Latest news with #Naperville
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
US ethanol output eases off record pace as summer travels heat up: Braun
NAPERVILLE, Illinois, May 30 (Reuters) - Record volumes of U.S. ethanol have been churned out since late last year, largely due to an uptick in exports and steady domestic demand. But output has slipped from those record levels over the last couple of weeks, coinciding with the ramp-up of the summer driving season. Luckily, large stockpiles of the corn-based fuel additive can offset some of the easing in output for now. However, both exports and domestic travel trends will need to be monitored in the coming weeks and months since this is when U.S. motor gasoline demand typically peaks. Over the four weeks ended May 23, U.S. ethanol production averaged roughly 1.026 million barrels per day. That is the best for the period in six years but behind the levels of six and seven years ago. Ethanol production typically dips at this time of year and output had been running at record rates from late last year through early spring, causing supplies to approach the 2020 records in March. U.S. ethanol stocks have since experienced a seasonal drawdown but remain at record levels for the date, with strong rates of both production and use somewhat offsetting each other. Huge exports have contributed to the elevated use levels in recent months. On the other hand, implied U.S. motor gasoline demand has not necessarily been impressive. Over the last couple of months, rates have been similar to the year-ago levels but well off the volumes before the pandemic, which was when demand for U.S. gasoline is thought is thought to have peaked. Increased fuel efficiency and post-pandemic changes in driving patterns – particularly remote working – have reduced U.S. gasoline consumption, an inherent threat to the U.S. ethanol industry. But the push for cleaner fuels abroad has been a bright spot. Although exports accounted for just 11% of U.S. ethanol produced in the 2023-24 marketing year, shipments reached record levels, supported by Canadian, British and Indian demand. Although exports have been the cornerstone of the U.S. ethanol industry this year, they have largely slowed below the year-ago levels in the last month or so, hitting an eight-week low last week. Exporters do have a cushion, as September-March shipments were easily a record for the period, up 26% on the year. However, this recent easing in ethanol exports could potentially be offset by a bump in U.S. gasoline demand this summer. As of April 2025, some 53% of Americans planned to take leisure vacations this summer versus 48% a year earlier, according to Deloitte's annual travel survey. This is despite a decline in their sense of financial well-being over the last year. The more frugal approach means that Americans plan to increasingly favor driving trips versus the previous few summers, including a higher frequency of trips as many are adding multiple short getaways. Gas prices are largely friendly for that effort, with the national average price for unleaded fuel sitting about 11% lower than a year ago. But consumer habits can abruptly shift whenever economic uncertainty spikes, and 2025 has been particularly rife with those risks. Karen Braun is a market analyst for Reuters. Views expressed above are her own.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
What to make of surprisingly low US crop ratings: Braun
(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a market analyst for Reuters.) NAPERVILLE, Illinois - The U.S. corn crop has gotten off to a somewhat disappointing start in what is supposed to be a record producing season. Meanwhile, U.S. spring wheat is experiencing its second-worst start to the growing season in history after this year's plantings dropped to a 55-year low. What might these early figures mean for the growing season overall? How do they compare with past years? And where are the problem spots and near-term prospects for improvement? SHORT OF EXPECTATIONS The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday afternoon rated 68% of the U.S. corn crop in good-to-excellent (GE) condition in this season's initial rating, marking the lowest starting health since 2019. That was well below analysts' average estimate of 73% GE, though initial condition reports from the Crop Watch producers over the weekend averaged out to a six-year low, at least. A 68% GE is not all that bad. On average over the last three years, the initial U.S. corn score comes in around 72%. Additionally, the slower start may be explainable. The unanimous feedback from the Crop Watch producers was that it has been too cold, cloudy and rainy, and the plants are not growing quickly. Hail, frosts, wind, rain and even a period of excessive heat recently stressed crops in the western Corn Belt, which was reported by Crop Watchers. This showed up in USDA's data on Tuesday. Averaging initial corn conditions by state over the past three years, North Dakota and Ohio stand out. North Dakota at 48% GE is 24 percentage points below average and Ohio's 41% is 37 points below. Conditions in top producer Iowa are 4 percentage points ahead of normal, Illinois is 7 points behind, South Dakota is down 16 points, Nebraska is down 2 points and Minnesota is 4 points behind. OK OUTLOOK? Three factors may help ease any concerns about current U.S. corn crop health. The corn crop is only two-thirds emerged nationally, a lower-than-usual portion to coincide with the first condition scores. This allows for some play in the near-term figures, as newly emerged crops, if in good shape, could boost the overall score next week. Although not necessarily unusual, less than 40% of corn in Ohio and North Dakota was emerged as of Sunday, possibly allowing for future improvement. All Crop Watch producers last weekend expressed the dire need for heat and sun, and that should start arriving over the weekend after this week finishes out on the cooler, cloudy side. The pattern might not necessarily be long-lasting, but even a short, warm, sunny spell in early June can go a long way for early crop growth. U.S. corn was initially rated 65% GE in 2017, and calculations at the time pointed to near or below-trend yield probabilities. This caused the market to misjudge the crop potential all year, and the 2017 corn crop achieved a new record yield. The 2017 crop was rated 60% GE by the end of July, not too huge of a change from the initial. So even though 60% would not be considered stellar by itself, the lack of large rating swings that season may have been telling. WHEAT WOES U.S. spring wheat was rated 45% GE as of Sunday, tied with 2021 as the second-lowest initial rating over the 40-year history. The worst was 34% in 1988. Those two years are bad company, as they featured well-below-trend U.S. spring wheat yields as both seasons included drought. The 2025 crop is already starting in the hole as U.S. farmers intend to plant their smallest spring wheat area since 1970. Some 60% of U.S. spring wheat was emerged by Sunday, comparable to 66% on the same date in 2021. North Dakota, which produces half of the U.S. spring wheat crop, must remain on watch as only 37% of the wheat there is GE and 26% is considered poor or very poor. Recent cold and wet weather has battered the young wheat crop, so the coming flip to better weather may offer improvement opportunities. Market analysts had expected the initial spring wheat conditions to come in at 71% GE, so the result was much more shocking than the one for corn. But the lighter figures for both certainly set up the potential for market scares this summer if an unfavorable weather pattern were to set in. Karen Braun is a market analyst for Reuters. Views expressed above are her own. (Writing by Karen Braun Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
What to make of surprisingly low US crop ratings: Braun
NAPERVILLE, Illinois, May 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. corn crop has gotten off to a somewhat disappointing start in what is supposed to be a record producing season. Meanwhile, U.S. spring wheat is experiencing its second-worst start to the growing season in history after this year's plantings dropped to a 55-year low. What might these early figures mean for the growing season overall? How do they compare with past years? And where are the problem spots and near-term prospects for improvement? The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday afternoon rated 68% of the U.S. corn crop in good-to-excellent (GE) condition in this season's initial rating, marking the lowest starting health since 2019. That was well below analysts' average estimate of 73% GE, though initial condition reports from the Crop Watch producers, opens new tab over the weekend averaged out to a six-year low, at least. A 68% GE is not all that bad. On average over the last three years, the initial U.S. corn score comes in around 72%. Additionally, the slower start may be explainable. The unanimous feedback from the Crop Watch producers was that it has been too cold, cloudy and rainy, and the plants are not growing quickly. Hail, frosts, wind, rain and even a period of excessive heat recently stressed crops in the western Corn Belt, which was reported by Crop Watchers. This showed up in USDA's data on Tuesday. Averaging initial corn conditions by state over the past three years, North Dakota and Ohio stand out. North Dakota at 48% GE is 24 percentage points below average and Ohio's 41% is 37 points below. Conditions in top producer Iowa are 4 percentage points ahead of normal, Illinois is 7 points behind, South Dakota is down 16 points, Nebraska is down 2 points and Minnesota is 4 points behind. Three factors may help ease any concerns about current U.S. corn crop health. The corn crop is only two-thirds emerged nationally, a lower-than-usual portion to coincide with the first condition scores. This allows for some play in the near-term figures, as newly emerged crops, if in good shape, could boost the overall score next week. Although not necessarily unusual, less than 40% of corn in Ohio and North Dakota was emerged as of Sunday, possibly allowing for future improvement. All Crop Watch producers last weekend expressed the dire need for heat and sun, and that should start arriving over the weekend after this week finishes out on the cooler, cloudy side. The pattern might not necessarily be long-lasting, but even a short, warm, sunny spell in early June can go a long way for early crop growth. U.S. corn was initially rated 65% GE in 2017, and calculations at the time pointed to near or below-trend yield probabilities. This caused the market to misjudge the crop potential all year, and the 2017 corn crop achieved a new record yield. The 2017 crop was rated 60% GE by the end of July, not too huge of a change from the initial. So even though 60% would not be considered stellar by itself, the lack of large rating swings that season may have been telling. U.S. spring wheat was rated 45% GE as of Sunday, tied with 2021 as the second-lowest initial rating over the 40-year history. The worst was 34% in 1988. Those two years are bad company, as they featured well-below-trend U.S. spring wheat yields as both seasons included drought. The 2025 crop is already starting in the hole as U.S. farmers intend to plant their smallest spring wheat area since 1970. Some 60% of U.S. spring wheat was emerged by Sunday, comparable to 66% on the same date in 2021. North Dakota, which produces half of the U.S. spring wheat crop, must remain on watch as only 37% of the wheat there is GE and 26% is considered poor or very poor. Recent cold and wet weather has battered the young wheat crop, so the coming flip to better weather may offer improvement opportunities. Market analysts had expected the initial spring wheat conditions to come in at 71% GE, so the result was much more shocking than the one for corn. But the lighter figures for both certainly set up the potential for market scares this summer if an unfavorable weather pattern were to set in. Karen Braun is a market analyst for Reuters. Views expressed above are her own.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Transformative Growth Counseling Launches Equine-Assisted Therapy Groups for Neurodivergent Children and Teens
Equine therapy groups for neurodivergent youth (ages 10–21) with ADHD, Autism, and AUDHD now open at TGC—led by Dr. Jessica Swenson. NAPERVILLE, IL, UNITED STATES, May 28, 2025 / / -- New weekly program provides experiential therapy with horses for children and teens with Autism, ADHD, and AUDHD—led by Dr. Jessica Swenson Transformative Growth Counseling (TGC) is pleased to announce the launch of an innovative Equine-Assisted Therapy group program tailored specifically for neurodivergent youth ages 10 to 21, including those diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and AUDHD (Autism + ADHD). This new therapy group will meet Thursday evenings and be led by Dr. Jessica Swenson, a licensed Clinical Therapist and Community Psychologist specializing in neurodiversity-affirming care, trauma-informed practice, LGBTQIA+ support, and emotionally focused therapy (EFT). Sessions will take place in partnership with a local equine facility, offering an immersive, somatic, and relational therapeutic experience centered around interaction with therapy horses. Program Highlights: What: Equine-Assisted Group Therapy for Neurodivergent Youth Who: Two age-based groups: 10–13 and 14–21 When: Thursday evenings (exact timing shared after intake) Where: Partner equine facility (location disclosed post-intake) With Whom: Dr. Jessica Swenson, LCP, and certified equine professionals Cost: Insurance-covered except for a $200 program fee (includes dinner) Start: Rolling enrollment following a required initial intake appointment Supporting Neurodivergent Minds with Compassion and Movement At Transformative Growth Counseling, we understand that traditional talk therapy can fall short for many neurodivergent youth—particularly those who live with Autism, ADHD, or experience life through the lens of AUDHD. For these individuals, emotional regulation, communication, executive functioning, and social reciprocity are not just abstract challenges—they are daily realities. Our Equine-Assisted Therapy program harnesses the intuitive, calming, and non-verbal presence of horses to co-create an emotionally safe, body-centered healing space. Horses are master regulators. They respond to nervous system cues with honesty and warmth, allowing children and teens to experience co-regulation, grounding, and authentic connection without the need for masking or performance. 'Children with Autism and ADHD often process the world through movement, rhythm, and sensation,' says Dr. Jessica Swenson. 'Working with horses allows them to step into a world that isn't about fixing or fitting in, but about relationship, reciprocity, and restoration.' Therapeutic Benefits and Program Structure This group-based intervention is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and sensory-sensitive. Each Thursday evening, participants will engage in structured equine activities such as grooming, leading, observing herd dynamics, and building relational awareness—all guided by a licensed clinician and equine specialist. Weekly sessions also include shared meals, group check-ins, and peer support tailored to Autism, ADHD, and AUDHD needs. Key therapeutic goals include: Enhancing emotional regulation through somatic awareness and rhythm Supporting social communication and nonverbal cues in a natural environment Building executive functioning skills through structured, experiential tasks Reducing anxiety and sensory overload through co-regulation with horses Creating safe space for identity exploration and neurodivergent pride Each group will meet weekly, and parent/guardian support is available as needed. Children must first complete an initial intake appointment to ensure clinical fit, identify goals, and create a safety-informed plan of care. Insurance & Accessibility Transformative Growth Counseling is committed to accessibility. Most of the program cost will be covered by insurance. Families will only be responsible for a $200 program fee, which includes weekly dinner for each participant. Insurance eligibility and documentation will be confirmed at intake. Financial assistance for the program fee may be available on a case-by-case basis. Why Equine Therapy for Autism, ADHD, and AUDHD? Many children and adolescents with Autism, ADHD, or AUDHD experience difficulty connecting in traditional clinical spaces due to overstimulation, sensory mismatches, or struggles with verbal processing. Our equine program offers a nature-based, body-led alternative that speaks directly to the nervous system and relational core. 'So many neurodivergent children are told they are too much, too quiet, too fidgety, too intense,' says Dr. Swenson. 'At the barn, there is no 'too much.' The horses don't mind. They just want to know who you are—and how you feel in this moment.' Through evidence-informed practices and gentle therapeutic engagement, the barn becomes a sanctuary for growth, emotional repair, confidence, and connection. Enroll Now – Space is Limited Enrollment is now open. Families interested in registering their child for the program should schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Swenson as the first step. Group placement and scheduling will follow. Email: [email protected] Phone: (630) 423-6010 Website: Transformative Growth Counseling is proud to walk alongside children and families in building healing relationships that honor neurodiversity, center joy, and reconnect body and mind. Dr. Jessica Swenson Transformative Growth Counseling +1 630-423-6010 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
This Low-Key Chicago Suburb Has Just Been Named The Best Place To Live In America For The Second Year In A Row
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Chicago suburb Naperville is one of Illinois' best-kept secrets, but it's unlikely to remain that way as the upscale enclave has just been judged the best place to live in America for the second year in a row. Niche, a popular rankings and review site used by people looking for neighborhoods and schools, scored Naperville a rare overall A+. Only the Illinois weather let the city down, earning a humble C, while cost of living, commuting and crime, safety, and nightlight earned commendable B's. Housing is relatively affordable for a generally affluent commuter city, with Zillow's median home value just below $600,000. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Finishing top of a list of 230 cities and over 18,000 smaller communities nationwide is quite an accomplishment for Naperville. So what makes it so special? The city of just under 150,000 residents has 'a dense suburban feel, and most residents own their homes,' Niche says. "In Naperville, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Naperville, and residents tend to have moderate political views,' the report reads. 'It's a big city with a small town feel,' Mayor Scott Wehrli told the Daily Mail. Most locals share this sentiment: 'You commonly will recognize somebody at different restaurants out and about just from their involvement in the school, sports, and community. It feels like everybody knows everybody,' Jenna Mandolini, the director of sales and marketing at Hotel Arista in downtown Naperville, told the outlet. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — According to the World Population Review, Naperville has exhibited all the essential signs of a city on the rise, with its population growing significantly over the past 45 years, from just 45,000 people in 1980 to almost 150,000 today, adding businesses, amenities, and diversity thanks to its commutable distance to Chicago. According to Wehrli, one of its significant growth factors was passing a decades-old law that required developers to donate land or cash for parks and school sites, a decision, he told the Mail, that 'became a model for cities across the country.' Naperville is indicative of a wider pattern that has seen the Chicago suburbs grow in population as more people have left the city due to high taxes, violence, and the pandemic, suburban Chicago newspaper Daily Herald reports. According to think tank Illinois Policy, citing Census data, Chicago has lost 128,000 residents since 2015, although there has been evidence of a slight reversal over the last two years. The Northwest suburbs are especially in demand, with Gen Xers and baby boomers drawn to relaxed, resort-type living and the range of accommodation types, the Herald states, attracting residents who would rather rent than be saddled with a mortgage. According to U.S. Census data, as cited by Secret Chicago, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area ranked ninth in the nation for numeric growth, adding 70,762 residents between 2023 and 2024. Read Next: , which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum. Invest Where It Hurts — And Help Millions Heal: Image: Shutterstock Send To MSN: 0 This article This Low-Key Chicago Suburb Has Just Been Named The Best Place To Live In America For The Second Year In A Row originally appeared on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
