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.

More Stories
Beecher Weather Full forecast →
Today Jul 20
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
85° 61°

Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny

💨 10 to 15 mph 💧 34%
Data: National Weather Service • Updated Jul 21, 6:35 AM Full Forecast →
Site Sections

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Legislator seeks to exempt cap for Hollywood tax credits

Legislator seeks to exempt cap for Hollywood tax credits

By Robert MattesonThe Center Square Legislators fear California will become noncompetitive again in attracting major film and TV productions if changes aren’t made to the state budget. The $350 billion...
U.S. announces end to military operations in Iraq as conflict in Iran ramps up

U.S. announces end to military operations in Iraq as conflict in Iran ramps up

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. is signaling a significant shift in the Middle East as President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with the Iraqi...
U.S. House votes to make daylight savings time permanent

U.S. House votes to make daylight savings time permanent

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. House lawmakers voted 308 - 117 to pass a bill Tuesday making daylight savings time year-round, sending the legislation to the Senate. The Sunshine...
Congressional committee to hold hearing in Houston after ICE fatal shootings

Congressional committee to hold hearing in Houston after ICE fatal shootings

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A congressional field hearing is scheduled for the end of the month in Texas to address the fatal shooting of a Mexican national by U.S....
Feds: Chicago is key in trade fraud fight

Feds: Chicago is key in trade fraud fight

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Federal officials came to Illinois this week to announce the results of a major crackdown on trade...
Democrats tank advance of national defense bill in U.S. Senate

Democrats tank advance of national defense bill in U.S. Senate

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. Senate Democrats blocked a critical Pentagon funding authorization bill from advancing Tuesday, a show of rebellion against the Trump administration resuming military hostilities in...
Illinois Quick Hits: State officials launch court user survey

Illinois Quick Hits: State officials launch court user survey

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Judicial Conference announced on Tuesday a statewide circuit court user...
Former CBO chief: Congress isn't grappling with AI's fiscal impact

Former CBO chief: Congress isn’t grappling with AI’s fiscal impact

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Former Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf says he's seen no sign Congress is grappling with AI's effect on federal taxes and spending, even as...
GOP hardliners lift U.S. House blockade, challenges remain

GOP hardliners lift U.S. House blockade, challenges remain

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square A group of Republican hardliners in the U.S. House finally lifted its blockade of the floor, allowing a critical national security funding bill to advance...
U.S. House passes 10 bills to strengthen homeland security, address terrorism

U.S. House passes 10 bills to strengthen homeland security, address terrorism

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. House has passed 10 bipartisan bills advanced by the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, which the committee says will strengthen homeland security...
Gulf lawmakers aim to extend state borders to 9 miles offshore

Gulf lawmakers aim to extend state borders to 9 miles offshore

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square A bipartisan coalition of Gulf Coast lawmakers is pushing to change a 73-year-old law that limits their states' maritime boundaries to 3 miles offshore, potentially...
Ongoing border security prosecution efforts: 23 extraditions in one month

Ongoing border security prosecution efforts: 23 extraditions in one month

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Border-crime related prosecutions are ongoing with extraditions playing a key role in prosecutions. The latest extradition to Texas was the 23rd in one month, FBI...
Graham: Man of great faith, fierce fighter for South Carolina, America

Graham: Man of great faith, fierce fighter for South Carolina, America

By Alan WootenThe Center Square From colleagues in both major parties to leaders of foreign nations, appreciation for the public service of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has been overwhelming since...
$424.9M considered for projects at Fire stadium questioned

$424.9M considered for projects at Fire stadium questioned

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council may vote Wednesday on deals to spend $424.9 million of tax increment financing...
Multi-state lawsuit challenges $1B in federal education grant cuts

Multi-state lawsuit challenges $1B in federal education grant cuts

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined with 14 other attorneys general on a lawsuit attempting to stop the U.S. Department of Education from cutting...