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Articles by Elyse Kelly
While business travel still lags, hotel industry leader expects full recovery by 2024
(The Center Square) – A battered hotel industry is enjoying summer travel, but business travel, the industry's big money-maker, is still reticent to book. Leisure travel came roaring back this year as pent-up demand sent a surge of travelers onto the road and into various lodging across Illinois. June saw hotel occupancy hit 72%, 2% higher than the national occupancy rate, WIFR reported.
As recession grips U.S., certain Illinois industries see slowdowns
(The Center Square) – As national output declined for the second quarter in a row, concerns of a recession rekindle. The U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell at an annual rate of 0.9% from April through June this year, pushed by high inflation as consumers cut back. Its was the second consecutive quarter of negative GDP growth in the U.S. In the Land of Lincoln, the University of Illinois’ Flash Index declined for the third straight month, dropping to 105.5 compared to 105.7 in May.
While business travel still lags, hotel industry leader expects full recovery by 2024
By ELYSE KELLY, contributor The Center Square A battered hotel industry is enjoying summer travel, but business travel, the industry’s big money-maker, is still reticent to book. Leisure travel came roaring back this year as pent-up demand sent a surge of travelers onto the road and into various lodging across Illinois. June saw hotel occupancy hit 72 percent, 2 percent higher than the national occupancy rate, WIFR reported.
As recession grips U.S., certain Illinois industries see slowdowns
(The Center Square) – As national output declined for the second quarter in a row, concerns of a recession rekindle. kAm%96 &]$] vC@DD s@>6DE:4 !C@5F4E Wvs!X 76== 2E 2? 2??F2= C2E6 @7 _]hT 7C@> pAC:= E9C@F89 yF?6 E9:D J62C[ AFD965 3J 9:89 :?7=2E:@? 2D 4@?DF>6CD 4FE 324<] xED H2D E96 D64@?5 4@?D64FE:G6 BF2CE6C @7 ?682E:G6 vs! 8C@HE9 :? E96 &]$]k^Am kAmx? E96 {2?5 @7 {:?4@=?[ E96 &?:G6CD:EJ @7 x==:?@:D’ u=2D9 x?56I 564=:?65 7@C E96 E9:C5 DEC2:89E >@?E9[ 5C@AA:?8 E@ `_d]d 4@>A2C65 E@ `_d]f :?
Advocate: Massachusetts' low- and middle-income earners squeezed in housing shortfall Original
(The Center Square) – Housing advocates in Massachusetts are pointing to overly restrictive local laws as to why the state is facing a housing crisis. A new study released by Up for Growth, a national nonprofit organization focused on housing affordability, reports that Massachusetts has experienced a deficit of 108,000 housing units that are not being produced each year over the past several years.
Stop producing 'forever chemicals' says Illinois Environmental Council
(The Center Square) – The national conversation about forever chemicals just hit home for many Illinoisans as testing found at least eight million residents get water from a utility where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, were found.
While business travel still lags, hotel industry leader expects full recovery by 2024
(The Center Square) – A battered hotel industry is enjoying summer travel, but business travel, the industry's big money-maker, is still reticent to book. kAm{6:DFC6 EC2G6= 42>6 C@2C:?8 324< E9:D J62C 2D A6?E\FA 56>2?5 D6?E 2 DFC86 @7 EC2G6=6CD @?E@ E96 C@25 2?5 :?E@ G2C:@FD =@58:?8 24C@DD x==:?@:D] yF?6 D2H 9@E6= @44FA2?4J 9:E faT[ aT 9:896C E92? E96 ?2E:@?2= @44FA2?4J C2E6[ (xu# C6A@CE65]k^Am kAmx==:?@:D w@E6= 2?5 {@58:?8 pDD@4:2E:@? AC6D:56?E 2?5 rt~ |:4926= y24@3D@?
Stop producing 'forever chemicals' says Illinois Environmental Council Original
(The Center Square) – The national conversation about forever chemicals just hit home for many Illinoisans as testing found at least eight million residents get water from a utility where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, were found.
Stop producing 'forever chemicals' says Illinois Environmental Council
(The Center Square) – The national conversation about forever chemicals just hit home for many Illinoisans as testing found at least eight million residents get water from a utility where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, were found. kAm(96? D:I @FE @7 6G6CJ `_ !C2:C:6 $E2E6 C6D:56?ED EFC? @? E96 E2A[ E96J 2C6 7:==:?8 E96:C 4FAD H:E9 H2E6C 4@?E2:?:?8 496>:42=D <?@H? E@ 42FD6 42?46C[ 244@C5:?8 E@ a_a_ x==:?@:D t?G:C@?>6?E2= !C@E64E:@?
Hard times for the herds in Massachusetts Original
(The Center Square) – Drought conditions in Massachusetts has put pressure on farmers through their crops and dairy industry. Every county, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, in the Bay State is experiencing some level of drought, with the eastern half of the state dealing with the driest conditions. “For any dairy farmers, this is a disaster if you’re in the extreme drought area,” Warren Shaw, president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, told The Center Square.
Advocate: Faith's Law is 'important expansion' that will 'keep kids safer' Original
(The Center Square) – Illinois is tightening its laws around sexual misconduct and abuse at schools. Thanks to Faith’s Law, named after Illinois resident Faith Colson, who was sexually abused as a high school student, some loopholes have been closed and laws expanded around sexual abuse involving students at school. Because kids spend so much time at school, there is more opportunity for them to be victimized there, said Carrie Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
Massachusetts health official pleased with 988 rollout
(The Center Square) – Rollout of the new national mental health crisis hotline, 988, is going well in Massachusetts. Within the first week, crisis centers informally reported call volumes jumped 45% nationally over the prior week, said Danna Mauch, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health. “From everything we’re hearing, the mechanics of this, including managing the increased call volume, are going fairly well,” Mauch told The Center Square.
Red tide has been 'detrimental to business,' says Massachusetts shellfish distributor
(The Center Square) – Massachusetts’ North Shore shellfish industry has been reeling under a red tide that makes clams and oysters toxic to humans. A population surge of microscopic plankton, red tide can occur naturally or be ignited artificially through interference such as runoff from chemical plants and lawn fertilizer.
Red tide has been 'detrimental to business,' says Massachusetts shellfish distributor
(The Center Square) – Massachusetts’ North Shore shellfish industry has been reeling under a red tide that makes clams and oysters toxic to humans. A population surge of microscopic plankton, red tide can occur naturally or be ignited artificially through interference such as runoff from chemical plants and lawn fertilizer.
Maryland housing market gaining options, and prices still high
(The Center Square) – More options are coming to the Maryland housing market for those seeking to buy a home. Houses haven’t been this costly since the housing bubble in 2006, according to the National Association of Realtors’ housing-affordability index, which fell to 102.5 in May. In July 2006, the index was 100.5, the Wall Street Journal reported. The number of units sold in the Free State is also dropping, Maryland Association of Realtors President Craig Wolf said, but prices aren’t.
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe vice chairman: Grant 'has a great impact on the tribal economy'
(The Center Square) – One Native American group in Massachusetts will be receiving an influx of federal dollars, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said. The veteran Democratic Senator from Massachusetts announced that aquacultural efforts by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will receive $1.1 million through the Economic Development Administration Grant to drive economic growth within the tribe. The funds, according to the release, are derived from the American Rescue Plan Act’s Indigenous Communities program.
Study puts Illinois employers eighth most hard up filling empty jobs Original
(The Center Square) – Compared to other states, Illinois is having one of the hardest times finding employees, according to a new study. A new ranking from WalletHub puts the Land of Lincoln eighth among the states for unfilled job openings, comparing the last 12 months but weighing the most recent month twice as heavily.
Maryland housing market gaining options, and prices still high
(The Center Square) – More options are coming to the Maryland housing market for those seeking to buy a home. Houses haven’t been this costly since the housing bubble in 2006, according to the National Association of Realtors’ housing-affordability index, which fell to 102.5 in May. In July 2006, the index was 100.5, the Wall Street Journal reported. The number of units sold in the Free State is also dropping, Maryland Association of Realtors President Craig Wolf said, but prices aren’t.
Stroh: Massachusetts' ECE access 'really extremely positive for children’ Original
(The Center Square) – Lawmakers on Beacon Hill are working to expand access for early childhood education and childcare subsidies, along with pay raises for the state’s teachers. State lawmakers on Beacon Hill are intent on overhauling the state’s early childhood education and child care initiatives to expand opportunities to more middle-income families. They plan to do this through raising income limits for subsidies as the legislative session is winding down.
$45M in Illinois' revenue from legal marijuana sales goes to help rebuild drug war-torn communities
Grants aiming to repair harm from the war on drugs are headed toward hard-hit communities in the Land of Lincoln. Through grants, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is channeling $45 million in tax revenues from legal marijuana sales to local organizations helping heal cities and neighborhoods negatively impacted by the state’s campaign against the illegal drug industry, according to a state news release.
Illinois EPA grants aimed at unsewered communities Original
(The Center Square) – Illinois is working to make sewage overflow from the neighbor’s yard on a rainy day a thing of the past through a series of grants to help unsewered communities. More than $500,000 of taxpayer funds from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is available in the form of Unsewered Community Planning Grants to communities lacking proper wastewater collection and treatment systems, a news release said.
$45M in legal marijuana taxes goes to help rebuild drug war-torn communities
(The Center Square) – Grants aiming to repair harm from the war on drugs are headed toward hard-hit communities in the Land of Lincoln. Through grants, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is channeling $45 million in tax revenues from legal marijuana sales to local organizations helping heal cities and neighborhoods negatively impacted by the state’s campaign against the illegal drug industry, according to a state news release.
$45M in legal marijuana taxes goes to help rebuild drug war-torn communities
(The Center Square) – Grants aiming to repair harm from the war on drugs are headed toward hard-hit communities in the Land of Lincoln. Through grants, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is channeling $45 million in tax revenues from legal marijuana sales to local organizations helping heal cities and neighborhoods negatively impacted by the state’s campaign against the illegal drug industry, according to a state news release.
$45M in legal marijuana taxes goes to help rebuild drug war-torn communities
(The Center Square) – Grants aiming to repair harm from the war on drugs are headed toward hard-hit communities in the Land of Lincoln. Through grants, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is channeling $45 million in tax revenues from legal marijuana sales to local organizations helping heal cities and neighborhoods negatively impacted by the state’s campaign against the illegal drug industry, according to a state news release.
Advocate champions program to increase healthy food access in underserved areas Original
(The Center Square) – Those in food deserts in Illinois may eventually find an oasis thanks to a new program. Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed legislation establishing the Healthy Foods Access Program to help fill gaps in the food map. A cooperation between the Department of Human Services and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the program will facilitate financial assistance to grocery retailers including grants, loans and equipment.
Expert: Maryland's crab catch limits 'no cause for panic'
(The Center Square) – With an eye trained on conservation, Maryland’s commercial crabbers won’t be harvesting as many male blue crabs through the rest of the year as in years past. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with blue-crab advisory groups, announced in a public notice that watermen crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay, and its tidal tributaries including the Potomac River, will be limited during certain months.
Expert: Maryland's crab catch limits 'no cause for panic'
(The Center Square) – With an eye trained on conservation, Maryland’s commercial crabbers won’t be harvesting as many male blue crabs through the rest of the year as in years past. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with blue-crab advisory groups, announced in a public notice that watermen crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay, and its tidal tributaries including the Potomac River, will be limited during certain months.
Maryland’s EARN program gets $1.2 million cash infusion
(The Center Square) – Maryland’s workforce is getting a boost with a $1.2 million investment from the state’s Department of Labor. The funding will be infused into the state’s nationally recognized Employment Advancement Right Now program, which works with businesses and workers to fill gaps in the labor force. Labor’s Chief Strategy Officer Joseph Farren says it is a “tailor-made” public/private partnership to fill very specific skill gaps and personnel shortages.
Maryland officials urge preparedness for busy Atlantic hurricane season
(The Center Square) – With the Atlantic hurricane season one month in, weather experts are urging Maryland residents to be prepared. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted in its seasonal forecast that six major hurricanes will form out of an estimated 14 to 21 named storms. Ed McDonough, public information officer for the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, said 2022 would be the seventh consecutive year in which the season has been above its historical average.
Maryland’s EARN program gets $1.2 million cash infusion Original
(The Center Square) – Maryland’s workforce is getting a boost with a $1.2 million investment from the state’s Department of Labor. The funding will be infused into the state’s nationally recognized Employment Advancement Right Now program, which works with businesses and workers to fill gaps in the labor force. Labor’s Chief Strategy Officer Joseph Farren says it is a "tailor-made" public/private partnership to fill very specific skill gaps and personnel shortages.
Massachusetts lobstermen back in water facing new challenges Original
(The Center Square) – Lobstermen in Massachusetts are back in the water and facing a variety of challenges. Fishermen were grounded due to right whale protections. The battle now is a combination of high fuel costs and lower prices at fisheries, raising the cost of fishing operations.
2nd Amendment supporters in Maryland rally around U.S. Supreme Court decision Original
(The Center Square) – One gun rights group in Maryland is elated with a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding self-defense. The ramifications of the court’s recent decision regarding New York’s gun permit law are being felt across the country, especially in Maryland where the decision would potentially invalidate the long-standing requirement for a permit to carry.
Maryland officials urge preparedness for busy Atlantic hurricane season Original
(The Center Square) – With the Atlantic hurricane season one month in, weather experts are urging Maryland residents to be prepared. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted in its seasonal forecast that six major hurricanes will form out of an estimated 14 to 21 named storms. Ed McDonough, public information officer for the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, said 2022 would be the seventh consecutive year in which the season has been above its historical average.
Foreclosures could ramp up as Illinois leads national rate Original
(The Center Square) – Foreclosure rates are up 185% nationally from a year ago, and Illinois is leading the pack. In May, one in every 2,000 housing units had a foreclosure filing in Illinois, and Chicago had the third-worst rate among metropolitan areas with a population of at least 200,000, according to a report by real estate data provider ATTOM.
Maryland officials urge preparedness for busy Atlantic hurricane season
(The Center Square) – With the Atlantic hurricane season one month in, weather experts are urging Maryland residents to be prepared. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted in its seasonal forecast that six major hurricanes will form out of an estimated 14 to 21 named storms. Ed McDonough, public information officer for the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, said 2022 would be the seventh consecutive year in which the season has been above its historical average.
Expert: USDA grant to address food insecurity a 'drop in the bucket'
(The Center Square) – Reducing the number of food deserts is the focus of a new federal grant program. Some Marylanders with barriers to fresh food will benefit from a United States Department of Agriculture grant which is designed to increase food distribution. Together with the Reinvestment Fund, the USDA recently awarded over $430,000 to three projects in Maryland and Delaware.
Massachusetts coffers plump, prompting questions on the excess
(The Center Square) – The Bay State’s coffers have filled beyond expectations and the tax year isn’t over yet, leaving at least one analyst pointing out it’s time taxpayers received a break. In May, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue took in $2.478 billion in tax revenue, which was $186 million more than the revised monthly forecast. The tax revenue brought the state’s total to $36.969 billion through the first 11 months of fiscal year 2022, MassLive reported.
Mental health advocate optimistic new national hotline will improve Illinois' crisis infrastructure Original
(The Center Square) – With a new national mental health crisis hotline slated to subsume state efforts in July, Illinois is scrambling to prepare. Also known as 988, the new hotline is slated to go live July 16 and will build upon the Prairie State’s existing infrastructure. “The intent is to connect those in need with Illinois providers and to make that a more seamless approach,” Gerald Jud DeLoss, CEO of the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, told The Center Square.
Task force on ‘future of work’ a 'missed opportunity' says manufacturing advocate Original
(The Center Square) – Business and labor leaders across the state have been meeting to address the loss of middle wage jobs with mixed results. The group of lawmakers, business and union representatives and researchers called the Illinois Future of Work Task Force released a report with policy recommendations to fix a growing polarization in the state’s job market; however, many business interests at the table were not happy with the report.
Experts anticipate drought in Massachusetts will worsen
(The Center Square) – Two tourism heavy regions of Massachusetts have been placed under drought warnings, and officials feel the situation may grow worse. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in May declared a Level 1 – Mild Drought in two of the state’s seven drought regions. The Southeast and Island Regions, according to a news release.
Expert: New England herring industry to receive $11M
(The Center Square) – The federal government is giving $11 million to New England herring fishermen following a declared disaster within the industry. However, some experts claim the situation was avoidable. Overfishing herring created the situation in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New England, according to Niaz Dorry, director of the North American Marine Alliance.
Advocate: Permitting camping on farms diversifies farmers’ income stream
(The Center Square) – Agritourism in Maryland is expanding under a newly signed law which will allow farmers to diversify their income streams. House Bill 558, which was signed into law by Gov. Larry Hogan, now allows farmers to include camping and other outdoor stays as agritourism grows in the state. In the past, farmers typically were confined to activities like apple picking, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches.
Diesel Skyrockets, Putting Pinch on Trucking Industry
Many diesel-dependent industries are feeling the pinch of skyrocketing prices---including the biggest, trucking. Average national diesel prices per gallon rose for 15 consecutive days reaching $5.57 by AAA’s latest calculation---an all time high. Matt Hart, executive director for the Illinois Trucking Association, said Illinois’ trucking industry is getting hit with a double whammy.
Diesel skyrockets, putting pinch on trucking industry
(The Center Square) – Many diesel-dependent industries are feeling the pinch of skyrocketing prices – including the biggest, trucking. Average national diesel prices per gallon rose for 15 consecutive days reaching $5.57 by AAA’s latest calculation – an all time high. Matt Hart, executive director for the Illinois Trucking Association, says Illinois’ trucking industry is getting hit with a double whammy.
‘Great Resignation’ affecting Massachusetts businesses Original
(The Center Square) – The "Great Resignation" is taking its toll on small businesses in Massachusetts, a business advocate said. Christopher Carlozzi, Massachusetts state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses, said small businesses in the state continue to struggle finding employees in a very tight labor market. In March, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a record 4.5 million workers quit or changed jobs nationally.
Illinois State Police, other police departments step up presence on roads on Memorial Day
(The Center Square) – Illinois State Police and other law enforcement agencies say they have increased their presence on the roads this holiday weekend to crack down on drunk and reckless driving. Part of a nationwide effort of over 600 law enforcement agencies, the “Border to Border” campaign aims to remind drivers to slow down, wear a seat belt, stay sober and not drive distracted.
Rising nurses’ salaries impacting Illinois hospitals
NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Labor cost pressures are forcing Illinois hospitals to make hard decisions, like cutting services. A national imbalance between supply and demand for nurses has led to an increase in what hospitals shell out to attract nurses. A.J. Wilhelmi, president and CEO of the Naperville-based Illinois Health and Hospital Association, says 50% of a hospital’s budget is for staff, and over the past year, their hospitals have experienced a 20% increase in staffing costs.
Diesel skyrockets, putting pinch on trucking industry Original
(The Center Square) – Many diesel-dependent industries are feeling the pinch of skyrocketing prices – including the biggest, trucking. Average national diesel prices per gallon rose for 15 consecutive days reaching $5.57 by AAA’s latest calculation – an all time high. Matt Hart, executive director for the Illinois Trucking Association, says Illinois’ trucking industry is getting hit with a double whammy.
Diesel skyrockets, putting pinch on trucking industry
(The Center Square) – Many diesel-dependent industries are feeling the pinch of skyrocketing prices – including the biggest, trucking. kAmpG6C286 ?2E:@?2= 5:6D6= AC:46D A6C 82==@? C@D6 7@C `d 4@?D64FE:G6 52JD C6249:?8 Sd]df 3J ppp’D =2E6DE 42=4F=2E:@? – 2? 2== E:>6 9:89]k^Am kAm|2EE w2CE[ 6I64FE:G6 5:C64E@C 7@C E96 x==:?@:D %CF4<:?8 pDD@4:2E:@?[ D2JD x==:?@:D’ ECF4<:?8 :?5FDECJ :D 86EE:?8 9:E H:E9 2 5@F3=6 H92>>J]k^Am kAm“~FC EH@ 3:886DE 4@DED :?
Illinois State Police, others to step up presence on roads over holiday weekend
(The Center Square) – Illinois State Police and other law enforcement agencies are stepping up their presence on the roads for this holiday weekend. The goal is safety. Part of a nationwide effort of over 600 law enforcement agencies, the “Border to Border” campaign aims to remind drivers to slow down, wear a seat belt, stay sober and not drive distracted.
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