The States

The Illinois Attorney General's office spent more than $2 million on private attorneys in recent years, mostly defending two lawsuits against prison officials, despite having roughly 450 in-house attorneys. Several contracted firms and their attorneys donated to AG Kwame Raoul's campaigns, and a watchdog group says the contracts raise integrity concerns even though the donations were legal and comparatively small.

Also in this episode:

Rasmussen on 2026 election issues: Pollster Scott Rasmussen says gas prices will be the top factor in the 2026 midterms, with lower prices favoring Republicans. He says most voters who claim to like "socialism" don't actually support government control of the economy, and DSA candidates winning in safe blue districts reflects low primary turnout rather than a broad ideological shift.

Lindsey Graham succession: South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint an immediate replacement for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, with primary voters deciding next month whether that appointee stays on the November ballot.

Deere lawsuit: Wisconsin, Illinois, two other states, and the FTC sued John Deere over allegedly monopolizing equipment repair by restricting access to repair software; Deere agreed to make the software available to farmers and independent shops for 10 years under the same terms given to authorized dealers.

Arizona coal-to-gas plant: Arizona's shuttered Cholla Power Plant will reopen using natural gas instead of coal, with two units expected online by 2029, creating 35 jobs and enough power for about 61,000 homes.

Florida "Stop Woke Act" ruling: A federal appeals court upheld a block on parts of Florida's Individual Freedom Act that restricted how professors can teach concepts on race and sex, ruling 2-1 that it violates the First Amendment; one judge dissented, arguing the state lacks authority to regulate classroom speech at public universities.

Plus, America's Talking:

National - https://www.thecentersquare.com/south_carolina/article_7446d7ac-09ea-437d-8fc5-efc7ba6e2ac6.html

Wisconsin - https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article_e67130f2-2ca4-4f65-836d-417973363270.html

Arizona - https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_4ac8e002-4111-4ee4-9ed4-37219aad9044.html

Education - https://www.thecentersquare.com/florida/article_6515040b-031b-4d95-987c-e33a6e9d46b3.html

The States delivers taxpayer-focused reporting from around America, powered by The Center Square.

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On this edition of the Center Square Radio Hour, The trusts that fund Social Security benefits for retired seniors, survivors and people with disabilities face insolvency in the next six years. Washington Attorney General's Office spokesman told reporters there was “no story”  about AGO and legislative communications over the millionaire's tax, dismissing the investigation as “misinformation” and “nonsense.” Schools and government entities in Georgia and Tennessee are paying large sums of money to settle lawsuits with educators fired because of their comments about Charlie Kirk. And why the housing market is stuck.

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Illinois gun ban upheld by Appeals court, new AI regulations, Gov. Newsom addresses DOJ investigation and takes aim at President Trump, school fraud nationwide, and tax holidays.

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Illinois' assault weapons and magazine ban 2-1, with the case expected to move to the U.S. Supreme Court. Illinois' new AI regulation law requires large AI providers to publish safety governance statements and undergo independent audits, with real financial penalties for noncompliance.

Also in this episode:

California Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed reports of DOJ investigations into his associates, called the Trump administration corrupt, and commented on Democratic socialist primary wins and 2026 midterm strategy at an unrelated news conference.

A new report found over $225 million in school fraud nationwide from 2019 to 2026, including a $44 million Indiana virtual charter school scheme and a $24 million false tutoring scheme in Puerto Rico.

States including Alabama, Florida, and Texas are rolling out sales tax holidays on school supplies and other items in the coming weeks, with dates varying by state.

Pennsylvania Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, despite being on opposite sides of the aisle, have formed a joint fundraising committee called Common Ground Pennsylvania.

An audit of Memphis-Shelby County, Tennessee schools found over $119 million in questionable costs, including $54 million in suspected waste, fraud, and abuse.

Arizona withdrew a policy requiring detailed purchase documentation for its school choice program and is directing over $53 million in leftover education funds toward school resource officers and mental health professionals.

Plus, America's Talking:  

Pennsylvania - https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_ea6e5313-4a45-4c9d-b856-a7a6f7284cb6.html

Tennessee - https://www.thecentersquare.com/tennessee/article_a9f48797-00ef-4912-b7ac-941de52659e4.html

Education - https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_68b19655-95e1-44b0-902b-9077c45d6b8f.html

The States delivers taxpayer-focused reporting from around America, powered by The Center Square.

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Lawmaker indicted for wire fraud in Illinois, Texas utilities navigate challenges, Washington Attorney General Office staff emails, and Ph.D. Economist Orphe Divounguy discusses housing market.

Illinois State Rep. Carol Ammons and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, were federally indicted on kickback and obstruction charges tied to campaign funds and taxpayer grants. The case has drawn scrutiny to Illinois' member initiative grant process, which Republicans say is prone to abuse. Illinois Minority Leader Tony McCombie joins to discusses the scandal and potential reforms.

Also in this episode:

National gas prices are averaging $3.84 a gallon, up slightly amid the Iran conflict but still near pre-conflict levels.

The Energy Department finalized a $3.26 billion loan to expand Texas transmission lines and Texas won an injunction over illegally stockpiled wind turbine blades.

Leaked emails show Washington Attorney General's Office staff arguing personal income isn't legally "owned" property, a stance tied to defending the state's millionaire's tax.

The housing market remains flat, with new listings and sales holding steady compared to last year.

Border Patrol in El Paso is warning rideshare drivers that human smugglers are using ride-hailing apps to coordinate illegal crossings.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he has major policy differences with a progressive New York primary winner over her past stances on prisons, borders, and deportation.

Seattle Councilman Bob Kettle wants to shrink Mayor Katie Wilson's proposed transit sales tax hike from 0.15 to 0.05 percentage points.

Illinois' Attorney General has paid over $2 million in three years to private law firms, some of which donated to his campaign, to fight lawsuits against the state prison system.

Plus, America's Talking:  

Texas - https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_adf64514-b510-45bc-a594-f7e18aff14e2.html

Pennsylvania - https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_76bc8a4c-8754-44e0-8d60-1847594b0c5c.html

Washington - https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_f8400f81-8206-4ac4-b833-c28e99d37a56.html

Illinois - https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_5a68910d-34e6-4c28-ab13-1a59e9a658d3.html

The States delivers taxpayer-focused reporting from around America, powered by The Center Square.

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President Trump says the U.S. will likely strike Iran again, casting doubt on the ceasefire and floating a new blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices jump over 6% following renewed U.S.-Iran tensions.  

North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek discusses the work of the Auditor's Office including using AI to uncover wasteful spending, including a $61 million bridge project with no construction to show for it. Boliek also highlights DMV wait times cut 87% and Charlotte transit security findings following his office's audits. 

Also in this episode:

New Veteran Protection Index ranks Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas as top states for veteran healthcare and pension support; New Hampshire, Virginia, and Alaska rank lowest

Social Security's OASI Trust Fund projected to hit insolvency in 2032, triggering a 22% cut to benefits for retirees, survivors, and disability recipients

The Center Square's Madeline Shannon discusses how California will be impacted by  

Congress debates trade deficits and exports across LNG, agriculture, and digital services; economists say deficits aren't a reliable measure of economic weakness

Virginia court denies bid to consolidate four lawsuits against new semiautomatic firearms law, allowing cases to proceed separately

Seven Illinois counties to vote on separating from Cook County; Minnesota's Board of Pardons draws DHS criticism over pardon tied to deportation case

New York City Council advances 18.2% pay raise for elected officials, including a boost to the mayor's salary

Plus, America's Talking:  

Virginia - https://www.thecentersquare.com/virginia/article_bcfd1b35-3dd3-4325-af2b-a677650959df.html

Illinois - https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_fc0c96c4-ce75-40b8-8292-4f5ae7c52b2d.html

Minnesota - https://www.thecentersquare.com/minnesota/article_ab8b1383-259e-4a5c-a12f-03b84124c603.html

New York - https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_york/article_4a358708-d748-4e4d-a068-3ac68af6d9f0.html

The States delivers taxpayer-focused reporting from around America, powered by The Center Square.

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Free speech settlements, population shifts, unemployment trends, and AI safety legislation.  

The Center Square's Kim Jarrett joins to discuss the University of Tennessee's board voting in June to pay $1.9 million to settle with a professor fired last September over a personal social media post about Charlie Kirk's death; the board cited cost savings and didn't address the free speech questions raised. A former Oglethorpe County, Georgia teacher reportedly received $300,000 and an Austin Peay University professor got $500,000 while keeping his job, both over Kirk-related posts. A Perry County, Tennessee man spent a month in jail over a Facebook meme before receiving an $830,000 settlement with FIRE's help.  

Also in this episode:

Texas, Florida and North Carolina lead the nation in gains of prime working-age residents (18-54), while New York, California and Illinois posted the largest losses over the past five years.

Analysts project New York could lose 2 congressional seats and California up to 4 after the 2030 census, while Texas and Florida are projected to gain roughly 4 seats each.

The unemployment rate fell to 4.2% from 4.3%, but leisure and hospitality lost 61,000 jobs — the sharpest monthly drop since the pandemic — tempering optimism about the headline number.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed what he calls the nation's first and most protective AI safety law, requiring risk mitigation frameworks, mandatory annual third-party audits, and 24-72 hour incident reporting.

An AI industry group source says Illinois' law closely mirrors California's SB-53 except for the added third-party audit requirement, which he warns could disrupt the national standard other states were converging on.

North Carolina's $34.4 billion budget includes $1 billion for Medicaid and $208.5 million for a new children's hospital, and awaits Gov. Josh Stein's signature.

Arizona's SNAP payment error rate rose to 10.8% in FY25, putting the state on track for a roughly $200 million federal penalty if it doesn't fall below 6% by 2028.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $100 million in public safety grants for police technology upgrades during a visit to Nassau County, a competitive GOP-held county.

A California appeals panel ruled Los Angeles didn't need voter approval for a SoCalGas franchise fee surcharge, rejecting the argument that it functioned as an illegally imposed tax.

Plus, America's Talking:  

North Carolina https://www.thecentersquare.com/north_carolina/article_cc6c44d3-054f-4b22-bdd0-b3279dd13f2c.html

Arizona - https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_ecf534a4-9a01-4d6a-b9df-9e766e0b99cb.html

New York - https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_ecf534a4-9a01-4d6a-b9df-9e766e0b99cb.html

California - https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_073af88f-0e86-53ea-85b4-2904c211922b.html

The States delivers taxpayer-focused reporting from around America, powered by The Center Square.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Government Accountability Office estimates billions lost to fraud, U.S. colleges educating Chinese state-linked executives, egg price fixing lawsuit, the end of DOGE, and Michigan passes a state budget.

Sam Shulman, Director of Research at Strategy Risks, joins to discuss a report examining Missouri State University's MBA pipeline for Chinese state-linked executives. The program trained over 1,500 students over more than two decades. Graduates went on to lead Chinese defense and surveillance firms like AVIC and iFlytek. Estimated taxpayer cost of the program totals $54 million.

Also in this episode:

- A 2024 GAO report estimates the federal government loses $233–521 billion annually to fraud.

- The Biden administration once called that estimate "not plausible," but the Trump administration now backs it.

- None of the GAO's three fraud-prevention recommendations have been fully implemented.

- The DOJ reached a proposed settlement with egg producers Cal-Maine, Hickman's, and Versova.

- The companies allegedly manipulated egg price quotations.

- The settlement includes donating over 53 million eggs to food banks in 17 states.

- The Department of Government Efficiency will not issue a closing report after it officially ended July 4th.

- Some question the success of the department after it failed to deliver the ambitious savings promised when it started.

- Michigan missed its July 1 budget deadline for the second year in a row.

- Lawmakers ultimately passed a roughly $80 billion budget after a marathon session.

- Republicans criticized the process for lacking transparency.

- Democrats highlighted new child care funding and Medicaid protections in the plan.

- Wisconsin is projected to have a $2.7 billion surplus tied to inflation-driven sales tax collections.

- North Carolina's governor is weighing whether to sign the state budget and other pending bills.

- Arizona's congressman marked the one-year anniversary of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."

- A new report finds rural hospitals at risk of closure in California, Texas, and Kansas.

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On this edition of the Center Square Radio Hour, The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision on Monday, ruled that states can accept and count mail-in ballots received after the federal Election Day.

American voters overwhelmingly support their country’s founding ideals – yet the majority also believe that the U.S. is failing to live up to them, according to new polling.

 About half of Americans are confident about the future of democracy in the U.S., with political affiliation and support for Trump or Harris being the most significant demographic divides.

And with inflation remaining a concern, how is it impacting the cost of your independence day barbeque?

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We mark America's 250th birthday with a look at the Declaration of Independence's origins, the economics of the 4th of July, state independence rankings, and a new poll on how Americans view the country's founding principles today.  

Hillsdale College professor Richard Samuelson breaks down what really drove the Declaration of Independence — it wasn't just about tea taxes, but the fight for self-government. Samuelson also connects liberty to responsibility and makes the case for federalism, noting that freedom comes with the risk of failure.

A new Center Square/Noble Predictive Insights poll finds 86% of voters across party and demographic lines support America's founding principles — but nearly two-thirds say the country isn't living up to them, with broad agreement across party lines.

Also in this episode:

Ph.D. Economist Orphe Divounguy breaks down the cost of Independence Day and how your barbeque is being impacted by inflation.

WalletHub ranks the most and least independent states for 2026: Idaho, Utah, and Hawaii come out on top for financial and social self-reliance, while Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi land at the bottom.

The Supreme Court agrees to hear challenges to Illinois' and Connecticut's assault weapons bans, setting up a major Second Amendment fight, while the DOJ sues California and Virginia over new gun restrictions targeting Glocks and semi-automatic rifles.

Pennsylvania blows through its budget deadline for the fifth year running, passing a university funding bill amid a $6 billion gap still unresolved.

Georgia's new law puts school speed camera programs to a local vote, requiring referendums and adding limits on when and how tickets can be issued.

The Trump administration's America250 civics push aims to boost historical literacy as new data shows just 23% of eighth graders are proficient in civics.

Plus, America's Talking:  

Illinois, California, Virginia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_b2bfb834-4334-44c1-9434-30daa57f63d6.html

Pennsylvania: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_5a49b4cc-25ed-49a6-ad31-825e27bd37c4.html

Georgia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_d96da53e-ffa4-41db-baad-3ed120deae75.html

The States delivers taxpayer-focused reporting from around America, powered by The Center Square.

____________

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Pennsylvania's teacher pension fund falling short, SCOTUS agrees to hear Illinois gun case, polling shows divide in voters' confidence in the future of democracy, and states' firework taxes.

The Center Square's Mark Stricherz reports Pennsylvania's teacher pension fund is $41 billion short and only two-thirds funded, and the Pennsylvania Public School Retirement System blames private equity returns. Pennsylvania and six other states are pulling back their pension investments in private equity.

The Center Square's Voters' Voice Poll finds just 47% of Americans are confident in the future of U.S. democracy. Morgan Sweeney joins to discuss the polling, with confidence split sharply along political lines, with Trump voters far more optimistic than Harris voters.  

Also in this episode:

- The Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases on whether the Second Amendment protects semiautomatic rifles like the AR-15.

- A ruling isn't expected for about a year, and existing state gun bans remain in effect until then.

- Fireworks laws and taxes vary widely by state, with some charging excise taxes as high as 12%.

- The CPSC reported 13,000 fireworks injuries and 15 deaths nationwide last year.

- NASA awarded $590 million in new moon lander contracts but still won't say what its full Moon-to-Mars program will cost.

- The White House has proposed a 23% cut to NASA's budget while the House pushes to keep funding flat.

- Colorado's Democratic primary for governor has been decided, but the Republican race remains too close to call.

- Republican incumbents also won primaries in three of Colorado's congressional districts.

- Pennsylvania missed its budget deadline for the fifth year in a row, raising fears of another lengthy impasse.

Plus, America's Talking:  

Moon: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_8ffebec9-f11c-46ef-99d6-7c9cc5a70e2d.html  

Colorado: https://www.thecentersquare.com/colorado/article_3055da16-7dad-427c-a999-4300f9f73a6d.html

Pennsylvania: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_a67b2702-e4fb-4d7e-827c-81165f44f7ef.html

The States delivers taxpayer-focused reporting from around America, powered by The Center Square.

Video excerpt from Pro Football Talk / NBC Sports used for purposes of news reporting, commentary, and discussion.

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