The States

The Center Square
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The States Powered by The Center Square is a show that highlights the work of The Center Square reporters from statehouses across the country to Washington D.C. all with an eye towards the impacts of today's news on the taxpayer.

  1. 35m ago

    Illinois Separation Lays Out Arguments, SCOTUS Hears Migrant Labor Dispute | The States

    U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared divided over whether a federal agency or a federal court should decide H-2A migrant farmworker disputes. The case involves a $550,000-plus Department of Labor fine against New Jersey’s Sun Valley Orchards. On The States for Nov. 12, 2026, host Greg Bishop covers the arguments, the movement to split Illinois into two states, and $1.4 trillion in federal interest costs on a national debt of $40.2 trillion. The Center Square’s Andrew Rice explains the case. The Department of Labor found that Sun Valley Orchards failed to provide the pay, housing and transportation required under the H-2A program, and it assessed the fine through administrative judges. The farm argues it was a contract dispute that belongs in federal court. Justice Clarence Thomas pointed to immigration as a central public right. Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor suggested it is a private rights dispute. Government attorney Sarah Harris urged a narrow ruling, warning that a broad one could affect how agencies handle Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and veterans benefits. A decision is expected by June 2027. Lorette Newland, executive director of Illinois Separation, says 44 and a half of Illinois’ 102 counties have now approved nonbinding referendums on separating from Cook County. Approval in the latest counties ranged from 57% to 80%. Critics say separation would require approval from the Illinois Legislature and Congress, and they cite Paul Simon Public Policy Institute research suggesting Cook County sends more revenue to the state than it receives. Newland disputes that research, citing caveats in the underlying legislative data. She says about 10 more counties are pursuing the question and that pensions earned in Cook County should stay with Cook County. Plus, America's Talking: National: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_4f6b6636-7b65-494c-a12c-822321258df4.htmlMichigan: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_bf54f8c4-ca78-4731-bc83-8a389a05c040.htmlWisconsin: https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article_a95ac927-f51c-4e8d-bed4-5b38db502a73.htmlIllinois: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_51f37dd5-7d56-455a-882b-29e398ae360f.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 2d ago

    Georgia's Democrat Majority, SCOTUS Grants Solicitor General Arguments, AZ Turns Blue | The States

    Georgia Lt. Gov.-elect Josh McLaurin says Democrats will push Medicaid expansion and a pause on data centers. He is also resisting a Republican effort to change state Senate rules and limit the lieutenant governor’s powers. On The States for Nov. 10, 2026, host Greg Bishop covers Georgia’s new divided government, the U.S. Supreme Court granting the Justice Department time to argue in the assault weapons ban challenge, and Arizona Democrats’ first full statehouse control in decades. McLaurin, a Democratic state senator, says Medicaid expansion would be largely federally funded at a 90% match. He suggests paying the state’s 10% share with options such as a higher cigarette tax or taxes on insurance company profits. Gov. Brian Kemp has warned of a nearly $1 billion shortfall. McLaurin backs pediatric safe storage and background check measures on guns. He also says data centers should be paused until the state adopts rules on water use, power costs and land use. Republicans hold a 29-27 majority in the Georgia Senate. The U.S. Supreme Court granted the solicitor general’s motion to share oral argument time Dec. 2 in the consolidated challenges to semi-automatic rifle bans in Cook County, Illinois, and Connecticut. In its amicus brief, the DOJ argues AR-15s are in common use for lawful purposes. Gun control groups argue the rifles are unusually dangerous. Cook County has filed a suggestion of mootness after lead plaintiff Cutberto Viramontes moved to withdraw. The Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation and other plaintiffs remain in the case. The Center Square’s Chris Boan reports that Arizona Democrats now control the governor’s office, both legislative chambers and every statewide office. Democratic leaders say they don’t plan changes to tax rates for now. Their focus is reining in what they call abuse of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts and securing Colorado River water. Republican Senate Minority Leader John Kavanagh called the results a visceral reaction from voters rather than an ideological shift. Also in this episode:SCOTUS: https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_19a450a2-d918-43b0-8631-c06467fd7045.htmlIllinois: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_e8d34e91-ffbe-4ba4-8b11-80cee7e87e89.htmlTennessee: https://www.thecentersquare.com/tennessee/article_be51d2ed-1267-4ac9-8728-0e15c5793794.htmlCalifornia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_66b131bc-9b36-477c-963e-9d1c13fd893f.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 2d ago

    Coming Tax Changes, White House Shakeup and Socialist Mayors | The States

    President Donald Trump has named adviser Stephen Miller White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles, who is moving to the president’s political organization after Republicans’ midterm losses. On The States for Nov. 9, 2026, host Greg Bishop covers the White House shakeup, what IRS inflation adjustments to tax brackets mean for families, and Trump’s warning about Democratic Socialist mayors elected in major U.S. cities. Trump called Miller “a great fighter” and “very loyal.” Former White House health adviser Calley Means alleged on Joe Rogan’s podcast that Wiles blocked policies to protect corporate donors. Wiles hasn’t publicly responded, and other administration officials disputed that characterization. Trump also said his Truth Social post naming UFC CEO Dana White as press secretary was a joke, though he said White “likes the idea.” The Center Square chief economist Orphe Divounguy breaks down the IRS increase to the standard deduction, which rises to $33,200 for married couples filing jointly. For a median-income married couple, he estimates the savings at about $136 a year, roughly $11 a month. He argues it won’t offset elevated inflation and gas prices, and he points to tariffs, the Iran war and federal deficits as factors keeping inflation high. The Center Square’s Washington, D.C., bureau chief Sarah Roderick-Fitch discusses Trump’s warning that Democratic Socialist mayors in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., will be “a disaster.” She covers likely clashes over the National Guard in D.C., immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities, and Los Angeles’ preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics. She also notes Trump’s working relationship with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. And more with America's Talking:GA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_7d18df69-5211-46bc-9d29-315c944c4ed5.htmlCA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_6d854061-0ac9-4c14-ab8e-7454cd3701c0.htmlCO: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_fcfdf6c2-a330-45a1-b47d-00eedd3b58d5.htmlIL: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_e4731d38-3876-4246-86ab-c27b26e29455.html Get these headlines free at thecentersquare.com and watch The States live weekdays at 9 a.m. Central. Like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments what you think of the White House changes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. 5d ago

    Georgia Flips Blue, Pennsylvania Gets Dem Trifecta, & Other Election Recap | Weekend Edition

    On this edition of the Center Square Radio Hour, Democrats flipped more than 20 U.S. House seats and six U.S. Senate seats in Tuesday’s midterm elections, setting up a contentious final two years for President Donald Trump. The US Supreme court heard oral arguments on a case out of Colorado looking at whether a Catholic preschool could get state funding while limiting who could attend the school. Georgia elected a democratic governor but control of the state house was not clear immediately after election day. And PhD Economist Orphe Divounguy discusses rising revenues for states along with rising costs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. 5d ago

    Gun Rights Group Expects Surge in Sales + Regulations as Democrats Take Control | The States

    Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Democrats now control the governor’s office, the state House and the state Senate for the first time in about 30 years. Gun rights advocates are predicting a surge in gun sales and new gun control legislation after Tuesday’s midterm elections. On The States for Nov. 6, 2026, host Greg Bishop covers what Democratic control means for Pennsylvania, the Second Amendment fight ahead, and Illinois counties voting to explore separating from Cook County. The Center Square’s regional editor Christen Smith breaks down Pennsylvania: Priorities: Shapiro’s list includes funding mass transit, raising the minimum wage, protecting reproductive rights and building more housing.Data centers: Concern over data centers shaped swing-district races.Unlikely items: Property tax reform, skill games regulation and school choice expansion are unlikely to move.Congress: Republicans lost four Pennsylvania congressional seats, including U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti flipped a seat with about $850,000 in support from Gabby Giffords’ gun control PAC. Gun control groups including Brady and Everytown celebrated the results, saying voters rejected Trump administration policies on public safety. Alan Gottlieb, chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, says gun sales are already spiking. He predicts Arizona and Pennsylvania will move on permit-to-purchase rules, waiting periods and concealed carry restrictions. He also discusses the U.S. Supreme Court challenges to assault weapons bans in Cook County, Illinois, and Connecticut, set for arguments Dec. 2. Cook County has since filed a suggestion of mootness after lead plaintiff Viramontes asked to be dismissed from the case. On Everyday Economics, Center Square publisher Chris Krug and chief economist Orphe Divounguy look at Nevada’s projected budget surplus. Nevada collected $1.92 billion in sales tax last fiscal year, up about 8.5%. Divounguy argues that inflation means higher revenue doesn’t necessarily buy more government services, and that states should be cautious about spending surpluses. Also in this episode: IL:  https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_f975b018-3ac2-43ce-8b0c-5469734dbeb0.htmlCA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_eff88d8f-84f3-40bd-b8d4-d2258bc2a537.htmlMS:  https://www.thecentersquare.com/mississippi/article_aa932034-840f-4a94-89f2-01696b134e6b.htmlNY: https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_york/article_4ee6815f-5620-4910-b83e-ad91cfa04985.html Get these headlines free at thecentersquare.com and watch The States live weekdays at 9 a.m. Central. Like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments how the election results will change your state. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Nov 5

    Democrats outline agenda as Trump threatens veto power; Georgia's New Governor | The States

    Democrats are laying out their agenda for the 120th Congress after winning majorities in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, flipping at least 29 House seats and seven Senate seats as of Wednesday afternoon. On The States for Nov. 5, 2026, host Greg Bishop covers Democrats’ plans on affordability, tariffs and the Iran war, the unresolved fight for control of the Georgia House, and what taxpayers could pay for education in several states. Hakeem Jeffries, expected to replace Republican Mike Johnson as House speaker, is set to focus on the cost of living and on challenging President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and the conflict in Iran. Democrats are not expected to have the two-thirds majorities needed to override vetoes, and Trump says he will use the veto if Democrats are “destructive.” Democrats also plan oversight investigations, and House Democrats have hinted at an impeachment resolution, though a Senate conviction is not expected. Reactions to the results: President Trump pointed to prices tied to the Iran war as the primary reason for Republican losses.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called the results “the political equivalent of a meteor strike” and warned they could affect Republicans’ ability to confirm judges and cabinet officials for years.New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Democrats must deliver change Americans “can feel in their wallets.”Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, fresh off winning a third term, proposed an action plan for congressional Democrats. It calls for repealing parts of H.R. 1, restoring enhanced ACA premium tax credits, sending tariff refunds to families and farmers, and raising the minimum wage.In Georgia, The Center Square’s Kim Jarrett reports that Democrats are claiming control of the state House, but results won’t be certified until Nov. 20. Democrats won every constitutional statewide office, and Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson for governor. Bottoms says she will prioritize fully funding education, review programs such as Georgia Pathways, and push for Medicaid expansion, which is expected to draw Republican pushback. Georgia’s surplus has fallen from about $14 billion to roughly $9 billion. Plus, America's Talking: Wisconsin: https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article_149f6d17-3417-4486-94fd-ab4e63203cf2.htmlIllinois: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_be6c7288-5dce-437d-baf3-d44771bec126.htmlVirginia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/virginia/article_6ec8e250-9b9e-40c5-ab69-12cf3dad2798.htmlTexas: https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_1e3193b1-0f56-47bb-a524-24d8092c7b8b.htmlGet these headlines free at thecentersquare.com and watch The States live weekdays at 9 a.m. Central. Like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments what the election results mean for your state. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Nov 4

    Democrats Dominate; Tobacco and Nicotine Funding Schools at Center of SCOTUS Case | The States

    Democrats flipped six U.S. Senate seats (Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas) and more than 20 U.S. House seats in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Greg Bishop breaks down the results on The States with The Center Square Executive Editor Dan McCaleb, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate loss, Sen. Jon Ossoff’s reelection in Georgia, and the governor races in Georgia, Florida, Arizona, California and Illinois. Also on the show: California voters reject the Prop. 40 billionaire tax and the Prop. 39 voter ID measure; Washington’s income tax repeal trails; property tax measures pass in Louisiana and Florida; a U.S. Supreme Court case over Colorado’s tobacco-funded universal preschool; ICE’s Operation Guardian CDL enforcement arrests across 15 states; New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill warns ports over Russian diesel shipments; and a setback for a Nevada data center on federal land. Join the live chat and share your take on the results, and subscribe for state-focused news. Plus, America's Talking: Public safety: https://www.thecentersquare.com/oklahoma/article_be3de0f8-b972-463f-ae28-e04f9c9b4bc7.html TX: https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_b8508a27-608a-46f6-a79e-d03ed1367cb7.html NJ: https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_jersey/article_286e36bc-a0f6-4e72-b6bb-583bf09b7d0c.html Nevada: https://www.thecentersquare.com/nevada/article_91b667a3-a7f5-4feb-966f-c659e09a2974.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Nov 3

    Control of U.S. Senate at Stake as Statehouse Races to be Decided | The States

    Election Day 2026 will decide control of the U.S. Senate and governor’s races in more than 30 states. The U.S. Supreme Court also rejected a Trump administration request to segregate 20,000 California mail-in ballots. On The States for Nov. 3, 2026, host Greg Bishop previews the key Senate, governor and congressional races and explains why results won’t be official tonight. Justice Elena Kagan denied the Department of Justice’s emergency motion. Solicitor General John Sauer had argued that segregating the ballots was necessary to protect election integrity, citing concerns about noncitizen voting. In his final pitch to voters Monday, President Donald Trump said every adult would get $5,000 if Republicans win. The Center Square’s Morgan Sweeney breaks down the Senate map. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, and Democrats need to net four seats. Toss-up races are in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Texas and Maine. Sweeney also covers how the president’s approval rating and midterm history factor into the outcome. The Center Square’s Chris Boan reports from the Southwest: Nevada governor: Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford are tied at 47% in Noble Predictive Insights polling.Arizona governor: Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs leads Republican Andy Biggs.Arizona’s 1st and 6th Congressional Districts: Both are competitive. In the 6th, Republican U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani faces Democrat JoAnna Mendoza.Maricopa County: Officials say counting will continue through the week, and updated results will be posted twice a day. Elsewhere on the ballot: South Carolina: Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson faces Democrat Jermaine Johnson for governor.Illinois: Gov. JB Pritzker faces Republican Darren Bailey in a rematch. In the U.S. Senate race, Republican Don Tracy faces Democratic Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. And MORE from America's Talking:CO: https://www.thecentersquare.com/colorado/article_6be91e65-65cf-462b-acbd-62d2ed1aa549.htmlWA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_926d581b-6d10-4a69-a76f-1e62e0ec0a0a.htmlOhio: https://www.thecentersquare.com/ohio/article_74c19d8c-3018-4046-ad74-6b5b64854633.htmlTN: https://www.thecentersquare.com/tennessee/article_62e9677b-c7b5-4210-ad79-91aa2994c192.html Follow election results at thecentersquare.com and watch The States live weekdays at 9 a.m. Central for post-election analysis. Like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments which races you’re watching. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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About

The States Powered by The Center Square is a show that highlights the work of The Center Square reporters from statehouses across the country to Washington D.C. all with an eye towards the impacts of today's news on the taxpayer.

Information

  • Creator
    The Center Square
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    286
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Center Square
  • Show Website
    The States

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