000 in...
will county board graphic

Commission Grants Green Garden Solar Farm Project Variance Extension

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission granted a 180-day extension for two variances related to a commercial...
Union Pacific to ask appeals court for biometrics lawsuit exemption

Union Pacific to ask appeals court for biometrics lawsuit exemption

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Though he has said he believes the company's position would lead to legally "absurd" results, a federal judge will still allow freight...
Illinois quick hits: Notices of affected flights; injunction issued over ICE force

Illinois quick hits: Notices of affected flights; injunction issued over ICE force

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Notices of affected flights Chicago-based United Airlines is promising to let passengers know “as soon as possible” if their flights are affected by the...
Evers, Grisham fly to Brazil for climate change summit as government remains shut down

Evers, Grisham fly to Brazil for climate change summit as government remains shut down

By Tate MillerThe Center Square In the midst of the ongoing government shutdown, a number of Democrat governors, mayors and other officials are flying to Brazil climate change convenings. Founder...
Upcoming mass flight cancellations worry U.S. air travelers

Upcoming mass flight cancellations worry U.S. air travelers

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With dozens of major U.S. airports reducing their flight volumes starting Friday, travelers will see droves of flights cancelled nationwide for the duration of the...
mokena library logo graphic.3

Mokena Library Board Delays Tax Levy Vote, Cites Need for Future Renovation Funds

Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 Article SummaryThe Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees has postponed a decision on its tentative tax...
Pritzker watching redistricting debate as GOP grapples with filibuster

Pritzker watching redistricting debate as GOP grapples with filibuster

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In the aftermath of Tuesday’s elections in other parts of the country, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is...
Trump administration finds SNAP fraud

Trump administration finds SNAP fraud

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Amid the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking to root out fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as...

WATCH: Trump says tariffs may cost Americans ‘something’ but keep U.S. safe

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Thursday Americans should be thankful for his tariffs, which he said he has used to end wars that Americans would otherwise...
Chicago mayor: IL legislature has 'more work to do' on tax increases

Chicago mayor: IL legislature has ‘more work to do’ on tax increases

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to see more tax increases from the Illinois General Assembly, but a...
White House secures deal on weight loss drugs

White House secures deal on weight loss drugs

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The White House has secured another deal with major pharmaceutical companies, this time to offer popular weight loss drugs for less in some cases. On...
Chicago pension, debt services costs among highest in country

Chicago pension, debt services costs among highest in country

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago’s budget has grown by nearly 40% since 2019 with the biggest increased expenditure going toward...
WATCH: DCFS still looking for missing children numbers; Pritzker on elections results

WATCH: DCFS still looking for missing children numbers; Pritzker on elections results

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop continues his coverage...
Illinois quick hits: DHS ordered to address ICE facility conditions; Garcia explains retirement decision

Illinois quick hits: DHS ordered to address ICE facility conditions; Garcia explains retirement decision

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS ordered to address ICE facility conditions A U.S. District Court judge in Chicago has issued a temporary restraining order directing...