The States

Protestors oppose transgender athletes in girls’ sports, President Donald Trump’s visit to China, and state budget debates. California’s debate over transgender participation in girls’ sports intensified as protesters gathered outside a California Interscholastic Federation event in Southern California, calling for changes to policies that allow athletes to compete based on gender identity. Speakers at the rally argued the rules undermine opportunities for female athletes and could expose taxpayers to future legal battles tied to Title IX and state education policy. Supporters of transgender inclusion pushed back, saying participation numbers remain extremely small and that sports should prioritize inclusion and teamwork over rankings and medals. President Donald Trump arrived in China for a major diplomatic visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping as tensions grow over trade, artificial intelligence, Iran, fentanyl trafficking, and human rights. The talks could have major implications for American taxpayers through energy prices, supply chains, national security spending, AI infrastructure expansion, and international trade policy. Discussions are also expected to focus on China’s role in Iranian oil exports, concerns over intellectual property theft, and possible negotiations involving political and religious prisoners held in China. 

Plus America's Talking with headlines from across the country: 

Pennsylvania: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_c962f47e-e2e9-4056-9cf9-aa2e936d2244.html 

Georgia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_bd47d468-2e0f-4ed7-9a32-17746c48cfa9.html 

Arizona: https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_4511800d-1da0-4680-a9b7-f64d4a6862b5.html 

California: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_de646db9-e974-45a8-b40c-053d710e8329.html 

New York: https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_york/article_101b7167-d780-43fb-96d8-177547967559.html

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Paid family leave debates, 'dark money' accusations in Georgia primary, and new rankings on state transparency are all shaping the political conversation ahead of the 2026 midterms. 

In today’s episode of The Center Square Daily, Greg Bishop highlights Georgia’s high-stakes Republican gubernatorial primary, where Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson are locked in one of the most expensive governor’s races in state history, fueled by tens of millions in campaign spending and accusations of “dark money” influence. And with narrow margins in Congress and ongoing redistricting battles nationwide, we examine how upcoming primaries could shape control of the U.S. House and Senate ahead of the November midterms. 

We also explore the growing push for paid family leave policies led by nursing unions in Pennsylvania, with debates centering on taxpayer costs, staffing shortages, and healthcare outcomes. Greg speaks with The Center Square regional editor Christen Smith about the political and economic implications of expanding paid leave policies beyond the healthcare industry, including concerns from taxpayers, employers, and lawmakers over rising costs and government mandates. 

Meanwhile, a new report from Truth in Accounting ranks states on financial transparency, highlighting which governments are most accountable with taxpayer dollars — and which states are falling behind with delayed audits, hidden pension liabilities, and poor financial reporting practices. This year's report reveals major differences in how states report spending, pension obligations, and audit results, with New Mexico, West Virginia, and Indiana topping the list while Connecticut, Georgia, and North Carolina rank at the bottom. 

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The fight over congressional maps is intensifying across the country after a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana’s congressional districts reopened the debate over race, representation, and political power. On today’s The Center Square Daily, Greg Bishop breaks down how states including Louisiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Arizona, Florida, and Illinois are responding as lawmakers and advocacy groups battle over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms. 

We also take a closer look at growing battles in Washington, D.C., over taxpayer spending and congressional priorities. Center Square reporter Therese Boudreau joins the program to explain the controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom project and the $1 billion in taxpayer-funded security upgrades tied to a broader $72 billion immigration enforcement package moving through Congress. The discussion explores how Republicans are using the budget reconciliation process to fund ICE and Customs and Border Protection for the next three years, why Democrats oppose the package, and how ongoing funding fights, government shutdown threats, and unfinished legislation continue to dominate Capitol Hill. 

Then in Illinois, Greg digs into a lawsuit brought against Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Elections by former state representative Jeannie Ives and the Public Interest Legal Foundation. The lawsuit argues Illinois’ voting maps illegally elevate race as a primary factor in drawing legislative districts, challenging policies supporters say preserve minority representation and critics call unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. Greg Bishop speaks directly with Ives and PILF President J. Christian Adams about the legal challenge, the Supreme Court’s recent decision, and what it could mean for Illinois elections moving forward. 

Plus America's Talking with headlines from across the country:   

National: Accused correspondents' dinner shooter pleads not guilty to all charges 

California: Protesters challenge trans sports policy in California 

Wisconsin: Judge temporarily blocks Milwaukee food truck curfew 

Michigan: Medicaid reforms spark debate over future of rural healthcare in Michigan 

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On this edition of the Center Square Radio Hour, The Tennessee General Assembly voted on a new congressional map on Thursday, a day after protestors attempted to disrupt committee meetings. National teachers unions have spent over $1 billion on political activity and advocacy since 2015, according to a new report by Defending Education. A new report from the Commonwealth Foundation concludes Pennsylvania could have been in a better position in its energy sector had state regulators not spent the last six years “flirting” with a carbon tax program called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the success of which many critics say relies on the fossil fuels it means to curb. And Despite a $27 million settlement with taxpayers in 2022, Lower Merion School District continues to pay top-tier salaries to administrators. 

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The Department of War launches a website dedicated to UFO information and Minnesota Republicans call on Congress for help in their investigation of Feeding Our Future and U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar's relationship to it. 

On this episode of The Center Square Daily, host Greg Bishop looks at a new batch of UFO and UAP-related files released by the Pentagon, including military videos, astronaut audio recordings, and decades-old documents tied to unidentified aerial phenomena. This release renews debate over secret government programs and how taxpayer money is spent on classified military and intelligence operations. The disclosure also raises fresh questions about oversight as defense spending continues to climb and the Department of War faces ongoing audit failures. 

Meanwhile, fraud investigations are unfolding in several states across the country. In Minnesota, Republican lawmakers are asking Congress for help subpoenaing records tied to Ilhan Omar as part of a broader investigation into alleged state fraud and oversight failures. In Michigan, a former board member of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is facing multiple felony charges tied to an alleged scheme involving roughly $20 million in grant funding. And in Milwaukee, prosecutors have charged a woman with Medicaid fraud as officials continue investigating misuse of public assistance funds. 

Plus America's Talking with headlines from across the country:   

California - GOP lawmakers talk about voter ID initiative; Dems stay mum 

New York - Hochul, New York lawmakers, reach deal on $268B budget 

Louisiana - Regulators weighing new rules for data centers, major power users 

Pennsylvania - Bill supporting power grid longevity passes House 

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The taxpayer costs of the Fulton County case against President Trump, Tennessee's redistricting efforts, and Illinois considering a billionaires' tax. 

On today's episode of The Center Square Daily, Johnny Edwards lays out his investigation into how much taxpayer money was spent on Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ failed racketeering case against President Donald Trump. Months after the case was dismissed, officials still have not provided a full accounting of the costs tied to the years-long prosecution, which included outside counsel payments, special grand jury proceedings, security expenses, and mounting legal challenges. 

The Center Square's Kim Jarrett joins to discuss lawmakers in Tennessee moving quickly to redraw congressional districts after a recent Supreme Court decision reshaped how states can approach redistricting. Republicans say the effort is about strengthening their congressional majority, while critics argue the changes are about race and diluting the black vote in Memphis. 

Plus America's Talking with headlines from across the country:   

Illinois - https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_6baca800-4e34-4604-a1ff-48b83df2621c.html  

Wisconsin - https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article_fc022f75-6c6c-4758-88bb-3ab6abb92043.html 

Louisiana - https://www.thecentersquare.com/news/state/article_87723b01-fc76-48cb-8372-c4d8cb5afad8.html 

California - https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_8ff7d408-bca2-4522-b830-a4e3eaa776da.html

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Teacher union political spending, primaries in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, and Virginia's tax incentives for data centers holds up state budget. 

On today's episode of The Center Square Daily, Esther Wickham looks at a new report from Defending Education that found the nation’s largest teachers unions—the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association—have directed more than $1 billion toward political activities and advocacy since 2015. The spending includes hundreds of millions at both the federal and state levels, supporting candidates, influencing local school board races, and opposing school choice efforts across multiple states. 

The Center Square's J.D. Davidson joins to discuss a busy election cycle is unfolding across the Midwest. In Ohio, new congressional maps and a tightening governor’s race are drawing attention as the state shows signs of becoming more competitive. In Indiana, primary results highlighted divisions within the Republican Party, with several incumbents losing after opposing redistricting efforts backed by President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, a closely watched special election in Michigan saw Democrats hold a key seat, reinforcing broader trends in voter response ahead of upcoming elections. 

Plus America's Talking with headlines from across the country:   

Virginia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/virginia/article_fe64bb81-6281-4e3c-9b0c-e2b8c57f48d4.html 

Georgia:  https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_73ebba70-793f-4d49-b087-cfd569a1a446.html 

Pennsylvania: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_7139abe1-1599-4bec-afb1-30e26753edf3.html 

Michigan: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_91c2066a-8555-4254-aa03-59a886be1ed6.html 

New York: https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_york/article_6f02ec8c-ced6-4794-9f97-fc74a848dc0e.html 

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The Supreme Court declines a major gun case, energy costs rise, the national debt hits 100% of GDP, and Illinois schools face a federal probe. On this episode of The Center Square Daily, host Greg Bishop breaks down the top national and state-level stories impacting taxpayers across the country. We begin with news from the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear a case involving an Indiana gun shop accused of fueling gun violence in Chicago through allegedly selling guns to straw purchasers. We also break down several pending Second Amendment-related cases the Court has yet to act on, including challenges to firearm and magazine bans in multiple states. Then, we turn to rising energy costs and policy debates in Pennsylvania. The Center Square’s Christen Smith joins the show to explain how uncertainty from carbon pricing initiatives may have cost the state billions in investment, how regional grid policies are affecting energy prices, and what ongoing tensions between state leaders and grid operators could mean for consumers. Finally, we take a closer look at Illinois where state lawmakers react to a federal investigation into dozens of school districts, sparking debate over transparency, parental involvement, and federal oversight. Also, a new proposal could require registration and licensing for e-bikes and electric scooters, signaling possible changes for commuters across the state. 

Plus America's Talking with headlines from across the country: 

National - U.S. debt tops 100% of GDP, 'deeply troubling' for economy, national security 

California - California High-Speed Rail Authority misses deadline for plan

North Carolina - Policy change could lift pension benefit improvements for 1M 

Illinois - Gun rights advocate questions Illinois ballistic imaging plan 

Subscribe for daily updates on the stories shaping policy, budgets, and taxpayer impacts nationwide.

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On this edition of the Center Square Radio Hour, The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s congressional map Wednesday, ruling that the state relied too heavily on race when it created a second majority-Black district. Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown defended his staff's discussions with lawmakers over the millionaire's tax, saying it was appropriate to give legal advice and disagreeing with critics of the email interactions. Critics on both sides of the aisle in Illinois government are calling for changes to the SAFE-T Act after a man was charged with killing a Chicago Police Officer and critically wounding his partner Saturday. And the housing market might be returning to the pre-pandemic normal.

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President Donald Trump signals possible U.S. troop reductions in Europe, gas prices surge nationwide amid the Iran conflict, and Illinois legislature debates face masks for employees. 

On this episode of The Center Square Daily, we break down the top national and state-level stories impacting taxpayers across the country. We start with Trump’s comments on potentially pulling U.S. troops from Germany, Italy, and Spain, citing concerns over allied support during the Iran conflict. At the same time, fuel prices are climbing sharply, with California topping $6 per gallon and the national average rising ahead of the summer travel season. 

We also examine new polling on Veterans Affairs performance, which shows improving perceptions among veterans despite earlier concerns about staffing cuts and service delays. 

In Illinois, a newly released report from the Illinois Accountability Commission details alleged misconduct by federal immigration officers during enforcement operations in Chicago and beyond. The findings are now being referred for possible legal review, but questions remain about whether any prosecutions can move forward under current law. Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers are also advancing legislation focused on workplace protections—specifically a bill that would prevent employers from requiring workers to remove masks worn for medical purposes. Supporters say it protects employee rights, while critics argue it could create challenges for workplace policy enforcement. 

Plus America's Talking with top stories from across the country: 

Education - Teacher unions spent over $1B on political causes since 2015 

North Carolina - Congressman says he welcomes ethics investigation 

California - Lawmakers talk budget changes ahead of governor’s revision 

Florida - In four months, border agents arrest 1,000 child sex offenders in Tampa area 

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