The Center Square Daily

The Center Square
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The Center Square Daily 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. 2H AGO

    California’s $1.1B Capitol Project: 2,000 NDAs and Growing Questions | The Center Square Daily

    Illinois lawmakers are raising questions about highly paid diversity commissioners and outside consulting work after new disclosures tied to the state’s $6 million Commission on Equity and Inclusion. Critics say the agency’s reported contracting progress may be misleading while the number of certified minority- and women-owned businesses eligible for state contracts has sharply declined amid ongoing system failures. Meanwhile, California’s controversial $1.1 billion Capitol renovation project is drawing renewed scrutiny over more than 2,000 non-disclosure agreements tied to lawmakers, contractors, and state officials. Republican Assemblyman Josh Hoover is pushing legislation to ban secrecy agreements on public projects, arguing taxpayers deserve transparency on rising costs, delays, and unusual contracting decisions tied to the decade-long construction effort.  Also in today’s episode:  • Natural gas, energy storage projects line up en masse to plug into power grid • Michigan Republicans call for federal probe into Governor Gretchen Whitmer over taxpayer-funded grant scandal  • North Carolina expands tax-credit support for private school donations  • Washington pension officials warn retirement fund transfer could increase long-term liabilities  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    15 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Wealth Tax Proposals in Congress | The Center Square Daily

    Student walkouts tied to immigration protests, growing concerns over civics education and classroom activism, and billionaire tax proposals in Congress.  For The Center Square Daily host Esther Wickham looks at schools seeing a sharp increase in student demonstrations connected to immigration enforcement and deportation policies. According to data highlighted by education researchers, school protest incidents have climbed from just 58 nationwide in 2022 to more than 400 in 2026. At the same time, national academic performance data continues to show major learning gaps, with more than 70% of K-12 students below proficiency in math and reading and only a small percentage of eighth graders demonstrating civics proficiency. Critics argue schools are increasingly encouraging political activism before students develop a strong understanding of constitutional government, immigration law, and public policy.  The Center Square's Brett Rowland joins to discuss tax proposals from Democrats in Congress aimed at billionaires and ultra-wealthy Americans as lawmakers search for ways to address rising federal deficits and debt. Proposals backed by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren would impose annual wealth taxes on billionaires and multimillionaires, with supporters arguing the plans could generate trillions in federal revenue. Critics, however, point to mixed results from similar policies in Europe, warning that tax avoidance strategies and constitutional challenges could limit the effectiveness of the proposals while taxpayers continue carrying the broader burden of federal spending.  Plus America's Talking with headlines from across the country:   Arizona: Gov. Hobbs faces scrutiny over China-related bills Louisiana: Louisiana’s revamped orphan well cleanup program takes shape  New York: Mamdani touts first city-owned grocery store Illinois: Consumer advocates say Nicor’s rate hike is unreasonable, profit-driven    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    18 min

  3. MAY 14

    The Center Square Daily | May 14, 2026 | Tax-Exempt, Elite University Presidents' Pay Topping $1M

    Private nonprofit universities pay leaders millions of dollars, Louisiana students surpass pre-pandemic levels in reading and math, and a bill to protect the elderly from fraud languishes in Illinois legislature. Top private nonprofit universities that receive government funding pay some of their top leaders millions of dollars and one even received a $20 million longevity bonus, an investigation by The Center Square found. That is despite political leaders and others questioning the way the schools are funded and their political policies. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to revoke the tax-exempt status of the country's elite private universities, most recently alleging that some harbor "radical left" policies and stoke antisemitism. Others have long questioned the fairness of federal policies that allow the schools to skirt tax liabilities while they amass tens of billions of dollars in assets, develop patented technologies with government support that are worth hundreds of millions and pay their leaders handsomely. Louisiana officials on Wednesday touted the state’s continued rise in national education rankings, after a new scorecard placed Louisiana first in reading growth and second in math growth. The report, produced by researchers at Harvard, Stanford and Dartmouth, found Louisiana was the only state where average student performance has surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic levels in both reading and math. State officials credited literacy and math reforms, tutoring, school improvement efforts, high-quality instructional materials and a new statewide student attendance strategy. Gov. Jeff Landry also pointed to a return “back to the basics” and removal of “woke, DEI material” from curriculum.  Plus America's Talking with headlines from across the country:   Illinois: Bill to prevent fraud on elderly, disabled opposed by financial institutions  Arizona: Mexican national sentenced in major Middle East-Mexico-Arizona smuggling scheme  North Carolina: Cooper gets $31.4M share of $111.2M spend  Ohio: Proposal would force agencies to ‘start over’ with budget every decade  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    16 min

  4. MAY 13

    The Center Square Daily | May 13, 2026 | California Transgender Athlete Policy Sparks Protest

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

    27 min

  5. MAY 12

    The Center Square Daily | May 12, 2026 | Pittsburgh Nurses Lead Charge for Paid Leave for Everyone

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

    20 min

  6. MAY 11

    The Center Square Daily | May 11, 2026 | Illinois Officials Sued Over Race Based Voting Maps

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

    31 min

  7. MAY 9

    Tennessee Redistricting Protests, Pennsylvania Carbon Tax Impacts

    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.  Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min

  8. MAY 8

    The Center Square Daily | May 8, 2026 | New UFO Files are in the Shadows of the BLACK BUDGET

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

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Center Square Daily 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
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Center Square
  • Show Website
    The Center Square Daily

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