Articles by The Center Square

About The Center Square

The Center Square was launched in May 2019 to fulfill the need for high-quality statehouse and statewide news across the United States. The focus of our work is state- and local-level government and economic reporting. A taxpayer sensibility distinguishes our work from other coverage of state and local issues.

Airlines struggle with more cancellations as omicron leads to staffing shortages

January 3, 2022 The Center Square

Nearly 2,000 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were canceled as of 8 a.m. eastern Monday, according to the tracking site FlightAware, as the airline industry’s ongoing staffing and other issues during the holiday travel season continued.

Illinois State Museum launches Route 66 collecting initiative

December 29, 2021 The Center Square

The Illinois State Museum announced Tuesday its Route 66 collecting initiative, which is focused on expanding the institution’s holdings of related historic objects ahead of 2026 exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road.

UPDATE: More than 950 U.S. flights canceled Monday after challenging holiday weekend

December 27, 2021 The Center Square

Monday began with thousands of more flight cancellations globally and nearly 5,000 delays as airlines continued to struggle with staffing issues during this holiday travel season.

More than 850 U.S. flights canceled Monday after challenging holiday weekend

December 27, 2021 The Center Square

Monday began with thousands of more flight cancellations globally and nearly 5,000 delays as airlines continued to struggle with staffing issues during this holiday travel season.

Hundreds of Christmas Eve flights canceled in U.S. as omicron variant impacts industry

December 24, 2021 The Center Square

A surge in COVID-19 cases among airline workers led to more than 500 canceled flights across the U.S. and over 2,000 worldwide.

AAA: Holiday travel to surge this year, with top destinations in Florida, California

December 21, 2021 The Center Square

Unlike last Christmas when many Americans were living in states still under lockdowns, an estimated 109 million people will be traveling out of town for Christmas and New Year’s this year, AAA reports, a 34% increase from last year.

California resurrects statewide indoor mask mandate

December 13, 2021 The Center Square

California will implement a statewide universal masking mandate starting Wednesday as COVID-19 case rates remain on the rise in various regions across the state, Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly announced Monday.

Cahokia Mounds introduces augmented reality experience

December 4, 2021 The Center Square

After five years of development, Cahokia Mounds is offering a new interpretive experience.

California unveils $300 million grant program to clean up litter from state’s streets

December 2, 2021 The Center Square

The state is making $300 million in grant funds available to local communities to clean up streets and beautify transit centers and parks.

Biden administration rolls out more COVID measures, says vaccine requirements for domestic flights not ‘off the table’

December 2, 2021 The Center Square

President Joe Biden unveiled a new set of executive actions to address the Omicron variant Thursday, though how serious the threat of the variant will be remains unclear.