The States

Polling on voters' priorities, gun debates in states across the country, an investigative report on a nonprofit using federal grants for work outside its original scope, and Social Security's projected insolvency. 

Inflation remains the top concern for American voters, according to the latest Center Square Voters' Voice Poll. Greg Bishop speaks with Noble Predictive Insights founder Mike Noble about rising economic anxiety, shifting voter priorities, concerns over government accountability, and what the latest polling could mean for the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race. 

In America's Talking, Firearms Friday examines a major Washington state Supreme Court ruling that allows repeat DUI offenders to lose their Second Amendment rights. The segment also explores ongoing debates over gun regulations in New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Colorado as lawmakers, courts, and advocacy groups continue to battle over firearm access, public safety, and constitutional protections. 

The Center Square investigative reporter Mark Stricherz joins the show to discuss a taxpayer-funded nonprofit that received millions in federal grants while expanding its work beyond financial regulation into broader social and political issues, raising questions about accountability and oversight. 

The program also covers growing concerns about Social Security's projected insolvency, congressional reactions to the latest trustees report, and what benefit cuts could mean for future retirees. 

Plus, a look at the most affordable states for summer road trips as families weigh travel plans amid elevated costs and inflation. Subscribe for daily reporting on the policies, taxes, and political debates impacting taxpayers across America.

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Faster Labor Contracts Act in the U.S. House, digital advertising taxes, U.S. rep calls out Chicago Public Schools, and how much are you paying in taxes for beer.  

A major labor bill is advancing through Congress, and supporters say it will help workers secure contracts faster. Critics warn the Faster Labor Contracts Act could expand federal involvement in labor negotiations, increase costs for employers, and impact small businesses facing unionization for the first time. Greg Bishop speaks with Americans for Prosperity Employment Policy Fellow Austin Bannon about what the legislation could mean if it advances in the Senate.

Also in today's episode, Pennsylvania lawmakers debate a first-of-its-kind digital advertising tax that could generate hundreds of millions of dollars for property tax relief, while critics warn the costs could ultimately be passed on to consumers and small businesses. The Center Square Regional Editor Christen Smith breaks down the proposal and its uncertain future in the state Senate.

Plus, members of Congress examine troubling education outcomes across the country, including low reading and math proficiency rates in Chicago Public Schools. Lawmakers also spar over gender ideology in schools and whether those debates are distracting from efforts to improve academic performance.

In America's Talking, Greg highlights state-level debates over property taxes, veteran tax exemptions, conservation funding, and local government spending before taking a look at where Americans pay the highest and lowest taxes on beer.

Subscribe for daily reporting on the policies, taxes, and political debates impacting taxpayers across America.

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North Carolina Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley joins Greg Bishop to discuss the race against former Governor Roy Cooper, the issues shaping the campaign, and why control of the U.S. Senate could be critical heading into the November elections. Whatley weighs in on taxes, public safety, economic policy, and how Republicans plan to appeal to independent voters in one of the nation's most closely watched Senate contests. 

Georgia drivers are seeing relief at the pump after state lawmakers and Governor Brian Kemp suspended the state's fuel tax, allowing motorists to keep more money in their pockets. We examine how the tax holiday has impacted state revenues, what it means for taxpayers, and how gas tax rates compare across the country. 

The battle over AI data centers is heating up nationwide as states and local governments wrestle with questions about energy use, water consumption, tax incentives, infrastructure costs, and economic development. From Tennessee and Wisconsin to Virginia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Illinois, officials are taking dramatically different approaches as communities weigh the promises and potential costs of massive new projects. Illinois lawmakers and Governor J.B. Pritzker remain divided over data center tax incentives and future development policies, while local communities debate whether the projects create enough long-term jobs to justify public support. 

Also in this episode: 

• Pennsylvania lawmakers advance election administration changes involving mail-in ballots. 

• Georgia voters continue casting ballots ahead of key primary runoff elections. 

• North Carolina's sports betting revenues continue to grow. 

• Wisconsin business owners report concerns about rising property taxes and the state's economic direction. 

• A new study examines where fast food takes the biggest bite out of household budgets and what that says about affordability across America. 

America's Talking: 

Pennsylvania - https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_7bac4c90-a6ab-4a26-a44b-30e39a4020ff.html 

Georgia - https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_decb265e-e1ad-43e8-b028-086a947d5186.html 

North Carolina - https://www.thecentersquare.com/north_carolina/article_3ace709a-3483-42a0-a3d4-949d5d85d8b0.html 

Wisconsin - https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article_a0e0d680-503b-4ce8-88dc-6e70512b2a16.html 

Join Greg Bishop for stories impacting taxpayers, businesses, and communities across the country. 

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Election integrity questions in California, SCOTUS ruling on Biden-era regulations, Michigan cash assistance program, and a DOJ investigation into Philadelphia PD on the 2nd Amendment. 

Primary elections take center stage as voters head to the polls in Maine, South Carolina, and North Dakota, while questions about election administration and voter confidence continue to dominate headlines nationwide. Greg Bishop speaks with former Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer about California's prolonged vote-counting process, mail-in ballots, election integrity concerns, and what voters should expect heading into the 2026 midterms.

The U.S. Supreme Court has released another major ruling, striking down Biden-era energy efficiency regulations affecting furnaces and water heaters. Meanwhile, several closely watched cases remain pending, including challenges involving birthright citizenship, asylum claims, mail-in voting deadlines, Second Amendment rights, and transgender athletes competing in women's sports. 

Michigan lawmakers continue to debate the future of the Rx Kids program, a taxpayer-funded initiative that has distributed more than $300 million in cash assistance to families since launching in Flint in 2024. The Center Square reporter Elyse Apel joins the program to discuss Republican concerns about oversight and accountability, as supporters point to reported improvements in maternal and infant health outcomes. 

The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Philadelphia Police Department's handling of concealed carry permits, examining whether city officials are improperly restricting Second Amendment rights through discretionary permit revocations. 

America's Talking: 

Wisconsin - https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article_98b9d112-378f-4cc6-b556-41566a0c07c0.html 

Louisiana - https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_70ade02c-7511-40cd-9e91-3e77221f9856.html 

Michigan - https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_98ed8bfd-fbb0-440c-a968-c8a2377f62a9.html 

North Carolina - https://www.thecentersquare.com/north_carolina/article_9c6b2ae3-720d-4b50-a4e1-bad3a701e383.html Subscribe for daily coverage of the stories impacting taxpayers, voters, and policymakers across America.

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IRS migration data reveals major shifts in where Americans are living and paying taxes, election integrity questions continue after California's primary, new curriculum aims to address civics education, and state lawmakers debate fraud prevention and government accountability.

New IRS data shows hundreds of thousands of taxpayers—and billions of dollars in adjusted gross income—moving from high-tax states like California, New York, and Illinois to states such as Texas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Tax Foundation policy analyst Abir Mandal breaks down which states are gaining residents, which are losing taxpayers, and what those migration trends could mean for housing, public services, and future tax policy.  

California's election results continue to shift as mail ballots are counted days after Election Day, including changes in the Los Angeles mayoral race. We examines how different states handle ballot deadlines, ongoing election integrity debates, and what delayed vote counting means for voters and candidates.

The Center Square education reporter Esther Wickham joins Greg Bishop to discuss a new civics and civil rights curriculum backed by former U.N. Ambassador and civil rights leader Andrew Young. The conversation examines declining civics proficiency among students, the importance of understanding American history and constitutional government, and efforts to teach leadership, civil discourse, and civic engagement through the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement. Supporters say the curriculum helps students develop character, critical thinking, and an understanding of how social change is achieved, while also encouraging respectful dialogue and informed participation in public life.

America's Talking

- Minnesota fraud investigation raises questions about oversight of taxpayer-funded programs.  

- Pennsylvania lawmakers push chip-enabled EBT cards to combat SNAP benefit theft.  

- Michigan examines fraud concerns in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act enrollment systems.  

- California debates safeguards for autism funding amid concerns about waste and abuse

- Texas officials spotlight the taxpayer cost of fraud as a percentage of state budgets

The Center Square Daily delivers taxpayer-focused coverage of state governments, elections, public policy, and the issues affecting communities across America.

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On this edition of the Center Square Radio Hour, a California commission reported a “troubling increase” in the number of cases where government officials spend taxpayer dollars to illegally campaign for or against local ballot measures. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a $4 billion funding opportunity for homelessness services on Monday, shifting away from the Housing First model. Louisiana closed out its legislative session with a $47 Billion operating budget. And Mortgage rates are increasing, even as the Fed holds steady. 

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Gun control lawsuits, World Cup economic promises, Nevada's primary election, unemployment rankings, and taxpayer accountability debates across the states lead today's edition of The Center Square Daily. 

Gun owners across the country continue to watch major Second Amendment cases working their way through the courts while state legislatures consider new firearm restrictions and regulations. U.S. Law Shield President Kirk Evans joins the program to discuss pending U.S. Supreme Court cases, legal challenges to firearm purchase waiting periods, proposed handgun restrictions, FOID card changes in Illinois, and the broader legal landscape facing gun owners heading into the 2026 elections. 

With FIFA World Cup matches set to begin across North America, taxpayers and local communities are weighing the promised economic benefits against the public costs of hosting major sporting events. The Center Square's Jon Styf joins to discuss what economists and policy analysts are saying on whether host cities will see the projected economic windfalls or whether much of the spending simply shifts dollars that would have been spent elsewhere in local economies. 

Square Up the Vote: 

- Nevada voters prepare to choose party nominees in a closely watched gubernatorial primary. 

- Governor Joe Lombardo and Attorney General Aaron Ford remain key figures in a race that could shape the state's political future. 

- Candidates continue to debate affordability, economic policy, and the direction of state government ahead of November. 

Economic Snapshot: 

- The U.S. added 172,000 jobs in May while unemployment remained at 4.3%. 

- South Dakota, North Dakota, Hawaii, Vermont, and Alabama posted the nation's lowest unemployment rates. 

- The District of Columbia, Nevada, Delaware, California, and Washington ranked among the highest unemployment rates. 

- Labor force participation declined from 62.6% to 61.8% over the past year. 

America's Talking: 

- Michigan lawmakers push for greater transparency in Medicaid error and improper payment rates. 

- New York legislators debate redistricting and concerns about political map drawing. 

- Statehouses across the country continue discussing government spending, taxpayer accountability, and election-year policy priorities. 

The Center Square Daily delivers taxpayer-focused reporting on government spending, elections, public policy, and the issues impacting communities across America.

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Illinois lawmakers face criticism over transparency, spending, and tax increases following the end of legislative session, federal housing officials propose a major shift in homelessness policy, and The Center Square reports from the White House on economic and public safety issues. 

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie joins The Center Square Daily to discuss the state's record-setting budget, legislative pay raises, new taxes and fees, and concerns about transparency during the final hours of session. McCombie argues taxpayers are paying more while receiving little relief from rising costs, criticizing the state's spending priorities and warning that continued tax increases could further strain Illinois families and businesses. 

The Center Square's Tim Clouser explains the Trump administration proposing significant changes to federal homelessness programs by shifting billions of dollars away from permanent housing subsidies and toward treatment, recovery, and accountability-based services. Supporters say the move could improve outcomes and reduce long-term taxpayer costs, while service providers and local governments weigh the impact on existing homelessness programs and funding structures. 

At the White House & America's Talking: 

- President Donald Trump discusses ongoing negotiations with Iran and the potential economic impact of Middle East tensions. 

- The president criticizes sanctuary policies and public safety leadership in major cities, including Chicago. 

- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker continues to position himself as a leading critic of the Trump administration ahead of the midterm elections. 

- North Carolina opts into a federal education tax credit program that could provide families up to $1,700 per child beginning in 2027. 

- Pennsylvania lawmakers consider legislation targeting AI-generated "nudification" technology. 

- Louisiana lawmakers leave several carbon capture and energy-related bills unresolved as the legislative session ends. 

- Federal transportation officials investigate security concerns within Atlanta's transit system ahead of upcoming World Cup events. 

The Center Square Daily delivers taxpayer-focused coverage of government spending, public policy, elections, and the decisions impacting families, businesses, and communities across America.

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California primary election results, Louisiana's newly approved state budget, and gun policy debates from Congress to city halls across America on today's edition of The Center Square Daily. 

California voters narrowed the field in key congressional, statewide, and local races as the state’s top-two primary system once again shaped the November ballot. Republican and Democratic candidates advanced in several closely watched contests, including the governor’s race and congressional districts that could influence the balance of power in Washington. The results also highlighted ongoing debates over California’s unique election structure and voter priorities heading into the general election. 

Louisiana lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session by approving a roughly $47 billion state budget. While state leaders describe operating spending as largely flat, taxpayers will also be funding increased spending on construction projects, higher education, workforce development initiatives, judicial operations, and employee pay raises. Lawmakers say the investments are designed to support economic growth and workforce readiness, while questions remain about long-term spending trends and future taxpayer obligations. 

America's Talking: Guns 

- Congressional Republicans praise federal efforts to expand Second Amendment protections and review firearm regulations. 

- The Department of Justice highlights enforcement actions targeting illegal firearms trafficking, explosives, and violent offenders. 

- Illinois lawmakers advance legislation affecting FOID card reinstatement procedures, mental health evaluations, and firearm reporting requirements. 

- New York lawmakers consider restrictions on flare gun sales and proposals addressing parental liability. 

- Rhode Island advances legislation to exempt firearm safety equipment from state sales taxes. 

- Texas educators seek additional taxpayer funding to meet school security requirements. 

- Local governments nationwide debate gun violence prevention programs, public safety initiatives, and lawful firearm carry policies. 

The Center Square Daily delivers taxpayer-focused reporting on elections, government spending, public policy, and the issues shaping communities across the country

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Illinois lawmakers pass a record $56 billion budget with tax increases and legislative pay raises, California voters weigh local tax measures amid concerns over taxpayer-funded election messaging, and voters head to the polls in six states for primary elections. 

Illinois lawmakers concluded their regular legislative session by approving the state's largest budget ever, including new taxes on social media platforms, predictive markets, and other revenue sources. The spending plan also raises legislative salaries above $101,000 annually. Supporters say the budget remains balanced despite federal funding uncertainty, while critics argue taxpayers continue to face growing government spending, higher taxes, and rising energy costs. With nearly 400 bills passed, attention now turns to gubernatorial action and the fall veto session. 

As California voters consider more than 100 local ballot initiatives, questions are being raised about whether taxpayer-funded communications are being used to influence election outcomes. The Center Square investigative reporting examines enforcement actions by the California Fair Political Practices Commission, previous fines levied against local governments, and concerns from taxpayer watchdog groups about public resources being used to promote tax increases and ballot measures. 

Square Up the Vote: California voters participate in the state's top-two primary system while considering dozens of local tax and funding measures. Iowa voters cast ballots in key congressional and U.S. Senate primary races ahead of the 2026 midterms. Primary elections are also underway in Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota. Nevada prepares for next week's primary elections, with debates focused on health care, public land sales, AI data centers, and federal spending. Local ballot questions and tax referendums remain a major issue for voters nationwide. 

The Center Square Daily delivers taxpayer-focused coverage of government spending, elections, public policy, and the decisions affecting taxpayers across America.

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